Wild child

A large, beautiful circular room filled with all sorts of funny little sounds.On the table with slender legs, there are many strange and weird silverware, spinning, emitting small puffs of smoke.The walls are covered with portraits of old principals and headmasters, all snoring softly in their frames.There was also a huge table with claw-shaped legs.On a shelf behind the desk lay a tattered, crumpled wizard hat - the Sorting Hat.

In the principal's office, two milkshakes, two people looking at each other across the desk.Similar scene to last year, but the mood - at least for one person - is quite different.

There was a long silence.

"Voldemort is back," said Fanny.

"Yes, boy," said Dumbledore.

Another long silence.

"I don't... I don't know how to react to this matter. The history of his last activity, those 20 years, I have been watching it as a story, like "Macbeth" or something... oh, "Macbeth" A well-known Muggle tragedy."

"I know, it's a deep story."

"Well... I can't stop myself from thinking about the things—disappearances, murders, and worse—that have happened in my life, and it's really scary to realize that's about to happen." Fanny tried to think. Express your feelings.

"Yes. Your vision is far wider than that of your peers, and you have experienced more, so you understand what Voldemort's return means better than them."

"But it doesn't make sense, knowing what he's going to do doesn't stop anything from happening, and just imagining facing someone who's done these things...I think I'm really scared."

"I think," said Dumbledore, pointing his fingertips together and staring at Fanny through the lens, "you'll find that you're not as frightened as you thought. Even with a fairly comprehensive understanding of that period of history, it's not easy to call Voldemort You still have no hesitation at the time of this name. The fear of a name will intensify the fear of the thing itself, and now you are afraid of the very thing Voldemort will do, which frees you from your blindness and allows you to see what you really have to do Yes. People like you are the greatest strength we have against him."

Recognize what you really should do. "I don't know...I hope it's not true. What the hell happened that night?" Fanny's question was impulsive and she didn't expect an answer.

But Dumbledore thought for a while, and said quietly, "If you want to know, I can show you."

Fanny watched in amazement as Dumbledore stood up, went to the cabinet, took out a stone basin from it and put it on the desk, then pulled out his wand and stuck it in his hair.When the wand was pulled out, a wisp of silver-white substance, whether it was gas or liquid, was still attached to his head. Dumbledore broke it and put it in the basin.

"The Pensieve." Seeing Fanny staring at the rapidly spinning silver-white substance in the basin, Dumbledore explained simply, "Let's go."

Entering a memory feels similar to returning to the dorm from the Room of Requirement—the elf's name for "nothing"—only the freeze frame is grounded rather than grounded.Fanny found herself still in the headmaster's office, but with another Dumbledore sitting at the table, and two people in a mess.Fanny immediately realized that it was Sirius Black, who had been on the run for two years, and Harry, who had just experienced the resurrection of Voldemort and the death of Cedric, and almost collapsed.

Fox dripped tears on the wound on Harry's leg, where the skin immediately returned to normal, and Harry pulled himself together and began to tell.

Fanny felt that the three people at the table disappeared at once. She was at a loss for a moment, and then realized that they had returned to the real world.The Pensieve was on the table in front of her, and the real Dumbledore was standing beside her, his hand on her shoulder, so strong that he didn't look like an old man.The warmth from that hand came through, making Fanny calm down a bit.

"These memories... are top-secret information." Fanny said quietly.

"Yes."

"You want me to keep it a secret."

"Yes."

"You let me see." Fanny turned to look at Dumbledore.

"I believe in you." Dumbledore's expression was the same as usual.

He knows, he knows it all.Fanny's mind said to her.

"Okay, I see." Fanny turned her head again, looking at the rapidly spinning memories in the Pensieve.

Dumbledore went back to the table and sat down with his fingertips facing each other, his chin resting on them. "So... what do you think I'll do next?"

Fanny thought about it. "It's bad luck to recruit troops and win people's hearts."

"Oh?" Dumbledore looked at her playfully.

"You didn't intend to show any evidence, so it's strange that you are willing to believe you. I guess 'Dumbledore is an old fool' sounds much better than 'the most evil dark wizard in history is back'." Fanny paused and added One sentence, "If you say it and everyone believes it, then the more worrying thing is not the return of Voldemort."

