Chapter 23 - The Untold Theory

Minerva was stationed next to Athena's bed; desperately she clutched Athena's hand. She pleaded for Athena to wake up but unfortunately, her daughter remained very still. She felt so cold. How could someone go from a feeling of pure love to pure horror in less than a second? Minerva didn't know if she could cope with that sort of emotional whiplash but she had to remain strong for Athena, ready for her to wake up – she simply had to wake up. Minerva could feel something had changed between them, it was as if she could feel Athena's presence, although she wasn't really present at the moment. Athena hadn't moved since her body had convulsed and contorted unnaturally towards the ground. If Minerva hadn't had a firm grip on her arm, Merlin only knows how many more bones Athena might have broken as she twisted to the ground. Thankfully, Sirius had been quick enough to catch Athena's disfigured little form and Amelia had managed to bound her to prevent coursing herself further harm. When this happen, Minerva could only openly cry as she held her adopted daughters' body on the floor. And to know it was something they had done which had caused it? It would forever scar her mind.

Minerva glance towards Athena's scar, it was as fresh as the day she had got it. Minerva was not squeamish, but when the scar seemed to puke black tar onto the floor, she almost vomited herself. It was after this when Athen seemed to stop moving and Minerva feared the worse.

Minerva thought about Athena's friends, while Minerva was crying over Athena, somebody had told the children to get Poppy. The children must have run fast, because within minutes, Poppy had charged in and pushed both Minerva and Sirius aside. Amelia held on to Sirius, perhaps to stop him trying to get close to Athena, while Andy seemed to be holding Minerva up as her own body was failing to support her. When Poppy said she was still breathing - a thousand breaths came back to Minerva at once. Further tests showed Athena was well, apart from the fact her arms and legs were broken and her forehead was leaking blood rapidly. The bones Poppy could fix in a heartbeat, the bleeding was harder to stop then it should have been but Poppy did stop it, yet Athena didn't wake. Poppy scanned her mind, to find she could not gain access, which should not have been possible given that Athena was unconscious and to everyone's knowledge, she did not know occlumency. As they moved the motionless Athena to the Hospital Wing, her three young friends clung to each other crying silently. Ted must have said something to them because they remained quiet and still, he sat with them few beds away from Athena. It wasn't until a few hours, of Athena being what Poppy called 'a stable condition' that they were finally convinced to return to their dorms, even for a few hours' sleep.

Against Poppy's demands, all the adults remained. Sirius sat one side of Athena with his head in his hands, Amelia was rubbing his back. Ted and Andy, remained at the bottom of the bed while Minerva kept hold of Athena's hand.

As morning broke, Albus Dumbledore entered the Hospital Wing. "Minerva, what happened why wasn't I called?" He said as he rushed to the end of the bed. He saw Athena laying in the bed and his eyes darted directly to her scar. It's not as if one could miss the wound that was already beginning to scab. Perhaps Poppy had thought it right to inform him a student was in her care?

At first, nobody said anything, Minerva wasn't sure what to say. She knew in her current mood her words were unlikely to be pleasant. But Minerva remembered something, despite his many wrong doings, he was still one of the most knowledgeable Wizards alive, perhaps he had some insight. The funny thing about Dumbledore, she noticed, was that he always seemed to share his opinion when it was not wanted but when you needed information, his mouth was a sealed as an unsolvable puzzle box.

Everybody else remained quiet as Minerva explained what happened, she didn't care if he felt the need to comment on his absence at the adoption, because Minerva knew the bond had been completed and there was nothing, he or anyone else could do about it. When she explained the details that took place after the ceremony, Dumbledore remained silent and listened patiently. Minerva found it difficult to verbalise what she had seen, but she did not leave a detail out, for fear it might be important. Poppy explained that magically and physically Athena was fine, apart from the fact that she would not wake up and her mind was closed.

"I see," he said calmly, "congratulations on your adoption. Anyone can see your love for Athena and it appears that magic can see it too."

