A/N: ::nervous twitch:: Well, I just got done with my first two final exams. I won't say anything more on that, the nervous twitch should tell all. However, one of the most difficult is out of the way, that's the blessing. Anywho, this chapter is nice and long. It's leading up to the last few chapters, I expect there to be maybe 13 or 14. Not sure at this point. ::sigh:: Well, no stalling you now... get going! Read! Then review!
DISCLAIMER: ::flops head first onto computer desk:: I disclaim... ::snores::
Chapter Ten: John's Secret
It was as if September the first was repeating itself again as Timothy stood before his family at Platform 9 and ¾ after the winter holidays. While the apprehension of "first day jitters" was absent, there was something nagging Timothy at the back of his mind as his father helped him load his trunk onto the Hogwarts Express. As he checked to make sure he had everything, his eyes fell upon the Marauder's Map he had brought home for safe keeping and it suddenly dawned on him.
"Dad!" He cried, just as the train whistle blew.
"What is it?" His father asked, while his mother soothed a somber Kalina.
"I just remembered something I wanted to ask you!" Timothy said quickly, being jostled around as kids hurried to get on the train.
Looking desperately around, his father turned back to him and looked at him apologetically.
"Write me as soon as you can, send Windstone. You need to get on the train, it's just about to leave."
"I would rather talk to you in person." Timothy whined as his father hugged him goodbye. They pulled apart and his father looked down at him, concentrating hard.
"I'll see what I can do. Right now, you have to leave."
Just then, Darian suddenly appeared behind Timothy and he grabbed his shirt collar just as the train began to move.
"Come on!"
"Bye Timothy! Behave yourself… and WRITE HOME!" Timothy's mother cried, waving.
Timothy nodded as he was pulled inside by Darian, and quickly moved to the compartment window to see his sister running to keep up with the train. He waved at her, and she finally gave up, waving back feebly.
"Did Jeff come back with you?" Darian asked happily, sitting down beside him.
Timothy looked at him, and noticed for the first time since he got on the train that John was sitting in the far corner. His tall stature was slouched and he looked particularly glum.
"Hey John. How was your holiday?"
John slowly looked up at them and shrugged.
"Uneventful." And he looked down at his feet again, saying no more.
Timothy glanced at Darian, who shrugged as well and gave him a "no clue" expression.
"You didn't answer my question: did you bring Jeff?" Darian repeated.
Timothy grinned.
"Yes." He said slowly, reaching into his pocket.
Before he had left home, Timothy's whole family had an in depth discussion on Jeff and whether or not he could return to Hogwarts. Jeff insisted that he should, but wanted permission to stay with Timothy in the boy's dorm. This was too risky, but Jeff threatened to burn something if he had to stay with Echolocata Whisper another minute. His parents managed to make a compromise with him, and using Renee Potter's innovative magic, Jeff was now able to accompany Timothy anywhere he wanted!
"Wha'dja do to him!?" Darian gasped, smiling and on the brink of laughter as Timothy pulled out a palm-sized yellow dragon.
"I don't want to hear one word out of you!" Jeff squeaked with a voice of a chipmunk, pointing a threatening claw up at Darian.
Both Timothy and Darian broke out into giggles as Jeff's miniaturized self scuttled impatiently on Timothy's hand.
"It's not funny! I may be small, but I can still burn your little fingers!" Jeff squeaked hotly.
"My… my fingers aren't that small anymore." Timothy managed to say between giggling.
Jeff reared up onto his hind legs, resting his forelegs on his hips, then took a deep breath. A shot of flame snorted out of his nose and Timothy yelped, dropping Jeff.
"Hey!" Timothy cried, no longer giggling and sticking the burnt finger in his mouth. Jeff pulled himself up off of the floor.
"Would you mind not dropping me to my death? Landing face first and smashing my entire body into oblivion is not my idea of a good time!" Jeff was hardly audible from the floor. Timothy picked him up.
"Don't do that again." He muttered, pocketing Jeff. Angry yelps and kicking issued from inside his pocket, but Timothy ignored him.
"How was your Christmas, Darian?" Timothy asked, changing the subject.
"It was great! Dad did get me a new broom. I spent a lot of the time practicing than anything else."
Timothy was about to ask John, but seeing his tall friend's gloomy face reminded him that he already had. He was about to ask what went wrong, when Darian distracted him again.
"So?"
"So what?" Timothy blinked at him.
"So, did you talk with your parents about what could be up with Smith?" Darian barked.
"No… I completely forgot until I was just getting on to the train. I managed to tell dad I need to ask him something, but the train was leaving and there was no time."
Darian looked at him scornfully, but his eyes were distracted back at the window.
"What's that?" He pointed.
Timothy turned to see a white blur trying to keep level with their compartment window. He flew it open and landing roughly on his lap was his father's owl.
"Hedwig?" Timothy pulled the old snowy owl level to his face. She let out an exhausted hoot, holding out her leg which held a letter. He took it from her, then set her inside Windstone's cage, where Windstone let her drink. Timothy curiously opened the letter.
"It's from my dad." He said aloud, jumping slightly as John had suddenly appeared at his side, peering at the letter. "He and my Great Uncle will be visiting Hogwarts on business with Dumbledore a week from today. He'll find some time to talk with me then."
"What business could he be doing? Isn't he an auror? Why would he need to meet with Dumbledore?" Darian asked.
"Dumbledore is in close relations with Mr. Weasley, the Minister of Magic. They must be on assignment. Mostly, my dad and my uncle go around investigating uses of dark magic. There's nothing serious anymore, like You-Know-Who, but there are still people out there who are stupid enough to try out some illegal things. There could be any number of different reasons why they're coming to Hogwarts." Timothy answered, folding the letter up and putting it into his other pocket.
John finally spoke, his voice dry.
"Should we take your father down to see the passageway and the rock itself?"
Timothy thought a moment, looking to Darian, who looked back at him with an equal expression.
"We would get in trouble." Timothy said, uncertainly.
"Trouble? Your dad gave you his map! For all we know, he could have been in that same passageway a hundred times when he was at Hogwarts! If anyone knows how to banish a three ton boulder out of the way, it would be him!" Darian threw his hands up in the air.
"But only his dad and his two uncles know about the map. If it was discovered, all of us could get in trouble." John agreed with Timothy quietly, looking calmly at Darian.
"Oh come on! Tell me, who would punish Harry Potter and his friends for something they did a long time ago? Besides! Who would care how we discovered the passage when we reveal what Smith's been doing behind that boulder? Forget about getting in trouble, think of how famous we'll be for revealing Smith!
"Speaking of boulders; John, did you find anything in any book that could help us move that boulder in case we can't get his dad down there?"
"No." He replied, turning away. Darian stared at him, open mouthed. He gave up and looked back pleadingly at Timothy.