"But you trust me." Dumbledore looked at her.

"Yes, but do you want to hear how the whole school is talking about it now? I guess you can guess."

"Yeah, then, I guess it's time for you and your friends to pack up what you're bringing home tomorrow," said Dumbledore. "Honestly, Fanny. In the face of the war that's coming, it would be nice to be able to fight with you." It was quite a pleasure to have such a conversation."

"I guess that just goes to show how bad this war is." Fanny shrugged.

On the way back to the dormitory, Fanny happened to meet Harry, who was still covered with fine grass blades, and seemed to be distracted.He's been like this a lot since the third game, sitting in the clearing by the lake all day, sometimes with Ron and Hermione, but there's not much else they can do.From Hermione and Fanny, Harry hadn't even told his two best friends about that night, so they didn't ask.

Fanny went forward, hugged Harry before he subconsciously turned sideways, patted him on the shoulder, and let him go on his own way before he could react.

The next day was the day of taking the school bus home and saying goodbye to the other two schools.

Parvati dumps Harry at the ball and finds her French boy, and the two are inseparable, saying "goodbye" with their mouths; Ron finally overcomes the entrenched hostility towards Hermione since he became Krum's partner Asked him to sign an autograph; Fleur, as a typical French beauty, chatted to the new friends who were about to leave one by one; Fanny and Mark exchanged addresses, glanced at the obvious displeasure on someone's face, and turned their heads to secretly laugh.

Everything is normal, who comes back, who leaves, life has to go on.

Yeah, life has to go on.When she left the platform and returned to the Muggle world, Fanny saw the appearance of Smith and Amelia, and immediately threw a newly resurrected demon king into the sky.

Tsk tsk, I can smell that sweetness from a mile away.

In the past few months, there has been a steady stream of letters from Amelia, and the traffic has been extremely heavy. Not to mention the exhaustion of several owls, it also caused a shortage of parchment and asked her roommates to borrow paper for homework.It's also thanks to this glamorous girl who seems to have been reborn after falling in love, and greets people with a smile. Even though that one is hundreds of miles away, she is still wearing makeup and grooming her hair. It didn't become the talk of Parvati Ravender.

This was the first meeting between Amelia and Smith since they had been communicating for a long time. Fanny and Amelia walked side by side, and she could see her pale face sideways.However, compared to Smith, this nervousness was nothing. Seeing his footsteps, which obviously thought he was very mature and confident, but actually had straight hair, Fanny stiffened her upper body, almost laughing.

Smith came to a stand three feet away from Amelia, sucking his lips so seriously that Fanny could hear his gasp when he opened his mouth.To Fanny, this inner monologue was written on her forehead: Don't act like a kid, don't act like a kid, don't act like a kid.

Listen to three sentences, and after three sentences, leave the two-person world to them.

"Good morning," said Smith gravely.

At the first sentence, Fanny clenched her fists.

"It's an honor to meet you." Smith seemed to shrink a little.

In the second sentence, after Fanny squeezed her left hand and her right hand, she was not allowed to laugh, not allowed to laugh.

"I think you should have been introduced by Smith Benson...I mean, I am Smith..." Smith's shoulders slumped, his head drooping.

In the third sentence, Fanny quickly retreated to the group of redheads over there, and her laughter shocked everyone back two meters.Unable to stop, she laughed and ran away through the crowd.

Of course, meeting parents is indispensable, and the parents of both parties politely chatted about some common topics.When Fanny came back hiccupping, the greetings were almost over, and Smith was allowed to take Amelia to chat alone.It can be seen that the Reachers and his wife are open-minded people, at least they have not shown any hostility towards Smith at present, but they also faintly reveal that they seem to think that Smith is a little tender.

Compared to Amelia, that's true.Smith has the normal appearance of a 15-year-old boy, who seems to be several years younger than Amelia.After they got married, Amelia got closer to Fanny a lot. Fanny felt that although she acted steadily, Amelia's mental age did not match her appearance. At least she didn't exceed her real age, so she wasn't worried. The gap between the two.

