Searching for the Truth

Searching for the Truth

Part 1

Thirteen-year-old Connie Longsworth stared at the giant castle that was Hogwarts with great interest in her bright brown eyes. Pointing at her trunk with her finger, she began the long trek up to the towering, heavy oak doors. Her trunk hovering along beside her, she scanned the entrance hall hastily until a voice sounded from off to the side.

"Ms. Longsworth, I presume? I am Professor McGonagall." Connie shook her hand, then gave a slight bow. "Professor Dumbledore and I have been most anxious to meet you. Come, I'll bring you to his office so we can get you settled in your scheduling and such." Connie nodded and then followed Professor McGonagall, her eyes darting in every direction to take in everything surrounding her. Very nice, she thought, much nicer than Willowbranch. They stopped in front of a stone gargoyle.

"Candy Cane," announced McGonagall. The gargoyle shook its head and jumped aside. In front of them was a spiral staircase. Connie gave a small start when, as soon as she had stepped on it, the staircase started bearing her upwards. At the top of the stairs, a kindly looking, though very old gentleman was standing there with a grin on his face.

"Ms. Longsworth, welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor Dumbledore." She smiled at him as she shook his hand and repeated the bow. "How was your trip from America?"

"It was fine, thank you Professor," she paused to smooth back a curly black hair that had worked its way out of Connie's two large buns. "But I have to tell you, it was murder getting from the airport to the station. That cab driver nearly had us killed a few times." She had a friendly voice that rang with music. As Dumbledore chuckled, Connie noticed a twinkle in his blue eyes, and she knew liked him.

"Well, Ms. Longsworth, since you managed to join us in one piece, let's get you settled." He sat behind his desk. "Now, as I understand it, magical schooling in America is slightly different."

"Please, Sir, call me Connie. And, well, no, I'd say schooling in America is a lot different. There are thirteen years of school, but only because one also gets a Muggle education, literature, math, and the like, as well as magical. I've been going to school for seven years now; but it's as though I'd had three and a half years of magic-only training. But all my teachers tell me I'm well beyond ordinary wizarding level." She added that last sentence rather hopefully, as though she thought Dumbledore would put her in the first year. He smiled at her.

"Yes, Connie, your records show it. They also show that you have an aversion to wands." Connie blushed and stammered her reply.

"W-well, I-I can't touch wands. W-whenever I d-do, they s-sort of blow up. So I-I do magic without one."

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about. What you possess is a natural advantage. You can never be disarmed."

"Right," said Professor McGonagall, "Now let's see how well you use your powers." McGonagall flicked her wand, and a porcupine appeared. "Transform the porcupine into a desk." Connie pointed at the porcupine, sending a jet of yellow light at it. In the porcupine's place stood an antique rosewood desk that was ornately carved with vines and flowers. McGonagall stared at it with her mouth open.

"What, did I do something wrong?"

"No, no, Ms. Longsworth, you did absolutely beautifully." McGonagall regained her composure. "Now, I daresay you know what Animagi are?"

"Well, I haven't learned it in class yet, if that's what you mean. But I do know what they are...They are wizards that can do this..." And saying this, Connie transformed into an eagle. Transforming back into a human form, she added, "...or this..." transforming herself into a unicorn. "Or any other animal," as she returned to her true form. McGonagall gaped at Connie as though she were a ghost. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily from behind his half-moon glasses.

"Connie, I don't see anything in your records stating that you are an Animagus, much less one who can turn into two animals. Are you registered with the American Ministry?"

"Well, no. But does it really matter? I mean, it's only the first time I've done it." Dumbledore looked shocked.

"No it doesn't. But I will send an owl over to the American Minister of Magic, as well as the British one about this. Well, Minerva, I don't think we need to see any more. Why don't you get the Sorting Hat for Connie to put on? Then we can introduce her to the other fifth years."

"Fifth year?" asked Connie, "Why are you putting me in Fifth year?"

"Because of your age. I could just as easily have placed you in seventh year."

"Indeed," added Professor McGonagall, climbing down from a stool with a ratty old hat in her hand, "If he wanted to challenge you, he would have had to make you a teacher. I've never seen anything like it." Connie grinned with a sigh of relief. McGonagall handed the hat to Connie, who placed it on her head. Immediately, the hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!" Connie removed the hat.

