Chapter Seven, The youngest Seeker and a Cerberus

It has been a few days since Mr and Mrs Weasley had agreed to take Isadora in, the first two nights Isadora had spent in the Hospital Wing correcting all of her incorrectly healed bones. She couldn't believe how much had changed in the week she'd attended Hogwarts, not only was she loving her classes, but she had amazing friends, she didn't have to ever go back to the Dursley's and today she had her first Flying lesson this afternoon. She was nervous but she was also excited - like most of her friends and year mates - but first she needed to talk to Professor McGonagall. Pushing her lunch away from her, Isadora stood from the Gryffindor table with her bag hanging off one shoulder.

"Where are you going, Izzy?" Seamus asked, confused, he'd been talking to Ron while she was lost in thought.
"I just need to talk to Professor McGonagall. I'll be back." Izzy said as she hurried up to the Head table.
"Excuse me Professor McGonagall. Would you be able to help me with something please?" Isadora asked tentatively, as she interrupted the conversation the Professor was having with Professor Flitwick.
"Of course, Miss Potter. What is it?" Professor McGonagall asked kindly, giving her lion her full attention.
"I... I was wondering if you knew if my parents had set aside money for whoever would take me in, and if you could help me write a letter to Gringotts." Isadora explained.

"Why do you want to know?" Professor Flitwick asked curiously.
"I want to give that money to Mr and Mrs Weasley. Every year until I come of age." Isadora explained, shocking the Professors at the kind soul this young girl had after all she's been through. "They didn't have to take me in and Ron said they would decorate Bill's room too when they don't have to. I want to earn my keep even while I'm here. I can't do chores while I'm here."
"Miss Potter, I don't know what your...relatives told you, but no child should have to earn their keep. They are given some chores suited to their age to teach them responsibility but never to earn their keep." Professor McGonagall said soothingly as she masked her anger.

After the meeting they had a few days ago she had Hexed Albus Dumbledore before he was removed from the school while the enquiry was taking place. She had stepped in as temporary Headmistress as was customary as she was the Deputy while Professor Flitwick was taking over as Deputy.
"However, I will help you write your letter. I believe Lily and James had set aside some money in case anything happened to them. Write down what I tell you." The professor instructed. Quickly Isadora got some parchment, ink and a quill out of her bag, dipped the quill into the ink and looked towards her Professor.

"Dear Potter Account Manager,

I, Heiress Isadora Talia Potter would like to transfer the money my parents set aside for my caretakers upon their death to Mr and Mrs Weasley from now until I come of age or until I leave their care. Please could you inform me of the transaction details, and may your gold flow evermore.

Sincerely,

Heiress Isadora Talia Potter"

"Thank you Professor." Isadora said gratefully, once she'd finished writing.
"You're welcome. Unfortunately you won't have time to send it off now as lunch is almost over." Professor McGonagall told her.
"That's okay." Isadora replied. "Hedwig." She called, as she let out a shrill whistle. A moment later Hedwig was flying into the Hall and landed on Isadora's shoulder. "She's my familiar." She explained as she stroked her owl. "Hedwig, can you take this to the Potter Account Manager at Gringotts." Isadora asked as she tied the parchment to her leg. Hedwig hooted, gave Izzy an affectionate nip before she took off again. "Thank you Professor." Isadora said again before she skipped down the steps from the Head Table just as the bell rang signalling the start of afternoon lessons.
"Ready Izzy?" Ron asked.

"Yep." Isadora smiled. "I'll see you later Freddie, Georgie." Izzy said as she gave them both a hug.
"See you later Izzy." The twins said together, they bid Ron goodbye and headed off to their lesson.
"Let's go. Let's go!" Ron cheered, making Isadora, Neville and those around them laugh. While inside Ron was grinning at making his sister laugh, as she's been rather tense since they day everyone found out. He understood but it didn't mean he liked it, she was his sister and he cared for her. No matter how excited the Gryffindor First Years were for their first Flying Lesson there was some (Seamus) who grumbled about having to share it with the other three Houses but mainly over the Slytherins, no matter what Izzy said.

Isadora walked in between Ron and Neville chatting away as they walked towards the Training Grounds, as was usual. Hermione, who had raced off as soon as the bell went, hadn't spoken a word to Isadora and often blanked her ever since she was told off by Professor McGonagall. Percy said she would come around in time, that she was just embarrassed over her behaviour but Isadora still tried to befriend her as she felt sorry for Hermione. Though often at times Hermione didn't help herself.
"Thank you for helping me remember what I'd forgotten Izzy, Ron." Neville said gratefully. This morning Neville had gotten a Remembrall from his grandmother and the smoke had turned red but he couldn't remember what he'd forgotten.