It's going to be long in the future, and Smith probably will be about the same size when the two of them really get married.

Add Hermione and Ron's little flair and Harry to the Ravenclaw Seeker--at the dance he'd stare so hard at people that his eyes would burn--that means it's not just the year The year of Voldemort's return was also the year of Romance's success.

Oh, one more thing to add.Not two days after returning home, Fanny met another person, William Armstrong, the owner of a gallery that often bought paintings from Mrs. Conwell. In his 40s, he was slightly plump, personable, and quite a pleasant person.But I don't know whether it is an advantage or a disadvantage. Mr. Armstrong has an artistic temperament, and he has a lot in common with - once - Fanny in terms of rough appearance.

According to Smith, this gentleman has been here quite a lot lately, and from time to time he also asks Mrs. Conwell out to dinner or something.It was said that they were discussing about holding a personal art exhibition for Mrs. Conwell, and the two children agreed that this was a ulterior motive.

Mrs. Conwell's attitude is not very clear, indifferent.Fanny guessed she was still having some mental blocks about marriage and being a Muggle.It remains to be seen whether Mr. Armstrong can succeed. Anyway, as the saying goes, there will be a long way to go.

Although Fanny already had doubts about this sentence.

Contrary to Fanny's expectations, her plan to go out this summer was vetoed by Mrs. Conwell, who even said "If you dare to go out, don't go back to this house".When asked why, Mrs. Conwell still used the old saying that "it's not safe for a little girl to go out by herself". Fanny could only lament that the mother and son are really alike, and they can't lie.

Since Mrs. Conwell rarely persisted, it was fine for Fanny to let it go, but the timing of this "persistence" was just right.Both Fanny and Mrs. Conwell subscribed to the "Daily Prophet". Since Dumbledore announced Voldemort's return, the newspaper has not responded to this matter at all, and has been trying every means to slander Dumbledore and Harry. That is to say, it is impossible for Mrs. Conwell to learn any information about this matter through the media.There are no wizards living in this small town, and there is very little contact with Mrs. Conwell of the Field family. To sum up Fanny's previous record of not talking in sleep, she can only learn about it from one way.

It doesn't matter whether you go out to play or not, but it is necessary to find out whether Mrs. Conwell has been included in the scope of "recruitment".

Under Fanny's persistent "unless you tell me the reason" offensive, Mrs. Conwell finally recruited part of the confession.

"You're working for Dumbledore, but you... don't know magic at all." Fanny was not surprised but puzzled.

"You also know, Fanny, it is absolutely not allowed to divulge the specific content. Although our Squibs do not have the ability to use spells, it does not mean that we are completely insulated from magic, which allows us to have our own uses."

"I know that Squibs can see dementors and minions manifest and stuff, but I don't see how that helps."

"The most important thing is that the Squib is at the intersection of wizarding and Muggle society, and it is not registered with the Ministry of Magic..." Mrs. Conwell said with a little sadness on her face, "...suitable for some special tasks. Just say it to here."

"Since Dumbledore asked you to join the wizard's war, has he arranged for you to escape?" This is what Fanny is most worried about.

"There are certain security measures," Mrs. Conwell said. "He has tried his best. It is impossible to guarantee security in war. I will not fight the dark wizard head-on, and the risk I take is no greater than anyone else. Before letting me join Before, Dumbledore had already explained the possible risks to me very clearly."

"You...do you want to join the ranks of wizards that much?" Fanny couldn't help but blurt out.

"I really want to, and I haven't lost a moment since I was 11 years old. But more importantly, I want to create a safe world for my children." Mrs. Conwell said, "I am a mother of two children. , whatever you call me. Do you know what it's like to be a mother? I'll do anything for the safety of my children. I'm going to protect you, and knowing you won't be left alone, at least I won't leave you alone .”

The vowed words hit Fanny's heart like a stone, stirring up hot and cold waves.

"Thank you...Mom." Fanny said softly.

She was answered with a tender hug.

