Chapter 58
“Minerva, my girl, don’t you think this infusion is wonderful?” Dumbledore closed his eyes in pleasure and took a sip of tea. “Rosehip goes so wonderfully with orange and cinnamon… Girls, do you agree with me?”
“Yes, Director.” I nodded and took a long sip from the white porcelain cup, then grabbed a lemon wedge from the vase. Mia followed my example; the tea truly was exquisite. “Where did you buy it?”
“Alas… But such things cannot be bought.” The old man smiled slyly into his beard. “It was a gift from my former student, a talented fellow who now heads the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Magic. But I can share it; I’m sure your mother will appreciate it.”
“I’d be very grateful and I’ll be sure to tell them it’s from you.” I smiled at the good-natured director.
Dumbledore waved his hand dramatically, summoning a small glass jar from the cabinet. Another wave conjured a paper bag out of thin air. The bearded old man sighed heavily, like a Jew giving a customer a discount, and poured me some of the wonderful tea infusion. With a satisfied nod, the headmaster levitated a gift for my mother. Our idyll was broken by the nervous clatter of a cup against a saucer in the hands of our head of house. Minerva McGonagall was now sitting on a soft sofa, her thin lips pursed, glaring angrily at me and my friend. But we didn’t care; we sat in comfortable chairs and waited for Professor Prince.
It didn’t go over well. I didn’t want to use that spell on the brats, but Nott asked for it, and Hermione decided to support me and took it out on Parkinson. My friend remembered that brat’s words, saying Hellsing was so terrifying that even the savage northern elders of the Union refused to use it, so the little fool paid the price. As Grandfather had promised, our brave professors and experts in the Dark Arts couldn’t immediately lift the Black Hex. When Quirrell and Prince attended to the victims, they waved their wands over them for about ten minutes, then scratched their heads in unison and turned their gaze to Hermione and me. Our support group and the other first-years had crowded around, so the professors didn’t say anything. Only the Head of Slytherin hissed, and even Vasya showed his curious face, telling us to immediately go to the Headmaster’s office for an investigation.
Then, Scum, disguised as Quirrell, and Professor Prince enchanted the two horned, bloody bodies and headed for the hospital wing. The shit-stained gypsy boy ran after them, creating a foul wind. Mia and I exchanged glances, shrugged, and headed for the Headmaster’s Tower, to the approving nods of the Gryffindors and the tentative smiles of our Slytherin friends.
Dumbledore was already waiting for us, along with McGonagall. While McCat was furious, I sensed amusement and satisfaction in the old man’s voice, though he looked at us with great disapproval. At that moment, I wanted to clap my hands and, like Stanislavsky, shout, “I believe you!” McGonagall was about to scold us, but Dumbledore silenced her with a wave of his hand and suggested we drink some tea first and wait for the other witnesses. We sat like that for about fifteen minutes, drinking the delicious infusion and munching on lemon wedges.
Professor Prince flew in almost silently, the hem of his robes rustling slightly, and stood silently next to the sofa where our Dean of House sat. Silence reigned in the Headmaster’s office; the professors glared at Hermione and me, while the Headmaster looked at everyone with the anguish of the entire Jewish people, who were destined to wander the desert for another forty years.
“Severus, my boy,” the old man took a sip of tea, and the Potions Master grimaced in disgust. “How are your students? Are the children all right?”
“Unfortunately, no, Headmaster,” the horror of the dungeons whispered in a sepulchral voice. “Professor Quirrell and I determined that the curse, while not fatal, is very dark.” Black eyes looked at me with contempt and hatred. “Poppy couldn’t help either and sent the unfortunate children to St. Mungo’s.”
– I see… It’s unfortunate… – The old man poured himself more tea. – And where is Mr. Zabini? We could use his testimony.
“As a result of this brazen and vile attack, Mr. Zabini suffered severe psychological trauma,” the Potions Master continued to whisper, his voice seething with such hatred that a pistol appeared in my hand. “So, while Poppy was Flooing the injured to the hospital, I gave the terrified child a Dreamless Sleep Potion. The boy needs to calm down, I’m afraid his Boggart might change.”
“No need to be dramatic,” the headmaster muttered, waving his hand again at McGonagall, who was about to launch into an angry tirade. “Severus, my boy,” the Potions Master’s expression twisted again, “will you enlighten the old man about what happened? Have you found out the cause of the conflict between the students?”