"Think of it as revenge, Timothy. Think of what Smith did to you! Don't you want to get him back for it?"
Timothy looked at him, considering his words. It would be nice to get back at Smith, but he remembered something his parents once told him about revenge. Wanting revenge breeds hatred in your heart, until it drives you mad, finally leaving you as an empty shell once it has been fulfilled. It is better simply to wait, for your foes will eventually pay the price they have taken from you. He finally shook his head.
"I'll tell dad about the way Smith has been acting, both toward Luna and toward me. But I won't tell him about the boulder."
Darian gasped, flabbergasted at Timothy and narrowed his eyes. He said nothing more for the rest of the trip back to Hogwarts. The compartment was silent; John stared at the floor the whole time, seemingly lost in deep thought. Darian looked angrily out the window, never looking back, while Timothy simply stared ahead and deliberated in his mind on whether or not he made the right decision.
I have a whole week to make up my mind, if I want to tell dad about everything. He thought to himself.
The weather was grim during the first few days of lessons. It wasn't a very pleasant atmosphere, and it made Timothy feel more apprehensible toward his conversation with his father at the end of that week. Darian acted real smug towards both him and John, while John himself simply stayed silent and chose not to involve himself any further. It was all up to Timothy, and it made him feel even worse without his usual support.
"Don't worry about it," John muttered to him at dinner on Thursday, seeing Timothy gloomily playing with his creamed corn. "I'm sure your dad can sort it all out. Then we can stop worrying about stupid Smith." However, there was doubt in John's voice and he said nothing further on the subject.
Rumors spread somehow, like rumors did at Hogwarts, that the famous Harry Potter would be coming to the castle. Numerous people asking if they could get autographs or even meet his father in person often confronted Timothy. He would simply shake his head and push himself through. Only, it started to dawn on Timothy that the only people he had yet to bump into were Luna Dine and Taku Smith. In fact, he hadn't seen them since he arrived back at Hogwarts. On Friday morning, Timothy mentioned this to Darian, even though they had not spoken since they got off the Hogwart's Express.
"Smith could have Luna tied to a stake and be dancing around her like an Indian, hooting and hollering right now, behind that boulder. But I know you're reluctant to do anything about it, so I don't know why you care." Darian said smugly.
Timothy scowled, annoyed beyond control at that point.
"Oh come off it will you?! The least you could do right now is to put off your dreams of being glorified and look at things logically!" Timothy half growled, half shouted.
Darian blinked at him.
"Alright Aristotle, we'll do it your way. But if we eventually find Luna hexed into a salami sandwich and see Smith raising the dead behind that boulder, don't blame me."
Darian became more sensible by that afternoon, rehearsing with Timothy about what Timothy would tell his father. By noon, Timothy, with Darian looking at him cross armed and leaning against the main corridor, impatiently paced up and down. Deep-voiced conversation that he could only recognize as his uncles and his father, Timothy stumbled to the foot of the main staircase to greet them.
"Dad!" He cried, smiling for the first time that day.
His father came into view, beaming, with his Great Uncle Us and Uncle Lupin behind him. They ran to each other, and his father practically picked him up in a tight embrace.
"Hey! There you are!" He cried, Timothy's uncles coming to stand beside them smiling. His father put him down and placed a hand warmly on his shoulder. "How's Uncle Lupin treating you, 'eh?"
Timothy grinned.
"His is the best class!"
Lupin blushed, Timothy's Great Uncle Us punching him in the shoulder. Timothy's father smiled knowingly, nodding at Lupin.
"That I believe, no doubts there."
By then, Darian had wandered awestruck to stand by Timothy, staring at his father.
"This must be Darian; hello there." Timothy's father offered his hand.
Darian, completely mute with admiration, stuck out his hand and shook it slowly.
"H-hello." He whispered timidly.
Timothy grinned slyly at Darian, his friend no longer had the cocky attitude he had earlier once face-to-face with his father.
Harry Potter sighed through his nose, used to Darian's expression.
"I have some papers to grade, Harry, so I must get going." Lupin sighed. Timothy's father nodded and hugged him briefly. Lupin smiled at Timothy, hugged his Great Uncle Us, and left back up the stairs.
"I understand you two want to talk. I'll just go see if I can grab a bite in the Great Hall." Great Uncle Us said, leaving for the Great Hall and ruffling Timothy's hair on the way.
Timothy's father glanced at Darian and raised his eyebrows at Timothy.
"Oh. Hey, er… Darian, can you give us a minute?" Timothy asked quickly.
"Huh?" Darian was still staring at Timothy's father. Timothy shot him an annoyed look and Darian snapped out of it, nodding meekly and leaving, glancing back every few steps to stare back at them. When he was out of sight, Timothy's father took him by the shoulder and they found some chairs to sit down in the corridor.
"So, what was it that was so important?" He asked.
"Well, it's a long story." Timothy nervously tapped his foot.
"Emm… well, give me the abridged version."
Timothy glanced around to make sure they were alone, then sighed, and started quickly at the beginning. His father stared intently at him, his face expressionless the whole time. When Timothy reached the part where Smith offered him lessons, his father stopped him.
"I see… I understand."
"What?" Timothy asked.
"You've got yourself another Malfoy." He answered bitterly, looking away. "My own father had Snape, I had Malfoy, and now it appears you have yourself a school nemesis too. This Smith person is jealous and thirsty for power, so, he's against you because you're popular."
"I figured that. But dad, there's something else."
"What?"
"Smith has this unusual grudge against a Hufflepuff too. She's a first year like me, only a little smaller. She knows something important, and whenever she tries to tell me what it is, Smith always shows up and she's frightened stiff. He won't allow her to tell me whatever it is. She almost did, in the library, but all I got out of her was that I was in danger… involving Smith… and something about an offender."
His father stared at him a moment, considering him.
"Hmm… that doesn't make sense. He's up to something. Is that the only thing he's been doing that's more than unusual?"
Timothy bit his lip. Should he tell him about the passageway?
"I told you about the map you gave me. Well, we saw Smith in one of the hidden passageways… you know, the one behind the suit of armor. We… er… we sorta went to investigate one day when he wasn't there. Just to see what he did in there. All we found was a giant boulder blocking the passage halfway, and then on the map we noticed that Smith was not on Hogwarts grounds… when only just minutes before he was in the library."
"Are you, Darian, and John the only ones who have noticed how Smith's been acting?"
"I think Professors Visser and Jackson suspect him of doing something, especially Professor Visser. Smith did something to him, altered his memory with a memory charm. Visser saw Smith come out of the passageway, and Smith caught him. The memory charm didn't have full effect, because Professor Visser put up a warding charm, but too late to block it entirely. He feels he doesn't have enough evidence to blame him for anything and tell Dumbledore."
