Rebirth

Rebirth

Chapter 5: Answers?

"Look," Aenor said contemptuously, "the books say that she's dead - killed by her own sister."

"You didn't hear anything we've said, did you?" asked Half-Pint. "We've heard Ventura and Coleraine talking to that other guy, Lockhart or something. She's the statue, and they're trying to get her back to normal."

"And that's why Ventura was doing that thing the other day," Geno added. "It must be a ritual or something. It all makes sense."

"To you and your two lonely brain cells, perhaps," he joked. "And since one of them isn't feeling so good, I'm not trusting your judgment."

With this, he hung his cloak on Julia's hand and entered into the boys' dormitory.

"Are you sure your cousin's normal?" Dulce asked Half-Pint. "One day, he won't stop complaining about all these weird things, just like the rest of us. Wait - even worse than the rest of us. The next day, he dismisses everything."

"Well, I'm the sane one in the family," Half-Pint replied, as he grabbed the cloak and threw it into the fountain.

***

"Hey, Dulce," said Geno, spotting her schoolmate sitting near the Common Room fountain (where Aenor's cloak was still soaking). "It's four in the morning. What are you doing here?"

"Still reading this," the redhead replied, holding out her copy of The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts. "I found something intriguing here."

"What?"

"Look," she said, as Geno sat next to her. "Remember what Ventura said about Julia? That the statue was a gift from the Hogwarts headmaster?"

"Yeah, Dimbledum or Dimblefore. Something like that."

"Albus Dumbledore. He's right here, in this chapter about Grindelwald. It looks like Dumbledore was the one who defeated him."

"Really?"

"Yeah. And guess what? It seems like there were Asterlyth attacks during Grindelwald's days, just like during You-Know-Who's days, or during any other era where Dark wizards were spreading terror."

"Does this mean...?"

"The Asterlyth must have been used as a tool for Dark magic. I don't know how or why. It was probably just a way of terrifying people. But that's not what's stirring my mind."

"Then what is it?"

"This." Dulce pointed to a paragraph. "The names of the other people who aided Dumbledore during Grindelwald's defeat."

Geno read. None of the names meant anything to her. But then, she stopped at a reference to a certain Anthymio Zagalo.

"My grandfather," Dulce said. "It's got to be him. It's not a very common name!"

Geno's mind was spinning. The more information she had, the more difficult it became to make sense of it all.

"Weird," Dulce continued. "Everything's weird in this story. And the weirdest of all are the connections to my family. First those things Elektra said about expecting me to be an Avis, and now this. Dumbledore, who is connected to Julia, who is connected to the Asterlyth, which in turn seems to be connected to the Special Studies lessons, and subsequently to the Avis house. Yet things are missing, so nothing makes sense!"

Geno didn't answer. She was as confused as Dulce.

***

"So," asked Elektra, "what can you tell me about what you have read?"

She got no reply. All five Avises had read The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts from cover to cover, and practically memorized the chapter dealing with the Asterlyth, and their minds were filled with more questions than answers.

"Anyone?" Elektra inquired once more. Then, she noticed the eagerness in their eyes. "I see. So, who wants to ask first?"

Everybody, even Geno who was usually too scared to speak in public, raised their hands. She pointed at Half-Pint, since he was sitting right in the front row and was jumping up and down, trying to make himself noticed.

"Yes, Hylas, you first."

"What's the connection between our house and the people that could be sorted into our house, with the Asterlyth?"

This question made everybody speak up at the same time, until Elektra gestured for them to be quiet.

"That's precisely what I wanted you to ask. When I accepted the position as your teacher, I was advised to remain silent so that you would not be alarmed unnecessarily, but I strongly disagree with this. You may be young, but you must know. However, I will not tell you everything, because too much knowledge before you're ready can be just as bad as no knowledge at all."

She paused, and glanced at them. Five pairs of eyes followed her attentively.

"Listen, some witches and wizards have a special magical energy around them. That energy attracts the Asterlyth, which is why the Cassidy girls were attacked."

"And the boy from Egypt?"

