Morning, Broken (open)

[Katherine Knightswood]

Katherine came to the Ravenclaw table for breakfast with reddened and blurry eyes. She was still impeccably groomed, but she looked like she hadn’t slept at all last night. Tired, tired, so incredibly tired. Katherine tried to focus on her breakfast, but even eating felt like an effort. She almost dumped the salt onto her oatmeal and the sugar onto her eggs and sausages. A friendly fellow Ravenclaw prevented her from ruining her breakfast by pointing out her mistakes in time. The first year began to eat, shoveling the food into her mouth like an automaton, barely tasting her favorite sausages and an omelet full of vegetables and cheeses.

Katherine bit into a thick slice of toast with butter, chewing with an effort. As she glanced down at herself, she blinked in astonishment. There were scratches and scrapes on her hands. A tracery of ugly, scabbed over red lines crossed the palms of her hands, as if she’d tried to grab a handful of something red-hot and sharp. Katherine stared at the cuts on her hands, white lipped. She’d only gone home for the weekend. She hadn’t done anything dangerous. Just visited home, right? So why did her hands have wounds that looked like she’d been fending off some kind of attack?

Maman’s birthday party had been on Saturday night. Maybe she’d accidentally burned herself in the kitchens helping with the party? Katherine’s mind reeled as her brain fought to make sense of it all. The Ravenclaw struggled to keep calm, but something wasn’t right. Why couldn’t she remember the party? She remembered helping her Nana frost the three-layer lemon cake Maman loved so much. Katherine remembered the candles, all aglow and her Maman’s excited face. She remembered her Papa, looking serious when she’d come home, but then his face lighting up with his usual smiles.

But Katherine couldn’t remember last night. Not a bit of it. Somehow, Katherine had come back to Hogwarts, with her travel trunk in tow, and she couldn’t remember how she got here, or if her parents had brought her back. She began to tremble, a fine shaking that started with her hands and spread all the way to her feet. She put down her fork and knife before she dropped them, all the etiquette that was drilled into her from birth saving her silverware and plate from disaster.

Disaster. The word sounded like a gong in Katherine’s brain, and she shivered. Something was wrong, horribly wrong. She couldn’t remember what, but there was a terror building in her core that burned like she’d swallowed a vial of alchemist’s acid. Katherine looked down at her plate, frowning in concentration, ignoring the morning chatter about her. She did her best to make it look like she was just over tired from studying or feeling a bit ill from insomnia. But she knew her fellows were giving her strange looks.

The morning owl post began arriving, and Katherine heard a murmur beside her. “It’s three of them, and a big package. Wonder which Ravenclaw it’s for?” Katherine looked up in surprise as a rush of air sent a few stray strands of hair whipping at her eyes. Three snowy owls held a long slim cloth-wrapped bundle in their talons, hovering over her place. Before Katherine could protest, they dropped the bundle on the table in front of her plate, along with a sealed piece of parchment. Katherine snatched up the piece of mail, and stared at the seal. It was her father’s. The arms of her family stood out in bright green, blue and silver against the snowy parchment. Katherine’s hands shook as she cracked the wax, and opened the missive. As she read the words in front of her, the blood drained from her face.

If you are reading this, my daughter, you are the Lady of Knightswood now. Guard yourself and your friends. We love you, Katherine, now and always. Remember, my daughter, and Gods with you.

The other students at the table were starting to notice that something was wrong. One or two of them were turning to Katherine, just as she reached forward and tore away the cloth wrappings from the bundle. A shining long sword lay there in front of Katherine’s abandoned breakfast, the dark emeralds in its pommel and cross guards winking the in the March sunlight. The emerald green lacquer of the sword’s sheath gleamed wetly, veins of silver tracing knotwork patterns over its surface. Katherine touched the sword with one hand, almost reverently. “Virtue . . .” she whispered.