"How do you know all this?" His father asked, half-suspicious, half-proud.
Timothy blushed, shuffling his feet.
"We overheard them talking in front of the suit of armor, just before we went inside it."
They fell silent, Timothy watching his father nervously for a reaction. He seemed to be discussing something in his mind, then stood up.
"I'll have a chat with Professors Visser and Jackson before I leave. Then I'll talk to Dumbledore. Don't worry," He added seeing Timothy grow pale with the thought of getting in trouble. "I won't tell them everything. I just want to know their views on this Taku guy. Then I'll check with the Circle. Your Great Uncle should have some insight, and your mother I'm sure will help."
Timothy nodded, getting up himself, and walked with his father to the main staircase. The bell for the first afternoon class rung, and Timothy ran his hand shakily through his hair. People began to trickle out of the Great Hall, but stopped abruptly, pointing and shouting.
"Look! It's Harry Potter!"
"Really? Let me see!"
"Get me my quill! I want his autograph!"
"Do I look alright?"
"Shut up, Ashley, he's married, remember?"
"Oh right."
Timothy's father smiled quickly, then looked down at Timothy.
"I need to go before I'm flooded like a Muggle movie star. I'll come see you before your Great Uncle and I leave, alright?"
Timothy nodded, just as people began pushing up to him. His father waved at everyone… and so quickly Timothy thought he used some sort of spell, he disappeared up the stairs and out of sight before anyone could catch him. Sighing deeply, Darian nearly crashing into him as the flood of students bustled past them, Timothy went to get his school things and get to his next class.
For the rest of the day, Darian bugged Timothy relentlessly for news about his conversation with his dad. John would say nothing, but key his eyes up to look at them both with interest. Timothy grew annoyed, his mind wanting nothing more but to focus on what his father would do, and all he would tell Darian was that his father would tell him before he left.
Sure enough, just before Timothy, John, and Darian went up to Gryffindor Tower to turn in for the night, Timothy's father and Great Uncle came walking swiftly towards them.
"Well boys, something definitely is going on. I'm going to take it up with the Ministry and the rest of the Circle. If anything more happens, send Windstone. Otherwise, Timothy, your mother and I are going on assignment."
Timothy nodded, feeling relieved that both his parents will be taking care of this matter and now he won't have to worry about it anymore. Darian looked excited, but John had an expression of helplessness. Timothy's father noticed, and he turned to him.
"I take it that you're John. What's troubling you?"
John stared at him long and hard for a moment, then looked away and shook his head.
"Nothing."
Timothy and Darian glanced worriedly at John, then back at the two aurors.
"We better go Harry. Renee's expecting you and Cott's been mailing me all week over the last sighting of a Grim. You take care of yourself Timothy, we'll keep in touch." Timothy's Great Uncle Us said, hugging him briefly then walking off down the corridor.
Timothy's father smiled feebly and took him in a long hug. They parted and his father ruffled his hair. He looked down at him sternly however and took his shoulder.
"Don't do anything stupid. No risks. I don't like this Smith fellow, and I don't want you crossing his line. That goes for the two of you too," He added, looking over to Darian and John. "Stay alert, but don't do anything that'll attract Smith's attention. Let us aurors take care of it."
With a last hug, Timothy watched his father wave and walk quickly to join up with his Great Uncle. The front doors boomed closed and Timothy, looking longingly at where his father left, followed Darian and John up to Gryffindor Tower.
Winter changed into spring, and absolutely nothing happened. Timothy kept in touch with his parents, but they had no more news than he had. Timothy made every effort to stay out of view from Smith, but always glancing just enough to see what he was doing… but despite Smith's behavior earlier in the school year, Smith acted like his normal pompous self. Luna, on the other hand, Timothy hardly saw at all. She avoided him at all costs, and suddenly, she was no longer in Herbology class.
"Why isn't Luna Dine coming to class, Professor?" Timothy asked Professor Zan.
"She has dropped the subject under special permission from the headmaster." The professor snipped a Zimph plant distractedly.
"Why?!" Timothy barked. Herbology was a general course, required to graduate. How could Dumbledore let anyone drop the class?
Professor Zan dropped his shears and turned hotly to Timothy, staring at him with exasperation.
"That is not your concern, Mr. Potter. Now you better help Mr. Hall with his Zimph stems or he'll be sporting shorter limbs!"
Timothy turned to see Darian, his face tight with surprised fright as he wiggled the flesh-eating plant around the table- the plant snapping furiously while Darian attempted to tie the several purple stems together. However, he was not getting anything accomplished except drawing the whole class's attention and clearing all the supplies off the work table as he swung the plant in it's pot around like mad. John was standing off to the side, a distant look on his face. He had been acting that way ever since they returned from the winter holidays, and always avoiding answering questions about what was wrong. Timothy gave up with Professor Zan and went to help Darian, grabbing the pot and pressing a place on the exposed roots which calmed the blood-thirsty thrashing of the purple Zimph plant.
"This class is going to see the end of me, I promise you that." Darian muttered angrily as he finally tied the stems together.
"Luna dropped the class." Timothy said suddenly.
Darian stared at Timothy, then glanced back at John. John looked indifferent, seeing it safe to come back to the table.
"Why?" Darian asked, beginning to clip again.
Timothy shrugged.
"Zan won't say. But I have a feeling why."
"We need to tell your dad."
"We need to ask Dumbledore." Timothy countered, crossing his arms.
"Timothy's right," John spoke suddenly, making both Timothy and Darian drop their arms. "We need to confront Dumbledore. If the aurors are in on this, so would Dumbledore."
The following Saturday, they used the Marauder's Map to locate Eian Dumbledore's office. Timothy couldn't remember where it was located, because the last time he was there, he was too worried to pay attention to the exact directions to get there. However, as they approached the stone gargoyle guarding the door, Professor Slimak suddenly appeared behind them.
"What are you three doing here?" She asked sternly, but calmly.
Timothy hastily stuffed the Marauder's Map into his robe pocket before she could see.
"We wish to talk to the Headmaster." John answered politely.
Professor Slimak shook her head.
"I'm sorry boys, but the Headmaster is out on business for the weekend. Could I be of help?"
Their shoulders sagged, and they shook their heads.
"Well, run along then."
"What now?" Darian growled, arms crossed as the three of them made their way down the main staircase.
"I don't know anymore." Timothy said helplessly.
"Darian, that's impossible." John said abruptly. Timothy and Darian stopped.
"What's impossible? I didn't say anything."
John looked at him a minute and the next his eyes were wide like dinner plates and his mouth groped for words.
"I… I… I… sorry… I-I thought you did. Never mind." He continued walking. Timothy and Darian glanced at each other. Darian's face was growing with suspicion.
"How could he have known…?" Darian whispered to himself.
