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Practice to Deceive	By : SailorSol Category: Harry Potter > General > General Views: 12424 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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Disclaimer: Any characters & situations you recognize belong to J.K. Rowling. Any characters you don�t recognize belong to me. You can borrow them, but email me first and check on the characters.

Author�s Note: This story is AU after book 5. It contains NO REFERENCES to book 6 in any way, shape or form.

CHAPTER 3: TANGLED WEBS

18 August

Astrid paced nervously in the waiting room at the Ministry of Magic. She had been brought earlier to see if she could get her WARTS now, instead of waiting for the end of the next school year. She had Midgard wrapped around her, but the rest of her animals were at her father's castle, waiting for her return.

She had spent the morning shopping in Diagon Alley under the watchful eyes of Narcissa Malfoy, and followed by a couple of her father's other vassals. She had obtained books that she had never seen before, adding to her already considerable collection. She had replaced her lost wand at Ollivanders with a custom wand that no one would ever be able to touch.

A side trip down Knockturn Alley had gotten her a pensieve, an invisibility cloak, and a cursed silver and opal necklace. At a bookstore in Knockturn Alley, she had purchased an entire lot of damaged books obtained from an estate sale.

She had told the shop keeper that she wanted to develop some restoration spells, and she didn't care about the contents of the books. In truth, one of the books had turned out to be a rare treatise by Salazar Slytherin on the fine art of revenge. That book was worth what she had paid for the entire lot and then some. She had it shrunken and wrapped in a silk handkerchief in her pocket.

To kill some time, Astrid pulled the shrunken book out and put it on a side table. She carefully pulled out her wand, enlarged the book, and then began performing restoration spells to make the book readable again, and to keep it from falling apart further.

When the book was sufficiently restored for the title to be legible, she re-shrank it, wrapped it again in the handkerchief and replaced it in her pocket.

�I think that takes care of the Charms and Transfiguration WARTS,� a voice behind her said. She turned around to see Lucius and another wizard standing in the doorway.

�Those spells are Master level,� the wizard said. �I was going to be the examiner for those WARTS, and I am more than satisfied. If you'll come with me, Miss Tyler, we can proceed on your other WARTS.�

Astrid nodded and followed the strange wizard into the next room. Lucius was left behind to wait for her.

�Are you set up for more than one at a time, like I requested?� she asked. The man looked at her strangely, but then nodded.

�I didn't understand the request,� he said.

Astrid smiled at him and reached into the bodice of her dress. She withdrew a long gold chain, and then a small hourglass inside a circle.

�A time turner?� the man asked. �That didn't come from the Ministry?�

�No,� Astrid said. �My sister and I had them from the Bureau of Magical Affairs in the States. We got them second year, and after fourth year, they said we could keep them. I think the BMA was hoping that we would go to work for the government.�

�Very well, Miss Tyler,� the man said. �Your Potions, Herbology, and Defense WARTS are first. Medicinal Magic and Enchanting are next, and then Charms and Transfiguration were to be last of all. This will take all day, but normally WARTS take several days.�

�I'm ready,� Astrid said. �Let's get started.�

***** *****

When Astrid presented herself for breakfast the next morning, the owl from the Ministry was already waiting for her. She kissed Bella on the cheek, hugged and kissed her father, kissed Nagini on the snout, and sat down at her place. She took the envelope from the owl, and watched it fly away. She looked at the envelope in her hand, feeling none of the excitement she had when her OWL and NEWT scores had arrived. Now, she had no one to compare herself to, no one to celebrate with.

�Don't keep us in suspense, child,� Rudolphus urged. �Let's find out what your scores are.�

�I already know what they are,� Astrid replied sadly. �If you're so eager, you open it. It doesn't matter to me.�

�We will find your sister,� Voldemort promised. �I . . . you are very . . . important to me, daughter. I will find your twin, and reunite the two of you.�

�You won't find her,� Astrid said. �You know what we are. She could shift forms five times and completely confuse the trail. By now, she's probably as mad as a hatter. Even if I could find her, I don't know that she would know me, or that I could bring her back. Let's face it, father, she's gone, no matter what. I just don't understand why I'm not insane, as well.�

�I think I do,� Bellatrix said. �Forgive me, My Lord, but you were a bit . . . unstable when you first returned to us. You have been much less so since your daughter joined us here. I believe that the parent-child bond between you is keeping her stable, and stabilizing you.�

�That is a possibility,� Voldemort admitted. �I shall research it myself. Thank you, Bellatrix.�

�Anything I can do, My Lord,� she replied, bowing her head briefly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

21 August

Severus Snape entered the Surf 'n' Turf Cafe and immediately strode over to join his lunch companions.