Touching the sword sent a shock up her arm, and suddenly the fog around Katherine’s mind lifted. She remembered everything, all the chaos and terror and fear of what had happened her last night home. A home that was now empty of everyone she loved, her family dead at the hands of Gods only knew who. The memory of being shoved frantically through the Floo by her Nana assaulted her. Katherine’s vision swam in ribbons of crimson, grey and black. She reached blindly for the seat under her, and fell into it, her eyes glazed with shock, not even seeing her housemates’ concerned faces. Tears streamed down her face unheeded as she whispered one word over and over again.

“No . . .”

[Caitlin Collins]

For a change, Caitlin had managed to get a decent night’s sleep. Decent, at least, when compared with the average three or four hours she usually got nowadays of peaceful rest. There’d been the normal nightmares, but not as many as usual. And she’d pulled herself up to the dormitory last night, so she’d actually slept in her own bed. That had probably helped, because it was certainly more comfortable than curled up in one of the common room chairs. Not that they were uncomfortable exactly, but were simply not designed for falling asleep on.

And since she had been in her dormitory, her alarm had woken her up in time to eat breakfast with everyone else in the Great Hall, rather than rushing down to the Elf Kitchens a few minutes before – or sometimes after – class was starting. So, she headed down the stairs, feeling a vague sense of surprise at the amount of people milling about. Since she’d been keeping to herself so much, she’d lost a sense of just how many students were accommodated at Hogwarts. Catching up on lessons, working at Gladrag’s and generally trying to keep herself as busy as possible, she had developed a habit of subconsciously avoiding the times when most people were likely to be in the Great Hall. It was much quieter and calmer if you went in the last quarter of an hour, rather than the first five minutes when every hungry soul in the castle was trying to get in and get food.

Entering the Great Hall she was struck again by the noisiness; morning post was just arriving, and students were hurriedly unwrapping gifts and letters from home. Her parents were probably sending her plenty of letters demanding to know what the situation was like at Hogwarts now – was it any safer, had she done anything stupid, had there been any more deaths? But since she was hardly ever at breakfast during the morning post, the owls were probably finding it difficult to deliver. Although she really should write to them soon anyway.

Seeing three white owls approaching in the direction she was walking, Cait paused for a moment to make sure they weren’t going to attempt to fly too close to her. Seeing they were dropping the package in front of a small, dark-haired girl very near to her, she continued with her gaze watching in interest. Three owls; that must be a pretty hefty package. Her eyes rising with the owls as they flew away from the table, she didn’t notice the Ravenclaw react to the package until she sat very suddenly, causing the chair to slide backwards with a harsh grating noise across the floor, and right into Caitlin as she walked past.

“Hey, careful,” she protested, a frown appearing on her face. Almost losing her balance, she righted herself just in time and turned back to see who had almost knocked her over. She recognised the first year immediately as Katherine Knightswood, the Ravenclaw who had also been present when Lydia had injured herself while attempting to perform a stunt on her broom. But on this occasion, something was different. Something was wrong. The younger girl was clearly upset about something, but it was more than that; Caitlin recognised the expression on her face as one she recalled wearing several months ago. Luckily she had escaped the Great Hall before realising the true extent of the dread that had appeared in her stomach from reading a few words on a sheet of parchment, and had instead fallen apart in the Room of Requirement. But she could certainly recall feeling exactly as Katherine looked right now. A tightness appeared from nowhere in her stomach and a lump came into her throat at the memory. Quickly swallowing away the lump and ignoring the tightness, her visage changed from one of annoyance to concern. “Are you okay? What’s the matter?”

Her gaze wandered momentarily to the contents of the package, seeing the sword and a note on the table. That was certain to attract attention if it wasn’t hidden. Students were hardly supposed to receive weapons via owl post. Other students were giving both the package and Katherine odd looks, and Caitlin reached out to slowly slide the cloth wrappings back over, covering it. That would stop too many more people seeing it, even if the movement she had just made did draw more attention to it. Then she noticed Katherine’s hands – another cause for concern. They were covered in scratches and scrapes, some of which looked quite painful. She knelt down so that she was at more of a level with the first year and reached gently for one of her hands, hoping she wouldn’t pull away. “Do you want me to get a teacher, or the school nurse?” she asked softly. If this girl was anything like her, then the answer to that first question would be no. Upon hearing about Mallan’s death, the most comfort she had received was from Dylan, and that was purely accidental in that he had seen her entering the Room of Requirement.

