Free at last ((Dana))

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona walked down the streets of Hogsmeade. They were unusually crowded, but Fiona knew why. After the attacks she was sure that people would shop in Hogsmeade. From what Fiona knew there wasn't anyone allowed in Diagon Alley at the moment except for Aurors and Medi-wizards. At least that's what she thought. Fiona knew all too well about that day. She had been there after all. Fiona felt her shoulder again, it had become habit since Madam Pomfrey healed it. There was still some pain left and it was rather sore, but Fiona didn't wince as she usually did.

Today was her first day out of the hospital. Madam Pomfrey had finally allowed her to leave. She wasn't nearly as injured as some of the other students. A dislocated shoulder was hardly anything to fuse over. Fiona continued past the stores and people that were running about in groups. It seemed no one wanted to be alone anymore. Fiona smirked at them. They couldn't protect each other anymore than they protected each other in Diagon Alley.

Wanting to be alone and away from people, Fiona continued until she stood in front of the fence that surrounded the Shrieking Shack. She smiled at the old building. It gave her comfort to see something that hadn't changed in all the years she had seen it. Fiona picked up a rock and tossed it toward the shack with her right hand. The rock fell ten feet from her, Fiona sighed. At least some things didn't change. She still couldn't throw a rock with her right hand. She stood in silence as she watched the grass and weeds blow in the wind. It was rather soothing after being locked in a hospital for days. Fiona stood still not wanting to break the serene bubble that seemed to have encompassed her.

[dana]

Dana made a few turns with her head. Her neck wasn’t really stiff anymore which was good. She was sitting next to a little creek in the Forest that started behind the shrieking shack. News about the attack on DIagon were still confusing to everyone. Dana had gotten all her grand-parents knew from the ministry and it seemed not even the aurors didn’t know what to exactly think f it just yet.
“Kris,” Dana called his cousin who disappeared immediately from between trees quietly enough to make Dana scowl at him, “And stop sneaking around. I’m going to head back to Hogsmeade.”
“I’ll walk you part of the way,” Kris answered calmly as Dana climbed to her feet and the relatives started moving towards the Shrieking Shack in calm silence. They knew each other and trusted each other. Besides Kris was most certainly wanting to get back to the forest while Dana was too immersed in her thoughts to bother with a conversation.

They exited the trees surprisingly quick in Dana’s mind as the Shrieking Shack appeared into view. And some girl standing near it.
“O’Reilly. Slyth. 4th year I think. Had a literate run-in with her in Diagon once,” Kris told Dana after a moment of inspection with a shrug, “You’ll be good from here on. They have upgraded the security around Hogsmeade after the attack.”
“Good, I’ll see you at dinner. You’re buying,” Dana answered smiling as Kris only arched an eye-brow at this and patiently tolerated a quick kiss Dana gave on his cheek.

Kris disappeared back between the trees as Dana calmly pushed a piece of grass away form her black jeans. Her outfit was somewhere between classy and casual. She was wearing sneakers and tight black jeans and Ravenclaw blue button-up silk-blouse. Walking closer to the Shrieking Shack Dana briefly glanced at the building. She wasn’t especially scared o fit due to Kris telling her what was inside. But she wasn’t too prone on going inside either. It was an old building after all. Falling through a floor-board wasn’t one of Dana’s favorite pastimes.
Brushing away a strand of her hair that the wind had blown onto her face Dana nodded at the Slytherin calmly: “Good day.” Walking forward slowly Dana didn’t care much if she would be responded too or not. She had been polite and that was enough. Kris hadn’t cared much either way about the girl so Dana didn’t take a hostile nor friendly attitude.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona jumped slightly as she heard a voice. She had been so involved in her own thoughts that she hadn't heard the person approach. Turning she saw a girl that she recognized as a Ravenclaw. She was older than Fiona and if she was correct she had seen the girl with Kris a couple of times. Fiona wasn't much in the mood to be mean, especially since the girl had been polite to her first. Besides if Kris was hanging out with her, than the girl was definitely going out of her way to talk with someone beneath her. Fiona had to admit that Kris was on a higher level, but she didn't care about that anymore.

