DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and its Universe belong to J. K. Rowling and her associates. Doing this only for fun.

Chapter X- Wands, Challengers and Prophets

13th September, 1997

It was the first Saturday of the new school regime, and Hermione couldn't have been more glad for the rest it brought. She couldn't believe the amount of effort that was needed to just keep up with the studies. There was no homework or-as her new friends call it-assignments given yet from any of the classes she was attending; but the concentration and power needed for some of the spells as well as potions they were assigned in classes was enough to make all seven of them literally collapse on whatever seats they could find, at the end of the day.

Currently, Hermione was sitting beside Emi on the couch in front of the fireplace. Emi was reading a novel-a muggle novel, of course, as the magical world did not give much thought into arts-that she wanted to finish by the time her friends came back from their morning activities. Hermione still didn't know anything about the place that David and the others were using as their gym. But she had heeded Emi's warning of not pushing things when dealing with David, no matter how hard it was for her to not quench her thirst of knowledge.

However, that didn't mean that Hermione was unable to find out anything about the Salem Quartet. She had uncovered many things about the four of them without even asking them many questions; although that didn't apply to Emi, as she had practically interrogated the Japanese girl about her childhood and family. It was no surprise to Hermione, although, that the more she got to know them, all four of them, the more she liked them.

Starting with Emi, Hermione found out that Emi's childhood had been very much identical to her own. Like Hermione, Emi didn't have many people to call friends. She has very loving and caring parents but Hermione knew the feeling you get when you don't have someone outside of your parents to spend time with. However, unlike Hermione, Emi had uncles and aunts and cousins to spend time with. So she wasn't forced to bury herself in books all the time and forget about the real world; and more importantly, Emi didn't need someone to get back the confidence she would've lost because of a friendless childhood. Hermione was glad that her Japanese friend didn't have to go through what she, herself, had. Hermione knew for sure that if it hadn't been for Mrs Potter, she would still have been the bossy know-it-all with confidence issues she was before she met her best friend's mother.

What fascinated Hermione aside from her and Emi's almost identical childhoods was how very similar the both of them were, personality-wise. Hermione had noted on more than one occasion, how she and Emi would roll their eyes or stifle a laugh or glare or what not at the exact same time. It was so obvious that even Ron had noticed it and had remarked how she and Emi were getting creepy like Fred and George. That didn't mean, however, that they didn't have their moments of disagreement. Like the time when Emi had found out about the House-elves at Hogwarts and how Hermione had to physically restrain Emi from barging into the kitchens and forcefully start shoving clothes in each of their hands. But when Hermione had told Emi a bit about the House-elves' constant need of a master, a stumped Emi had stopped with her ranting and had went straight up to bed. The next morning, Emi had thanked Hermione for the information about the House-elves but had said that she wasn't entirely comfortable with the whole situation, something Hermione had to agree upon.

"Knut for your thoughts?"

That question brought Hermione out of her musings and she turned in Emi's general direction expecting the Japanese girl sporting an evil grin, of course. But, to her surprise, she found Emi still immersed in her book. Confused, Hermione turned her head to her left and found Ginny sitting beside her with a funny look on her face. Feeling embarrassed at not recognizing her long time friend's voice, Hermione said, "Sorry, Ginny. Didn't see you there."

In reply, the redhead flashed Hermione a knowing smile and then proceeded to lean towards her to whisper in her ear.

"You know, you should try a little harder at hiding your emotions. Even Charlus was talking about you staring at David last night."

Hermione's eyes widened after hearing that. She turned to face Ginny and try to repair the damage, but was shocked to see her still smiling that knowing-and now, somewhat reassuring-smile. Before Hermione could utter a single word after getting out of her shell-shocked state, Ginny spoke again, still speaking in a whisper.

"Don't worry, Hermione. Your secret is safe with me; and with Charlus, as well. Just try to act on what I just told you to."

Hermione-after taking her time to assemble her thoughts-nodded her head in affirmative, indicating the fact that she appreciated not only Ginny keeping the secret to herself but her advice, as well. After that, Ginny said hello to Emi-who nodded her head in acknowledgement without taking her eyes off the book-then left the both of them to go down to the Great Hall.

Hermione, for her part, just sat there beside Emi as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. But inside her mind, Hermione's thoughts had taken a different lane. From thinking about the classes and knowing new things about her new friends to deciding upon whether to use Occlumency to hide her emotions or not, in a flash; because she knew that was the only way she could mask her emotions. She had started to learn the obscure branch of magic when Charlus started taking classes with Professor Snape, on the Headmaster's suggestion. However, unlike Charlus, Hermione was learning it all by herself, with some help and suggestions from both Mrs Potter and Professor Snape. She found it a bitter-sweet experience, learning Occlumency that is. For the sweet part, her ability to remember and recall things had improved; but on the downside, she would get massive headaches at the end of every one-hour sessions that she had decided to devote to Occlumency. These sessions were arranged in such a way that there would be at least a 48-hours difference between two adjacent ones. Both Mrs Potter and Professor Snape had made that suggestion, because they both knew her impatience at learning something new. The other suggestions from the both of them had been a couple of books that would help her learn fast. The both of them had estimated until after Christmas for Hermione to be able to have enough grasp of the subject to start utilizing it. Hermione, herself, knew that it would take her six months, at the very least, to accomplish anything in Occlumency.

But these were desperate times. If Charlus was able to point out her excessive staring of David, then she would be lucky if David himself hadn't taken note of it. And she didn't want him to know yet. For God's sake, it had not even been a week since she had made his acquaintance, and that was enough for David to establish the fact that she was into it for his physical beauty. But using Occlumency could possibly be dangerous for her mind, especially, at this level of her training. Her mind is supposed to be most fragile during the first eight weeks of the training. That was the reason why she couldn't decide on whether to start applying it to her mind or not.

Finally, reaching an impasse, Hermione, half-heartedly, decided to go and take advice from the one person who was her constant confidante, and vice versa. Half-heartedly, because Hermione really didn't want to tell one of her Professors about her not-so-little secret crush and ask for advice about how to keep it secret.

