A Mortal Enemy

Chapter 5: Family Ties

The rest of the holiday was surprisingly normal. Kara spent her days with Harry, her free time preparing lessons and her evenings in Snape's bed. The day before the term was to start, Kara and Professor McGonagall escorted Hermione, Ginny and Ron to the Ministry in London for their Apparation test. Three Ministry witches, who seemed somewhat distracted, had met them, issued the tests and then ruffled through paperwork while they waited. Kara didn't remember her own test going so easily, but then again Voldemort hadn't reached the height of his powers at that time. All three students passed with high marks and were issued their Apparation licenses under the strictest of conditions; meaning they were only permitted to use the newly acquired skill in emergencies until they were of age.

In a private discussion with Professor McGonagall, Kara learned that Hermione's Animagus studies were also going extremely well and that she would probably be ready to register herself by Christmas. It was only partly good news. After all, what would keep Hermione busy next summer should the need arise to keep her at Hogwarts again?

Snape was keeping Kara informed of the plans he and Dumbledore were making. The Headmaster's will was written and stored safely within his vault in Gringotts. The school governors had not been informed he would be dying, but Dumbledore had written several letters outlining his recommendations for staff replacement. Apparently he had also made his choice of successors clear years ago. The moment news spread of Dumbledore's death, Snape would take over as Headmaster without question.

The evening before the term was to start, Snape returned to his quarters and told Kara that Dumbledore had taken the last dose of the Elixer. She spent the evening watching him pacing in his large study. They both slept uncomfortably that night, if at all.

* * *

The next day, Kara awoke to the feel of Snape's lips caressing her lower back. He had a hurried touch this morning and it only served to remind them both that later that day the students would be arriving. He had no trouble focusing on the task at hand, but later Kara would notice his eyes as they drifted from his morning toast to the drab walls of the dining room where they stayed for the entire span of breakfast. He didn't even blink when Harry accidentally launched a forkful of scrambled eggs at Ron while trying to lift them with his mind.

The day rushed by without hesitation and before there was even time to think about it, Kara found herself seated at the Staff Table, watching students fill in to the Great Hall. She nodded politely to several young Ravenclaws when she met their eyes and gave several Slytherins grave stares. Snape was in top form, casting knowing looks at trouble students in hopes of intimidating them early. In private he had told her he was relieved that the Weasley twins had graduated the previous year. He ran his eyes over the Slytherin table and muttered things he knew about their parents.

"Patrick Slovich became a Death Eater over the summer. His son Sean is in Slytherin. And Darcy Pearson's parents both joined just before the Lestrange incident."

And then with very little fanfare, the first years entered. As usual they all looked frightened. Certainly after meeting Hagrid the Giant and then floating across the giant squid infested lake, a young child would be afraid. Kara ran her eyes over the group of students as they entered the hall and then her blood began to boil. Her eyes became wide and she gasped slightly, drawing Snape's attention when he realized something must be wrong as his usually stoic fiance completely forgot herself. Without thinking, Kara put a hand on his arm, hoping to find some sort of support. Snape looked at her and leaned in to hear her whisper.

"Did Dumbledore mention anything about an Oracle in the group of first years?"

He looked at her, half expecting her to tell him she was joking. But Kara returned his expectant look with a serious one.

"No he did not. Why?"

"The blond haired girl standing in the back alone; her aura is red."

Snape's eyes discreetly ran over the group of students until he found the one she was referring to.

"You're sure?"

"Quite. Severus, if she's sorted into Gryffindor we're going to have to keep her from sitting down at the table with him. If they touch..."

"I'm aware."

Snape stood up and beckoned silently with a hand gesture for Professor McGonagall as she took her place beside the stool, ready to read off the first year's names. He whispered to her when she approached and Kara could read the shocked look on her face. The rest of the staff and the students were all gazing upon the scene with curiosity. McGonagall turned around and began the sorting.

"Sarah Pritchard," the tightlipped Professor called out some time later. The blonde-haired girl stepped forward. She looked positively frightened.