Minerva thought he seemed genuine, but her trust of him was barely a flicker, that she did not truly believe it. "Her scar, Headmaster, I would like to hear your theories of the scar on my daughter's forehead." Minerva's tone suggested this was not a request. Minerva thought back to the vowel she had insisted Dumbledore make, all the way back at the beginning of term, the vowel meant that any news regarding Athena's safety would have to be bought directly to her, except Dumbledore could still have theories as long as he didn't believe they were extremely likely. Despite arguing over the wording, Dumbledore's vowel still left him to have plenty of secrets regarding Athena. Since that vowel was made, stories of his misguided deeds have further come to light and Minerva's distrust had grown to resentment. From his hand in Sirius's lack of trial to possibly Athena's birth, Dumbledore was playing with people's lives all because of a prophecy. Minerva would be interested to see how recent events have affected his theories and wither it would be enough for magic to compel him to share his thoughts.

"I have some theories that might enlighten you, but I fear now would not be the time."

"I trust everybody in this room with Athena's life. And everybody here knows of the prophecy." That was not exactly true, Poppy didn't know the details but it seemed she was about to receive an education. Quite smartly, she remained quiet.

Shock did not flare in Dumbledore's eyes as she expected it too. But there was disappointment. "I thought it was agreed that the subject was not to be discussed openly."

Before Minerva could answer, Sirius spoke for the first time in hours. "She didn't but I did. I knew of the prophecy not long after you did. In this room, you see my family and there are no secrets in my family." His voice was firm, spoke like a true Head of House. Amelia reached out to hold his hand.

"Sirius, my boy...It is still not your secret to tell. If the wrong people should here of it, Athena's life will be in mortal danger."

"If you truly believe the prophecy, then her life will be in danger no matter what we do? Is that not how prophecies work? At some point, you believe it'll be Voldemort or my goddaughter left standing?" Sirius accused.

"The matter is more complicated than you could possibly know. Besides she is still just a child."

"Bullshit! She is a child you kept in an abusive home and a child you kept separated from her family." As Sirius's anger creeped through, the madness within glowed in his eyes.

The tension in the room raised, Ted awkwardly tried to signal for Sirius to calm down. Quietly Dumbledore replied. "Sirius, she was with family. Lilly Potter cast a blood protection spell, with her blood family, she was safe." Dumbledore had explained there was protection at the Dursley's and it seemed important to him that she was with family. But the mention of a blood protection spell caught everybody's attention.

"Blood does not always mean family, you know this. Are you aware at how abused she was? Did you even look at her when she got out of there?!" Sirius's voice was rising. Sirius hadn't seen what Athena was like when Minerva first found her. The image of the tiny girl with wild red hair, wearing an oversized - extremely large shirt and loose trousers, would forever haunt Minerva.

"I did, it is a sight I will never forget. You have to understand, I thought I was doing the right thing." If Minerva didn't know him any better, it looked as if he was pleading.

Amelia interrupted. "The right thing? Who gave you that right, exactly? I mean – Why was Athena there in the first place?" Amelia tried to correct herself before her own temper sprayed her feelings across the room. All their plans for Dumbledore were unravelling before their eyes. The fact that Ted had looked into legal matters regarding Athena was obvious, and Dumbledore would see that they would have pieced together his involvement. Minerva had no doubt that they had been well and truly caught. He could now conclude, that the people in this room were jointly responsible for all the changes lately and it was too soon for him to see them together. Dumbledore would not be complacent he would prepare his excuses for his actions regarding Athena and would cover any evidence. But that was alright, they didn't plan to accuse him, they planned to discredit him, so fewer people would trust his words at face value.

"I see my actions have not been portrayed in a good light." Dumbledore pulled himself a seat from across the room and sat down with them. "You are correct. I have taken matters into my own hands and I have made mistakes in doing so." He sighed. "Do you remember the war? I know you all have lost loved ones; I do not say this to bring up bad memories but I wish to bring light to the memory. When Voldemort fell that night, the killing stopped, the war stopped." Was this his way of justifying everything he'd done to an innocent little girl? "If you have heard the prophecy then you must know this fight is not over and I'm sorry to say young Athena here, will be at the centre of it." He gestured towards Athena laying in the bed.

"But Athena is not a 'him'. How can you take the prophecy so literally but ignore that glaring inconsistency?" Andy interrupted. Dumbledore regarded Andy, perhaps he was shocked that they did indeed know the prophecy, or perhaps it was something else.

"This fact as bothered me for years and I admit. The prophecy could apply to another." Minerva could see Amelia was shaking, nobody was mentioning that another baby was meant to be due at the end of July and also met the prophecy's criteria. "Nonetheless, it was Athena who was marked and the events of last night leave me with little doubt."