14th September, 1997

David was sitting at-what had now become-their side of the Gryffindor Table. He was just finished with his lunch. He was sandwiched between the Potter Twins, for a change. Both of the girls would come to have a meal at the Gryffindor Table once in a while. But that was only once or twice in a couple of days. Most of the time they would eat at their own House Tables and then would come and sit with them-always together, even though they were in different Houses-to talk with their brother and everyone else.

Charlus's younger brother, on the other hand, had eaten with them only that first morning. He would come and sit with them to have a conversation with everyone alright. But that was about it. He would never eat with them. Go figure. David had noticed that Aries would mostly talk with Charlus and Hermione and-if they are there-with Selene and the little dragon; although, mostly with the latter. Aries would have conversations with David, as well. But these conversations couldn't be classified as talking; as most of the time it would involve Aries throwing ten questions per minute at David and David answering them as best as he could. Sometimes, Aries would get on David's nerves. But David knew that the fourth year Slytherin didn't mean anything mean by asking him those questions. David knew that Aries was just curious. But nonetheless, he would have appreciated it if Aries had chosen another time aside from the mealtimes to interrogate David the way he would.

David was missing his familiar's weight on his shoulders. But it was alright. He was just sitting on the shoulders of the person sitting on his right, which was incidentally the youngest Potter. David was still curious about Fede's more than general interest in the little dragon but he was going to take it slow about finding more things out about the redhead; especially after hearing so many things about the little dragon's short fuse. That made him smile.

What David didn't realize was the fact that his head was still turned in the general direction of his familiar, who was still sitting on Roselyn's shoulders. But the said girl did and didn't waste any time in pointing it out to David.

"What are you grinning at, David?" She said, glaring a little.

David, realizing what he had been doing, blinked a couple of times and then shook his head as if to clear his head. Then without thinking, he started saying, "Nothing, little dragon. I was just….." He would've continued to tell Roselyn that he wasn't staring at her but at Fede; but of course, he was interrupted.

"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?"

David couldn't believe that the unusually loud shout had come out of Roselyn's little mouth. He was so shocked by her shout that he didn't even realize, still, what he had done to elicit such a reaction from Roselyn. However, in his confused haze, his ears were able to catch what Ray had conspiratorially-and gleefully-whispered in someone's ear.

Ray's exact words were, "Principe is so going to get it today."

That made David think about what he had done or said wrong that had pissed the little redhead off. A few seconds later, the impact of his own words hit him, hard. He couldn't believe he had made such a faux pas. Dreading what he was about to see, he slowly turned his head in Roselyn's direction to see a rosy-cheeked redhead, standing behind the seat she was occupying just moments ago, sporting a glower that would have made the bravest men to run for cover.

Time seemed to have slowed down as David stared into Roselyn's eyes and he just realized then that the redhead had some green flakes in her hazel eyes. Then he saw her lips moving as though she was saying something but he couldn't hear the words. He didn't get any time to delve on the subject of why he was unable to hear Roselyn's words as the next second a beam of golden light came out of Roselyn's hand-or was it a wand?-and raced towards David. Somehow, David got the feeling that even if he was given the time to move out of the way of the spell, he wouldn't have.

As the spell hit David, he had expected to get thrown out of his seat and start sprouting some weird, funny things out of his face, what else a first year could do even if she had learnt magic before she started attending a proper school? But the feeling he got wasn't something he thought he would experience besides the usual way. The feeling he got was the same one he always got whenever Fede sat on his shoulder. David couldn't make himself believe that an eleven year old girl-or anyone, for that matter-could make him feel like that, outside of Fede.

Hermione couldn't believe what she was seeing, or hearing for that matter. It was as if Fede was singing a song in his unique, ethereal call and it was getting reverberated all around the Great Hall. But it was the spectacle that was taking place right in front of her very eyes that stunned her even further. She could see, crystal clear, a continuous stream of golden spell coming out of Roselyn's wand and hitting David right in the chest. But Hermione could tell that whatever it was, it wasn't something that was hurting David or anything. It was so spectacular, though, that you would know it was one of those things that you will see only once in a lifetime, even in the world of Magic.

Then something happened-which was too quick for Hermione's eyes-and the next moment, both the song and the beam were gone as suddenly as they had materialized. After a few seconds of squinting, Hermione saw Fede's majestic form-in all its wide wing glory-floating in the air between David and Roselyn. Hermione could have sworn she heard a fork or spoon being dropped in a plate. It was that quiet. Finally, someone spoke up.

"Ms Potter, you are going to come up here and hand me your wand right this moment."

Hermione recognised the voice and couldn't recall the last time she had heard it being so angry. After a few minutes-during which Roselyn didn't move a toe-the person who had spoken up came down from the teachers' Table and stood between the two people Hermione was staring at.

"Roselyn", Hermione heard the person say, in that same steely voice she had heard before, "Pick up your wand and….."

But the person was interrupted by someone who, Hermione realized, was sitting on the other side of Emi, who was seated right beside her.

"Professor Potter. Can I…..can I hold the wand for a few seconds?" Hermione heard Linda asking a little tentatively.

Hermione saw Mrs Potter turning in Linda's direction and looking at her with narrowed eyes, for a few seconds. Finally, she said, with that same cold voice, "Why, may I ask, Ms Owens?"

Linda, fidgeting nervously, replied, "I….I might be able to explain what we just saw happen between Roselyn and Dave, Mam."

Hermione could see Mrs Potter tossing numerous possibilities in her mind about what Linda could possibly say which will make them see the sense in whatever that had happened. Finally, she nodded and said, "Fine, Ms Owens, come over here."

Hermione saw Linda standing up from her seat and walking around the table to stand next to Mrs Potter, who was joined by Professors Lupin, Snape, McGonagall, Dumbledore and Grey. Then she heard Linda softly speak to Roselyn, "Roselyn, can I examine your wand for a while?"

After a few more silent seconds, Roselyn nodded her head in affirmative, still in a daze about what she had just done. Immediately after Roselyn's nod, Linda picked up Roselyn's wand and held it just like Hermione had seen her hold her own. For a few moments, nothing happened except for Linda caressing the wand. Then to her surprise, Hermione saw a happy smile making its way on Linda's lips. She couldn't understand why the blonde would be smiling in such a situation. Linda, herself, answered Hermione's non-verbal question.