So this holiday can be regarded as a solid nest at home. As a person with children, Mrs. Conwell is not usually nervous about safety issues.She brought a lot of food home to solve the problem that the two children needed to go out to buy food. She had to personally pick up Smith's piano lessons and band activities, and Fanny, who had no excuse to go out, was almost moldy.

This was too obvious. In order to dispel Smith's doubts, Fanny told him that the danger of the resurrected Muggles, the villain of the wizarding world, was increasing.The matter of Mrs. Conwell's participation in the war is omitted. This is not only out of respect for Mrs. Conwell's wishes, but also out of her own wish-it would be better if there is one more close person who stays out of it. Eight years old friend, she certainly knows that Smith is by no means stupid or careless, but she still wants to keep a possibility.

Fanny's address to Mrs. Conwell has not changed. This is purely a matter of habit, and some things do not need verbal proof.She acted like business as usual, except that every time Mrs. Conwell went out, she wondered whether this time was going to the studio, going on a date, or facing something she couldn't yet imagine.She wished she had shared all of this with Smith fully, it was far more taxing to bear the fear that her family might never come back than to feign calm in the presence of terrified people.

"He really likes you, Fanny. Do you think he knows that you are the one who named him?" Mrs. Field smiled and handed over the handkerchief.

No, this is called RetributiveJustice (meaning near karma).Fanny wiped her face silently.

At the end of August last year, the second child of the Field family was born.Little Frank was very good-looking, with curly black hair and eyelashes, a chubby face and body, and a pair of big round eyes with blue pupils so pure that it made one's heart tremble. The 8-month-old has just learned to walk. When he is awake, he is always waving his hands and feet, walking and crawling, his eyes are searching for everything he is interested in, and he is not afraid of strangers at all.

For some reason, this child fell in love with Fanny at first sight.As soon as he arrived at Field's house, he followed Fanny wherever he went, and sometimes Mrs. Field called him, and he seemed to think he was wrong, so he went back to his mother's side, but as long as Fanny looked there, Frankett would consciously go back to his mother's house. upside down.If he refuses to follow, he will start to practice his language function, babbling and yelling non-stop. Fanny's anti-interference ability is strong enough, and he can't stand the distress of the Field family from top to bottom for this little one.It made Fanny even want to visit the special garden of Field's house. This place is absolutely forbidden for little fur kids.

We couldn't stay outside anymore, so we sat down in the living room.Mrs. Field made tea as soon as Frank was placed next to Fanny. The little guy was very happy, giggling and crawling on Fanny.Lucy and Mr. Field could not intervene, and sat in their seats to watch the scene.Fanny had to protect the clothes to prevent them from being exposed, and at the same time protect the child so that he would not fall down.

In the end, Frank climbed onto Fanny's shoulders by pulling his hair—and Fanny swore that she would straighten herself up immediately—and after climbing over her shoulders, she successfully realized her dream of falling headlong. Hold on tight.Mr. Field and Lucy seemed for a moment to spring up nervously from their seats, and they watched with relief as Fanny turned Frank upside down.Feeling that Frank was still ripping off his clothes, Fanny resignedly supported her, planning to welcome the future of being ridden on her head by a little guy.

As a result, Frank just took a sip in Fanny's face after the height was right, and he took another sip if one sip was not enough.The kid of the future is teething and obviously can't wait to show off another new feature.Mrs. Field came slowly to rescue Fanny from the devil's mouth. The little guy was probably very satisfied with the two watery marks and didn't struggle. Fanny seriously doubted whether the child was purely interested in her "face" ,literal meaning.

Then she thought, maybe the pranks back then really offended God.

Thankfully, Frank finally honestly fell asleep in his mother's arms before Fanny was about to say goodbye.Lucy sent Fanny out and took her around the garden, and the two girls chatted with each other.Mrs. Field originally invited Mrs. Conwell as well. I don't know if it was because she was busy or didn't want to deal with the Field family. Mrs. Conwell sent Fanny over and left.

Lucy's temperament is actually more like her father's, but today she seems to be very talkative, as if she has something that has been backlogged for a long time and there is no place to say it.After walking halfway through the garden, Fanny knew that she was still Ravenclaw's back-up Chaser, she had just broken up with Captain Roger, and there were many family matters in the Field family—for example, since the little guy could crawl, the Field family Just replace it with a carpet that is twice as thick and has a buffer spell added to deal with Frank climbing up all the heights and falling down.

