Owl Eyes

OWL EYES

Chapter Four:

Talents and Teachings

And the rain shall cleanse you

Let all worries slip away

Time weaves tales true

As each dawn brings forth its day

The butterfly goes free

He's happy with his fate

He doesn't play with destiny

He changes while we wait

From him we too shall learn

Lessons born of great need

For in the fire we shall burn

If these words we do not heed

The plans have been laid out

The road ahead is set

Walk forward without a doubt

And your life you won't regret

The owl had flown long. She had traveled all night. It was often that way though. She didn't like to be parted from her girl. The journey had been tiring but she was accustomed to the work and knew she would get a lengthy rest before she was required to deliver again.

****

Sapa came to me at breakfast. I hadn't expected a reply from my parents so quickly. She landed gently on my shoulder, as was her custom, and I removed the letter that was tied to her leg. I fed her several pieces of bacon and she ate them greedily. The flight had been long and I decided she must be both famished and exhausted. She drank water from my goblet and then took to flight.

I had been ignoring the conversation which passed between my friends. I was concerned about the health and safety of my owl and once I knew she would be fine my attention shifted to the letter I had received.

Dear Lucinda,

We miss you a great deal. Your father has been very busy at work. I've been busy too but not quite so busy as he has been. The house seems empty and I miss our lessons and discussions at the dinner table. Are you finding that your education is at the level of your peers? I hope you aren't to far behind. I hope we taught you enough of the right things. I know I wasn't a school teacher, nor was your father, but we did the best we could under the circumstances. Headmaster Dumbledore promised that he would contact us at once if you were to need extra tutoring by the Hogwarts professors. Since he has not done so I assume that everything is going fine with regard to your studies.

We are considering moving to England. We wouldn't have jobs but the fight against Voldemort needs all the help it can get. I am not so sure about leaving home, it's all your father and I have ever known. He is braver than I. In fact, he was the one that mentioned the move in the first place. I doubt we will do it though, it is just a thought. Finding jobs might pose a challenge since we would be foreigners and the British aren't to fond of Americans. Perhaps their ministry is looking to strengthen its ranks though, but I've heard they are still in denial of the evil that threatens their every dawn.

Your father is working late again tonight. The house is quiet and empty without you here. My hours at the ministry have been much shorter than his.

How was your detention? You'll need to be more careful around some of those professors. Don't give them cause to discipline you. I should think your father will be pleased to hear about the detention. He was a trouble maker in his day. If that other professor gives you too much trouble please let the Headmaster know. He is a good and fair man.

MS. Paulson down the road fell and broke her hip. It is rather sad. They have moved her to a nursing facility until she can care for herself again. I hope she will recover fully. I've been taking care of her little dog along with that odd man who lives next door to her. That little dog is quite spoiled you know. It is unfortunate you aren't here to help with him.

Well I best close for now. I have some things to do around the house and your father will be home any minute. I'm sure he'll write to you next time.

Love, Mom

I put away the letter after deciding that I would keep the letters from my parents to make a scrap book with later. I then engaged in some polite conversation with my friends though I wasn't really in the mood for talking. I was thinking about my family. I hoped my father wasn't working to hard. Would they really move to Europe? I supposed it didn't matter. I wouldn't see them anymore than I already did.

As I pondered the lives of my parents another letter was dropped at my plate. I knew immediately that it wasn't from Sapa because she delivered mail to me directly which prevented me from having to search about for letters. I had heard this letter land on my plate with a ping though. Hearing it had made it easier to locate. I opened the letter and muttered "Audiosolus Recito" as I tapped the parchment with my wand.

The note read:

Dear Miss Lee,

I would appreciate it if you could come to my office just after lunch. You may miss part of your class, but I have already notified Hagrid. This parchment is charmed to lead you to the entrance to the office. You will not need a password as I will be expecting you.

Dumbledore

Why did Professor Dumbledore want to see me? Had Snape spoken to him? Was I in trouble already? I couldn't believe what I had read.

Probably sensing the thoughts of dread which swarmed inside my head Hermione asked, "Is everything okay, Lucinda?"

"I er um," I stuttered.

"Who is the letter from?" Ron asked, becoming interested in the conversation.

"D Dumbledore," I replied.

"Really!" Ron exclaimed.

"What does it say?" Harry asked.

Unable to speak I pushed the letter across the table. Harry read it so quickly that I was not prepared for his response.

"Wonder what Dumbledore wants?"

"Let's see," Hermione said.

"You don't think, I mean this can't be about Professor Snape and yesterday, can it?" Ron asked.