"What?" Timothy asked.
He shook his head, but glanced up at John with intent wonder. Timothy was about to ask again, when he bumped into John.
"Hey!"
John had nearly walked into an adult they had never met before. She was a very pretty woman and most likely a professor. The professor had turned to them and was smiling most particularly at John. After a moment, John jumped. He backed up from her, shaking his head and stopped a yard behind Timothy and Darian.
The professor turned her attention to them, her smile broadening at Timothy.
"I meet a shadow of the past through the eyes of the present. An honor to greet you at last, Timothy Potter."
Timothy said nothing, only nodding slightly. The professor turned to Darian.
"Darian Hall, nice to meet you."
"How'd you know our names?" Darian blurted out.
She laughed.
"Well, there's no contest as to who Timothy is. But, Darian, you should know. You told me your name yourself."
Timothy and Darian looked at each other, puzzled.
"No I didn't."
"My name is Professor Peacecraft. I'm the Divination professor. I knew your father, Timothy. You need to tell him how proud I am of him for discovering his purpose. I didn't get a chance to see him the last time he was in the castle. But I could feel him when he was here… and he has concern for you."
"How do you…-?"
"I'm an empath. I can feel emotions and thoughts from others. It's something you're born with. The last time I saw Harry Potter, I was five years old… the year Hogwarts was host to all the magical children in Britain. I was in his group, he was a Prefect and in charge of us. Your father has a special form of empathy, since he is an Etam Luos… I helped him find your mother, Timothy."
Before anything else was said, she looked back over to John, who was looking pale.
"If you wouldn't mind, John. I'd like to speak with you in my office for a while."
John, at first, didn't move. But after his eyes made contact with Professor Peacecraft's, he nodded feebly and stepped forward. Professor Peacecraft then smiled at Darian and Timothy.
"I'll return him to you. Don't worry, he's not in trouble." She took John's shoulder and led him into her office, closing the door. Timothy and Darian just stood there, staring at the door, then finally moving down the corridor.
"What was that all about?" Darian whispered.
Nearly half an hour past before the door to Professor Peacecraft's office opened and John appeared. His expression was that of deep thought as he approached Timothy and Darian. Timothy was only just beginning to think of speaking before John raised his hand.
"I'll… I'll tell you later." He whispered, and with that, he left without looking back towards Gryffindor Tower.
Timothy and Darian found John later that evening, hidden in the shadow of a far corner in the Gryffindor common room. They approached him cautiously, and when he did not acknowledge them, Timothy pulled a chair over for himself.
"John…?" He asked quietly, Darian following his lead.
"It's nothing you've done." John whispered suddenly.
Timothy didn't react, but Darian did.
"Ok! That's it! How're you doing that?! Huh? How do you know- what… I'm… thinking?" Darian trailed off in realization, looking at Timothy. Timothy stared at his eyes, then his own widened in understanding. He looked to John, who began to nod.
"I thought that if you knew what I was… that you would want to stay away from me. Like my family." John muttered sadly.
"Why does your family want to stay away from you?" Timothy asked.
"Because, before I was born, an empath prophesized the death of my older brother. Empaths don't normally predict the future, so my parents were skeptical. They didn't take the warning seriously. One month before I was born, my brother went out with a friend. A friend the empath foretold that would be his downfall. My parents knew the family, a respectable one, so the boy couldn't possibly be dangerous." John sighed, his eyes beginning to grow glossy. "That boy was a Death Eater. The empath's prophecy came true.
"As soon as I could speak full sentences, the signs of my abilities as an empath were visible. My parents couldn't handle it. They blamed the empath for the death of their first son. So I was taught not to use my abilities, and punished if I ever used them. It's almost as if they blame me too."
Timothy didn't know what to say. For a few moments, no one said a thing, the common room silent as students went up to bed.
"Is that why you were hesitant in wanting to go home for Christmas?" Darian asked quietly.
"And why you weren't happy when you saw them?" Timothy added.
John nodded, sniffling a little.
"I've been hiding my abilities ever since I walked onto the Hogwarts Express. I let it slip earlier, to you Darian. Professor Peacecraft knew what I was and spoke to me telepathically. That's why I was afraid. But she told me that it was alright to use my powers… that I should. If I keep them suppressed for too long, there can be some bad side effects."
Timothy thought a moment.
"John, if you've been an empath all this time, have you known all along what Smith and Luna have been up to?"
John shook his head sadly.
"My powers haven't been trained. I can only feel those who are directly next to me. Smith has never been close enough for me to know exactly what is on his mind. But I do know that he's associated with the Dark Arts. I haven't been close to Luna at all since after she started acting strange."
"What are we going to do?" Darian said helplessly.
"I'll tell you what you're going to do. You're going to go to your dorm. Now."
They all jumped. Taku Smith, his eyes glaring at all three of them, was standing darkly against the light of the fireplace. Timothy felt his heart race twice it's normal pace, afraid that Smith overheard something. They got up and began to leave the corner… much too afraid to even look at Smith. But Timothy suddenly got an idea. He looked imploringly at John, who immediately understood. John made his way to walk past Smith, brushing against him slightly.
"Watch it Stanton!" Smith barked, recoiling and wiping off his robes like John dirtied them.
John looked directly into Smith's eyes and held them there for a fraction of a second. Then he went to follow Timothy and Darian up the stairs and into their dorm… Smith watching them intently with his arms crossed.
"Well?!" Timothy whispered once the door was closed.
"We need to get behind that boulder. And I know how."
Darian grinned excitedly.
"Oh yeah baby! We've got a date with one bad boulder!"
A/N: Well, how was this one 'huh? We're reaching the climax as our three heros venture back to confront the annoying giant blocking boulder. What will they find lurking behind it? Will Smith find out that they're onto him? Where's Luna? How will the pieces of the puzzle fit together at the end? Do I even know the answers to these questions? I guess I'll find out. Heheh.
With half-days and vacation starting Thursday, expect chapter eleven up early. Well, maybe maybe not.
Hey... guess what? I'm now a part of Alohamora.com's Harry Potter Fanfiction Writers Association. There will soon be a link at RENEE'S SITE:
http://www.theworldofreneepotter.disneyfansites.com
It has new fan art and stuff! Including the title to my upcoming 1-part fic!
