harry_08

Chapter 21: Puzzle Pieces

A/N: Read, Review, Enjoy!

　

Harry woke in a panic, clutching at his stomach. He found only a small clean bandage, not the wooden dagger he’d been dreaming of. Trying in vain to look around at his dark and blurry surroundings he began a search for his glasses, reflecting as he moved that while he felt stiff and sore, the terrible gut-wrenching pain he remembered was gone. Where was he? What had happened? His fingers finally brushed against the lens of his glasses as he blindly searched the small table next to where he’d been resting.

Now able to see, he realized he was in an office of some kind where he’d been placed on a small cot and stripped to his waist. Very carefully, he pulled back the crisp, white bandage expecting the worst. Instead, there appeared to be only a small scar. Confused, he tried to remember what had happened; the last thing he could clearly picture was Luna asking him to clean his own blood as she floated him down the tunnel. After that was only flashes: the sun setting behind the bars of the grate as Luna begged him not to give up, Fred kneeling beside him on the island his eyes filled with horror, telling Hermione he loved her, Healer Drake forcing him to drink something. He wasn’t sure if any of it had been real, so instead he focused on what he could know.

Gingerly rising, he inspected the desk in the middle of the room and found Drake’s name everywhere. So he was in the man’s office, but where was the healer and where were his friends? He looked at the door for a long time before deciding it would probably be best that he not be found wandering the hospital. He returned to the cot, his entire body feeling so tense that when the soft knock came a few minutes later, he nearly jumped out of his skin.

Harry? Luna’s voice whispered across his mind. He tried to answer her, but couldn’t find that part of himself. He struggled, but he felt exhausted. I’m coming in. She finally said, opening the door and peeking in.

“Hey.” He said weakly.

“Hi.” Her voice was hoarse, but she smiled brightly. “How are you?” she asked, walking in and closing the door behind her before crossing to the desk and turning on a small lamp. He was startled by the amount of blood staining her clothes.

“I really don’t know. Can you tell me? What happened?” he demanded as she put the invisibility cloak on the chair and sat next to him on the cot.

“We brought you to Drake, just like you asked.”

“I asked?”

“Yes, you did. And you were right, he’s agreed to keep all of this a secret after I explained what we were trying to accomplish. I guess he and Willem were good friends. He wants to talk to us more about it later though.” She explained, her eyes falling to his wound, which he hadn’t bothered to rebandage. “That certainly looks better.”

“If you say so. Most of it is a blur to me.”

“Trust me, it looked really bad.” She shuddered with the memory.

“What exactly happened?” he asked.

“I don’t really know, Harry. It happened so fast, too fast. She threw this sharp piece of wood, but it was almost as if she didn’t throw it. None of it makes sense and I saw it with my own eyes.” She rasped out. Reaching into her pocket, she grabbed some sort of salve and rubbed it across her throat.

He reached out, lifting her chin to better see the damage Cho had done. Though quite faded, he could still make out the remains of the angry bruises and ragged nail impressions marring her skin. “This is it, right? Nothing else happened after I passed out? All this blood is mine?”

She took his hand, and looked at him very seriously. “I’m fine and that’s the last thing you should be worried about. You were really bad off for awhile there and I was very scared for you. We all were.”

“Where is everyone? Where’s Hermione?” he asked, finally realizing why he must be feeling so uncomfortable. Usually when he woke after something like this, she was there beside him.

“She and Fred are with Drake working on something. Trust me, it’s really important or else she’d have been here. I’m a bit useless with potions so they sent me to check on you.”

“What is so important? What are they working on?”

She lowered her eyes, squeezing his hand tightly. “The cure.”

“Cure? What cure?” he asked, the panic he’d felt upon waking rushing back to him. She turned away, unable to answer. “The cure for what, Luna?”

“To the poison that tipped that piece of wood.” She said softly.

(BREAK)

“Why isn’t Luna back yet?” Hermione demanded. “Do you think something’s wrong? I knew I should have gone myself.”

“Focus.” Fred scolded. “We both know the only way you’d have been satisfied was laying eyes on him yourself, but I’m sure Luna is competent enough to come get help if something were wrong. She’s probably just filling him in on what happened. I’m sure if he’s awake, he has questions.”

“Well, if you’re going to be logical about it.” She grumbled.

“Here’s some more wisdom; without this cure, Harry’s in big trouble. So if you really want to help him, you’ll focus up before Drake gets back here.”

“They paged him away over half an hour ago!” she complained, knowing she was being difficult but unable to stop herself.

“He has to keep up appearances, right? We don’t want anyone knowing what we’re all up to.”

“I’m so sick of this vow of secrecy!” she yelled. “And to make it worse, you all find the one adult who is willing to go along with it!”

“You were willing to go along with it.” He reminded her. “I know you’re worried, but chill out. Drake already fixed him up, almost like new. This is just the last step. Be thankful the poison was something he’s worked with before.”

“Oh yeah, quite the silver lining.” She said bitterly.

“Whatever. This is ready to come off the flames.” He sounded angry.

“Are you sure?”

“If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t do this.” He said, leaning over to extinguish the fire, a defiant look in his eye.

“You are such a child sometimes.”

“I’m just trying to decide which side of the line you fall on. One minute you tell me I’m brilliant at all this stuff, that I don’t need you or George to do it, yet here you are questioning my every move.”

“I won’t gamble with Harry’s life.” She said coldly.

“So now it’s a gamble that I really know what I’m doing?”

“Why are you fighting with me?!” she cried in frustration. “I don’t know, okay?! I’m sorry, but I don’t know anything right now and I hate it! I don’t know that even if Drake brewed this all by himself that it’ll work, let alone us doing it! I don’t know if Harry’s going to be okay, I don’t even know if he’s awake right now! I don’t like not knowing things okay? I’m scared!” she exploded all over him, the adrenaline she’d been running on reaching its final breaking point. Unable to do anything else, she began to cry.

Fred looked extremely uncomfortable and unsure about what to do, but she just couldn’t stop herself. With her tears came a sort of release, of the frustration, the tension, anger, fear, all that she had been clinging to that day. Finally, he stepped forward and awkwardly put his arms around her, attempting to offer comfort though this was obviously a situation he wasn’t used to dealing with. She clung to him, burying her face in his shoulder, trying to regain control of herself.

“I’m okay.” She said finally, pulling away and wiping her eyes. He walked away to wet a towel, bringing it back so she could clean her face. “Thanks.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to pick a fight. Guess I’m scared too.” He shrugged.

“So now that it’s off the flame, what did he say was the next step?” she asked, hoping he’d take the cue to just put it all behind them.

“We mix in whatever this stuff is.” He offered a small grin. “Remember he said it was his own concoction. Something secret he was still trying to patent.”

“Right, he said it added to the healing agents tenfold.” She recalled as he poured in the specified amount. “Hey, do you think he’d let us try some of it in the cure for Draco and Lupin?”

“I thought you believed that one impossible.” He smirked.

“Stranger things have happened.” She lamented.

“How’re things looking?” Drake asked as he finally returned to the small lab.

“We’re in the final stages.” Fred reported.

The healer moved swiftly across the room and peered into the cauldron. “Hmm, it looks good. Well done.”

“Hey everyone.” Luna emerged from the cloak at the doorway.

“Ah, Miss Lovegood. I found these for you to change into.” Drake produced a pair of scrubs.

“Harry’s awake.” She reported, taking the offered clothing. Hermione looked at the healer desperately.

“We’re just about done here, you can go up if you like. We’ll be behind you shortly with this.” He gestured toward the potion.

It was all the permission she’d needed. Grabbing the cloak from Luna, she settled it around herself as she ran. It was still before dawn and the hospital was mostly deserted, but they still took the precaution to not be seen. Especially Luna. Every time she looked at the girl, covered in Harry’s blood, she felt sick. They’d tried to clean her, but their spells had been useless. Drake said it had something to do with the poison; she was just glad he’d found something else for her to wear. As she approached the office, her heart tightened in anticipation. The last time she’d seen Harry, Drake had been forcing him to drink a potion, needing their help to hold him up. Then he’d sent them all from the room so he could tend to the wound. She knocked quietly before turning the knob, hoping with everything she had that the first potion had really worked and revived him.

(BREAK)

Ron tossed and turned, but sleep just wouldn’t come. He was too worried and definitely too angry. He had no idea where Fred and Hermione were, just that they said they had to leave the house and needed him to cover for them. And what’s more, he really wasn’t even sure where Harry and Luna were, but he suspected they weren’t at Mrs. Lovegood’s home. Hermione’s vague promise that he would know all when it was over wasn’t satisfying, never again would he agree to be part of something he didn’t know all the details to.

Flicking on the bedside lamp, he sat up and took the compact out of his pocket. Fred had told him it was a communication device, and that if they needed help, they’d contact him. It hadn’t grown warm at all. Ron decided to try and call them.

“What?” Fred answered distractedly.

“What’s going on? Is everything okay?”

“That’s yet to be determined. Is that all you wanted? These aren’t toys and we aren’t out having fun here. Wait for us to call you.”

“Easier said than done. What do you expect me to do, sit and twiddle my thumbs?”

“I expect you to act normal.” Fred was stern.

“I don’t know what’s going on, whether you guys are okay. I don’t even know where you are!” Ron protested, suddenly hearing someone else’s voice in the background. “Was that Luna? Let me talk to her, maybe she’ll be more compassionate and tell me something useful.”

“No time for that. Listen, we’ll compromise, okay, so you aren’t sitting there wetting yourself with worry. If you don’t hear from one of us in an hour, start calling. If we don’t answer get help. Right now, we’re at St. Mungo’s.”

“Why are you at the hospital?” he asked desperately. But there was no answer. Fred had closed his side. Ron slammed the compact shut, wanting to hurl it across the room in frustration. He held himself in check though, not wanting to risk damaging his only link to his friends. Instead, he settled for punching his headboard.

Looking at the clock he sighed. It was nearly four in the morning, another hour before the sun rose and he’d be able to make contact again. He wasn’t sure what he’d do if they weren’t back by morning, but it had been easy to cover Fred and Hermione’s absence last night; Arthur and Molly had spent most of the evening in the parlor talking to Ginny and Malfoy. Though glad they were distracted, he’d begun to worry that they were going to his parents to ask for permission to marry or something. That fear sharp in his mind, he’d eavesdropped on the conversation and was relieved to discover it was nothing of the kind. Apparently Malfoy had remembered some family link between Pansy and that Sarah Elaine woman. Well, at least the jerk was proving useful, finally. He was still thoroughly disgusted with his sister for her apparent decision to continue on with the guy.

Not wanting to think too long on that topic, he found himself right back at the huge mystery everyone else was apparently involved in. It had somehow brought them to St. Mungo’s, but for what reason? Was someone hurt? Well, he knew Fred had sounded completely fine, though a bit on edge. And he’d heard Luna in the background, though she’d sounded strained, raspy somehow. That left the two voices he hadn’t heard since they’d left the house. He doubted anything had happened in the few hours since Hermione had left with his brother. On top of that, he knew of only one kind of emergency that would drive her to not only leave the house without permission or in secret, but also make her so severely upset as she had been when they’d come to him for his help. Harry was hurt, and Ron knew it was true the minute he thought it. It must be pretty bad, for them to panic the way they did. He suddenly wanted nothing more than to apparate to the hospital and check on his friend for himself, to assess that Harry was nowhere as near death’s door as he suddenly imagined him to be. He knew it was the worst possible idea to go there, that it could potentially ruin their cover. He really didn’t care, if things were as bad as he pictured. The only question was, could he trust his brother to have told him if the situation really was serious? He wasn’t sure.

(BREAK)

Poisoned. The word tumbled around in Harry’s head after Luna left. That’s why it was still hard for him to breathe, why he felt so weak, why he couldn’t focus his mind to use his powers. It was slowly traveling his body, filling his veins. Luna had assured him that to slow the process, Drake had made him drink a blood purification potion. It would continue to clean the impurities from his blood, but with the rapidity with which this particular poison acts, it will eventually overcome the potion and reach his heart. She had confided that it had come close to taking over and would have if they’d gotten him to Drake any later. Harry was shaken by how close he’d come to dying, certainly closer than he’d ever come before if Luna’s reaction was any indication. Cho had almost succeeded where so many others had failed, Voldemort included. Or had it been Cho? He recalled the conversation right before Luna had left to tell the others he was conscious.

After dropping the bombshell about the poison tipped weapon, he’d made her repeat her version of what had happened, trying to picture it as she spoke. When he’d turned to say something to Cho, he hadn’t remembered her moving at all, it was her eyes that had held his attention in that moment. They were wrong, deeper somehow as if they belonged to someone else. More disturbingly, he felt he’d seen those eyes before.

“Someone else like who?” Luna had asked.

“I don’t know. I just remember thinking a few different times that something was off about her. And you were wrong, when you said I had made her let you go. I was trying but she was absurdly strong and I was scared to hurt you worse. And then she just released you. Just let go by herself.”

“Are you sure?”

He had nodded, distracted by his memories of the event. “Yes, as soon as she did I threw her against the wall hard enough that she should have been knocked out. But then she was there, at the bars again, hands behind her back and I remember thinking that it was almost like she was someone else then. I just don’t know who.”

“I agree, she was odd. Definitely different than she was at school, but I haven’t seen her since then like you have. I don’t know if it was just that place that did it to her.”

He’d shaken his head, feeling uncertain himself. “All I know it the same thing that bothers you most about this bothers me too. Where did she get a sharpened piece of wood with a poison tip? I feel like we’ve stumbled into some twisted Grimm’s Brothers tale.”

“Well obviously someone snuck it into her. How do we get our hands on the prison visitor log without going back there?”

“Why not go back?” he had brazenly suggested, ignoring the horror in her eyes. “I may as well, I’m on borrowed time as it is.”

She had taken both his hands in hers and stared into his eyes, very serious. “They are working on the cure and I’ve no doubt that it will work. It is not your time to die, Harry.”

“Is that that something you saw?”

“It’s what I haven’t seen. If you were meant to die tonight, don’t you think I’d have been flooded with visions of life without you? Like it or not, you are a major factor in many different futures for us all, and if you were taken out of the equation, the future would certainly change.”

“I suppose that makes sense.” He had admitted.

“I’m really sorry, Harry.”

Her apology had taken him by complete surprise. “Sorry for what?”

“For all of this. If I hadn’t been so determined-“

But he had disentangled his hand and used it to cover her mouth, cutting her off. “Don’t waste your breath. You’ve done so much for me, how could I not help you with all of this stuff with Kane. And now our reason is two-fold. If we can free Willem and prove his story, we can back Edmund off of Arthur. And as an added bonus, by finally proving your brother was murdered by Lucius, we can reveal the truth of his family roots and hopefully disgrace him among Voldemort’s ranks. It’s much bigger than Kane now, and much bigger than us. Your determination led us to all of this other stuff, things we can do to finally gain leverage. I don’t regret going, only that Cho got the better of us both.”

“It’s a nice way to think about it.” She had said sadly, removing his hand.

“Everything about you is nice, Luna. It isn’t your fault this stuff is slowly trying to kill me, it’s Cho’s and whoever she’s working with, or for. I don’t blame you at all, you’re one of the most important people in the world to me.” He’d been uncomfortable by his sudden honesty, but didn’t regret it. He had wanted her to know he cared about her, that his current predicament wasn’t something he held against her.

Rather than reply, she had risen suddenly and quickly grabbed the cloak. “The other’s are probably dying to know what’s going on, I better let them know you’re awake.”

“Oh, yeah. Sure.” He had answered, uncertain why he felt so disappointed until she’d stopped at the door.

She had spoken without turning to face him. “You’re an important person to me too.”