"Dave, I think you would be interested to know that Roselyn's wand contains the tail feathers of a male Halcyon." Linda emphasised the last word, while directly looking at Fede, who had perched himself on David's shoulders by then.

After not only witnessing but also being a part of Roselyn's spectacular spell-casting, David was further stunned into silence after hearing Lin's bold declaration. He couldn't believe it. But, after a few seconds, he started to put the pieces of the puzzle together and suddenly, everything started to make sense. Him feeling a connection towards Roselyn, Fede's unnatural curiosity towards the redhead and whatever the hell that had just taken place.

"So what you are basically saying, Ms Owens, is that Roselyn's wand core comes from Mr Principe's familiar and that is why the wand reacted the way it did?", David heard Professor Lupin say in a stunned voice.

"Yes, Professor, that is exactly what I'm saying. You might have heard some people say that wand-lore is something that no magical entity-creatures or wizards, regardless-can understand completely. But it just gets a lot more difficult to understand when the core of a wand comes from someone's familiar. The reason behind it is that then not only the wand has a personality of its own, but the core itself can react however it wants in certain situations like the one we just saw. Wands get more unpredictable that way."

The words from Lin's speech took some time to sink in, but once they did, the worried mother inside Professor Potter took charge.

"You don't mean that the wand can be dangerous for Roselyn, right? If that is the case, then we have to get it changed as soon as possible. And, anyway, how can you say all this so confidently, Ms Owens? Wait a minute; you are not just making this up to get Roselyn and David out of trouble, are you?"

"Give her some room to answer, Lily", a smirking Professor Lupin said. But the statement did its job of getting Mrs Potter out of her funk. David saw her relaxing visibly, but even so she did not move her gaze from Linda, who got a little nervous under it.

Finally, David saw Lin lifting her shoulders in determination and started talking, "First of all, your concern about Roselyn's safety. No, it will not cause her any bodily harm and will only fail her if she tries to use it against Dave, just like she did now."

David actually sighed in relief after hearing that and even grinned at a disappointed looking Roselyn. But Lin wasn't finished yet.

"For your concern about my truthfulness; well, there you just have to trust me, as I can't bring my Mom or Grandpa here so that they could tell you that I come from a long, long and even longer line of wand-crafters. Both my Mom and Grandpa have been in the profession since, well, since before my birth.

"But if you still want me to prove it to you, I could examine any one of your wand and tell what wood and core the wand is crafted with", Lin said firmly.

"That won't be necessary, Ms Owens. Professor Potter, I personally vouch for Ms Owen's words' authenticity. I think that will be enough", that came from Headmistress Grey. Apparently, that was enough as all the Professors, except for Dumbledore, nodded their heads.

After a few moments of silence-in which all the information that Lin had given had been sunk in-she spoke up, again, "So, I don't think that whatever that has happened here just now is Roselyn's fault because I heard the incantation and the spell would have simply caused an itching on Dave's chest, if it had been a normal circumstance. On the contrary, I think it was more of Dave's fault than Rosie's. Right, Dave?" The last question was spoken in such a sweet tone that for a moment David thought if he was the eleven-year-old between him and Roselyn. Then, Roselyn surprised him by saying, "No, it was my fault. I shouldn't have raised my wand at David."

While she was saying this, Roselyn's head was bowed in shame and David felt like his own heart was breaking; but then the redhead said something which instantly assured David that the little dragon was alright.

"And don't call me Rosie."

Stifling her laugh, Lily said, still in that stony voice she had used earlier, even though her anger was all but forgotten, "That maybe. But Roselyn still broke the school rules by spell-casting in the Great Hall…..I think a week's detention with Professor Hagrid would be enough. What do you think, Headmaster?"

Dumbledore had been staring at the youngest Potter child's wand since the moment he came over from the teachers' Table. It was incredible what the Salem student had told them about the wand's core, but that was not the reason why he had been staring at the wand. No, it was the fact that the wand's wood was eerily familiar to the old wizard. He had seen only one other wand that had been made with that specific type of wood and it was securely strapped on his own wrist at that very moment. Dumbledore couldn't believe that the eleven-year-old witch in front of him was powerful enough to be the master of a wand made of an Elder Tree's wood. He decided, then, to keep a closer eye on the girl from then on.

Finally, he simply nodded at whatever the girl's mother had asked him. Then he pulled himself together and said, "I think that the situation is under control and no one is in need to visit the infirmary, Professor Potter. So I suggest we return to our seats, as we have something to inform the student body about." With that he turned and walked back to the teachers' Table, mind still on Roselyn's wand.

After all the teachers went back to their seats and everybody around him had returned to their seats as well, David turned towards Roselyn and said in a quiet voice, "I'm really sorry about what I called you, Roselyn. I promise I will never call you that again. I swear." He was still feeling bad about whatever that had happened only because of his unconscious comment. That's what he hated the most; somebody else being blamed for someone else's mistake, and it was his mistake that had provoked Roselyn to do what she had. And now, because of that, she had to spend her time in detention. The more he thought about it, the more depressed he got.

Finally, after what felt like forever, Roselyn replied, still sounding a little dazed; no doubt still in shock about what she had just done.

"It's alright, David. And I'm sorry too, for attacking you like that."

David was about to wave off her apologies, when, just like before, Roselyn made it clear that no matter how shocked she was, she was doing alright.

"The next time you call me that, I'll ask Hermione to hex you like she did with Ron and Charlie all those years ago."

David couldn't help it. He had to laugh at that. It wasn't like he underestimated Hermione or anything. It was just that, Roselyn's mood swings seemed oddly familiar to him.

'I guess it's not just the Halcyons who choose crazy people as their masters. Even their tail feathers do the same thing.'

David's laugh caused everyone else on the table to forget about what had just happened a few minutes ago and join him; even Roselyn couldn't help but think that no matter what he called her, David's laugh was something that would make anyone laugh with him, no matter what.

