Chapter Text
'Lady Potter,
With the permission from Lord Malfoy, who we've come to understand is your proxy, we finally had the chance to get in contact with you. We'd like to request a meeting between you, Lady of your house(s) and Lord Malfoy, to discuss more on what you wish to change about Hogwarts. We're more than willing to accommodate you and have your welcome into the wizardry world more than pleasant. A day with less classes would be preferable as we hope to not disrupt you from your studies, please get in contact with us after Hallows' Eve and we can set up a time and date appropriately.
Thank you for your time.
Signed Cornelius Fudge, Head Minister of the Ministry of Magic.
Maeve smirked as she read the formal letter sent by the minister himself, it seems the greedy man is indeed a corrupted individual who craves the power that comes with being associated with those of higher standing. With him scrambling to please her and assure that she feels more than comfortable, it'll be all too easy to have the grimy man eating from the palm of her hand. Especially with the backing of the Malfoy Lord who gives such generous donations, it'll be like taking candy from a baby.
She folded the letter and placed it in the large pocket of her robes, a pale hand reaching upwards to pet the serpent that laid upon her shoulders as she gazed into the flickering flames. Loki insisted having him up would give her a much more intimidating aura, she quite liked seeing the look of fear that momentarily flashed across the faces of those that interacted with her. Maeve even revelled in the irritation and disgust that always managed to break through Dumbledore's grandfather facade, it amused her greatly.
Maeve rummaged through her bag and pulled out a book about wizardry holidays, specifically that in which falls upon October thirty-first. Samhain, a time to honour Hecate and welcome in the Harvest. She began reading, ignoring all sounds around her as she submerged herself into the words.
'Samhain is the final and most well-known and ancient of the eight sacred days. Celebrated after sunset, Samhain means "summer's end." It marks the darker half of the year, ruled by a time of death but also rebirth. The veils between the two worlds draw to their thinnest on Samhain Eve, and time and space become fluid. This is the best time of year to contact and honor one's ancestors.
The mysterious rune of Ihwaz, meaning "yew", represents life and death in its entirety. Symbolizing Yggdasil, the World Tree or The Tree of Life, Ihwaz opens one's inner magic pathways to achieve enlightenment and even the power to recall past lives. This rune is particularly powerful with the assistance of Scorpio in the sky, as well as the ability to harness all four elements.
The tradition of Samhain consists of a runic ritual and a feast, as most sacred day celebrations do. However, the effects of this ritual last long after the feast. Opening the door of the veil allows our ancestor's spirits to accept our offerings, then bestow knowledge from beyond the veil; this wisdom could range from a prophetic vision to knowledge of one's past lives, other times some do not gain much from the experience.
To begin the ritual, gather lilac, mugwort, roots of a pine tree, and fly agaric and arrange them as kindling for the fire in the center of the ritual platform. Next gather ash, oak, yew, and willow to build a small fire on top of the kindling. For this ritual the caster must stand outside of the runic circle, the fire will take their place in the center. Make sure that the fire does not touch the outer lines of the caster circle, the offerings of apples and other food/drinks will be presented in front of the southwest face of the fire. Next, representations of the four elements will be placed in their respective direction. A bowl of water to the north, a red candle to the south, a bowl of soil to the west, and four different colored feathers of the fwooper bird to the east. These will all be placed on the "sacrificial line", the middle line of the runic platform circle. Finally the runestones will be placed in their respective directions on the "outer rune line" (*see ritual diagram #1). For this ritual you will need four Ihwaz stones, as it has four directions. The north will hold an Ihwaz stone and a Laguz stone. The south will hold a Kenaz stone and an Ihwaz stone. The east will have the stones of Ansuz, Raihdo, and Ihwaz. To the east will be the Othala and Ihwaz stones. Finally, the Inguz stone will be placed to the northeast. The caster will stand in front of the Inguz stone for this ritual, leaving the southwest for the spirits to enter the ritual.
The feast will consist of elements of garlic, leek, and selfheal (mint); these are all elements of some of the runes being used. There should also be nuts and many forms of apples; apples represent the food of the 'underworld', and nuts represent wisdom. Beef will be present at the feast as well; the ancient form of this ritual was practiced around the same time as the harvesting of cows for the winter, and bovine have since been associated with Samhain feasts. During the feast, the seat at the head of the table will be left empty for the ancestors. Food and drink will be served and placed on the table in front of the seat. Finally, primrose flowers and red candles will be used as decoration for the feast table.