"What does that mean?"

"It means, Connie, that you belong in Gryffindor house. There are four houses in Hogwarts. The other three are Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Your house is sort of your family at Hogwarts," Dumbledore explained. Connie nodded in understanding.

"Well, Connie, you might as well know that I am the head of Gryffindor house," McGonagall said, "So I am going to escort you to the dormitories and introduce you to the other students." Connie and Professor McGonagall said good night to Professor Dumbledore and headed back down the spiral staircase. The pair walked in silence until they reached a portrait of The Fat Lady. McGonagall turned to Connie; "This is the entrance to Gryffindor Tower. Inside you will find the Common Room, dormitories, and your housemates. They are very friendly, though they can be rowdy at times. The password for now is 'poppycock,' though it will change throughout the year." As she was speaking, the portrait swung open, revealing a large hole. Through it, Connie could see a large fireplace, along with dozens of tables and armchairs. A warm gaze spread over her face.

"I love it!" McGonagall ushered her inside, and beckoned to a red-headed girl sitting at a nearby table.

"Connie, this is Lily Evans, she's one of your class mates. Lily, This is Connie Longsworth, our exchange student. She'll be in your dormitory with the other fifth-year girls. Please be so kind as to show her the ropes." McGonagall turned on her heel and left.

"Hello. As McGonagall said, I'm Lily. Let me show you the dormitory. It's upstairs."

"All right then." Connie followed Lily up the stairs.

"McGonagall told us you were only thirteen."

"Yeah, I am. I don't understand it myself. I turn a porcupine into a desk and they look at me like I had two heads. I perform an Animagus transformation and they look at me like I had twelve." Lily giggled.

"I guess they start things earlier in the States."

"Well, yeah, but I've only had the equivalent of about three-and-a-half years of magical training. Back home, you get Muggle schooling as well. I've been in school for seven years now. After this year I'll have four left."

"That is a long time to be going to school. What is the name of your school anyway?"

"Willowbranch. I hate it. There are hardly any nice people. They're mostly all horrible, nasty, well, for lack of a better word, morons."

"Sounds like a whole school of Slytherins. But surely there are some nice people there?"

"Of course. All three of them are my closest friends. Are all the Slytherins that bad?"

"Well, apparently not. I'm only saying this as a warning, though. One of the other fifth-year Gryffindor girls spends a lot of time hanging around with them. Traditionally, it's not supposed to happen. We call her the Rogue Gryffindor because of it. No one talks to her, or anyone who talks to her, for that matter. Her name is Debbie. Avoid her at all costs. Nothing but trouble will come from it. Trust me."

"All right, I will. Well, I guess you want to go back to your friends?"

"Come with me."

"I would, but I've had a long day. I'd rather go to sleep, if you don't mind."

"Oh, of course. It was nice talking to you. Good night."

"You too, Lily." Connie stared at the door for a while before getting ready for bed. Either people are a lot nicer here, thought Connie, or else I've just met one of the few nice ones.

"So what did McGonagall want, Lily?" asked a boy with dark untidy hair.

"Nothing, James, she just wanted me to show the exchange student the dorms, and probably help her find her classes and such tomorrow."

"You were up there for a while. Were you talking to her?"

"Yes. She seems friendly, though a little bitter. She told me about her school in America. From what she said, it's a whole school of Slytherins."

"Are you sure she's not the same? And did you ask her why she wears her hair like that?" asked a boy with blond hair.

"No, Remus, I would never be so rude. For all you know, that could be the style in America. If you want to know so badly, why don't you ask her yourself?"

"Maybe I will. I don't think there is anything wrong with how she wears it, I just don't think it becomes her. What do you think Sirius?" A handsome boy, with dark hair like James, but not quite as untidy, answered.

"I don't know, I didn't really look at her. What does she look like?"

"Well, she's got black hair, it's curly from what I can tell, and big brown eyes. She's very pretty. And if I'm not mistaken, she's either a dancer or a gymnast."

"What makes you think that Peter?"

"She moves very gracefully."

"Since when are you such an expert?"

"You'll see. I'm right." They all laughed.

"What is her name anyway, Lily?" asked Sirius.