“Or I can heal that, if you like,” she suggested, nodding at the injuries on Katherine’s hands. “But I can’t really do it here, one of the teachers might notice me doing magic.” Although the rule about no magic outside of lessons was flouted regularly by almost everyone, it was best not to test the teachers’ patience with that too much, especially considering her prefect status. She was already setting a bad enough example by being late to classes, she didn’t want the position taken away from her.

[Katherine Knightswood]

Katherine looked up into the face of the older student without recognition. She knew Caitlin, remembered her from their meetings before, but her stunned brain couldn’t put the girl’s face and words together. Caitlin appeared concerned. “Are you okay? What’s the matter?” the older girl asked. Katherine’s mouth tried to work, but she couldn’t seem to get any words out. How do you tell someone you barely know that your entire family is dead? Katherine cringed away from the thought. Dear Gods, how was she going to stay here? Where would she live? How would she -?

Just then, Katherine saw Caitlin notice Virtue laying on the table, and that she covered the blade with its wrappings. The Ravenclaw fought back the urge to laugh hysterically. After all, most students didn’t get swords in the mail, now did they? Nor did the get news that they’d become an orphan overnight. Katherine bit her knuckles to keep from screaming or breaking into tears. Caitlin’s next question nearly undid her. “Do you want me to get a teacher, or the school nurse?” she asked softly. Katherine looked over at Caitlin’s face, level with her own and finally found her voice.

“I think I need to talk to Professor O’Neill,” whispered the young woman her voice hoarse with unshed tears. “And then I need to find D’rorah and Dylan.” Katherine stared at her hands as if seeing them for the first time. She had dug her nails into her palms so hard that there were four blood-filled half moon shaped marks on each hand in addition to the previous wounds. “I’ll get the Nurse to tend to these, but . . . but I’ve got worse things to deal with.” Katherine reached out a shaking hand and picked up Virtue, wrapping its bindings around the blade to hide it. She clutched the sword to her, as if her sanity depended on it. She turned back to Caitlin, her eyes glazing with shock. “Can you find D’rorah or Dylan for me in this crowd? Professor O’Neill is up there with the teachers.” Katherine’s eyes suddenly flooded over, and a tear ran down her face. “Can you get them to come over here? I need to find somewhere we can all go to talk . . .”

[Caitlin Collins]

The lack of recognition in Katherine’s eyes when she first looked at Caitlin worried her a little, but no more than her frankly stunned expression already had. She didn’t seem to be comprehending anything Cait was saying, with her mouth opening but no noise coming out. Everything she saw of the Ravenclaw’s actions and body language was hitting sharp bells in her own memory of when she had been like that, increasing her conviction that something was wrong, that Katherine needed help or support with. The shock, the terror, the distance from everything normal... she’d gone through that, knew what it was like. Was still going through it to some extent, but not the raw grief displayed by the first year now. That stage had passed, for her. But it was impossible not to recognise the reaction and come to the conclusion that Katherine had just lost someone, or something, very important to her. Although it was bringing back memories she didn’t want to face, Katherine’s current state was sufficiently distracting to ignore them for the time being.

As the name of Professor O’Neill was said, Caity turned her gaze quickly up to the staff table to search it. But as soon as D’rorah and Dylan were mentioned, her attention was diverted again. The actual presence of the sword finally processed and her mind began to make links. Why did she want D’rorah? The older Ravenclaw wasn’t exactly... overly friendly. But then, she was the Ravenclaw prefect along with Dylan. It didn’t have to be anything to do with their status as lightfighters, that could just be coincidental. But it was the sword that really sent her thoughts reeling. The only weapons she had ever seen at Hogwarts were in the Room of Requirement, when she had been training with Dee and Zee that time. Why would a sword be sent in the post to a student? Weapons were for fighting, and the only proper fighting going on here that she knew of was to do with the Shadow War. Still, now was hardly the time for making hypotheses. Katherine’s hands were visibly shaking, and as she spoke again a tear traced a path down her cheek.