He had felt instant relief, realizing the problem had been that he’d put himself out there on the limb of vulnerability and had thought she was going to leave him there alone. “Luna, you said now isn’t my time to die. Have you seen it sometime in the future?”

Still she hadn’t turned to him. “No. Not yet.” And then she had wrapped the cloak around herself and left. A few days ago, he would have believed her without hesitation, back before he’d seen her lie. Now, with her not willing to meet his eyes and give an answer, he wasn’t sure. Had she seen some vision of the possible future, one where he didn’t make it?

A soft knock on the door a few minutes after she left knocked him out of his thoughts of their conversation and brought him back to the present. When Hermione entered, he felt his heart sigh in relief. Though her eyes were already red and puffy from crying, her tears started anew the minute she saw him. She ran to his side, gently throwing her arms around him. He pulled her closer, tighter to him, wanting to believe that with her there, he had a reason to think positive, that Luna had been right and he was going to live.

They never spoke a word to each other, he and Hermione, they didn’t need to. They simply held each other and waited for Drake to bring the cure.

(BREAK)

Luna sat in a corner of the lab, turning the hunk of wood over in her hands. She was studying it through the clear plastic bag it was now encased in, wondering just how something so small could have been so potentially lethal.

“It’s very good you thought clearly enough to bring that with you.” Drake said as he filled a small vial with the cooled potion. “Helped me know right away what he’d been poisoned with.”

“Yeah, I’m a hero.” She answered bitterly, feeling anything but heroic. She was a swirl of several emotions, none of which she wanted to explore very deeply. Secretly, she began to long for the time before she’d met Ginny, when life had been simple. But her own visions had shown her that she had a greater destiny. And she knew the result of ignoring that future, it didn’t end well for her or anyone else.

“Ron’s calling.” Fred sighed, pulling out the compact.

She listened to them in a haze. While they’d waited for Drake to clean Harry’s wound, Hermione had berated her for everything that went wrong and for not telling Ron anything about it. Luna did feel guilty that he still knew nothing of Kane, and she was certain he’d be extremely angry to be the last to know when she did tell him. “Fred! Be nice to him, imagine how you’d feel if you were in his position.”

“Was that Luna?” she heard Ron ask. “Let me talk to her, maybe she’ll be more compassionate and tell me something useful.”

“This is ready, we have to go.” Drake said urgently. Fred turned from them to speak to his brother one last time before snapping the compact shut and following them up to the office. Luna felt uncomfortable out in the open, but the healer assured them that now that she had changed clothes, there was a more deserted way he could take them, where only researchers went. Fred pulled the hood of his sweatshirt over his shocking red hair, hoping to hide his identity should they see anyone. After all many knew who the Weasleys were, thankfully Luna was more unknown. Still, she walked a step behind Drake, hiding herself as best she could, feeling secure only once they had reached the office. Harry looked up at them expectantly when they entered, the hope in his eyes overwhelming.

“Is it ready? It’s going to work, right?” Hermione asked tensely, rising so the healer could take her place on the cot.

“It has before.” Drake said confidently as he sat next to Harry and began taking his vitals. “Your pulse is a bit slow, pupils are a bit dilated.” He reported to his patient. “But otherwise it seems the blood potion did its job and you should be strong enough to handle this.”

“What do you mean?” Harry looked concerned.

“Yeah, how intense is this stuff?” Fred asked.

“It will be fighting to overtake the poison.” Drake explained. “You’ll sleep through most of it, should knock you right out.”

“And when he wakes up?” Luna prompted.

“Well we won’t know until then, but he should be good as new, a bit sore but healthy otherwise.

“How long will it take?” Harry asked worriedly. “Lupin and Tonks are supposed to pick us up around four this afternoon.”

“Young man, your life depends on this counterpotion working. It’ll take as long as it takes. I’m sure an inventive bunch like you can figure out what to tell everyone if you aren’t awake by then.” Drake said sternly. “And just so you know, the next time I’m at the house to see Draco, I will be seeking out you and Miss Lovegood for a little conversation about my old friend Willem.”

“But you will keep all this quiet, right?” Fred asked as Hermione shot him a dirty look. “My dad isn’t too happy with us right now as it is.” He explained, making a face back.

“As Miss Lovegood already informed me.” He answered with a smile, handing the potion to Harry. “Drink up Mr. Potter. We’ll see you again in several hours.”

Luna watched as he drank without hesitation. In a short while, she, Hermione and Fred would be making plans, but right now, all three watched their friend as he lay down and closed his eyes, hoping with everything they had that he would live to open them again.

(BREAK)

“There is something I think you should all know.” Drake began as they all went into his inner office to let Harry sleep. “I didn’t want to worry him unnecessarily, he needs to be able to rest in order for the counterpotion to work. But there is one major side effect to this poison that the potion won’t be able to cure and it’s probably why she used it.”

Hermione felt her heart pounding in her ears. She knew it had been too easy. “What is it?” she asked nervously.

“Well, the poison is called Psychohemia. Not only does it invade the blood, but it inhibits any psychic ability the victim may possess.” He answered solemnly.

“But if your cure can clean his blood, then why can’t it stop the invasion in his brain?” Luna asked, a look of horror plastered on her face. Hermione scoffed. Obviously there was quite a bit about this whole day their friend hadn’t seen. What good were her stupid visions anyway?

“It’s not as easy as all that. The potion can purify his blood because that is a physical effect. Blocking out the part of the victim that is psychic, well, let’s keep it simple and just say that effect is the magical aspect of the Psychohemia. Much harder to counter without knowing the spell used when binding the poison. I certainly don’t know how to brew it, but I was forced to find some cure for it a few years back when use of it became rampant, and we received the same results. The cure stopped the poison, but those who’d possessed any degree of wandless powers lost the ability to tap into them. The poison was actually Severus Snape’s brainchild back when he was working with the Death Eaters, and when he switched sides, he actually helped me brew the counterpotion.”

“Why would Snape invent a poison that destroys a person’s link to their psychic awareness?” Luna asked.

“Why wouldn’t he?” Fred declared glumly. “He’s a creep, no matter which side he’s on.”

“Well, without his help, your friend would be dead right now.” Drake answered defensively, obviously not happy to hear a younger generation disrespecting their elders.

“Yeah, well if he hadn’t invented the poison in the first place, then we wouldn’t need his help and I wouldn’t have to worry about my friend at all.” Fred countered. Hermione remained silent, not wanting to be rude to the healer, but was totally in agreement with Fred.

Instead of answering, Drake turned and with a wave of his wand produced three cots. “I have some things to tend to around here. You three better rest while you can.” And then he quietly slipped back into the main office and then out into the hospital hallway.

“I think you made him angry.” Hermione said quietly, as they all prepared get a few hours of sleep. Fred made a call to Ron to tell him everything was fine.

They lay on the cots in silence, she knew the others hadn’t fallen asleep yet. And if they felt anything like what she was feeling, she doubted they’d ever find repose. Of course how could they feel what she was, all the way down to her soul? And as much as she wanted to blame Luna for this whole thing, she realized she was responsible as well. She knew everything there was to know about Harry, and she knew how he would react in almost any situation. The minute he’d come to her with this crazy plan, that excited twinkle in his eye, she should have found a way to stop it. So as irresponsible as it was for Luna to suggest all this, Hermione had gone right along with it, worried more about Harry being upset with her for going against the plan than what could happen to him if they carried it out.

She sighed and turned to face the wall, trying to find a comfortable position. It was impossible. Her fear about Harry dying had been relieved; she trusted that Drake knew what he was talking about, especially since learning Snape had not only created the poison but it’s cure. As much as she didn’t like the professor, she had to respect his talent. No, it wasn’t his death that was concerning her, it was how life would be if he awoke no longer possessing his powers. Drake had said they wouldn’t know for sure until Harry woke up later; and in the back of her mind she kept the hope that as a coven descendent he would be stronger than the poisoned spell. But the realist in her knew it was never that easy. To occupy her brain, she began applying her intelligence to the problem, wanting to find the solution before there was even really an issue. It was the only way Harry would remain positive if he awoke powerless.

(BREAK)

“Good morning mother.” Fred said brightly as he strolled into the kitchen.

“Fred! Good Morning, Ron said you were still sleeping. But here you are, wide awake.” Molly answered. His brother shot him a dirty look, obviously upset that he hadn’t been informed of Fred’s arrival. “I guess we’re still waiting on Hermione.”

“Oh I wouldn’t count on her.” Fred said quickly. “Last night she said she was going to sleep as long as she could, you know pass the day as quickly as possible. It is a bit sickening the way she and Harry get so panicky when they’re apart.”

“I think it’s sweet.” Molly answered absently as Fred took his seat. She and Hagrid seemed to take him at his word, but Ron, Ginny and Draco looked doubtful. He felt awkward sitting in Harry’s kitchen for breakfast when he was still knocked out in Drake’s office. They had all decided that it would be best for Fred to return to Grimmauld Place, to make it easier to hide the fact that they had left and that Hermione was still gone. She had refused to leave until Harry woke. He understood she had more of a right to stay, but he still hadn’t been to keen on returning to the house.

Ron glared at him throughout the meal, and Fred did his best to ignore him. After all, it wasn’t his fault his brother had been kept in the dark. Whether or not your girlfriend had a brother is an important thing to know, and if Ron hadn’t taken the time to get to know Luna the way Harry and Hermione had, then it was his own fault and he deserved to be broken up with. His brother had never been very aware, and Fred was sure that had a lot to do with why he hadn’t been able to hang on to Luna, despite her claims to have seen a different future for them. Had Ron been everything she’d wanted in a partner, he doubted the vision would have made a difference.

As soon as breakfast was over, both boys ran up to Fred’s room. “Where’s the compact?”

“Right here. What’s going on?” Ron demanded holding the compact out of Fred’s reach.

“I need to check in with the girls.” He said feeling annoyed.

“Why? What’s happened? Why didn’t Hermione come back with you? Are Harry and Luna okay? What were they really doing?” Ron asked in a rush.

“Hey, Hermione’s the one who promised to tell you everything when it was over, and it’s not. Now give me the mirror!” he yelled. They had all decided before he’d left St. Mungo’s to return here that until they knew what was going on with Harry, they wouldn’t tell Ron anything about it, not wanting him to worry needlessly. After all, the potion might not work at all and the poison could take over ending their friend’s young promising life. Fred wouldn’t allow himself to think that way, but couldn’t shake the small doubt pricking at his positivity.

“Not until you give me answers.” Ron answered evenly. “Why were you all at the hospital? Harry’s hurt, isn’t he? And Luna, she sounded strange last night when I heard her voice. What is going on!?”

“Fine!” Fred gave in. He really did feel sorry for his brother and really didn’t want to argue anymore. “Let me have the compact and I’ll let them know things are fine here and tell them I’m going to let you in on everything.”

“Right, I’m supposed to trust that? The minute you have what you want I lose my bargaining chip.”

“I promise, Ron. Okay? I promise.” He was eager to check in at the hospital himself. “You know I don’t really need that thing anyway, I could just apparate back to the office and check on them in person. So trust me, okay, I’ll tell you everything.”

“Fine.” His brother answered, slapping the compact into Fred’s open hand.

He eagerly opened it, waiting less than a minute for them to pick up. “Hey Fred.” Luna answered. Her voice was almost back to normal, still a bit strained, as if she’d spent too much time shouting.

“Any news?” he asked quickly.

“He’s still sleeping. Did you write the letter yet?” Hermione’s voice came on.

“Not yet, got here in time for breakfast and had to sit to keep up appearances. By the way, you’re in your room attempting to sleep the day away until Harry and Luna return.”

“That makes me sound tragic.” She complained. “Go write the letter!”

“I will, I have a problem first. Seems Ron here can’t wait to find out what we’ve all been up to. I’m going to tell him.”

Both girls were silent for a moment, obviously discussing between themselves. It was Luna who finally answered. “Go ahead. Tell him whatever he wants to know. I don’t care anymore.” She said sadly.

“Will do.” He answered softly. “Let me know the minute anything happens there.”

“We will.” Hermione answered. “And don’t forget, be back here by three if there’s no change.”

“Whatever you say, darlin’.” He closed the compact with a smile.

“What were they talking about? What letter are you going to write?” Ron asked right away.

Fred sighed. “They want me to write to Gabriella. To see if she can help Harry. If we need to, we’ll send it right away.”

“Why would Harry need the strongest healer in the world?” he looked nervous.

“Because Cho poisoned him.” Fred answered simply.

“What?! What do mean poisoned? Why were they anywhere near Cho?”

“Because her cell happened to be near the secret escape route.”

“Escape route? From Azkaban? Why were they there?” Ron looked so confused, Fred nearly laughed. Maybe he would have, if the situation weren’t so completely unfunny.

“To talk to Willem Fritz about Kane’s murder. And Edmund.”

“Who’s Kane and why do we care if he’s been murdered?”

And this is where it got difficult. Fred hadn’t even known about Kane until the night Luna and Harry had approached him with this whole plan. How much would it upset Ron to learn how little he knew of the girl he’d claimed to love at one point? “Kane is Luna’s brother. I guess he was killed by Lucius Malfoy when she was eleven.”

“Luna’s brother…” Ron stared off into space and Fred watched as that piece of information made it’s way through his brother’s head. “Start at the beginning Fred. What is going on here?”

(BREAK)

“Well?” Hermione demanded as soon as Drake returned.

“He’s still sleeping soundly. I drew some of his blood for testing.” The healer answered. “I’m about to go to the lab and see what kind of progress we’re making.”

“Can I go with you?” she asked. “I’m losing my mind sitting here waiting. I need to do something.”

“As long as you wear the invisibility cloak.” He replied with a kind smile. “It’s not yet lunch time, so there will probably be a lot of other healers working in there. Miss Lovegood, will you be joining us?”

“I’d rather wait here. I want to call up Fred and see how it went with Ron.” She answered.

Hermione wrapped the cloak around herself and followed Drake to the lab, reflecting on how different things were now. In the past, it was rare that she and Harry would act without Ron. But lately, they all seemed to be acting without the others. She worried their lives were becoming more separate from each other, that the raw trust of children couldn’t hold them together anymore. Months before, when she’d become trapped in her own mind, she’d gone to look in on that moment with the troll, the event she felt led them all to each other. She’d told Harry and Dumbledore that she’d learned everything she needed from the memory, but had she? If something as simple as battling a troll could bring them together, what was the event that had split them all up?

“Take a look.” Drake offered, whispering so the other healers wouldn’t hear. He’d loaded a drop of Harry’s blood onto a slide and slid it under a large microscope. Stepping forward, she leaned over, staring through the cloak.

The small circle was soft red, a few green specks floating around. “What does it mean?” she whispered.

“What are you working on, Roscoe?” another healer came up to them and Hermione tugged the cloak tighter around herself, taking a few steps back.

“Simple poisoning case.” Drake replied brightly. He glanced to the side, obviously trying to decide if Hermione was still there. “It’s good news though. Seems the blood to element ratio has increased.”

“Excellent! Then you’ve counteracted the poison. That’s why you’re the best.” The other healer commented. “I actually need your advice if I can steal you away for a moment.” Hermione felt herself panic. Though relieved to hear the potion was working, she didn’t want Drake to be stuck in the lab all afternoon, they might need his help again. Maybe it was selfish of her, but she didn’t care.

“Give me a moment, Henry, and then I’m all yours. First I have to deliver some news to the family of the patient.” Drake replied.

“Of course! It’s a simple issue anyway, I just really wanted a second opinion.” Henry replied.

“Give me about twenty minutes.” And with a subtle gesture, indicated to Hermione that they were leaving the lab.