"Connie Longsworth. Why?"

"He's looking for a girlfriend," teased James.

"What? I don't even know what she looks like."

"Well, with Peter's description, I can't see how you wouldn't," guffawed Remus. It was Lily who interrupted the boys' fun.

"You'd better be nice to her! It sounds like she's had a hard go of it. Don't make things worse for her. James, please?" He looked at her with resentment in his eyes. In the end, Lily always won out. It had been that way since they started dating.

"All right Lily, we won't have fun with her. We'll just take it all out on you."

"I've had enough of the four of you. I'm going to bed." Lily traipsed back up the stairs. After sitting a while longer, James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter went up to their own dormitory.

The next morning, as Connie wound up her second bun, Lily passed by Connie's open trunk.

"You brought a guitar?" Connie turned around as she stuck a rather large bobby pin into her thick hair.

"Yes. I've been playing since I was three years old. My mother decided to teach me to read music almost immediately after I started to read words. I play piano too, but I really couldn't bring one with me, so I settled. I actually prefer the guitar, but the piano...I don't know. They're too different. Both are good for different things. You know what I mean?"

"I guess it's sort of like being a Muggle-born wizard. If I had to choose, I don't know which one I'd pick...electricity, or magic. What sort of blood are you?"

"Well...I'm not really sure. I'm either pure-blood, or half-blood. My mother's a witch, but I don't know about my father."

"If you don't mind my asking, why not?"

"I'm an illegitimate child of some married bloke my mother had an affair with when she was a student at Exeter. She won't tell me his name, no matter how many times I asked. I did some snooping in the attic and found some letters. Apparently, he already had a two-year-old son when my mom got pregnant with me. He stayed with his wife and left my mom and me to fend for ourselves. I don't want anything from him, but I would like to meet this man, since I look so much like him."

"How do you know that, if you've never met him?" Lily had the impression that Connie would answer any question, anytime.

"Well, I look nothing like my mom or her family, so who else is there?"

"Good point. Come on, let's go down to breakfast."

"Right." Connie and Lily grabbed their bags and hurried down to the Great Hall. As soon as they were about to enter, though, a voice sounded behind them.

"Ms. Longsworth, I'd like a word with you."

"All right, Professor McGonagall. See you later, Lily."

"Bye, Connie."

"Let's go to my office, shall we?" Connie followed McGonagall into her office. She indicated for Connie to sit in front of her desk.

"Well, I see you're getting on fairly well with Ms. Evans, how are you getting on with Potter, Black, Lupin, and Pettigrew?"

"Well, Professor, I haven't had the chance to meet them yet. I was pretty tired last night, so I went to bed."

"Oh I see. Well, Ms. Longsworth, I only called you in here to give you your schedule. Your first class is Arithmancy, on the fourth floor. Professor Vector's the teacher. You might want to get going, or you'll be late. Sorry you haven't had any breakfast."

"It's all right Professor, I usually don't eat much in the mornings anyway."

"Well, at least have some toast," she said, conjuring some into Connie's hand. "Oh, and one more thing. This weekend all third year students and above may go into Hogsmeade. Do go. You'll meet some of the other students."

"All right Professor." Connie left the office, chewing her toast and thinking to herself. I think I should do something to draw attention to myself this weekend, but what? Connie was so absorbed in what she was thinking; she didn't notice the person standing against the wall until she bumped into him.

"Oh, sorry, I wasn't paying attention."

"It's all right. Say, aren't you the exchange student? I'm Frank Baynes. Ravenclaw."

"Connie Longsworth. You wouldn't happen to be going to Arithmancy, would you? I have no idea where I'm going."

"That's exactly where I'm going. Come on, you can sit with me."

"OK. Lead the way. What's Ravenclaw like?"

"I guess it's like Gryffindor, except with blue instead of red."

"How does that hat know which house to put you in?"

"Well, didn't the hat talk to you?"

"No, it just said Gryffindor. What, was it supposed to?"

"It depends. Sometimes it takes a while to decide; sometimes it just shouts it out. The brave people go in Gryffindor, the clever in Ravenclaw, the hard workers in Hufflepuff, and the ambitious get stuck in Slytherin."

"That's why they're supposed to be so mean. They want everyone out of the way."