“Of course, Headmaster.” The Prince straightened up and looked at me with malicious glee, remarkably ignoring Hermione. “Mr. Zabini told me that Miss Hellsing declared to the noble heirs that from now on she is the Dark Lady and will punish all minions of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. She demanded that they fall to their knees and lick her shoes, otherwise she will punish them with the Cruciatus Curse.”
“Outrageous! Such behavior is a disgrace to the House of Noble Lions!” McGonagall jumped up, but under the headmaster’s “kind” gaze she sat back down.
– Go on, my boy, what happened next? – Dumbledore looked at the potions master with interest.
“My students stated that neither they nor their parents ever supported the idea of blood purity and always fought against the tyranny of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Nott and Parkinson demonstratively kept their hands in plain sight and did not want a conflict! However, Hellsing…” the Prince practically spat out my last name, “declared that from this day forward they are her slaves, and attacked innocent children! Hellsing and her tame shav… tame vassal treacherously attacked my students! I demand that the DMP and Aurors be summoned immediately to clarify all the circumstances of this incident! Or, at the very least, expel these people.” A contemptuous nod in our direction. “From the school.”
“Where’s Nott’s wand?” I turned my Occlumency to maximum and took Hermione’s hand; such disdain for a friend was unforgivable. I set my cup down and looked at the greasy-haired bastard. “I’m asking, where’s that pureblood bastard’s wand?! Those bastards were the first to insult my family, and Nott was the first to cast a Dark Curse on me, his Seko aimed at my throat.
Our Head of House choked on her tea and, clearing her throat, glared at the Prince. Mia calmed down a bit, but I could feel her insides seething with rage, and I squeezed her hand even tighter. The Prince looked at me with a satisfied and sardonic smile and, putting on his most worried expression, looked at Dumbledore.
“Miss Hellsing and her minions have always behaved very brazenly and aggressively, the result of poor upbringing, I believe, Headmaster, so I’m not surprised that she attacked other students again.” The Prince smiled wickedly. “Remember how Miss Hellsing beat up Mr. Macmillan, or how she threatened Mr. Longbottom with a dagger. I dread to imagine what goes on within the walls of the Gryffindor common room.” A haughty nod toward McGonagall. “Headmaster, the girl and her pet friend are a danger to others; I request that both be expelled from the school. Today she cast a Dark Curse on the noble heirs, and tomorrow she will kill someone else. Therefore, I demand that the DPM be called so that they can document this outrageous incident!”
“Severus, my boy,” the old man bowed his head and looked at his subordinate. “Perhaps Miss Hellsing is telling the truth. Where is the evidence of a treacherous attack? I propose inviting all witnesses to this incident from both houses.”
“Aren’t my words enough?!” the Potions Master hissed angrily and glared at me. “This insolent, arrogant…” The Prince turned his gaze to Hermione, “and her pet attacked my students…”
“Insult us again, and you’ll die in the Hellsing Manor torture chamber.” All patience has its limits. I rose smoothly from my chair and looked at the professor, my Occlumency keeping me perfectly calm. “Before entering Hogwarts, I carefully read your file, and I didn’t want some pathetic, cowardly slave to open his stinking mouth to the heir to the sacred Hellsing family!”
“Are you threatening me?” The Prince smirked, raised one eyebrow, and bowed his head. “You’re as insolent and spoiled as your father, accustomed to impunity and permissiveness…”
“I’m not threatening, I’m warning you.” My tone and face were calm, but sparks were starting to appear in my hair. “My father was a complete scumbag, but he died defending his family, I remember that day perfectly. He didn’t run away or get scared, he fought Voldemort to the last,” McGonagall shuddered, “and he died defending his children.” Everyone stared at me, even the Headmaster. “And you’re nothing but a cowardly creature. I know you dated Lily Evans, and that her behavior changed dramatically in her fifth year when she fell into the clutches of the Marauders. You didn’t even try to help her, you simply betrayed the girl who trusted you, and maybe even loved you. Then you knelt before Voldemort and chose the fate of a slave. So shut your mouth, you cowardly wretch.”
“You don’t know anything…” The prince began to shake, and a magic wand appeared in his hand.
“I know everything, you big-nosed bitch.” I looked defiantly into his evil black eyes. “It was you who brought me to the Dursleys and made them leave me, it was you who turned my childhood into a personal hell. That alone is enough for you to die a long, painful death.”
– Potter’s spawn… – the potion maker hissed and took a step towards me.