'Yall are cool, you know that?! Your reviews ROCK! So, keep 'em coming! ::smiles broadly::
I got a Celtic CD and now I have a sudden urge to do a jig or something. Hmm... well, I've square danced to BMX before at the homcoming dance. So I guess I wouldn't look too odd, considering I've never danced a jig before. Oh don't mind me, I've been stressed to the max THANKS TO ALGEBRA2! Let's all put our hands together for Mr. Arterburn for putting together an exam that you can't possibly complete in two hours! There you go, my infamous rambling. I'm gonna go now. REVIEW! hahah... caught ya! Thought you would get out of here before reviewing.. did you? ::giggles like mad then takes another swig of Hawaian Punch::
~OrcaPotter
DISCLAIMER: ::flops head first onto computer desk:: I disclaim... ::snores::
Chapter Ten: John's Secret
It was as if September the first was repeating itself again as Timothy stood before his family at Platform 9 and ¾ after the winter holidays. While the apprehension of "first day jitters" was absent, there was something nagging Timothy at the back of his mind as his father helped him load his trunk onto the Hogwarts Express. As he checked to make sure he had everything, his eyes fell upon the Marauder's Map he had brought home for safe keeping and it suddenly dawned on him.
"Dad!" He cried, just as the train whistle blew.
"What is it?" His father asked, while his mother soothed a somber Kalina.
"I just remembered something I wanted to ask you!" Timothy said quickly, being jostled around as kids hurried to get on the train.
Looking desperately around, his father turned back to him and looked at him apologetically.
"Write me as soon as you can, send Windstone. You need to get on the train, it's just about to leave."
"I would rather talk to you in person." Timothy whined as his father hugged him goodbye. They pulled apart and his father looked down at him, concentrating hard.
"I'll see what I can do. Right now, you have to leave."
Just then, Darian suddenly appeared behind Timothy and he grabbed his shirt collar just as the train began to move.
"Come on!"
"Bye Timothy! Behave yourself… and WRITE HOME!" Timothy's mother cried, waving.
Timothy nodded as he was pulled inside by Darian, and quickly moved to the compartment window to see his sister running to keep up with the train. He waved at her, and she finally gave up, waving back feebly.
"Did Jeff come back with you?" Darian asked happily, sitting down beside him.
Timothy looked at him, and noticed for the first time since he got on the train that John was sitting in the far corner. His tall stature was slouched and he looked particularly glum.
"Hey John. How was your holiday?"
John slowly looked up at them and shrugged.
"Uneventful." And he looked down at his feet again, saying no more.
Timothy glanced at Darian, who shrugged as well and gave him a "no clue" expression.
"You didn't answer my question: did you bring Jeff?" Darian repeated.
Timothy grinned.
"Yes." He said slowly, reaching into his pocket.
Before he had left home, Timothy's whole family had an in depth discussion on Jeff and whether or not he could return to Hogwarts. Jeff insisted that he should, but wanted permission to stay with Timothy in the boy's dorm. This was too risky, but Jeff threatened to burn something if he had to stay with Echolocata Whisper another minute. His parents managed to make a compromise with him, and using Renee Potter's innovative magic, Jeff was now able to accompany Timothy anywhere he wanted!
"Wha'dja do to him!?" Darian gasped, smiling and on the brink of laughter as Timothy pulled out a palm-sized yellow dragon.
"I don't want to hear one word out of you!" Jeff squeaked with a voice of a chipmunk, pointing a threatening claw up at Darian.
Both Timothy and Darian broke out into giggles as Jeff's miniaturized self scuttled impatiently on Timothy's hand.
"It's not funny! I may be small, but I can still burn your little fingers!" Jeff squeaked hotly.
"My… my fingers aren't that small anymore." Timothy managed to say between giggling.
Jeff reared up onto his hind legs, resting his forelegs on his hips, then took a deep breath. A shot of flame snorted out of his nose and Timothy yelped, dropping Jeff.
"Hey!" Timothy cried, no longer giggling and sticking the burnt finger in his mouth. Jeff pulled himself up off of the floor.
"Would you mind not dropping me to my death? Landing face first and smashing my entire body into oblivion is not my idea of a good time!" Jeff was hardly audible from the floor. Timothy picked him up.
"Don't do that again." He muttered, pocketing Jeff. Angry yelps and kicking issued from inside his pocket, but Timothy ignored him.
"How was your Christmas, Darian?" Timothy asked, changing the subject.
"It was great! Dad did get me a new broom. I spent a lot of the time practicing than anything else."
Timothy was about to ask John, but seeing his tall friend's gloomy face reminded him that he already had. He was about to ask what went wrong, when Darian distracted him again.
"So?"
"So what?" Timothy blinked at him.
"So, did you talk with your parents about what could be up with Smith?" Darian barked.
"No… I completely forgot until I was just getting on to the train. I managed to tell dad I need to ask him something, but the train was leaving and there was no time."
Darian looked at him scornfully, but his eyes were distracted back at the window.
"What's that?" He pointed.
Timothy turned to see a white blur trying to keep level with their compartment window. He flew it open and landing roughly on his lap was his father's owl.
"Hedwig?" Timothy pulled the old snowy owl level to his face. She let out an exhausted hoot, holding out her leg which held a letter. He took it from her, then set her inside Windstone's cage, where Windstone let her drink. Timothy curiously opened the letter.
"It's from my dad." He said aloud, jumping slightly as John had suddenly appeared at his side, peering at the letter. "He and my Great Uncle will be visiting Hogwarts on business with Dumbledore a week from today. He'll find some time to talk with me then."
"What business could he be doing? Isn't he an auror? Why would he need to meet with Dumbledore?" Darian asked.
"Dumbledore is in close relations with Mr. Weasley, the Minister of Magic. They must be on assignment. Mostly, my dad and my uncle go around investigating uses of dark magic. There's nothing serious anymore, like You-Know-Who, but there are still people out there who are stupid enough to try out some illegal things. There could be any number of different reasons why they're coming to Hogwarts." Timothy answered, folding the letter up and putting it into his other pocket.
John finally spoke, his voice dry.
"Should we take your father down to see the passageway and the rock itself?"
Timothy thought a moment, looking to Darian, who looked back at him with an equal expression.
"We would get in trouble." Timothy said, uncertainly.
"Trouble? Your dad gave you his map! For all we know, he could have been in that same passageway a hundred times when he was at Hogwarts! If anyone knows how to banish a three ton boulder out of the way, it would be him!" Darian threw his hands up in the air.
"But only his dad and his two uncles know about the map. If it was discovered, all of us could get in trouble." John agreed with Timothy quietly, looking calmly at Darian.
"Oh come on! Tell me, who would punish Harry Potter and his friends for something they did a long time ago? Besides! Who would care how we discovered the passage when we reveal what Smith's been doing behind that boulder? Forget about getting in trouble, think of how famous we'll be for revealing Smith!
"Speaking of boulders; John, did you find anything in any book that could help us move that boulder in case we can't get his dad down there?"
"No." He replied, turning away. Darian stared at him, open mouthed. He gave up and looked back pleadingly at Timothy.
"Think of it as revenge, Timothy. Think of what Smith did to you! Don't you want to get him back for it?"