“Okay, I’ll go get them. I’ll be quick,” she promised, standing once more and glancing at the table’s other occupants. She was loath to leave the younger girl alone, but she should be okay for only a few minutes. Getting over her hesitation, Caitlin made her way quickly up to the staff table, heading to where she had seen Professor O’Neill. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed the tall, blonde Ravenclaw prefect, still with the streaks of grey in her hair if you looked closely. Diverting her course a little, she waited to be noticed and then spoke quietly, although there were less people at this part of the table to overhear. “Dee? Do you know where Dylan is? Katherine wants to talk to you two,” she said, nodding down the table at where the first year was sitting, clutching the wrappings that contained a sword. “There’s something the matter, her hands are hurt but it’s something else...” She shrugged slightly, unhappily, not giving her own opinions on what might be the matter in case she was wrong. Taking a step back, she half-turned back towards the staff table. “I’m going to get Professor O’Neill, but can you go...?” She didn’t wait for an answer before taking another step and turning fully to fetch the Divination teacher.

“Professor O’Neill?” she began, standing in front of where the Ravenclaw head was sitting. “Can you come? Katherine... Knightswood, I think... something’s wrong, she asked me to get you.” Waiting for the teacher, Caitlin shifted her weight between her feet, impatient to get back and slightly uncomfortable being at the front of the hall where so many people would be able to see her. They probably wouldn’t pay attention to her anyway, but she still didn’t like being in a place where she would be so noticeable.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah had made her way from the library to the Great Hall that morning, bearing her usual burdenous sack of books. She had never been keen on the noise and bustle of mealtimes at the Great Hall, but knew she was expected to be there to help keep some semblance of order amidst the throng of students. It almost seemed comforting at times though, a bustle much like the impersonal jostle and noise of New York city. In rare moments of reminiscence, it even caused her to miss home. Family, of course, was always an absence in her life... but she wasn't much of one to dwell on those emotions. She missed the initial commotion of the post owls arriving... knowing she had nowhere to receive anything from, she never felt the need to be there for the frenzied flurry of the other students receiving care packages and letters from family.

She had just picked picked a seat at a relatively empty stretch of the Ravenclaw table and placed a few pieces of toast when Caitlin made her way over. She looked up with a questioning arch of her eyebrow, sensing quickly that something was rather amiss. Katherine wanted to talk to D'rorah and Dylan? Why would Caitlin need to deliver that message? And why would she seem so upset about it?

"[blue]Miss Collins, wait,[/blue]" she called to her retreating figure, "[blue]we do not need...[/blue]" her lips pursed tightly together at the thought of having to explain whatever was happening to their Head of House. D'rorah didn't know much about the professor, and certainly not enough to trust her in whatever matter might be so urgent. However, it was too late. There would be no way to stop Caitlin without drawing more attention to the situation. Best to deal with it as it was for now.

Re-forming her expression to its customary unreadable state, D'rorah rose from her seat leaving her toast untouched and quietly made her way to where Katherine Knightswood sat. Seeing the gleam of Virtue on the table before Katherine, D'rorah kept her displeasure from her face. Who would send a sword to an eleven year old? At school?. That thought was pushed away with concern as D'rorah took the measure of Katherine's appearance. Something was very clearly wrong.

She knelt behind the young Ravenclaw, placing a hand on her shoulder as she spoke into her ear. "[blue]Miss Knightswood, we should find somewhere to talk so that you can tell me what has happened. Quickly, gather your things and follow me.[/blue]" She hoped she would be able to get Katherine somewhere quiet to talk, hopefully avoiding an encounter with Professor O'neill before D'rorah knew exactly what was going on. The devastation on the young girl's face was one D'rorah felt like had seen too often lately. There was little doubt that whatever had happened was certainly not good.