The young girl pushed her way through the remaining students and sat on the three legged stool. Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on her head and everyone sat for several minutes, as it seemed to debate where to put her. Suddenly, as if the Sorting Hat was a dreaded monster, Sarah Pritchard yanked the hat off her head and turned around to look at the staff table. She was nearly in tears. The occupants of the Great Hall were silent as they stared at the girl in anticipation of what would happen next.

Professor McGonagall timidly reached for the Hat and placed it back on her head. She then placed a motherly hand on her shoulder.

"Slytherin!" it shouted instantly.

Kara noticed Snape sigh heavily to himself. The Slytherin table cheered for Sarah as she timidly removed herself from the stool. Snape rose to hand her his handkerchief when she sulked past. She took it with a grace that Kara was unable to describe. Her green eyes looked at the outstretched hand of the Potions Master and lightly clenched around the black cloth. Her eyes then moved up to meet his and Kara could see that Snape was as moved as Sarah Pritchard seemed. For a brief moment they shared the glance and when he sat back down, he was nearly trembling.

However, what was going through Kara's mind was not the Sorting episode that had just taken place or that Snape had let his defenses down in front of the entire student body. It was the fact that Sarah had the surname Pritchard and was an Oracle. Pritchard was Kara's family name, but the girl didn't seem familiar at all. It was quite possible that because Kara's family was so large she had a distance niece she was unaware of. But surely her family would have written to inform her a relative would be attending the school. Everyone knew she was teaching there.

Kara looked over at Dumbledore who raised his eyebrows and mentally shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know anything about young Sarah Pritchard, despite the fact that he knew precisely what Kara wanted to ask him about.

When the Feast was finished, Dumbledore pulled the two Dark Professors into his office.

"Would you like to inform me as to what you know about Ms. Pritchard's Sorting incident?" he asked. It was the first time Kara could ever remember Dumbledore not being aware of a situation.

"She's an Oracle," Kara replied.

Dumbledore's eyebrows rose again, this time in surprise. He then stood up abruptly and walked through a door behind him that Kara had never seen him use. When he emerged from it there was a scroll in his hand.

"Sarah Pritchard. Added to our roster by the Enrollment Quill on April 31st 1985, one day after her birth. Parents unknown. She has lived in a Muggle orphanage all of her life," Dumbledore muttered as he read the document.

"Which means she didn't know she was a witch until she received her letter." Kara stated.

"It would appear that is the case, yes. Normally the Ministry sees fit to inform me when we have these situations, but there have been oversights in the past."

"The Ministry?" Kara asked. "Why would the Ministry be involved?

"The Ministry is always involved when letters are delivered directly to Wizards and Witches living in Muggle homes. It would apply especially to those in orphanages," he replied.

"If she's an Oracle then she's not Muggle-born," Snape pointed out.

"What's worse is that she probably has no idea what an Oracle is," Kara replied.

"I wouldn't say that is necessarily negative. However, we need to concern ourselves with how to tell her. She doesn't know the consequences of having these powers," Dumbledore said softly.

"There is the matter as to why she was crying at the Sorting. Is it possible the Sorting Hat has already informed her?" Kara asked.

"There is no doubt the Hat was able to see her gift, but I have never heard of it revealing such things to the individual. However, it may have given her some idea of what was in store for her. Having no family to support her in what she is going through is no doubt difficult. For orphans, it always is."

Kara sighed deeply and sat further back in her chair to think. Few children that actually came to the school were true orphans. Most had some semblance of a family, even if it was distant relatives. Neville Longbottom had his grandmother, Harry Potter had his aunt and uncle, but as far as she knew Sarah Pritchard was the first of her students to come to Hogwarts without any family at all. Which also meant she had no money. Or did she?

"We must find out who her family is. I am somewhat disturbed by her surname," Kara said.

"I can imagine. If that is her birth name, then she is most likely related to you Kara," Dumbledore replied. His old age was showing on his face at the moment.

