Resolution – By Slytherin's Dragon

22/8/13

Chapter 14: Prelude (to the First Task)

"So, what's your hypothesis?" Evander soon found himself sitting at Severus' dining table. He had left Neville and Hannah at the Potions' classroom door, with promises that he would go to Madame Pomfrey if his symptoms got worse. Felix and Severus were occupying the other two chairs. Draco hadn't been too pleased when Severus had forbidden him from joining this particular conversation.

"Well," Felix started. He pulled out the pincushion and the flask from his robe pockets. "We have evidence that the pincushion is an Animagus." He pulled out his wand and tapped at the pincushion. It immediately transfigured into a familiar dark beetle with curly antenna. Felix also added a quick immobilizing spell to prevent it from flying away.

"The observation that first tipped us off was the discovery of an Animagi-Suppression Charm." Severus continued. "Because, why else would it be there?"

"As for the identity of our buggy little friend – the Daily Prophet was used to figure out if there were people missing that might fit the bill." Felix added. He sipped at the cup of green tea that Missy had provided everyone. "I mean, I had my suspicions after reading my first Daily Prophet. The word that struck me then was that the content was rather – bland..."

"Bland?" Severus asked Felix.

"You know – dull. It was lacking a little – controversy." Felix elaborated.

"Wait, so – Severus doesn't know who the beetle is?" Evander interrupted.

"No," Felix answered as Severus shook his head. "I was going to tell him – but then you came in."

"Okay, fine – continue." Evander took a sip of tea.

"So, I remember from the first time around that there was a lot of slander involving Harry's hypothetical relationship with Hermione and that Hermione was accused of sleeping around – which rather coincidentally happened this time around – but through a different vehicle of gossip. It was funny how long it took for me to remember that reporter's name." Felix explained. "And then, it made perfect sense. She made your life and Hermione's life very miserable back in fourth year."

"She also tarnished the reputation of many others." Evander said gravely. "It's really funny how the mind works. First impressions mean a great deal to our brains. Stereotypes are useful for making generalizations – making the brain much more efficient; nevertheless they have their consequences too. Even having a article title such as 'Fudge not found sleeping with Umbridge' –"

There were snickers from Felix while Severus looked confused.

"If you asked someone what was in that Daily Prophet, I don't know – a few days later – they will probably tell you that Fudge had an affair if they had been merely skimming through the paper. Memory tends to bleed into one another." Evander explained. "I consider misinformation with malicious intent to be one of the greater evils in our world. Because – once it's done – you can't undo it completely –"

"It's like the Avada Kedavra for your credibility." Felix mused, "And I hope to Merlin, Severus, that you will never have to meet up with Umbridge – she was the fifth year DADA professor."

"So, who is 'she'?" Severus inquired.

"Rita Skeeter –" Evander picked up the beetle in his palm. "My, my – what shall we do with you? Finite Incantatem." He removed Felix's spell. "Refreshing isn't it," Evander said conversationally to the fluttering beetle. "Now that everyone knows who you are, I think a decision ought to be made today about your fate, Ms. Skeeter." He then turned to his rapt audience. "Well, shall I transfigure her back to her lovely self?"

Felix shrugged as Severus said, "As they say, it's your revenge, Mr. Murphy. We will sit back and bear witness."

"Very well," Evander put the wand to the beetle. "Homenum Revelio!"

Evander dropped the beetle as she morphed back into human form. It was a very dishevelled Rita Skeeter that looked back. Her blonde hair was limp and her clothing was in tatters during the week's imprisonment. Another quick of his wand, and Skeeter's wand was in his hand.

"You get to decide your own fate today, Ms. Skeeter." Evander said sternly.

"Who do you think you are?" Skeeter asked weakly. "Forcible confinement –"

"I am sure that there is a lot of people who would be interested in your unique... methodologies... Ms. Skeeter. You do yourself no favours by directing empty threats at me, my dear. Do sit down." Evander pointed rather forcefully to an empty chair at the table. "You may drink and eat at this table."

