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Seraphina C1

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CHAPTER ONE: THE FIRE MAGE’S ENTRANCE
I didn’t know what to expect when I stepped foot in Dumbledore’s office. The school was empty for the summer and cool compared to the hot temperatures outside. Only a few staff members were still around, as it was the heart of July, but I felt welcomed all the same. My family had gone here for centuries, but I missed out on my opportunities due to an illness. Now I had my chance to return to Hogwarts as a self-trained witch, able to teach numerous subjects.

“Good morning, Seraphina,” Dumbledore smiled, bowing to me slightly as he wrote with a quill made from a parrot’s feather. “Ah, I see you notice my latest find. A friend of mine went to study in Brazil over his holiday. He thought I might like an interesting quill. I plan on hiding it once the term begins. The students of Hogwarts mean well, but the mischief they think up often involves special trinkets. They rarely take from me, but something like this tends to bring out the worst in people. But you wouldn’t know about the mischievous students…,” he paused, looking up to me with a smile. “I’ve been assured that you know your subjects well by your scholars. There are some lovely names here, mostly authors. The Ministry questions your credentials, saying they’re fraudulent. You read to learn your craft; you did not perform. But their argument means nothing to me,” he smiled.

“I assure you, I did actually work with the people listed. Some are also descendants of the authors, if they were no longer alive. If they wish to test me, they can do as they please,” I suggested. He shook his head sternly, “That will not be necessary, Seraphina. The questions they wish to ask involve the other origins of your craft. You said you could never teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, but I know from your family’s origins that you would be best in that subject. Do you wish to explain your reasoning to me?”

I thought for a moment about the course, about my past. Dumbledore had seen my file, so he knew I came from two magical lines, but he did not know the origin of my mother’s line. She was a Fire Mage, as were her two sisters. They formed the Triad of Flame, a powerful group that defeated necromancers and other Black Magic practitioners in their home country. She met my father after such a mission, and the two left Romania for England. I’d lived there my entire life, struck with the Sickness of the Flame, which kept me hidden away in a fire-proof room. I had to learn to control two sets of powers at once, a common illness of Halflings like myself. It ended my parents’ marriage, leaving me to live with the Triad of Flame, reunited after practicing their type of magic was outlawed in their home country.

“I think this letter will explain everything,” I whispered, seeing Dumbledore’s patient eyes flicker as the minutes passed. He nodded in satisfaction, passing me three textbooks. All were defense-related, something I could not accept. “Sir, I apologize for disagreeing with your judgment, but I am not the person for this job. Transfiguration, potions, even herbology, are my better subjects. Defense would only get Hogwarts into trouble, I assure you.”

“I need someone to cover the classes until our new professor arrives. If you aren’t up for it, I guess I could teach the courses myself, but I can only do that for a price,” Dumbledore said with a slight smile. “I have a new professor here, a Professor Snape. No one will work with him, but he has begged me for an assistant to help sort through the mess left from before his time. He’s moving into the dungeon to teach his courses, creating more work for the unlucky chosen to work with him. So far, everyone has refused to help him. If you work with him, I will allow you to help with potions courses and study hall only, but you must practice your defense with me in your spare time. I want to know my professors and assistants better than they know themselves, and I have much to learn about you,” he winked, “though I know more than you realize already.

“I’ll look over your letter and get back to you tonight. Professor Snape is currently off campus for a meeting, but if you would like to wander the grounds in his absence, I have no protests. Just please, be careful as you roam the school, and be careful during your time here to protect your identity. I know your secrets, Seraphina, and I know that the others would not approve of your mother’s magic. I, however, disagree with them. You’ll be a valuable addition, once I figure out your workings.”

I was nervous about him investigating me, but I knew that staying at Hogwarts to learn of it would be an important mission. I allowed him to show me to my room, a tiny closet-like space in the dungeons, before taking matters into my own hands. I already knew the school’s layouts from books and stories from my father, but I also knew of its judgmental portraits and hypercritical professors, especially those that had been there longer. I would luck out with a new professor, I felt. If he had his own problems that pushed people away, then they would likely stay away from me as well.

While I’d always wanted to leave home for magic school like my father’s successful family, I always knew I’d never be able to function in normal society. My power was strong and hard to contain. If I didn’t practice daily using my fire magic, I could have random flame attacks that endanger those around me. If I didn’t practice my father’s magic, I would lose control of my wand, often producing spells ten times more powerful…and ten times more dangerous.