"Hello," Fiona said as she forced a smile. She was trying to polite, but her thoughts kept wandering back to the attacks. She had been trying to figure out who had saved her that day. "I think I saw you in the hospital wing with Kris, right?" Fiona asked. She knew she had seen them together, but she didn't know why. Fiona looked the girl over. She seemed to be a rather classy dresser, much better than Fiona was. Fiona compared her dark jeans and long sleeve blouse to the girl's black jeans and Ravenclaw button-up silk blouse. 'She's definitely stylish,' she thought as she compared their clothing. Fiona's attention turned back to the conversation as the girl answered her.

[dana]

The girl seemed a little startled when Dana greeted her but replied. Even when it did sound a bit forced. Arching a curious eye-brow at her question Dana stopped and looked at the girl. A quick scan came up blank about her, but Dana figured that there had been a lot of people in the Hospital Wing during the day of the attack.
“I’m not sure whether you saw me there or not, but yes, Kris came to see me and to take me home later. He’s a best friend. Brother. Cousin literally speaking, but he feels more like a brother.” Dana replied with a brilliant smile as she thought about Kris.

Her fingers briefly curling to touch the only reminder of the Attack – a think white scar between her thumb and index finger, “Didn’t pay too much attention to my surroundings outside my friends or I was too busy thinking over what had happened.” Dana glanced at the scar – she had been given a few sips of Skele-Gro almost immediately after she had been brought into the Hospital Wing by aurors. Her family had kicked in here once again.
A quick glance that took in the girls completely look was enough to tell Dana that there were no visible injuries. Magical healings were good. “Hope you weren’t hurt too badly during the attack. I presume you were hurt or you wouldn’t have been at the hospital Wing.”

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona smiled as Dana talked about Kris. Dana seemed to really love her cousin and that made Fiona smile. She didn't have any cousins that she could really talk to. She couldn't imagine Kris being a great cousin, but then again she had met him not too long back, but it had been a bad run in, literally. Neither of them had seemed to be in the best of moods. Fiona knew that Kris must really be a good guy if he cared so much about Dana and his family. She shrugged at the thought. She didn't know him well enough to judge him, even after their encounter.

Fiona watched Dana closely as she seemed to look at her thumb and then back at Fiona. "Yeah, I dislocated my left shoulder," Fiona said as she felt her arm again. She ignored the pain as she watched Dana. She didn't want to look like a wuss from a shoulder injury. It definitely hadn't been as bad as some of the other students wounds. "I got off lucky. I wasn't hurt badly, unless you count my pride," Fiona said with a small smile spreading across her face. It was true she felt like a complete idiot for getting hurt, especially the way she got hurt. If she hadn't been so gutless she probably would have been able to get out of Diagon Alley without a scratch on her, however she had been in shock at the sudden appearance of the giants and Death Eaters. She looked back up at Dana. "What about you? Where'd you get hurt?" Fiona asked with curiosity. She couldn't see any wounds that were visible, but she had obviously been hurt. Fiona hadn't had many visitors in the hospital wing and had a tendency to walk around the ward glancing at the other students who had gotten hurt.

[dana]

Dana raised her right thumb pointing to the thin white line that ran on it between the thumb and her index finger: “Stiff neck and a broken thumb. Landed badly when I ducked for cover and my finger got stuck between two stones. Stupid really, but…” Dana shrugged calmly before continuing, “Got away easy. The mediwizards gave me a sip of Skele-Gro and escorted me politely to the Hospital Wing. I was too annoyed by the photographers and journalists there to bother looking at anyone else unless they spoke to me.” Dana walked forward leaning her arms on the fence that separated the path from the Shrieking Shack’s yard and let her head fall back. Soft breeze played with Dana’s hair and the small string of sapphires she had attached into them. She just liked the small decoration. Besides with her eyes it created a relatively nice look.

