Roots and Runes
Today’s story for @hphm-fandom-events girls week event focuses on Helena and Clodagh going to Hogsmeade on St Patrick’s Day. The former is trying to figure out how to move forward after her brother becomes a victim to the portrait curse, and Clodagh, who typically doesn’t go out for social events, decides to join her in the venture.
For those who don’t know, Clodagh Dromgoole is a character from Harry Potter Magic Awakened and is the ancient runes professor but since her birth year is 1972-1973 that puts her in the Hogwarts Mystery year so it felt right to include her in this story.
Miles and Melody belong to @melodymidway
Themes: Hogsmeade, St Patrick’s Day
Helena Tremblay’s POV, March 1989
The whole week had turned out to be nothing more than a huge mess. It was a truth that Helena still struggled to comprehend with the curse’s newest manifestation. While she did not doubt the dangers that came with the portrait curse, especially after Beatrice Haywood became stuck in one, it did not seem like it was spreading as rampantly as the other ones. Even Renée had mentioned she could only recall one person getting trapped in a portrait the last time the curse descended onto Hogwarts. And now Helena was still struggling to debate if she should have enlightened her sister that their brother was the curse’s newest victim.
Even if she had wanted to, Helena could not shake the memory of when she found out what had happened to her brother. It had seemed like just another normal day until Tulip and Tonks came into the Great Hall to tell her and Melody what had happened. Apparently no one had actually saw the moment it did, similar to how Beatrice’s imprisonment seemed to occur, but it did not take long for someone to see the results.
Helena wished she could say she would have her brother’s resilience if it was her in the painting instead of him. She shuddered at the thought of being able to see out into the vast heights of the grand staircase but unable to venture higher or lower or anywhere at all. At first, she was even frightened to travel by the staircase at all, or at least alone. But the desire to ensure her brother wasn’t alone made her face that head on. It helped that she added some plants nearby to make an excuse to go as well.
“Are you alright Helena?”
Helena had nearly forgotten where she was until Clodagh had brought her back down to the earth. She did not mean to be rude and ignore her companion who to her surprise had offered to go with her when she mentioned she was going on a walk to Hogsmeade with intentions of getting a butterbeer. Clodagh was not typically the type to reach out to others unless it was an opportunity for her to talk about ancient runes so Helena took her offer with a friendly smile. She couldn’t even recall the last time she had a chance to speak with her fellow Ravenclaw outside of ancient runes class anyways.
“Sorry.” Helena sheepishly apologized as she scratched the back of her neck, “I zoned out again, didn’t I?”
“You did.” Clodagh acknowledged honestly while shrugging her shoulders, “but I can’t blame you, you’ve had a lot going on. And I zone out my fair share of times where it wouldn’t be right to blame someone else for doing that.”
“Thank you.” Helena nodded once before sighing as she elaborated on her current thoughts. “I just can’t stop thinking about Miles, today in particular. When we were first able to go to Hogsmeade a couple of years ago we had agreed that we’d make a few traditions of our own, like going to The Three Broomsticks to get a butterbeer on St Patrick’s Day. I can’t remember which one of us came up with it.” She admitted, “but it was something nice to look forward if classes were becoming too much. I know I can still talk with him of course, but…” after acknowledging she wa likely sulking too much, Helena decided to change her tone, “but thank you again for offering to come with me.”
“Of course, and don’t feel bad for missing your brother.” Clodagh gently pointed out as she adjusted the green ribbon in her hair. “I know how it feels to miss someone dearly, it’s not worth pretending to be normal before you are ready.”
While she didn’t dare bring it up, Helena had a suspicion that she knew exactly where her classmate’s feelings on that topic came from. It had been the reason she was not sorted alongside the rest of them and came to Hogwarts late. She had learned more about the story over the years but she remembered Clodagh mentioned how her father had lost his life in a motorcycle accident in London. And considering how he seemed to be the only parent in her life, Helena knew that must have hurt greatly, and was likely part of the reason why it took Clodagh to open up to anyone. If it hadn’t been for Clodagh transferring from Care of Magical Creatures to Ancient Runes and Helena helping her catch up, Helena doubted when they would have actually interacted.