As I reached a tower of the school, I knew a look over the picturesque grounds would be helpful. I’d always wanted to be here, I’d always wanted a life of my own, and I’d always wanted to be successful in my adult life. Those with my power tended to self-destruct, imploding on themselves or forcing themselves into hiding or prison to keep others safe. I couldn’t hide like some of my ancestors or those that were like me. I had to participate in the world and fight for my place in it.

“Excuse me, Madam?” a voice called from behind me. I turned to see a small girl staring up at me with wide green eyes. “You can see me?” she asked, gasping slightly. I nodded to her, causing her to sit against the wall with her knees tucked to her chin. “You have to help me, you have to,” she whispered, rocking back and forth. “No one else has ever been able to see me, to help me. You must be the one. You must be,” she sighed, fading away.

I looked around the tower, frantically trying to see where the girl had gone. Nothing was there, and I began to wonder if something was ever there to begin with. I’d have to contact Dumbledore about her, I’d have to.
~**~**~
The evening meal was served around six. One table in the Great Hall was set up to hold all of the dishes, a feast in massive scale for just four people. Filch, the groundskeeper, sat at the end of the table, his body dirty from cleaning various parts of the castle. I’d followed him down from the tower when the bells tolled, knowing they must be important if they hadn’t rang all day. Beside him was Hagrid, another groundskeeper of sorts. He was a strange man, chattering about many things while no one listened. He ate more food than any of us combined, stacking three plates high in front of him and clearing them with no effort. He must’ve been one of those important people Dumbledore wanted around, especially since no one else seemed pleased with his presence.

Professor Raven Hagclaw was a high-level teacher on creatures. She only taught specific seventh-years who showed promise in lower-level courses, and most students spent their entire time at Hogwarts not knowing she was there. My father met my mother while on a trip for her to Romania to study the Necromancy Flower, a powerful plant whose origins were debated due to its demon-like qualities. It was said to lure victims towards it then kill them with powerful venom. Bodies would litter the area around it, and when predators came near, they’d raise them from the dead with powerful magic to fight for them. My mother’s people were fighting to protect them, namely to keep their magic from being used. Professor Hagclaw kept word about the Triad of Flame a secret from the others at Hogwarts, and though she never introduced herself to me, I knew she was a lovely person that I needed to get to know, once I proved myself academically to my peers.

I sat alone at the far side of the table pondering my encounter with the child. I could see her features clearly in my mind’s eye, an ability I used often to keep my flame powers in-check. While most of my powers revolved around fire, many revolved around prevention and power, especially my mind’s eye, which allowed me to see through time and space, keeping images clear so that I could stay safe. My mother and her sisters used it to find Necromancy Flowers when they were in Romania, but now they used it to check on me as I sat at Hogwarts. I used mine to check on them as well, and we exchanged smiles through the connection.

“Albus, could you sit beside me?” I heard someone say. I looked up to see Dumbledore sitting between Professor Hagclaw and myself. “It’s so nice to have a spare moment with you, Albus. I thought I’d have to return to the wilds of London without meeting with you. I got a letter this morning, a strange letter from an old colleague of mine. I want you to explain it to me as only you can,” she explained quickly, continuing to eat as she talked. Professor Hagclaw was nice to her equals, but she could come off a bit harshly to everyone else. My father had to mention this in every story about her, careful to describe her quirks. Talking too loudly and discussing things while chewing came up often.

“I had forgotten about this connection,” Dumbledore smiled, putting the letter back under her plate while she ate. “I’m sure she’d be happy to meet with you, but only after her credentials are described. Her story might prove valuable to you as well, if she decides to tell it,” he winked, looking to me carefully. “Seraphina, does all of this sound about right?”

“Oh, so this is her! I know so few people here at Hogwarts, so I thought you were just another one of the crowd,” she chuckled, her voice somehow echoing in the huge room. “That’s why you had that look of recognition. So few people recognize me as well. Last year I was told to get back to my dorms by McGonagall!” she roared, laughing loudly as she pounded the table with her fork-free hand. “I’ve been here just three years short of her. I know I don’t look that age, but I’ve been studying for so long. Albus, do you remember my first scholar? He studied the dragons in Romania, a troubled soul. He thought he’d seen a unicorn as a child but no one believed him. He was my first Muggle-born as well, but that isn’t so important is it?” she grinned. “Seraphina, I remember your father mentioning your mother to me. He’d just returned from her country, a long trip of sorts, and he was so thrilled to be with a Triad of Flame sister. He married your mother the day after he graduated, and he asked me to be a witness. Sadly, there was an attack in the countryside that I had to investigate for the Ministry, a werewolf thing of sorts, and I missed the ceremony.