(BREAK)

Luna looked at the compact, feeling guilty that it had fallen to Fred to tell Ron everything. She should have just told him from the beginning, and really didn’t know why she hadn’t. Sure she and Harry had argued that the less people involved the easier it would be to keep the secret. But that was when she’d intended it to be between her, Harry and by necessity, Fred. Then to keep the peace, Hermione had become involved. And now, Drake had been roped in as well and looking back, there was no good reason she shouldn’t have involved Ron. Maybe things would have gone smoother, if they’d had one more person looking out for them.

Looking at the door to the main office, she felt another stab of guilt, this one right through her heart. Because of her and her plan, the very savior of the wizarding world may be damaged beyond repair. Hell, she’d almost gotten him killed. Thinking back to that last question he’d asked, about whether she’d seen him die, she felt uneasy. She’d actually seen it twice, when different people made decisions contrary to the proper path. And she’d worked hard to bring things back to the way they were supposed to be, relieved each time she once more received that view of them all happy. Not liking to think of what she had seen, she hadn’t revealed any of it to anyone. What’s more, Harry wasn’t the only one she’d seen die.

Since leaving him earlier, she’d been trying to make a vision happen, but apparently too much was left unsettled for the universe to send her any messages of the future. With a sigh, she tossed the compact to the side and went to check on Harry. He was laying very still, but his breathing was strong and steady. Much different from the wheezing they’d heard when they’d first checked on him that morning after a short nap. The potion was obviously working on his body. Would it be able to help his mind? She’d never hated Cho more, though like Harry, she felt that somehow it wasn’t their old enemy that had really been responsible. The whole scene felt surreal, like it had happened to someone else.

Gently sitting on the bed, she took his hand and tried to enter his mind, to find the consciousness buried deep down that was one’s awareness of their psychic capacity. She couldn’t find it. “What are you doing?”

Startled, she turned to find Hermione at the door, the cloak on the floor at her feet, her arms crossed angrily in front of her. “Trying to find him.” Luna answered.

“What do you mean find him?” the other girl stalked over and stood over her, looking abnormally menacing.

“Well, I noticed his breathing is normal, so I figured the potion was working and wanted to see if it fixed his mind too.”

Hermione softened, turning her gaze to Harry. “Did it?”

“I don’t think so.” She answered, hanging her head.

“Drake said the potion has almost completely overtaken the poison. He’s definitely going to live…but…”

Luna felt for her. “I know. He won’t be happy with just being alive. Losing his powers is going to crush him.”

“I suppose since you were sitting in here, you didn’t call up Fred?” Hermione said, anger once more evident in her tone.

“Not yet. I wanted to try this first.”

“I’m sure you did.” She said sullenly. “Where’s the mirror? I’m going to tell him to send the letter.”

“In here.” She regretfully rose from Harry’s side and led the way into the inner office, picking up and handing over the compact. She understood her friend’s anger. How could she not? She was blaming herself as much as any of them were. Her only fear was what Harry would say when he found out that Cho had made good on her declaration that it was better to let the enemy live and suffer.

(BREAK)

Fred searched high and low for Hedwig, but she was nowhere to be found. Ron had let him into his room, and through the secret passages, they’d made their way to Harry’s. But the blasted owl wasn’t there either. Together, the brothers went to see Hagrid.

“Harry asked you to take care of Hedwig and Robin while he was gone right?” Ron asked eagerly when the giant answered.

“O’ course he did! Knows I’d take care o’ them as if they were my own.”

“Well where’s the owl?” Fred demanded impatiently.

“Haven’ seen her.” Hagrid admitted. “Usually she comes ‘round to see me every mornin’ for some treats, but she’s no’ been around fer the last two mornin’s.”

“Is that odd?” Ron seemed concerned.

“No’ if she’s ou’ huntin’.” Hagrid replied with a shrug. “That owl is a mighty smart one. I’m sure she’s fine ou’ there.”

They left Hagrid to go find Orion, the small brown owl their father used. “This one’s useless.” Ron said grumpily. “Can’t even be sure it really delivers the letters you give it.”

“Dad uses him for the ministry. I’m sure he’s reliable. Maybe he just doesn’t like you.” Fred suggested with a smile. He handed the letter for Gabriella to Orion and gave careful instructions that it was to be delivered to no one but it’s intended recipient.

He’d been surprised while writing the note. Ron had actually been a great help, having known the spell to translate his English into Spanish, which she was probably more comfortable with. When asked, his brother had simply said that he’d been studying the spells Hermione had found.

Now they were holed up in Fred’s room, waiting for the clock to strike three. “I can’t believe all this.” Ron declared, interrupting the silence in which they’d been meditating.

“Believe it. And just be glad he’s going to live.”

“But if he doesn’t have his powers anymore, how are we supposed to do this whole coven thing? He was supposed to be part of it. Hell, he was probably supposed to be the leader!”

“I don’t know, Ron. Right now, we’re still trying to focus on getting them back before Lupin and Tonks show up. Once we’re all back here together, we can start working on damage control. Besides, the coven is the last thing we all need to worry about.”

“Says you.” Ron said meanly. “What’s more important than the people who could very well end all of this for good?”

“All the other people flailing in the wind.” Fred replied. “I mean right now, we’ve got a man murdered six years ago while investigating another man’s disappearance. Because of that, we have an innocent man framed and sitting in jail for nearly as long. And because of this jailed man, we have his brother who is working hard campaigning against our father, trying to take over the ministry. And now we also have some sort of link between it all, including a mysterious woman endorsed by the former minister.”

“It sounds like some giant puzzle.” Ron said grabbing his head. “Okay, let me see if I have this, Julian Heath goes missing and is last reported being seen at the Malfoy mansion.”

“According to a witness who happened to be a squib working for the Malfoy’s.” Fred interjected. His own head had been swimming when Luna had first told him and Hermione what they’d learned from Willem.

“Right. So new Auror Kane Lovegood is sent to investigate, only unlike most, he listens to the squib and makes a visit to Lucius. Then according to Draco, Kane demanded to search the house and was murdered for his efforts. But Julian is still alive at that point, being tortured for some kind of information.”

“Exactly. And Luna found out he worked in the Department of Mysteries, so it was probably something in there Lucius was after.”

Ron nodded. “Okay, so Willem is sent to investigate Kane’s death and first determines it to be suspicious but a few hours later, is forced to rule it an accident because of some mysterious expert named Jayalina Delamora who can see into the past.”

“And according to what Luna found out from dad, Willem had been forced to make similar findings because of her involvement, all with incidents involving suspected Death Eaters.”

“Then Willem is given a truth suppression potion and accused of bribery. And his own brother, whom everyone suspected he was working with, turned against him and called for his imprisonment.”

“Which leads me to believe that whether old Willem knows it or not, he’s got some knowledge of something damaging to his brother and Edmund wanted to make sure he could never use it.” Fred offered his opinion.

“But what could he know that he doesn’t know he knows?” Ron asked, taking a moment to think about what he said and make sure it made sense.

“Who knows.” Fred grinned. “We’ll have to find a way to get him out of Azkaban if we want to pick his brain though.” He felt his pocket grow warm and looked at his watch. Three o’clock on the dot. “They’re calling.”

“Fred?” Luna’s voice came through. She now sounded perfectly normal.

“He awake?” Ron asked eagerly.

She paused, obviously nervous about hearing from Ron. “Not yet.”

“I’m on my way. Ron agreed to cover if mum comes looking.”

“Thanks Ron.” She said quietly.

“We’ll talk later.” He answered carefully, reaching over to close the compact. Fred knew he was angry to have been left out, and hurt. Whatever he wanted to say to Luna was his business, but he hoped his brother would remain as calm as he was at present.

“Hermione and I will be back shortly.” Fred assured him.

“Just be careful.” Ron warned.

(BREAK)

Hermione gasped when they apparated into Mrs. Lovegood’s living room. The woman was sitting on the couch, staring at them expectantly. It took her a moment to remember that she was a copy of the real thing. Looking down to see how Harry had fared on the trip, she felt relief. He was still breathing normally and what’s more, his eyelids were fluttering. Drake had suggested that the pressure of side-along apparation might revive him, and they’d all hoped it was true.

“The children are in their rooms sleeping.” Mrs. Lovegood said pleasantly.

“Better start cleaning up.” Fred warned Luna. She turned to the copy of her grandmother on the couch and with a wave of her wand, the older woman was gone.

“Come on, Harry. Wake up!” Hermione urged, giving him a little shake. Drake had warned them not to try too hard to wake him, that if he was still sleeping it was because he needed to. But she wanted to see him before she had to leave, to assess that he really was going to live with her own eyes.

He groaned softly, his eyes finally opening all the way. He stared up at them all blankly. “Harry?” Fred asked leaning in closer.

“Yeah. I’m okay.” He answered, shaking his head slightly.

“Try it.” Hermione turned to Luna. They’d created a test, to see if he still had his powers.

Harry? She heard the girl’s voice float through her mind as she tried to reach him. Can you hear me?

Yeah. But it’s sounds really far away. And something else is different. It’s wrong somehow.He looked around at them all in a panic. “What’s going on?” he asked out loud.

“Try moving that.” Hermione instructed.

“What?” he shook his head violently and then sat up in a hurry, his eyes unsure.

“That picture frame over there. Move it with your mind.” She repeated.

“Why?”

“Just try it, okay?” Fred answered quietly.

They all watched him stare at the picture frame, his face contorting as he struggled. “I can’t. What’s going on?” he asked, his voice full of fear.

“I think it’s a good news bad news situation.” Fred answered looking at the girls. Hermione’s heart was in her stomach.

Luna took over. “It seems that you still maintain a spark of psychic awareness. Otherwise we wouldn’t be able to communicate in our heads. Had you been completely closed off, well, the telepathy wouldn’t have worked.”

“That’s the good news.” Fred gave a small smile.

“And the bad?” Harry asked anxiously.

“The poison seems to have destroyed the link your mind created to your telekinetic abilities.” Hermione answered before Luna could.

“What are you talking about? I thought Drake gave me the cure?” he jumped to his feet, in a complete panic.

“You should probably take it easy.” Fred suggested.

“He did give you the cure, that’s why you’re alive to talk to us right now.” Hermione answered his question.

“It just doesn’t cure the secondary damage, since it’s an aspect of the poison that affects only those victims with psychic abilities.” Luna added quickly.

“I think you guys better explain exactly what’s going on.”

(BREAK)

Harry didn’t know what to feel. They had explained it all fully, nothing left undisclosed. He was sure of that because they all left their shields down and desperate to wake up that part of his mind now thought useless, he used the part he did have left. But why? Why did he maintain this power and lose the other? Could Gabriella really help him? Or was it really too late? He felt fear close in around him. At present, he knew he was actually quite safe, nestled away in the backseat of Tonks’s car with Luna and growing ever closer to his home.

As soon as they were all sure Harry was really okay, Hermione and Fred had gone back to Grimmauld Place. Then he and Luna had gone to rouse her grandmother. Even though he used everything he had in him, he’d still needed Luna to help him plant all the false memories of how they’d spent their day with Mrs. Lovegood. When she woke, it was as if she’d never been asleep at all. Though he still felt exhausted and wanted nothing more to go back to sleep, he pushed it all aside and put on a happy face as the old woman recounted memories of events that never took place. Lupin and Tonks had thankfully arrived shortly thereafter.

Harry, we’re here. He felt Luna gently shake him, not realizing he’d fallen asleep. She looked worried, and so he gave her a smile, reassuring her that he was fine. Just really, really tired.

He tried to act normal, luckily their chaperones were so wrapped up in each other they hardly noticed their charges. A good thing considering the ridiculous floral scarf Luna had stolen from her grandmother to hide the very faint remains of her encounter with Cho. The front door towered in front of him and he suddenly dreaded going in there. It was only just past ten, still early enough for most everyone in the house to be awake. All he wanted was the sanctuary of his room and the last thing he wanted was to have to fake his way through the greeting he was sure to get.

With a sigh he turned the knob and led the way in. “We’re home.” He called out weakly.

“Harry, Luna! Welcome back!” Molly emerged from the kitchen where something that smelled delicious was cooking. She crushed them both to her. “Remus, Tonks, I hope you had a good time.” She greeted them as Ron, Hermione and Fred ran down the stairs.

“Harry!” Ron nearly knocked him over as he grabbed him in a hug. “Welcome home.” he smiled.

“For heaven’s sake, Ron! They’ve only been gone two days.” Molly scolded.

“Seems longer.” Ron muttered.

“Now I know that you probably had dinner with Mrs. Lovegood but it’s such a long way back when you take the muggle way, I thought you might all like a late snack.” Molly gestured towards the kitchen.

Harry’s stomach rumbled and he realized he actually hadn’t eaten since breakfast the day before. Looking over at Luna, he saw she was thinking the same thing as she was nearly drooling at the smells invading their senses. “That sounds great. Thank you.” He followed her, his tiredness momentarily forgotten.

The all sat together at the table, Harry and Luna telling the adults all about their fake weekend as the teens sat in eager anticipation to be alone to discuss all of the recent developments. However as his stomach filled, his exhaustion returned and when he announced his desire to turn in for the night, the others looked disappointed but understanding.

Finally alone in his room he changed clothes, reflecting that he was feeling numb. There wasn’t really anything specific anymore; no fear, no pain, no anger… not even disappointment. He just wasn’t feeling anything, as if he were completely gray on the inside, neutral. Climbing into bed, so many things whirled through his mind and he squeezed his eyes shut against the assault, focusing on the bright patterns emerging against his eyelids.

He heard the bookcase creak open and knew it was Hermione. He sat up and they stared at each other, both completely lost for words. And then he nodded and she turned to shut the passage before climbing in next to him.

“I love you.” She whispered.

“I know.” He answered nuzzling her cheek. “I love you too.”

“I know.” She smiled before turning away to turn out the light and settle in to sleep.

There was so much to think of, from his own predicament to Willem’s, from the mystery of how Cho was able to poison him in the first place to asking Draco about the gardener. But as he settled his arm around Hermione and pulled her closer against him, Harry decided to forget it all. One night to not think, to simply rest and replenish.

　

NOTE: Sorry this took awhile, got writer’s block in the middle. I like writing the action and dramatic scenes more than the in between scenes and had a bit of trouble. Anyway, next chapter I think we begin putting together all the pieces we’ve been given and believe it or not, some more trouble is brewing. Leave your thoughts in a review, or if you want further discussion or have questions, visit my meet the author page in the forums! I love to hear from you.



Chapter 22: Preserving the Past

NOTE: This is going to be a super long one, and there will be a lot going on because we have so much to get through. Have no fear, there will be some action and even some answers. So here we go again. Read, Review, Enjoy!

　

Harry woke up alone. He wasn’t sure when or why Hermione had slipped out, he wasn’t even sure what time it was now. Scrambling for his glasses, he shoved them on his face and eagerly lifted his shirt to check out his injury. It was all but gone, simply a small scratch marring his skin. Looking around the room, he focused in on the open bookcase and tried to shut it with his mind. It was a task he’d been able to perform many times before with no trouble, but now it just wouldn’t work. Sending his mind out, he was able to pick up on all the different people in the house. Arthur and Tonks had left, but everyone else was awake and moving. Why was this happening?

Before he could think on anything, Hermione appeared at the bookcase carrying a tray with two plates full of food. “Good morning.” She quietly greeted him. “I convinced Molly to let us have breakfast in bed.”

He was grateful, not wanting to be around anyone at the moment. He felt less somehow, weaker. And the last thing he wanted was an endless discussion on what had happened to him and what it meant. He still felt numb and wanted to keep it that way. “Can you do me a favor?” He asked as they settled in to eat.

“Anything you need.” She offered.

“Can you tell the others I don’t want to talk about losing my power until we hear from Gabriella? I mean we have to discuss what Willem said, and what’s going on with Cho, but the rest…I just…it’s just so…”

“You don’t have to explain, Harry.” She said. “If this is the way you want to handle it fine. But don’t tell me to back the others off and then shut me out, while all the time you plan on going to talk to Luna about it. I want to help you too, you know. And I may not have first hand experience like she does, but I’ve been reading up on all these superpowers you all are supposed to have and I think I know as much about them as I can without actually possessing them myself.”

