Tranquility

One

"In order to rise from its own ashes
a phoenix must first burn."
- Octavia E. Butler

An incessant beeping ground through Athene's head when she rejoined the land of the living. It was a constant sound coming from somewhere to her right, but Athene was unable to open her eyes to locate the noice. Her eyelids were glued shut and her eyes ached like the rest of her body. It was like a tingling sensation that started deep within her chest and it reverberated throughout the rest of they body. It pulsed in time with the beeping and was just as much of a constant.

Her mind scrambled for details though she couldn't quite piece together where she was or how she got here. There were flashes of a battle, of a duel between her and someone she couldn't picture, but they were brief and gone before she could truly grasp what had happened.

"I believe she's starting to wake up," someone standing near Athene spoke and it sent a wave of pain through her skull. "Do you see the abnormalities there?" They must have been pointing at a monitor or a chart to show whoever else was in the room.

There was a sudden change of pressure around her hand. "How long do you think it'll take?" The baritone voice was familiar and Athene could just picture tuffs of red hair and a toothy grin. It made her want to spring out of bed and embrace the man she knew was sitting beside her.

"It might be a matter of hours or a matter of days. It's hard to tell with cases like this." After the woman, a healer presumably, spoke these words, the conversation began to muddle. It seemed as though her two companions were speaking gibberish rather than English. Something pricked her arm and her mind relaxed. Her own thoughts began to jumble together until everything just faded away.

"Miss Atkinson." Athene's eyes fluttered, though her first instinct was to keep her eyes tightly closed. As she became accustomed to the brightly lit room, there were several things that she noticed. First, was that the pressure on her hand had been relieved. Second, that she was indeed strapped down to a hospital bed. And third, was that Headmaster Dumbledore sat in a plastic chair across from her with his hands folded delicately over his knees. "So glad to see you awake."

A wave of memories crashed down on Athene before she could answer and what she saw dried her mouth of any moisture. It had all come back to her: the duel, Enya, the betrayal. Her heart felt as though it might implode. "What's happened?" She gasped.

"You fought quite gallantly against your old friend. Enya, I believe her name is. Her father, a particularly dedicated Death Eater attacked you from behind when she hesitated. You've been unconscious here for twelve days."

"Twelve days?" Athene's mind gobbled up the new information. Twelve days put them nearly into July. "Where's Charlie?"

"He's been here for most of your stay," Dumbledore smiled. "But I told him that I would take good care of you while he went home and got a change of clothes. He's been worried about you."

"I would suppose so." She was unconvinced of his sincerity. Athene knew from experience that the ever famous Headmaster Dumbledore wouldn't just volunteer to sit around watching a lifeless woman in a hospital; there had to be an ulterior motive.

"There is something I wish to discuss with you, however, before your dear Charlie Weasley returns." Athene's mind rang with satisfaction at being right. "I felt as though you had a right to know just why Voldemort has taken interest in your articles."

"Do go on, Headmaster. You have my undivided attention." And he did. The grogginess that had enveloped her mind from the twelve days of unconsciousness had dissipated, leaving only an alert mind behind.

"Are you familiar with the potion Veritaserum?" He didn't wait for an answer, knowing the answer. "During the time of Merlin, there was a witch. Alette Elsbeth was her name and she was known far and wide for her kindness amongst a world ruled by corrupt men. But with such a reputation came certain dangers.

"A band of thieves came into her home and played her kindness for their own advantages. Not only did they take her most of her possessions, but her only daughter as well. Veritas, the supposed Goddess of Truth, saw Alette's anguish and took pity on her. The goddess granted her the gift of truth and Alette was never taken advantage again.

"Following the capture and assumed death of her daughter, Alette gave birth to two sons, but, as they grew older, they showed no signs of the gift. Alette never wanted her children to be taken advantage of, so she created Veritaserum. Alette's time was short in the world, but her legacy would live on through both her creation and her sons. Her sons both had sons, who in turn, had all sons again until Alette's great grandson fathered a little girl."

"Forgive me, Headmaster," Athene interrupted, a frown pulling at the corners of her mouth. "But I'm afraid this makes no sense."

"Patience, my dear." Dumbledore offered a knowing smile before continuing the story, "This little girl was quite the interesting child. She never lied and seemed to know the truth, even when it was impossible: she possessed Alette's power. Though not as powerful as her ancestor, she was able to tell when someone was lying and persuade them to tell the truth. Every female descendant that followed retained a part of the gift, but it continued to grow weaker and weaker."

"My mother?" It was just the ghost of a question, but it was enough to show her understanding.

"Your mother had the gift," Dumbledore said. "And so does Rita. They were both given semblances, but your mother was much more powerful than your aunt. You've been given the gift as well, Athene. I've seen how you can almost sense the truth and how others seem to want to tell it to you."

In that moment, everything made sense. This was why Rita wanted to have her at her interviews; she had exploited her own family. Athene wasn't surprised, though, she should expect such things from her aunt. What did surprise her was the sting it left in her heart: similar to the betrayal of her friend. "What does this mean for me, Headmaster?"

"It means that you must use this gift to help the Order." The statement came so smoothly from his lips as though he had been preparing to tell her. "You need to continue writing the truth." There was a commotion at the door and several voices could be heard. "I suppose that will be Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore stood from his chair, offered Athene a nod, and exited the room.

"Athene!" Charlie Weasley burst through the doors with a look of worry smeared across his face. "Thank Merlin." He rushed around her bed and moved the plastic chair Dumbledore had been sitting in directly next to where she lay. While he rushed, Athene took a moment to look at the man she loved. His hair was a mess, tied up in a bun at the base of his neck with flyaways creating a halo around his head. There were heavy bags under his eyes and his clothes were rumpled and wrinkled.

"Charlie," Athene placed a hand over his own when he had finally settled down. "You look like shit."

Charlie laughed. The sound reverberated in Athene's chest, making her smile. "Of course, that's what you would pick out first." His smile suddenly faded. "It's been more than a week, Athene. I was so worried."

"But I'm okay, see?" She wiggled her fingers in the air so he could see. "I'm sure I'll be out of here in no time."

"She's right," a new voice chimed in from the door. A healer dressed all in white had slipped in while Athene had been focused on Charlie. She looked very professional with her hair coiled at the top of her head and a pair of glasses perched on her nose. "I want to keep you here until this afternoon and then you'll be good to go home."

"Thank Merlin, I've only been awake for an hour and I'm already tired of laying down." Everyone in the room chuckled at her statement. Athene liked this feeling of lightheartedness, but there was something a bit more sinister hiding behind the happy feelings. She pushed it to the back of her mind; that was something she would address when she was back in her own home.

Author's Note
Whelp, I guess I'm going to start posting early? Not quite to where I wanted to be, but I wanted to get the ball rolling. Please vote and/or comment if you're enjoying the story!