“I wonder if my grand-parents are able to hear anything new from the aurors about the attack today,” Dana muttered speaking to herself almost as much as she did to Fiona. Her grand-parents had been supposed to meet with the local Ministry today. Political, diplomatical and whatever issues. As the Minister in France Julien was expected to show up. He fact that their grand-daughter was hurt excused the fact that they wanted to know more about security measures that had been taken as well.
Dana rubbed the thin line one again. At least she hadn’t gotten any permanent damage. She could have gotten rid of the scar as well, but Dana had decided to keep it. It wouldn’t be enough to bother her.
Raising her head again Dana looked at the Shrieking Shack thoughtfully. “I’ve never liked the house. I most certainly don’t believe it’s haunted and Kris has given me a rather good over-view of what’s inside as he has gone to read there a couple of times. But I still don’t like it. I’m not even sure why exactly,” Dana stated eyeing the house. It didn’t exactly fit with the previous conversation but she had felt like saying it. So the words came out easily.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona looked at Dana's thumb. She smiled at what had happened to her when she received the wound. "Lucky you weren't hurt seriously," Fiona said as she studied her finger. It was amazing the minor injuries that people had received that had freaked out the mediwizards. Fiona remembered when they had approached her. Of course, the Aurors probably felt a bit stupid when they realized that the giant that had stunned at nearly crushed her. Fiona sighed at the thought. She wanted to know who had saved her, but she couldn't remember much after she was pushed to the ground. Her whole memory of the thing was a bit blurry.

Dana began to talk about her grandparents and Fiona only half listened. She wasn't even sure if Dana had been talking to her. She caught only bits and pieces relating to the attacks and something about politics. It wasn't until Dana began to talk about the Shrieking Shack that Fiona regained her attention. Fiona was a bit confused on how the topic had come about, but didn't mind it either. She was entranced by the shack and didn't mind talking about it, especially since Dana had been told what was inside. "It's a bit soothing for me. I can't really explain why, but I've always felt a bit of comfort when I come to this spot. I think it's because it's so secluded from the rest of the village and the fact that most people steer clear of this place. It's become a bit of a hide out for me. I've never actually been inside it. What did Kris say was inside?" Fiona asked. She was curious to know what was inside. She always had been, but had never really had the time or energy to make her way to the shack. Fiona thought about what she had just told Dana and she wasn't sure why she had told Dana those things, but she didn't care at the moment. It was the truth and Fiona didn't see how it would hurt anyone to talk about it. She looked from the shack to Dana as she waited to see if Dana would answer her question about the shack.

[dana]

Dana tilted her head. She had gotten away easily as Fiona said. So had she, so Dana just took the statement as a matter of fact and didn’t respond. Listening to Fiona’s words about the Shack Dana took her time before answering. She had never liked the Shack. Maybe she was vain, but she preferred and wanted a better looking house. Or an apartment. With proper furniture.
“Rooms. Some old and mostly broken furniture. A few died plants. Some rotten floor-boards so you have to watch your step. Scratch-marks so the owners perhaps had a dog once,” Dana answered skimming her mind for what Kris had actually said about the house, “Dusty, so if you’re allergic wouldn’t suggest going inside. Locked cellar door – or the walls have caved in – so you can’t get into there. The main picture was supposed to be rather sad. I guess the previous owners had to leave in a rush because they didn’t have time to sell the house.”

Dana tilted her head and shrugged calmly: “Personally I would prefer to live in Hogsmeade itself as well. Somewhere between the Three Broomstick and Hogs Head. I understand about needing some privacy but I usually prefer to curl up in some comfortable and pretty room at such cases. Hogwarts has a surprising number of nice rooms that no one uses. Then again I don’t mind company from time to time.” The last part was true as well. Dana was social. Not what you would call a social butterfly but somehow she managed to handle friends from all houses – including Slytherins and Gryffindors. Both houses knew Dana had friends in both and both houses usually kept their cursing of the other house at minimum. And Dana was able to squeeze her eyes and ears shut for a few comments. You couldn’t’ really change someone’s point of view if they believed it was the only correct point of view.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona listened with interest as Dana began to describe what was inside the Shrieking Shack. It didn't sound like anything was too creepy. She had always heard about the tales of the shack. There were the ghosts that were supposed to be in existence that lived there. There were also tales of werewolves and vampires. Fiona didn't believe any of them. She wasn't sure what the shack held, but she knew that most of the stories were probably just gossip.