"Maybe," I said.

"I don't think so," Harry said. "Besides you haven't even served your detention yet.

"Maybe he talked to Dumbledore and you'll be serving detention with him instead," Ron suggested.

"Not likely," Hermione said. "Maybe it's good news. There's no reason to jump to conclusions."

It was easy enough for Hermione to feel relaxed about the letter I had received from Dumbledore. She wasn't the one that would be going for a meeting with the headmaster. She hadn't transferred to a new school and traveled halfway around the world to do so. She wasn't amongst strangers, away from her parents, sightless and nervous. Though she had been some of these things once she wasn't anymore. How could she begin to step into my mind? How could she even imagine things from my perspective? She simply could not. It seemed that people were always trying to do this to others. The success, though some would believe differently, was minimal. It was better to listen to the thoughts of one's friends and show empathy.

The hours before my meeting with Dumbledore passed quickly. Transfiguration was uneventful except Neville had turned his tea pot into a turtle instead of a book. We would start on human transfiguration soon but first we had to practice several other spells and learn to add more detail to the things we had transfigured. I practiced by adding a line drawing and fancy lettering to the cover of my book. This was complicated as I could not visualize them in my head, but somehow I managed it and earned lavish praise from Professor McGonagall.

In charms we worked on creating and directing fire. We had to make a fire ball levitate into the air to light candles which were suspended there. When it was my turn Professor Flitwick held the candle in front of his face and talked to me while doing so, so that I could light it. I considered this rather brave of him. I had no trouble with the spell. I had been able to direct and play with fire for years. It was a talent that was passed down from my father's side of the family. He was a master of the elements, a gift that was both feared and coveted by others. I could have moved the fire just with my hand, making it expand like a bubble blown from gum out parted lips, but it was wrong to show off my gift. I couldn't just run around playing with the elements, my open palm carrying out my will. I used my wand and completed the task just fine with it. I longed to make the fire dance though, but this was neither the time nor the place. The gift was better kept a secret from others.

Neville, of course, had set the robes of several students on fire. They had to be repaired with a charm cast by Professor Flitwick, and although the professor was known to be kind, he did take a few points here and there because of Neville's mishaps.

Hermione took great pleasure in changing the color of her flames. Ron informed me of each color change, whether I was interested or not. Harry had fun sending flames at Ron and the two ended up playing a loud game of levitate the fire ball which resembled something like a muggle game of catch.

I had grown bored of the lesson quickly, and when I sat down to rest, my thoughts strayed to Dumbledore once more. I hoped the talk would be short and not involve anymore punishments for my actions.

Finally lunch had come and passed uneventfully. I had eaten little and repeatedly asked Hermione if Dumbledore was still seated at the head table. I couldn't be in too much of a hurry to meet with him, for if I had left to soon he would not yet have returned to his office. When Hermione informed me that the headmaster had left I headed toward his office knowing that my travel time would be much longer than his.

He was true to his word, the parchment was a competent guide through the maze of the castle. Its pull even ceased at one point just before a staircase moved. Luckily I had the sense enough to pause and wait for further direction. I traveled in areas of the castle which I had not yet seen and was glad to have the parchment in hand. Perhaps Dumbledore would teach me this spell and I could use it to find other places. If things went well I decided I would ask him about it.

When I reached the entrance to his office it was already open to allow me passage. I stepped onto the stairway and it spiraled upward. I considered that it must be quite fancy to do such a thing.

At the top of the stairs I stepped through an open door into a large spacious room. I could hear the feathers of a bird rustle, faint snoring from more then one person and feel the sunlight pouring through the window. Surely the office was filled with wonderful things. I wished that I could touch them all one at a time.

"Miss Lee, do come in," Dumbledore's voice said from across the room.

I walked forward, located a chair with my cane, then promptly sat down.

"How has your stay at Hogwarts been thus far?" he asked.

"Mixed I suppose," I responded.

"Oh, and why is that?"

"Well, I've already earned myself a detention from one professor and the disfavor of another."

"I see," he said. "Detentions are given out like candy on Halloween to many students in the school, and by certain competent, but perhaps overzealous, professors."

I nodded. Had he just made fun of Snape? Was he suggesting that the company I chose to keep would influence how often I got in trouble? That was something my mother often told me, and when she said such things my father would simply laugh.