�There you are, Severus,� one of them called. �We were wondering if you were going to show up!�

�Of course I would show up, Maximillian,� Snape replied, seating himself at the table. �I would never stand you up.�

Maximillian Malfoie looked almost exactly like his half-brother, Lucius. The bastard son of an Old Blood family, Maximillian met Severus when he arrived at Hogwarts. The one feature that immediately differentiated Maximillian from his brother was that his hair was a shining black waterfall with brown highlights, nearly the opposite of his brothers white-blond locks. Maximillian's hair was also longer than his brothers. The main part of it reached below his buttocks, and the braids on either side of his face reached to his waist. He leaned over towards Snape and placed a small package on the table in front of him.

�Just a token of my affection, Sev,� he said. �I found something interesting when I was in Japan earlier this year. I thought you would like it.�

�Thank you, Max,� Snape said, opening the package Inside were a collection of rock crystal phials with crystal stoppers. There was also a rock crystal mortar and pestle.

�Thank you, indeed, Max,� Snape said, carefully closing the box, shrinking it, and placing it into his robe pocket.

�He brought me a new pipe,� their other tablemate said. Snape turned to face another former schoolmate.

Arthur Rumstead looked more like a Malfoy than Maximillian. His silver-gilt hair was swept up to the crown of his head and braided with a dark blue cord. The braid reached nearly to his waist. Arthur smiled and held out a pouch of pipe tobacco. Snape accepted the pouch with a smile and turned his attention to the server who had approached them.

�What can I get for you, gentlemen,� she asked. �We have mutton stew, venison pasty, shepherd's pie, roast chicken, or seafood chowder. Which will it be?�

�Venison pasty,� Snape said. �With tea, unless there is cider.�

�Of course, Professor Snape,� she said, smiling. �Venison pasty and cider, it is.�

�Mutton stew for me,� Maximillian said, smiling charmingly. �And the cider as well.�

�Cider for me, as well,� Alfred said. �But I think I'll have the chowder. I haven't had it since last time I was in Hogsmeade.�

�That was a while ago, Mister Rumstead,� she said. �I remember when you came here with your cousin.�

Alfred smiled as the server walked away.

***** *****

Maximillian's stew arrived first, with Snape's venison soon after. Alfred had to wait a bit longer, nibbling on fresh rolls, because the chowder was not quite ready. Several people were similarly occupied, waiting for the chowder to be ready.

Finally, Alfred's chowder was brought out. Several people were served at once, and they all immediately began eating.

Alfred had only taken two bites when he knew something was wrong. His tongue was burning, and his fingertips were going numb. At the next table, the child eating chowder suddenly collapsed and lay still. As pandemonium broke out, Alfred grabbed at Snape's arm. He could feel his touch on the world slipping away, and Snape was his only hope.

When Alfred grabbed his arm, Snape was already concerned. His concern turned to alarm when he saw that Alfred's lips were turning blue and he was struggling to say something.

�Max,� he said. �Secure the soup and bring it to me at Hogwarts.� He pulled a red ribbon out of his pocket, grabbed Alfred and activated the emergency portkey to the hospital wing at Hogwarts.

***** *****

When Maximillian arrived, Snape and Dumbledore were pacing while Madam Pomfrey and a mediwizard flooed in from St. Mungos worked over Alfred. He was pale and still. Max couldn't even see his chest moving.

Finally, Madam Pomfrey came over to them.

�He's been poisoned,� she told the three wizards. �He is exhibiting signs of several different types of poison, though. The only reason he's not dead is because of his work as an Auror. He built up a resistance to several poisons. He's being moved to St. Mungo's. I'm sorry, Albus, but there is no way he's going to be able to teach in ten days.�

�Well, then,� Dumbledore said, his blue eyes without their twinkle. �I suppose I had better see if I can get another Professor on short notice.�

�You had better, Headmaster,� Snape said. �The students will not suffer another incompetent like Umbridge.�

�Quite right, Severus,� Dumbledore said. �However, I do not think that Cornelius will be that rash again. Besides, he has enough to worry about, with the possibility of being replaced.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

23 August

Astrid sat in a corner of her father's study, sipping at her tea while she read the Daily Prophet. She vaguely heard her father discussing plans with some of his Inner Circle. She only listened with half of her attention while they discussed key magical points that needed to be identified before they could finalize their ultimate goal.

A small article on page four caught her attention, and she turned her full attention to the article.

'HOGWARTS CURSE STRIKES AGAIN'
Alfred Rumstead, the most recent in a string of wizards and witches to accept the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts, was poisoned on 21 August while lunching with two friends in Hogsmeade.
�It must have been the work of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named,� was the opinion of Hogwarts Deputy Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall. �The trouble started with Professor Quirrell, and we haven't been able to keep a Dark Arts Professor since. With the term starting so soon, I can only hope that someone will feel up to the task.�
Anyone who feels that they can break the curse, please feel free to send a letter of interest and proof of qualifications to Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Astrid stared at the article for several minutes, and then she looked up at her father. After a few moments, he noticed and turned his attention to her.

