Chapter Fifteen - Two down, one more to go
After her Potions lesson, Ginevra decided to follow Mr. Snape's advice and got some rest, before lunch. Magic was part of her, but had never been used and she had never learnt how to control it, that's why it tired her so much to practise the simplest of spells.
Ginevra could still remember the night she had asked Prince Draco to let her use his wand. She had been so excited and nervous, that she had lost control of her magic, which resulted in a fire in the garden and her breakdown, due to lack of energy. The fact that she had been using her husband's wand might have been another factor for her failure. At the time she had thought she was the fault for the failure, but now that she had her own wand, and was able to cast a few spells, Ginevra knew better.
She woke just in time to attend lunch. The King, his wife and Prince Draco were already sitting at the lunch table when she walked in. Her husband immediately rose from his seat to help his wife to her chair.
As she gave her husband a bright smile of appreciation, Ginevra noticed the letter in the King's hand. It had the Hogwarts' crest on it… That could only mean that everything was going as planned.
"DAMN IT!" the King yelled, surprising the three other table occupants.
"Father, what happened?" the Prince asked immediately, reaching for the letter.
"That fool Dumbledore should have left Hogwarts a long time ago! He has no control over the castle, as well as, no control over his mental faculties…" the King spat, furiously.
"Headmaster Dumbledore is a wonderful person, and a powerful wizard, milord. You should show a little more respect for his person…" Ginevra said in a temper, feeling insulted for Albus Dumbledore.
"Quiet, girl! You shall not talk to me in that tone. Better yet, do not talk to me, at all!" the King spat, menacingly.
"Father, calm down. Ginevra was just giving her opinion… Ginevra, abstain from making comments, will you?" Prince Draco whispered to his wife. "Now, what happened to make you so furious?"
"Apparently, the four Houses' Common Rooms have locked themselves and Dumbledore says they'll only open again by the next full moon, in one month's time. School will start, not on September first, but on October first." The King replied, rubbing his face with his pale hands, so similar to the Prince's hands.
"That's strange, even for Hogwarts…" the Prince replied, while Ginevra bit back a laugh. Her plan was working… "I'll reschedule the leaving ceremony and send a letter to Hogwarts, asking about the arrival of the carriages."
"Yes, you do that. I've lost my appetite." The King hissed, leaving the room in a temper.
"Why is he so upset? It's only one month…" Ginevra commented, returning her attention to her food.
"Darling, you shouldn't confront him, this way… Lucius is very easily offended." Queen Narcissa warned her with concern.
"I'll try to control myself, next time. But, why does he hate Headmaster Dumbledore?" Ginevra replied, curious.
"My father believes Dumbledore is crazy and too old to run such a big, important school. He has tried to expel Dumbledore from the school several times, but he never succeeded. My father probably sees this unpredictable situation as an affront…" Prince Draco explained, sipping his wine.
"Well, I like Headmaster Dumbledore, and I believe he's quite sane… Saner than most of us, anyway. He just likes to be silly and leaving people wondering about his mental health." She replied amusedly. Ginevra had one eventful month ahead of her, before October first.
Mrs. Potter arrived after lunch with a roll of parchment in her hand. Both young women went to the sitting room and spoke in hushed tones.
"I hope you feel like writing, because we have a few dozen letters to send." Mrs. Potter smirked, showing the list to Ginevra.
That afternoon, after spending three hours writing the same message, over and over, thirty-two letter were distributed by a Royal Guard. Each message read:
`Dear Miss/Mrs. Name of the Recipient,
Ginevra Malfoy, Princess of Birmingham's Kingdom requires your presence at the city's party salon, for a social tea on the next Wednesday, at five o'clock.
A matter of the utmost importance shall be discussed and that is why you must participate of this event.
Respectfully,
Ginevra Malfoy'
Coincidence or not, Wednesday was the first of September, usually the first day of school at Hogwarts. It was a quarter to five when Ginevra arrived at the building, from which the Queen had seen the young woman for the first time, a few months ago. The large salon was still empty, full of round tables with the best china and cutlery ready for tea. There were several plates full of small cakes and biscuits and elegant bouquets of flowers adorning the tables.
"Ginevra, you've arrived early…" Mrs. Potter greeted with a bright, yet nervous smile. "Ready?"
"Very much so. As Harry arranged a way to silence our guests?" she asked, removing her cloak.