Until, Izzy gently pointed out he'd forgotten his cloak and ran back to the Common Room with Ron to get it before Herbology started that morning.
"What are friends for, Nev?" Ron asked, grinning over at the dark haired boy.
"What are little sisters and friends for?" Isadora asked, grinning at Neville. (During their numerous talks over the last few days they had found out they were born a day apart with Neville being the elder of the two. They had also found out that Ron's birthday was on the 1st March, and Fred and George's funnily enough was on April Fools Day.) A rosy tint spread across Neville's face but he had a wide happy smile on his face.

"Thanks guys." He said happily as they reached the Training Grounds and took the remaining places in the line, Isadora in between Ron and Hermione and opposite Draco, whereas Neville was in between Ron and Dean. Before any more could be said, their Professor Madam Hooch arrived. She was a rather tall woman dressed in white and black robes, black heeled boots and a whistle hanging around her neck. She had short, white spiky hair and peculiar amber coloured eyes almost like a hawk.
"Good afternoon class." She greeted the class as she arrived.
"Good afternoon Madam Hooch." Everyone greeted their Professor in return.
"Good afternoon. Good afternoon Amanda." Madam Hooch greeted again. "Everyone, stand on the right side of their broomstick. Come on now, hurry up." She ordered. "Stick your left hand over the broom and say, 'up!'"

"Up!" Isadora cried, as she stuck her hand over the broomstick. Straight away the broom shot up into her hand, making her wobble slightly with the force, and being the first person to do so. Hermione shot Isadora an angry look when the broom shot into her hand while her own broom rolled over, opposite her Draco shot her an annoyed look when his broom came second to Isadora's.
"With feeling." Madam Hooch instructed as still many brooms laid on the ground.
"Up!" Ron said annoyed, only for the broom to shoot up and smack him in the nose. Dean, Neville and Isadora couldn't stop the giggles from escaping over the sudden movement.
"Shut up Nev, Izzy." Ron mock glared at them.
"I'm sorry Ron, are you okay?" Izzy asked.
"I'm fine." Ron assured with a small smile as he rubbed his nose.

Once everyone finally had all of their brooms in their hands Madam Hooch walked up and down the line giving instructions and correcting everyone's grip.
"Next; I want you to mount it and grip it tight, you don't want to be sliding off the end. I want you to press off from the ground hard, hover for a moment, then lean forwards slightly and touch back down. On my whistle. Three. Two." Madam Hooch said as she blew her whistle. Before the last note sounded Neville, who had confided in Ron and Izzy that he didn't like heights, had pressed off from the ground hard and was already in the air. Only his broom kept rising higher and higher.
"Neville!" Ron and Izzy cried.
"Mister...Mister Longbottom." Madam Hooch stuttered. "Come back down this instant!" She ordered while Neville's terrified cries drifted further and further away as he rose higher.

"Down! Down! Down!" Neville cried in fear. All they could do was watch as his broom shot around and bounced off of the castle walls before shooting towards them like a javelin, Neville only holding on with one hand. Madam Hooch stood in front of her students, her wand raised only for her and the rest of the class to either duck or dive out of the way. Isadora had her fists clenched so tightly her nails were digging into her palms and her hair was grey but she didn't care. She was scared for her friend, her God-brother whose cloak just got caught on a spear of a statue pulling him from the broom and ripping it. She could barely watch as he fell onto a torch bracket, his cloak catching him. Only just.
"Neville!" Isadora shouted terrified, bringing the Professor out of her shock as she whipped out her wand and slowed his fall down onto the grass.

"Are you alright?" Madam Hooch asked, as she reached the young boy, Isadora, Ron, Seamus and Dean besides her. The rest of the students soon followed.
"I.. I think so." Neville stuttered in shock over what just happened.
"Let's get you to the Hospital Wing for a check up. Up you get." Madam Hooch said as she carefully and slowly helped Neville up from the ground. "Everyone is to keep their brooms firmly on the ground while I take Mister Longbottom to the Hospital Wing, understand?!" She asked her class sternly. "If I see a single broom in the air, the one riding it will be out of Hogwarts before they can say Quidditch." She said sternly, as she helped Neville leave the grounds watched on worriedly by his friends. Not even two minutes after they had left a cold, drawling voice pulled everyone's attention to the Slytherins.