“You know, he told me there could be children later. He was worried about something related to it, but only your mother seemed to be a little off-put. I see things have turned out well with you. The letter says you’re a self-study. We’ve never had a self-study at Hogwarts, have we, Albus?” she asked. Dumbledore shook his head, looking back to me carefully.

“She’ll learn quickly, I’m sure. Does the letter make sense to you now, Raven?” Dumbledore asked. She nodded sternly before going on about my father. She’d had only five students since he left, and they’d maintained contact after his departure because of his role within a Ministry sub-group that dealt with attacks. Professor Hagclaw investigated with them often in her early days, but her work with the Ministry ended because of my father’s group. They investigated everything, even wizard-on-wizard attacks. He was gone often because of his role, but I remembered every moment with him clearly.

When my thoughts broke, only Hagrid and I were at the table. I had missed my opportunity to speak with Dumbledore about the girl, but I knew his mind was elsewhere. I used my mind’s eye to see that Professor Hagclaw was leading him towards her office near the Ravenclaw common room, the house of my father. He said my mother would probably be a Gryffindor, but you could never be sure. He seemed to think we couldn’t be placed because of our abilities, but that never mattered to Dumbledore when I applied for the position of teaching assistant. He approved within a week’s time, making my mother and I very happy. She didn’t know it was Father’s idea, that he suggested I talk with Dumbledore about a job so that I could get out of the Triad of Flame’s fire salt shop. Mother didn’t even know he and I were still in contact, at least I hoped so.

I moved into the dungeons to my room. I used a fire-proofing spell on my things, delivered and stored already. I then practiced my craft, careful to remain as quiet as possible. My father assured me that my abilities would be accepted, and I knew that Dumbledore would be impressed with my skills. But many of the other professors would be offended, especially since I was a self-study. And if they found out I was a dangerous Halfling, my roles within the school would immediately end because of the bias. I had to be careful, which meant using my powers properly and quietly to keep them in check and me within Hogwarts.
~**~**~
I spent my time during breakfast clearing my head. A few more people had shown up to Hogwarts during the night, namely Professor Snape, but only Filch and I were eating when the Great Hall first opened. I had dreamed of the girl that night, namely her hallway wandering. She walked the halls, begging for people to help her, even the people within the portraits, but I didn’t know what she needed help from. I desperately needed to speak with Dumbledore about the matter, but he was nowhere in sight.

“But you had no business entering my office without my permission, Dumbledore’s orders or not! I do not put up with things like that, and you should know that Dumbledore will hear of this as soon as he’s awake! He knows better than to disturb my work!” a woman ranted. A black-haired man was taking the brunt of her wrath, eying her with silent contempt as she raged on about how important her work was. I recognized her to be Professor McGonagall, the school’s transfiguration professor and house head for Gryffindor. She and my father never got along because he proved her wrong during his second-year, and he told me to be careful if I ever needed to insult her intelligence. But I wanted the black-haired man’s coolness when listening to her raging. He had a slight smirk, a witty comeback waiting behind it on his tongue. He just needed a moment to say it, a moment to let the words flow.

“Minerva, it’s far too early for that kind of talk. Grab yourself a cup of tea and be quiet, will you?” Professor Hagclaw hissed, brushing past her and to her spot at the table. Professor McGonagall was immediately silent, but rather than join us, she stormed off to somewhere within the castle. The black-haired man’s smirk faded; he no longer had use for his witty comeback, so he sat across from Professor Hagclaw and me to begin his breakfast. “What the hell was she going on about so early in the morning? I have a stressful trip to London in three hours, and I’ll likely hear more of that when I get there,” Professor Hagclaw sighed roughly, slamming butter onto a pastry already covered with it.

“She does not appear to like the following of Albus’s orders, which is surprising considering how often she hogs his office,” the dark man replied in a low voice, grabbing a few breakfast items before sipping at his tea. “The food hasn’t changed a bit here,” he murmured, taking a large bite.