"Yes, he has. The two of us have already signed the presence's parchment and Harry will make sure every woman signs it, as well… If they try to babble, they'll find themselves heavily cursed." Mrs. Potter replied mischievously.
"Good." Ginevra sighed, looking out the window.
"Is everything alright, my friend?"
"Everything's wonderful, right now, Hermione. Too wonderful to be truth, in fact." She explained and took a seat at the Head table, as the guests began to arrive and curtsey before the Princess. "I love him…"
"That's wonderful!" Mrs. Potter gasped and hugged her friend, enthusiastically. "Have you told him, yet?"
"No, I'm not sure what will happen when all this comes out in the day light, and I don't want to make both of us suffer more than we should." Ginevra explained, taking one deep breath. "Here comes Mr. Zabini."
Two cloaked and hooded figures walked in the room, one male, and the other female, only identifiable because of the voluminous skirts. The male figure came to join Ginevra at the Head table, while the woman sat alone in a table, at the back of the room.
"Blaise, thank you for coming. We'll start in a few moments…" Ginevra whispered, so that only he could hear. Mr. Zabini dropped his hood; revealing his, brand new, transfigured face. He wanted to remain anonymous for personal reasons and she respected that.
At last, Mr. Potter joined them at the table, carrying the parchment full of signatures in his hand.
"Everything is under control, Milady. We may start…"
Ginevra rose from her seat and waited until all the guests were silent and paying attention.
"Good afternoon, ladies. First of all, I want to thank you for being present… As many of you must have, probably, thought, this is not only about having tea. There's something else…
"I won't beat around the bush. Women are being treated like common objects, the only power we have over man is when we choose the menu for lunch… Sometimes we can't even decide that, though. But, I'm sure you must agree when I say, we are much more than that… We are witched, my friends!
"Women have practised magic for hundreds of years, but recently, that right was taken away from us… Two wizards and two witches founded Hogwarts! Once upon a time, women attended that school, alongside with boys… If we have magical abilities, why can't we use them? Why can't we learn how to control our magic?
"Women keep on being raped, beaten and killed. If we want to go anywhere, we need a carriage to take us there. If our house is attacked, we can't do anything, besides hiding under the dinning table…
"Well, I'll tell you this: with a wand and proper control of our magic, we could prevent any wizard or muggle from attacking us, we could protect our home and our families, we could Apparate to our destination… Can't you see the usefulness of magic? Can't you feel it running through your veins?
"I know you must be shocked right now, but I must go on…
"Things must change, that's why I propose to each one of you that, for the next month, you learn the basics of magic: useful Transfiguration spells, Charms, Potions, Herbology and Defence spells to protect your integrity and that of your family. With Herbology, you'll learn the important aspects of each potion ingredient; you'll learn to brew potions to heal your child's wounds or to alleviate a headache…
"During one month, all of you have the opportunity to be taught, to use a wand that belongs to you, exclusively, and at the end of that time, we would see how far have we all developed. If everything goes right, we'll do the same with lower-class women and if they succeed as well, we'll try to convince the King to change the laws regarding women's rights.
"None of you will be able to tell what happened in this room, to anyone. If you try to, there will be consequences in the form of a nasty hex. Those of you unwilling to participate in this educational program, please leave the building right away. Your faces and names will never be revealed, so don't fear what might happen to you, if you leave." Ginevra finally finished her speech and prepared herself to what would happen next.
For a few moments, the women simply looked around them, trying to decide what to do, depending on the other women's reactions. At last, about half of the women rose from their seats and, curtseying, left the room.
"I will understand if you wish to leave, as well…" Ginevra said, the disappointment evident in her voice and on her face.
The remaining women didn't move an inch… The class would have eighteen students, including Ginevra and Mrs. Potter.
"Professor Zacharias will teach Potions, Arithmancy and Herbology, while Professor Potter will teach Charms, Defence and Transfiguration. Each of you must visit Ollivanders' shop, get your own unique wand and hide it the best you can. Classes will be held everyday, around 3 p.m., in this same room. Are you all ready to prove yourselves?" Ginevra asked with an encouraging smile.
"Yes, Milady!" the women replied, excitedly. It was then that Ginevra noticed something… Only the youngest had remained. Those women of fifty years and older were the ones who had left. Probably they were resigned to remain living the only way they knew how to live… without magic.
As soon as they all left, the hooded woman came to stand in front of Ginevra and bowed, respectfully.
