The Lies You Tell Yourself
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
18
Views:
1,461
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
18
Views:
1,461
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
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.
Unwanted Attention
Disclaimer: (In the spirit of Crimson Starlight)
Shana: *on cell phone again, this time on speaker*
Snape: *around the corner eavesdropping*
Serenity: *from speaker-cell phone* What The Fuck did Snape do with my twins??? He better not leave any lasting effects, mentally or physically, or he will have ME to deal with! You just tell him I said that!
Shana: Well, whenever he reappears I will warn him that you're out for his scalp.
Serenity: Tell him I'll first freeze his ass, then lock him in a transparent gilded cage with an Anti-Apparition Spell firmly attached and put him on display in only a thong in the middle of rush hour traffic down here.
Snape: *still hiding, winces*
Shana: *shudders* Damn, girl.
Serenity: *incoherent screaming*
Kim: *shiver* I really don't want to know what ol' Sevvy-kins did to those elves.
Shana: Must be bad if she's tweaking like this.
POP!
Kim: I think we can take that to mean our boy is aware he fucked with the wrong witch.
Shana: And I thought my mom was vicious.
Kim: One word: Chaps.
Shana: Chaps?
Kim: Chaps.
Serenity: *stops screaming* Chaps?
Shana: *glares* You would think about that at a time like this.
Kim: *grinning like a fool*
Serenity: Oy! Somebody gonna clue me in here?
Chapter 15: Unwanted Attention
McGonagall's expression was disconcertingly blank. The enlightenment Shaluinn was expecting wasn't there. This just gets better and better.
"Obviously cancer is not a well known disease in the wizarding world," she muttered.
"Cancer… I've heard of this, but I confess I don't know much about it," Minerva admitted. "You've been wearing a glamour." It was a statement, not a question.
Shaluinn nodded. "Cancer is caused by the cells within a body mutating and replicating abnormally. The particular type of cancer I have, leukemia, is in my blood."
Minerva inhaled an audible gasp, her eyes wide.
Callaway's voice was a flat monotone, like she was lecturing on some utterly boring topic. "My blood itself is mutating, the diseased cells replicating. My immune system is compromised. I don't recover from injuries and illness as I would normally. I'm dying."
"I don't pretend to understand what you just told me, other than you're dying. Is there no treatment, no cure for this disease, child? Not even potions?"
"Not at the stage I'm at. The disease was too far advanced by the time I was diagnosed for any treatment to have an effect. I'm taking several potions that have slowed down the disease, giving me maybe another year to live. But there's nothing that will stop it. I only found out six months ago, and by then it had metastasized."
The Headmistress gestured inarticulately at the marks on Shaluinn's neck.
"One of the symptoms of leukemia is bruising of the skin and injuries that don't heal properly. The marks you see are quite old," she responded evasively, not referring to the bruises on her neck.
McGonagall looked like she wanted to ask more, but held her tongue.
"Minerva…" Shaluinn started and stopped, her hesitance evident in her voice and slumped posture. "I don't want anyone to know about this. That's why I've hidden it, why I wear a glamour, why I don't want to be seen by Madam Pomfrey. I don't want anyone to know," she reiterated. "I'm here to help. And everyone knowing about this…" She gestured at herself. "…will not help anyone. Please, I'm asking you to keep my secret. Please."
What happened to you, child, that has you so spooked you clearly cannot, dare not, trust others? I've only observed this level of paranoia in one other… Best not to think on that. She needs to trust someone, and I seem to be that someone. McGonagall sighed loudly and deftly avoided the issue for the moment. "What happened today? Why did I find you like that?"
Shaluinn looked away, shame flushing her face. "I was stupid. I was upset and went outside to shoot my bow for a while and hopefully calm down. That worked, but I idiotically neglected to cast an Impervious Charm on myself. In my compromised state, getting soaked to the skin made me susceptible to a debilitating chill that sent me into convulsions. I'm as stubborn as ever, but my body just can't keep up. I know I should be more careful. I'm sorry you found me like you did. But thank you for helping me and not taking me to the Infirmary."
"Are you feeling better? You don't appear to be shaking anymore."
"Much. I can't maintain homeostasis as easily as I used to."
Minerva looked confused again.
"Homeostasis is the body's ability to regulate a constant internal temperature. With a compromised immune system, my body has difficulties fighting off illness and regulating normal functions. Don't worry. The likelihood of me dropping dead on you in the near future is slim to none, barring someone killing me."
"That's a comforting thought," McGonagall groused lightly.
Shaluinn had turned herself, knees still drawn up to her chest, so that she faced the Headmistress, one hand reflexively clutching the side of the tub. Desperately needing reassurance, she steered the conversation back to her deception. "Minerva, please, I need to know that you will not speak of this to anyone. Albus, and now you, are the only two people who know, and I wish to keep it that way. Please."
The elder witch studied the younger woman for a moment, taking in the open look of desperation on Callaway's face. I still have reservations about this, but I have to have faith that Albus knew what he was about. She sighed, resigned to a decision she was not very comfortable with. "Yes, I will keep your secret. But I don't have to like it."