"If we inform Ms. Pritchard of her gifts, then we are obligated to provide her with training since we are capable of doing so, Headmaster," Snape said. His mind was clearly thinking further ahead of Kara and Dumbledore's.

Dumbledore sighed heavily.

"A situation that is compounded by her inability to make an informed decision. However, we cannot make it for her," he replied.

"Perhaps we should wait before telling her," Snape suggested.

"Unwise, Severus. We would at the least need to inform Harry. We can't have them bumping into one another in the halls. And to inform one without informing the other would be unfair considering the consequences," Kara replied.

Dumbledore nodded in agreement.

"I will leave this decision in your hands, Severus. You are the one who will have to deal with the consequences. The only advice I would give you is to make the decision swiftly before she has an opportunity to make enemies... or friends," Dumbledore said with meaning.

Friends. Death Eater friends. The girl was sorted into Slytherin and that meant she was inclined to run with the wrong crowd.

"Kara, could you even train two students in addition to your classes? If not, we can see if Nabokov could get her admitted to Durmstrang," Snape said.

"Severus, I wouldn't wish for any girl to go through what I did. I couldn't in good conscience send her there. If she was a boy I might consider it. I will make whatever sacrifices are necessary should she choose to be trained," Kara replied as she ignored Snape's determined face.

"She was sorted into Slytherin which means I'm sure she could handle herself at Durmstrang," Snape argued, knowing full well what the outcome of this conversation would be.

"The fact she was sorted into Slytherin makes me even more inclined not to send her there. You have no idea what the pressures are like. There is also the fact that she might be family, and if she is then she deserves to get to know me and the rest of her relatives."

He gave her an understanding look. He knew better than most what Kara had been through. Coupled with the harsh training Nabokov had given her, she had been subjected to the worst of Wizarding society. Dark Arts ran rabid at Durmstrang and nearly every Wizard that graduated found themselves wrapped up in the underbelly of society.

Snape nodded.

"We should tell her before we inform Potter. Would you want to do it this evening?"

"It's probably wise. I will fetch what few books I have on the subject for her to read if you want to bring her here?" Kara directed at Dumbledore.

"Absolutely. I don't think I've had the pleasure of seeing the Slytherin common room for quite some time," he replied. A lie, Kara knew. Dumbledore looked after the castle and its inhabitants much more closely than he let on.

She went straight to her office and found Harry lingering outside.

"Mr. Potter, did you need something?" She asked as she unlocked the door and went inside. She heard the door close behind them.

"She's an Oracle isn't she?" he asked straight away.

Kara was alarmed. How was he able to determine that?

"What gives you that impression Harry?"

"I felt her when she walked by. And then I saw the reaction you and Snape had when you saw her."

"Professor Snape, Harry. And yes she is an Oracle, but is not yet aware of her gifts. She has only just recently found out she's a witch at all. I trust you will keep this to yourself?"

He nodded.

"Were you going to tell me?" he asked.

"For your safety and hers we would have told you, yes. However we want her to know before anyone else is made aware. I'm sure you can imagine how awkward it will be for her."

"I do," he added as he went to open the door.

"Harry do I have your permission to tell her she is not the only student Oracle at Hogwarts if I feel the situation is safe enough to do so?" Kara asked before he turned the doorknob.

He pondered her question for a moment.

"I would like to be the one to tell her."

Kara nodded, picked up the two books she was looking for and followed him out of her office. When she returned to the Headmaster's office Snape was alone and sitting behind the desk, thinking.

"I ran into Potter while at my office. He is already aware of Ms. Pritchard's situation."

"You told him?"

"Nonsense. He felt her when she passed by him at the feast and then gauged from our reactions what was going on. He gave us permission to tell her about himself, but he wants to do it. If you feel the need to mention Potter in this conversation we will want to call for him," she said as she gave Snape a reprimanding look. How dare he accuse her of disclosing something of this nature to Harry?

"I'm not sure I am comfortable with this, Kara. Perhaps we shouldn't train her."