"Do not bow before me, Miss Zabini… It's a pleasure to meet you." Ginevra whispered, pulling the young woman into an embrace.
"Thank you, Milady. I've heard many things about you… Some good, from Blaise, some bad, from Pansy." The young woman replied, gently.
"Ah, yes, Pansy Parkinson… Well, don't believe everything you hear. I'm sure you're quite capable of making your own observations." Ginevra chuckled and invited Miss Zabini to sit by her side. "Are you afraid of showing me your face?"
"No, Milady, I just fear what you'll think of me…" Miss Zabini whispered sadly, her voice faltering with emotion.
"Miss Zabini, I know that what you see is not a reflection of the person inside, most of the times. Do not worry about my feelings…" the Princess replied, honestly.
Under the attentive gaze of the Potters, the Princess and Mr. Zabini, the young woman lowered her hood, revealing long, shiny black hair, bright blue eyes with long eyelashes and full lips. Miss Delia Zabini was beautiful, even with the scars that spread over her cheeks, neck and upper chest.
Ginevra gasped sadly, tears brimming in her eyes, and took the young woman's hands in her own.
"How could he do this to you? You are beautiful and yet, he marked you like this… Why haven't the Healers removed the marks?" the Princess asked, very sadly.
"They say they can't… They told Blaise that the wounds were too deep."
"So unfair… Delia, please help me ensure that no other woman will have to suffer the same things you went through." Ginevra pleaded.
"I will help you, Milady. Thank you for helping us…" Miss Zabini replied with a smile.
Ginevra and Miss Zabini hugged one last time and went their separate ways.
On the trip back to the Palace, Ginevra shuddered remembering Mr. Zabini's tale of his sister's rape.
Miss Zabini had been taking a walk around the Zabini's Manor when a wizard, riding a horse, grabbed her and threw her on top of the horse, secured by his strong hands. When they were far away, he dismounted and began his horrible game… He started by cutting all of her body with his knife and ripping her clothes. When she was bleeding from head to toes, he rapped her, tearing her insides with too much violence. Delia Zabini had screamed, but they were in the middle of nowhere… She had prayed for Death to take her away from such suffer, but she didn't die. At last, the man mounted his horse, once again, and left her there, bleeding and in shock, after such an act.
Miss Zabini had feared for the rapist's return so, weak from blood loss and pain, the young woman tried to find a road, where she could ask for a passer-by's help. She succeeded and soon she was taken to a Healer that contacted her family. From that day on, Delia Zabini had locked herself inside her family's house, never leaving to take a walk around the garden…
No one had caught the rapist yet, so she feared his return. Her whole body held the marks of what he had done to her and her mind would never go back to being the one of a carefree eighteen-year-old girl, again.
Ginevra respected the young woman, felt angry that she had not been able to protect herself because of the stupid law and hoped that things would change soon, before she had to meet yet another Delia Zabini.
A new adventure began… Each woman bought her new wand and kept it hidden from everyone. Classes went very well, with every student trying hard to succeed with their spells and wand movements. Each day, after classes, they would have tea and talk about their expectations and fears… They were all forming a strong bond.
The month of the educational program was coming to an end and soon the students would go back to Hogwarts, while the class of grown women would finish their education… Well, probably they would only end the first step into their magical education. Hopefully, if things ended up changing, they would be able to continue their training.
"Sunday, at 1 p.m., we must be present at the Leaving Party, mid-town. Hogwarts will send the carriages on Saturday night and, by Monday, school will begin a new year." Prince Draco explained to his wife, as they walked inside the palace, since it was raining outside.
"It will be a good year, I'm sure…" Ginevra smiled happily, enjoying the feel of his warm arm around her waist. "There will be someone visiting the new students the night previous to the leaving, isn't that right?"
"Yes, but, how do you know that?" he asked, surprised, but then he just chuckled. "Oh, of course… I had forgotten you have six older brothers. Yes, a person representing Hogwarts will visit each new student, to make sure they prepare their things for the leaving."
"Good…" she replied with a pleased smile. Everything was going according to plan.
"Where have you been going, lately, mid-afternoon? For the last few days I've spent the days in the Palace and I never found you, anywhere…" Prince Draco enquired, kissing the top of her head, enjoying her sweet scent.
"Missed me, have you?" she grinned teasingly, and he just chuckled.
"Maybe I have, maybe I haven't… Well, where were you?" he grinned as well, stopping them in the middle of the corridor.