The next moment, I felt movement beneath my cloak, and a very menacing Vasya slid smoothly to the floor, standing between me and the potion master. The crest on his head transformed into a crown, and a small growth on the tip of his tail began to make a menacing sound, like a rattlesnake’s. My familiar, it seemed to me, tripled in size and assumed a fighting stance. Everyone present immediately closed their eyes, and my sweet little snake demonstratively opened its mouth, filled with sharp, needle-like teeth.
– Watch who you’re barking at, dog! – Vasya hissed angrily at the potion maker. – Are you completely out of your fucking mind?! I’m going to fuck you and dry you off! – And then he looked at me pitifully. – Mistress, can I bite this motherfucker? I can practically smell his anger and hatred. I’d rather eat this one right away.
“Wait…” I whispered, almost switching to Parseltongue. I didn’t expect such a reaction from the cowardly snake.
“What the fuck, rain!? ” my protector replied, and in one jerk, he wrapped his arms around the Prince, who had his eyes closed. I only just now noticed how huge Vasya’s mouth was, and now he was aiming for the cowardly potion maker’s neck.
“ Stop! Vasya, don’t touch him!” I added a commanding tone to my voice; the snake didn’t even switch to Uzbek mode, as if he didn’t understand normal speech. “Let that bastard go and come to me.”
“You’re lucky, you basement wretch. My mistress is very kind, or maybe she’s just fucking nuts… I haven’t figured it out yet… ” The snake grumbled in frustration and landed smoothly at my foot.
“Well done, clever snake . ” I stroked my protector’s bone crown and whispered under my breath. ” Get back in place. ” Vasya, grumbling discontentedly, crawled back under his cloak, and I turned to Dumbledore. “I apologize, Headmaster, Vasya is a good man, he was just scared for me.”
– Ahem… Miss Hellsing, – the old man cleared his throat and looked at me very seriously. – Are you aware that breeding basilisks is strictly prohibited in Magical Britain?
– Where did you see the basilisk? – I was genuinely surprised. – Vasya is an ordinary snake, I picked him up in a Muggle greenhouse many years ago.
“Rigel isn’t lying,” my friend chimed in. “It’s just that under the influence of her magic, the snake grew a little; we even have an observation log.”
“Albus, the girls are right,” McGonagall rose from the sofa. “I personally checked their familiars, Miss Hellsing has a very strange snake, but it’s definitely not a basilisk.”
“And the yellow glowing eyes?!” the Prince’s voice rose. “You saw for yourself, this rabid creature attacked me…” the pale head of Slytherin addressed the headmaster. “I demand that you immediately kill this aggressive snake or call specialists from the Ministry of Magic.”
“He was defending his mistress! Severus, you were the one who threatened my student first.” Our dean pulled out her wand. “If you use that tone towards my cubs again, I…”
“Enough!” Dumbledore clapped his hands and relaxed his magic a little. The old man was strong, and everyone immediately shut up. “Now I’ll ask everyone to sit down and calm down!”
Hermione and I plopped down on chairs, McGonagall pointedly turned away from the Prince and sank smoothly onto the sofa, and the Potions Master leaned against the wall with displeasure. The Headmaster glared at everyone present and poured himself some tea.
“First, we have no right to kill Miss Hellsing’s true familiar, and his behavior was justified—he was defending his mistress.” The old man glanced disapprovingly at the Head of Slytherin. “Second, during a rather unpleasant discussion, we discovered that Slytherin and Gryffindor students insulted each other, and then a brawl involving magic erupted.” The Headmaster looked at Hermione and me with displeasure. “Therefore, I am deducting twenty points from all participants in the brawl and assigning each of them two weeks of detention with Mr. Filch. Is that clear to everyone?!”
Everyone nodded silently; it was unusual to see a serious and dissatisfied bearded old man.
“Minerva, my dear, escort the girls to the common room.” McGonagall jumped up from her seat, and the Headmaster leaned back in his throne-like chair and turned his gaze on us. “Miss Hellsing, Miss Granger, be more discreet next time,” we nodded in unison. “I won’t keep you any longer.”
The dean gestured towards the door, and our trio quickly left the director’s domain.
***
As soon as the cabin door closed, Dumbledore glared at his pet Potions Master. That brat had gone too far today. The great wizard of light immediately recalled the serious conversation he’d had with the Prince at the end of summer, but it seemed the suggestion hadn’t lasted long.