"If we don't, then someone else will. It's better to guide her on the correct path rather than let her find her own amongst a peer group that would let her sacrifice herself to some monster. Don't you dare get cold feet on me now," she said in a dangerous voice.

Snape looked like a scared child when he saw her face. Never once had he cowered under her presence or her stare, but she knew that Snape was vulnerable with all that was going on. He was in uncharted territory and no amount of ambition was going to give him the strength to stand up against her all-knowing mind. Kara was resolute about what was going to happen, and if she had to sidestep Snape to do it, she would. At the same time, she didn't want to upset him.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I'm just concerned. The potential is there that this could go all wrong. It was one thing with Harry, where only his dead parents and Dumbledore knew. It's another where she's freely exposed to whatever Oracle or Werewolf she runs across. Believe it or not, Voldemort's Contrification experiment was one of the best things that ever happened to Harry Potter."

"I would have never imagined you'd feel so strongly towards a student, Kara. This couldn't be at all related to the fact she might be family?" he asked.

Kara knew precisely what he was getting at. Her Dark Arts training provided her with enough distance to ignore even the most tear-jerking experiences. Certainly a single student with an identity crisis wasn't going to tug at her heart. However, the thought of a family member growing up in an orphanage for the whole of her young life was sinking through her hardened mind. Especially since the family that would have abandoned her was rich beyond all comprehension and had no excuse to leave her upbringing in the hands of Muggles.

"That is quite possibly the reason, Severus. It is also quite possible that since I've met you I've managed to forget myself more than I should. If you feel that I am stepping out of bounds, please feel free to let me know," she said as she turned to stare out the window.

She heard the door to the office lock and he walked over to her, wrapped his arms around her waist and stuck his pointed nose in her neck.

"Whoever this girl is Kara, she is lucky to have you as an ally."

Kara sighed. It was one of the nicest things he could have said at that moment.

There was a gentle rapping on the door. Snape went to it and opened it. Sarah Pritchard stood timidly in front of Professor Dumbledore who had a loving hand on her shoulder. He guided her in the room. Kara noticed that it looked as though she had been crying again and she was still clutching Snape's black handkerchief. Kara couldn't help but wonder to herself if Snape too had forgotten himself at the Staff table that night. After all these years, was it possible that he was developing a sense of paternal instinct towards his students? Kara quickly pushed this out of her mind, the idea was too preposterous.

"Ms. Pritchard, this is Professor Lynch. She teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts," Dumbledore started. He was always so cordial.

Sarah held out her hand to her teacher and looked on the verge of tears as Kara flatly refused to shake it.

"And this is Professor Snape. He is the Head of your house, and he teaches Potions," Dumbledore said, moving along as he attempted to avoid the awkward situation.

This time Sarah didn't extend her hand, but Snape more than made up for Kara's coldness by theatrically walking over to the girl, stopping abruptly and extending a very large hand towards her. Snape glared down from his tall height and then did something he never did to students. He smiled.

"It is my pleasure, Ms. Pritchard," he said in a very silky voice.

Had the situation not been so serious, Kara thought she might find herself laughing hysterically. The thought of Snape acting civilly towards a student, let alone one of his own future Jr. Death Eaters was almost too much.

Sarah timidly shook his hand and then looked back up at Dumbledore, who was unable to contain himself in the way Kara could. He was smiling, but when he caught Snape's glare he rushed to his desk and pulled out a box of candy.

"Care for a lemon drop, Ms. Pritchard? They are my favorite Muggle candy."

"Thank you Headmaster. I didn't think wizards ate Muggle candy," she remarked in a small voice as she reached for the box he handed her.

"I believe you will find, Ms. Pritchard, that Albus Dumbledore is not a normal wizard," Snape answered for him harshly.

Kara thought she saw Sarah shake in her chair as Snape spoke, but Dumbledore smiled at her as if to say that he was humoring the very stern Professor. The Headmaster then stood over by Fawkes and nodded towards Snape to take control of the situation.