"It makes sense. You haven't met many people here yet, I suppose."

"No, so far the only person besides you, McGonagall and Dumbledore I've spoken to is Lily Evans."

"You haven't even met Lily's friends yet?"

"No. She was going to introduce me at breakfast, but McGonagall pulled me to her office to give me my schedule. So what's Professor Vector like?"

"Why do you keep changing the subject?"

"You answer my question, I'll answer yours."

"She's all right. She's quite irregular with the work load, though, and I think she's going to really load it on today. She's friendly though. What about my question?"

"How else are you supposed to learn things? I answer any question, anytime, any subject. Some people get put off by my frankness, but you don't seem to be the type. I like that."

"You make up your mind quickly. You barely know me."

"It saves time. I've also made up my mind that you are a very good dancer. I am too. Are you going to Hogsmeade tomorrow?"

"Yes. Why, d'you want to hang out?" by this time they were settling in the back of the classroom.

"Do you know I love your accent?" Professor Vector started class, interrupting their conversation. Though Frank wanted to continue talking to Connie, she was too absorbed in taking notes to listen. When the bell rang, Frank grabbed Connie's arm.

"Meet me in the library after dinner."

"Need help with your homework?"

"No, I just want to talk."

"All right then." Connie hurried to find her next class, Transfiguration. When she arrived, there was only one extra seat, next to a tall, thin girl with long, straight dark blond hair. Neither said a word to each other the entire lesson. Near the end, however, as McGonagall was examining their work, she stopped at the desk Connie and the other girl were working at.

"Ms. Longsworth, that is a superb vase. Such an ornate design deserves ten points for Gryffindor. Good work! Ms. Davis, very nice, not up to your usual standard, but still quite good." The girl beside Connie scowled as McGonagall strolled back up the aisle as the bell rang. "NO homework for the weekend. Enjoy your day in Hogsmeade tomorrow and DON'T get into any mischief. That means you, Potter and Black." Connie meandered down the corridors to the Great Hall for lunch. She had already decided to skip dinner in order to find the library. She had never had much of an appetite, and between that and dancing, she was very slim. She ate lunch alone, too busy thinking to notice anyone around her. On her way to her Charms lesson, however, she recovered herself enough to notice that the girl she had sat beside in Transfiguration was walking behind her, talking to her friends.

"She thinks she's so smart, just because she's McGonagall's pet on the first day of class. She's nothing special; she's a freak!"

"Why is that, Debbie?"

"She doesn't use a wand, for cripes sake. She just points her finger and McGonagall falls all over her. What kind of a witch is she? You know, I heard her talking to Lily Evans this morning, and she's a bastard! She has no idea who her father is. All she knows is that he's a married man with a son. She's probably just like her mother, an easy whore." All of them started laughing, and Connie felt her cheeks start to burn. She hardly paid any attention in her lesson; even if she had wanted to her hand was shaking too badly for her to take notes. At the end of the lesson, Connie bolted for the door, not taking the time to notice that Debbie had stuck her foot out in the aisle, causing Connie to trip, spilling all the contents in her bag onto the floor. Several people laughed as Connie gathered her things together. Her vision blurred by tears, she didn't notice the boy in front of her holding out some of her papers.

"Here, you dropped your...umm..."

"It's sheet music. Thank you for picking it up for me." Connie shut her bag and left hastily, leaving Sirius Black staring after her looking very surprised. Gathering his senses, he strode off to join his friends in the Great Hall.

"You know Lily, I don't think that Connie girl is as friendly as you say she is."

"Why, Sirius?"

"Well, I stayed back to help her pick up her stuff. I handed her some papers. She took them and just stormed off. Didn't even ask for my name."

"Did she at least say thank you?"

"Yes, though she said it rather formally."

"Then what's the big deal? Mind you, she was awfully upset."

"Damn near crying," added Peter.

"That Debbie Davis is such a bitch," put in Remus.

"You know, I still haven't had a good look at her. When I gave her the papers, she had her head down."

"I don't know why she tripped Connie like that," said James, "I doubt that anything could have happened between them this soon."

"Say, where is she anyway?" Sirius scanned the Great Hall, looking for the black buns.