�What is it, Astrid?� he asked.

�You want to place another set of eyes inHogwarts, don't you?� she asked. He nodded, waiting for her to continue.

�They just lost their Dark Arts teacher,� she said. �I'm qualified, I don't have anything else to do, and I'm getting cabin fever. I want to be useful. You told me that the only source of the final information you need, whether it's possible to separate the magical and muggle worlds completely, is at Hogwarts. Let me go there. Let me get the information for you. With my gifts, I can find out what Dumbledore's plans are, and what his next step is. I'll also be in a position to get to Potter and tell him that he can't kill you unless he wants to die.�

�That is true,� he said. �I dislike the thought of you walking into the lion's den, though. I do not think I could bear the thought of losing you.�

�You won't lose me,� she reassured him. �I can contact the spy you already have there, and I can keep an emergency portkey handy in case I'm found out. I don't think I will be, though.�

�Very well,� Voldemort gave his consent after considerable thought. �I will tell my people to keep an ear out for trouble, just in case.�

�Yes, Father,� Astrid said. �I'll compose my letter to Headmaster Dumbledore immediately.� She rose to her feet, kissed Voldemort goodbye, and made her way to her quarters.

***** *****

Over lunch, a strange owl swooped into the Great Hall at Hogwarts and dropped a letter in front of Dumbledore. It was in a handwriting he did not recognize, and was addressed formally.

HEADMASTER ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Curious, Dumbledore broke the green wax seal and opened the letter.

Headmaster Dumbledore;

This letter is to inquire about whether you have filled the recently vacated position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. If not, I am young but capable, and I am a competent Curse-Breaker. Enclosed is a copy of my Mastery certificate.
I will not pretend that I have any experience in teaching, but I have an enthusiasm for the subject, and I believe the teaching young people to defend themselves against those who would do them harm is of utmost importance.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I await your owl.

Yours,

Astrid Tyler, M.P., M.D.A., M.H.

Enclosed with the letter was a copy of a Dark Arts and Their Defeneses Mastery from the Bureau of Magical Affairs in the United States. Without a word, Dumbledore handed the letter over to his Deputy and looked around at the other staff members at the table.

�We have an applicant for the Defense position,� Dumbledore told the others. Most of them looked relieved. Snape and Malfoie both looked skeptical.

�I'm surprised that anyone'll have the position,� Max said to Severus. �I half expected to have to fill in until poor Alfred's recovered. After all, dueling may be an energetic subject, but it's not terribly preparation or work intensive.�

�You may, yet,� Snape said. �It is true that we have not had a teacher stay the year since Quirrell. I do not see how someone else will have better luck.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

24 August

Astrid's portkey deposited her outside of the main entrance to Hogwarts. She had come expecting to stay. Her trunks and her sisters were shrunken and put into a book bag over her shoulder. Midgard was wrapped around her securely, and her wolves and cats were on either side of her. She sent the ravens and owl to the owlrey, and sent Thor to perch on one of the sturdier towers.

She walked up the steps and into the main entrance to the castle. She had directions to the Headmaster's office that took her across the Great Hall.

As Astrid crossed the Great Hall, she was confronted by a long-haired, tortiseshell cat with red eyes. Astridf immediately scooped the cat into her arms.

//Hello, beautiful,// she meowed to it. //What are you called?//

//Master calls me Mrs. Norris,// the cat replied. //Who are you?//

//I am called Astrid,// she answered. //Master is silverhair oldman?//

Mrs. Norris made a sound of disgust.

//Never,// Mrs. Norris replied. //Master takecare of stonehouse.//

//Must see headmaster,// Astrid told her. //Lead me there?//

//Yes,// Mrs. Norris answered. She twisted and jumped out of Astrid's arms and led the way towards an exit. She stopped at the doorway and looked back at Astrid.

Astrid followed her through the doorway, and down a corridor.

In front of the stone gargoyle that Astrid had been told to look for, a sour-looking old man picked up Mrs. Norris and looked Astrid up and down.

�Who might you be?� he asked.

�I'm Astrid Tyler,� she said. �I'm here about the Defense position. I take it that Mrs. Norris is yours?�

�Yes,� he said. �I am Argus Filch, the Caretaker.�

�It's a pleasure to meet you,� Astrid said, smiling. �She's lovely, and very sweet.�

�Yes,� he said. �She is.�

�I bet the students hate you, and her,� Astrid said. �Cats have to know absolutely everything. They're the most dreadful gossips. She tells you everything, and you get the students in trouble.�

�That is the way it works,� he replied.