Callaway smiled, only one corner of her mouth turning up slightly. "No, you don't have to like it. But I thank you."
"Oh, child. It'll be alright." Minerva reached out to pat the hand Shaluinn clasped the side of the bathtub with. She startled when the younger witch snatched the hand away before McGonagall could touch it. She is still hiding things from me. No matter. We have made a start. I shall pry the rest of it from her later.
The Headmistress' suspicions were well founded. Callaway was hiding other things from the elder witch, and they did not include the whole "Snape thing."
Why are people always trying to touch me? Do they not understand…? Shaluinn took a long, calming breath. Of course they don't. Not unless I tell them. Why the hell did I have to inherit the single most recessive trait on my biological father's side? Mom had to have had it somewhere down the line on her side too, waaaaay back. Some gift. It's more like a curse. At least I can thank the gods that mine requires skin-to-skin contact for it to work. I can't imagine how horrible it would be to have to deal with this from a distance. And everyone always wondered why I preferred to wear long-sleeves all the time.
The redhead lifted her left hand and spoke clearly, so McGonagall wouldn't be startled. "Accio green leukemia potion." A clear phial filled with bright green fluid soared into the room and smacked into her hand. The American downed the liquid in one swallow, grimacing at the taste.
"I will give you a bit of privacy, my dear. I'll be waiting out in the main room for you. I do believe we still have yet to set your rooms to rights." Minerva stood and swept out of the room.
Shaluinn let her head fall back against the wall of the enclosure with a soft thump. She closed her eyes and released the breath she'd inadvertently been holding. Great. Just great. Well, there's nothing for it, so I might as well get dressed and get my ass out there. The redhead moved carefully, drying herself off and moving to the bedroom where she swiftly dressed in fresh clothes. Glamour back in place, and skin thoroughly covered, she padded into the salon on stocking feet.
The Headmistress frowned slightly when she saw that Callaway had re-erected her concealing glamour, but let it go. Instead, she cast a drying charm on the younger witch's long hair, garnering a rueful smile.
"Now, where would you like to begin?"
-------------------------
On the other side of the country Snape slept on, blissfully unaware of anything other than the thoroughly lurid, gender-bending dreams his unconscious mind was conjuring.
TBC…
A/N: Yes, Shaluinn's got another secret. I have to keep you guessing, now don't I? Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, and to all those who like to lurk. I know I've been guilty of that in my own time. I apologize for how short this chapter is, and the fact that it's late, but I'm hoping that by posting two chapters I can make up for it. I am in the middle of packing up to move cross-country so my updates may be a bit irregular. Be reassured that I actually have the next 4 chapters (after these 2) almost completely done. I have no intention of giving up on this fic.
Shana: *on cell phone again, this time on speaker*
Snape: *around the corner eavesdropping*
Serenity: *from speaker-cell phone* What The Fuck did Snape do with my twins??? He better not leave any lasting effects, mentally or physically, or he will have ME to deal with! You just tell him I said that!
Shana: Well, whenever he reappears I will warn him that you're out for his scalp.
Serenity: Tell him I'll first freeze his ass, then lock him in a transparent gilded cage with an Anti-Apparition Spell firmly attached and put him on display in only a thong in the middle of rush hour traffic down here.
Snape: *still hiding, winces*
Shana: *shudders* Damn, girl.
Serenity: *incoherent screaming*
Kim: *shiver* I really don't want to know what ol' Sevvy-kins did to those elves.
Shana: Must be bad if she's tweaking like this.
POP!
Kim: I think we can take that to mean our boy is aware he fucked with the wrong witch.
Shana: And I thought my mom was vicious.
Kim: One word: Chaps.
Shana: Chaps?
Kim: Chaps.
Serenity: *stops screaming* Chaps?
Shana: *glares* You would think about that at a time like this.
Kim: *grinning like a fool*
Serenity: Oy! Somebody gonna clue me in here?
Chapter 15: Unwanted Attention
McGonagall's expression was disconcertingly blank. The enlightenment Shaluinn was expecting wasn't there. This just gets better and better.
"Obviously cancer is not a well known disease in the wizarding world," she muttered.
"Cancer… I've heard of this, but I confess I don't know much about it," Minerva admitted. "You've been wearing a glamour." It was a statement, not a question.
Shaluinn nodded. "Cancer is caused by the cells within a body mutating and replicating abnormally. The particular type of cancer I have, leukemia, is in my blood."
Minerva inhaled an audible gasp, her eyes wide.
Callaway's voice was a flat monotone, like she was lecturing on some utterly boring topic. "My blood itself is mutating, the diseased cells replicating. My immune system is compromised. I don't recover from injuries and illness as I would normally. I'm dying."
"I don't pretend to understand what you just told me, other than you're dying. Is there no treatment, no cure for this disease, child? Not even potions?"
"Not at the stage I'm at. The disease was too far advanced by the time I was diagnosed for any treatment to have an effect. I'm taking several potions that have slowed down the disease, giving me maybe another year to live. But there's nothing that will stop it. I only found out six months ago, and by then it had metastasized."
The Headmistress gestured inarticulately at the marks on Shaluinn's neck.