"Ms. Pritchard, you are no doubt wondering why we've asked you here," he began.

"I think I know. The Hat told me."

"Is that so? What exactly did the Sorting Hat tell you?" he asked.

"It told me that I'm not a witch," she replied as her head dipped. Kara could see the tears rushing down her face. The hand holding the black handkerchief came to her face and wiped them away.

Snape looked shocked and he glanced at Kara who only raised her eyebrows as if she were shrugging. Why on earth would the Hat have said that?

"Are those the precise words it used?" Snape asked.

"No," she said, right before swallowing hard. "It said I'm not what everyone was expecting. And everyone is expecting me to be a witch. I heard people on the train talking about the Slytherin House and how only Dark Wizards are sorted there and I know there was no way I could possibly be a Dark Wizard," she said.

Snape looked like someone had thrown a hippogriff at him.

"Well, Ms. Pritchard, I assure you that you are a witch. The Hat was indeed correct in saying that you are not what anyone was expecting, but it did not mean that in a negative way."

At these words, Sarah's head popped up and stared at Snape as he sat behind Dumbledore's desk.

"What do you mean?" she asked timidly.

It was some time before Snape answered. It was clear he wasn't quite sure what to say, or how to say it.

"There are many types of wizards, Ms. Pritchard. There are wizards with very little magical ability and some with a great amount. Some use their powers for making robes or broomsticks and then there are wizards that use their abilities to hurt others. Other wizards are so powerful that their very presence in society makes people fear them. Do you understand what I mean?"

Sarah shook her head. "No, sir, I don't."

"There are wizards, Ms. Pritchard, that can kill people with a single thought. They do not need a wand and they can do magic without anyone knowing. They can read minds and foretell the future. They are very rare and there are only four in the world that I know of. They are called Oracles and they are feared above all other wizards because of their abilities," Snape said.

Where was Snape's soft toned speech coming from? Was this Severus Snape, the one the students called the greasy git? Was this just another one of his well-practiced personas that he could put on at a moments notice? Kara felt slightly distracted by the thought as he continued to speak.

Sarah simply stared at him with her full attention.

"You are one of those four."

The girl's mouth dropped open and the box of lemon drops that she was holding on her lap fell to the floor with a crash. She looked down at it and then at Dumbledore apologetically. Dumbledore smiled. Out of instinct, Kara used her Inner Focus to put the spoiled candy back into its box and float it in front of Sarah's face. She was rewarded for her circus trick with Sarah's shocked expression.

"Wow. Sir, how did you do that?" she asked.

"Professor Lynch is also an Oracle," Snape replied as he nodded in her direction.

Kara smiled as the young girl turned to face her. Sarah's eyes lit up as she realized that Kara's coldness earlier had faded.

"It is why I did not shake your hand, Sarah. Two Oracles must never touch one another. That is very important for you to remember. If we do, both of us will die."

Sarah's face fell, but she nodded in comprehension. No one said anything for a moment as they let this sink into the girl's mind.

"You didn't know I was an Oracle then?" she asked.

"Not until I saw you. I have the ability to see people's auras. Those with Inner Focus have red auras."

"Inner Focus?" Sarah asked.

"Inner Focus is the ability to do magic without a wand," Kara replied.

"So then I don't need a wand..." Sarah said, realizing for the first time just precisely what all this might mean.

"That is not entirely accurate, Ms. Pritchard. You will need a wand while you attend school here. Inner Focus is not a gift that one uses at will. It is something that is cultivated, practiced and learned. It is difficult, and just because you have a natural affinity for it does not mean it can be harnessed without training. It is also considered Dark Magic, because of its potential, and Hogwarts does not offer a Dark Arts course of this nature," Snape said.

"Oh," Sarah replied, clearly disappointed by the news.

Snape looked at Kara. She heard him wondering, mentally, how to bring up the subject of training.

"Ms. Pritchard, had you been raised by relatives, I would approach them with this news and ask what course of action they would want to take. However, since you have no relatives - that we know of - the decision is yours," Kara interjected.

