My Eternal Curse

Latin note:

mentis: mind

vinculum: bond

navitas: energy, get up and go.

Chapter Twelve

Twisted Speculations

Ginny and Professor McGonagall entered the Great Hall together. Some of the students saw the snake on her arm, and regarded her with utter disgust, while others started whispering amongst themselves. Minerva sat down between Severus and Albus, then watched Miss Weasley take a seat as far away from her brother, Potter, and Miss Granger as possible. The two people she sat next to saw the snake on her arm, and moved elsewhere, while her other housemates regarded her with suspicion.

"The poor girl..." Minerva whispered. Albus and Severus followed her line of sight, and saw a Ravenclaw fifth year sit next to her. They could see her relax considerably, as they fell into quiet discussion. Meanwhile, the snake had uncoiled itself from Miss Weasley's arm, and was eating thinly cut slices of food off of her plate.

"Who is that Ravenclaw boy sitting with her?" Albus asked.

"His name is Mark Dippet," Severus said. "I assigned him as a tutor for her, some time ago. It appears that their relationship has evolved since then... Why does Miss Weasley have a snake with her?"

"A tutor, Severus?" Minerva asked. "Why?"

"Awhile back, Miss Weasley came to me, and asked me what she could do to improve," Severus explained. "I assigned Mr. Dippet as her tutor."

"But her grades have been very high all year," Minerva said. "Especially, in Potions for the last month. In fact, she almost rivals your old scores, Severus."

"Yes," Severus said, watching the girl with a calculating expression on his thin face. "I was quite surprised when she came to me, asking about her grades. Most students, especially those in Gryffindor, wouldn't dare come to me about anything, unless it was a matter of life and death..."

"The girl has a lot of sprit," Albus said, with a twinkle in his eyes. "After her rescue of Mr. Potter earlier today, I'm surprised that her housemates are treating her so badly... Why does she have a snake with her?"

Before Minerva could respond, Remus entered the Great Hall with Sirius in Animagus form. Minerva watched Miss Weasley's head snap up, staring right at Sirius. When her eyes met the Animagus, an almost shocked sort of recognition overshadowed her face, and her mouth dropped open. After a few moments it passed, and she went back to her conversion. What had the girl seen when she looked at Sirius? Could the girl have sensed his true nature? No, that was impossible... Remus sat down next to Albus, and Sirius sat at his feet, eyeing the room suspiciously.

"Do you think it wise, to bring him here like this?" Minerva asked, indicating Sirius.

"He insisted," Remus said, giving Sirius a plate, and setting up one for himself. "He doesn't want to let Harry out of his sight."

"Just make sure that mangy cur stays well away from the Dungeons..." Severus sneered. Sirius growled threateningly at Severus.

"Don't worry, Severus," Albus said. "He will not be attending any of Mr. Potter's classes."

"As if that boy hasn't been spoiled enough," Severus muttered under his breath. "Now, his pathetic excuse for a godfather will be waiting on him, hand and paw..."

Thankfully, Sirius seemed to have missed this comment, or things might have gotten ugly. Meanwhile, Remus' gaze casually swept the Great Hall. When his eyes fell on Miss Weasley and her familiar, he dropped his fork. His expression became unreadable.

"What's wrong, Remus?" Minerva asked, feeling slightly worried.

"Divinus Animus..." Remus said, looking extremely worried. "What is it doing here?"

"You recognize it, Remus?" Minerva asked.

"Yes," Remus said distantly. "Though generally considered harmless, that species can be quite deadly in the wrong hands. The history of this particular species of snake was lost, long ago. Not much is really known about what they were bred for, or what their powers are, but some of the older surviving texts say they were once confidants to powerful wizards, especially Seers. Some of the most dangerous magics, including ones that bridge our world with others, require a Divinus Animus to work. Most spells that they're used for today are serious Dark magic. Why does Miss Weasley have one?"