He listened to her demands, feeling they were warranted. Of course he’d wanted to talk to Luna, maybe not right away, but eventually. Who knew how long they’d wait to hear from Gabriella? Eventually this would get to him and who better to turn to than another coven member. But he understood Hermione’s anger, all that had happened was the result of his last project with Luna. “Ok. If I need to talk about it, I’ll talk to you.” He said without emotion.

“It wasn’t an order, you know.” She said harshly. “I’m not trying to control you, Harry. I just want to be kept in the loop. Do you know how scared I was for the last two days? I thought that I was going to lose you. You always talk about how difficult it would be for you if anything happened to me or any of the others, well we feel the same about you.”

“I know. It went wrong, and I’m going to figure out why.”

“Can’t this stop? Can’t you just find a way to give Arthur all the information you have and let him handle it?”

“We don’t have that much, Mione. We have more pieces and a few leads. We still have to talk to Draco about the gardener. And how is Arthur supposed to investigate Cho? I don’t even really know what happened there yet.”

“I know. Luna said you think something was wrong with her. Well I agree, she’s insane and she proved it last year a few times. Neville is dead because of her. She sent an entire quidditch team after you to kill you in front of us all and then she tried to drown you, Luna and Ginny in the lavatory. And when Draco blew her cover, she tried to attack him in the middle of the ‘courtroom’. All with the aid and guidance of her parents and Voldemort.”

“I remember.” He answered bitterly. “And I know what I saw. She was herself and then she wasn’t. Something is going on there, something important.”

“Can’t you let yourself get off your deathbed first before you go looking for reasons to get back in?” she asked angrily.

“Maybe if I had the luxury of time. But I don’t. We go back to school in a little over a week and then I’ll be cut off from London and all the resources available here. I hate being kept at that school when there are so many more important things to attend to!”

“I know, Harry.” She answered quietly. “But you’re no good to yourself or anyone else if you push yourself too far too fast.”

“So now what? I sit here and do nothing while all this brews around us? I’m trying to get ahead of them. Don’t you think it would be better to stop Edmund before he ousts Arthur and takes control of the ministry?”

“Of course, but at what cost? You life is worth much more.”

“Cho got me by surprise. I won’t let it happen again.” He vowed, to her and himself.

“Until it does. You went through all of this to help Luna find out about her brother but all you guys came back with are more questions! I hope she feels it was as worth it as you seem to.” She answered bitterly.

“It was worth it.” He said steadily. Whether she realized it or not, her shields were still down and he saw just how much she blamed Luna for the weekend’s events. And how disappointed she was that he was so willing to go through so much for the other girl. “Luna asked for my help and I’d do it all again. I would do the same for any of them. And for you Hermione, I’d move the stars for you if you asked me.”

“That’s all well and good, Harry. But sometimes you may have to just say no to the more insane favors asked of you. And sneaking into Azkaban was definitely insane. I can’t believe I went along with it. I guess that shows how far I’d go for you. But I won’t do it again and I mean it. It’s stupid to risk our lives doing things the adults could have done for us.”

“I don’t know about you, but I haven’t felt like a child for a very long time. So what does that make me? Am I not adult enough to make my own decisions?” he felt annoyed. “I don’t want to argue right now, Hermione. I’m so tired of all of this. This house, that school, always being questioned and second guessed, us always fighting. The only thing I can control are my own actions at this point and I won’t apologize for them any more. I made the decision to go with Luna, and I’m the one who has to deal with the fall out.”

“You think I’m happy with the way things are? I gave up my entire muggle life to be here, basically cut ties with my parents. You think I don’t feel trapped, sitting in this house only being able to react to everyone else’s decisions? When do I get a say in anything Harry? It’s my life too! You are a part of that life, hell we’ve promised to try and build a life together. And lately it all just seems to be falling apart. I get to care whether you live or die, Harry. I get to care if you’re putting yourself in unnecessary danger and I get to care if something is wrong with you. You think you’re the only one who suffered through all of this? You lost one power, we thought we were going to lose you altogether! And now here I am once more defending myself to you, while Ron has to sit and wonder why he wasn’t good enough to be involved in all this in the first place. Your decisions, your actions, they affect more than just your life, you know.”

“What do you want me to say? You’re right! You’re always right, okay. I’m horribly self-centered and only care about what I want.”

“That’s not what I said Harry.” She said through clenched teeth.

He felt hot, stuffy. “I need some fresh air. Do you want to go out back with me?” he asked lightly. He really didn’t want to fight anymore, not with her.

“You go ahead. I think we need some time to ourselves for a bit.” She rose to return to her room.

“I am sorry, you know. That you had to be so scared for me.”

“I know you are. I’m sorry I didn’t wait a little longer to try and talk about all this. It was obviously too soon.”

“Okay.” He said, tentatively meeting her eyes.

“Okay.” She gave a small smile before shutting the bookcase.

He shook himself, trying to forget the agitation he’d felt. Quickly dressing, he pulled the invisibility cloak out of his bag and threw it around himself. He really didn’t want to see anyone else so he stealthily slipped down the stairs and through the thankfully deserted kitchen. Breakfast was apparently over and Molly had already cleaned up. He went out into the yard and directly under his willow tree. But even once safely enclosed within her branches, he kept the cloak on. Only once he had settled comfortably and made sure he was in fact alone, did he let himself cry.

(BREAK)

Luna paced her room feeling guilty and frustrated. She had ignored the calls for breakfast, not wanting to face anyone. She still had no answers, no news of the future and no ideas as to how to proceed. How could she tell them that, when she was the one who had started all of this? Maybe she never should have included Harry at all. If she could have just gotten Fred’s help, maybe things would have gone better. She’d been acting selfishly when she’d decided to ask Harry to go with her to the prison; wanting his support and the sense of safety she felt when he was around. More than anything, she had wanted his company and she regretted it now.

She had been tuning out the small fight between Harry and Hermione, not wanting to intrude. She knew the other girl hated having either one of them in her head and now that her walls were actually down, Luna still attempted to give her friend her privacy. She felt when it ended though, and the despair they were both feeling. It was overwhelming and made Luna’s heart hurt. She knew in order for that final vision to come true they would all have to go through a lot of pain emotionally. But she also knew they would be fine in the end, that they would pull through and have happy lives. In the meantime, she would have to remain strong as things worked themselves out, strong and patient. After all, her own happiness was hopelessly linked with everyone else’s. As for now, Hermione locked herself in her room and Harry made his way outside, both wanting time alone. She decided to give it to them.

But the ring was pulsating energy around her room, angry with it’s lack of use and a different type of guilt went through her. She’d taken it back from Fred and thrown it in her drawer, figuring she’d do something about it later. But Harry probably really wanted to talk to his parents, to Sirius. More than that, he probably really needed to. Despite her reservations, and despite her vow to leave him to his peace, she decided to bring the ring to him. She’d tell him what she’d learned and hope he’d use it responsibly. But no sooner had Luna pulled open the drawer and removed the prize when the feeling came over her. She quickly threw herself to the floor and waited.

There was no white room this time, instead flashes of a narrative played out in front of her. A room she’d never seen appeared around her and she found herself staring at a very large teenage boy. Instantly she felt she knew him, but couldn’t place where she’d seen him before. He was seated at a desk, writing a letter addressed to Harry. Suddenly she was outside and once more Hedwig swooped around the strange yet familiar home before flying off, a letter attached to her leg. Then came Sarah, stalking towards the house in the night, several cloaked figures behind her. The air crackled around her as she watched every occupant of Number 12 Grimmauld place apparate in front of her eyes and a fight broke out. Watching in horror, she felt relief as Kingsley, Mad-eye and several Aurors suddenly materialized in to help. That’s when it all disappeared and she was back in the house, watching as Sarah terrorized the large boy and his family. They were huddled together in a corner while the crazed psychic destroyed their possessions, throwing things around without ever once lifting a finger. When Harry came in a few moments later, the family’s fear intensified. He and Sarah faced each other down as sounds of battle played out in the background. “It was you!” she heard Harry say. “It most certainly was.” Sarah replied before hurling the couch at him, which he blocked with a spell. They began their strange duel, their words now drown out by the ruckus they were creating. Sarah managed to get the upper hand, and Luna watched in horror as the woman used her power to torture him. And then it was over.

She opened her eyes, feeling confused and terrified. Some decision had been made, someone had done something to set this in motion and unless someone intervened, this was what would happen. But what exactly had she just seen?

(BREAK)

“I don’t want to talk to that woman!” Ginny said decisively.

“Why not? You talked to her the last two times.” Draco answered. To be honest, he wanted her to talk to the healer. Already she was different, getting back to the stubborn willful girl she’d been and not the scheming, lying one she’d become. As much as he’d like to take credit for the change, he wasn’t delusional. He’d never made anyone’s life better.

“Because we don’t talk about things I want to talk about. She thinks she knows what we should discuss.” Under the bitterness in her tone, he detected a bit of uncertainty, maybe even fear.

“But if you had your way, you wouldn’t talk to her at all.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek.

“Exactly.” She crossed her arms defiantly.

The doorbell sounded and she looked at him helplessly. “Come on. Tell me you don’t think talking it out with her has helped?” he pushed.

“All it’s done is make me think about things I don’t want to think about.” She protested.

“Ginny!” Mrs. Weasley called up the stairs for her daughter. “I’m sending Laurel up there.”

“Trapped. That’s what I am. Trapped.” She complained, going to the landing to meet the healer.

“I’ll be here when you’re done.” He called after her before closing his door. He stared at the room, feeling how empty it was without Ginny. Lately, he’d been toying with the idea of talking to that Laurel woman himself. There were a lot of things eating away at him, things from his past that he couldn’t bring himself to share with Ginny, Potter or anyone else. The only problem was that without Potter’s charity, Draco was broke and couldn’t pay for her services. Regardless the fact that the Ministry had frozen Lucius’s accounts in Gringott’s, he had no money of his own and no property other than the few possessions he’d brought with him from school. He hadn’t been in his own house since just after Cho’s hearing, and would probably never be able to go back there again. As far as he knew, his mother hadn’t even tried to contact him so no financial aid would be coming from her. He chose to believe that it was too dangerous for her to try and communicate with her son. It was better than knowing she probably didn’t care enough. Though Narcissa had been kind to him, she still hadn’t been mother of the year.

So now, his only option was to stay on Potter’s good side. If he was being honest, that thought didn’t bother him as much as he thought it would. He’d been putting his trust in Potter and his people for awhile now, and he hadn’t been let down yet. It was a totally different life than the one he’d been living, being able to depend on someone’s word. Very few people lied here, and of those that did, most weren’t very good at it. In fact, aside from himself, he thought Potter and Fred Weasley were the only ones truly capable of deception of any kind. It was almost funny when Lovegood or Granger tried. So here he was, surrounded by absurdly honest people who had promised to take care of him. Push come to shove, he trusted them all with his life. This was the thought that bothered him. It was all well and good to be okay living off Potter. But to actually trust the enemy…yet… no. Upon deeper reflection his trust in them wasn’t what bothered him, he’d been searching his whole life for people to rely on. It was the damage he could do to them that was the real fear. And he was thinking beyond his affliction with the werewolf curse. It was his past that could ruin them. Already his knowledge of previous events had pushed Lovegood into something. Something big and dangerous if the way they were all acting was any indication.

What else did he know that could help and hinder them so much? He’d already gone to Mr. Weasley and laid out what he knew of Cho’s possible connection to Sarah through Pansy. Of course, he still had to tell Potter, who would be furious if he were kept out of the loop. But should he tell him? He already regretted letting Ginny know, but she’d been there when he’d made the connection and his excitement at the recovered memory had gotten the best of him. Well, he’d better tell Potter, before she did. Draco still didn’t fully believe Ginny was past whatever she’d felt for the other boy, but he tried to believe she would be someday. But to bring him a missing piece of this giant puzzle; that might be an offering she couldn’t help but give. So while she was tucked away in her room with the healer, he began searching for Potter. But he was nowhere to be found.

Finally making his way to the backyard he scanned it quickly. “Potter?” he hissed out and thought he saw movement under the big tree in the corner. Making his way over, he parted the leafy curtain and found…nothing.

“Something you wanted?” a voice called out of nowhere as he’d turned to leave, startling him so badly he nearly fell over. But survival instincts took over and swiftly regaining his footing, he turned and brandished his wand at the empty space in front of him.

“Who’s there?” He asked steadily.

He jumped back when Potter’s head suddenly appeared, floating in midair. “It’s me. What do you want?”

Of course, the invisibility cloak. “Sorry. Didn’t know you were out here hiding.”

“I’m not hiding, I’m avoiding.” He returned, shrugging off the cloak and rising to his feet. “A lot’s going on and I’m not really in the mood to discuss it with anyone.”

“Well, I only wanted to tell you something I remembered while you were gone. It involves Cho, Sarah and Pansy. But if you’d rather not talk about it…” He turned to go and smiled in satisfaction when Potter called him back. He relayed the whole of the situation; Sarah being Pansy’s cousin and living in the same village as Cho’s family.

“What did Arthur say?” he asked when Draco was done.

“That they’d start looking into it. I guess he’s going to send some people to the village to see what they can find out.”

Potter looked him over carefully. “So your memory is working pretty good right?”

“I guess. Why?” He asked suspiciously.

“Do you remember an old gardener that used to work for your family? His name was Bowen Roseblood.”

“Of course I remember him. He still works for us. Why do you want to know about him?” He wasn’t a fan of many of the people who worked for his family, but Old Bowie was a different story. Despite the fact the man was a squib, he been friendly and funny when Draco was younger and a good listener as he grew older. Of course, he’d formed an attachment to the man before he was old enough to understand that he was supposed to look down on him for what he was. So after Lucius had forced those thoughts into his head, he’d kept his acceptance of the gardener a secret, fearful of what his father would do if he learned that a squib had befriended his son.

“We found out he was the witness who told Kane that Julian was in the house.” Potter explained.

That certainly sounded like something Bowie would do. He never liked his employer, often claiming Draco was the only one worth anything, as long as he turned his life around. If only he’d listened to the man sooner, had been happy with his approval and not constantly seeking his father’s. But the older he got, the less time he spent out in the garden, instead wanting to be in the action with the Death Eaters who were constantly coming by.

“Well? What can you tell me about him?” Potter prodded as Draco silently reflected on the mistakes in his life.

He felt guilty, for thinking Bowie’s opinion wasn’t worth anything because of who he was. He wanted to do better by him now. “First you tell me. Why does he have to become involved? Lovegood let me read those reports, I know he wasn’t mentioned by name. It was for a reason. Do you know what they’d do to him if they found out he’d tipped off an Auror?”

Potter looked taken aback. “Wow. I didn’t think there was anyone you cared about at that house.”

“I didn’t either.” Draco admitted. “But he was nice to me when he had no right to be, so the last thing I want to do is get him killed. His life already means nothing to them.”

“So Bowen is a good guy then? Do you think he’d help us now?”

“What are you going to do? Have another wing added to the house? Because I’m telling you right now, the only way I’ll let him become involved is to be guaranteed of his and his family’s safety. But you can’t take in everyone, Potter. You can’t save everyone. So let him live in the relative safety he has now. I’m sure there are other ways to find out what happened.”

“What if we could arrange something for them? Wouldn’t it be better to get them away from your house? Look, after we have enough to go on without telling all the adults that we broke into…that we went somewhere we weren’t supposed to, then we’re going to go to Arthur with what we know to get the ball rolling.”