[Bridget O'Neill]

Professor O’Neill was eating quickly and quietly this morning in the Great Hall, lost in her own thoughts. She’d had all kinds of vague and unsettling dreams over the past few days, and the lack of sleep was starting to tell on her. She’d already made sure that Noddy would have a pot of strong Early Grey in her office, because it would be needed. Bridget was chasing the last of her eggs around her plate with a scrap of toast when a young voice pierced the fog in her brain. “Professor O’Neill?” Bridget looked up to see Caitlin Collins, one of the Hufflepuff Prefects, standing in front of the Teacher’s table, a frown of concern on her face. “Can you come? Katherine... Knightswood, I think... something’s wrong, she asked me to get you.” Caitlin even waited for her to put her things aside.

Bridget put a comforting hand on Caitlin’s shoulder. “Thank you for coming to get me. Let’s go see what’s wrong.” The professor walked over to the Ravenclaw table, noting that D’rorah, one of the Ravenclaw Prefects, was already speaking to Katherine. Katherine sat there looking as if she’d been hit with a Stunning spell. Was she even hearing her Housemate? Good Gods, what was going on?! The poor girl looked like . . . Bridget swallowed hard. She’d seen that look on her own face, when the Aurors had come to tell her that Sean had been killed.

Bridget came around to the opposite side of Katherine. “Miss Knightwood?” She pitched her voice low, and kept it soft. When she saw what was clutched in Katherine’s hands, her alarm redoubled. A week or so ago, Katherine had told her a great deal about the Knightswood family over some shared knitting. The young girl had mentioned her family’s history and their heirloom sword with pride. What in Merlin and Morgan’s name was the sword doing here? And even more importantly, why was it in Katherine’s possession? Katherine looked up at her and Bridget flinched involuntarily. Oh no. Bridget knew that look far too well. Someone had died, but who?!

Even worse, there were wounds on her hands, and Bridget immediately picked them out as defensive wounds. Someone had attacked this poor youngster and her family over the weekend. Dear Gods, was the girl’s family dead? That would certainly explain her shock. Bridget tried not to let her anger show. She understood adults taking aim at each other all too well. But who would be so evil as to attack an eleven year old student, for the love of magic? Given what Professor Archer and the other teachers had told her, Bridget knew that this was trouble, affecting a student she had sworn to protect.

“Miss Philosophy, would you help me get Miss Knightswood up to my office? I think she may need to recover herself enough to talk.” The Professor gave D’rorah a measuring look. “If we need to take her to the Hospital Wing we can, but I have Calming draughts in my medical kit upstairs. I think we need to find out what’s going on . . . as quietly as possible.” Bridget’s expression sobered. “Especially given what I’ve been talking about with Professor Archer.” She smiled a tight, sad smile over at the older Ravenclaw. “If you would?” Bridget put a gentle hand under Katherine’s left elbow. “Come on, lass, let’s get you to where you can tell us what’s gone so horribly wrong.”

[Katherine Knightswood]

Katherine sat still in the morning, suddenly cold to the core. She clutched Virtue to her chest and choked down a sob. She couldn’t fall apart, she just couldn’t. She was the last Knightswood alive now, and if she put a foot wrong, she might not be around much longer. Someone had to stay alive and keep fighting, keep the honor her family so treasured alive. You are the Lady of Knightswood now. Guard yourself and your friends. [/b] Merlin and Morgan! Katherine had never imagined that she would be robbed of her family so young. The realization that she was now alone nearly crushed her.

Katherine felt a hand on her shoulder. D’rorah’s voice came, quietly but still heard over the hum of voices. "Miss Knightswood, we should find somewhere to talk so that you can tell me what has happened. Mister Cooper is away from Hogwarts for the morning. Quickly, gather your things and follow me." Katherine frowned in confusion. Why should she? D’rorah had pitched a fit over her even being involved in translating that Latin book for Dylan. She’d probably be livid at what Katherine had figured out about the War from the blasted text. Now Katherine’s family had been killed by some Dark mage, and D’rorah wanted her to hare off somewhere with her all alone? Not bloody likely!