Meekly, Skeeter sat down at the table. There was a mixture of apprehension and relief on her face. She poured herself a glass of water from the jug and ravenously helped herself to the various tea-time goods that Missy had made. All three merely watched the captive as she ate.

"You have three alternatives – my dear. Two options involve freedom. The first involves a contract. The second involves never being human again." Evander began to talk when she began to tire of eating.

"And the third?"

"I kill you." Evander said lightly.

"You wouldn't." Skeeter retorted, but Evander could see a tremor, "They wouldn't let you." She looked helplessly at the other two occupants of the table.

"Really?" Evander said with a smile. He then chuckled darkly. "Mr. Wedgewood certainly didn't make you deaf earlier. You heard Severus earlier. You know that he was an ex-Death Eater. It's my show, Rita. My game, my rules..."

Skeeter dropped the spoon she was holding. "What are your terms?"

"I need a quill." Evander plunged one of his hands into his pocket just as Skeeter pulled out a familiar tattered green quill. "You can use this."

"I think not." The hated quill burst into hot white flames with another lazy flick of Evander's wand. Skeeter let out a little scream of fright and dropped the quill before the flames could reach her flesh. "I had a professor once." Evander continued as if he was telling a bunch of children a story. "You know how she punished me for telling lies, dear? She made me write lines – I must not tell lies – with a blood quill."

"But-but – blood quills are illegal!" Skeeter almost cried out loud. "You wouldn't –"

"Illegal – ha! So what, you pick and choose from the Ministry's laws? If you break one, we might as well break them all. We might as well all rot together in Azkaban." Evander laughed. "So, we might as well work together to prevent that particular fate, Rita? Ah, here's the quill."

Skeeter paled beyond what Evander thought was possible when she saw the black and red quill. Even Severus' eyes widened when he saw it. He shrugged; these quills were rare and expensive – anyhow.

"You recognize it?" Evander asked rather rhetorically. "It's not illegal – you know. It's classified as a 'grey' object under Section D for Dark Artifacts, Decree Number two. It was invented initially for deals to be made with Squibs and Muggles – to create a so-called 'Unbreakable Vow' contract. Now, shall I draw it up, Rita? I personally find these a lot better than the wand-vows, really."

She nodded dully. The next half an hour or so was punctuated by the scratches of quill on parchment and pauses as Evander carefully wrote the words that would succinctly yet provide no loopholes in regards to Skeeter's future responsibilities. He then stood up and pushed the parchment over. "Read it. I will be back. Option one is nullified if you do anything funny during my leave."

Evander stretched before walking out of Severus' quarters. He could tell that Felix and Severus were dying to find out what exactly he had written. He took a quick trip to loo before opening a cupboard attached at the edge of his bench. He pulled out a blood-quill – he had bought it in Knockturn Alley some time ago – they were cheap as far as dark artifacts went. He also grabbed his sharp silver knife. He went back and sat down in his chair rather leisurely.

"You will put me out of business!" Skeeter lamented quietly, "People pay to read the juicy bits."

"I didn't say that all juicy bits were out. Just those that were 'exaggerations' or dare I say it – lies." Evander said patiently. "You will just have to work harder at finding a story. Let me tell you this, Rita, there are plenty of stories out there that are sensational without the need to fabricate things."

"You want me to investigate why the Triwizard was reinstated?" Skeeter asked, "But that easy – who doesn't like a –"

"I am afraid, the motives run much deeper." Evander said. "I am sure, with your unique – er – assets, you may find the source. And I am not interested in why – necessarily – I am interested in who is involved."

"You leave me no choice but to sign." Skeeter pulled out another quill out of somewhere, but Evander incinerated that too.

"You will sign with a blood quill." Evander handed his quill to Skeeter. "You know that these contracts are signed with blood. And you will oblige me by writing – I must not write lies at the bottom of your signature. May it serve as a constant reminder."

Skeeter took the quill in her shaking hands. She cried out when she signed the parchment with a small flourish and wrote down the words that had once marred Evander's flesh in his past life. Pansy. Evander could see the cuts forming nicely on her arm. She passed the quill back to Evander who instead took his Potions' knife and slashed his left wrist. He used an ordinary quill to poke at his wound before signing the contract. The parchment shimmered before bursting into flames.