Their happy moments were interrupted by the familiar voice of Albus Dumbledore, who had risen up from his throne-like chair. David saw him smiling at everyone in the Hall, but he could clearly see that even doing such a simple thing like addressing a crowd was hard for the oh-so-mighty Headmaster to do without a hint of phoniness. Being a somewhat master of the mind magiks, David could see, clearly, that the Headmaster was supressing some emotions inside him even at this very moment. The only reason David was able to see it was because he knew what he was looking for and where he had to look to find whatever it was. It was the reason why David could never be able to trust the Headmaster; that and whatever the Supreme Mugwump had done to him all those years ago. But he left that train of thought as the subject of his thoughts started speaking.

"….as we all know, the Tournament of Concordia will have four participants; one from each of the prestigious schools that are present here. It was decided that all the four challengers will be elected by the Head of the respective school and its accompanying staff.

"The reason of me telling you all this now is that all the three foreign schools have decided on who will be representing their respective institution; and so have the Hogwarts staff and myself. BUT…."

At the end of his little speech, the Headmaster's voice got drowned out by the noise the entire student body was making, a reaction to the Headmaster's announcement. It took almost all the occupants of the teachers' Table and a loud gong-like sound from Dumbledore's wand to get the students in order again.

After making sure that every student was as quiet as they could be, Dumbledore started again.

"As I was saying, all the four challengers have been selected, but their names will be announced tonight after dinner as the fifth member of the Judges' Panel has to be present at the announcements of the challengers….."

David ignored the rest of the old man's speech as he wasn't interested in hearing the spooky bastard going on and on about the damn tournament and its damn challengers. All of a sudden, David was angry as hell. Not even Fede's reassuring weight on his shoulder was able to calm him down. Finally, he decided to get the hell out of the place before he lashed out at someone. There was only one person who could calm him down at the moment.

Hermione was listening to the Headmaster talk about how he and all his three counterparts were unable to tell them about the four challengers without the presence of the fifth mystery judge of the tournament, when she saw movement from the corner of her eye. By the time she had turned her head, David was already out of the doors of the Great Hall. She was about to stand up to follow him when she felt a hand over her shoulder stop her in her movements. Turning her head in the direction of the owner of the hand, she found out that it was Emi who had stopped her from following David. But there was more; since Hermione had first laid eyes on Emi, this was the first time she had seen the Japanese girl's face looking this forlorn. She didn't know the reason behind this sudden mood shift. It had been mere ten minutes ago that Emi had been laughing alongside Hermione. What could go so very wrong in just ten minutes? It was Emi's words that brought Hermione out of her mind.

"Let him be, for now, Hermione. It's times like this when you should let David be alone", Hermione heard Emi say.

"But I need to talk to him about something important. What's wrong with him, anyway? He was fine moments ago", Hermione said urgently.

"It's not my place to tell you what's wrong with him, Hermione. And you can talk to him later about whatever it is that you need to talk to him. He'll come around, don't worry", Emi said, in that same dejected voice.

Hermione-noting that there was more than what Emi was letting her in-said, a little more patiently, "You sure he is alright, Emi? He just left so suddenly. Where has he gone, anyway?"

"He is absolutely fine, Hermione. He's probably out talking with his Mom. Just let him be", Emi repeated.

Finally, Hermione let the matter go when she looked around and found out that both Ray and Linda were looking just as sad as Emi. She concluded that whatever the matter was, it was a sour spot among her four new friends.

It was four hours after lunch and Linda had still not seen Dave anywhere. He was being his usual enigmatic self by hiding in a place where she-or anyone, for that matter-couldn't find him. It still astonished Linda how Dave could know a place as huge as Hogwarts like the back of his hand when he had never even been there before. But he wouldn't be Dave if it wasn't for that.

But currently, Linda wasn't searching for Dave; she had quit doing it an hour ago. No, right now, she was standing outside of the Library preparing herself for the conversation she was going to have. She had been planning this confrontation she was going to talk to Hermione with since she first laid eyes on the object of her fascination, but she was still nervous as anything. The cause of her nervousness, the most intimidating teacher Linda had ever faced in her academic career would be part of the aforementioned confrontation. That was the reason why she had decided to convince Hermione to accompany her. But that was no easy task, either. She knew she had to answer all the questions Hermione will throw at her before she would agree to do anything; but it was a fair deal.

With that thought in her mind, Linda entered the library and started to search for Hermione. She was in luck. Hermione was just about to leave the library-with a stack of Library books-when Linda found her talking with Madam Pince, the Librarian. She had decided to directly cut to the chase and not beat around the bush when dealing with Hermione. So that's what she did.

"Hey, Hermione…..Are you done here?" Linda asked, gesturing towards the bookshelves of the Library.

After a few moments, Hermione nodded, albeit being taken off guard. At her nod, Linda continued.

"Would you like to walk with me to the Common Room? I need to ask you something?"

After another-calculating-nod from Hermione, both girls exited the Library and started their way up to the Gryffindor Common Room.

Few silent moments of walking later, Hermione asked, "So, what did you want to talk to me about, Linda?" Knowing she had to be careful from here on, Linda said, a bit cautiously.

"Well, you see, Hermione. It's just, I need you to do me a favour."

Just as Linda had expected, Hermione narrowed her eyes the moment the words were out of Linda's lips. Then after a few seconds, Hermione asked one of her many questions.

"What is it, Linda?"

Answer right on her lips, Linda started speaking.

"Eh, you know, just like Roselyn, I feel something strong whenever I am near Selene. So I just wanted to examine her wand, as well."

Hermione's face scrunched up and transformed into a confused frown. Then she said, "You could do that any time of the day. Why do you need me for that?"

Just like before, Linda spoke in that same well-prepared manner.

"I know that, Hermione. But I want to do this privately; and I want Professor Potter to be there in case what I suspect is true."

"And what is it that you suspect?" Hermione asked right away.

"I'm sorry, Hermione, but I can't tell you that until I've confirmed those suspicions. I can give you this, though. Whatever I think is the deal with Selene, it's not going to harm her in any way, shape or form."

This time, Hermione took her sweet time to contemplate what Linda had told her. Finally, she replied; with yet another question.

"Why do you need Mrs, I mean, Professor Potter for?"

"I need her so that it would be easy for Selene to accept whatever it is that I suspect about her; and I want you to be there with me as well."