"I've been having tea with several high-class women, talking about the usual women's stuff." She half-lied and buried her red face on his chest, hugging his waist against her body.
"That's good… Are you feeling well?" he whispered, concerned with her, while he caressed her bare neck, making her shiver.
"Wonderfully well, Draco… Can we go to our bedroom?" she whispered, kissing his jaw with hopeful eyes.
"We can." Prince Draco replied with a small smile, taking her hand to lead her to their bedroom.
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The Leaving Party was held in the city's central square. On one side there were dozens of shiny black carriages, with Hogwarts' crest on the doors, waiting to take the students back to school.
There was a tall stage on the other side of the square, where the Royal family sat in luxurious seats, waiting for the ceremony to begin. The height gave a good view of the crowd that filled the square, as well as a good view of the students in their Hogwarts' school uniforms.
Soon enough, everyone noticed something wasn't right in the picture and started whispering their surprise. They weren't the only ones to show surprise, the King became quite upset when he saw the amount of young girls wearing school uniforms, among the other students (all of them boys).
"What is the meaning of this? I demand an explanation!" the King yelled, furiously.
As if she had been waiting for this moment to appear, a tall, thin woman, with black hair pulled back into a bun and wearing tartan dress robes, walked to stand in the middle of the stage. She curtseyed before the Royal family and looking over her square glasses, she winked in Ginevra's direction.
With precise movements, the woman, around sixty years old, drew a wand from her sleeve and placed a Sonorus Charm on her own throat.
"Guards! Arrest this woman immediately!" the King yelled, as soon as he saw her draw her wand, and placed himself in a duelling position with his wand at ready.
The woman hexed the two guards with a quick Petrificus Totalus and they fell on the floor, their bodies completely rigid.
"If you don't wish the same fate, you will lower your wand, King Malfoy. I'm here representing Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. My name is Minerva McGonagall and I will teach Transfiguration, from this year on." The woman said in a cold tone of voice that made the King obey. Still he stared at her furiously.
"Very well, explain what is going on. Why are those girls wearing the school's uniform? Why are they even there?" he demanded, going back to his throne, while the crowd listened eagerly, thanks to the Sonorus Charm.
"In Scotland, where Hogwarts in located, there are no laws banning women from using their magic. Because of that, all girls with magical powers were invited to attend school… We have enlarged the common rooms and prepared them to receive girls, once again, after so many years without their presence." Professor McGonagall explained, turning around to face the crowd. "Those of eleven and twelve years old, will have classes with the first year boys. The ones from thirteen to seventeen will be included in a single class, to be part of an intensive program, until they reach the proper level of achievement, according to their ages."
The crowd whispered wildly, trying to understand what was happening.
"Tell me, do you or do you not wish for your young daughters to have a better life by the use of magic to protect themselves and their families? They can be powerful, they just need a proper education…" Professor McGonagall announced, loud and clear.
When she had visited the new students' houses, the previous night, she had explained the situation to the girls' parents, and most of them had agreed to send their daughters to Hogwarts. With their consent given, she had supplied each girl with a new trunk, school robes and school material, curtsey of Headmaster Dumbledore.
A new era was about to begin, if only the King would accept the situation without further confusion.
"Children, say goodbye to your families, as you'll only see them again at Christmas. As soon as you're ready, get in the carriages orderly… We must arrive at Hogwarts in time for the Welcoming Feast." Professor McGonagall announced.
"Stop! You can't take those girls away from my kingdom without my authorisation!" the King spat furiously, leaving his throne to face the older witch.
"Their parents authorized their leave, there's nothing you can do to stop this situation. Thank you for your hospitality, King Malfoy." The Professor replied with a sneer and left the stage to join her students.
The King just remained where he was, watching as the carriages left in great speed, heading North to Scotland. As soon as they were out of sight, he entered his own carriage and retreated to the Palace. He had been mocked in front of the whole city… It was all Dumbledore's fault, in his opinion.
Queen Narcissa smiled knowingly at Ginevra and followed her husband in her own carriage. The crowd began to dissipate, commenting on what had just happened, while Prince Draco and his wife remained on their seats.
"Ginevra, did you have anything to do with this?" he asked, raising a pale eyebrow to show his suspicion.
She remained silent, since she didn't want to lie anymore than she already had.
"Do you realise the social problems you're raising with this?" Prince Draco hissed under his breath, grabbing her wrist with more strength than necessary.