Late August 1991. Hogwarts, Headmaster’s office.
“Severus, my boy,” the brat grimaced with displeasure, and Albus smiled good-naturedly into his beard. “I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time, but, alas, I could never find the right time. Severus, do you remember the night Lily died? I asked you then to deliver her daughter to her relatives, but if they refused, I ordered you to find a good orphanage for the child and indoctrinate the staff. Tell me, did Petunia take the child voluntarily?”
“The worthless Muggle gladly accepted Potter’s brat,” the Potions Master replied, grimacing, and the next moment he began to choke, wheezing and clutching his throat. Just as his black eyes were beginning to roll back in his head, an invisible force released the Prince, and he fell to all fours, gasping for air.
“And now I want to hear the truth,” the director stared demandingly at the potion maker, “that’s an order!”
“Uh-hum… The stupid Muggle refused to take in Potter’s brat, and I threatened her…” Under the headmaster’s angry gaze, the Prince lowered his head: “I promised the Muggle that if she gave the brat to an orphanage, terrible things could happen to her husband and son. I was too upset by Lily’s death, and I didn’t have time to look for another place for this nasty thing.”
“And it doesn’t bother you that Evans gave birth to these children and died for them!” The brat clenched his fists at these words. “I thought better of you, Severus. Do you even realize that with your childish grievances you ruined the life of an innocent child?” Albus looked into the Prince’s eyes and saw not a drop of remorse in them, only anger and hatred.
“She’s living proof of what Potter and Black did.” The Prince looked up at his master. “Those little bastards should have died along with Potter!”
“So that’s how it is…” The great wizard shook his head sadly. “Severus, Rigel, and Harry are just innocent children who lost their parents. Thanks to you, by the way.”
“Sooner or later, those Potter bastards will die,” the Head of Slytherin whispered angrily, “I will avenge Lily.”
Severus spoke very quietly, but the Headmaster heard him, and the insolent brat immediately wracked with pain and fell convulsing onto the soft carpet. Albus watched his pet Potions Master writhe on the floor for about five minutes, then leisurely brewed himself some tea. When the great wizard of light took the last sip from his cup, he rescinded the punishment for the arrogant brat and rose from his throne.
“If you only knew how fed up I am with your antics,” the Headmaster approached the Potions Master and forced him to his knees. “Severus, my boy, I think this position is more comfortable for you.” Albus looked sternly into his angry black eyes. “I confess, I thought better of you, but today you have completely disappointed me… Disobey my orders again, and the punishment will be far more severe. Now, get out of my office.”
End of retrospective.
“Severus, my boy,” Dumbledore looked sternly at his grimacing subordinate. “I believe we’ve already discussed your behavior.”
“I apologize, Headmaster,” the Potions Master replied without a trace of remorse. “I got a little carried away.”
“Did you get carried away?!” The Great Light Wizard rose from his seat and released his magic, and the Prince immediately fell to his knees. “Do you even understand who you’re talking to and what you’re talking about?! You dare insult and threaten the Platinum Bitch’s daughter! The girl is going home tomorrow! And if she complains to her mother, I won’t give you a broken knut for your worthless life.”
“First of all, she’s either Potter’s or Black’s daughter…” The young wizard muttered through clenched teeth. “She’s just as insolent and spoiled! She came to the Wizarding World and does whatever she wants! She couldn’t care less about our customs and traditions, and you, Headmaster, indulge her in everything!”
“And that’s why you dared to act like a stupid brat?” The Headmaster glared at the offended brat. “Or haven’t you learned anything from Rowley’s example? Or maybe you seriously think Nott and Parkinson will file a complaint with the D.M.L. and demand a hearing in the Wizengamot?”
“What else was I supposed to do?! That arrogant brat needed to be put in her place.” Despite the pressure of the magic, the Potions Master tried to stand, but fell to his knees again. “As Head of Slytherin, I am responsible for my students, and tonight I will have to answer to the parents of the aggrieved noble heirs. Even if they are guilty of something, they are the children of very rich and influential people in magical Britain.”
“I understand.” Albus nodded, smoothed his beard, and eased the pressure of his magic. “Then you can honestly tell the respected wizards that you did everything you could, but the old Muggle-lover didn’t allow you to punish or expel the Platinum Bitch’s daughter. But why did you have to threaten and resort to outright insults?”