"Why…why would you need me there as well?" Hermione asked with some hint of confusion and trepidation.

"Well, you know I'm in Professor Potter's class and all, right?" At Hermione's nod, Linda continued nervously, "Well, it's just that, she, for want of a decent word, intimidates me, you know? She reminds me of my maternal grandmother, personality-wise, I mean; and sometimes, my grandma used to make me crawl under the blanket with my eyes closed. You see what I mean?"

For Linda's annoyance, Hermione smirked mischievously and said, "You are scared of her? Mrs Potter? You ought to be taking the micky out of me, Linda?"

"I am serious, okay?" Linda said, with no so little amount of annoyance in her tone.

"Okay, sorry. So, let me get all the facts straight. You want to examine Selene's wand in private and want me as well as Mrs Potter to be there while you do it; Mrs Potter is needed for Selene and I'm for yourself. Did I get all the facts?" Hermione asked, with a frown of concentration on her face.

Linda nodded and said, "Yeah, that's about everything…So…you'll help me?" She finished nervously.

Hermione looked like she was thinking real hard about how to respond. Finally, after a few silent moments of climbing stairs, Hermione replied.

"Sure, I will. But I have a condition."

'Of course you have one. Everybody's got one of those whenever you ask them to do you a favour.' Linda thought, somewhat snappishly.

"What is it?" She asked out loud, a little cautiously so as to not give away her inner thoughts.

Hermione replied right away, in a firm voice, "You'll have to tell me why David walked out of the Great Hall like that at lunch."

Linda was actually thinking about whether she really needed Hermione's help when she heard her condition. It wasn't as if she was worried about Dave getting pissed at her for telling someone about, well, about it. But what she was actually worried about was how she, herself, would react if-by any chance-Hermione started to judge Dave for what he had done almost four years ago, like all the people had done then.

Linda knew that Hermione wasn't that narrow-minded to do that; but almost all the people who had found out about that one chapter of Dave's life had chastised and criticized him. She knew she should trust Hermione, but she couldn't risk Hermione thinking that Dave wasn't what he all seemed. That was the thing. Linda knew Dave. The real one and she knew him better than Emi and Ray. So she could tell that Dave felt something more than friendship toward the brown-haired witch in front of her; no matter the amount of jealousy she felt about it, she had to accept that. That was why she just couldn't risk Hermione thinking about Dave the way those other people had.

Hermione was waiting with bated breath for Linda's response to her condition. She could tell that the blonde bombshell was thinking hard by the way Linda's brows were furrowed and the way her unfocussed eyes were looking at nothing in particular. Hermione didn't know why, but whatever was the reason for David's abrupt departure from the Great Hall a few hours ago wasn't just a casual thing; and she wanted to know what it was.

Just when they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Hermione concluded that Linda was not going to tell her about David's problem; but Linda caught her off guard, again, when she stepped in front of her, halting Hermione in her ways. Then Linda further surprised Hermione by gently placing her hands on her shoulders. Linda hadn't shown Hermione as much emotions in the last six days as she was at this moment. That made Hermione decide that whatever Linda had to tell her, she would hear it all out and think about it with an open-mind before making a comment. Because she had seen someone else's eyes look the way Linda's were, at that moment. She had seen someone else looking just as vulnerable as Linda was, at that moment. Those were the reasons why Hermione decided to treat Linda with the same understanding she had treated Mrs Potter with, all those years ago.

"Look, Hermione. What you are asking me to tell you is, well, it's something that we, all the four of us, don't, ever, tell anybody. People find out, but they never find out from us. You see, I like you, okay? But that's not enough, okay? I know that Emi trusts you implicitly. But I bet that even she won't tell you anything about this matter. It's just, if there is anyone who can tell you about all this, it's Dave; and trust me, he won't tell you easily.

"I don't mean anything by this, but I'm really sorry. I can't, I just can't, okay?"

When she was done talking, Linda got a pleasant surprise when, suddenly, Hermione hugged her gently. She couldn't, for the life of her, figure out why Hermione had her in her arms all of a sudden. Then she heard Hermione apologizing in her ear, making Linda wonder what Hermione had done in the first place. It was when Linda extracted herself from Hermione's arms did she realize that it were her, Linda's, tears that had triggered such a reaction from Hermione. Quickly, she wiped her face with a handkerchief and then just stood there for a while. After the silence between the both of them got awkward, Linda decided to break it.

"So, I guess I'll just have to find another way to get a private audience with Professor Potter and Selene. See…."

"Wait, what?" Hermione interrupted Linda mid-sentence.

Confused, Linda said, "Well, you said you would only do it if I told you about David and since I did not, I figured you wouldn't want to….."

"Of course I would! I was just, you know, trying to coax it out of you since Emi wouldn't tell me and I wanted to know."

Linda couldn't help but smile at the sheepish manner in which Hermione told her the reason behind her making a condition. She also felt bad about thinking ill of Hermione because of the whole condition matter. But Linda wanted to be sure; so she replied, "Okay. So, does that mean you will help me?"

"I just said I would, Linda. But I want to ask you something first."

Feeling curious, Linda asked, "What is it?" Hermione, in a very serious tone, replied with a question of her own.

"How much important is it, exactly? Your meeting with Mrs Potter and Selene, that is."

After thinking over how to word her reply, Linda said, "Important enough to change Selene's life."

At the same time, in a pub called the Three Broomsticks, a conversation was taking place between James and Lily Potter.

"You know, Lily, I would really like to meet this Principe kid. He sounds really brave if he called our Rosie, what was that?...oh yes, Little Dragon!" James said to his wife, his wife filled with mirth.

"It's not funny, James! What if her original spell had actually hit David? You know very well that the Salem Headmistress would have been well within her rights to punish Roselyn however she wanted for attacking one of her students. It was a fortunate stroke of luck that situation moulded the way it did and Roselyn got away with mere detentions; although, even that is saying something as not even you or Sirius had landed yourselves in detentions in you first ever week at Hogwarts."

"Oh, I'm so proud of her. It's official now. Roselyn is my favourite between our daughters."

"James!"

"You know I'm joking Lily…..I would never repeat what I had done to Harry. You can trust me there", James said with a sombre voice.