"I think Sirius is a little pre-occupied with someone," noted Remus, "He hasn't even eaten anything, and you know that's a rarity."

"How can I be pre-occupied with someone when I don't even know what she looks like?" He shoveled a forkful of mashed potato into his mouth and swallowed.

~

"It's about time you got here, Frank." Connie was sitting at a table in the library. She had found it quite easily, to her great surprise. "I've been waiting for fifteen minutes already."

"I thought I'd see you in the Hall, and we could come up here together. I didn't see you at the Gryffindor table, weren't you at dinner?"

"No, I wasn't hungry. I don't eat when I'm not hungry."

"Tell me about your school in America."

"It's called Willowbranch. There are thirteen years, divided into two buildings. The first six in one building, and the rest in the second. The reason there are so many levels is because they also teach us Muggle stuff. As far as the people are concerned, they're all horrible. Except for three of them, Judy, Josh, and Brian. They're my best friends. Lily said it sounded like a school full of Slytherins."

"You haven't had to deal with them yet, have you? You'll learn soon enough if she's right."

"I think I already have. This Debbie girl I sat with in Transfiguration started making fun of me in the hall after lunch. Then, after Charms, she tripped me. I know she's not a Slytherin, but she does hang around them a lot, I've heard, and if I'm not mistaken, she's taken on some of the stereotype."

"What was she saying about you?"

"She called me McGonagall's pet, and a freak. She also said I was probably an easy whore. I don't know what brought it on, but I know I didn't do anything to offend her. I haven't said one word."

"I don't know either. You know something, Connie?"

"What?"

"I feel like I've known you my whole life."

"Yeah, I feel that way, too."

"D'you think maybe we were meant to be a couple?" They looked at each other for a moment.

"NAH!!" they said together. Close friends, definitely, but a couple? Neither could see it happening.

"In retrospect, that was a question that didn't need addressing."

"You know, I've been thinking all day about this weekend. I have a really good idea. I figured I'd draw a little attention to myself. I've been reading music since I was three, and writing since I was eight. I recently put together a song, and I think I'm gonna perform it tomorrow."

"Where?"

"This is Britain, there's gotta be a bar in town. If not more."

"D'you think McGonagall won't mind?" he said incredulously.

"She told me to go and meet the other students, I'm just helping them to want to meet me. Are you going to show me around tomorrow?"

"Of course. Meet you in the entrance hall tomorrow?"

"Sure. Eleven sound good to you?"

"You're on."

"Good. Now I've gotta go do my homework. You were right about Vector. See you later."

"Bye." Frank sat looking after her. He knew he'd made a friend for life. He wasn't sure, however, how she'd known that he was a talented dancer. Shrugging his shoulders, he picked up his bag and left.

~

Lily wandered over to the corner where Connie was sitting and working on her Arithmancy assignment. She waited for Connie to look up and see she was there, but after a few minutes, Lily took it upon herself to initiate conversation.

"You know, everyone thinks Debbie was really mean to you before. It was a horrible thing to trip you like that. You weren't hurt, were you? Peter said you were near tears."

"I was near tears, but not from the fall. She over heard me telling you about my father this morning. I heard her telling her friends about it before class. She said I was probably like my mother, an easy whore." She paused to wipe her eyes. "She doesn't even know me. I'm beginning to think this place is just like Willowbranch."

"I'm sorry. But really, most people here aren't like that. Come sit with me and my friends, and I'll prove it."

"Thanks for the offer, but I'd really prefer getting my homework over with, so I don't have to worry about it on Sunday. Maybe I'll meet up with you guys in Hogsmeade. You guys wouldn't mind if I brought another friend along, would you?"

"No of course not. Well, if that's what you want to do, I'll talk to you later.

The next afternoon, Connie and Frank blew into the Three Broomsticks loaded with shopping bags. Connie was glowing with laughter as she collapsed into a seat.

"Frank, this place is absolutely amazing. I've never had so much fun in my life. Do you know you are a blast to hang out with?"

"I can't believe that you can do magic with your hands like that. It's hysterical. You can turn people's hair green, and you will never get caught. I couldn't believe it when you put that huge bogie on that one bloke's nose. I thought I'd burst trying from laughing."

Connie suddenly got up and strode to the bar. She spoke to the woman behind it. A few minutes later, she returned with two butterbeers and a grin."