He made a good point about getting the Rosebloods away. And he’d caught the slip Potter had made. Time to make the best of the situation. “Okay, I’ll give up Bowie and let him decide to help or not, once you make arrangements with Mr. Weasley. In the meantime, I want to know what went on this weekend. You’re asking me to involve the one person worth anything at that house, you keep plucking out pieces of my memory, and what’s more I live here and am obviously a part of all this now. I have a right to know. I can keep things to myself. I’ll keep the secret, I promise.”

Potter appeared to think on it. “Okay.” He said finally. “But let’s get the others. I only want to go through this once.”

(BREAK)

The argument wasn’t bothering her, they had so many she was used to it. Besides, Hermione had made the decision that she wouldn’t back down. They could take their time out, but she wouldn’t change her stance on anything she’d said. Her nerves couldn’t handle much more of all these secrets anyway. No what was actually upsetting her was Harry’s desire to avoid his situation. She understood it, but she worried all the same. Knowing him she realized that as devastated as he was, there was a part of him that truly believed it would be alright as soon as they found Gabriella. She wasn’t so certain.

With a sigh, she’d decided to save it for their next conversation and went to find Ron. After sending him to round up the others so she could tell them to lay off the telekinesis topic, she scoured her shelves for the book. She’d read it weeks ago, it had a brief history of telepathic phenomena relating all the way back to the coven. Something had been picking at her memory since learning of Harry’s predicament, something she’d merely skimmed through and suddenly she had a strong feeling it was information she’d read there. A knock on the door interrupted her perusal of the relevant chapter, but she set it aside with a smile. She felt she had an answer to something waiting for her, and to be able to finally help when Luna couldn’t was very satisfying.

(BREAK)

“And then I broke up with Dean, and haven’t been in a relationship since.” Ginny concluded shortly.

“Okay, that takes care of the minor relationships. What about Harry? Or now Draco? Neville, the boy you feel so guilty about? Or how about that boy you took to that dance, you know, the one you glossed over thinking I wouldn’t see?” Laurel prompted.

“What about them?”

“Well, they are the ones that seem to have impacted your life. It’s all well and good that you can talk about the normal relationships you’ve attempted to engage in, but these four boys are different.”

“Gem wasn’t different. He was just a nice guy that I wish I liked more, but I didn’t.”

“Gem. He’s the one from the dance?”

Ginny sighed and decided to let it out. “I asked him to go because I didn’t want to go alone. I shouldn’t have gone at all.”

“Because Harry was there with his girlfriend?”

“Yes, okay. That was a big part of the reason, but also because everyone else was having fun while I was just pretending. Ron and Luna were off being goofy together, Harry and Hermione were sickeningly involved with each other, Fred and George always had fun wherever they were, and there I was, with a perfectly nice guy and wishing my life was completely different. But I kept the smile on my face until Cho freaked out and attacked Harry. They all ran off to take care of it and I was left alone with Gem and suddenly I just wanted to be anywhere but in the Great Hall. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. So he and I left, we went to the room of requirement and I was feeling so lonely…” she trailed off, certain the healer could pick up the narrative.

“And sometimes, when we feel out of control and lonely, we make decisions we normally wouldn’t.” Laurel finished with a kind smile. “Did you ever see him again in a romantic fashion?”

“He tried to talk to me a few times but I really wanted nothing to do with him. It wasn’t anything he did, he just wasn’t what I wanted, and being with him made me feel so empty and cold inside.” It felt so good to finally talk about it. Her chest felt lighter as some of the tension released. She’d always felt guilty about what she’d done with Gem, and until the partial admission to Draco she hadn’t told anyone anything about it.

“So what is it about Harry that so caught your fancy? Why is he someone who has impacted your life in such a profound way?”

Ginny thought about it for a long time, debating whether or not to answer. Draco had asked her to admit that talking to Laurel was helping. Okay, maybe she couldn’t tell him, but she had to start being honest with herself. “I grew up hearing Harry’s name. We all did. He was some mythical figure, the child who brought down Voldemort. The first time I saw him he was trying to figure out how to get onto the train platform, but we didn’t know who he was right away. And later when Ron told us all he’d actually befriended Harry Potter, I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. Then one day when I was eleven, there he was, standing in my house. What’s more, he was going to stay with us until school started. That whole time I could barely stand to be in the same room with him, he seemed larger than life. But then I had the diary, the bad one. Harry saved me that year, saved my life. He had literally become my hero, you know?”

“I may not know from experience, but I understand. It’s very easy to form a strong attachment to someone who has rescued you.” Laurel explained. “And to be so young, it wasn’t wrong of you, it was more or less expected. What went wrong is that your attachment formed a sort of obsession. From what I saw, you were finding other parts of your life lacking, with your brothers moving out and growing apart from you and the horrible danger you all seem to always find yourselves in. The one constant you could count on was Harry, and that gave you a reason to focus on him.”

Ginny was silent for a moment. “You know, Ron wants to believe Harry led me on the whole time, that using me last year was the final breaking point. Maybe it was, but I know he wasn’t inappropriate. All year he’d made it clear it was Hermione he was after, I was seeing things I wanted to see. I feel like I let myself be fooled, more than that he used me.” It was a strange thing to admit, something she’d barely let herself believe. But she knew it was how she felt and if she couldn’t tell anyone else, she may as well tell Laurel.

“When we feel foolish, we do many things to try and hide it.” She offered. “Sometimes, we even act out in other ways to hide just how bad we feel. But you seem to have a firm grasp on it all now. So may I ask, is that because you’ve actually found something worthwhile in a relationship with Draco?”

“We aren’t in a relationship.” She answered quickly.

“Okay, then how would you describe him, if not as your boyfriend?”

“Well, he’s….it’s more like….we’re just friends who are there for each other.”

“Really. You feel nothing deeper than friendship?”

“Look, there’s a lot of past between us, not to mention the fact that my brothers aren’t too happy that we’re spending time together.”

“Both of those sound like they are problems arising from the life Draco used to lead. Forget your brothers disapproval for a moment, do you believe he’s changed for the better? Do you trust him?”

“Sometimes.” Ginny answered honestly. “And I know there are times he doesn’t trust me fully either, because of what I’ve done. We’re both kind of messed up, I think that’s why I wanted to get him on my side so badly. And then, it was just so easy to be around him, and he started displaying all of these sides to him that I didn’t know he had. I figured I’d already missed out on trying to be with one guy who actually wanted to be with me, so why miss out again.”

Laurel appeared to think on her response. “Two questions I get from that. One, are you referring to Neville when you talk about missed opportunities?”

“Yes. I knew he’d developed a crush on me, but I was hoping Harry would give up on Hermione. And then Neville died and we found these notes he’d written…”

“Okay. We don’t have to talk about him right now if it will make you sad. The more important question raised is, do you even like Draco? The way you speak of him is so blasé, but when you were describing Harry, you used words like ‘mythical’, ‘larger than life’, and ‘hero’.

“I do. I like him very much. I think the problem is, I like who he is now. But it’s hard to separate him from who he used to be. Only I’m starting to think he was this person the whole time, and was only pretending to be as cold and heartless as he’d been. But then if he was so good at pretending that, then how do I know he isn’t pretending now?”

“So maybe you trust him less than you thought?”

“Maybe. But I don’t trust myself either. And Draco may not be everything Harry is, but in his own way, he’s more. Harry was always supposed to be the hero. Draco is working very hard to be one, going against everything and everyone he’s ever known.”

“It sounds like you look up to him.” Laurel smiled.

“Well, maybe. He’s trying so hard to turn his life around, and he’s had to go through so much to do it, but he’s still determined. I want to be with him, I feel better in his company, not so alone. And I mean even in the little moments, where we’re both just lying there reading together.”

“But you aren’t in a relationship?”

“I don’t know. We haven’t really talked about it.” Ginny answered softly.

“Does it scare you to bring it up?”

“I worry about what it could mean. Right now, if it isn’t serious, then it isn’t anything for my family to worry about. But Ron already went to confront Draco, and they wound up getting into a fight which Draco provoked. I don’t want to be the reason everyone is at each other’s throats. Not anymore.”

“What do you want Ginny?” Laurel held up a hand to stop her response. “No, I don’t want you to tell me now. I want you to think about it and when I come back I want a real, truthful answer. What do you want right now, and what do you ultimately want out of life?”

“So we are going to meet again?”

“You don’t have to make it sound like an execution!” she laughed. “I think I’d like to talk once more before you head off to school next week. After that, I’ll give you my contact information and you can talk to me anytime you want, about anything. Does that sound fair?”

“Fair is when you get a choice. I don’t really have one, do I?”

“You are a very observant young woman. I’ll see you in a few days.”

After seeing the healer out, she tried to find Draco. He wasn’t in his room, and the door was firmly closed so she couldn’t get in to wait. “Ginny!” she turned to see Ron and Fred coming up the stairs followed by Luna.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“Meeting in Hermione’s room. She wants us all up there.”

“Me too?” she was surprised.

“I asked and she said yes.” Ron answered.

“Okay. I guess I have nothing better to do than find out what you were all up to this weekend.” She started towards the stairs.

“How do you know that’s what it’s about?” Fred asked as they followed her.

“What else could she have to talk about?” Ginny answered simply.

(BREAK)

Harry went into Hermione’s room and was surprised to find everyone already gathered. “What’s going on?” he asked as he and Draco entered.

“I was just telling them about what you asked me to do this morning.” Hermione answered softly.

“Oh right, thanks. Look, I think Luna and I should tell you guys exactly what happened.” He nodded to Luna who came to stand with him in front of the group while Draco took a seat next to Ginny. “Okay, let us get this out as best we can, we promise no secrets if you all promise no questions until the end.”

They all nodded their agreement and he let Luna start. “Some of you know parts but to start at the beginning, when I was eleven my brother died during an investigation. He was an Auror and had gone to the Malfoy mansion to find out about Julian Heath, a ministry worker who’d gone missing. From Draco’s recollection of that day and from reports I found in the ministry, I know Lucius murdered Kane. It was six years ago, I had just gotten my letter to Hogwarts. But I put off school for a year to stay home and help my family as they grieved. So yes, I’m actually seventeen and a year behind at school.”

Harry watched as Ron shook his head, bewildered by the things he hadn’t known.

“Anyway,” she continued, “in the reports about his death, I learned there were two unnamed people involved, a witness who had tipped off my brother, and an expert who had ruled the death as accidental. The only name I did have was Willem Fritz, the lead Auror on the investigation. Realizing he was probably related to Edmund, I went to Mr. Weasley and he told me that Edmund had Willem locked up on suspicion of taking bribes. More importantly, Willem proclaimed his innocence, claiming a truth suppression potion was keeping him from being able to name the mysterious witness who ruled so many suspected murders as accidental deaths. I knew I had to talk to him.”

Harry took up the narrative. “She came to me with everything she’d learned and a plan to get to Willem. We asked Fred and Hermione to make up every counterpotion to every truth suppression we knew of and then maneuvered our way from Mrs. Lovegood’s house to Azkaban. We snuck in and thanks to Fred’s distraction, spent enough time with Willem to learn quite a few things. The witness turned out to be the Malfoy gardener, a squib who’s identity was kept anonymous for his protection.”

“And the expert was a personal friend of Fudge’s named Jayalina Delamora. Apparently she’s post cognative and can see into the past, but whether she can and lies or lies about the ability altogether he wasn’t sure. But he said she also had some connection to his brother, because once he started looking into her is when Edmund turned on him.”

This is where the story became difficult. But better they know the truth than speculate. “By that time we had to get out, so Fred led us through the prison to a secret tunnel. It just so happened the entrance was directly across from Cho’s cell. We thought most of them were sleeping, so our guard was down I guess. Anyway, Cho got a hold of Luna and was trying to strangle her. Damn near succeeded too, I was fighting her trying to make her let go when all of the sudden she did. All by herself. Of course I threw her back, I was upset so I know it was with enough force to knock her out. But…”

“But as we were leaving she was there at the bars again, staring at us strangely.” Luna picked it up when he faltered. “She said something and we both turned and then faster than is even possible, she threw this small dagger-like piece of wood at him. He fell back into the tunnel and I closed it. I tried to help as best I could and got us out onto the island but was too worn out to bring him back so I called Fred for help. We took him to Drake who gave him a potion. Turns out Drake was friends with Willem and in return for helping Harry and keeping it quiet, we agreed to let him in on the investigation we were doing.”

“The only thing is…the wood that stabbed me, it had some kind of poison infused in it…” Harry tried but couldn’t bring himself to talk about it. Luna looked just as helpless, paralyzed by her guilt.

“It’s called Psychohemia.” Hermione cut in and continued in a detached clinical manner. “The poison invades the blood working it’s way to the heart, but Drake was able to stop it. However, the secondary effect is harmful only to those with wandless powers. It destroys the link made by the mind to tap into the psychic ability and there is no counterpotion for that. In Harry’s case, it ruined the telekinesis, but not the telepathy.”

“Don’t forget the best part.” Fred interrupted. “Snape created the stupid potion in the first place!”

“And he also helped create the cure.” Hermione quickly added.

“Not a good enough one.” Ron grumbled.

Harry cleared his throat. “Hermione and Fred decided to send a letter to Gabriella, to see if she thinks she can help, and I asked Hermione to tell you all that until we hear from her, I’d really rather not talk about the whole powers thing. Okay?”

“So…what about all the other stuff? What should we do about that?” Ginny asked.

“First things first. We need to talk to the witness who started this whole thing. But first, Draco has asked that we talk to Arthur about arranging protection for the gardener and his family.” He answered. She looked pleasantly surprised.

“I swear I know the name Delamora.” Fred was thoughtful. “Maybe George can remember. Can I borrow the ring real quick?”

“Luna still has it.” Harry said. He hadn’t remembered until he’d stepped in the room and felt the energy. She actually had it with her at that moment.

“You can use it while I talk to Harry about something, but then I need it when you’re done to talk to a few people myself about something I saw.”

“I thought you guys promised no secrets?” Ron said suspiciously.

“And there won’t be. But I need to discuss it with him first. Besides, it has nothing to do with any of this.” Luna answered shortly. But underneath he felt her uneasiness. Something she’d seen had upset her. “Actually, on second thought Ron, you and Hermione might be able to help too. Come on.” She pulled the ring from her pocket and handed it to Fred before leading the way to Harry’s room through the bookcase.

He looked at his two best friends before they all followed her. “What’s wrong Luna?”

“Something bad is coming. Someone made a decision that set wheels in motion. And we’re going to be fighting again very soon.” She answered.

“What are you talking about?” Hermione asked impatiently.

“Harry, do you remember the warning I got on the way to my grandmothers?”

“About Hedwig, that house and Sarah?” He remembered and was suddenly very worried.

“Hedwig?” Ron asked suddenly. “What’s she got to do with it?”

“Why?” he asked, his feeling of dread growing.

“Well when Fred and I went to send the letter to Gabriella we wanted to use Hedwig, because we could trust she’d get there and back. But we couldn’t find her anywhere. Hagrid said he hadn’t seen her in a few days.”

Harry instantly looked to the corner of the room made up for his pets. Robin was looking at him expectantly from the cage, but there was no sign his owl had been there recently. “What did you see, Luna?”

“I’d rather show you guys. Maybe you’ll recognize something or someone. It’s all familiar, but nothing and no one I’ve ever met before.” She closed her eyes and within a moment he was flooded with images from her vision. He instantly recognized the boy writing at the desk, and the house situated so normally among all the other normal houses. He knew the entire family that Sarah was terrorizing. Luna stopped the show just as he’d entered to fight Sarah. He stared at Ron and Hermione with tortured confusion, knowing they’d recognize the people and the house. Their eyes shared his agony.

“So who are they?” Luna asked.