Dumbledore continued, "I believe that the other professor you speak of holds some bitterness to much of the world. In fact, I am certain that you are not the only student that will have difficulties with her at times. It is unlikely that she will act upon her ill feelings, however." He stopped but it seemed that if I had questioned him, or had the situation been right, he would provide me with more information about Regina Wiggins. I wasn't sure that I wanted to learn more so remained silent.

"My reason for calling you here this afternoon is not one related to your studies, however interesting your experience has been."

I leaned forward in my seat filled with anticipation. Why had he asked me to come then? It couldn't be bad news, he didn't seem upset though his tone was quite serious.

"May I ask why, then?"

"It is in regard to the order of the phoenix."

"The order of the phoenix? The group of wizards and witches working to defeat Voldemort?"

"That very same," he replied in almost a whisper. He didn't need to speak loudly, he had my full attention. "I would like to ask you to join the order." My jaw dropped noticeably. "I am certain that you understand the extent of your talents and what their value might be to the order."

"Yes, sir," I began, "but I'm not even an adult yet. I haven't had proper training. I've just been schooled by my parents. I've never had any dealings with Voldemort. I don't see how I could be helpful in my current state, I mean I'm blind, and my training...well...it has yet to be completed."

"Ah but you have abilities that surpass many who currently serve within the order. Your blindness does not hinder you, it simply presents challenges and would add a very valuable perspective to things." He paused and I took a moment to let the information sink in. "Your parents are quite talented and will more than likely serve in the order as well should they choose to relocate to England or Scotland."

"You know about them relocating?"

"Yes, your father has contacted me regarding possible opportunities for employment here."

I sat quietly thinking. My father really was serious about moving then. I wondered if my mother knew that he had contacted Dumbledore. Would Dad offer his services and assistance to Dumbledore and the order? He could be shunned for his abilities, but then again, perhaps he could light Voldemort or some of the death eaters on fire, and just maybe that was the solution for ridding the world of its current evil.

Dumbledore was speaking again. "You need not decide what you will do right away," he said. "There will be a meeting of the order in a few days time and you must decide to serve or refuse the offer by that day." He leaned forward in his seat. "I do not expect anyone to take such a decision lightly. It could mean injury or even death to you or a family member. The work is difficult and the training will be quite involved. You would, however, be excused from some amount of your school work as the order business is both more important and should prove to be more educational for both yourself and Mister Potter."

I nodded and thought some more. This decision would change my life for sure.

I could not walk away from what I considered to be the light. It was my duty to do the best I could to bring light into the world. Voldemort could not win. He was unfit to take over and I could not stand by and watch others fight for my freedom from the darkness. I had a responsibility and I needed to follow through with it. My talents would not be wasted. I couldn't let them be. Whatever light was mine to usher in, I would call upon it now. When the side of darkness pressed its evil hand against the wall of light it would not push through. The light meant strength and I would walk with it, hand in hand. I would let my rain and thunder, fire and water, be of use to the order. From this day forward I hoped my blindness would lead the soldiers of the phoenix to a new level of understanding. This would be my gift, a life's journey, for wizardkind.

I stood, and with one large inspiration I pulled every molecule of courage and resolve I could muster, into my lungs. As these called upon traits traveled to every cell of my being, I drew myself up straighter.

"I will serve," I said with determination.

"Thank you, Miss Lee," Dumbledore said offering his hand.

"He can't take over the world. We can't live in fear and darkness," I replied.

"The battle will be long," Dumbledore said. "We meet in three days time to discuss plans and rehearse certain communication related spells that will be quite useful in the near future."

I nodded. We said our good-byes and I left the Headmaster's office feeling altogether different from how I had felt when I had entered it.

I thought of the lives that would soon be lost. The days of war were not long off. They had started four years ago as the dark lord searched for a way back into a normal existence. In the depths of Hogwarts School the boy who lived had fought against the shadow of the evil that hunted us now. The boy had won, but he would have to win many times over. It was not only his fight though, and I could imagine the blood as it spilled from wounds not yet opened. Many had already died in this war, lives so valuable to those who had given them and their loved ones, but they were few when compared to what the future would take. I could not see the outcome with my eyes nor my mind, but I could feel it in my heart, and hoped greatly that I was not mistaken.

***

After dinner I told Hermione, Harry and Ron about Dumbledore asking me to join the order of the phoenix. The reaction was mixed. Ron was worried I'd get myself killed and unsure of how I would fend off death eaters. Harry was glad he didn't have to be the only "freak." Hermione found it exciting and offered to help me with any research I might need to do. Once they had responded with their initial reactions everyone wanted to know just why I had been chosen to serve in the order.