“Because Potter’s brat deserves no other treatment! That little brat dared to hurl insults at me and openly threaten me!” The Prince glared at the Headmaster. “If you don’t, I’ll put that rotten girl in her place! And I don’t care that she was adopted by the Platinum Bitch, she behaves worse than Potter! So, either she learns to respect her elders, or…”
“Severus, childhood grievances have clouded your judgment.” Dumbledore interrupted his subordinate and left the table. “Since you can’t understand the good… This is all for your own good, my boy.”
“What are you…” the young wizard began, but the old man interrupted him.
“So, Severus Tobias Prince, by the will of the Headmaster of Hogwarts, I forbid you to insult, humiliate, or offend the students of this fine school, by word or deed, so mote it be!” A golden mist enveloped the kneeling wizard. “Furthermore, from now on, you are obligated to answer all your students’ questions regarding the curriculum and assist them in every way, so mote it be!”
“Is that all?” the kneeling potion maker spat angrily as the mist of magic cleared.
“Almost…” Dumbledore nodded contentedly, and the Prince was magically brought to his feet. “Listen to my command: from now on, you are obliged to protect and safeguard the lives and health of Rigel Hellsing and Harry Potter while they are within the walls of Hogwarts! If anything happens to the children…”
– Are you going to kill me? – The young dean looked the old man in the eye defiantly.
“Oh, come on, Severus, my boy, how could you think such a thing of me?” Albus smiled good-naturedly and stroked his gray beard. “I’ll simply fire you, and not before I inform Lord Malfoy who told Bones and Crouch about the hiding place where your organization’s treasury was kept. At the trial, I told everyone you were my spy, but in reality…”
– You wouldn’t dare… – whispered the pale brat.
“Severus, tell me, does Lucius still consider you his little brother?” Dumbledore looked contentedly at his terrified subordinate. “Even your own mother always looked at you with disgust, not to mention the rest of the Prince family. Lucius was the only one who always considered you an equal, always helped and protected you, and you betrayed him… What does it feel like? To betray someone near and dear? Do you understand how you set him up?” The Potions Master nodded nervously. “When Tom returns, and he definitely will, Lucius will be in great trouble, because he was the treasurer and was responsible for that money… How do you think Tom will punish Malfoy? Torture him until he’s a vegetable? Or maybe force him to watch as those thugs from Knockturn Alley rape and torture his wife and children, or come up with something more interesting? After all, Lucius loves his family very much…”
– … – The young wizard fell to his knees.
“Malfoy still thinks the treasury was handed over by Pyrith, who slipped on the stairs after the interrogation and broke his neck.” Dumbledore flashed his half-glasses. “It was a lucky break, wasn’t it? Do you think you’ll be able to hide for long once your ‘brother’ finds out who really betrayed him?”
“I understand everything, Director,” the broken young wizard said quietly. “I won’t let you down again.”
“I readily believe it.” The great light wizard smiled into his beard. “And one more thing. This evening, tell Nott and Parkinson not to dare take any action against Miss Hellsing. I’m going to write a letter to the Platinum Bitch now, describing today’s incident in detail, and at the same time, I’ll try to justify your stupid behavior.” Dumbledore flashed his half-glasses. “I’ll also attach all the information I have about the parents of the injured students, just in case.”
“I’ll sort everything out, Director.” The Pale Prince nodded understandingly.
“Now, now, Severus, my boy,” Albus approached and patted his subordinate on the shoulder in a fatherly manner. “You may go now, we have much work ahead of us. For the greater good, of course.”
When the Head of Slytherin left his office, Dumbledore leaned back in his throne in relief and gestured towards a bottle of mead.
“Fawkes, sometimes I think Tom was right when he trained his slaves with the Cruciatus Curse…” The Headmaster poured himself three fingers of drink and drained the glass. “I would understand if he were taking revenge on Potter’s friends, if he killed Black or Lupin, they deserved it, but such blind hatred towards children… I don’t understand…”
– Kurlyk… – the fire bird answered.
“You’re right, but I had no other choice, that cowardly idiot could have ruined everything… Don’t worry, when the time comes, we won’t interfere…” The great light wizard smiled contentedly, and then his gaze fell on the huge stack of documents on the table.
Albus sighed heavily, picked up the top parchment and began to read it carefully. The children had holidays ahead of them, but he still had a lot of work to do.
***
“Someday I’ll shoot that big-nosed freak,” Hermione grumbled.
– Miss Granger! How can you say such things! – McGonagall, who was following us, was indignant.