Lily nodded after hearing her husband's words. Then she said, "Still, we should discipline Roselyn a little more. I mean I know she wouldn't harm anyone on purpose but I think we would better be off safe rather than sorry."

"Oh come on Lily, you know Roselyn. She had been a little hot-headed since she was five. Nobody can change that; nobody should, either. I will bet all the money I own on the fact that she would've said sorry to this Principe kid right after the incident. There, you got the discipline. Let her be herself, Lily. She'll grow over it. I have faith in her."

Lily smiled at the way James explained the facts to her. He not only persuaded her to not do what she had in mind for Roselyn, but he also did it with humour. That's why she loved her husband so much. He knew, exactly, what to say to her in a certain situation so that she could see the error of her ways.

Lily saw James opening his mouth as if to say something, but right at that moment, an Otter Patronas materialized on the table between the both of them. Lily thought it was lucky that it wasn't a Hogsmeade weekend at Hogwarts, otherwise, the Patronus would've caused quite a debacle in the pub, which was almost empty currently. However, it did cause quite a few rose eyebrows from the present customers; especially, an old couple that was sitting just across from their table. Something made Lily curious about the both of them when she looked in the sapphire blue eyes of the witch, who was seated facing her. For some reason, Lily thought the eyes looked familiar. She couldn't see the appearance of the wizard-who was seating with the witch-as his back was turned in her direction; but she could tell that he was as old as the witch accompanying him was, by the colour of his grey hair. Lily could also sense that the old wizard's whole attention was directed towards the Patronus that had appeared in front of her, even though he wasn't looking in the direction of the majestic piece of magic.

Lily didn't get more time to gauge the reactions of the two strangers though, as the Patronus-which she knew was Hermione's-started talking.

"I need to talk to you. It's really urgent. I'm in your office."

Lily knew, right away, that whatever it was, it was important. Because she knew that Hermione wouldn't have used this means of communication for anything casual.

"You're going?" Lily heard her husband say disappointedly. So she turned back and looked at him. After seeing that he was as disappointed as he sounded, she tried to make it up to him.

"Yes and you are coming with me. Whatever it is that Hermione wants to talk to me about, it won't take much longer, anyway. So there's no point in cancelling our date. Okay?"

It seemed to have worked as James grinned at her and then- after placing the bill and tip on the table-stood up and came around to help her out of her seat. Then he kissed her lightly on the lips and said, "I know that only teachers and prefects and head students are allowed to give away punishments but if it is a fluke, I'm going to give Hermione a year-worth of detentions, okay?" Then the both of them got out of the pub, laughing and talking all the while during their walk back to Hogwarts; both of them not noticing two pairs of identical cold blue eyes following their every move until they were out of sight of the two strangers.

An Hour Later

"Okay, so let me get this straight. You are saying that our Selene is a seer; and not just an average one, but, if trained well, she could be one of the best! Did I get everything?" James said with a hint of amazement in his tone.

"Well, if what I saw-or rather felt-in her wand is true, then yes. You see, that wand that has chosen her, it not only has a powerful core inside of it, but the core itself is wrapped in a leaf of an ancient palm tree; and in case you didn't know this, palm trees were the symbols of Apollo, the Greek God of the Sun, music, healing and prophesies. I know it might sound corny, what with all the Greek Mythology and all, but my Grandpa had told me time and time again that only true seers have a wand with a palm tree's leaf wrapped around its core. So you can trust my word there."

Ever since, Linda had started talking after examining Selene's wand, it seemed like her words were stunning all the occupants of the room into silence, no matter what she said. This time was no different as both the Potter twins, Hermione and James and Lily Potter stared at her as if she had preached the end of the world just then.

Feeling embarrassed under their scrutiny, Linda nervously cleared her throat and then said, "I think…..I think you should start giving her some overview on the subject of prophesies-I don't know what you call it here-so that she would be more prepared if she has a vision of something. You know what I mean? It will help her understand her talents and all."

Getting out of her trance, Lily thought about what Ms Owens had just said; and she totally agreed with her that Selene might need the understanding of the subject if she had a vision of the future or something. Lily had enough personal experience as a muggleborn to refer to, to know how it felt to be the odd one.

But there were quite a few problems with Selene's education in the subject of Divination. First of all, she knew Hogwarts was hopeless in regards to Divination. Then there were the books; she had gone through some of the books that were authorised by the Ministry for the subject and knew that they were just as bad as Hogwarts' Divination Professor. And last but not the least; she didn't know anyone who could help teach Selene even the basics of the subject. It was that bad a subject. So she asked the question which came to her lips.

"Ms Owens, if you had attended Hogwarts, you would've known that it, literally, does not have anything to offer in the department of Divination; neither do I or anyone I know. So I can't find a solution for this situation of Selene's education in Divination. If I may ask, although; do you, by any chance, know anyone who can help Selene? We are ready to pay, if that is a problem." Lily said the last sentence out of panic when she saw the girl she was addressing, shook her head morosely. She badly wanted her daughter to learn whatever that was needed to master the gift she was born with. It would save Selene so much trouble to sort out her own thoughts if she ever had an uncalled vision and couldn't tell the difference between reality and future. Lily had, at least, read the newspaper articles about wizards and witches going crazy because of visions and voices in their heads. She didn't want such a vicious future for her child, who was, at that moment, seated on her father's lap as he held her tightly in an attempt to comfort her. She could see that Roselyn had also stood up from her chair to hold hands with her sister.

That scene made Lily's resolve of providing her daughter with a peaceful future get all the more strong. And right now, the blonde girl standing in front of her was the only chance Lily had to make her daughter's life as easy as possible.

Linda was shaking her head as if to make the many thoughts-that were running rampant in her mind-go away. But she couldn't. This was the second time in one single day, that she was forced in a situation where she had to debate on whether or not to disclose one of Dave's secrets to someone she barely knew. But this one was different. A girl's future possibly depended on Linda's one decision. But it might put Dave in the bad light, again, if she didn't word her answer properly. But Linda knew she had to. She couldn't just say no to a mother who was looking out for her child. She just couldn't.