"Well, I'm not really sure how much I should say."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

"Well I have certain abilities," I began, then stopped. "I'm not sure that I should really talk about any of this."

"We won't tell anyone," Ron said.

"Some people think it is abnormal, so I don't often bring it up."

"Well I'm a parselmouth and how much more creepy can you get?" Harry said jokingly.

"Yeah we won't just abandon you because you're different," Hermione said. "Besides most people are just completely stupid about these things."

"Alright, but this is all just between us until there is some reason for others to know."

"Okay"

"Yeah"

Agreed"

Ron, Harry, and Hermione replied one after the other.

"I can do some wandless magic, quite a lot actually, and I can control the elements to some degree."

"Really!" Ron gasped excitedly.

"That's tons more useful than being a parselmouth," Harry said.

"I've read about that," Hermione said. "It is really rare to have both traits in one person and it is almost always passed down through generations."

Before Ron could make fun of Hermione I said, "It comes down through my father's side. He uses the talents a lot in his job as auror with the ministry."

Satisfying their curiosities had been easier than I had expected. They really were true friends. So many other people had rejected me because of my talents. Being blind seemed to be simple compared to having the ability to make a raging wind go hurling passed. It was usually easy enough to hide the fact that I rarely needed a wand. I simply used one anyway. My father had learned, and then taught me, that it was better to keep our gifts a secret and that way surprise others at times of need. It was not something to be on public display for all the world to see. He had commented that Voldemort would do his best to get someone with our talents to join his army. I wouldn't join. He could kill me first, but I would never bow to him or his will. Evil had no place in my life accept for where it balanced the light. I began to wonder what a world without Voldemort would be like. I was sure there was other evil but perhaps none so terrible as he who must not be named. And because he was so evil I had to name him. I couldn't go on being in denial of his existence. My mother had taught me that. Name your enemies and face them is what she always said.

I pulled myself away from my thoughts long enough to remember that I had detention with Snape. I jumped to my feet and quickly told my friends where I was going. I seemed to already know the way to the dungeons and I was grateful for that because I was late.

I knocked on Professor Snape's office door.

"Enter," he said from behind the door.

I walked in.

"You are late, miss Lee."

"Yes sir, I am sorry."

"Has your little friend Potter with his inconsiderate nature rubbed off on you already?"

"No sir, it has been a very long and thought provoking day and I was just considering a few things and lost track of the time."

"Well what could be so important as to occupy one's thoughts so thoroughly that time is no longer of importance?"

"The order of the phoenix," I said plainly.

"Miss Lee, I advise you to be careful of to whom you mention such a thing."

"I didn't realize the order was a secret. Dumbledore never said I should be cautious."

"Well he is getting up there in years and things just seem to slip his mind every now and then, sometimes important things." He shuffled some papers on the desk. "There are the children of death eaters in this very school," he continued. "I wouldn't want you mentioning your status in the order to the wrong person so do be careful, Miss Lee."

"Yes sir, I will," I assured him.

He leaned across his desk. "There are a great many who would like to kill a person such as yourself," He said, emphasizing the word kill. I shivered. "I am well aware of your abilities as Dumbledore notified a few of us select professors before your arrival but I don't suppose you would want others finding out."

"Uh, no sir," I said. Then admitted, "I did tell Harry, Ron, and Hermione since they are my friends but asked them to keep it a secret."

"Hopefully they will have enough sense to do so," He said rising from his chair. "They do seem to stick together as a group though so I might not worry too much. If others find out you'll just have to exercise even more caution."

He swept passed me and through the door. I followed.

"We will be working with ingredient identification for the next three evenings," Snape began. "I believe you had some trouble with it."

"I did bring my Braille labeler and could label my ingredients," I suggested.

"What in Merlin's name is a Braille labeler?" he asked.

"A muggle tool that makes raised dots to be read with one's finger."

"The other students must identify most ingredients by sight and you will learn the same by using your sense of smell and touch. Of course, some ingredients are rather poisonous if you were to touch them so labeling will serve as a good complement. Now we shall begin and I do not plan on giving you the opportunity to blow up my classroom again."

The drilling went on and on with me identifying plants and listing their properties and problems I may have when using them in potions. Snape wanted perfection and the night grew late. I was finally excused at eleven. I walked sleepily back to the tower realizing that I had not yet finished the muggle studies or the history of magic homework.

I stayed up late that night. My books were spread across the table and the quill wrote as fast as my thoughts could be formed. I began to wonder if the writing got more sloppy the more tired I grew. At three in the morning I finally crawled into bed, completely exhausted.