“And who gave him the right to insult us?!” I glared at the dean, still shaken by the conversation in the director’s office, and a plan for killing the Prince began to form in my head—quiet, slow, and painful. “Just the way he likes it, I want to strangle that creature myself!”
– Hmm… Perhaps you’re right… – McCat thought. – Severus can be unbearable at times, I’ll talk to him tomorrow.
“There are no unbearable people, only narrow doors,” I muttered quietly under my breath.
We had already approached the portrait of the fat woman, and Mia gave the password, after which the wooden frame moved aside.
“Young ladies, I demand restraint from you from now on! Don’t act like savage barbarians who killed everyone they didn’t like!” The dean looked at us sternly.
“You want us to betray the ideals of the Great Godric Gryffindor?!” I blinked innocently. “The founder of our house was a bloodthirsty and insane killer!” I closed my eyes dreamily. “He regularly raided coastal settlements, and after his retinue left, there were no survivors!”
– Uh …
– Professor, why aren’t you married yet? – Mia looked slyly at the dean.
– You heard me! – The professor dropped the conversation. – I wish you good night.
The dean said a curt goodbye, and my best friend and I headed to our base of operations. We urgently needed to vent our anger, and only Valera could help us with that.
***
We spent the entire day on the train chatting peacefully with friends; this time, our compartment was quite crowded. First, Malfoy and Greengrass and their guards shared tea with us; the boys practically had to be forced to sit at the table. I’d long since realized that Crabbe and Goyle were the most Slytherin of all the Slytherins. These two always managed to perform a new spell on the fifth try, and always got only Exceeded Expectations on tests. These boys are undoubtedly talented! During our get-togethers, we managed to get them talking a little, and then everyone present realized that appearances can be deceiving. Two seemingly dumb cabinets turned out to be very erudite and pleasant people, and without any prejudices about blood purity. I realized this from the way Goyle courted Smith and politely handed her cookies.
The more I lived in the new world, the more I realized the films from my past life were very inaccurate. Every day I found more and more differences, and it was a little scary. However, the main events were roughly the same: the Philosopher’s Stone and the troll were there, the Forbidden Corridor was also present, which meant that everything else shown in the films was bound to happen somehow, I suppose. I didn’t change the course of history much, it seemed…
I glanced at my friends again. Mia was arguing with Diana, Justin was excitedly telling Crabbe and Goyle something, and Elvira was munching on a cookie with a modest smile. I’m so grateful to the Creator for this second chance, and I’m making the most of it. I like this new world much more than the last one; here I’ve found a real mother, a family, and true friends! I’ve finally gotten what I’ve dreamed of for so many years.
I only regretted one thing: I didn’t finish watching those sappy movies, and I still don’t understand how? How the fuck did Scum survive?! I could, of course, rummage through the family library, but I could spend years reading ancient treatises alone; our family has accumulated so much… Maybe that Scum sold her soul to a demon? That sounds like him… So this summer I’ll tell my mom and grandpa everything; they’re grown-ups and experienced, let them sort it out. But I’m still a kid, and I want to enjoy a carefree childhood! Only after you’ve lived your life do you understand what a pleasure that is…
My thoughts were interrupted by the chattering Gryffindors, followed by the Weasley brothers in full force; even Percy honored us with a visit. The compartment wasn’t spacious, so the Slytherins politely excused themselves and went back to their own. Then the fun began, especially when Goldstein joined us. A sarcastic and sharp-tongued Jewish boy, he stood in the doorway of the compartment, making caustic comments about our conversations with a mug of hot chocolate in his hands. The redheads were very pleased, because last month they managed to make a ton of money – their protective amulets, priced at just twenty Galleons, were selling like hotcakes. The boys sold almost one hundred and fifty of them! Yes, the amulets were disposable and unsightly, but they served their main purpose – protection! So even some nobles bought a couple from Anthony, just in case. Listening to cheerful tales of trials and ideas for new artifacts, we didn’t even notice how we arrived in London. I admit I was wrong, train travel can really be useful and fun.
Our families were already waiting for us on the platform. I gave my mother, Victoria, and our brave sergeants a big hug, then said hello to the Grangers and the Finch-Fletchleys. Then the Slytherin parents and the Goldsteins bowed politely to us, and then Molly and Arthur approached.