"Well, Rita. It was nice doing business with you. Obliviate!"

"That certainly was entertaining." Severus remarked to Felix after Evander had re-transfigured Skeeter in her beetle form and walked out, presumably to find a suitable place to leave her, "I wonder how he modified her memory?"

"Carefully, I'd say." Felix mused. "The bloody bastard has had a lot of practice."

/(I)\

"You what?" Felix asked in dumbfounded amazement an hour later. "And you owe Hannah a what?"

"Almost died and a life debt are the fill-in-the-blank words you are looking for." Evander said rather carelessly. "It's no big deal –"

"You are an idiot!" Felix exclaimed. "You could have died!"

"Didn't I just say that?" Evander sighed, "I thought you were a falcon, not a bloody parrot!"

"Honestly, who goes flying the day after experimental magic goes amok? You are supposed to keep it to quiet activities! Not those where you soar hundreds of feet in the air!"

"Thanks for caring," Evander retorted, "Can we please focus on the doing and not the 'what Evander shouldn't have done part'? It's not like I can bloody undo the stupid!"

"And you want to what?" Felix looked down at the plan, "Kidnap a fucking dragon? Have you forgotten that dragons are dragons? Earth to Evander – they are as big as this room!"

"Well, I need time to work out exactly what screwed up last night. And it's not helpful if the dragons are going to be gone after Tuesday. It's my mind, Felix – desperate situations call for desperate actions." Evander then adopted a very businesslike tone, "So, I need to create this Runic enchantment. I will do the derivation and you can make the construct to put the Runes on. I was thinking a collar, maybe." Evander suggested, "Unless you have a better idea."

"No, it looks fine, if you can make the Runes work." Felix finally gave his verdict after many minutes of serious contemplation. "I think I can make the collar out of copper or tin and then coat it with silver. Should be strong enough for whatever derivation you come up with. How are you going to activate it?"

"I was thinking of making an Incomplete derivation. You know, the Runes themselves aren't enough to activate the magic – you need to use a specific spell with the correct magical 'signature' to complete the activation process. And, that's where Harry comes in."

"We probably have till Monday evening to finish this." Felix said practically. "I guess I will go melt down those old tin cauldrons we found in the Room of Requirement. There may be enough silver metal too – if there isn't enough, I will go back to the Room to do more scavenging. I then might take a trip to the Forbidden Forest to measure the neck of the dragon."

"I will be in Severus' quarters if you need me. I will have to work out the details on how this is going to work in a logical manner." Evander lifted the Muffiato with the discrete flick of his index finger.

The two Ravenclaws departed from the Potions' classroom.

/(I)\

"Minerva," Severus greeted curtly when Evander's old Head of House showed up at Severus' quarters several hours after dinner. "Please, do come in."

"Severus," Minerva nodded. Her hair was held up in a loose bun and she was wearing a set of flattering green robes. "How has your day been?"

"Rather uneventful." Severus stated. "Brewed Potions – some for Poppy, some to sell. I also marked some essays. They are as abysmal as always."

The stone slab closed after Minerva. Her eyes widened when she saw Evander lying on Severus' carpet with a quill in hand.

"I did not know that you were having a sleepover." Minerva remarked, with a hint of a teasing tone. Evander knew that the quip was also directed at his choice of attire. He had changed into an old faded t-shirt and green pyjama bottoms featuring various types of cartoony animals.

"Hello, Professor McGonagall – I was not aware that Severus was having visitors at such an hour." Evander waved his quill. "I can go, if you'd like –"

"No, no, Mr. Murphy – I think that you may stay put. It's not like Severus and I will be partaking in any activities..."

Severus looked extremely uncomfortable. Evander snickered. It was funny seeing Severus in such normal situations.

"And, changing the topic," Severus broke the awkward tension. "Would you like a drink – or a brew?"

"The usual, please – Severus." Minerva sat down in the armchair.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Would that be the Gillywater or the Scotch?"