“What you saw was Sarah attacking Number 4, Privet Drive, the house I grew up in. And the people, they were the Dursleys.” he answered grimly.

(BREAK)

“That’s quite a story.” George said, after Fred relayed everything he knew.

“So where do we know the name Delamora from?”

“Have you forgotten already?”

“Apparently I have.” Fred answered.

“Remember that pretty little girl who used to be at school? The one that made us all drool into our preteen laps when she walked by?”

“Elanya!” Fred cried in sudden remembrance. “Oh, I remember now. She was a grade ahead of us, but left after her third year.”

“That’s the one. Word was she left because her mother died and having no other family here, she went to live in Europe somewhere with her grandparents. I can’t believe you don’t remember her, we all sat around sad for days after hearing she wasn’t coming back. We all thought we actually had a chance with her.” George shook his head and smiled.

“Do you think she’s related to this Jayalina person?”

“Maybe. It seems a common enough name though. Hey if you go looking for Elanya, good luck!”

“I didn’t have a chance when I was twelve, I don’t have one now. Besides, who knows what side of the war she falls on. Better to not get your hopes up.”

“Wow, very mature. So things with you and your Patil twin going well then?” George teased.

“You know very well Padma and I had our fun but after you were gone she wasn’t exactly the comfort I was looking for anymore.” Fred answered carefully.

“And who’s comfort are you seeking?” His brother asked slyly.

“My own. Are you done?”

“Touchy, touchy. Well, that’s all I can tell you about Elanya. That and I had some great dreams about her.” George laughed as he faded out.

“You’re so helpful.” Fred muttered, removing the ring.

(BREAK)

Molly had called lunch, interrupting all the occupants of the house from whatever business they were engaged in. Ron now sat at the table, the wheels in his head turning overtime. In the past two days, he’d received quite a bit of information, and he still wasn’t sure how to process most of it, let alone how to feel about it.

“You’re all very quiet.” His mother noted. Besides herself the teens were the only ones at the table, Lupin and Hagrid having gone to eat lunch with their respective sweethearts.

“You haven’t seen Hedwig lately, have you? I mean I know she was here before I left for the weekend, but now no one can find her.” Harry said, his voice heavy with concern.

“Why, no, I can’t say that I have seen her recently. Crookshanks I find all over the furniture. But I’m sure she’ll turn up dear.” She answered. “Maybe this will be her now.” They all heard the flapping of wings as Orion appeared. Harry looked disappointed, but Ron had to hold in his excitement. The owl stopped in front of him and held out his leg for him to take the letter attached.

“May I be excused?” he asked and grabbing the letter, ran upstairs before anyone could answer. Once safely in his room, he locked his broom cabinet and put his desk chair under the doorknob. Then he settled on the bed and tore open the letter. It was written in another language, probably Greek. So he waved his wand and watched as the words resettled themselves, forming an English translation.

To Mr. Ron Weasley,
I have read your letter several times before sitting down to write my own. It unnerves me to have anyone else know of the powers I possess, it is a secret I carry very close as have my ancestors before me. You were right that there will be others like your friend who know nothing of their heritage, but I assure you I know where I come from and that Alexandra Nikas’s blood is a part of my line.
The only reason I return your letter at all is because I do know the name Harry Potter. Your friend, in addition to being a member of this coven you are all trying to put together, is famous among most magical communities all over the world. In the past and now in the present, news of this Lord Voldemort has spread quickly as his followers invade our lands looking for allies. Unfortunately there are many who think like they do. I find the things they do a great injustice and will only say here that I have personally been affected by their terror. For these reasons, I will hear out your friends Harry and Luna, the other two descendants. But I promise nothing, Mr. Weasley.
In closing I will add that my situation here in Paris is not the greatest and would ask that you not contact me again. I will be in touch with you as soon as I am able.
Sincerely,
Jacinda Nicolau

Ron felt relief. Ever since deciding to try and begin contacting coven members, he’d been worried that he’d overstepped and ruined their chances. But now he’d received a response and what’s more, she was willing to listen. He’d started with her because she was the first one they’d discovered, and she was also descended from Mykele. Hopefully she’d know something about the ring that could help Harry and Fred from getting those headaches when they used it.

Now, Gabriella had been contacted for him and he debated whether to try again with Zachary or Hasani. Maybe that would be pushing his luck. He’d at least gotten them started and he couldn’t wait to share the news, to show them all he was useful too. Of course it would have to wait until they figured out what was going on with Harry’s horrible relatives. Ron was of the mind to let them suffer, so he could only imagine how his friend was feeling. They all knew he wouldn’t let them come to harm, but the temptation must be high.

They were only waiting for his father to come home, Hermione having been adamant that they involve the adults in this. After all, as she pointed out, Luna’s vision had showed them all there, not just Harry. And besides, the vision had also shown the fight going down at night. Ron just hoped Luna wasn’t holding out on them like she usually did. When they all finally had a chance to sit and breathe, he definitely had a few things to say to her about her secrecy.

(BREAK)

“So, what’s so exciting?” Harry asked following Hermione to her room.

“I wouldn’t say exciting, more like informational.” She replied picking up a large book. “I know you said you didn’t want to talk about your powers, but I found a bit of an explanation for why things happened the way they did.”

He sighed and sat on the bed. Of course he was eager for information, but he was also tired. Just so very tired of it all. “Okay, I’m all ears.”

“This is a book on the history of telepathy. According to this, it was the first power created by the coven, and was the only one they all shared. It is inherent to them and their lines beyond the normal connections the brain makes to the psychic force one is capable of. It means that no matter what, you will all still retain that power because it’s part of the way your brains function, not just an untapped awareness like the other powers.”

“So that’s why the poison didn’t affect that part of me. And also why Luna and I can both read minds. So the others will have the power too?”

“According to this, yes. The link the coven formed between their minds created a special energy source in their brains and they have passed it on to all of you.”

“So, do you think Gabriella can help me?” he asked desperately. She said she’d read everything she’d found on their powers, he was eager for her opinion.

“I don’t want to get your hopes up, Harry. But-” she picked up another book, “that being said, I think it’s possible. It appears that the way the poison was engineered to work was to destroy the synapse the brain had created to tap into the power. If she is capable of repairing the damage, well, from what I’ve read about her supposed abilities, it could work.”

It could work. It would work. It had to, he felt very exposed without his power. And now he was supposed to go help save his family from Sarah whom, previously weaker than him, now held the advantage. So she didn’t have a wand or the skills to wield one, at least not that they knew of. It didn’t matter, she still had the advantage. She could whip things around at lightning speed- Wait. “It’s not possible is it?” Harry asked absently.

“What? I just told you it was.” She looked at him in confusion.

“No not the healing, I’m thinking of Azkaban. When Cho threw that piece of wood it was so fast we barely saw it. I know she doesn’t have the ability to do that, but Sarah does.”

“But Sarah is telekinetic, not an influential telepath. She can’t invade and take over people’s minds, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Influential telepath?”

“Like Isamu Shao and that line.” Hermione responded.

“Then there’s some other way. She had to be involved, there’s no other explanation. We have to find out who’s been visiting her lately.”

“Then you’ll have to figure out a way to ask Arthur without raising suspicions.” She countered.

Before he could answer there was a soft tapping at his window. Turning, he was excited to see Hedwig waiting to be let in. But when he saw the letter clutched in her beak, a sense of dread rippled through his body. Luna, Hedwig is here with the letter. He let her know her vision was rolling. He quickly moved to open the window, and the soft white owl landed lightly on his shoulder, dropping the envelope into his hand. He instantly recognized Dudley’s uneven and sloppy writing.

He had been expecting the knock on the door and Hermione went to let Luna in as he sat down and opened the letter. They both sat on the edge of the bed and waited for him to begin reading outloud.

To Harry, wherever you are:
It’s me, your cousin Dudley. Look, your stupid owl has been flying around the house for a long time now and it’s making dad plenty mad. At first we ignored it and it flew away, but it’s been here all weekend now and keeps tapping at my window. I opened up to throw something at it, but the stupid thing flew in and started knocking over pens and paper so I guess it wanted me to write you a letter. Now that I’m doing it, the thing seems calmer anyhow. Well, maybe it wants me to tell you about those people who’ve been lurking around the house lately. I see them a lot, but mum and dad think I’m making up stories. They stand down the street but by the time I get anyone’s attention, they disappear. If they’re friends of yours will you tell them you don’t live here anymore already? It’s getting pretty annoying. Anyway, make sure you don’t come around here, not that I’m against you or anything, so don’t curse me, but dad is mad at the thought of you and I’d rather you not curse him either.
Dudley Dursley

“Well at least one of them has enough smarts to be scared.” Hermione said.

“Yeah, I just wouldn’t have imagined it would be Dudders who had the smarts. You know who those people he’s been seeing are?” he asked Luna.

“Not for sure, but I’m guessing they have something to do with Sarah. But how would they find the Dursleys? And wouldn’t they know you weren’t there?”

“They’re obviously trying to flush him out.” Hermione answered crossly. “And using those horrible people to do it… I wish we could just let them suffer.”

“An eye for an eye. I like the sound of it. But I can’t just leave them to their fate, no matter how willing they’d be to do it to me.” Harry protested. “I’ll save their lives this once, and then, I never want to see them again. Not ever.”

(BREAK)

They were all over Arthur the minute he got home. Harry thrust the letter in the man’s face and shoved Luna forward to share her vision. He listened to their story with a grim face. “Okay then. Let’s get moving.” He said when they were done.

He sent Tonks to gather the Aurors with instructions that arrests must be made and to try and keep the damage minimized. Then, with the sun just about completely set, every occupant of Number 12 Grimmauld place gathered in the living room so Arthur could give them last minute instructions. Luna sat apart from the others, feeling more anxious than any of them. After all she knew more than they did, she’d seen Harry’s fate. At least his fate unless someone stepped in. And to make it worse, none of the adults knew that Harry had lost his power or nearly died two days before. How could she have not figured out how she knew that house and those people in her visions? How many times had she seen them in Harry’s head? Of course, the images had always been distorted in his mind, twisted the way he pictured it all.

She thought hard about what to do. If only there were a way for Harry to gain the advantage back…. maybe with the ring? No, it would be far too dangerous to bring it there, even if it supposedly gave the wearer wandless powers. Besides, which one or ones had never been specified beyond telepathy. And if what Hermione had read was true, then that made sense, since Mykele had been a coven descendant and thus possessed the inherent power himself. But did that mean the psychic ability held within the ring was his own?

(BREAK)

Ginny watched Luna slink out of the room and up the stairs and wondered what the girl was up to now. But she couldn’t worry about that. She had her own battle to fight. After giving them all very strict orders to go nowhere alone and to try and not start fighting until the Aurors got there, Arthur had turned to her and declared she would not be coming with them. His argument had been that he couldn’t get approval for a minor side-along transportation just to take his own daughter somewhere that danger is expected. Of course, she didn’t want to make trouble for her father, but she also didn’t want to be left behind. Draco still wasn’t completely healed and she didn’t trust the others to watch his back as well as they did their own and each other’s.

Looking around, she tried to decide who would be the most likely to disobey orders and give her what she wanted. Instantly, she zeroed in on Fred. “Hey.” She sidled up to him.

“What do you want?” he asked suspiciously.

“Dad doesn’t want me to come. Says he can’t ask for authorization to apparate me there.”

“And?” he pressed.

“Will you please take me?” She pleaded.

“And how is that supposed to keep dad out of trouble?” He grinned at her.

“Come on, Fred.”

“No I mean it. We’re going through a lot to help keep dad in office you know.”

“So you really expect me to sit here all by myself? Even Hagrid is going!” she protested, not caring how whiny she sounded.

Fred grinned wider and threw an arm over her shoulders. “Come on baby sister. You don’t think your big brothers would really forget about you like that, do you?”

“What do you mean?” it was her turn to be suspicious.

“Well, a while ago I found out dad had some port keys made in case we ever needed them. Most of the places I hadn’t heard of but there were a few I did recognize. Though until Harry told me, I hadn’t put the address together with his old house when I overheard dad talking about all the locations. He keeps them all in his room.”

“How is that supposed to help then? The port key to Harry’s old house is locked away in mum and dad’s room!”

“Have a little more faith in me, would you? Ron and I had Harry open the door right before dad came home from work and Luna told us which one it was.” He pulled a statue from his pocket. It was of a fat, ugly, mean-looking gargoyle and Ginny smiled at her father’s sense of humor. He would pick something like this to represent Harry’s uncle.

“Thanks, Fred.”

“Thank Ron and the others too. We all want you back to normal, and if you want to be around us, I think it’s great. I’ve missed you Ginny.” He pulled her into a tight hug.

“I’ve missed you too.” She said quietly, feeling her chest grow tight with emotion.

“Okay, remember, wait until we all go before you use that thing.” He instructed once they parted. “Wouldn’t want the parents catching on too quickly.”

She looked up at him and asked, “Will you wait and go with me?”

“It would be an honor.” He bowed gallantly, making her smile.

(BREAK)

“They aren’t here yet.” Luna assured the group. They had all just gotten to Privet Drive, having apparated into the more deserted end of the street. When Fred and Ginny materialized a few moments later clutching the small statue, Harry smiled to himself. Arthur and Molly were of course a little more upset.

“Well, she’s here now.” Fred argued with their silent glares.

“How long?” Arthur ignored his children and turned to Luna and Harry.

“Any time now.” She answered quickly.

“Okay, let’s hide and wait them out.” They scattered into various hiding places around Number 4. Taking Hermione’s hand, he led them to the shrubbery along the side of the house. Carefully, they peeked into the parlor and viewed the family inside sitting in front of the TV and having a snack. It was a scene Harry had witnessed and been excluded from many times in the past.

“They have no idea what’s about to happen.” Hermione whispered as she glared in at the Dursleys.

“Who cares, as long as they survive it.” He responded, turning his attention back to the street. The night was clear and still, no birds, no crickets. A sudden chill ran down his spine as he watched Arthur, Molly and Lupin walk from house to house, putting protection spells and enchantments around them. If everything went well, the other occupants of Privet Drive would never know what went on outside their doors.

The adults had just returned to check on and hide with the teens when the air began to crackle around them. Sarah appeared first, scanning the apparently deserted street. Within a few seconds, several hooded figures stood behind her and began heading toward the house. “That’s far enough, Miss Elaine.” Arthur came out and approached the group with his wand out. “I am here to place you under arrest.”

Harry and the others came out to stand with him, though their number was no where near as many as the enemy they were facing. “You are here to try.” Sarah countered. Harry saw what she was about to do and cast instantly, shielding Arthur as she tried to throw him across the yard. Gritting his teeth, he held the spell as her mind pushed against it and Arthur wound up only being forced a few steps back.

And that was all it took before everyone was moving at once. Thankfully, it was only a few minutes that they had to hold their own. Tonks, Kingsley and an army of Aurors had arrived and joined in the fight. Harry kept his eye on Sarah as he fought his way toward her. He wanted to keep Luna’s vision from coming true, he wanted to stop the woman before she even had the chance to enter the house. As he dueled a pair of Death Eaters, he watched as she used her power to uproot the neighbor’s front gate and hurl it toward Fred and the Aurors standing with him. Fred! Heads up! His friend turned quickly and ducked, throwing himself at the adults and dragging them to the ground. Stop her! Harry screamed out as he brought down one of the foes standing in his way. Horrified he watched Sarah slide through the fights going on around her and kick in the front door of his childhood home. Fred made to go after her but was stopped as the Death Eaters closed ranks. Harry had a feeling he was the only one that would get by them, that this had been set up to bring him here for this showdown with Sarah. They were counting on the poison to have worked it’s secondary evil, if Harry overcame the first. They wanted Sarah to go against him, just in case. The only question was, had she been given the order to kill or capture? Finally dropping his second adversary, he put his theory to the test and ran at the house. Sure enough, he had no trouble getting by and didn’t bother to look back.