"Yes, him too..." Elektra's face became somber. "So you see, this is why you were sorted into this house, and this is why you have to take Special Studies. You need to have a larger knowledge of magic and a special training of your mind and body, because you need to control the intensity of that energy, and you need to stay alert. You need to learn to survive."

Everybody gasped. Even Aenor abandoned his usual arrogance and looked pale.

"However, I don't want you to think that you're something special, like super-wizards. You're as ordinary as your colleagues from Ceuta and Goa."

Geno wasn't convinced by this. Elektra sounded okay when she said they were not "super wizards", but her voice failed when she said they were ordinary.

***

The weeks went by and classes progressed. Charms, for example, proved to be particularly difficult, since the Goas excelled in showing off their knowledge to Professor Sampaio, the head of their house. Crispim Pinto, in particular, loved to give long explanations, using words that sounded almost unpronounceable to the other children.

Soon, the Avises realized that, apart from Tulio and Magda, most of the Goas (and Crispim more than anybody else) were not very communicative outside the classroom, and preferred to read rather than talk. The Ceutas, on the other hand, were very undisciplined and childish, but weren't all that bad. However, it wasn't very advisable to get too friendly, as Half-Pint discovered the hard way, when two Ceuta boys that he had befriended managed to tie him up, stuff an apple in his mouth and place him on Professor Raimundo's plate before lunchtime. Needless to say, the two boys had fifty points taken from their house, while Half-Pint lost fifteen points for being so gullible.

Ceutas were very calm, however, during Defense Against the Dark Arts, as the Avises could witness. It was obvious to them that Coleraine had become head of the Ceuta house not because he had been a Ceuta himself (after all, he was too young to have studied in the old Ingarnal before it was destroyed) but because he managed to keep some discipline.

Herbology, however, was altogether a different matter, since Professor Calixto's playful manner triggered their passion for mischief. There wasn't a week when Irina would return from the greenhouse without soil and seeds in her hair.

Strangely enough, Professor Raimundo's strong sense of humor didn't seem to provoke the Ceutas like Calixto's did, while the other two houses rushed to the Transfiguration class to have the time of their lives.

But in spite of Professor Raimundo's amazing class, Geno's favorite was, without a doubt, History of Magic. Professor Gabriel's narration of the exploits of Roman wizards were to her like a storyteller describing fantastic adventures, and made Geno dream that she was Sertorius leading his army, or Vulperus the Wise stealing information from the enemy due to his Animagus form...

As for Special Studies, it was revealed to be even more complicated than they had ever expected. After an initial half-hour when they would be questioned about that week's chosen book (which would vary from Muggle epics like The Odyssey, or The Lusiads, to historical tomes like Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century, or even strange things like puzzle books or works of fiction). Once, they spent ten hours locked inside their classroom in complete silence, playing chess, while in another occasion they were forced to run fifty laps around the Quidditch pitch. But what really annoyed the Avises was the fact that Elektra never mentioned the Asterlyth again, and refused to answer to any more questions about Avis house.

"You just need to look around, and you'll find your answers," she once said. "Only after you find something new will you get anything else from me."

Finally, as the cluster of stars known as the Pleiades became visible enough to be studied during Astronomy, December arrived. The Christmas holidays were near, and preparations were being made.

The fairies that lived on the Great Hall ceiling were enchanted to glow in different colors, and a little angel on the Christmas tree was charmed to sing carols whenever someone said the name of a tune (this charm, however, was soon removed, as the Ceutas discovered that the angel could also sing dirty songs if requested).

However, the approaching holidays also meant one thing that thrilled all students: for the fist time in months, they would be with their families.

***

Lockhart closed his eyes immediately. The strong yellow light was almost blinding, and gave him a feeling of nausea.

"Do you see anything?" Sampaio's voice echoed as if it was playing cymbals inside his ears.

Instantly, his eyes opened wide, and instead of the light, he was now seeing his father, shouting at him.

"You're a disgrace! You'll never go far in life, and you'll never, ever succeed in anything!"

Other voices followed, other faces, other people...

His reflection smiling back at him...

A reporter, eagerly waiting for his words...