Katherine looked up, about to speak, when Professor O’Neill came up. “Miss Knightswood?” Katherine looked up at her Head of House, and saw the professor flinch. The youngster nearly giggled, hysteria starting to tinge her reactions. How she must look, all white-faced tears and shock! Katherine remembered that she had mentioned Virtue to Professor O’Neill when they were talking about their families. Katherine heard the professor ask D’rorah for help getting her to her office. That would work. A nice conversation about just what the hell had happened over the weekend would be good right about now.

Professor O’Neill put a hand under Katherine’s left elbow, and Katherine let herself be drawn to her feet, sensing that the teacher was deeply concerned about her. She held onto Virtue as if her life depended on it. Perhaps it did; how was she to know? Who could she trust now? Katherine’s hands shook a little, and she clenched her fingers around Virtue’s so tightly that she left more marks on her already abused palms.

Professor O’Neill seemed trustworthy enough, and given the story about the way her husband had died and that she was once something like an Auror, Katherine couldn’t imagine her being any part of this. And D’rorah, despite being aloof, was obviously fighting for something good, even if the older student’s temper alarmed Katherine. Katherine sighed. Maybe she’d start by trusting these two. Katherine straightened up, and drew away a little. “Let’s go up to the Professor’s office, please.” Even to her, her voice sounded over-controlled. Tears rolled down her cheeks, unheeded. “I seem to have just remembered that I have an awful lot to tell you both about this past weekend.”

[Dylan Cooper]

Dylan was unusually crowded by fellow students this morning. Having been one of the first hundred or so present in the Great Hall, his ears had quickly been onslaughted by the consistent chatter of young men and women who had filled up the centers of every table. He didn't mind so much this morning; it kept his mind active and working while he consumed his extraordinarily large breakfast consisting of just about everything in sight. He had left off the suspicious looking new fruit, but the usual mounds of toast, bacon, fruit, cereal, hash browns and eggs cooked every which way happily adorned his plate, all mushed together in what most might deem a revolting manner.

As his mouth consumed far too much food for a normal person, his eyes and ears roamed the hall, attempting to find something enjoyable with which to occupy themselves. Surprisingly, his eyes found D'rorah Philosophy nearer to the end of the Ravenclaw table, in a relatively deserted area. Glad nevertheless to have found her in the Great Hall at a relatively busy time, he smiled softly as he continued to eat, and flicked his eyes back down to his half-full plate of food. His small smile grew slightly and he munched happily on a corner of toast soaked in cereal.

The morning post captured his attention briefly, and he saw a small parcel carried by his mother's owl. Pulling it down and thanking the bird by allowing it a small nibble at his scrambled eggs, he looked amused as the bird ducked his beak into Dylan's orange juice and then took off once more. Unwrapping the parcel quietly, a small, sleek black panther emerged and strode proudly onto his hand. Taking it in for a moment, the blank expression on his features moved to the small note. Clenching his jaw slightly, he placed both items into his pocket.

When he looked back up to try and find Dee, he saw that she had gone. Looking around confusedly, Dylan twisted his back and neck to try and find where she had gone, and found her this time a bit closer to him, standing behind another student on the Ravenclaw table. Noticing quite a few heads turned toward what was fast becoming a small gathering, as Caitlin and the Divination professor joined the Ravenclaws, he remained seated. They had captured enough attention as it was, and he was somewhat surprised at D'rorah for giving the student body the chance to discover what might be going on. As they began out of the hall however, he took one last, absent-minded bite of bacon before throwing the rasher back down.

Standing up and leaving behind his still semi-full plate and half drunk glass of juice, he swung his backpack onto one shoulder and quietly left the hall, not appearing as if he were trailing the small cluster of students and one professor at all. Wondering if it was any of his business at all, he saw as they turned a corner that the other student was Katherine, and didn't regret following them for a moment. Keeping a set distance behind them, it was a little while before he realised where they were going. They had passed the Hospital Wing a while ago now, as well as the Ravenclaw Common Room.