"The Kingdom needed this shock to wake up from its numb mentality…" Ginevra explained gently, although he was hurting her. "Did you notice those girls' faces? They were so excited to go to a magical school and have a wand, just like their dad or brother…"
"My father is furious because of this, Ginevra…" he sighed, releasing her wrist and rose from his seat, to pace in front of her.
"He'll get over it. Are you very mad at me?" she mumbled sadly, afraid of his reaction.
"Let's go back to the Palace." Was his only reply as he held her hand and led her to a carriage.
From the way he was holding her hand and the tense muscles on his face, Ginevra knew her husband was extremely upset and trying his best to remain calm.
"Draco, just say it. Keeping all those thoughts to yourself will only frustrate you." She whispered resignedly, entering the carriage, followed by him.
"Do you realise what you're doing? Do you know what will happen to you if your name is revealed? It can be considered treason… For now I'll remain silent, but I still have the power to punish you, no matter if you're my wife or not." He replied angrily.
"Everything worked out fine, there's no reason to suspect anyone and my name will never be revealed, unless you report me." Ginevra replied, trying to show a confidence she didn't feel. There was another treason happening behind this one.
"Give me a reason not to, Ginevra." Prince Draco scowled, looking out the carriage's window.
"I'm not going to give you one, Draco. Find those reasons by yourself, without anyone telling you what to think or what to do… I trust your good judgement." She replied, massaging her sore wrist, noticing the red marks of his fingers appearing in the fragile skin.
They spoke no more that day… Each went their own way, inside of the Palace.
Ginevra worried about her husband's opinion of his wife and about the plans she still had to accomplish.
Prince Draco worried about his wife. She had gotten him to question his ideals, she had made him wander through the Kingdom asking people's opinion about certain laws about women's rights and, recently, he had started to understand her opinions. He hadn't been prepared to face the fact that she was acting behind everyone's back.
He feared for her safety but promised himself to protect her, for as long as possible. He had come to care very much for her and the thought of losing her was like a nightmare. Still, she was placing herself in very dangerous ground, and if she slipped once, not even he would be able to save her from the law.
On Monday, 2nd of September, the class of grown women who had participated on the Educational Program received their diplomas, that Ginevra had ordered from a trust-worthy Calligrapher. They swore to remain silent about what had happened on the last month and to maintain their wands hidden in their dresses, at all times, in case of needing immediate protection.
For the next few weeks, Ginevra and Mrs. Potter selected a large group of low-class women, to start a new class. As soon as the women were chosen and the classes began, Mrs. Potter went back to her old life, staying at home preparing her child's layette.
In her private life, Ginevra was having a hard time. Prince Draco hadn't completely forgiven her, for her involvement in the girls' presence at Hogwarts… They were in speaking terms and they slept together, but still, he had only sought her, sexually, two times over the last two weeks.
She wasn't sure, but she felt that the feeling of treason did not motivate his anger. She felt that he was concerned about her, and tried not to show it so hard that he avoided her, altogether.
Ginevra had been lost in her thoughts, sitting at the Head table, while Mr. Potter lectured the class about transfiguring a mouse into a goblet. She only came back to reality when she heard the room's double doors explode into pieces and all the women started screaming.
Immediately, Ginevra ran to Mr. Potter and hid with him behind a table, while the other women did the same, waiting for the dust to settle.
"Harry, get out of here, now. Disapparate back to your Manor and pretend you never left…" she ordered in a whisper.
"I can't leave you here, Ginevra!" he replied desperately.
"Harry, think about Hermione and your unborn child. GO!" Ginevra hissed.
"Be safe…" Mr. Potter whispered, pulling her into a tight hug before he Disapparated.
"I don't think that's possible, now…" Ginevra mumbled, feeling the tip of a wand against her jugular. Thankfully Mr. Zabini hadn't been present today, or she would have had another wizard to protect, besides Mr. Potter.
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Yeah, yeah, I know I took a long time to update, but here it is. The story is coming to an end. Two more chapters, perhaps?
Well, I'm spending Easter out of town; I'll be going to visit 3 different historic cities in South Portugal. If you want to see what they're like, search on the Net for Evora, Vila Vicosa and Estremoz. They're gorgeous.
The next chapter is already down on paper; I just need to get it on computer, so, next week I'll try to post it, alright?
Thank you for the formidable reviews.
Love, Carina
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