Finally, deciding that she would rather take Dave's cold shoulder for a few days instead of the guilt of a lifetime, Linda started speaking.

"Okay, there is something I know that might help Selene." Seeing that Professor Potter was about to interrupt her, Linda held one of her hands in the air, effectively cutting her out. After getting an understanding nod from the professor, Linda continued.

"But before I tell you about it, I want you to know that whatever I'm about to tell you now, can't go out of this room. Are we clear?" Garnering a nod from everybody this time, Linda continued, after taking a deep breath, "You see, Dave used to have these…..these nightmares when he was young; he never told me what they were about, but they were terrifying enough to make him shout in his sleep. These nightmares were worst whenever he was away from his mother until Fede joined him. But he had told me, once, that he would apply Occlumency on his mind to numb some of the effect of the nightmare, before Fede joined him.

"Now, I know that Occlumency seems too simple an alternative for something as intricate as prophesies, but it might help Selene in organizing her mind enough to not get confused with reality and visions, right?" Linda didn't wait for a reply. "So, then there is the question of who will teach her the mind art. Well, as for that, there can be many options. She could even learn it all by herself if she wishes to. And trust me, Occlumency will help her, until you find a solid and permanent solution to this situation."

Here, Linda took another deep breath and looked around to see the reactions of everyone in the room. The twins were looking dazed, naturally. James Potter was looking at his wife, who seemed to be too deep in thought to acknowledge him at the moment. Lastly, Hermione was looking as though she had seen a ghost. That made Linda stifle a groan of exasperation because she knew what might have disturbed the brown haired genius. She made a note to prepare some answers beforehand for whenever Hermione decided to interrogate her about David's nightmares. Then, after noting that the silence in the room had gotten sort of awkward, Linda decided to break it.

"Well, that's all I have" Linda said with a shrug.

After about ten minutes of brainstorming, Lily said, "Ms Owens, can you do me one other favour? Please?"

Linda, confused as to what the professor will want from her now, asked, "What is it, Professor?" Right after she asked the question, she knew she was going to be in a shitload of trouble; the reason behind this was Lily Potter's face, which had transformed into an uncomfortable grimace. Linda concluded that if the professor was anything like her Grandma-and Linda was sure that she was-then whatever it was that she wanted Linda to do, have to be damn near impossible. She wasn't disappointed.

"Can you persuade David into teaching Selene Occlumency?"

Four Hours Later

Hermione was seated in the Great Hall on the edge of their side of the table, which was nearest to the doors. The reason she was seated there was because she was waiting for David, who had still not returned from wherever he had gone. The only thing that was keeping her sitting on the seat and not go looking for him herself was Emi, who was seated across from her. She was, at first, annoyed at the three Salem students when they showed little to no regard about the fact that one of their best friends had been missing almost all day. She had even asked Emi-a little rudely, now that she thought about it-as to why none of them were concerned about David. In answer, Emi had just smiled mysteriously at her and said that the reason behind their lack of concern was the constant presence of either Fede or David's Mom around him. It confused her at first as to how David's mother could be around him all the time; but Emi's statement was enough to lessen her worry, a bit, as it reminded her that Fede had, indeed, been with David when he had left the Great Hall at noon. Worry lessened, but not vanished.

There was the matter with Selene that also worried Hermione. Even if they had decided on some counter-measures, they still had to find an actual solution to Selene's situation. It wasn't as if she was diagnosed with a disease or anything, but it was still worrisome to think that Selene might suffer through some uncalled visions. She was yet to tell Aries and Charlus about this new development; although, this wasn't something she was actually worried about. Because she was sure that both brothers will do everything in their power to search for ways that will help Selene in controlling and honing her prophetic abilities the moment they hear about it from either her or Mrs Potter.

Then there was the fact of Linda trying to convince David into teaching Selene Occlumency. It wasn't as if anybody else couldn't teach her the obscure branch of magic. But Hermione agreed with Mrs Potter's logic that if someone who had been there before, teaches Selene, it will be all the better. Hermione had to admit to herself, though, that her worrying over whether David will agree to teach Selene or not wasn't all for her concern towards Selene. She was hoping that he would say yes, so that the chances of him agreeing to whatever she, herself, had in mind will be immensely improved, as well.

Hermione shook herself out of her thoughts to do what she had been doing all through dinner, turn to look at the doors. In her anxiety to see David again, she had barely touched any food she had half-heartedly put in her plate. She was so out of it, that she didn't even notice when the main course vanished and when the dessert appeared. Now though, all the tables were cleared of all the food, as it was time for the main event of the night- The Announcement of the Challengers.

Hermione wasn't too interested in that either, as she knew who would be representing Hogwarts and didn't thought much about who would represent the other schools. It was then that she realized something. Eyes widened, she turned to the only person who sitting beside her-which was Ray-and said, in a panicked voice, "What if they choose David? Won't he be in trouble for not being present?"

All Hermione got as an answer from Ray-who turned from jovial to stiff in a heartbeat-was a shake of his head and an barely audible "They won't choose David, Hermione" before he turned back to talk to Ron-who was sitting on his right-already back to his usual happy-go-lucky attitude. It was just another reminder of David's problem, which nobody was ready to tell her about. Although, she did notice that it was the first time she had heard Ray actually address David by his first name rather than his last. But that wasn't enough to derail her from the depressing train of thought about David's problem and past.

'What might have David done in the past that he is not even being considered for the Tournament?' was the thought that reverberated in Hermione's mind all through Professor Dumbledore's speech and the introduction of the fifth mystery judge, whom, she was sure, she had seen at least once; but couldn't be sure. She was unable to catch his name in her pre-occupation. But he seemed to be giving the impression of sharpness and tactfulness by the way he held himself. Hermione couldn't care less. Although, there was a part of her mind which couldn't help but sigh in relief at hearing that there won't be a chance of David getting caught in the madness of this Tournament.

That was when she caught movement in the corner of her eyes, and she turned in the general direction of the double doors of the Great Hall. What she saw made her body fill with a strong wave of relief. It was David who walked in though the open doors and made quick work of squeezing in between Emi and Linda, who freed up some space for him to sit. He looked just like he did before he took off earlier in the afternoon. He was wearing the same beige coloured pants and grey button-up shirt he had been wearing before. The only difference was his face, which looked more relaxed and happier. One other change was in the form of Fede, who was nowhere to be seen. When Emi asked David about his familiar's whereabouts, he offhandedly said that when his mother turned up, Fede left him to go hunting.