[Caitlin Collins]

Caitlin had heard D’rorah say something as she left but was hurrying too much to pay attention. Most likely it was just a query as to what was wrong, and if that was the case then she had no more of an idea than anyone else. She would see the state of Katherine soon enough, and in the mean time getting a teacher requested by Katherine seemed quite a good idea.

A twitch of irritation went through Caity as the professor’s hand was placed on her shoulder but she resisted pulling away. Now was not the time to start getting annoyed by stupid little things. She went at a fast pace back to the Ravenclaw table, standing a few feet away from the back of Katherine’s chair and listening to what was being said.

As Katherine was drawn to her feet by Professor O’Neill and made the comment of “tell you both”, a sudden uncertainty hit her as to whether she should follow or not. She had no doubt that the first year was in good hands, but just... wanted to make sure. But she either hadn’t noticed that Cait had returned with the professor, or didn’t want her to hear. As they moved she paused for a second, her eyes running over the rest of the student body and picking up a lot of curious gazes in the small group’s direction. But as she looked she finally noticed Dylan, who was standing up at the same time, apparently by coincidence, and leaving at the same time. With an idea appearing from nowhere that he might be following – perhaps D’rorah had contacted him somehow – she felt less like she would be intruding and followed Dee, the professor and Katherine out of the Great Hall and up various flights of stairs. She stayed quiet still, and a couple of glances back confirmed to her that the younger Ravenclaw prefect was indeed following.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

Hearing Bridget approach and address Katherine, D'rorah swore in her own mind. She tried to think of any reason to dissent from the Professor's request that she take Katherine to her office, but came up with nothing. "[blue]Cetainly, Professor O'Neill,[/blue]" she agreed in a quiet, unemotional tone of voice. But then, Bridget mentioned Professor Archer. D'rorah's mind was working furiously now. Perhaps O'Neill could be trusted... it couldn't hurt to have another member of the faculty allied with them... it couldn't hurt in the least. There wasn't really time to worry about it right now though. The main point would be to get Katherine out of the Great Hall and away from the watchful eyes of the other students. There were spies among them, she knew, and D'rorah hated having attention drawn to herself or any of the Lightfighters in such a public venue. Hopefully no one would connect Catlin to the events of the morning.

As Katherine finally seemed to come out of her state of complete immobility, D'rorah nodded, "[blue]Yes, Miss Knightswood, this way.[/blue]" No doubt, given the girl's appearance, the story of what had happened this weekend would be interesting. Unfortunately, D'rorah already had a fair guess of what that story might be. Another orphan had been created by the Shadow Wars... and she was only eleven years old this time. The injustice of it was horrifying... but everyone she knew seemed to quickly be coming more and more closely acquainted with horrifying things. This was the very reason she had been upset when Katherine had been brought into the circle in the first place. But, logically, D'rorah knew that there was little possibility that anyone other than the Lightfighters knew of Katherine's involvement in the Shadow Wars. This tragedy wouldn't have been avoided had the girl not been brought within their circle... at least now she would be surrounded by those who could understand what was happening and protect or comfort her.

As the group began making their way toward Professor O'Neill's office, D'rorah murmured a summoning spell, bringing her satchel zooming merrily towards her. Shouldering it, she continued on with the group, which seemed far more conspicuous than she would have liked. Unfortunately, it couldn't be helped now. Feeling Dylan's and Caitlin's presences moving along with them she felt reassured that, if O'Neill seemed for some reason untrustworthy, there would be enough Lightfighters there to handle whatever situation might arise.

Keeping up with Katherine and Bridget, D'rorah breathed a sigh of relief to herself as they finally reached the Professor's office. At least they would be out of public for whatever was about to unfold.

[Katherine Knightswood]

(OOC- move this to the Divination Professor's office? I can have Katherine start a thread there . . .)

[D'rorah Philosophy]

Go for it, Kat. We'll follow your lead.

[Bridget O'Neill]

Sorry, I've been away. Hopefully I will get the next part up tomorrow!