"It's a Saturday evening." Minerva mused, "One of each – Scotch on the rocks."

"Evander?" Severus asked.

Evander thought for a moment before saying, "I'd like a hot chocolate."

Severus lifted an inquisitive eyebrow but didn't question Evander's decision. Evander decided that he might as well see how long he could go without touching an alcoholic beverage. The running count was currently almost three months. He wondered if Severus knew that he had been a former alcoholic. He certainly left enough hints. A minute or two later, Severus brought over a tray and set it on the coffee table.

"You can get up now, Evander." Severus said as he sat down across from Minerva.

Evander abandoned his work on the floor, picked up his mug of hot chocolate and made his way to the last remaining armchair.

"Do you often have these nightcaps?" Evander asked. He blew on the hot liquid.

"Once or twice a week," Minerva answered. "Usually, Filius – or Professor Flitwick joins us. He's busy today, unfortunately. I know it may be hard to believe, but us Professors let our hair down once in a while."

"I believe I was forced to give Longbottom an E on a unit test this week." Severus announced. "Honestly, I am rather surprised at that boy. Normally, he would have at least three melted cauldrons by this time of year. He's currently at a grand total of zero."

Minerva beamed. "I've always thought Neville had potential. It's just that it's covered in layers and layers of doubt and insecurities. I've told Augusta many, many, many times that she ought to give her boy a chance."

"Apparently, Neville got mail from his grandmother saying that he should've tried out for the Triwizard –" Evander added.

"Really, Mr. Murphy –"

"Call me Evander – Mr. Murphy sounds so –"

"Then, you must call me Minerva in such informal settings."

"Alright, Minerva."

"Honestly, I think I should go send a Howler to Augusta tomorrow. What is she thinking?" Minerva turned her attention to the Scotch.

"Minerva, I think that somehow we are amongst the sane in this Castle." Severus said after he gulped down a mouthful of Ogden's Finest. "In regards to the entire Triwizard business – what are they thinking?"

"I know that we've trusted Albus' judgement for several decades." Minerva stated, "But I think with the First Task coming up – I am starting to have doubts, Severus. For starters, Albus knows that someone put Harry's name in the Goblet. He's insistent in having Harry go through with all of this nonsense just to see how the plot unfolds. I know he has the 'higher aim' in mind, but I think that his reasoning has cheated Harry out of many things in life."

"The sacrificial lamb..." Evander muttered more to himself. Both professors turned to look sharply at him. Evander simply picked up his mug and sipped at it gingerly. When it became clear that Evander wasn't going to elaborate further, Severus said, "Well, Albus certainly enjoys making my job difficult."

"Dragons!" Minerva shook her head. She had a look of horror upon her face. "At this moment in the Forbidden Forest there lie three of them." She turned to look at Evander, "I –"

"I can keep a secret, Minerva." Evander reassured.

"I guess, the question is," Severus began again, "What are you going to do about it, Minerva? You are Potter's Head of House. If I start coddling the little bugger, everyone's going to know something's up. I am certainly not the only Professor who has noticed that Potter spends most of his days moping around or with the bushy third of the trio. His Potions' grade actually slipped an entire letter grade if you want to go with statistics, Minerva."

"Why, Severus," Minerva smiled. It had a Cheshire cat quality. "If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you didn't care."

"Well... Mad-Eye did ask me to help out with Harry." Evander jumped in.

"That's very interesting," Severus remarked. "Did he say anything of note?"

"Play to Potter's strengths..." Evander replied.

"What strengths exactly does Harry have against a dragon?" Minerva asked.

"Well, Minerva, Harry can certainly fly a broom." Evander answered, "You know how it goes in the tales of yore – and I know from several of my friends that the Triwizard has a predilection for old legends, myths and folklore. You know those stories about dragons hoarding treasure or pretty girls and the brave knights of legend will go questing for the spoils of adventure."

"I think Evander, I see what you mean. There's hope, yet." Minerva picked up her tumbler and drained the last of the Scotch. "Severus, I am going to cut short tonight's nightcap. I've got a certain urge to write out a special lesson plan. Shall we reschedule for Tuesday – maybe at the Three Broomsticks – that gives Missy a break and you know my cooking is abominable at best – my treat."