"It's all set. I get the "stage" at two. She's going to have a bunch of tables at the back of the room pushed together for me. It's gonna be awesome." She sipped her butterbeer. The time before Connie's performance passed without incident. As she stood by the make shift stage just before two, Lily, James, Remus, Peter, and Sirius walked in and sat at a table near Frank.

"Where is Connie? She said she'd try and meet us in town today," said Lily in frustration.

"You're looking for Connie?" asked Frank.

"Yes, have you seen her?"

"Just sit back and watch the back of the room. You'll be surprised. Do you mind if I move over? I want to get a good view."

"No, join us if you want," said James. At that moment, The lights went out and the barmaid, Madame Rosmerta, climbed on the tables.

"Witches and wizards, we have some entertainment for you this afternoon. A young witch joining us all the way from the states. Put your wands in the air for Connie Longsworth." Everyone's at the table (except Frank's) jaws dropped open as Connie stepped up on the makeshift stage. The music started, and Connie began to dance.

"See, I told you she was a dancer," piped up Peter.

"SHHH!" If it was amazing to watch Connie dance, it was nothing to hearing her sing. She had a very intense voice, and though she wasn't singing very loudly, you could hear it well in the back of the room, where Frank and the others were sitting.

"Did you know she could do that, Lily?" asked Sirius.

"I knew she plays guitar and piano, but I didn't know she could do that. She's amazing!"

"Hey Frank, d'you know why she wears her hair that way?"

"Really Remus, will you give the hair a rest? All you've talked about since she got here is her hair."

"Cripes, Lily, I only asked a question."

"Will you fools shut up?" said a voice from the next table. They faced the back of the room again. No body had ever seen anything like Connie. At the end of the song, everyone went wild and gave her a standing ovation. Beaming broadly, Connie made her way through the crowd, everyone patting her back and such.

"Well, I finally get to meet you guys. I'm Connie." She held out her hand to the person to the left of the vacant seat.

"Remus Lupin."

"James Potter."

"Peter Pettigrew."

"Sirius Black. I picked up your papers yesterday."

"Oh, yes. I remember." Connie smiled at him as she sat down.

"So, Connie, tell me. Why do you where your hair like that?" The question was followed by a loud chorus of "Remus!" Connie giggled.

"I wear it like this to keep it out of the way. You see, I have a LOT of hair, and it just gets in the way, so I have to wear it up. I'd wear only one, but there is no hair band large enough to contain it all. I actually think it looks cheesy like this, but there's no way around it. That question has been bothering you, hasn't it?" Remus turned red and nodded.

"D'you play Quidditch?"

"No, I play Quodpot. I've seen Quidditch, though. What are you James, a Chaser?"

"How did you know?" he sputtered.

"You just told me." James looked confused. He changed the subject.

"Hey, did you guys see that one wizard? He was walking around with a giant bogie on his nose." Connie and Frank cracked up. "What's so funny?"

"That was Connie. She planted it right on his face, he didn't even know."

"I like her," said James.

"Connie, d'you want me to get you a drink?" asked Sirius suddenly.

"Sure, lemme give you some..."

"No, no, I'll get it. I insist."

"All right then, if you insist." Connie pulled some gold out of her pocket, then pointed her finger at Sirius's bag as he passed. When she tuned back to the table, her hand was empty. "I hate it when people pay for me. Why are you all looking at me like that?" Lily, James, Peter, and Remus were staring at Connie with amazement.

"How did you do that?"

"That's how I do magic. For some reason, whenever I touch a wand it blows up. So I do without."

"It's really cool," said Frank, "she can do anything with those powers."

"That's why Debbie called me a freak."

"Here you go Connie."

"Thank you, Sirius." As she sipped her drink, Remus and Frank each took hold of one of the bobby pins and pulled.

"I can't believe you did that! Give those back! I am going to zap you for this!" Connie buried her head in her arms as Remus, Frank, and James laughed.

"I think it looks nice like that," said Sirius. Connie lifted her head. She caught his eyes for the first time and blushed. They were a deep, intense steel blue that penetrated Connie, as though he could read her every thought.

"You really think so?" she said breathlessly. The others exchanged a knowing look.