"What do you mean your mother turned up?" Hermione didn't realize it, but she had practically shouted the question. She got lucky, though, as her shout was drowned out by a thunderous applause from half of the people present in the Hall. When she looked around to see what had happened, she saw a blonde haired boy in Beauxbatons' uniform of baby blue colour, standing up from the Ravenclaw Table, already making his way towards the Teachers' Table. It was then that Hermione realized that the Announcement had begun, and concluded that the boy must be the Beauxbatons Challenger. Just like before, she didn't catch a name. Then Ray started whispering in her ear.

"Stop shouting Hermione. Did you want to turn Principe in by shouting things like that?"

In response, and panic, Hermione started shaking her head vigorously and then said, in a voice that barely qualified as a whisper, "No, no. I was just, you know, caught off guard. I didn't realize soon enough that he might be joking…"

Hermione wasn't given the chance by Ray to finish her sentence as he interrupted her.

"Hermione, he wasn't joking." Hearing that blunt comment, Hermione tried to say something in response; but Ray, again, cut her out by holding his hand and then-after making sure that she wouldn't say anything-continued.

"Okay. How about I tell you everything about how Principe might have met Eve-his Mom, I mean-if you promise to not yell like that again, huh? Fair deal?" Ray asked while quirking both of his eyebrows upwards.

After getting over her shock and figuring out that it wasn't a bad trade, Hermione nodded her head. Seeing the nod, Ray, himself nodded and said, "Okay, I'll tell you tomorrow at Herbology. For now, let's enjoy the show, shall we?" He said the last sentence a little too suavely. But Hermione was, by now, well past the dark skinned teen's excessive flirting habits. So she just nodded in affirmative even though Ray had already turned back to look at the Teachers' Table.

But Hermione turned her head to look at the three friends sitting across from her. She noted that both Emi and Linda were looking at the Teacher's Table, very much like Ray; but she got a little startled as she flicked her eyes to look at David and found him staring at her. Her body stiffened as she looked into his blue eyes. She got so lost in them that she almost didn't catch David's words, which he was mouthing.

The message was, 'We need to talk. Later.'

Hermione got extremely worried as she read David's lips when he was mouthing the words. How could she have been so naïve as to think that only Ray had heard her yell? Of course, David heard it too; and now he must be thinking something along the lines of her wanting to turn him in. She so wanted to tell him that it wasn't the case, but just then another round of applause started and another boy, this time from the Slytherin Table, stood up and made his way towards the Head Table. She didn't hear the name this time either.

When Hermione turned back to look at David, she found him still staring at her with a calculating look. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion at the look David was giving her. But that changed, when David surprised her, yet again. This time, however, she almost feinted, as she saw David quirking his lips into a reassuring-but beautiful-smile and then winking saucily at her. She didn't feint though; but her jaw did hit the table as the image of David's smiling and winking face was the only thing that her mind was able to process for the time being.

Around the time Hermione's mind resurfaced from its shock-shelled state, David had also turned to pay attention to the announcements. When she looked around to see for whom everybody around her was clapping so hard, she saw Charlus walking towards the Teacher's Table. She concluded that, as the hosting school's challenger, Charlus had to be the last one whose name would have been announced; which meant that, aside from Charlus, she didn't know any other challenger's name. Feeling stupid, she nudged Ray to get his attention. Sure enough, Ray turned his head towards her and asked, "What's the matter?"

Feeling sheepish, Hermione said, "Can you tell me the names of all the challengers? I was a little pre-occupied?"

Hermione saw Ray barely stifling his chuckle as he said, "I told you to enjoy the show, brainy-head. Alright, I'll tell you. The French Champion is Michael, or was that Mikael? Yup! It was Mikael. Mikael Solomon."

"Mikael Solomon. Okay. Durmstrang?" Hermione asked while nodding her head as if she was taking notes in a class.

"Alright, Durmstrang's challenger is Casper Nielson. But I think that they are going to appeal that selection. Because I heard way too many boo's than claps from the Swedish clan."

"What do you mean appeal? And how do you know that Durmstrang's in Sweden?" Hermione asked in rapid succession, further increasing Ray's mirth. Finally, he was able to stifle his laugh, with no small amount of effort. Then he started talking again.

"Okay. So the first one first, alright?" He didn't wait for an answer. "It's just that Headmistress Grey told us that we can appeal their choice of a challenger if we think that he or she isn't good enough. You didn't know that?" This time he waited for an answer. All he got was a shake of Hermione's head. Shrugging his shoulders in indifference after a few seconds, Ray continued, "As for your second question; girl, you are talking to Ray Johnson, the third, explorer extraordinaire."

"And the biggest moron you'll ever find on planet Earth."

That made both of them to turn their head and find that it was David who had spoken up. In response, Ray smirked and said, "You are just jealous, Principe. Always have been."

David, in retaliation, started coughing, but Hermione was able to hear the words, "In your dreams, moron". She subconsciously grinned at David, who greeted her back with one of his own. Then she heard him say, "Come on, you two. Hurry up. We are dismissed. It's time for bed."

Hermione started laughing as she heard David say "It's time for bed" in a singsong voice. By the time she regained her composure and stopped laughing, Ray had left with everyone else and David and Emi were the only ones who had stayed behind for her, both sporting somewhat identical grins. That's when she realized something.

"Hey. He didn't tell me who was chosen as the Salem Challenger."

Immediately, both Emi David's grins left their faces; Emi's turned into a sad and disappointed frown while David's turned into an angry scowl. Sensing that whoever that was chosen wasn't Emi and David's most favourite person in school, Hermione cautiously asked again, "So, who was it?"

It was David who answered her after a few moments. Her predictions were somewhat wrong when she thought that David didn't like the chosen challenger. By the tone of his voice, she was sure that whoever it was, David hated him with all of his heart.

"It's Samuel 'Fucking' Bellamy."