"Of course, Minerva," Severus nodded, "I will send you a message."

"And, you are welcome to join us at any point, Evander." Minerva gave a small warm smile to Evander.

It was one that she usually reserved for those of her House.

It was bittersweet; nevertheless, Evander mused when Severus got up from his chair to escort Minerva to the door.

It was a little reminder of who he had been.

/(I)\

"I did not remember that there was a souvenir stand for the Triwizard." Evander mused for Felix's ears alone the next morning.

The pair had just entered the Great Hall. For a Sunday morning, the normally quiet Hall was filled with students from all Houses, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. The middle tables had been cleared away and any students who wished to indulge in breakfast were forced to sit at either the Gryffindor or Slytherin tables. Evander mused that it was a subtle way to encourage inter-house or school relations. The stand in question was situated at the centre of the room. It was manned by an old, but rather jolly looking witch with expressive eyebrows and a rather crooked nose. The stand was draped in large flags, each displaying the crests of all three participating schools.

"Want to investigate the goods?" Felix asked.

Evander shrugged and the pair walked towards the action.

"Felix, Evander!" Hannah's voice came from behind them. "You feeling better there, Evander?"

"Yeah, loads." Evander grinned. "Thanks a lot for yesterday."

"Anytime!" Hannah said gleefully. "Wow, these stuffed animals are lovely."

Evander looked at the array of animals on display. There were unicorns, hippogriffs, chimeras, phoenixes, dire wolves and even a stuffed troll with cute little beady eyes. But what really caught his attention were the stuffed dragons hanging from the top of the stand. There was the Swedish Short-Snout, the Chinese Fireball, The Common Welsh Green and even the Hungarian Horntail rendered in loving detail. The dragons were rather large – slightly smaller than Evander's torso.

He turned to look for Felix, but his fellow Ravenclaw was no longer with him. He then caught sight of Felix inquiring the price of a furry dire wolf that Hannah was holding. Hannah was clearly trying to talk Felix out of buying stuff for her.

"Evander!" It was Neville's voice. "What do you think of these models?"

Evander had to laugh when he saw the action figures that were based on the Champions. He picked up a Harry action figure. "Pretty life-like – if I do say so myself." He watched with amusement as the Harry-figure walked across his palm.

"Well, I did overhear Daphne asking Tracey if the proportions were correct under the trousers." Neville whispered.

"Oh dear," Evander looked at the crotch-area. "Nah, these clothes are too tight for any sort of –"

"Hi Hermione," Neville greeted as he had spied Hermione making a beeline for them, "Where's Harry?"

"Professor McGonagall showed up as we were going to leave and she invited Harry to have breakfast with her or something –" Hermione explained, "She had a very determined look on her face, which reminded me of when she talks about beating Slytherin for the House Cup." She noticed the animated figure in Evander's hand. "Is that a Harry action figure?" She asked with bewilderment and amusement. "I think I should buy one for Harry."

"I am sure he would appreciate it." Evander said. "I think I might buy one myself."

"Well, the Viktor one is going pretty fast, as is the Fleur one." Hermione observed. "It's like they managed to replicate the Veela-vibe. You are immune though, aren't you Evander?"

"I believe so. It's never really affected me, Hermione." Evander answered. "Felix is immune too."

"But not to the charms of Hannah." Neville gave a little good-natured chuckle, pointing to the pair.

Evander picked up the stick that was used for removing the goods from the top racks and he retrieved a pair of Hungarian Horntails. The stuffed dragons were pretty popular, Evander noticed. He also smiled when he caught sight of Draco – the Slytherin's arms were laden with a pair of dragons and a wide assortment of Viktor Krum memorabilia.

"You are getting a pair of them?" Neville asked Evander.

"They make good presents." Evander shrugged.

"This troll is actually pretty cute." Hermione observed. She manipulated the troll's club and swung it at Neville who playfully ducked.

"Honestly, I think I should commission this company to make a Severus Snape doll." Evander smirked.