“I know he will be fine in the end.” Helena attempted to express confidence as they walked into the wizarding village. Though she didn’t know how successful she was at that in the moment. “I have no doubt in Melody’s ability to crack the case of this vault even if it takes more time to do so.”
“And your cousin has Professor Rakepick this time.” Clodagh recalled, “I don’t know much about curse breaking but she seems rather skilled. I am sure she’s been a great help.”
“In ways yes.” Helena briefly said as they reached the door to the Three Broomsticks that Helena held open for Clodagh as they entered.
In truth, while the partnership looked rather well off enough to an outsider, Helena knew it was much more rockier than that. She could tell that even more so when she offered to take Miles’ place in the preparations and potentially join the group that went into the vault. There was something about the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor that felt too good to be true, and while Helena couldn’t figure it out, she knew her cousin was suspicious.
The moment they found a seat near the fire place, Madam Rosmerta was already at their table with butterbeers as if she were a legilimens, “Butterbeers are on the house today.” She served with that smile of hers that could lift anyone’s mood.
Helena smiled back with gratitude, “Thank you Madam Rosmerta.”
She carefully picked up the glass and took a few sips while she looked at the other visitors of the Three Broomsticks. It was a relatively busy day and was sure to get more hectic as the day went on. For a moment she closed her eyes ever so gently to listen to the musician who was performing in the corner to entertain everyone. It was a rare occurrence, but Helena enjoyed hearing good music when she had the chance as it could always bring a smile to her face. Even in its slowest moments, Helena doubted there was a dull moment at the Three Broomsticks.
“I remember my mum once mentioning that St Patrick’s Day was one where remarkable things could occur.” Helena lifted her head as Clodagh spoke. “My dad believed it to, so much so that he wouldn’t let me forget.
“I could use something remarkable now.” Helena tried her best not to seem bitter as she took another sip of butterbeer. “I’m not sure how much longer I can just be able to do nothing of use to help my brother other than talking with him to try and comfort him. Though sometimes it feels like he is the one comforting me in these times.”
“I don’t know your brother that well.” Coldagh acknowledged, “but he seems like a great guy. Perhaps next year all three of us could come together for St Patrick’s Day.” She paused before adding, “If you’ll have me of course, I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“You would never be intruding.” Helena assured her, “I’ve enjoyed your company, and I’m sure Miles wouldn’t mind if we made a slight adjustment to our traditions next year.”
“I’d like that.” Clodagh shyly smiled as she took another sip of her butterbeer.
With that, Helena rustled through the pocket of her robe to pull something out. She had brought two with her to Hogwarts and had put one near Miles’ portrait alongside the pots of flowers. Yet now, it felt fitting to extend such a gift to Clodagh.
“It’s a pressed four leaf clover.” Helena explained as she handed it over to Clodagh with a friendly smile graced with fond memories. “My cousins and I have a tradition of searching for four leaf clovers whenever we get together at our grandparents home in Cork. Last time we were there I managed to find two. Each time I find one, I keep it as a memory and lucky charm. It feels right to give one to you. I know it may seem silly but-“
“It’s not silly.” Clodagh swiftly assured her. “I do the same thing.” She explained as she tea ch ed into her own bag and pulled a piece of wood out and extended it towards her, “Here, you should have a lucky charm from me to.”
“Thank you.” Helena accepted as the took the piece of wood and examined it closer. It was more than just a piece of wood but a carving that coexisted with the original piece of wood. It was a symmetrical rune, one where two triangles met at their points in a mirrored fashion, “Dagaz?” She recalled out loud.
Clodagh nodded eagerly, “yes, it’s a symbol for new beginnings and breakthroughs. It reminds us that even when the night seems endless, the dawn will come.”
Helena smiled with gratitude, “I believe a breakthrough is right around the corner for us all and I am all for change when it’s for the better.”