“Oh, why would they change this? Come on, it’s the best in the world compared to other magic schools. I once had slug broth soup in northern Russia. I know it’s cold there, but the food could be a bit more appetizing to outsiders, especially considering I was helping them with a minor yeti problem,” Professor Hagclaw scoffed. “Seraphina, dear, have you had the pleasure of meeting Minerva yet?” she asked sarcastically. “Your father hated that woman, but the feeling was very much mutual. I have the entire story dictated in my office, complete with your father’s drawings,” she chuckled. “I usually don’t condone students making up funnies about their professors, but that is one woman who always deserved it.”

“You worked with my father during his second year?” I asked. She nodded sternly, taking a bite of her food before replying, “And I worked with his father for that long as well. Both of them were involved with creatures in a minor business venture. The Ministry blacklisted groups like that, as many would harm the creatures they slaughtered without bothering to check for curses, but your father worked for the Ministry after getting extensive training with me. We started early to make sure he had plenty of knowledge. I have all of his work catalogued if you’re interested in the business.”

“No thank you,” I nodded, looking up the black-haired man. He was staring at me intently. “May I help you?” I asked. He nodded carefully, “I believe I’m the professor you’ll be working with. Professor Snape, Potions Master. We have a lot of work to do, starting today. I leave in two weeks for another trip, and I want preparations done for my classroom before then so we’ll have time to learn the students. All of this only matters if you bother helping me. Everyone else has run off thus far.”

“They say things about you, Severus. Your time here didn’t help your standings among them. Honestly, the evil you did with that James kid was enough to send me running when I had the chance,” Professor Hagclaw shivered. “He brought it on himself to have you against him, but was the harshness in my workplace, a place of learning, really necessary? I think now. But you’re a lovely professor, Severus. I’ve seen your work in some files I found. You’ll make a lovely potions master,” she smiled kindly.

“But only if my tasks are completed,” he said darkly, eying me carefully. “Are you up for the challenge, Seraphina, or do I need to plan on doing the tasks myself?” he asked. I shook my head sternly, “When I start a task, I plan on finishing it. Besides, Dumbledore and I have an understanding. He wanted me to cover Defense because of my studies, but I can’t do that course, I just can’t.”

“Your father was a master at defense spells, Seraphina. I’d consider the job if he’ll let you into it,” Professor Hagclaw said sternly, buttering another pastry. “We’ve never had the same Defense teacher for more than two years because of how taxing the course is. People are terrified right now, and they expect their children to learn the best countercurses they can. I’m surprised he’d choose you because of your age, but he must sense your father’s power within you. No offense to you, Severus, but I think you’re both wasting time with potions. While they’re an important component of magic, they’re almost worthless in the field, especially on non-routine calls. I’ve encountered many in my day, and let me tell you, this wand and my spell book of curses kept me and my crew safe,” she nodded sternly, drawing her wand then putting it away, all while chewing vigorously.

“Potions are dignified enough,” I whispered softly. “I have reasons why Defense isn’t the best course for me, and power…well that has nothing to do with it,” I said sternly. The two exchanged glances while I tried to eat more of my meal. Professor Snape eyed me heavily as I ate. “What, Professor?” I asked. He cleared his throat, “If Albus wants you in Defense, I’d take the position. I won’t work with someone who doesn’t want to live up to their full potential. We’ll go speak to him at once about the matter.”

Before I could protest, Professor Snape was pulling me up to Dumbledore’s office with Professor Hagclaw cheering as we left. She knew of my mother but not my ailment, I thought, and I knew that Professor Snape knew nothing because of his blank stare while she talked about my father. The answers they needed could only come from me, if I felt the desire to reveal them.
~**~**~
“Professor Snape, I was just about to go looking for you,” Dumbledore smiled, gesturing for us to take a seat, “and the same for you, Seraphina. I thought an introduction was in order, but I see you two have met. I’ll discuss your duties now, or at least the ones he added when he returned,” Dumbledore said, taking a seat at his desk and picking up a plain quill. Before Professor Snape could protest, Dumbledore read his list out loud. Professor Snape could only sit quietly and nod as he went through, the same for me. “I believe that’s settled then. Severus, do you have something to say?”

“She should work Defense instead. I will not work with someone who doesn’t work to her full ability. I cannot work with someone who will only half-attempt the work I give them,” he ranted, listing out the numerous not’s he refused to deal with. Dumbledore listened with a content smile, watching me closely while maintaining eye contact with Professor Snape. When he was finished, he nodded and looked over to me.