Timothy looked at him, considering his words. It would be nice to get back at Smith, but he remembered something his parents once told him about revenge. Wanting revenge breeds hatred in your heart, until it drives you mad, finally leaving you as an empty shell once it has been fulfilled. It is better simply to wait, for your foes will eventually pay the price they have taken from you. He finally shook his head.
"I'll tell dad about the way Smith has been acting, both toward Luna and toward me. But I won't tell him about the boulder."
Darian gasped, flabbergasted at Timothy and narrowed his eyes. He said nothing more for the rest of the trip back to Hogwarts. The compartment was silent; John stared at the floor the whole time, seemingly lost in deep thought. Darian looked angrily out the window, never looking back, while Timothy simply stared ahead and deliberated in his mind on whether or not he made the right decision.
I have a whole week to make up my mind, if I want to tell dad about everything. He thought to himself.
The weather was grim during the first few days of lessons. It wasn't a very pleasant atmosphere, and it made Timothy feel more apprehensible toward his conversation with his father at the end of that week. Darian acted real smug towards both him and John, while John himself simply stayed silent and chose not to involve himself any further. It was all up to Timothy, and it made him feel even worse without his usual support.
"Don't worry about it," John muttered to him at dinner on Thursday, seeing Timothy gloomily playing with his creamed corn. "I'm sure your dad can sort it all out. Then we can stop worrying about stupid Smith." However, there was doubt in John's voice and he said nothing further on the subject.
Rumors spread somehow, like rumors did at Hogwarts, that the famous Harry Potter would be coming to the castle. Numerous people asking if they could get autographs or even meet his father in person often confronted Timothy. He would simply shake his head and push himself through. Only, it started to dawn on Timothy that the only people he had yet to bump into were Luna Dine and Taku Smith. In fact, he hadn't seen them since he arrived back at Hogwarts. On Friday morning, Timothy mentioned this to Darian, even though they had not spoken since they got off the Hogwart's Express.
"Smith could have Luna tied to a stake and be dancing around her like an Indian, hooting and hollering right now, behind that boulder. But I know you're reluctant to do anything about it, so I don't know why you care." Darian said smugly.
Timothy scowled, annoyed beyond control at that point.
"Oh come off it will you?! The least you could do right now is to put off your dreams of being glorified and look at things logically!" Timothy half growled, half shouted.
Darian blinked at him.
"Alright Aristotle, we'll do it your way. But if we eventually find Luna hexed into a salami sandwich and see Smith raising the dead behind that boulder, don't blame me."
Darian became more sensible by that afternoon, rehearsing with Timothy about what Timothy would tell his father. By noon, Timothy, with Darian looking at him cross armed and leaning against the main corridor, impatiently paced up and down. Deep-voiced conversation that he could only recognize as his uncles and his father, Timothy stumbled to the foot of the main staircase to greet them.
"Dad!" He cried, smiling for the first time that day.
His father came into view, beaming, with his Great Uncle Us and Uncle Lupin behind him. They ran to each other, and his father practically picked him up in a tight embrace.
"Hey! There you are!" He cried, Timothy's uncles coming to stand beside them smiling. His father put him down and placed a hand warmly on his shoulder. "How's Uncle Lupin treating you, 'eh?"
Timothy grinned.
"His is the best class!"
Lupin blushed, Timothy's Great Uncle Us punching him in the shoulder. Timothy's father smiled knowingly, nodding at Lupin.
"That I believe, no doubts there."
By then, Darian had wandered awestruck to stand by Timothy, staring at his father.
"This must be Darian; hello there." Timothy's father offered his hand.
Darian, completely mute with admiration, stuck out his hand and shook it slowly.
"H-hello." He whispered timidly.
Timothy grinned slyly at Darian, his friend no longer had the cocky attitude he had earlier once face-to-face with his father.
Harry Potter sighed through his nose, used to Darian's expression.
"I have some papers to grade, Harry, so I must get going." Lupin sighed. Timothy's father nodded and hugged him briefly. Lupin smiled at Timothy, hugged his Great Uncle Us, and left back up the stairs.
"I understand you two want to talk. I'll just go see if I can grab a bite in the Great Hall." Great Uncle Us said, leaving for the Great Hall and ruffling Timothy's hair on the way.
Timothy's father glanced at Darian and raised his eyebrows at Timothy.
"Oh. Hey, er… Darian, can you give us a minute?" Timothy asked quickly.
"Huh?" Darian was still staring at Timothy's father. Timothy shot him an annoyed look and Darian snapped out of it, nodding meekly and leaving, glancing back every few steps to stare back at them. When he was out of sight, Timothy's father took him by the shoulder and they found some chairs to sit down in the corridor.
"So, what was it that was so important?" He asked.
"Well, it's a long story." Timothy nervously tapped his foot.
"Emm… well, give me the abridged version."
Timothy glanced around to make sure they were alone, then sighed, and started quickly at the beginning. His father stared intently at him, his face expressionless the whole time. When Timothy reached the part where Smith offered him lessons, his father stopped him.
"I see… I understand."
"What?" Timothy asked.
"You've got yourself another Malfoy." He answered bitterly, looking away. "My own father had Snape, I had Malfoy, and now it appears you have yourself a school nemesis too. This Smith person is jealous and thirsty for power, so, he's against you because you're popular."
"I figured that. But dad, there's something else."
"What?"
"Smith has this unusual grudge against a Hufflepuff too. She's a first year like me, only a little smaller. She knows something important, and whenever she tries to tell me what it is, Smith always shows up and she's frightened stiff. He won't allow her to tell me whatever it is. She almost did, in the library, but all I got out of her was that I was in danger… involving Smith… and something about an offender."
His father stared at him a moment, considering him.
"Hmm… that doesn't make sense. He's up to something. Is that the only thing he's been doing that's more than unusual?"
Timothy bit his lip. Should he tell him about the passageway?
"I told you about the map you gave me. Well, we saw Smith in one of the hidden passageways… you know, the one behind the suit of armor. We… er… we sorta went to investigate one day when he wasn't there. Just to see what he did in there. All we found was a giant boulder blocking the passage halfway, and then on the map we noticed that Smith was not on Hogwarts grounds… when only just minutes before he was in the library."
"Are you, Darian, and John the only ones who have noticed how Smith's been acting?"
"I think Professors Visser and Jackson suspect him of doing something, especially Professor Visser. Smith did something to him, altered his memory with a memory charm. Visser saw Smith come out of the passageway, and Smith caught him. The memory charm didn't have full effect, because Professor Visser put up a warding charm, but too late to block it entirely. He feels he doesn't have enough evidence to blame him for anything and tell Dumbledore."
"How do you know all this?" His father asked, half-suspicious, half-proud.
Timothy blushed, shuffling his feet.
"We overheard them talking in front of the suit of armor, just before we went inside it."