The caster will stand in front of the Inguz runestone in the northeast, facing the southwest. Both the caster and any others participating in this ritual will not be allowed onto the platform, additionally they may not cross the Ihwaz barrier during the ritual; this barrier is an invisible line that stretches from the west Ihwaz stone to the south Ihwaz stone((****see ritual diagram #4)). The fire in the caster circle will be lit by the caster, by magic from a distance (once the fire is lit the ritual begins and no one must be on the platform for the ritual, thus the necessity of lighting the fire from afar), then the ritual will begin. After the caster lights the fire, they will continue holding their wand directed at the fire pointing southwest throughout the ritual.
Caster: "We are gathered here at summer ends
the time when the veils between worlds become the
Thinnest.
At this, the beginning of the dark half of the
year, time and space are fluid.
We gather here to honor those who have come before
Us,
and to seek enlightenment from those who have past beyond
the veil.
With this, we acknowledge and open the door of the
veil.
(All should
feel a heavy sense of magic stirring in the air)
I invoke Raido, rune of movement, to aid us on our
soul's journey through time's fluid stream.
(Raido will glow
bright red when invoked)
I invoke Ansuz, rune of the messenger, to aid our
communication with our ancestral line
through the transmission of breath.
(Ansuz will
glow dark blue when invoked)
I invoke Kenaz, rune of the torch, to aid us on our
quest for truth and knowledge from those who came
before us.
(Kenaz will
glow light red when invoked)
I invoke Othala, rune of the homeland, to aid our
ancestors in finding their way home to us.
(Othala will
glow yellow when invoked)
I invoke Laguz, rune of unity, to aid us in our
Connection
with our ancestors and understanding of the unity
of all life.
(Laguz will
glow dark green when invoked)
I invoke Inguz, rune of energy, to aid us with our
integration of our physical, emotional, mental, and
magical selves.
(Inguz will
glow yellow when invoked)
And I invoke the mysterious, powerful, and ancient
Ihwaz, rune of the yew.
With your power of the tree of life, master of both
life and death
we ask that you consecrate this ritual and guide
magic to us;
so mote it be."
(Once the
final word is spoken, all Ihwaz runes will glow magenta)'
"Maeve?" The green eyed girl blinked before turning her attention away from the book and looking at the smiling blonde in front of her. "Have you come out of your little world?" Daphne asked with a teasing look.
"Hm?" Maeve closed the book gently and slowly stood up, careful not to jostle Loki too much. "Sorry, the book is quite informative. I'll have to be sure to thank Sirius for allowing me to read from the Black Family's private library. Thank goodness he listened when Remus and I convinced that throwing it all out would be a crime against humanity. Though, I do understand why he was reluctant in keeping them." The dark haired girl shook her head and looked back at the blonde. "Was there anything you needed? I was under the impression you were planning on continuing to follow Quirrell around."
Daphne nodded with an exasperated expression. "Blaise and I were doing just that when professor Snape found us, he said to let you know that Dumbledore wanted all houses to report to the Great Hall as he had an announcement. We've already seen McGonagall ushering stray Gryffindor's that way, Blaise is already there with Draco and Theo along with a few of the Slytherins that were either in the Library or the courtyard."
Maeve pursed her lips and gently shook Loki awake.
~What do you want?~
$No need to be grumpy, I was only going to asssk if you wished to join usss in the Great Hall or if you planned on waiting in the dorm?$
~What isss the reassson for this quessstion?~
$Dumbledore requesssted usss all to be presssent for an announcement.$
~Take me along, I'd like to hear what thisss fool sssaysss.~
$Very well, I better not hear you complain about annoying children. Remember you chossse to come.$
~On sssecond thought, leave me here.~
$Too late.$
With a flick of her wrist a bright light flashed and captured everyone's attention, they all looked at her leader and waited for what she had to say. "Students from every house have been asked to make their way to the Great Hall, Dumbledore has something he'd like to say. I'm not sure what this is about but I'd like you all to be on guard and to be on your best behaviour." She nodded once everyone agreed. "Let's go.
~~~~
Maeve shivered in disgust as the expression on Dumbledore's face, it was strange and she was sure the old coot was planning something. And it was most likely going to involve her, she really ought to get a restraining order. Do they have those here?
She allowed Daphne to gently pull her towards the empty seat between Draco and Blaise while the blonde female sat beside Theo. "Why aren't the others sitting with us?"
