Looking for precision? Look to Carnelian.

Carnelian

Professor Malfoy peeks over the edge of the desk she had ducked behind. The smoke was clearing and the shimmering grey shield her student had placed before her had protected her from the blast.

“I almost got it! It started to transfigure.” Savannah promised. Hermione stands up fully, glancing amusedly at the burn marks on the desk. Three hours into their first tutoring lesson had yielded little results.

“You have been reading the material I sent you?” She questions. Savannah nods, having finished the sixth year spell book before coming down to the empty classroom. It was now Thursday, her fifth day at Hogwarts, and a tutoring schedule had been constructed, with several teachers volunteering. This was her first lesson.

“I read all of the first through fifth year spell books in all areas, and I finished the standard book of spells for this year and the charms book as well.”

“Very good. Perhaps it is time to call it a night. You look exhausted and I’m sure you have plenty of homework to complete.” Hermione knew that Savannah was doing poorly in all areas of practical magic. In the written portions of her lessons and homework, she was excelling beautifully. It tempered to a very low, but passable, grade in most of her classes. The only classes she had O’s in were Ancient Runes, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, and History of Magic.

“Yes Professor” Savannah mumbles, pulling her hair back into a ponytail and wincing as she set her bag on her shoulder. Professor Malfoy grasps her shoulders, slightly stunned at how thin they were.

“Savannah, have you been sleeping?” The girl ducks her head, avoiding Hermione’s eyes.

“Or eating? You are losing weight, I’ve noticed.” Her voice is getting sterner, causing the girl to look up.

“I haven’t an appetite, Professor. When I cut off my magic, I can’t eat or sleep well.” The girl yawns, the bags beneath her eyes getting darker. Professor Malfoy bites her lips, knowing what she has to do.

“Savannah, I’m sorry, but we’re going to have to put you in the lower classes. You just can’t keep up and you’re failing almost every class.”

“NO!” Savannah explodes, fury crossing her face alarmingly. Professor Malfoy feels bad for the girl. She has an excellent mind, putting her in the normal classes would be a great waste.

“You aren’t up to par on the level of performance for your classes. At least with a wand, you’re not.” Savannah shakes her head, pulling out her wand and pointing it at all the objects they had unsuccessfully attempted to transfigure that night.

“Transvorto!” Savannah shouts, her eyes furrowed in determination. Professor Malfoy feels the wave of magic as it flows over the objects, watches as it prods the things into another shape.

“Savannah, did that actually go through your wand, or was it your wild magic?”

Savannah seemed stunned, her eyes wide and her wand hanging loosely in her hand. She was a lefty, something Professor Malfoy had just noticed.

“Both, Professor; I…I felt my magic. It sort of welled up, I felt as if it were cupped together with a spoon or a bowl or something and then I just…well I just threw it through my wand.” Savannah explains. Professor Malfoy claps her hands excitedly and hugs the girl lightly.

“You did it! I knew you could!” The door opens and Professor Potter and Professor McGonagall walk in. She hadn’t met Professor Potter yet, not having his class until tomorrow.

“You did exceedingly well, Savannah.” Professor Potter smiles proudly.

“Wait, so you got me mad on purpose?” Savannah demands. Hermione nods.

“Yes, we noticed that when you get angry, you tend to get stubborn. Also, I know from past experience that anger or a particularly strong emotion performs the wanted magic. And now I can raise your grade, since you finally transfigured everything you’ve needed to the past few days.” Savannah smiles and jumps up and down happily.

“No way! Oh, thank you! Thank you!” She hugs her professor tightly, pulling away after a moment. She grabs Professor McGonagall’s hand, giving it a grateful squeeze and turning to Professor Potter.

“It’s nice to meet you at last, sir. My mother told me many tales of you.” Harry colours slightly, but shakes Savannah’s hand gladly.

“I can’t wait for our class tomorrow, Miss Merlin. Who is your mother?” He inquires. Savannah falters in her grin.

“I don’t know her maiden name, but her first name was Penelope.” Harry and Hermione’s eyes both widen and they share a look.

“What did she look like?” Professor Malfoy questions. Savannah shrugs.

“Blonde hair, blue eyes, white skin. She wasn’t overly pretty, but she was nice looking I guess.” Savannah felt awkward talking of her mother, she hadn’t thought of the woman in almost eleven years.

“And she was a Ravenclaw?” Harry asks. Savannah nods.

“Professor McGonagall, do you have pictures of every prefect that’s ever been at Hogwarts?” Professor McGonagall waves her wand and a heavy book thunks onto the nearest desk. Harry and Hermione go over to it, opening and rifling quickly to some page.

“Do you think it could be her, Harry?”

“I don’t know another Penelope, Hermione. Especially one that knew me and fought in the battle.” They pause over a group of pages. Savannah and Minerva approach the desk and peer down onto the page listing the prefects for the year 1992 and also for the year 1993.

“Is this your mother, Savannah?” Harry points to one particular picture. Savannah’s chest tightens and she clenches her fists. A younger version of her mother smiles up at her, pushing her hair from her face and waving slightly every few seconds. Her hair is long and slightly curly, a few strands over her face. Her face itself is a bit more pointed than Savannah’s, but the same blue eyes shine through. The lips are a match as well.

“I never knew she was a prefect. Or a Head Girl.” Savannah whispers, touching the edge of the picture slightly, her fingers trembling.

I love you, Savannah! Run! Hide! Savannah sucks in a breath as she hears her mother’s last words.

“I have to go!” She chokes out before turning and fleeing from the room, the door slamming so hard behind her that it creaks back open. Minerva has a hand to her mouth, sympathy and pity for the poor girl on her face. Hermione and Harry exchange another glance.

“Why was it never reported that Penelope had married?” Hermione asks herself. Harry taps his chin, ruffling his hair from the back and nodding.

“I’m sending an owl to the ministry. And to Percy. Maybe he’s heard from her.”

“Wait, Harry, Hermione, you don’t understand.” Minerva stops them, her face withdrawn.

“What is it?” Hermione asks, slightly impatient. Where were her parents?

“I never told you the full contents of Savannah’s letter five years ago. You see, she revealed to me that her parents had been murdered when she was five by death eaters. That is why she’s been to so many places and is so wild.” Professor McGonagall admits at last. Hermione covers her open mouth while Harry starts pacing again.

“Why were their murders never reported?” He demands.

“I do not know. After she disappeared, I decided to not investigate. I hadn’t wanted to involve myself. I should have, I know that now.”

“I’m sending the ministry a letter for sure now. I will see you guys tomorrow. Good night.” Harry leaves quickly, muttering under his breath. Hermione leans against the desk, looking down at the book once more.

The smiling girl’s photo still waved, the name shining beneath causing Hermione to catch her breath in mourning.

Penelope Clearwater

Prefect 1991-1992: Head Girl 1993

………………………………….………………………………….………………………………….………………………………….……………………

Last Minute Note:

And the final chapter for the day! :D How are you guys liking it? I know it’s a bit slow right now, but it picks up soon. There is so much planned for this, prepare yourselves for quite a wild ride. >:)