"I should have recognized the bloody creature on sight," Severus said, shaking his head. "Their venom alone is a very powerful, and versatile, potions ingredient... How did she obtain one?"

"She told me she got it from a pet store in Hogsmeade today," said Minerva.

"So, you think it would be good idea for her to keep it," Severus sneered.

"Minerva, I don't know if that's such a good idea," Remus said, unnerved.

"I doubt we can separate her from it at this point," Minerva said, shaking her head slightly.

"Why?" Albus asked.

"She came to me just before dinner, worried about what the other student's reactions would be to her new familiar," Minerva said. "She told me she's bonded to it..."

"Bonded?" Albus asked. "How?"

Minerva told them what Ginny had told her.

"The girl has a life bond with that creature... Ix Chel," Severus said. "Did you use Mentis Vinculum, to check the girl's story?"

"Yes," Minerva said. "The binding was white, and very strong already... There is no way that bond could be severed right now. I think it would be dangerous to separate those two, at this point."

"I agree," Albus said, a small twinkle in his eyes. "The students will get used to Ix Chel, in time, and the snake will be good for Miss Weasley."

"But how is that possible?" Remus asked.

"The answer is obvious, Lupin," Severus sneered. "That creature is anything but normal."

"I suggest you continue to keep an eye on her, Minerva," Albus said. "With everything that has been happening to her, she may need a sympathetic ear before long."

"Of course, Headmaster," Minerva said. The conversation turned from Miss Weasley, to an argument about who will win the first Quidditch match of the year, which would be taking place in two weeks. Minerva still couldn't help but wonder, what the girl had seen when she looked at Sirius Black, tonight.

*~*~*

Ginny absent-mindedly played with her food as she discussed Potions with Mark. Ix Chel listened with great interest, asking Tom questions on and off.

"Have you started reading 'Advanced Potions Theorem' and 'Potions: An Art Form Unto Itself' yet?" Mark asked.

"Yeah," Ginny replied. "Though, I don't quite get Vorm's principle on genetic mutation as a result of prolonged use of some potions."

"The premise is simple, really," Mark said. "It just depends on how you look at it... Do you know what the Navitas potion is?"

"It's a restorative potion," Ginny said. "Very powerful, and quite dangerous if taken too often... Why?"

"Do you remember why it's dangerous?" Mark asked.

"Because it builds up in your bloodstream, over a period of time," Ginny said. "After awhile, what your taking, and the buildup constitute an overdose... but I don't see what that has to do with Vorm's premise."

"Certain potions, particularly ones that completely transform the body, sometimes work on the same principle," Mark explained. "Every time it's used, it rewrites the body's DNA. After extended use-"

"Errors creep in, damaging the wizard," Ginny finished with the light of understanding making her eyes twinkle. "That's why wizards can become disfigured after spending too long on one of those potions... Now I understand why it's so hard to undo those aliments. The DNA itself becomes twisted, by constant magical reconfiguration... like a length of rope becoming tangled."

"Exactly," Mark said.

"And the principle applies to some Potions accidents?" Ginny asked.

"Yes," Mark replied.

"No wonder Snape gets so snippy over every little mistake," said Ginny. "If we're not careful, those mistakes can kill us one day, or worse. I can't blame him. If I had to chose between my students comfort, and their future safety, I'd choose their safety every time... Potions really is a beautiful art form. It's too bad that almost no one sees it. Why are you smiling like that, Mark?"

"Just listening to you," Mark said. "You've really come a long way since I started tutoring you. If I'm not careful, you're going to end up tutoring me by the end of the year."

"Well, what can I say?" Ginny said, smiling. "I've had a great teacher."

"So, do you have any plans for tomorrow?" Mark asked.

"I've got to go with Harry, Professor Dumbledore, and Professor Snape to Diagon Alley tomorrow to get my new wand," Ginny answered.