“I’ve finished reading your letter, Seraphina. To summarize for Severus, she explained to me her condition that kept her from studying within magic schools anywhere. She explained why certain instructional methods would not work for her, why she could only teach certain courses. While Defense was the top of her list, she also listed the various charm and curse classes we offer, as well as a few advanced courses she’d never studied before. She wanted all of this kept a secret: She has the ability to do her work without the prodding from her colleagues into her past. She’s trying to avoid judgment, Severus, just as you do with your personal matters. I respect her wishes fully, though I do wish she would explain to at least one other professor why Defense is an impossible task for her at the moment, why she’s a self-study rather than a magic school scholar and graduate.”

“I don’t care about all of that. I just want her to do what I need for her to do,” Professor Snape spat. Both Dumbledore and I nodded; the point of his explanation was to prove that I could do other tasks, that the others were beyond me despite my success in my studies. “I want her contract to be iron-clad. She is to do everything, even scrubbing the cauldrons by-hand if she needs to. I need things done, and I cannot prepare this entire course by myself.”

“I’ll sign anything you want, but I do not want to explain things to anyone yet. In fact, I need a private meeting with you to discuss something extremely important,” I begged, trying my best not to look desperate. Dumbledore nodded, “Anything to keep an important scholar of Hogwarts happy and his assistant as well. Here is the contract I transcribed after I looked over your duties again, Severus. Read everything carefully and sign here, Seraphina. When that is done, you can take it and return to your office while we discuss things.”

I read over the contract carefully, eying each word. There were no tricks, just simple instructions. I had no problem signing the piece and handing it to Professor Snape. With him gone, I finally had Dumbledore to myself. He nodded to me, telling me to begin. I told him of the girl, describing every detail, even the dreams. He nodded to show he was listening, though he stood and moved away from his desk when I finished speaking. When he returned, he had a scroll in his hands.

“She’s been seen before, but only by the most powerful of wizards. The last to see her became the dark wizard you’ve likely heard about, the one terrorizing thousands with his infamous murders. He didn’t want to help the girl, and he almost cursed her further to keep her from visiting him. She has enough to worry with without him cursing her, so I talked him out of it,” he sighed, opening the scroll and showing me the file he’d developed about the girl. “The curse has tangled her mind, making her hard to understand. The magic binding her to this state, this place between the layers of multiple worlds, is beyond my expertise. None of these powerful wizards have discovered a thing about it, and I fear she will remain fixed there for all of eternity. If someone could just break her curse, she’d never have to cry to powerful people again. She could become one herself, fulfilling her destiny,” Dumbledore smiled. “That’s why she’s there, they say, cursed by a powerful rival to keep her from growing up and defeating them. They made her younger, put her between the layers, and forgot about her, just like everyone else.”

“I want to try to save her,” I whispered, but Dumbledore shook his head. “It would take more power than I think you have, Seraphina. I know your story from your letter, and I know that you may need me to cover strange magic usage to keep your secret safe. The power you would need to free her would endanger your control, thus endangering the others of Hogwarts. I cannot allow you those risks. Pay attention to her, yes, but do not try to save her, not without consulting me first.”

I nodded in understanding. I wanted to help her, but he was right about the dangers. When I let my power build, it puts many in danger. Even if I wanted to control it to protect those in my way, it would be impossible. To save the girl, I would likely have to go that far, but it was an impossible task. I’d have to learn her first, learn her ways. Then, if everything fell into place properly, I may be able to free her.

“Professor Snape will want you first-thing, Seraphina. I suggest you hurry to the dungeons to begin your tasks. Be patient and understanding with him and you will never have to face his full wrath. He is a man of mystery, a man of power, and a man to be trusted. Ignore the rumors and be his ally. He needs saving just as much as the young girl, but both tasks will be difficult,” Dumbledore explained. I nodded, standing to leave his office. “Seraphina? Welcome to Hogwarts,” Dumbledore smiled, passing me a box. “Open it tonight when your tasks are complete.”

I nodded, placing the long, black box into my wand pocket. I left his office, entering the dungeons to find hundreds of cauldrons lined up in the expansive room. I was to clean and repair all of them by the end of the morning. It was a daunting task, but I knew to do as Dumbledore instructed. I sensed that Professor Snape needed his own sort of rescuing, and I knew that being his loyal assistant would be my best way to achieve it.
~**~**~
I spent hours working for Professor Snape, cleaning the cauldrons and organizing them all by size and shape, as many had been altered over the years by the potions created within them. Organizing his small storage room was just one of hundreds of tasks I needed to complete for him before the term began, and he wanted most done within two weeks. But the cauldron cleaning and repairing took four hours more than he wanted, and his next task of inventorying the ingredients took two more than he wanted. Nothing was adhering to his schedule, making him angry and exhausted, with me taking the brunt of this anger and exhaustion. His tasks helped me use my wand-based magic, but my fire magic lay dormant in my core, its molten heat filling me with each hour that it sat unused.