"And what, give it to him as a gag gift?" Neville asked in midst fits of laughter. "That's on par to that day when he saw my boggart!"

"Yeah, maybe for April Fools I will give him a made up brochure on a certain line of dolls –"

He stopped talking when he spied Ron looking long and hard at a Harry figure. The red-headed boy quickly picked it up and sighed when he saw the price at the bottom. When he saw that Ron had picked out a few of the cheaper goods, Evander took an extra Harry figure and went to go pay for his purchases. Evander actually didn't have enough on his person, but the witch had said that she would deduct directly from his bank account. He signed the authorization slip – a two layer piece of parchment. He kept the bottom and gave her the top. He mused that the Wizarding world was making small developments here and there. He then instructed the saleswitch to give the additional figure to Ron as a promotional gift or for being customer number x. It wasn't that he had a superfluous stash of money but Evander had a feeling that Ron really needed a little pick-me-up.

Growing up was hard and Evander understood the trials of adolescence as well as anyone.

/(I)\

"Are you sure that Professor Snape is fine with this?" Hermione asked after Evander had opened the slab door separating Severus' office space and his quarters.

"Yes, he is. Please come in." Evander nodded.

When the stone slab was safely closed behind them, Hermione pulled at the air. The invisibility cloak that hid Harry pooled to the ground.

"So, Evander, why did you have me wear the cloak?" Harry asked.

"Good question." Evander replied. "It's kind of suspicious if both you and Hermione are seen walking to the dungeons. I mean, Hermione comes quite often, and you only come here for detentions. They'd think we would be up to something no good."

"Who are they?" Harry inquired.

"Why are we standing here, anyways?" Evander gestured over to the armchairs. "Would you guys like a drink?"

"Butterbeer," Harry said just as Hermione said, "Tea, please."

Evander hunted for the familiar tray that Severus had used the night before. Missy was out of the castle, visiting family since late yesterday afternoon, so he, Felix and Severus had to make do by themselves. He found a butterbeer in the fridge and quickly brewed up two teas with Severus' favoured green tea leaves. He also poured a bag of crisps into a bowl and brought the tray out to the coffee table.

"To answer your question, Harry – they refers to those who wish to mess with the mechanisms of our daily lives." Evander sipped at his tea. "Not just yours, but mine as well. What we do know is that someone put your name into that Goblet. Unfortunately, we don't know the bigger story – or should I say – the plot that goes with it. But, that's not what we are here to worry about. Did Professor McGonagall teach you the summoning charm today?"

"How did you know?" Harry looked astonished.

Evander shrugged. "That's not too important either. If you observe your surroundings and the people around you – you can learn a lot. It's a difficult skill, for your brain is designed to tune out the daily humdrum of everyday life to focus on what's important. But, you can train yourself to do so. And the most important thing is to question everything. For instance, I can tell when our Headmaster is utilizing Legilimency on a person."

"He wouldn't..." Hermione trailed off when she saw Evander's face.

"Trust me; it's never a good idea to look into the eyes of a Master Legilimens unless you are sure that your shields are sufficient. And, while I agree that it's not ethical to go around probing the minds of other people – people are human – Hermione. People have their temptations, regardless of how high of a pedestal you put them on." Evander explained. "I am human. Severus is human. Dumbledore is human. We are prone to err."

"So, can you mind-read?" Harry asked.

"Don't let Severus hear you." Evander looked at his younger self severely. "In a sense, it is. But it's much more complicated than that. The mind is a very complex construct – made up of many different layers. We aren't quite sure how it operates – we go from Freud and his ideas of the id, the ego and the superego to more complex theories. We have an unconscious and a conscious. We have a primitive side and we have the frontal lobes that we use for reasoning, decision making and logic. As a Legilimens, your job is to sort through the conscious and the unconscious. It's very difficult to go beyond the thoughts that a person is currently preoccupied with – in their working memory. And it's even worse to go into the unconscious memories and the long term memories. Unless the person has hyperthymesia – the gift of perfect autobiographical recall – or eidetic memory – the ability to remember to recall the senses in great capacity – the memory you retrieve might even be false! For instance, if I looked through your mind to find out what you had for lunch the other day, the memory may have mutated to fit your schemas which are basically your generalized image of yourself."