Walking into a greenhouse that was as hot as a steamer, Lucy couldn't think of any gossip, and then got to the point.

"Do you believe what Dumbledore said at the end of the semester... about the mysterious man killing Digory?" Lucy asked seemingly casually, curling a small tentacle with her finger.

"Trust me. Dumbledore never lied to the students. Diggory never fell to the ground and died by himself," Fanny said.

"I think so too. After I told my parents about this, my dad didn't believe it at first. I guess he went to inquire about it when he was at work. He knew a lot of people... Anyway, after two days he started to persuade We moved to Egypt to live with my grandparents."

"Hmm." Fanny replied, and the Fields did the same when Voldemort attacked last time.

"But mum disagreed. She said I was going into my last year and had to finish school and she didn't want to hide. She said she was Italian-Egyptian during the last You-Know-Who event, but now England is her home, she will fight for her freedom."

There is nothing more important than freedom.Fanny remembered Mrs. Field's words.

"I could hear them arguing in my bedroom that day. They have never had a fight in so many years. Dad always let her go. Then they came to ask my opinion, and I said I would stay, Dad. Compromised."

"You said you wanted to stay?" Fanny was somewhat surprised.

"Yeah, wouldn't you? Would you like to listen to the news that your hometown was destroyed from afar? Would you like to let your brother know that his family is deserters from the time he is sensible? This is my home, and so is Hogwarts. Where am I? I won't go." Lucy frowned and tried to tear off the tentacle, which had already entangled her fingers and turned purple.

Fanny scooped up a handful of water from the nearby pool and splashed it. The tentacles loosened a bit, and Lucy pulled her finger out. She looked distraught and doubtful about her decision.

"I think Dad may have started to do something, he's been a little... different lately, he seems very nervous. He never wants to get into any fights, I know he does it for me and my mother. I am also worried about my mother, she If you encounter any injustice, you must speak up, if the mysterious person really takes power, she will definitely not be obedient."

"Do you think it was a wrong decision to stay?" Fanny asked.

"I don't know. I want to fight, I'm of age, and I can help. But if something happens to them, isn't it my fault for that decision?"

"If you're really struggling, think about it first. Your parents and you are adults, they made their decisions, and you're going to make yours." This kind of thing is really hard to persuade, " But I still want to say one thing - you know, as someone who has seen some things with Harry - this is war, not a book story, and you may really die. Death has nothing to do with honor and ideals, And it's never worth it."

"Have you ever felt that you will definitely die?" Lucy looked at Fanny.

"...Yes." When I was in the orphanage, I had three meals a day, if that counted.

"What's that like? Does it really feel like your whole life is flashing through your head?"

"Uh...don't dream of that, anyway. I'd rather never have it."

"Well... then, why did you do that if you didn't think it was worth it? I mean, didn't you help Potter defeat the Heir of Slytherin?"

"That's self-defense... I thought I was Muggle-born." Fanny stroked her hair tangled, "Well, if I stay, it's because I'm still alive. To live the life you want You have to be part of the change, it's kind of a... quid pro quo. Nothing is worth dying for for me, and I don't believe in God or Merlin, and death means nothing."

"Oh, you're what Muggles call an atheist."

"Who is not an atheist? I would like to say, they don't believe in Allah, Sakyamuni, or Moses. They don't believe in the thousand gods themselves. Why should they accuse the thousand and one people who don't believe in it? "In order to get rid of the pastor's entanglement, Fanny has already had a whole set of arguments.

"I really doubt that you are two years younger than me, Fanny. I think you are more mature than my mother." Lucy laughed.

"If you are more mature than your mother, to be honest, this is not an easy task." Fanny also smiled, "Speaking of which, have you really thought about it?"

"I think so. I'm not that prone to misfortune, you know? My friends call me Lucky because I'm always lucky."

"You will bring good luck to your family too, Lucy." Fanny looked at her, "Just do as you wish."