“Oh this is all wrong!” he declared, tossing a parchment pile at me. “Sort them! Sort them all!” he screamed, interrupting me from going for both dinner and fire release. “I need it done now, before I go to Dumbledore to punish this man for leaving me with such horrid records!”

“Professor, you should eat while I work. Please, we skipped lunch and I know you’re starving,” I pleaded, but he would have no part of it. I moved into the classroom, sitting at one of the desks while trying to think of a way to use my fire power without disturbing him. I lit the chandeliers high above me, namely to give me better light, but flickers of flame would do nothing to ease my inner frustration. I needed my ritual of fire, and I needed it before I boiled over from the inside.

“You have the power, the power to save me,” a girl’s voice begged. She was hovering over the teacher’s desk in front of the blackboard. She began messing with the chalk, sending dust all over the board, smearing them with pleading tears as she begged me to help her. Professor Snape heard nothing, but he did see the mess when he came to check on me. He screamed at me to clean it up, scaring the girl back into hiding.

“Professor, I need food before I do anything—“ I tried, but he cut me off with his screaming. I needed a release, a way out, before—

I felt the fire grow in my palm. The girl returned despite her fear of Professor Snape. “You have the power,” she chanted as I launched the fire into a nearby cauldron. Professor Snape stood in a state of shock as I unleashed several large fireballs into the cauldron, turning it into a red, steaming object the glared into the room’s growing darkness, as evening was steadily approaching outside. The cauldron had to be my release, and I used it well. Besides, my secret was far from out now. Professor Snape watched as I sent blast after blast into the cauldron, the balls forming before I could even call them into my palms like always. I’d waited too long for the first time in years, and I was paying the price as my power drained down to a lower level, causing me to sink onto a bench and rest my head on the table, careful to avoid the inkwell next to the rosters I was trying to organize for Professor Snape.

“You have to explain this to me before I go to Albus!” he hissed sharply, moving towards me. I shook my head without even looking up. “He already knows, doesn’t he?” he asked. I nodded. “And he didn’t bother to tell me for what reason? You’re a danger to the students, to all of society!” he screamed. I raised my head weakly.

“I’m only a danger when I can’t release the power. You are to give me regular breaks to do so from now on or there will be consequences, as you’ve just seen. I wouldn’t touch that cauldron for the next six hours if you want it to maintain its shape. If you’ll let me have some dinner to build my energy, I’ll have the rosters organized for you within the hour. But you cannot work me like a dog, Professor. You shouldn’t work yourself that hard either,” I scolded, looking around for the little girl. Now that my power had faded, her chanting had stopped. She was back to wandering the halls, I assumed, trying to hunt down the others with the power she needed.

“I’ll add it to the contract and sign it myself,” he muttered. “No one else in Hogwarts should know about this or we’ll both be kicked out by a mob of professors and students. I’m adding another line as well demanding that you explain…whatever that is to me within the coming weeks. If you have…whatever that was laying inside you, I need to know what else you’re capable of for my own safety. But I will keep your secret safe. How Dumbledore could want the role of carrying this role is beyond me, but we both have it now, and we will both protect you. If you abide by your duties, complete with regular breaks, things should go smoothly for the both of us.”

I nodded, looking to the glowing cauldron beside me. The last thing I’d taken out my buildup on was a brick wall, which melted to the ground as sheets of glass. The apartment complex’s landlord grew furious, kicking out me and the entire Triad of Flame. We then went to live in their fire salt shop permanently because there was no other choice. We could use our flame whenever then, so I never had the buildup again. I never wanted it to happen because of bad things that could occur. I didn’t want it to happen now, but my power was just too great.