"So, you'll probably be busy most of the day," Mark said. "Will you be taking Ix Chel with you?"

"I guess," Ginny said, sighing.

"What's wrong?" Mark asked.

"It's my brother, Ron," Ginny said. "He saw Ix Chel and freaked. He seems to have a prejudice against snakes... and he isn't alone." Ginny discreetly indicated the other occupants in the Great Hall, who were still giving her dirty looks, and whispering. Understanding and concern crossed Mark's face.

"Don't worry about what those fools think of you, my little princess," Tom said. "They aren't worth it."

"Pay no mind to them Gin," Mark said, indicating the others. "Most of them are ignorant morons, as for Ron... He'll come around. I'm sure of it."

"Thanks," Ginny said, to both of them. She looked down at her plate. A strange and familiar unease filled Ginny; it was the same unease Ginny associated with sensing an Animagus. A few moments later she looked up, just as Professor Lupin entered the Great Hall. He wasn't alone. A large, mangy, black dog was with him. It seemed to eye Ginny with suspicion for a few moments. Then it turned its attention to Harry, and the other students. Her mouth dropped open at the sight. That was no dog, it was a wizard! What was an Animagus doing here? Why was it with Professor Lupin?

"Is something wrong, Ginny?" Mark asked.

"Uh... no, it's nothing," Ginny said, tearing her eyes away from the dog. "I was just wondering why Professor Lupin has a dog with him..."

"That's Professor Lupin's new familiar," Mark said, frowning slightly. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," said Ginny.

"What is it, princess?" Tom asked.

"You looked like you'd swallowed a snake,"

Ix Chel said, looking concerned. "Do you sense danger?"

Ginny shook her head 'no'.

"That wasn't a dog," Ginny thought. "That was a wizard... I'm sure of it."

"Are you saying that the mangy mutt, is a wizard?" Tom asked. "How-"

"I just know it," Ginny thought. "Don't ask me to explain... Should we go to Professor Dumbledore about it?"

"And tip the old fool off?" Tom asked. "No, but we should keep an eye on them. If you're right, the mutt could be one of the Dark Lord's spies."

"And if it is?" Ginny thought. "By Merlin, Tom! It could be after Harry, or Dumbledore..."

"Then it will rue the day it dared to mess with them... or us," Tom said with surprising conviction.

"Worry not, young one,"

Ix Chel said. "No one will touch you, or your protected, on my watch. I will drown it in venom, before I let it touch a hair on your head!"

That reassured Ginny slightly.

"So it's decided," Ginny thought. "If that thing lays a paw on any one of us... we'll make it wish that it had never come to Hogwarts."

"Agreed," Tom said.

"Agreed,"

Ix Chel hissed.

"The path is set," Ginny whispered, almost inaudibly.

Ginny turned back to her discussion with Mark, as if none of that had ever happened. Gradually, Tom and Ix Chel fell into a discussion of their own, none of them willing to think about the possible traitor in their mist.

*~*~*

Ginny returned to the Gryffindor common room, with Ix Chel coiled around her left arm, like living jewelry. Tom felt Ginny involuntarily tense when her eyes fell on her brother, who was sitting by the fire with Potter and Hermione. Ron regarded her with distaste. Tom felt Ginny almost sneer at him, but she caught herself before it became apparent. Ginny sat down near Potter. Ix Chel uncoiled herself, and pooled herself in Ginny's lap.

"Ron..." Ginny started uncertainly. "Ix Chel isn't dangerous. She's my friend, and I trust her. Give her a chance, and you'll see that she'd never hurt me."

"I still can't believe you would buy that bloody thing," Ron said, the loathing he felt painfully obvious in his voice. "Hermione told me how much one of these things can cost. Where did you get the money to buy it?"

"Mark gave her to me when I couldn't afford it," Ginny said, absent-mindedly petting the snake's smooth scales. "She was a gift for all the tutoring I've been giving him."