"Dumbledore firmly stated he wanted all students to sit among their houses, McGonagall made sure to enforce it. She nearly gave the Weasley's a detention when they tried to argue." Draco replied with an eye roll, quite annoyed with the adults in their lives.
Blaise rolled his neck before turning dark eyes towards Maeve. "They're merely fishing for something to control. Seeing as they can't control you for rather obvious reasons, they're going for the next best thing..your people. I believe they feel as though if they separate us from you then you have no backing. Dumbledore is likely going to try and push you into a corner and force you to rely on him."
Maeve felt her eye twitch, her magic thrummed as it itched to be released. The only reason she hadn't lashed out was because Loki(who remained upon her shoulders) was soaking out her anger and keeping her calm. A good thing too because she was very close to snapping. "That old fool, if he dares try anything as idiotic as that I'll have his head on a silver platter for the world to see." She hissed quietly under her breath.
"First of all, I worry about the way Blaise's mind works and second...Maeve, darling, you should calm down. I can practically taste your anger and with the way Dumbledore has looked over here multiple times, he can see the effect he has on you. Relax." Theo said, his voice soft and soothing. His blue eyes were gentle as he gazed upon the furious girl.
Her shoulders slumped, tension leaving her small body. Theo was right, she shouldn't allow the man to see her so worked up. "You're right, thank you."
Loki relaxed as well when he noticed how quickly she let her anger leave, it was a good thing since he didn't have to worry about an earthquake breaking out. He was also glad she hadn't gotten angry enough that she broke through the barrier he placed around her, the last thing they needed was more trouble.
A loud clap caught their attention, Dumbledore stood before them all with a jovial smile, the very sight of it made Maeve want to throw up. "Thank you all for coming, I know you'd all like to spend time with yourselves but there are a few things I'd like to discuss."
There's always something you'd like to discuss, you old fool, Maeve thought viciously, I'm beginning to think you like the sound of your voice.
"Tomorrow is Halloween, a time to celebrate and experience fun. A feast will take place here and you may wear costumes, anything inappropriate will garner you a detention. We'll have classes as usual tomorrow, costumes will be worn after your last class and the feast will take place during dinner. There is to be no students out and about during those times, it is a time of celebration and we will celebrate together." His eyes twinkled as they landed on Maeve, the bastard knew she was planning something then. She glared at him as his eyes finally left her and swept across the room. "Anyone failing to follow those rules will receive detention. That is all, you may either remain here or return to what you were doing before."
Maeve stood up, she was quite annoyed at the man for attempting to put a stop to her plans but it couldn't be helped. Besides, it wasn't like she didn't create backup plans in case a situation pops up. She was always a few steps ahead, after all. "Slytherins, you may all do as you please as long as none of you cause trouble." She waited for them to leave before turning to her friends. "I need to head to my dorm, there is something I need to discuss with Padfoot and Moony. Try and make sure no one bothers me in the meantime, please."
"Of course, you can count on us." Theo said with a kind smile, flushing when she returned the gesture. He still hadn't gotten used to her beauty.
Draco placed his hand on her shoulder. "Try not to miss dinner, you need to eat. Don't forget you're still human."
"Of course, my darling. I'll see you all in a bit."
~What do you plan to do?~
$I need to let Padfoot and Moony know we'll be doing plan D instead of A.$
~I sssee.~
Maeve was adaptable and she was always prepared. She had plans and backup plans, she even had backup plans for the backup plans. Nothing was going to stop her or get in her way.
She always got what she wanted eventually.
~~~~
Her dorm room was empty, good that her roommates hadn't bothered returning. She had things to discuss alone, no need for prying ears and gossipy mouths. Though she doubted Pansy would ever want to spread gossip that could potentially earn her the ire of Maeve, she already knows how painful punishments could be.
She let Loki down, placing him on his favored heating rock before heading to her trunk and pulled out the two-way mirror. It was quite possibly her favorite way of communicating, writing letters took too much time. It was easier to just tap, call, and talk. Maeve placed her thump directly on the hilt and said, "Sirius." She felt it vibrate before it glowed and Sirius' face appeared with a beaming smile.
"Hey, pup, what's with the sudden call? Not that I'm not happy with hearing from you."
"Sorry that isn't a pleasant call, I'm actually only letting you know that we'll be moving on from plan A and heading directly to plan D."