His father again, shouting, "You're no son of mine!"

A curly-haired girl, brandishing a club at him. "If you don't leave now, Lockhart, I'll smash your teeth with a Bludger!"

And then, a short, bald man, pointing excitedly. "And this is the place where the Iapetus grows!"

And then, the visions faded. He was in the hospital wing again, the wrinkled face of Professor Sampaio smiling at him.

"Well?" she asked. "Have you remembered any new things today?"

"Yes. My father... and... and... Professor, call Professor Ventura immediately. I have some information for her!"

***

"Well, children, I have some good news for you," Elektra announced at the end of the next Special Studies lesson.

"Desserts will be twice as big from now on!" Half-Pint shrieked. Elektra pretended not to listen.

"As you know," she continued, "Gilderoy Lockhart has suffered from a strong memory charm and is undergoing a delicate treatment in an attempt to reverse his condition without causing damage. Well, he hasn't recovered yet - and I doubt he ever will - but he has remembered the place where a very rare and very special herb can be found."

"So?" asked Aenor.

"So that herb is a vital ingredient for a potion, which can be used to restore Julia Cassidy back to her normal self."

"You mean she is the statue after all?" asked Geno. Everybody was surprised to hear her speaking in class, but no one more than Geno herself.

"I thought all of you knew that already," Elektra said sternly. "I gave you that book to read at your very first lesson, and I expected you to have realized it already. Besides, I know that two of you have overheard a conversation about it."

Half-Pint gasped. "How do you know that?"

"Oh, I have my little spies, watching over you." Elektra smiled and glanced outside the window. The Avises followed her stare, and saw the silver bird sitting on a tree outside.

"But if it can be fixed vith a potion, then vhy vas Professor Ventura -" Irina asked, being immediately interrupted.

"The spell affecting Julia Cassidy is very difficult to break. The potion is the only solution, but it would be useless if your teacher had not done a particular charm once a week for the last thirteen years."

"You mean she has been doing that for -"

"Thirteen years, Dulce. I don't like people repeating what I say like a parrot." She immediately changed the subject. "The project that I'm assigning you this time will only need to be delivered in two weeks -"

As usual, when speaking in class was necessary, Geno stayed silent, though she stirred in her seat. Everybody else raised their hands.

Dulce was the first to open her mouth. "But, Elektra," she said, "we leave before that."

Elektra raised an eyebrow. "Leave?"

"Yes," Half-Pint added. "For the Christmas holidays."

"Are you telling me none of you has signed up to stay for the holidays?"

"Signed up?" Dulce was confused. "You don't sign up to stay. All students spend Christmas at home."

"I see..." Elektra was silent for a while. She hadn't paid attention to the school's regulations and was taken aback. Quickly, she continued, her face a mask hiding her irritation. "In that case you will do something different, something smaller that can be finished before next week. I believe you have heard of Caius Sertorius during your History of Magic class, right? Well, I want a detailed list on the rumors and legends - rumors and legends, not confirmed facts - about his life."

***

"No, Elektra."

"Edra, have you paid any attention to what I have just said?"

The headmistress was losing her patience. "Yes, I have. You repeated the same thing five times already!" She paced back and forth for a bit, removed a lock of hair from her eyes and continued, slightly calmer. "Listen, rules are rules. I know they do it in other schools. I went to Hogwarts, and even signed up to stay there once. But it has never been done here. Students always go home for Christmas."

"But they need to stay. I was planning to continue my classes throughout this period, perhaps even increase the working time, since they will have no other classes by then."

"No, Elektra."

"Besides, they need protection."

"Oh, not this again?" Edra protested. "Listen, the attack occurred in Egypt. Egypt! You know where Egypt is? Pretty far away from here, that's where Egypt is. Anyway, I don't know why you're so worried about keeping them safe. They're special, but they're not Harry Potter."

"Harry Potter is being chased by a murderer. These children, however, are preferred targets for a parasite unleashed by Dark magic. Harry Potter will be kept safe inside Hogwarts, guarded by Dementors, while these children are about to be released into the outside world."

Edra said nothing. She was staring outside, fuming.