When my thoughts broke, Professor Snape had delivered a plate of food for me. I ate quickly before working on the rosters. He ate alone in his office, eying me carefully through the crack between the door and its frame. His eyes wanted answers from me, but he knew better than to ask for more than he could return. His secrets floated before him, making his face scowl when they appeared. My mind’s eye saw the low whispers returning professors exchanged about him. They knew something about him, something I couldn’t understand because of my seclusion within the Triad of Flame caused by my illness. I then realized that I didn’t know of the danger Dumbledore mentioned either, the danger that existed throughout the country. I nodded to say I did, namely because my father had investigated some of those attacks, but no one had ever told me what they were or who caused them. My mother worked hard to keep me secluded. If she knew about my father’s owls that sent me letters regularly, she’d probably be even more strict. I’d always understood this level of protection, but now I doubted its effectiveness. I needed within the circle of society just as much as Professor Snape needed inside the world of a flame mage Halfling, but the exchange rate for information needed to be even to be effective. I thought of that balance as I finished my work and moved onto my next task without a word.
~**~**~
As the final weeks of summer progressed, more and more people entered the halls of Hogwarts. An entire group of Ministry officials flew into the school along with half of the professors, citing a long list of inspections required within three days. Five of those inspections would be within the dungeons, specifically the different rooms related to Professor Snape’s classrooms. The only room they hadn’t touched held the numerous textbooks the students would require, yet that was the first room on the inspection list. Professor Snape spent an hour discussing this matter with Dumbledore while I attempted to sort through the disheveled piles. He returned without any luck, causing us to work four times as hard to finish the task. Spells helped the work move faster, but we were still facing an uphill battle that seemed impossible to win.

We took a break after four hours of work, namely so I could release the power that had built up within me. After the outburst my powers showed the week before, I didn’t need to do my exercises to maintain proper levels. I’d drained myself, but now the power was back full-force, and it took two rounds to feel relief again. The fire power burned inside me until I released it, searing my inner spirit and weighing me down. Only the exercises could help, and maybe a few less Ministry inspections.

When we returned, two officials were within the textbook room eying our handy work. Several piles had toppled over due to too many books, and several more sat in unorganized stacks propped precariously against the cold stone walls. The inspectors never said anything, and their stern faces never twitched as they completed their checklists. Professor Snape remained stern and silent as well as the officials looked to their parchment to see which inspection they would do next. They chose our other four inspections. Why put off the inevitable, I thought, moving out into the hallway with Professor Snape to give them free roam of the classroom and other areas.

“The inspections are a new thing,” Professor Snape whispered when we were far enough from the door. “Fear from so many families sent the Ministry here to check for anywhere dark magic could enter. They want everything to be neat as well, but they’re namely here to target the dark arts and the murders plaguing the countryside. With so many of His people roaming, sending their children to schools like Hogwarts, I fear they have an uphill battle ahead of them. We’ll cooperate to please the Ministry, just as we always do, but you can never prepare yourself for the havoc they can cause. Dumbledore wants them gone by the end of the day. Each of the other professors agree, though a few disagree. He’s meeting with a particular whistle-blower as we speak.”

An official appeared from the classroom, nodding to Professor Snape before nodding to me. The other official then appeared, walking as he checked his lists and never looking up to us. Neither of them said a word before disappearing into the upper floors, probably targeting another innocent classroom like ours. Despite their departure, we still had plenty of work to do before we could call the room ready for students. We started again with the books, organizing them on the desks and repairing our broken stacks. Spells again helped our work, but our exhaustion from the active morning made the work slow-going. We stopped for dinner, journeying to the Great Hall with several other professors. Many had just arrived within the last day, so I caught many glances as we walked inside. The tables were organized for when the students would arrive, with four long rows for each house and one long row at the front for the professors. Professor Snape showed me our spot, two seats down from Professor Hagclaw, who was facing inspection herself.

Murmurs circled the table as more professors trickled in. The food should be appearing, many said, yet it remained hidden away in its magical home. Many professors grew restless as the time ticked on and less people flowed into the Great Hall. Finally, after thirty minutes of waiting, Dumbledore appeared with the leading Ministry official. The two were chuckling heartily as they took seats at the center of the table. Once the laughter stopped, Dumbledore called us to attention.

“I apologize for delaying dinner, but the Ministry wants us to make an announcement regarding material of the dark arts,” Dumbledore said sternly, eying the table carefully. “Any book that would be filed in the Restricted Section cannot be possessed by a professor without an official pass from myself and the librarian, Irma Pince, as well as a written order from Ministry officials. Anyone in possession of dark arts material who does not have such passes will be escorted from the school to Ministry Headquarters to face charges. The Ministry assures each of you that any disobedience will not be tolerated.”