"Did something happen? Why the change?"
"Dumbledore had said everyone is required to be present at the feast, anyone caught loitering out in the hallways will be given detention. Padfoot, I need the book. Don't give me that look, I know it's classified as dark magic but it's needed."
"Being caught with that book could get you in serious trouble, pup. Are you willing to handle that?"
"I can handle it, Paddy. There's nothing to worry about, besides I know a spell or two that can cloak the book. No one will ever know."
"Alright, while I cannot mail it to you personally, I'll have Lucius give it to you safely and without suspicion. I think it's time he went to pay you a visit in person, hm? I'm sure little Malfoy will also enjoy that."
"I dare say you actually had a smart idea, is Moony there giving you pointers on what to say?" Maeve teased.
"I'm wounded, pup!" He dramatically gripped his right side of his chest in mock pain. "I'll forever be agony!"
"Your heart is on the left side, genius." Maeve scoffed before letting out a small laugh as Sirius began to wail in the background, the mirror having been snatched from him. "Hi, Moony."
"Hello, cub. Don't worry about a thing, I'll make sure that book definitely gets to you as long as you promise to stay safe."
"As I already said, don't worry. I can handle this." Maeve glanced at the sulking man behind the werewolf. "Might want to take care of the big baby."
"I'm being bullied by my own goddaughter," Sirius cried, looking at Moony. "Do something about this!"
Remus sighed before looking at Maeve with a soft smile. "We should go, babies tend to get fussy when they're in need of a nap."
"The utter betrayal! My own husband is turning against me.." Sirius pouted before breaking character and bouncing forward. "We love you, pup, and we'll see you soon!"
She laughed and waved. "Bye."
The call disconnected and Maeve hid the mirror again, Lord Malfoy will either get here later on tonight or early in the morning. Dumbledore won't be pleased at the presence of the older Malfoy but the dark haired girl lived to anger the old man.
~What book are you requesssting?~
Loki asked as he remained curled on the heating rock.
$Sssomething I sssaw when I wasss helping to clean up the Black Manor, it had to do with creating your own clone for about two hoursss.$
~A clone?~
$Yesss, it will look, talk, and act jussst like me, I'll make the clones for me and my Weasley twinsss. They'll be the onesss I'm taking with me.$
~Isss it sssafe?~
$Yesss, if done correctly. It'sss blood magic which is seen to be dark and so it'sss illegal to use but I've never cared much for such thingsss.$
~Asss long asss you're careful than do what you will.~
Maeve smirked, green eyes gleaming teasingly. "I'm always careful."
Loki merely flicked his tongue and tucked his head into his curled body. "Dinner will be ready soon, will you remain here or accompany me?"
~I've had my dossse of annoying children, I'll remain here.~
Maeve laughed and gave him a small kiss on his head, "I'll see you later."
~~~~
The Great Hall was loud and Maeve was already regretting showing up, but she knew Draco would find a way to storm the girls hall to drag her down to eat. She wasn't sure how but she was almost positive he would succeed in making it to her. The will-power of an overprotective friend, she supposes.
Even if she wanted to turn back and head to her dorm room, Draco had already spotted her. So with great reluctance, Maeve made her way to the Slytherin table and took her seat between Draco and Blaise. "They allowed you to sit with us?" She questioned when she noticed her four Gryffindors and Hufflepuff.
George shrugged with a mischievous grin. "Dunno, Minnie saw us sit down but made no attempt to stop us."
"Though it did look like she was trying to force us to leave without words, her glare spoke volumes." Fred said before taking a bite out of his chicken leg.
Maeve narrowed her eyes and glanced at the professors table, McGonagall was whispering with Dumbledore and the older woman looked very annoyed. The green eyed girl scowled when she noticed the old fool smile placatingly, he seemed to have said something that calmed the woman down significantly. "Don't they look like lovers?" She couldn't help but question, the way the two adults interacted looked similar to that of a married couple. Maeve shuddered, the very image disgusted her.
"How revolting," Daphne cringed as she set down her cup of tea. "Such a repulsive thought you've got running in your head."
Theo glanced at the professors table with mild interest. "Though it is very off-putting, one cannot deny they act very much like a couple."
"Isn't Dumbledore ancient? McGonagall had to have been his student about fifty years ago." Draco chimed in.
Fred snickered before adding his thoughts, "She was probably a lovesick school girl."