"One of the symptoms of leukemia is bruising of the skin and injuries that don't heal properly. The marks you see are quite old," she responded evasively, not referring to the bruises on her neck.
McGonagall looked like she wanted to ask more, but held her tongue.
"Minerva…" Shaluinn started and stopped, her hesitance evident in her voice and slumped posture. "I don't want anyone to know about this. That's why I've hidden it, why I wear a glamour, why I don't want to be seen by Madam Pomfrey. I don't want anyone to know," she reiterated. "I'm here to help. And everyone knowing about this…" She gestured at herself. "…will not help anyone. Please, I'm asking you to keep my secret. Please."
What happened to you, child, that has you so spooked you clearly cannot, dare not, trust others? I've only observed this level of paranoia in one other… Best not to think on that. She needs to trust someone, and I seem to be that someone. McGonagall sighed loudly and deftly avoided the issue for the moment. "What happened today? Why did I find you like that?"
Shaluinn looked away, shame flushing her face. "I was stupid. I was upset and went outside to shoot my bow for a while and hopefully calm down. That worked, but I idiotically neglected to cast an Impervious Charm on myself. In my compromised state, getting soaked to the skin made me susceptible to a debilitating chill that sent me into convulsions. I'm as stubborn as ever, but my body just can't keep up. I know I should be more careful. I'm sorry you found me like you did. But thank you for helping me and not taking me to the Infirmary."
"Are you feeling better? You don't appear to be shaking anymore."
"Much. I can't maintain homeostasis as easily as I used to."
Minerva looked confused again.
"Homeostasis is the body's ability to regulate a constant internal temperature. With a compromised immune system, my body has difficulties fighting off illness and regulating normal functions. Don't worry. The likelihood of me dropping dead on you in the near future is slim to none, barring someone killing me."
"That's a comforting thought," McGonagall groused lightly.
Shaluinn had turned herself, knees still drawn up to her chest, so that she faced the Headmistress, one hand reflexively clutching the side of the tub. Desperately needing reassurance, she steered the conversation back to her deception. "Minerva, please, I need to know that you will not speak of this to anyone. Albus, and now you, are the only two people who know, and I wish to keep it that way. Please."
The elder witch studied the younger woman for a moment, taking in the open look of desperation on Callaway's face. I still have reservations about this, but I have to have faith that Albus knew what he was about. She sighed, resigned to a decision she was not very comfortable with. "Yes, I will keep your secret. But I don't have to like it."
Callaway smiled, only one corner of her mouth turning up slightly. "No, you don't have to like it. But I thank you."
"Oh, child. It'll be alright." Minerva reached out to pat the hand Shaluinn clasped the side of the bathtub with. She startled when the younger witch snatched the hand away before McGonagall could touch it. She is still hiding things from me. No matter. We have made a start. I shall pry the rest of it from her later.
The Headmistress' suspicions were well founded. Callaway was hiding other things from the elder witch, and they did not include the whole "Snape thing."
Why are people always trying to touch me? Do they not understand…? Shaluinn took a long, calming breath. Of course they don't. Not unless I tell them. Why the hell did I have to inherit the single most recessive trait on my biological father's side? Mom had to have had it somewhere down the line on her side too, waaaaay back. Some gift. It's more like a curse. At least I can thank the gods that mine requires skin-to-skin contact for it to work. I can't imagine how horrible it would be to have to deal with this from a distance. And everyone always wondered why I preferred to wear long-sleeves all the time.
The redhead lifted her left hand and spoke clearly, so McGonagall wouldn't be startled. "Accio green leukemia potion." A clear phial filled with bright green fluid soared into the room and smacked into her hand. The American downed the liquid in one swallow, grimacing at the taste.
"I will give you a bit of privacy, my dear. I'll be waiting out in the main room for you. I do believe we still have yet to set your rooms to rights." Minerva stood and swept out of the room.
Shaluinn let her head fall back against the wall of the enclosure with a soft thump. She closed her eyes and released the breath she'd inadvertently been holding. Great. Just great. Well, there's nothing for it, so I might as well get dressed and get my ass out there. The redhead moved carefully, drying herself off and moving to the bedroom where she swiftly dressed in fresh clothes. Glamour back in place, and skin thoroughly covered, she padded into the salon on stocking feet.
The Headmistress frowned slightly when she saw that Callaway had re-erected her concealing glamour, but let it go. Instead, she cast a drying charm on the younger witch's long hair, garnering a rueful smile.
"Now, where would you like to begin?"
-------------------------
On the other side of the country Snape slept on, blissfully unaware of anything other than the thoroughly lurid, gender-bending dreams his unconscious mind was conjuring.
TBC…
A/N: Yes, Shaluinn's got another secret. I have to keep you guessing, now don't I? Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, and to all those who like to lurk. I know I've been guilty of that in my own time. I apologize for how short this chapter is, and the fact that it's late, but I'm hoping that by posting two chapters I can make up for it. I am in the middle of packing up to move cross-country so my updates may be a bit irregular. Be reassured that I actually have the next 4 chapters (after these 2) almost completely done. I have no intention of giving up on this fic.