“We’re trying to send a message to those outside of Hogwarts who wish to practice the dark arts. We’re cracking down on materials all over, and we want you all to spread the word,” the leading official sneered, seemingly oblivious that he’d just interrupted Dumbledore the great. “The Ministry will handle the publicity. You all can just follow our orders, our methods, and our laws or you’ll become the laughingstock of the school, as well as the poster child for the program.”

“I’ll allow food to be served now. Anyone with dark arts material at this moment have been informed of their illegal possession, and they are being handled accordingly. Keep this in mind for any later opportunities where you may acquire such materials,” Dumbledore warned, snapping his fingers and causing the food to appear. “Enjoy your meal, professors. In one weeks’ time, students will enter Hogwarts grounds under these new rules, and their restrictions are far greater. You are all required to keep an eye out for questionable materials or actions, and anyone who does not report dark arts possession will face the same fate.”

Dumbledore silenced then, letting his warning flow through the table. I looked around for Professor Hagclaw but didn’t see her. I wondered if she’d ever dabbled in the dark arts, especially since her work often required her to look into the dark side of the supernatural world. My father told me of bewitched creatures, under the spells of dark wizards that needed deciphering from books banned from the general public. Even though she worked with the Ministry, I assumed the new rules much apply to her as well. She’d be disciplined if those books were a part of her library, and I doubted even her role within the Ministry could save her from their witch-hunt-induced wrath.
~*~*~
Seven professors were escorted from Hogwarts, their faces dancing on the covers of numerous papers as they were taken from the stone castle. They would be transported via floo powder, but the images needed to be damning to convince the public that the arrests were necessary. Great witches like Professor Hagclaw didn’t look good being escorted by her fellow Ministry members, but it brought home their message well: The dark arts would not be tolerated, even in fields of study.

Professor Snape had me write up the rosters for his various classes, helping him plan his curriculum so he could turn it into other Ministry officials for approval. I thought the idea was preposterous, though I knew other countries controlled their education systems in such a matter. My own mother’s school was shut down two years after she left to perform magic full time, namely for errors in teaching vital subjects. She received what my father called a “horrid Muggle education,” and he found their ways of closing good schools barbaric. No magic school would be shut down for such absurd reasons, but I wondered if he was still correct. Was Hogwarts crumbling beneath us because of the iron fist of so-called justice? We couldn’t be sure. Professor Snape and I could only do the necessary paperwork and plan the necessary lessons.

Our roles as first-year educators did not help our position, yet we turned in the forms that afternoon before parting ways. He needed to take care of something off school grounds while I had to release my power, holding in in with patience as the girl skipped behind me, counting to three before jumping three times crying, “Please help me.” I knew not to bother with her at the moment, but I had attempted to do research on her. Each book sat in the Restricted Section, specifically books related to the curse placed on her, meaning it fell under the dark arts rule. The librarian refused to start the paperwork for the books: I wasn’t teaching on the subject, and the work was too extensive to let me frivolously check out the books, now under protection of a powerful binding spell.

So the girl could only jump outside my door while I sent a flame phoenix flying around my small room. I couldn’t learn more about her, and I knew she couldn’t speak. I would just have to ignore her, hoping my power didn’t grow too strong when she was near to avoid her cries and pleas for my help. While I wanted to help her, I knew the risk was too great. I wanted her to understand that too, but I didn’t have time to bother. Paperwork flew in, desperate to be filled out for the Ministry officials. I hoped the students’ arrival in a week’s time would end the torment of the Ministry, but I knew better than to expect such relief.
I know this is a pretty long chapter, but that's just how this piece turned out. I started it on the 8th of September and I finished it last night (9/15). There are 7 chapters total, and depending on feedback, I'll submit all 7 here in the coming weeks (some are longer, some are shorter than this chapter). All of them will be posted on my fanfiction.net page (See here: www.fanfiction.net/u/1825804/D… ) within the next few weeks regardless of feedback.

This is the first time I've used a "fire mage" before, but I've used the flame witch OC for years, ever since my first few fan fictions way back in the day. If you check out my other Harry Potter fanfiction on my profile (see link above), you can find my other pieces of this nature. I recommend "Snape and the Flame Witch" the most:D
(Spoiler alert: There will be another OC later in this piece with a similar background as Seraphina. I've never really dabbled outside the fire element, but the new character has a mix of two not-fire elements^^)
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