Dana began to talk about how she wanted a nice place to live not something like the shack. Fiona nodded in agreement with what Dana said. "Yeah, it's nice to be in a place that is clean and rather nice looking. However, I like to be alone and secluded sometimes. I don't get that often at my uncles so I find that going to places like this I can have more privacy. You're right about Hogwarts though. There are lots of rooms in that castle that aren't used. I don't think anyone has found all of them, though.

"I don't mind company either. I'm no where near a social butterfly. I'd prefer not talking to anyone and keeping my nose stuck in a book or practicing a new spell or mixing a potion. I'm not very good with words and that has been a problem for me ever since I was a little girl. I used to get so nervous talking to people that I'd hyperventilate. It's gotten better, but it's still hard for me to talk with people I don't know. Of course, it wasn't until this last year that I even had any friends at all. My parents were pushing me to find friends this year and I kind of did. I guess that means I've come out of my fear of friendship," Fiona said. She hadn't really shared that with anyone and Fiona was surprised she had now with Dana. Fiona looked at Dana for her reaction. Fiona didn't really want to explain her past to Dana, no one knew about her past and she preferred it that way.

[dana]

Dana chuckled a little: “I guess I could be called a social butterfly. I like meeting different characters and people and conversing with them. I know I can’t be liked by everyone and I’m not bothered with it. I don’t like everybody I know either. I enjoy a good verbal sparring almost more than a heart to heart talk from time to time – I guess I have a mean streak in me as well – but I’ve never been particularly shy. I just like company. I’ve even had a relatively nice conversation with Goyle a couple of times. Then again he was too busy eating when I gave him a chocolate for his birthday to actually speak. But we had a surprisingly nice conversation after our duel.”

Dana looked at Fiona thoughtfully: “Besides I haven’t notice that you have any problems with a conversation so far. And we haven’t been properly introduced yet. Dana Coran. As for reading – I understand that part. I’m hopelessly addicted to books. But I adore dolling myself up and going out. Dancing, clubbing, even a quick and innocent flirt is nice form time to time. As for potions – I really don’t like that subject. Nothing personal against Snape – I know, he’s one of the best Potion Masters in Europe. He had never actually picked on me either,” once again a chuckle escaped Dana’s lips as she recalled a dare she had once gotten. To loudly state her undying love to Snape in a poem form. She had done it in front of the Student Lounge as well. She was actually a rather surprised she had walked away without any comment of a hex as well. Snape had probably been too shocked of something like this. The students around had most certainly laughed though.
“I’m not just good at Potions, nor interested in the subject very much actually,” Dana admitted with a smile still playing at the corners of her mouth.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona smiled at Dana's comment. "I'm not talking much am I though," Fiona said as she looked at Dana. She was one of those people that would rather listen to a conversation than to actually take part in it. Fiona continued to smile as the girl went on. Dana said something about not being properly introduced. "Fiona O'Reilly," Fiona said as she nodded her head at Dana. Fiona had heard of Dana before and had seen around enough to know who she was. Although, she hadn't realized she was Kris's cousin.

Fiona laughed as Dana talked about potions. It was her best subject and Snape was by far her favorite professor. "I have to admit I have an unbelievable talent for Potions. It just makes sense to me. I don't mind Professor Snape either and it's not like he's that nice to me either. OK, so he does usually favor Slytherin, but there are times when even Slytherin students can get on his bad side. I'm one of the students he overlooks most of the time. Maybe, because I don't usually say anything in his class," Fiona said as she thought about all her classes she had had with him. She didn't remember talking in any of them. Which was fine with her. Fiona smiled at this little known fact. Someday, she'd have enough guts to actually speak up in class instead of just knowing the answer and sitting quietly.