(BREAK)

Together Hermione and Ron brought down the three Death Eaters who had been coming at them, though it had taken awhile. Looking around, she began to feel anxious. She’d lost sight of Harry almost instantly, and she didn’t see him anywhere among the fighters now. “Do you see him?” she asked anxiously.

“No.” Ron replied, his voice grim. “I don’t see Sarah either.”

“Damn it!” She stomped her foot. “Why does he have to try and do everything by himself!”

“Well, come on, let’s go find him. They’re probably in the house, according to what Luna saw.” Ron grabbed her hand and they ran toward the fray to begin fighting their way to the house. But the Death Eaters were protecting the entrance as if it were their own fortress and every time they took out one of them, another appeared to take his place.

Hermione already felt tired, wiped out. It had been a long weekend with very little sleep and this was not how she’d envisioned spending her Monday night. Fear spurred her on, and her need to find Harry. But they added to her fatigue as well. Refusing to give up, she kept at it, throwing out spells as fast as she could. She only hoped this ended soon.

(BREAK)

Luna had kept her eye on Harry the entire time, determined to keep him from going into the house. But it was harder than one would think to interfere with the future. As they were all hopelessly locked in their own battles, Harry had been left free to walk right past the enemy and follow Sarah. It was obviously what they had wanted, because now they were doing everything in their power to keep anyone else from going in after them.

What could she do? She knew what was going to happen in that house and it wasn’t anything good. Quickly she made a decision and thrusting her hand in her pocket, she pulled out the ring. Clutching it tightly in her hand, she took a deep breath and ran through the fray, making her way towards the back of the house, hoping none of them had blocked off the back door.

(BREAK)

As he and Ginny fought side by side, Draco studied the masks around them. Was one of them his father? How many of them were the parents of his former friends? How many of them were people he’d known his entire life but would only be too happy to kill him now? Trying not to dwell on those thoughts, he focused in on keeping Ginny and himself safe.

Finally bringing down the last hooded figure they’d been dueling, he saw Lovegood head around to the back of the house, and the three Death Eaters who were stealthily following her. “Come on!” he shouted to Ginny running to intercept the enemy before they could take Luna by surprise.

They cast as they ran drawing the attention of Luna’s would-be pursuers. Two of the figures stopped, but the third kept after the prey. “I’ll get him!” Ginny yelled as Draco was forced to duel.

“Ginny! Stop!” he shouted after her. But she quickly disappeared around the back of the house. Waves of panic ran though him and he battled desperately with the two people blocking him from chasing after her. He brought them down quickly and desperately went around the corner scared of what he would find.

Ginny was dueling the man who’d followed her, both looking agitated with the difficulty they were having with dispatching the adversary. He stunned the man in the back, letting her bind him in place. “Luna made it into the house.” She said. “Should we go after her?”

“I think we’d better try and keep them from going after her.” He raised his wand as five Death Eaters rounded the corner. Ginny stood tall beside him. They had breached the house, and were now ready to protect their position.

(BREAK)

Harry crept down the short hallway, listening as Sarah destroyed the house and his aunt begged her to stop. Peeking around the corner, he saw the family huddled together next to the fireplace. Catching Dudley’s attention, he sent his mind out. Stay calm Dudley. It’ll be okay, we came to help. He watched his cousin’s eyes grow in terror as his thoughts invaded the boy’s mind. He could only nod, not even attempting to answer back.

“You think I don’t know your type!” Sarah was screaming at his uncle. “Not even Potter deserved you! And I didn’t deserve the people like you!”

Harry drew back trying to decide his best course of action. Sarah obviously had a few screws loose and that made her all the more dangerous. Although if what she implied was true, then the screws might have been knocked loose for her. It didn’t matter to him at the moment though. After all, he hadn’t gone crazy after being raised by Vernon and Petunia.

“Sarah.” He called for her attention, stepping into the doorway.

“Harry.” She turned and faced him….and he nearly dropped his wand in shock. Her eyes, her hard, hazel eyes. He’d seen them before, in someone else’s face.

“It was you!” He couldn’t believe it even as he said it. Even though he’d already thought it somehow possible.

“It most certainly was.” Her smile was sinister. And then before he knew it, the couch came flying at him. With seconds to spare he cast and threw it back at her. With a flick of her eyes, she sent it crashing through the wall into the kitchen.

“How did you do it?” he asked, making his way across the room. She followed, moving away from his family.

“That’s for me to know and you to discover.” She laughed wildly. Taking the opportunity, he pointed his wand and sent her hurtling back against the wall. She recovered quickly and ducked away from the binding he’d thrown, at the same time sending the many picture frames displaying Dudley’s image shrieking in his direction. He ducked as best he could, but one exploded against his shoulder, spraying glass into his face. He twisted away but felt a sting as a large shard caught his cheek. Instincts firing on all cylinders, he ignored the pain and rolled to the side as the television crashed against the wall he’d been leaning on. He screamed out his spell, sending her once more hurtling across the room. This time she must have felt the landing as she was struggling to get back to her feet. Again he took his chance and flung her across the room another time, his wand directing it’s target. She crawled quickly into the kitchen through the newly made hole from the couch. Harry rose to follow her until he heard the sound of a drawer opening and the rifling of cutlery.

“Come on! We have to get you guys out of here.” He yelled at the Dursleys. But they were staring past him at the doorway. He turned quickly and saw Sarah, standing very still, her arms behind her back. He’d seen that stance before, only this time, she made no attempt to hide her weapon. Or weapons, as the case appeared. Hovering in midair around her were several very large, very sharp kitchen knives.

He raised his wand, trying to hide the nervousness he felt. They stood staring at each other, neither daring to move. “This isn’t about them.” He said finally, moving so that his family was no longer behind him. She followed him into the room never removing her eyes from his. The knives followed her.

“Maybe part of it is. Tell me that deep down you don’t want them to suffer some retribution, Harry.”

“Not like this.” He answered slowly, waiting for any sign that she was going to make a move. He didn’t know what would happen if he tried to cast, and wished desperately that he had his power back. But she’d been the one to take it from him.

“Who are they in the great scheme of things anyway? Nobodies. They mean nothing to no one, not even you.”

“If that were true, I wouldn’t be here.” His argument felt hollow.

“Let’s not kid each other, Harry. We are cut of the same cloth, or at least we used to be.” She laughed again as her jibe reminded him of the power he’d lost, but the knives never wavered. “We both know it was your sense of duty that brought you here, not affection.”

“Why does it matter? Either way I won’t let you hurt them.” He said angrily. He was letting her get into his head, but he refused to allow her any further. Instead he used the one power he did have and pushed his way into her mind.

Just stop. He thought to her. End it now.

Make me. She challenged him, but he felt her sudden fear as he invaded her thoughts. Pushing deeper, he began looking through her memories, pulling out the most painful ones for her to view.

“Stop! Get out!” she screamed losing control. Harry hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly and scrambled to get out of the way as she hurled knife after knife at him. One nicked his arm, causing him to stumble. His wand flew from his hand and as he reached out to try and catch it, the last knife sliced straight through his palm up to the handle. The force continued forward until the tip buried itself into the wall behind him, pinning his hand and forcing him to stay put. He grit his teeth against the pain and tried to pull on the handle. It was wedged in tight. “Got you now.” Sarah took a step toward him, raising her arms to reveal the two knives she still had clutched in her fists.

Help. He called out weakly to anyone who might hear, unable to focus on someone specific. He had nothing to do but stare helplessly at his wand where it had stopped rolling halfway across the room, and so far out of his reach. He tried to make it move, to have it fly into his free and undamaged hand. It was utterly useless.

Looking up into Sarah’s eyes, he saw the delight she was taking in all of this. She raised one of the knives high above her before letting it go and allowing it to float in the air. He waited for the impact, wondering where she would strike. Would she go for the kill or draw it out. The sting came a second later and he screamed in agony. He looked down to see the handle buried in his leg. Blood bubbled up around the wound as more dripped down the wall from his now numb hand. Apparently it was to be the long drawn out way. He watched as she repeated the performance, the knife dancing in the air in front of him. Closing his eyes, he waited for the pain and instead felt sudden and extreme heat.

Wrenching his eyes open, he saw Sarah jump back from the sudden fireball that had exploded in front of her. The knife clattered harmlessly to the floor. Turning to the doorway, he saw Luna brandishing her wand in one hand and the other thrust out bearing the ring. He watched in amazement as another spout of flame burst from his friend. Sarah leapt back again, screaming as she rolled out of the way.

“Luna look out!” he screamed as the coffee table went flying at her. Luna dived back into the hallway as the piece of furniture exploded against the doorframe, cracking the wall. She was back in an instant, flinging spells and fire faster than Sarah could dodge them. The woman screamed in terror as her sleeve caught fire and she desperately tried to pat it out. Harry pulled frantically at the knife pinning his hand to the wall, trying to free himself. His adrenaline was pumping and with a burst of strength, he ripped it out, letting out his own howl of pain. “Harry!” Luna called out to him.

“Watch her, not me!” he screamed back, dragging himself toward his wand.

(BREAK)

Luna had tried to run directly in the house, but just as she reached the back door, someone had grabbed her around the waist and thrown her back into the yard where she landed hard on her back, knocking the wind out of her. The Death Eater approached as she struggled to breathe and she weakly raised her wand. “No!” Someone yelled drawing the man’s attention.

Rolling onto her elbows, she had looked up to find out who had saved her and was surprised to see Ginny now dueling with the man who’d followed her. Forcing herself to her feet, she made to help her friend but she shook her head. “I’ve got this. Go help him get Sarah!” she yelled, blocking the man’s attack and continuing to draw his fire. “It’s fine! Draco’s right behind me! Go!” Ginny screamed.

Help. Luna heard Harry’s weakened cry and she didn’t wait any longer. She entered the house and was startled by Harry screaming in pain. Slipping the ring on her finger, she shifted into plan B. She’d initially intended to give the ring over to him, but from what she was hearing certain things had already come to pass. Peering into the parlor, she took in the Dursley’s still huddled together and staring in horror at the scene before them. Leaning a little farther, she was able to make out Harry and Sarah, positioned exactly as she’d seen them in her vision. Her stomach tightened and she felt sick at the amount of blood around her friend.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and cleared her mind of all but her desire, letting the ring work through her. An explosion of fire erupted, forcing her to stumble. Seeing Sarah was still on her feet, she tried again. Then Harry shouted out a warning and she instinctively dove backwards into the relative safety of the hall, covering her head as splinters of wood showered her. Scrambling to her feet, she didn’t allow herself time to think, instead rushing back into the room and throwing as much at Sarah as she could. She felt satisfaction when the woman’s clothing caught fire and she desperately tried to put herself out. Harry’s agonized scream startled her and she turned to make sure he was okay.

“Watch her, not me!” he yelled and she turned to see a chair flying straight at her. She dodged it, falling to the ground where she smashed her elbow. She sat up cradling her injured arm and found Sarah smiling wickedly at her. “Luna!” Harry screamed and she turned her head quickly, the knife missing her face by inches as it dug into the wall. The ring! Get the ring! She heard him now screaming in her head. Her arm had gone numb when she’d landed on it and she hadn’t realized the large ring had slid off her finger. She saw it a few feet away between her and Sarah. They stared at each other.

“Dudley! NOOO!” The large man lunged towards his son as the boy rose rather swiftly for his size and grabbed up the lamp laying at his feet. He shattered it over Sarah’s head and the woman went down, but wasn’t out. She turned on the muggles, and Luna watched in horror as Harry’s cousin flew across the room and landed in a heavy heap.

“My son!” The woman cried.

“I’m sure he had enough padding to prevent much injury.” Sarah said cruelly as she rose to her feet.

Gathering everything she had, Luna lunged for the ring. And then her vision went black as her face exploded in pain and she flew backwards. Raising her hand, she gingerly touched her nose and knew it was broken. Sarah had kicked her in the face, and as Luna struggled to open her eyes and watch the scene before her, the woman bent down and picked up the ring.

　


A/N: What a place to leave things, but I must. Next chapter we find out what happens at the Dursley’s, Edmund makes a move through the newspaper, we learn what Bowen knows, Ron and Luna have a talk, news arrives about Snape, Cho Chang makes another appearance and we learn a lot from her about several characters. Still so much more to come, so stay tuned. And for those of you who don’t know, I’ve started a new story and the first chapter has been posted. It’s an alternate universe story, where the characters of Harry Potter step into the world of Sherlock Holmes. If you’re a Holmes fan like I am then check it out, and it you aren’t check it out anyway. The full summary will follow this note. Thanks for reading thus far and don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts!

　

NEW STORY:
Title: A Study in Slytherins
What happens when the characters of the HP world step into the shoes of the classic characters of Sherlock Holmes? A group of evil wizards calling themselves the Slytherins are stalking through London, drawing the attention of super sleuth Harry Potter. Along with his trusted friend, Dr. Ron Weasley, Harry sets out to solve a case that brings him directly into the path of the one person who had ever bested him, the intriguingly intelligent Hermione Granger. With news of her comes word of Harry’s arch nemesis, Professor Voldemort who may be behind the terror spread by the Slytherins. Can Harry find a way to bring them down and capture the one man who had the ability to equally match wits with the master detective? And what of the one woman who had managed to slip her crime through his fingers once before?


Chapter 23: Explorations of a Twisted Mind

A/N: This one won’t be as long as some of the more recent ones, it went differently than I’d imagined and I need to regroup. I know the last one ended in a tight spot so without further adieu, Read, Review, Enjoy!




Hermione dispatched another enemy and turned to see who needed help. As she scanned the lawn, she glimpsed five Death Eaters running around the side of the house. “Where are they going?” she asked aloud.

“Who?” Ron and Fred asked together. They’d been standing near her and had just taken down another three people.

“Come on!” She shouted not bothering to explain. During her brief look around, she’d realized that Luna, Draco and Ginny were no longer in the battle. They must have tried to go in through the back and probably needed help.

Sure enough as they rounded the corner, they saw Ginny and Draco fighting for their lives while trying to keep anyone from going through the door. “Hey!” Fred angrily yelled at the two Death Eaters attacking his sister. He went quickly to help her deal with them as she and Ron ran to help Draco fend off the other three.

“Where’s Luna?” she yelled over the fighting.

“She made it inside to help him!” Draco shouted back. “Now we’re trying to keep these bastards out!”

“Traitor!” One of the Death Eaters shrieked at young Malfoy. The masked figure cast quickly and Ginny’s scream pierced Hermione’s eardrum. But Ron had been quick and dove to tackle Draco to the ground and out of the way of the unforgivable. The second time he’d been saved from the killing curse. Hermione quickly threw a shield around them both.

Ginny and Fred had gained their senses quickly and turned on the attacker, stunning and binding him instantly. Hermione quickly cast and stopped the last Death Eater who’d been preparing to take her out.

“Thanks.” Draco mumbled to Ron as they helped each other to their feet.

“Whatever.” Ron replied walking back over to Hermione.

“You did a good thing.” She whispered.

“We’ll see about that.” He answered moodily, though he couldn’t hide a small grin of satisfaction. She knew he liked when he did something heroic and liked it even more when he received accolades for his actions.

“Are you okay?” she heard Draco ask Ginny.

“I’m fine, are you okay?” She responded throwing her arms around him despite her brothers looking on.

“Now what?” Fred demanded, deliberately looking away from the display of affection.

“Now we go help Harry and Luna.” Hermione said. Just then they heard Luna scream in agony from within the house. Ron ran toward the door without hesitation, she and the others close on his heels. Hermione’s mind was in a panic, she knew Harry wouldn’t let anything happen to Luna, so if the girl was screaming like that, where was he? Ron reached the door just as it exploded, a firestorm blowing them all across the lawn. She felt herself thud to the ground before everything went dark.