"He bought it for you?" Ron said, almost incredulous. "You'd think he'd know better, being a proper wizard."

"What are you implying?" Ginny asked.

"I'd think what I'm implying would be clear to you," Ron ranted. "You're an idiot if you think you're in control of that thing! Sooner or later, it's going to betray you, then you'll see it for what it is, a bloody monster! All of them are! No proper wizard should associate with such a creature. What were you thinking, Ginny? That something disgusting like that would be useful?"

"Ron and Fudge," Tom said. "Separated at birth... They're both bloody fools if they believe that Ginny is an imbecile, who trusts lightly, or often."

"How dare he talk about my kind like that!"

Ix Chel spat, angrily. "It was people like him who put us in this position..."

"Relax, Ix,"

Harry hissed quietly. "Getting upset won't help your master..."

"Don't do that, Harry!" Ron cried.

"Why not?" Harry asked, beginning to look upset.

"Because it's sick!" Ron cried. "Everyone who's used that power are Dark..."

"Sick?" Harry cut in, growing angrier by the minute. "Is that what you think I am for using it...? Why don't you finish that sentence, Ron? Everyone who's used that power, are Dark wizards. Is that what you were going to call me, Ron? Dark? How dare you sit in judgement over anyone because of their talents! How dare you, of all people, insinuate that I'm a Dark wizard, because of my gifts! And you call yourself my friend..."

"It looks like Weasley hit a nerve," Tom thought. "How interesting..."

"You may be my brother, Ron, but I can't help it if you choose to be a bigoted idiot," Ginny said, almost venomously. "And I hope some day you come to your senses. That's your choice."

Ron stood, clenching and unclenching his fists.

"Ron-" Hermione started.

"Forget it, Hermione!" Ron shouted. "I'm not talking to Ginny till she gets rid of that thing! You're wrong to support her, Harry... Merlin help you, when you see the truth!"

Ron vanished through the portrait hole of the Fat Lady. Hermione got up and went after him. Ginny stood, depositing Ix Chel on the carpet, as tears began blur her vision. She'd thought for sure that she could make him see reason, but now...

"I'm sorry to drag you into this, Harry," Ginny said. "I need some air... Watch Ix Chel for me..."

"Of course," Harry said, his face filled with sympathy and sadness. Ginny went through the portrait, leaving them behind.

*~*~*

Harry sat, thankful that they were alone in the common room. Ix Chel slithered up onto his lap. Harry stared into Ix Chel's almost hypnotic gaze, wondering what made her tick.

"My young one,"

Ix Chel hissed sadly. "So needy... She has so many burdens, and so far, all I've done is make things worse."

"What burdens?"

Harry asked.

"Her visions,"

Ix Chel said. "And the world that comes with it..."

"She's told you about her visions?"

Harry asked.

"In a sense..."

"Is Ginny in any danger?"

Harry asked.

"Life is danger,"

Ix Chel responded. "Each breath can be a terrible risk."

Ok, wrong question. Time to try a different tact.

"Is there something happening to Gin, that can hurt her?"

Harry asked.

"You."

"Me?"

"Yes..."

"How?"

"That I cannot say,"

Ix Chel hissed. "Only she can choose who to unburden her heart to, as only she can decide who to protect."

"Who is she protecting?"

No response.

"Why is she protecting them?"

"Ask me no more questions about this,"

Ix Chel said. "I am sworn to her side. Trust that I will do what's best for her. I will not leave her, as long as I'm still alive."

"That makes two of us,"

Harry agreed.

"Good,"

Ix Chel said in a whispered hiss. They fell into an almost eerie silence, waiting for one of the others to return to the common room. Time passed, and Harry nodded off. Ix Chel kept watch over her new charge. She knew his story quite well, and what enemies he had... This Hogwarts was a strange place, indeed. Ix Chel knew that only one thing was concrete about her future... It wasn't going to be boring.

____________

TBC