Fiona turned to look back at the Shrieking Shack as the wind picked up a bit. It was a cool breeze, but it still felt nice on Fiona's overheated flesh. She was definitely glad to be back outside. Fiona turned to look back at Dana as she began to talk about school again. "You're in Ravenclaw right? So why do converse with all these other houses? I mean, not that I don't mind. It's just that most Ravenclaws would go out of their way to either avoid Slytherins or call them names. Understanding of course that your cousin whom you seem to be rather close to is in Slytherin," Fiona said as she watched Dana for her reaction. Fiona didn't mind talking to Dana at all. She was intelligent and a bit carefree, which was somewhat refreshing compared to Fiona's other acquaintances.

[dana]

“Talented in Potions? Good, then I might bother you sometimes with it. Usually when I reach the point where I’m ready to tear out my clothes and still don’t understand it I run to Kris eat pancakes and let him finish a potion or an essay for me,” Dana smirked. Potions was one of her worst subjects. Herbology had been even worse, but Dana had decided to drop that. She’d use a gardener if she wanted a pretty garden. She most certainly did not have a ‘green thumb’. Besides Kris was rather capable in Potions. His pancakes tasted fantastic as well, no matter how rarely Dana managed to actually get him to cook.

“I would get bored if I couldn’t be active in a class,” Dana commented with a shrug before thinking over Fiona’s question. She had friends in all houses… but she had never really thought why. Blinking slowly Dana shook her head to get a strand of hair out of her face: “Yes, I’m in Ravenclaw. Don’t know, I’ve never been afraid of Slytherins. Partially due to Kris, partially because my grand-mother was in Slytherin as well. Grandfather was a Ravenclaw. I’m not even sure how I’ve found so many friends there. I am a pure-blood from a wealthy and influential family, which most certainly doesn’t hurt. The Sorting Hat mentioned Slytherinto me as a second opinion in my first year. ‘Qualities Slytherin appreciates are here. But there is no doubt where you actually belong’ was the comment I received before my house was yelled out. I think it’s just many things falling together that help be understand Slytherins.”
Dana’s eyes flashed with amusement as she grinned at Fiona: “I adore my friends from Gryffindor. And Hufflepuff… well, I actually don’t have TOO many friends from there. But no other house will put me on a test as much as Slytherin. They can snap back in a way no one else can, they call on all of my mistakes. I appreciate that. Verbal spars get an interesting twist only when you have them with a Slytherin.”

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona smiled at Dana’s comment. “Of course you can bother me about it. I’d enjoy helping you out. However, I don’t make good pancakes, so you might want to stick with Kris for that,” Fiona smirked. She was good at potions, but she had never cooked anything in her life. She wasn’t sure if she could cook or if the food wouldn’t come out edible. Fiona was more the kind of girl to let people cook for her than to cook her own food. Of course, growing up in a rich environment kind of gave her that opportunity more than having to try and cook. She didn’t mind her lifestyle though. She enjoyed being waited on and the fact that someone was always at her side when she called was nice.

Fiona smiled as Dana talked about being friends with other houses. "It's true that Slytherins can keep you on your toes. I'm not much good at that though. I have a tendency to just let things happen without trying to fight back. Mainly because I would prefer ignoring people as apposed to fighting them in any way I can. Althought, there are the occassional few that I have feuds with. They'll get what's coming to them sooner or later. Of course, they think we're friends right now. It's that old saying, 'Keep your friends close, your enemies closer.' Though I don't underestimate them, they could be doing the same thing," Fiona said with an evil smile. She doubted they were, but she would never underestimate her enemies. They could be just as cunning as she could, though she highly doubted they'd see her own smarts. Fiona sighed as her gaze fell back on the Shrieking Shack. It was so quiet and seemed to have a solitude that Fiona wished she could have in her life. However, her life was way to hectic at the moment and probably would be for the next three years. She turned her attention back to Dana when she heard her voice.

[dana]

Dana’s eyes slid half-shut. Kris wasn’t too fond of his cooking-skills so Dana hadn’t mentioned them out loud. But the girl had probably guessed Kris was making the pancakes when they met. Unrecognizable moment of hesitation passed before Dana’s eye-lashes fluttered open once again. Luckily Fiona had been staring at the Shack and didn’t notice.
“I’ll think about it. Depends into which of my friends who are tolerable in potions I run in first,” Dana commented easily, “And who said Kris makes pancakes? I’m not overly fond of cooking, but I can cook. And I cook when I’m irritated or upset. Even though Hogwarts foods are great. Kris’s cook is awesome as well – her cheese cakes gain almost make you gain weight by looking at them. But the taste is every bit worth it.” Dana dropped the comment in easily – Fiona could try to make out herself whether or not Kris knew how to cook or not – before reminiscing loudly over cheese-cake. She had a big appetite, which luckily never showed on her figure. Which was a blessing because Dana adored food too much to ever go onto a diet.