"If the fat lump had given this a squeeze he would've remembered to follow the instructions." Draco Malfoy laughed with his goons as he held up Neville's Remembrall.
"Give it here, Malfoy!" Isadora hissed, her hair turning blood red.
"No!" Draco sneered. "I think I'll leave it somewhere for Longbottom to find." He said throwing the Remembrall up and down before he got on to his broom. "How about on the roof!" He shouted back to them. "What's the matter, Pottah? Bit beyond your reach?" Draco teased, once he was several feet up in the air. Isadora glared at Malfoy and mounted a broom.
"Isadora! No way! You heard what Madam Hooch said, you'll get us all into trouble!" Hermione snapped. "Besides, you don't even know how to fly." But Isadora ignored her as she took off, flying like she was born to be on a broom.

Isadora couldn't help but laugh as she flew up to Malfoy's level, laughing even more at his shocked slacken face.
'This is amazing!' She thought happily.
"Give it here, Malfoy before I knock you off that broom!" Isadora shouted.
"Is that so?" Draco mocked, throwing the Remembrall up and down once more. Isadora flew at him trying to catch it but Malfoy dodged her and they were once more opposite each other. "Have it your way then!" He said and threw the Remembrall away from him as hard as he could. Glaring at him Isadora shot after it as fast as she could, pushing the broom to go faster and faster. Just as it was about to smash through a window Isadora caught it, spinning around a little on the broom with the force of her turn.

Unbeknownst to her Professor McGonagall was watching from inside her office as Isadora exchanged hands, holding the Remembrall close to her chest as she flew back towards the ground. As soon as she climbed off of her broom the moment she landed, the rest of classmates came running towards her cheering with Ron in the lead.
"That was amazing, not even Charlie can fly like that!" Ron cheered as he hugged her, having to raise his voice a little over all the other cheers.
"Isadora Potter!" Professor McGonagall's stern voice immediately silenced all of the cheers. "Follow me." She ordered before turning away fully expecting Isadora to follow her. Isadora shared a worried look with Ron as she dropped the broom to the floor as if it had burnt her and ran after the Headmistress.

It was silent as the pair walked through the castle though Isadora's mind was filled with horrifying thoughts one after the other. Until they came to a sudden stop outside of a classroom.
"Wait here." Professor McGonagall said sternly. All Isadora could do was nod. She was too scared and her throat was too tight for her to speak. Professor McGonagall knocked on the door of the classroom and opened it.
"Excuse me." Professor McGonagall interrupted. "Excuse me Professor Quirrell. Could I borrow Wood for a moment please?"
"Y-Yes of course." Professor Quirrell stuttered. Once the door to the classroom was shut after Wood had left they followed Professor McGonagall a little way down the corridor so they wouldn't disrupt the Defence Against the Dark Arts class.

"Miss Potter, this is Oliver Wood." Professor McGonagall introduced, not knowing they had already met. Despite that Oliver smiled politely at Isadora whose hair was slowly turning back to brown/black from the red/grey mix as her anger and fear left her. Although, it was clear he was rather confused about what was going on, as was Isadora who was terrified she was going to be kicked out and sent to the Dursleys.
"Wood I have found you, a Seeker." Professor McGonagall exclaimed excitedly.
"Really Professor?" Oliver asked excitedly, almost bouncing on the spot.
"Yes she's a natural. She caught that Rememberall at fifty in the air before it smashed through my window and spun around on the old school brooms. Charlie Weasley couldn't have done it." Professor McGonagall exclaimed.

"I want to hear you're training hard Miss Potter or I might think differently about punishing you, understand?" She asked sternly.
"Yes Professor." Isadora replied softly.
"Your father would've been proud of you as would your mother. You'll have training with Oliver tomorrow evening." Professor McGonagall told her.

***

It was dinner time and Isadora was telling Ron, again, all about what happened who was feeling rather proud of his sister. They were heading to the Great Hall after checking on Neville in the Hospital Wing. He was fine, just a little shook up so Madam Pomfrey was keeping an eye on him. He had been thankful that Isadora had caught his Remembrall and was proud of her making the team too.
"But First Years never make the House team." Ron said, amazed. "You're the first in a Century and the first female First Year, ever."
"Well done Izzy." Fred said proudly.
"Wood has just told us." George added.
"Fred and George are Beaters on the team." Ron explained.
"Thanks. I think Ron's in shock. I've explained it to him twice." Izzy teased, making the twins laugh.