They fell silent, Timothy watching his father nervously for a reaction. He seemed to be discussing something in his mind, then stood up.
"I'll have a chat with Professors Visser and Jackson before I leave. Then I'll talk to Dumbledore. Don't worry," He added seeing Timothy grow pale with the thought of getting in trouble. "I won't tell them everything. I just want to know their views on this Taku guy. Then I'll check with the Circle. Your Great Uncle should have some insight, and your mother I'm sure will help."
Timothy nodded, getting up himself, and walked with his father to the main staircase. The bell for the first afternoon class rung, and Timothy ran his hand shakily through his hair. People began to trickle out of the Great Hall, but stopped abruptly, pointing and shouting.
"Look! It's Harry Potter!"
"Really? Let me see!"
"Get me my quill! I want his autograph!"
"Do I look alright?"
"Shut up, Ashley, he's married, remember?"
"Oh right."
Timothy's father smiled quickly, then looked down at Timothy.
"I need to go before I'm flooded like a Muggle movie star. I'll come see you before your Great Uncle and I leave, alright?"
Timothy nodded, just as people began pushing up to him. His father waved at everyone… and so quickly Timothy thought he used some sort of spell, he disappeared up the stairs and out of sight before anyone could catch him. Sighing deeply, Darian nearly crashing into him as the flood of students bustled past them, Timothy went to get his school things and get to his next class.
For the rest of the day, Darian bugged Timothy relentlessly for news about his conversation with his dad. John would say nothing, but key his eyes up to look at them both with interest. Timothy grew annoyed, his mind wanting nothing more but to focus on what his father would do, and all he would tell Darian was that his father would tell him before he left.
Sure enough, just before Timothy, John, and Darian went up to Gryffindor Tower to turn in for the night, Timothy's father and Great Uncle came walking swiftly towards them.
"Well boys, something definitely is going on. I'm going to take it up with the Ministry and the rest of the Circle. If anything more happens, send Windstone. Otherwise, Timothy, your mother and I are going on assignment."
Timothy nodded, feeling relieved that both his parents will be taking care of this matter and now he won't have to worry about it anymore. Darian looked excited, but John had an expression of helplessness. Timothy's father noticed, and he turned to him.
"I take it that you're John. What's troubling you?"
John stared at him long and hard for a moment, then looked away and shook his head.
"Nothing."
Timothy and Darian glanced worriedly at John, then back at the two aurors.
"We better go Harry. Renee's expecting you and Cott's been mailing me all week over the last sighting of a Grim. You take care of yourself Timothy, we'll keep in touch." Timothy's Great Uncle Us said, hugging him briefly then walking off down the corridor.
Timothy's father smiled feebly and took him in a long hug. They parted and his father ruffled his hair. He looked down at him sternly however and took his shoulder.
"Don't do anything stupid. No risks. I don't like this Smith fellow, and I don't want you crossing his line. That goes for the two of you too," He added, looking over to Darian and John. "Stay alert, but don't do anything that'll attract Smith's attention. Let us aurors take care of it."
With a last hug, Timothy watched his father wave and walk quickly to join up with his Great Uncle. The front doors boomed closed and Timothy, looking longingly at where his father left, followed Darian and John up to Gryffindor Tower.
Winter changed into spring, and absolutely nothing happened. Timothy kept in touch with his parents, but they had no more news than he had. Timothy made every effort to stay out of view from Smith, but always glancing just enough to see what he was doing… but despite Smith's behavior earlier in the school year, Smith acted like his normal pompous self. Luna, on the other hand, Timothy hardly saw at all. She avoided him at all costs, and suddenly, she was no longer in Herbology class.
"Why isn't Luna Dine coming to class, Professor?" Timothy asked Professor Zan.
"She has dropped the subject under special permission from the headmaster." The professor snipped a Zimph plant distractedly.
"Why?!" Timothy barked. Herbology was a general course, required to graduate. How could Dumbledore let anyone drop the class?
Professor Zan dropped his shears and turned hotly to Timothy, staring at him with exasperation.
"That is not your concern, Mr. Potter. Now you better help Mr. Hall with his Zimph stems or he'll be sporting shorter limbs!"
Timothy turned to see Darian, his face tight with surprised fright as he wiggled the flesh-eating plant around the table- the plant snapping furiously while Darian attempted to tie the several purple stems together. However, he was not getting anything accomplished except drawing the whole class's attention and clearing all the supplies off the work table as he swung the plant in it's pot around like mad. John was standing off to the side, a distant look on his face. He had been acting that way ever since they returned from the winter holidays, and always avoiding answering questions about what was wrong. Timothy gave up with Professor Zan and went to help Darian, grabbing the pot and pressing a place on the exposed roots which calmed the blood-thirsty thrashing of the purple Zimph plant.
"This class is going to see the end of me, I promise you that." Darian muttered angrily as he finally tied the stems together.
"Luna dropped the class." Timothy said suddenly.
Darian stared at Timothy, then glanced back at John. John looked indifferent, seeing it safe to come back to the table.
"Why?" Darian asked, beginning to clip again.
Timothy shrugged.
"Zan won't say. But I have a feeling why."
"We need to tell your dad."
"We need to ask Dumbledore." Timothy countered, crossing his arms.
"Timothy's right," John spoke suddenly, making both Timothy and Darian drop their arms. "We need to confront Dumbledore. If the aurors are in on this, so would Dumbledore."
The following Saturday, they used the Marauder's Map to locate Eian Dumbledore's office. Timothy couldn't remember where it was located, because the last time he was there, he was too worried to pay attention to the exact directions to get there. However, as they approached the stone gargoyle guarding the door, Professor Slimak suddenly appeared behind them.
"What are you three doing here?" She asked sternly, but calmly.
Timothy hastily stuffed the Marauder's Map into his robe pocket before she could see.
"We wish to talk to the Headmaster." John answered politely.
Professor Slimak shook her head.
"I'm sorry boys, but the Headmaster is out on business for the weekend. Could I be of help?"
Their shoulders sagged, and they shook their heads.
"Well, run along then."
"What now?" Darian growled, arms crossed as the three of them made their way down the main staircase.
"I don't know anymore." Timothy said helplessly.
"Darian, that's impossible." John said abruptly. Timothy and Darian stopped.
"What's impossible? I didn't say anything."
John looked at him a minute and the next his eyes were wide like dinner plates and his mouth groped for words.
"I… I… I… sorry… I-I thought you did. Never mind." He continued walking. Timothy and Darian glanced at each other. Darian's face was growing with suspicion.
"How could he have known…?" Darian whispered to himself.
"What?" Timothy asked.
He shook his head, but glanced up at John with intent wonder. Timothy was about to ask again, when he bumped into John.
"Hey!"