"Holy Merlin, Evander." Hermione shook her head. "You should be a professor, honestly. Where did you learn all of that?"

"Through Muggle psychology texts – and I apply stuff that I find in there for practical use. Sometimes it doesn't work – science is after all a mutable thing that gets us closer to the truth, but when it does, it works fabulously." Evander explained. He then winked, "Never give up your Muggle roots. There are many implications that Muggle knowledge has on magic. It's a shame that most purebloods are too blind to realize this."

It was true. Evander became an excellent Obliviator through his dabbling with Muggle texts. One of his specialities had been the implantation of false memories.

"Now, on to business before I bore you two," Evander said. "Can you show me summoning skills, Harry?"

"Accio book!" Harry pulled out his wand. He performed the correct wand movement and incantation.

One of Severus' books flew from the bookshelf. It was entitled Potions of the Dark Ages.

"Let me ask you some questions, Harry." Evander said. "Was that the book you wanted to get?"

"Yes, it is." Harry nodded.

"What was it you said to get the book?" Evander asked. He drank a gulp of tea.

"Um... Accio book?" Harry looked bemused.

"Does it matter what you say as the second word?" Evander inquired.

"I guess..." Harry said slowly, "No."

"Then how?" Evander asked. "How did you get this particular book?"

"I saw it in my mind." Harry said.

"Good – so if I said Accio book but I wanted a quill instead, what will happen?"

Hermione struggled to keep her mouth shut while Harry said, "You will get the quill."

"So if you were dueling," Evander began, "Is it good to confuse your opponents?"

Harry nodded. His eyes then widened. "Does that mean that one can say one incantation but mean another? For instance, if I wanted to disarm an opponent and I incant something like Accio instead – is that possible?"

Hermione looked excited as Evander beamed at his younger-self's sudden flash of insight. "It's possible. But very, very, very difficult – the example you utilize is particularly hard. It's all in the mind, Harry – Hermione. The way we've been taught magic has made us stuck in certain ways of casting."

"Accio." Evander merely jabbed once with his wand. An apple from the fruit bowl sailed through the air. Evander caught it neatly and took a bite. "Or even," Evander drew a vertical line with his wand – a far cry from the n shape that was usually prescribed for the charm. A napkin followed a similar path that its predecessor – the apple had traveled through.

"Now you are just showing off!" Hermione exclaimed in glee, "Non-verbal and a deceiving wand stroke. You need to teach me!"

"And me!" Harry looked enthusiastic. It was the first time Evander had encountered his younger self in such an excited state. "Accio." Harry incanted, summoning the book he had originally gotten from the bookshelf to his lap. "It works – it works!"

"Three conditions," Evander held up a pair of fingers. "You will learn Occlumency. I don't have any wish for anyone else outside to know the full extent of my abilities – that includes Dumbledore. I am a free agent. Two, you will not reveal anything pertaining to these lessons to anyone. Severus will know about them but that's pretty much it. Three, Neville, Hannah and Draco will be joining us."

"Draco – as in Malfoy?" Hermione looked surprised, just as Harry looked bewildered.

"Hey, I promised." Evander shrugged. "I can't just revoke it... he's going to throw such a tantrum... And that kicked-puppy look. Merlin – I don't think I can take it. And yes, he will behave. I have his word."

"Okay, then." Harry agreed. "It's a small price to pay."

"Shake on it?" Evander shook Harry's hand first and then Hermione's.

He pressed a small piece of folded parchment into Hermione's palm, setting one of the wheels of the plan into motion.

Yes, I followed through! It did help that I had the contents of this chapter all in my head though. The piece of Runic magic mentioned or to be used in the subsequent chapter was inspired by the two-yeast-hybrid technique used to study protein interactions if that means anything to you. (I am such a nerd.)

No update till mid/late-September. Worst case scenario – October. Got to submit apps and got a test to write.

-L

Please review!