Sometimes I thought the Weasleys deliberately ignored all the aristocratic trappings and behaved like peasants. As far as I knew, Molly’s maiden name was Prewett, meaning she comes from an ancient and noble pureblood family, with all that that implies… But watching this plump, good-natured woman kiss my mother on both cheeks, then hug the stunned Victoria to her chest, ruffle her hair, and advise her to “eat more baked goods”… At that moment, I thought the fireplace was still better. The red-haired family wouldn’t let us go until we swore we’d arrive the day after tomorrow for Ronniekins’ birthday. Only then did we safely leave platform nine and three-quarters.
I sat in my pajamas on the comfortable sofa, my chin resting on my clasped hands, hypnotizing the box containing the Philosopher’s Stone on the coffee table. My arrival at the estate and the celebratory dinner passed in the background, and I kept wondering how to tell my mother about the fragment of such a valuable artifact. After some thought, I decided to tell it all as it was; I really didn’t want to lie to my mother or make up stories. There was a polite knock, and a beautiful platinum blonde in her favorite red silk robe entered my chambers.
“Daughter, I have a surprise for you.” Integra smiled warmly and showed me the videotape. “I know how much you love science fiction, so I got you something. The world premiere isn’t in theaters for another week, but my friends at the Ministry of Culture said it’s a great film. This Canadian surprised everyone; even your favorite actor is in it.”
Mom winked slyly and handed me a present. I was a little taken aback, and at first I couldn’t believe my eyes. My new world was very different from the previous one, but some things remained the same. Almost. For example, Hollywood—it doesn’t exist here, but Montreal does, which is the world capital of cinema. And now I’m holding a videotape with an image of Schwarzeneggerovich’s Terminator, holding a huge pistol and a glowing red eye, and the proud title proclaims: “Cyborg Killer.” For a moment, I was speechless and, unable to find anything to say, I simply walked over and hugged the man I loved.
“I knew you’d like it,” Integra stroked my head. “If you want, we can watch it right now.”
“I want to, but first I need to have a serious talk with you.” I pulled away from the woman. “It’s very important.”
– Tell me. – The lady’s beautiful face immediately became serious.
“Mom, anyway… Here’s the thing…” I grabbed my school bag from the couch, quickly pulled out a dozen camera films and laid them out next to the box on the coffee table. “I took out the philosopher’s stone, and on the film is the secret to greatness.”
Lady Hellsing looked at me and then at the table in silence for about a minute, and then mechanically began to grope with her hand in search of a pack of cigarettes, but, alas, the robe had no pockets.
“Are you sure?” Mom asked me quietly, and I nodded in response. “Where from?… Preferably the full version.”
“Remember I told you about the Forbidden Corridor?” Mom nodded, walked over to the table, and picked up one of the films. “So, rumors started spreading around school that Beard…”
“Rigel, where are your manners?” The woman looked at me reproachfully. “You may hate or despise the old spider, but have some respect; he’s a world-renowned scientist and a hero of the Great War.”
“Sorry… Long story short, I found out that Dumbledore is hiding the Philosopher’s Stone in the Forbidden Corridor.” Mom looked at me expectantly. “One night, I found a strange mirror in an abandoned classroom, and the Philosopher’s Stone fell out of it. So I chipped off a piece for us.”
“You weren’t in the Forbidden Corridor…” Mom didn’t ask, she stated, and I nodded with a stupid smile. “I see…” The woman narrowed her eyes. “You were just wandering around the castle at night and completely “accidentally” found a strange mirror, and “accidentally” something fell out of it that the powers that be have been hunting for centuries.” I nodded again. “And then you “accidentally” had on hand an alpenstock, bought back in the summer, and a box for storing dark artifacts of the maximum danger class, Soviet-made. And you completely “accidentally”, just in case, took the box from Sergei during the winter holidays. Did I miss anything?”
The platinum blonde’s expression said, “Are you taking me for a fool?” I sighed heavily a couple of times and decided to tell the truth; sooner or later I’d have to anyway, and it would be easier in the summer.
“I knew he’d be there, so I prepared,” I blurted out in one breath.
– Where did you get this information? – Mom looked at me demandingly.
“I saw…” “I plan to tell you about the past-life memory later. “Back in the summer, I saw the principal bring the Philosopher’s Stone to school and hide it in a strange mirror. The vision was very detailed, so I followed the events at school closely and waited for the right moment. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, I wanted to check everything myself…”
“And yet you still consider prophecy a pseudoscience.” Mom quickly came over and hugged me tightly. “I’m not scolding you, but why didn’t you tell me earlier? Why did you risk it?”