John had nearly walked into an adult they had never met before. She was a very pretty woman and most likely a professor. The professor had turned to them and was smiling most particularly at John. After a moment, John jumped. He backed up from her, shaking his head and stopped a yard behind Timothy and Darian.
The professor turned her attention to them, her smile broadening at Timothy.
"I meet a shadow of the past through the eyes of the present. An honor to greet you at last, Timothy Potter."
Timothy said nothing, only nodding slightly. The professor turned to Darian.
"Darian Hall, nice to meet you."
"How'd you know our names?" Darian blurted out.
She laughed.
"Well, there's no contest as to who Timothy is. But, Darian, you should know. You told me your name yourself."
Timothy and Darian looked at each other, puzzled.
"No I didn't."
"My name is Professor Peacecraft. I'm the Divination professor. I knew your father, Timothy. You need to tell him how proud I am of him for discovering his purpose. I didn't get a chance to see him the last time he was in the castle. But I could feel him when he was here… and he has concern for you."
"How do you…-?"
"I'm an empath. I can feel emotions and thoughts from others. It's something you're born with. The last time I saw Harry Potter, I was five years old… the year Hogwarts was host to all the magical children in Britain. I was in his group, he was a Prefect and in charge of us. Your father has a special form of empathy, since he is an Etam Luos… I helped him find your mother, Timothy."
Before anything else was said, she looked back over to John, who was looking pale.
"If you wouldn't mind, John. I'd like to speak with you in my office for a while."
John, at first, didn't move. But after his eyes made contact with Professor Peacecraft's, he nodded feebly and stepped forward. Professor Peacecraft then smiled at Darian and Timothy.
"I'll return him to you. Don't worry, he's not in trouble." She took John's shoulder and led him into her office, closing the door. Timothy and Darian just stood there, staring at the door, then finally moving down the corridor.
"What was that all about?" Darian whispered.
Nearly half an hour past before the door to Professor Peacecraft's office opened and John appeared. His expression was that of deep thought as he approached Timothy and Darian. Timothy was only just beginning to think of speaking before John raised his hand.
"I'll… I'll tell you later." He whispered, and with that, he left without looking back towards Gryffindor Tower.
Timothy and Darian found John later that evening, hidden in the shadow of a far corner in the Gryffindor common room. They approached him cautiously, and when he did not acknowledge them, Timothy pulled a chair over for himself.
"John…?" He asked quietly, Darian following his lead.
"It's nothing you've done." John whispered suddenly.
Timothy didn't react, but Darian did.
"Ok! That's it! How're you doing that?! Huh? How do you know- what… I'm… thinking?" Darian trailed off in realization, looking at Timothy. Timothy stared at his eyes, then his own widened in understanding. He looked to John, who began to nod.
"I thought that if you knew what I was… that you would want to stay away from me. Like my family." John muttered sadly.
"Why does your family want to stay away from you?" Timothy asked.
"Because, before I was born, an empath prophesized the death of my older brother. Empaths don't normally predict the future, so my parents were skeptical. They didn't take the warning seriously. One month before I was born, my brother went out with a friend. A friend the empath foretold that would be his downfall. My parents knew the family, a respectable one, so the boy couldn't possibly be dangerous." John sighed, his eyes beginning to grow glossy. "That boy was a Death Eater. The empath's prophecy came true.
"As soon as I could speak full sentences, the signs of my abilities as an empath were visible. My parents couldn't handle it. They blamed the empath for the death of their first son. So I was taught not to use my abilities, and punished if I ever used them. It's almost as if they blame me too."
Timothy didn't know what to say. For a few moments, no one said a thing, the common room silent as students went up to bed.
"Is that why you were hesitant in wanting to go home for Christmas?" Darian asked quietly.
"And why you weren't happy when you saw them?" Timothy added.
John nodded, sniffling a little.
"I've been hiding my abilities ever since I walked onto the Hogwarts Express. I let it slip earlier, to you Darian. Professor Peacecraft knew what I was and spoke to me telepathically. That's why I was afraid. But she told me that it was alright to use my powers… that I should. If I keep them suppressed for too long, there can be some bad side effects."
Timothy thought a moment.
"John, if you've been an empath all this time, have you known all along what Smith and Luna have been up to?"
John shook his head sadly.
"My powers haven't been trained. I can only feel those who are directly next to me. Smith has never been close enough for me to know exactly what is on his mind. But I do know that he's associated with the Dark Arts. I haven't been close to Luna at all since after she started acting strange."
"What are we going to do?" Darian said helplessly.
"I'll tell you what you're going to do. You're going to go to your dorm. Now."
They all jumped. Taku Smith, his eyes glaring at all three of them, was standing darkly against the light of the fireplace. Timothy felt his heart race twice it's normal pace, afraid that Smith overheard something. They got up and began to leave the corner… much too afraid to even look at Smith. But Timothy suddenly got an idea. He looked imploringly at John, who immediately understood. John made his way to walk past Smith, brushing against him slightly.
"Watch it Stanton!" Smith barked, recoiling and wiping off his robes like John dirtied them.
John looked directly into Smith's eyes and held them there for a fraction of a second. Then he went to follow Timothy and Darian up the stairs and into their dorm… Smith watching them intently with his arms crossed.
"Well?!" Timothy whispered once the door was closed.
"We need to get behind that boulder. And I know how."
Darian grinned excitedly.
"Oh yeah baby! We've got a date with one bad boulder!"
A/N: Well, how was this one 'huh? We're reaching the climax as our three heros venture back to confront the annoying giant blocking boulder. What will they find lurking behind it? Will Smith find out that they're onto him? Where's Luna? How will the pieces of the puzzle fit together at the end? Do I even know the answers to these questions? I guess I'll find out. Heheh.
With half-days and vacation starting Thursday, expect chapter eleven up early. Well, maybe maybe not.
Hey... guess what? I'm now a part of Alohamora.com's Harry Potter Fanfiction Writers Association. There will soon be a link at RENEE'S SITE:
http://www.theworldofreneepotter.disneyfansites.com
It has new fan art and stuff! Including the title to my upcoming 1-part fic!
'Yall are cool, you know that?! Your reviews ROCK! So, keep 'em coming! ::smiles broadly::
I got a Celtic CD and now I have a sudden urge to do a jig or something. Hmm... well, I've square danced to BMX before at the homcoming dance. So I guess I wouldn't look too odd, considering I've never danced a jig before. Oh don't mind me, I've been stressed to the max THANKS TO ALGEBRA2! Let's all put our hands together for Mr. Arterburn for putting together an exam that you can't possibly complete in two hours! There you go, my infamous rambling. I'm gonna go now. REVIEW! hahah... caught ya! Thought you would get out of here before reviewing.. did you? ::giggles like mad then takes another swig of Hawaian Punch::
~OrcaPotter