"Dumbledore has assigned you to this because he trusts you, and he's certain you'll keep them safe."

Elektra had struck a nerve. Edra turned to face her, in complete frustration.

"I promised Dumbledore I wouldn't let him down but I can't change the rules. You know that."

Elektra sighed. "Yes, I know."

"Then what do you suggest?"

"To look the other way, when I find a way to keep them here."

"You're not going to do something stupid, are you?"

The centaur smiled. "Trust me."

***

Finally, the last day before the holidays arrived, and an enormous feast was prepared. The tables were filled with the most amazing delicacies and (to Half-Pint's delight) an incredible assortment of candies, including a big box of Freak Chocolates for each student.

Close to the end of the meal, Magda and Tulio left their table and joined the Avises.

"We want to give you this now, before we forget it," said Tulio, giving a small pink envelope to each of them. Geno noticed that Aenor's seemed to be slightly bigger than the others.

"What are these, cards?" she asked.

"It's our gift," said Tulio.

"From both of us," added Magda. "Don't try to open it now. It's charmed to react if you try to peek before Christmas."

"Thanks, but what is it?" Dulce insisted.

"Sorry, my lips are sealed. You'll have to wait to find out. Hey, is that youngberry juice?" Magda then grabbed Aenor's goblet and took a sip of the purple liquid. "Delicious. How did you get it? We only had apple juice ourselves."

"Hey, do you mind?" protested Aenor, but Magda ignored him.

"So, how will you spend Christmas?"

"Family meeting," Dulce replied. "Me, my parents, my mom's five brothers and three sisters and their respective families. The grown-ups will get drunk and the children will get stomachaches from eating too much candy. I can't wait."

"Well, my holidays will be horrible," Aenor then said with his usual sneer, "as I'll have to spend them with him." He pointed at Half-Pint, who glared.

"Oh, like you're so easy to put up with!"

"Well, at least I don't have an ugly hairball for a pet."

"No, you've got no pets at all because they all run away from you."

"Those were accidents."

"Accidents? You tried to kill all of them!"

"I was doing some scientific experiments."

"Oh, very scientific, trying to force-feed an owl with dungbombs to see if it would explode!"

"Misters Thessaly," professor Ventura's voice was then heard behind them, "would you stop quarrelling at least for tonight?"

Half-Pint went red and let out an embarrassed "Sorry, Professor", while Aenor just became silent.

"Now, it's time to return to your common rooms. Miss Rocha, Mr. Pardal, you had better join your group."

"Yes, Professor," Magda and Tulio said in unison, returning to the Goa table, where the students were being assembled by Professor Sampaio.

As they got up, Magda stumbled.

"Is there anything wrong, Miss Rocha?" Professor Ventura asked.

"N-no, Professor, I'm just a bit dizzy. I'll get better in a second."

And the two Goas joined their housemates, Magda tripping on her legs again, and was kept steady by Tulio.

"Now, if you follow me," Ventura then said to the Avises. "We need to discuss some things about tomorrow's departure. And don't forget your boxes of chocolate."

As they got up, all five of them found that they were having trouble standing on their feet. Half-Pint lost his balance and fell to the floor, hitting his nose on the chair.

"Oh my goodness!" Ventura was alarmed. "Thessaly, are you all right?"

She helped him to stand up, but it was no use. His nose was now bleeding, but he didn't even seem to notice, his eyes staring into space.

"Mama, Aenor has put beetles in my porridge..." he mumbled almost inaudibly.

"Children, help me carry him to the hospital wing. He's not well," Ventura said to the other Avises, but got no response. "Children...?"

It was then that she noticed that the other four were sitting on the floor, their eyes as vacant as Half-Pint's. Irina looked very pale, and it seemed like she was going to throw up at any moment. Ventura looked behind her, and saw that Professor Sampaio was trying to reanimate Magda, who now looked more like a dead leaf than a person.

A thought then occurred to Ventura. Without letting go of Half-Pint, she approached the Avis table and grabbed the jar of youngberry juice. After smelling the remains, her expression hardened.

"God damn you, Elektra!" she growled.