"Can we please not talk about this? I'd quite like to keep my food down." Cedric deadpanned, and even Neville looked faint.
Maeve covered her mouth as she laughed quietly. "My apologies, it just seemed like they were an item."
"Wouldn't it be amusing if a rumor were to spread?" George asked with a playful look in his eyes. "That would keep most of their attention off of you, wouldn't it love?"
Daphne smirked, tilting her head to the side. "Awfully smart of you, Weasley, but I do agree. Having others talk about something like this would surely take up their time."
"Well, twins, Lee, I suppose you'll figure out a way to have this little rumor spreading through Hogwarts like a forest fire?"
Draco looked confused, "Why would a forest be on fire?"
"Not now, Draco dear." Maeve said, waving off his question. There was no need to explain a muggle phrase. "Oh, before I forget, we'll be going with plan D. Sirius is sending the book with Lord Malfoy and so as to not come off as suspicious he'll be requesting a meeting with me and Draco."
Fred was shovelling food into his mouth so George spoke instead. "Where do you want us to meet for the ritual?"
"You'll both meet me at the Sytherin common room, Draco will let you in before going to the Great Hall. Everyone will already be out of the common room so we can work in peace. I already have the necessary ingredients." Maeve explained quietly, not wanting anyone to overhear.
Before either twin could respond, the sound of someone's throat clearing could be heard behind them. Maeve turned and saw Dumbledore. "Yes, Headmaster?"
"As soon as you're both done eating, Mr. Malfoy and you are to head to my office. Lord Malfoy has arrived unexpectedly and has requested to speak to you both." His smile was strained as he looked at the young girl, Maeve knew Lord Malfoy must have said something to greatly annoy him. She'd have to thank him about that later.
"We're actually done eating, would it be alright to head there already?" Draco asked, looking at Maeve to make sure it was okay. The nod he received let him know he didn't make a mistake.
Dumbledore interlocked his fingers and smiled pleasantly, though Maeve could see irritation in his twinkling blue eyes. "Of course, follow me."
Maeve turned to her friends as she stood up. "We'll be back, you can all wait in the library so we could further discuss over conversation." She turned and followed Dumbledore with Draco right beside her.
~~~~
"Sherbet lemon." Dumbledore said and the gargoyles jumped apart, letting them enter the stairway leading to the old man's office. "I agreed to give you all privacy, so please once you're done here just close the door and make your way down. I'll be in the Great Hall if either of you need anything." He seemed reluctant to leave them, causing Maeve to believe he hadn't really agreed but merely gave in to Lord Malfoy's wishes.
Dumbledore disappeared as the gargoyles closed once again, Maeve pulled out her wand and waved it, whispering, "Lumos." The tip of her wand lit up and Maeve continued walking. "I've been through here multiple times and yet the lighting never gets better."
"It probably amuses him when students trip over themselves in the dim hallway." Draco mused.
Maeve hummed and smiled slightly. "Well, we're not clumsy idiots so he'll get no entertainment from us."
They reached the large wooden door and Draco stepped forward to open it. Lord Malfoy stood with his arms crossed and leaning against the headmaster's desk. "Father," Draco greeted.
"Lord Malfoy," Maeve said, offering her hand to be shaken."I do hope you have what I requested from Sirius."
The older blond man reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a miniature sized book and handed it to Maeve. "Bring it to its full size once you're in the safety of your dorm room. Anywhere else could get you in trouble should you get caught."
Maeve accepted the item and bowed her head politely. "Thank you, Lord Malfoy."
The Malfoy Lord waved his hand with a kind look softening his usual stoic expression. "I am merely doing my part in helping you, just as I promised."
"Well, I still thank you." Maeve looked at Draco and nodded. "We should be going, our friends are waiting for us. We shall speak soon, Lord Malfoy."
~~~
Maeve was in her room, tucked tightly in her blankets. She was ready to sleep, exhausted at going over the plan repeatedly so it stayed stuck in the minds of her friends. The ritual in which she and the twins were planning on doing could be potentially fatal if done incorrectly, she needed her twins to understand that. They had to be prepared for anything to go wrong because even if Maeve had full trust in them getting this right, it was always best to be safe than sorry.
She closed her eyes and allowed her mind to rest, getting as much sleep as possible was necessary in being able to stay clear headed. They were going to succeed and they were going to find out what Dumbledore was hiding beneath the third floor corridor.
"Goodnight, Loki." She slurred as she finally fell asleep.
****