– What would you do? – I raised my head and looked into caring blue eyes.
“What do you mean?!” Lady Hellsing grinned predatorily. “Victoria would have studied the castle, possible secret passages and the exact location of the stone, and then we would have formed a sabotage group…” The woman thought for a moment, and her smile grew even wider. “We could have informed the Archbishop, and then they would have approved a full-scale assault using aircraft and heavy artillery.” Her smile turned from predatory to cheerful. “I would have simply ordered Alucard, and he would have brought me the artifact, that’s all. Why take such a risk?”
“I wasn’t entirely sure, what if I was wrong…” I felt ashamed and awkward. “You remember what Smethwick said, and I want…”
A lump formed in my throat, and my mother hugged me even tighter, and I hugged her back. Only at home, and only with my family, could I show my weakness. In public, we’re iron ladies, or whatever they call us, but right now we’re just mother and daughter, who love each other dearly and always support each other. We stood like that for a few minutes in silence, simply sharing warmth and enjoying the moment.
“Will you show me this wonderful artifact?” Mom pulled back, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.
“NO!” I barked, raising my hands in the French army’s favorite gesture. “I’ll open the box, but look at this abomination without me! I don’t want to experience the emanations of pain and suffering again.”
“I see.” Mom knew perfectly well about my empathy, and so she nodded understandingly. “That old bastard didn’t collaborate with the Nazis for nothing. Death camps and mass murders, gas chambers and crematoria… He was replenishing supplies, the bastard.”
“Mom…” I distracted the woman, who was glaring hatefully at the box and muttering curses. “We have one problem… The secret of the Great Work is encrypted, and leading alchemists and potion makers have been trying to decipher it for centuries…”
“Don’t worry about that, our Enigma ciphers defeated the old bastard.” Mom smiled encouragingly. “Tomorrow I’ll contact the head of the UEBI and get the contacts of the best cipher clerks, and at the beginning of summer, Dagworth and our scientists will return…”
– Where are they? – I interrupted the woman.
“In Tula, but that’s a secret.” Mom flicked my nose. “That genius has finally finished his development, I’ll show you tomorrow, but our Order’s capacity isn’t sufficient for mass production. So we made a lucrative deal with the Soviets, and Hector and his team are there now, helping set up the production line.”
– What kind of development is this? – I looked at the woman with interest.
“Tomorrow, but today I suggest you don’t worry about it.” Mom picked up a videotape from the table and looked at me seriously. “Private Rigel Hellsing!” The woman put on a playfully serious expression. “Congratulations on successfully completing a secret operation behind enemy lines!”
“I serve the Empire!” I stood at attention with a smile.
– At ease! I express my gratitude! – Mom playfully saluted. – As a reward, I offer you to enjoy the movie and some ice cream.
“Is it my turn today?” Integra nodded with a sly smile. “Okay, but don’t start without me!”
While Mom is fiddling with the VCR, I’ll have just enough time to run to the kitchen and grab some more tasty treats…
***
Integra sat on the soft sofa, her hand stroking her daughter’s hair as she slept peacefully, her head resting on her lap. She smiled sadly; years ago, she hadn’t wanted to adopt this girl, and it wasn’t even because the child might not survive the dangerous ritual… It was because of her diagnosis. The Baroness needed an heir or heiress to continue the sacred Hellsing line, and Rigel was barren…
When Smethwick confirmed he couldn’t help, she wanted to return the girl to the orphanage, but Alucard talked her out of it. And now she felt incredibly ashamed. Of course, she could chalk it all up to their short time together, since Integra hadn’t yet had time to bond with her, but that was just a pathetic excuse… The woman desperately wanted a cigarette, but instead, she stroked her daughter’s head with a warm smile.
“Rigel, I promise, I’ll do everything, I’ll use all my connections, but I’ll cure you.” Integra whispered under her breath, then looked into the dark corner of the room. “You knew…”
Alucard emerged from the shadows without the usual special effects, a modest smile playing across his face. The vampire approached his mistress silently and nodded contentedly. Earning a reciprocal smile, the ancient monster carefully picked the girl up and headed toward the large bed.
When the vampire carefully laid the child in bed, even tucking the blanket in, he shrugged and instantly moved to Integra’s side. Face to face with the woman he loved, Alucard abruptly scooped her up into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately, after which the strange couple vanished into thin air…