"Decision? What do you mean?"

"Whether or not you want to be trained," Kara replied.

"But you said Hogwarts didn't offer Dark Arts training."

"It doesn't. It would be private tutoring separate from your normal coursework. It is arduous and would take the full seven years. However, I can promise it will enrich your life in ways you cannot imagine," Kara said encouragingly.

"I want to be trained," Sarah said without hesitation.

"There are a few things you should know before you make your decision, Ms. Pritchard," Kara said as she sat down in a chair opposite from the girl.

"The first is that I am a strict task master. I will set your schedule and you will stick to it. I will not tolerate petty excuses for your tardiness, lack of mental focus or other weak behavior. Your marks in other subjects must be exemplary and near the top of your class. I will not permit you to fail the basics because of this gift and I will show no leniency in my normal classes with you.

"The second is that it will be kept strictly a secret between a few chosen people. This is for your safety as well as ours. Once you've left this school you may tell anyone you wish, but until then you must promise you will keep it a secret. Do you understand?"

"Yes, but why?" Sarah asked skeptically.

"As Professor Snape mentioned, it is considered Dark Magic. You would not only be shunned by the rest of Wizarding society, but you would land myself and Professor Snape in Wizarding prison."

Sarah looked afraid. Kara let these words sink in.

"I thought it was wrong to learn Dark Magic?" she asked timidly.

"It's not really Dark Magic, Ms. Pritchard, but it can be used as such. I am offering to train you because I would rather see you work with me than with someone who would use your powers for destructive purposes."

Sarah looked into Kara's eyes and she could hear her muttering something mentally about Slytherin and Dark Wizards.

"I do not know why the Hat sorted you into Slytherin, Ms. Pritchard, but keep in mind that it does not mean you're an evil person."

Sarah's eyes opened wide and Kara heard "she read my mind".

"Yes I did Ms. Pritchard. It is one of the more - interesting - benefits of this gift," Kara said as she smiled.

Sarah looked up at her with wide eyes and said "Whoa".

"I do not want you to make a decision now, Ms. Pritchard, although I am elated to hear you are eager to do so. I have brought several books with me that you may borrow, if you are discreet," Kara added as she levitated up the two leather volumes from Dumbledore's desk over to the girl.

"Thank you Professor."

"You are quite welcome."

Kara looked at Snape and mouthed "Potter" with a questioning look on her face. Sarah had opened one of the leather books and thumbed through it casually, not paying any attention to the rest of the room. Snape looked at Dumbledore who nodded in agreement, but they would have to fetch him. Kara silently wondered whether or not Harry's Ring of Epa would work for summoning yet. Dumbledore had it hanging around his neck, but they hadn't used it before and Kara decided the shock of hearing the call for the first time would unnerve him. Kara approached the Headmaster.

"Will you go get him? He wants to tell her himself," she whispered.

Dumbledore nodded.

"I will be right back, Ms. Pritchard. There is someone I want you to meet."

Sarah's eyes followed the old man as he walked out of the room, leaving her alone with the two Dark Wizards. Sarah sat quietly; she was obviously afraid.

"Would you like some tea, Ms. Pritchard?" Kara offered.

"Yes, please," she replied.

"How are you getting on with the rest of Slytherin?" Snape asked as his fingers formed a steeple beneath his chin.

"I don't think they like me. I told them where I grew up and they called me a Mudblood, although I don't know what that means," she said. There was a hint of sadness in her voice and Kara was suddenly taken by Sarah's mature nature.

"Mudblood is an inappropriate term for someone born of Muggle parents. However, an Oracle can only be born of two parents with a long line of Magical blood. You are probably more Pureblood than any other Slytherin student currently attending Hogwarts. You may tell your Housemates that we informed you this evening that we know who your family was and that you are indeed Pureblood if you wish," Snape replied. Sarah's eyes lit up.

"I never knew any of my family," she said sadly as she accepted the cup that Kara floated to her.

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