(BREAK)

Harry crawled toward his wand, trailing blood as he went. But his mind blocked out all pain as his eyes were locked on the ugly scene before him. “Luna!” He yelled her name trying to ascertain if she was still conscious. She weakly raised her head, and he saw that her face was a bloody mess.

Sarah stood tall over the girl, the ring now firmly upon her own finger. “Cho was right. You just like to get in the way. I should have let her kill you.” Harry moved as quietly as possible, trying desperately not to draw her attention. “I think Miss Lovegood, that I shall rectify the situation now.” She let out a maniacal laugh.

His leg was a dead weight, and his strength was waning fast. But with one last surge of energy he stretched as far as he could past the last few inches separating him from his wand. He grasped it firmly and rolled to face Sarah.

She had raised her hand and was pointing the ring directly at Luna. SARAH!!! He screamed with everything he had. She winced, grabbing her head. Then she turned on him. But he never gave her the chance. He cast quickly flinging her back against the wall before binding her. “Expulso!” He cried quickly as the ceiling above her exploded, burying her in debris.

“Get Dudley and get out!” He ordered his Aunt, who had actually begun to reach out for him. He wanted none of her sympathy, not now and not ever. Vernon who had no trouble leaving his nephew in such a weakened state pulled his wife to her feet before hefting his son and scrambling into the hallway and out the front door. Harry hoped they weren’t walking into another ambush but felt he’d done his part and was willing to do no more for them. They were Arthur’s problem now.

He crawled over to Luna who was trying to sit herself up. “Lay still.” He ordered before glancing in Sarah’s direction. He could see her foot sticking out of the rubble. Turning his attention back to his friend he noticed her arm was twisted at a weird angle and wondered just when it had been broken. “Ferula” He said quietly creating a splint so that it wouldn’t get any worse. Then, though he could barely stand to look, he examined her face.

I think my nose is broken. Her voice whispered through his head as she felt him touch her skin.

Okay, hold still. “Episkey.” He pointed the wand at her, using the same spell he’d seen Tonks use once to fix Kingsley’s nose. She grimaced against the icy heat the spell produced as her features righted themselves. Then he tried to do the same for his hand. It worked to slow the flow of blood, but apparently the wound was too severe for such a simple spell.

“Let me see it.” Luna said, using her shirt to wipe some of the blood from her face. She grabbed the blanket that had been on the couch and used her wand to cut it into pieces. He placed his hand in hers as she tightly wound one of the strips around the injury. Then moving quickly, she tied another around the gaping wound in his leg. Satisfied that they were both patched up as well as they could be, they helped each other to their feet and limped over to get the ring. They both flew back as the rubble exploded in a burst of flame.

“Aguamenti!” Luna screamed as she scrambled to her feet, protecting them both from the sudden wrath Sarah hailed upon them as she rose to her feet. But the steady stream of water her wand produced wasn’t holding up to the fire the other woman spewed from the ring.

“Aguamenti!” Harry cried after struggling to his feet. Push the spell outward with your mind! He instructed Luna wildly taking her good hand with his, using the bandaged one to brandish his wand. Together they focused their energy along the same wavelength and strengthened their spells, the stream of water now an unstoppable geyser shooting from their wands. Harry was glad his sudden instinct had proved correct. Unable to keep up with them, Sarah began whipping things around the room. He pulled Luna to the side as the TV stand crashed against the wall where they’d been standing. With the same thought in their head, they both turned and threw everything they had at her, sending her crashing against the wall with bone-crushing force. Harry watched in horror as it finally gave way and began to crumble, blocking off the hallway and their path to the door.

“Harry!” Luna shouted his name, tackling him out of the way as a large piece of ceiling that had still been on fire came crashing down. He landed hard on his injured leg, but forgot the pain as soon as she let out a bloodcurdling scream. Turning to her quickly he saw that part of the smoldering flames had jumped to her pant leg and begun crawling it’s way up. He quickly produced another jet of water and extinguished the danger before climbing unsteadily to his feet.

“You okay? Can you stand?” he asked bending down to help her get up. “Well we have two good legs between us.” He said taking stock of the damage done to them. As another piece of ceiling crashed down in the corner, he realized that they needed to get out. Now.

Looking around quickly for the best exit, he shoved Luna toward the couch hole and they climbed through to the kitchen. They made a mad scramble for the back door but Harry felt the heat at his back and dragged Luna to the ground with him as a fireball exploded over their heads, destroying their way out.

Looking through the flames, he saw several bodies strew across the yard but in the darkness couldn’t make out who they were. Flipping quickly onto his back, he took in the sight of Sarah, bloody and broken as she tried to crawl into the kitchen after them. “Expulso!” he yelled again and watched with a horrified gleefulness as she was swallowed once more by the house. But as the floor began to shake beneath him, he realized they’d broken one wall too many.

“We have to get out!” he screamed to Luna over the sound of the house falling down around them. He tried to get to his feet but his body had finally given out on him and he had nothing left to draw on. He was too weak, had used too much, had lost too much. Luna was trying desperately to help him, throwing his arm over her shoulders and wrapping her good arm around his waist. But she had nothing much left either and couldn’t bear his weight.

“Just go.” He told her weakly.

“I didn’t leave you two days ago, I won’t do it now.” She promised. “It’ll work out, it has too. We changed it, it has to be different.”

“What are you talking about?”

Before she could explain, they heard someone screaming his name. In the kitchen. Luna yelled for the person in her head, neither one of them having the strength to shout any longer. Within an instant, Lupin had burst through the flames licking around the doorframe. “Oh god. What happened to you two?” He knelt delicately beside them.

“Get the ring.” Harry limply pointed in the direction Sarah was buried.

“Sarah has it. She’s under there.” Luna explained further.

“ARTHUR! THEY’RE IN HERE!” Lupin yelled into the yard before quickly moving to the remains of the wall. He dug furiously until he was able to pull the woman’s body free. After feeling for a pulse, he slipped the ring from her finger and returned to the teens as Mr. Weasley made his way past the fire.

“This house is done for. Let’s get them out!” And without hesitation, Arthur leaned down and carefully grabbed Harry up in his arms, helping him hobble out. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Lupin simply scoop Luna up and carry her out behind them. The two men brought the teens a safe distance into the yard before setting them down and running back in. A second later, Harry watched them emerge once more, Sarah’s body between them. Looking around, he saw the other bodies lined up beside him.

“What happened!?” he yelled, forgetting his own torturous pain and crawling over to Hermione and Ron who were passed out a few feet away.

“They’re fine, Harry!” Arthur quickly came to his side and forced him to sit still. “They are all going to be okay, they got knocked out from the last blast I think, but they are all breathing and they’ll wake any time I’m sure.” Harry watched as Arthur reached out and grabbed Ron’s hand, which like the rest of his body was covered in serious looking burns. “I know they’ll be okay. They have to be.” Harry reached out and squeezed the man’s shoulder feeling his hopeful sorrow.

Looking Hermione over he saw that she hadn’t received anything as bad as Ron. Her forehead and cheeks were scorched and small burns covered her arms and legs. Fred, Ginny and Draco appeared with no more damage than reddened skin, as if they’d stood too long and too near a bonfire. He shook his head in grief, finally beginning to feel the intense stinging in his hand and leg as his adrenaline died down.

“Here, Harry.” Lupin came over to hand him the ring.

“No!” Luna shouted suddenly. “Don’t give it to him now! He isn’t strong enough!” She began crying hysterically, the torment of the past few days finally catching up with her. In order to keep her calm, Harry shook his head at Lupin and his friend put the ring back in his own pocket. He reached out to Luna and put an arm around shaking shoulders, pulling her close in comfort.

“What’s going on now? Is it over?” He asked Arthur, as she clung to him.

“For now, Harry. It’s over for now.” He answered gravely.

(BREAK)

Hermione woke in the hospital. Seeing Harry in the chair next to her bed, she smiled at him. “Well this is different.” She joked. “Usually it’s me waiting for you to wake up.”

“Believe me, it’s the way I would’ve rather had it.” He reached out and squeezed her hand. “At least you’re the first one awake.” He gestured to the other beds where Ron, Fred, Luna, Ginny and Draco were all still sleeping. The bed directly next to hers was empty.

“Are you supposed to be out of bed?” she demanded. She hadn’t seen him at the end, didn’t know the extent of his injuries or what he’d gone through. Instantly she looked him over, taking in the deep gash across his cheek and his heavily bandaged hand and leg.

“Probably not but I couldn’t lay there anymore listening to everyone else sleep.” He said simply. “Besides, I feel fine.”

“You don’t look fine.”

“I could say the same to you.” He said looking at her with concern. For the first time since waking she began to take stock of herself. There was no pain, she assumed she’d been given some sort of potion for that. Looking down she saw her arms and legs were wrapped in some sort of soft linen. Shifting her head, she was able to determine that the same soft linen was bandaged across her forehead and cheeks.

“What happened?” she asked quietly.

“From what Arthur and I pieced together, you guys were trying to come through the door at the same time Sarah was using the ring. You got knocked back by the blast and debris, but it looks like Ron got the worst of it.” He worriedly glanced in Ron’s direction. Focusing in better on her friend, she saw that his entire head was wrapped in the white linen along with most of his body.

“Is he going to be okay?” her tears came suddenly.

“According to Drake, we’re all going to be okay. Arthur asked him to be in charge of everyone, they’re trying to keep our involvement as quiet as possible. You should have seen him when they brought us all in, I thought poor Arthur was going to lose it. And he was injured too you know. A lot of people were.”

She studied him closer and saw the far away glassy look behind the fevered excitement in his eyes. His face was ragged and his entire body was hunched over in exhaustion. “Have you rested at all?” she demanded of him.

“I pretended I was asleep the last time Drake came to check on us. I’ve tried but I can’t turn my brain off to let the rest of me relax.” He confessed.

“What happened in that house?”

“I’m still not quite sure.”

(BREAK)

Luna lay awake listening to Harry quietly tell Hermione of the horror they’d faced in the house. He’d sensed she wasn’t sleeping she knew, but he was letting her pretend, giving her time to herself. There was so much to process that she too felt her brain just refused to shut itself down. She felt so alone and suddenly wanted her father, someone who loved and understood her to sit here, to hold and comfort her like when she was a little girl having a bad dream.

But she was a big girl now and this was no dream. She just successfully helped change the future, no matter how close it had brought her to her own demise. The thought that weighed so heavily on her was that the entire thing had been unnecessary. Had Harry been able to tap into his powers, there probably wouldn’t have been much of a fight at all. After all, armed with both wand and wandless power rival to hers, Sarah wouldn’t have stood a chance. Luna had seen the panic in the woman’s eyes when she’d first entered the room brandishing the power of Alexandra’s line. It was only the woman’s quickness and the injuries she had caused them that gave her a chance at all after that point. And her insanity, that definitely added to the woman’s strength, driving her far beyond the point where most others would have given up.

But again Luna had screwed up. In Azkaban, she’d let her guard down and been taken as a sort of hostage causing Harry to let his own guard down and bringing the injury that stole his power. This time, she’d let the enemy get a hold of the ring and it had almost killed them both. If it wasn’t for Harry’s fortitude and willfulness, well, she knew not many people would still be going after what Sarah had done to him. But he’d remained strong until it was over, keeping them both alive. Guilt ate away at her.

And then there was Ron. While pretending to sleep like Harry, she’d heard the adults who were uninjured discussing what had happened while checking in on the teens. Ron had heard her scream and ran to the door only to have that last blast from Sarah, explode in his face. She’d peeked over at him to find that he was delicately wrapped in white linen, looking like some sort of modern mummy as the herbs restored his skin and healed his burns. Her friends had come out of this with their lives, but at what cost? She felt as if someone had placed a huge weight on her chest and she found it difficult to breathe. But she remained calm, not wanting to draw Harry or Hermione’s attention. She felt like pretending to be asleep forever, to never have to open her eyes and face them all with their questions and accusations.

Her entire body ached; the pain potion must have begun to wear off. That meant Drake would be back soon. She knew the bones in her arm were mended by now, but the soreness that remained was almost unbearable. Her face was tender, though Drake had said Harry’s spell had properly repaired her nose. He’d given her ointment to take care of the bruising, but at this point she really didn’t care much what her face looked like. The stabbing pain in her head was worst of all, but she made no indication of discomfort. It felt as if her brain her on fire, completely overheated from use.

She didn’t know how long she lay there, but she heard Drake come, administer potions to them all and leave. Harry had quickly jumped back into his own bed upon sensing the healer and she knew he had resisted the sleep potion as she was doing now. Hermione’s spark died down, indicating her descent back into unconsciousness. Luna knew she should rest as well, but refused to let herself. There was too much to think about, too much to feel and she just didn’t feel she deserved to escape into the nothingness sleep provided.

Luna. Harry was calling for her. I know you aren’t sleeping.

Yes? She answered.

Are you alright? She felt his concern and it was overwhelming. Until that moment, he hadn’t even attempted to talk to her and she felt she deserved his coldness. But now, with everyone else gone or sleeping, he’d found the time to check in with her.

No I don’t think I am. My head doesn’t feel right. She admitted.

Then stop blaming yourself. He answered simply.

Are you okay? She ignored his response.

Well, you heard them say I’ll live. That’s as okay as any of us will be I think. You feel up to taking a walk?

A walk? She knew that if any of the adults saw them out of their room, they would freak out. But at the same time, she felt she owed it to Harry, Ron and everyone else to do whatever they asked of her. A walk to where?

To get the real story so we know who really is to blame for all of this. Maybe once we find that out, you can stop beating yourself up about everything. He answered mysteriously.

She opened her eyes to find Harry looking over at her with that “I’m about to do something I’m not supposed to” grin. I suppose you want to do this now, have us hobbling down the hallway where anyone could see us.

Would it make you feel better to know I have Arthur’s permission?

Slightly. Though I doubt he figured you’d be trying to do anything right now. Where are we going? She threw her covers off and carefully rose from her bed. The pain potion had taken effect and the tense soreness and agonizing pain was gone. For now.

Harry also rose easily from bed, obviously feeling the effects of the healing potion. To talk to Sarah. He said simply.

But, Harry. They said she was in coma. Luna answered uneasily.

(BREAK)

Harry made his way confidently down the hallway, Luna close behind him. He knew she didn’t think this was the greatest idea, but he had decided it was their best way to get the truth. And if he’d learned anything in that house last night, it was that when he and Luna focused together they were stronger. It gave him great hope for when all twelve coven members finally came together.

“How do you know this is where they’re keeping her?” Luna asked, a hint of nervousness to her tone as they stepped into the elevator.

“Arthur brought me to her room before. I wanted to see with my own eyes that she was completely incapacitated so while you were all sleeping he took me to see her. I told him what I wanted to do and that I needed your help and he gave me permission. As long as we tell him everything we learn.”

“I never fell asleep.” She protested.

“You sure did. You were upset when we got here and Drake gave you something to calm you down and take you out of shock. It wound up putting you right to sleep.” He smiled as she struggled to remember.

“Must have been a good potion.” She finally muttered as the doors slid open. The elevator had stopped at the basement and he led the way down a long, brightly lit corridor, ignoring the heavy steel doors lining either side. “What is this place?” she asked after awhile.

“Drake said it’s where they keep the dangerous patients. Just don’t get too close to the doors. That’s what they told me.” He shrugged and went on, eager to carry out their task. Rounding the last corner, they found the last room, which was surrounded by Aurors though Kingsley was the only one he recognized. The man was worse for the wear after last night’s battle, all of his exposed skin covered in wounds and bruises.

“Have you gotten those looked at yet?” Harry asked his friend in concern.

Kingsley smiled.