"Well, excuse me for being proud of my little sister." Ron huffed making Izzy giggle.
"Oh don't be like that Ronnikins." Fred teased.
"You don't want us to use Percy's prank on you, do you?" George teased.
"What's he done now?" Ron asked curiously.
"Nothing but we have to get him back for all the times he's ignored us don't we?" The twins laughed. Ron and Isadora shook their heads laughing. As soon as they left the worry returned to her.
"You're going to be great Izzy I know it. Quidditch is great and you'll love it. I promise." Ron encouraged her.
"What if I make a fool of myself?" Isadora asked worriedly.
"You won't make a fool of yourself." Hermione said, appearing out of nowhere. "It's in your blood. Come on, I'll show you." She said as she led them in the direction of the Trophy Room.

"There." She said pointing to a trophy from the 1970s and on it under Seeker was James Potter. As soon as her eyes had locked on to it Isadora found she couldn't tear her eyes from it and nor did she want to, even as a strange feeling surged within her and tears filled her eyes. It was the first thing, first personal thing she's seen that had her father's name on it. Something that he'd won and she didn't like that it was behind a large glass case.
"Wow!" Ron gasped. "I'm sorry Izzy." He said sadly when he saw the look on her face and knew what this meant to her.
"That's what Professor McGonagall meant." Isadora said softly. "I... I don't feel like going to the Great Hall."
"That's okay, let's go to the Common Room." Ron assured wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Thanks Hermione." Isadora said softly.

Hermione smiled sadly at her as she followed the two up the moving staircases not knowing what to say. However, the trio barely got halfway up the staircase before it decided to change direction, sending them away from Gryffindor Tower.
"What's happening?" Isadora asked unsurely as the three held tightly on to the bannisters.
"The staircases change, remember." Hermione reminded them but not unkindly.
"Never while someone is already on them though." Ron argued. A moment later the stairs had stopped moving and they had ended up in a different part of the castle than they had wanted to be in. "Let's go before it moves again." Ron continued, the two girls agreed, so the three ran up the remaining steps and went through the door that stood alone on the rather small landing.

Isadora looked around them confused as they had clearly ended up in an unused part of the castle. It was dark and dusty and there were large cobwebs hanging over the statues and suits of armour. There was a sense of foreboding in the air that made the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end.
"Does...does anyone feel like we shouldn't be here?" Isadora asked cautiously.
"We're not supposed to be, this is the Third floor, it's forbidden." Hermione realised. As soon as those words came out of her mouth a fire sprang to life in the tall grate standing besides Ron.
"Let's go." Ron insisted, only for him to freeze when he heard a meow come from behind them.
"It's Filch's cat." Hermione whispered, terrified.

"Run!" Isadora hissed. "Quick, let's hide through that door!" She said, spotting another door at the end of the corridor. As they ran more and more fires sprang to life illuminating the once dark corridor.
"It's locked. That's it we're done for." Ron bemoaned.
"Oh, move over." Hermione ordered with a roll of her eyes. "Alohomora!" She cried unlocking the door. "Get in." She whispered when they heard someone coming. As they entered the room Ron and Hermione stayed by the door holding it shut and listening for Mr Filch, whereas Isadora stood a little bit away from them frozen to the spot and her eyes as wide as saucers. She knew now why this corridor was forbidden but she didn't understand why they had a Cerberus in a school?

She knew all about them from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them as she was fascinated with Magical Creatures and would love to be like Newt Scamander when she was older, so she was confused about why a Cerberus was here. Surely the Professors knew they could be dangerous, but then she saw it was on a trapdoor and her mind went to the newspaper she'd read this morning. Then what Hagrid took from the vault.
"Filch is gone." Hermione announced.
"Good job, he thinks the door is still locked." Ron sighed with relief. He did not want a Howler from his mother.
"It was locked," Hermione insisted.
"And for good reason." Isadora whispered terrified, as Cerberus started to wake up. Dogs did not hold good memories for her apart from a shaggy black haired dog although she didn't know if her mind had just made that up while locked in the cupboard.