�Well, I have to see the Headmaster,� Astrid said. �I will look forward to seeing you during the school year.�

�Good luck,� he responded, stepping away from the gargoyle. Astrid approached it, looking down at her familiars following her.

�Violet Crumble,� she said to the gargoyle. It obligingly jumped aside and she stepped onto the moving staircase that would take her to Dumbledore's office.

At the top of the stairs was a closed door, and before Astrid could knock, the door was opened. A rather severe old witch in green robes stood, holding the door open.

�Come in, Miss Tyler,� she said. �The Headmaster is waiting for you.�

Astrid stepped inside, surprised to see four other individuals in the room.

�Have a seat, Miss Tyler,� Dumbledore said from behind his desk. �Have some tea, please.�

Astrid sat down, waited while the wolves sat on either side of her chair and the cats sat on her feet, and then accepted the cup of tea that the Headmaster offered her.

She had been forewarned about Dumbledore's practice of interviewing his prospective professors with veritaserum in their tea. She had taken an antidote that she and Lilith had developed before she had used the portkey.

She politely sipped the tea while she was introduced to Professors Flitwick, Sprout, McGonagall, and Snape. Her eyes lingered on Severus Snape for a few moments, and then she turned her attention to Dumbledore, watching her with penetrating blue eyes. She kept her Occlumency shields tight and smiled at him.

�I'll answer any questions you might have, sir,� she said. �I must tell you, too, what an honor it is to meet you.�

�Well, thank you,� Dumbledore said. �Now, what do you think qualifies you to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts?�

�Seventeen dead Death Eaters,� she replied. �When they attacked Mistland Magical Academy, I killed seventeen of them myself. There was a rigorous dueling club at Mistland. I was one of the strongest members. I probably know more curses and countercurses than any three of your students will ever need to. I would not only teach magic, but I would also teach them the nonmagical methods of defending themselves.�

�Such as. . . � McGonagall said, raising one eyebrow.

�Such as there is more than a countercurse to stop a curse,� Astrid replied. �Your opponent can't curse you if you disrupt his spellcasting. I know many ways of doing that, most of which the average wizard isn't expecting.�

�Well,� McGonagall said. �I think that she is qualified, Albus. We can insist that she follow the curriculum that Alfred set.�

�Very well,� Dumbledore said, rising from his chair and holding out his hand. �Welcome to the Hogwarts staff, Professor Tyler.�

�Thank you, Headmaster,� Astrid said, taking his hand and shaking it. She allowed some doubt to show on her face, as she released his hand, and she bit at her lower lip.

�Headmaster,� she said. �I wonder if I might have a minute alone?�

�Of course, my dear,� Dumbledore said. �Professors, I will show Professor Tyler to her quarters, and I will inform her of the other situation.�

The two of them waited while the other four professors left the office. The last to leave was Snape, whose eyes lingered on the lithe form of the new Defense teacher before he turned to return to his dungeon quarters.

Once they were alone, Dumbledore turned to Astrid and smiled.

�What can I do for you, my dear?� he asked, coming around the desk and sitting in a chair next to her.

�I have a confession to make, headmaster,� she said. While she was speaking, she made a secondary set of shields and allowed her outer shields to develop weaknesses.

�I'm certain it can't be that terrible,� he said, taking one of her hands again.

This was what Astrid had been waiting for. She had acquired some information from Dumbledore during the first contact. Dumbledore had sent someone to poison her predecessor, Alfred Rumstead, to further the myth of the curse. Now, she wanted to know who the 'inner circle' were, and what the ultimate purpose of the Order of the Phoenix was.

�It's horrible,� she said. �I didn't say anything, because I want this position so badly. I want to teach children to defend themselves. I have to make up for the horrible things my father has done.�

�You make it sound as though your father is a Death Eater,� Dumbledore said, patting her hand.

Astrid felt him prod at her shields. She let him past the first ones as she slid under his and read the information that presented itself as she spoke.

�My father is Voldemort,� she told him, putting a sob into her voice. �He raped my mother, and then he sent his people to destroy my school and kidnap me. They killed my twin sister during the attack. I'm hoping that I'll survive long enough to do some good. I want to help you, Headmaster. I want to stop my father.�

�One cannot help who ones parents are,� Dumbledore said, patting her hand soothingly. �You have no obligation to make up for Tom's depredations. You will be an excellent Defense teacher, though. You have the motivation necessary to want your students to excel.�

�Thank you, Headmaster,� Astrid said, smiling ingenuously at him. �Perhaps I could give extra lessons to students who are likely to need them? Harry Potter perhaps? If nothing else, I could show him how I defeated all those Death Eaters at Mistland.�

�That sounds like just the thing, my dear,� Dumbledore said, smiling at her. �You have my permission to do just that.�

TBC
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Practice to Deceive