“Not good at subtle insults? That’s what I adore most about Slytherins sometimes. They insult you to your face but they do it with such a charming smile and a sincere face – when they bother to do it – that you won’t even understand that you were insulted until a few days later when you properly think back to the conversation.2 Dana smiled at the thought. It was fun to a point. Dana herself could do it to some point as well, but under no circumstances was she as good as Meredith – her grandmother. The one woman Dana looked up at the most and the one woman who had taught her most about the skill. Mentally saying a toast to her grand-mother Dana scanned the trees behind the Shrieking Shack for a moment. As usual Kris was no where to be found unless he wanted it, so Dana suppressed a sigh.
“As charming the Shack is I’m hungry – I’m a growing girl and need food – so I’m going to head to Hogsmeade to get a quick snack. Are you going to stay here and enjoy your alone time – which I interrupted – or are you going to join me?” dana asked calmly.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona listened to Dana calmly as she talked about her cooking and not Kris. Fiona had misunderstood. She figured that he had made her pancakes. "Sorry about that. I figured Kris had made you pancakes. I didn't think it sounded right, but I don't know him well enough to say anything," Fiona said as she shrugged. It was true she had barely talked to him and it wasn't like she knew anything about him before that. It was more of her knowing his name than actually knowing what he did or who he was. "Cheese Cake is good. I'm more of a fan of pie," Fiona said. She had always adored her mum's apple pie. It had been the only thing her mother had ever cooked and it had been an old family recipe, unfortunately it had been lost when her mum had died. For it had never been written down, it had only been passed down by words, not paper.

Fiona laughed when Dana began to talk about Slytherin's subtle insults. "I have heard some good ones. Kris, for instance, is real good at them. He has a good tact when he says them, I on the other hand am too new at them. Never had any friends or enemies before Hogwarts and now I still don't talk enough to anyone to really gain any experience in using insults," Fiona smirked. However, this summer that had been changing. She hoped that one day her insults would get better, maybe this next year she'd get more experience.

Fiona thought about Dana's offer. She had been getting hungry, but there was also some things she had to think over. Some things about her father's past needed to be known and there was only one way to find that out. She looked at Dana and sighed. "Maybe some other time. I need to be getting back to my uncle's. He's probably wondering where I got to anyway," Fiona said. She did want to get some food, but she knew she wouldn't be able to now. Her attention had now turned to her father's past and that was all she could think about. She had research to do for Kadan and the sooner she got it done, the sooner she could help him solve his problem. "Thanks for the offer anyway, Dana. It's good to know that some people aren't caught up in house feuds," Fiona smiled.

[dana]

Dana smirked: “I’ll be sure to forward the compliment to Kris. And he knows how to behave… if he bothers to ever follow his knowledge.” Shrugging when Fiona said that she wasn’t good at insults, Dana brushed the knowledge aside. Everybody could insult when it came down to it. Some people had just had more practice.
“It’s all about thinking superior. You must be able to step off a rock and be sure that the ground flies up for you to step on it,” Dana eyed Fiona thoughtfully as she sent her a sly wink, “Considering the fact you’re a witch – you can also be assured the ground will fly up for just one little wave of your hand. While you’re holding your wand.

Fiona seemed to get carried away in her thoughts as she spoke about her uncle. Dana just nodded and turned to leave when she heard Fiona’s last comment. Throwing a dazzling smile over her shoulder Dana grinned: “Oh, don’t worry, most people are caught up in house feuds. Now worse than ever. But I’m not most people.” Turning her head forward once again Dana sauntered away calmly her mind already working on a new problem. Exactly what would she want to eat for lunch? Fish or steak?