Ron and Hermione turned to see what had frightened Isadora when they saw the three headed dog start to let out small rumbling growls that were steadily getting louder. The three screamed terrified and ran for the door with the dog right behind them. One head being a little too close to Izzy as she dived through the door.
"Push!" Isadora cried as one head was pushing against the door and had managed to get its nose out. With a huge push they were able to shut and lock the door but it rattled as the Cerberus raged against the closed door, still trying to get to them.
"Let's go." Isadora gasped, as they slowly backed away from the door. Hermione and Ron did not need to be told twice as the trio took off as fast as they could run all the way back to Gryffindor Tower.

***

None of them said a word about what happened until they entered the empty Common Room, clearly everyone was still at dinner. Although Ron and Isadora were surprised Fred, George and Percy weren't here due to Fred feeling Isadora's emotions, they guessed they were likely on their way up here now. With that thought in mind Ron exploded over what just happened.
"What the hell do they think they're doing! Keeping a thing like that locked up in a school!" Ron shouted, as the three headed up the stairs to the dormitories.
"You don't use your eyes do you!" Hermione snapped. "Didn't you see what it was standing on?"
"I wasn't looking at its feet. I was a bit preoccupied with its heads, or maybe you didn't notice there were three! And one was too close to Izzy!" Ron exclaimed.

"It was standing on a trapdoor which means it wasn't there by accident, it's guarding something." Hermione explained in a clipped tone.
"You figured it out too?" Isadora asked.
"Yes! Now if you two don't mind, I'm going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed or worse... expelled!" Hermione said in a huff and stormed towards the door leading towards the Girls Dormitories and slammed it in their face.
"She really needs to sort out her priorities." Ron said, shaking his head. He couldn't believe someone could behave the way she did.
"Yeah." Isadora agreed. "I'm gonna go to bed, goodnight Ron." She said yawning as the adrenaline drained from her body leaving her feeling drained and tired.

"Goodnight Izzy." Ron said pulling her into a tight hug before he let her go, with one final wave to each other they went their separate ways.
"You have letters." Hermione's clipped tone greeted Isadora as soon as she entered the dormitory, one hand was pointing to Hedwig and a barn owl who stood on Isadora's chair and chest of draws both holding letters, while the other hand held one of the books Isadora had let Hermione borrow.
"Thanks." Isadora said as she made her way over, dropping her bag on to her trunk. "Hi Hedwig and hello cutie." She greeted her familiar and the barn owl. Hedwig hooted and nipped at her affectionately as she relieved them of the letters.

The letter from the barn owl was from Hagrid asking if she wanted to come to tea after she finishes her lessons tomorrow, Friday, as they finish early. Smiling happily, Isadora quickly wrote a reply on the back of the letter and sent the barn owl off after giving it and Hedwig some water and food. The letter Hedwig had brought back was a reply from Gringotts which surprised her as she hadn't expected to hear back so quickly but opened it all the same.

Dear Heiress Potter,

Here at Gringotts we have conducted your enquiry and have found the information you had asked for. We discovered in your parents Will that they had set aside £20,000 Galleons per year to go to your guardians to cover all of your expenses until you are of age. The total would come half from the Peverell account and half from the Potter family account.

We have also claimed all of your investments which have been added to the certain accounts. It has also come to our attention, that your parents stated you were never to go to her sister which we have passed along to Madam Bones. If the amount is still agreeable to you then please send a reply so we can complete the appropriate transaction.

May you gold flow evermore.

King Ragnok
Head of Potter-Peverell accounts.

Isadora's eyes widened at what the letter contained. Why did no one pick up on this until now? Why was she even put into the Dursley's care in the first place? All these questions but still she had no answers. Shaking her head to rid herself of the troubling thoughts she grabbed some parchment and wrote her reply agreeing to go ahead with the transaction, and thanking him for all of his help. She of course agreed with what her parents had agreed to, she didn't know what she would've put if there was no figure so she was glad she could repay Mr and Mrs Weasley. Once the ink had dried she rolled it up and placed it in the envelope.
"Take this to King Ragnok please, Hedwig. Thank you." She said softly, giving her precious owl the attention she deserved. Hedwig hooted and took off out the open window disappearing into the darkening sky.

Isadora watched her for a moment before her watch beeped, signalling she had to take her potions. Sighing, Isadora quickly downed the revolting tasting potions grimacing at the taste as she drank her cup of water from the previous night to wash away the taste. She always kept a glass on her bedside in case she wanted a drink during the night or for this instance. Setting down the empty glass Isadora picked up her pyjamas and wash bag and went towards the bathroom to get ready for bed. It had been a long day and she was exhausted. Hopefully with a good night's sleep she'll feel better tomorrow.