Sirius interjected again. "Have you even considered, "marked" might not even mean physically? Emotions, leave scars too."

"I am aware Sirius and yes, I too have considered this. But the events of today have confirmed my suspicions on a great many things. And I, strongly believe, that Voldemort will return and if the prophecy is not proof enough of Voldemort's return, take a look at what is before you." The adults looked towards Athena's dried up scar. Dumbledore spoke with a voice of wisdom, at least he certainly believed his words to be true. "It is my belief, that not all of Voldemort died that night. From what I can conclude, a part of his soul, latched on to Athena, almost exactly ten years ago. It had been contained; she would have been unaffected. The only evidence I have is that scar and the events you have explained to me, have sadly confirmed this theory."

"No hang on," Amelia had had enough of being silent. "a part of his soul? The soul does not simply split."

"No, it does not." He said simply but firmly.

"Dumbledore - Albus, what are you saying?" Minerva asked.

"I have too many theories," Dumbledore shook his head, "I am unsure where to begin."

"I want to hear every one of those theories, Albus. But right now, we need to focus on healing and protecting Athena. Tell me, what you believe happened to my daughter last night!?"

"To explain that, it would depend which theory is true. For example, the scar could be the result of a ritual performed by Lilly Potter, one to defend Athena from an unforgivable spell. I wonder if that protection still stands? You see, the basis of such a spell, could only be the opposite of the killing curse, love, of course. There is a fine line between love and hate, but nonetheless they are opposite. After what transpired last night, Athena's soul is not only protected by her birth Mother's love but another ritual of sorts, was completed for her to gain another Mother's love. Motherly love is a powerful thing, it transcends far beyond death but to have the love of two mothers, each supported by magic, it is a power not many could comprehend. It is therefore, my belief, that the soul fragment of Voldemort was previously contained behind the scar, which is why the scar remained. Your love, Minerva, was enough to banish it."

Minerva's mind was whirling. Part of Voldemort, was alive in her sweet little Athena? "It's not possible..." She whispered.

"Come now," Andy interrupted, as if she was calling out a practical joke., "if a Mother's Love was powerful enough to save a child, then no child would ever die?"

"It is my understanding, that the young Mrs Potter, reached for blood rituals in order to protect her family. She was a very smart witch."

"How dare you?" Sirius spat, "How dare you taint Lilly's name with such a thing? If it were true, how would you have known?"

"Rituals are not a bad thing my boy, the ceremony you performed last night, was a form of ritual, after all. You could not call that negative. As for blood magic it is not that much different to soul magic. It is the intention of the caster, which truly matters. Lilly, would have used her own blood and her intention, was love and protection. Of course, I only played a small hand, I allowed Mrs Potter, into my private book collection. I helped her protect her sister, however, this particular protection, I can only speculate based on what she went through to help her sister."

"Can you go back to the part about a soul fragment of You-Know-Who?" Ted interjected. Minerva needed to know more about this as well.

Dumbledore sighed deeply, "In all honesty, I wish somebody would explain it to me. I have theory... as Madame Bones stated, 'the soul does not simply split'? The events of that Halloween night ten years ago, may well have been but an unnatural accident? But there are events that transpired prior to that night, that made me suspect - the man who you know as Voldemort - may have been meddling in dark things that he ort not to have meddled in." The room went quiet as Dumbledore's words hang in the air.

"Would you care to enlighten us?" Minerva pushed.

Dumbledore looked thoughtful, "I do not wish to scare you unnecessarily. I intend to tell you my theory, but I believe I better check with a source first. If I am right, I will have no choice but to tell you." He said as he alluded to his previous promise. The fact that he was not fully forthcoming now, suggested that he really wasn't sure about his theory. Minerva knew one thing, with the mention of souls, Voldemort and whatever she witnessed last night, this information couldn't be good.

"I should expect you too." Minerva stated. "In all your wisdom, is there anything we can do to help Athena now?" Minerva was losing her patience, promise or not, there is no need for him to withhold information. If she was to have any hope in protecting Athena, she needed to know for sure, exactly what she needed to protect Athena from.

"With the love of her new family and darkness behind the scar gone, I think young Miss Potter-"

"McGonagall-Potter." Minerva stated firmly.

"Miss McGonagall-Potter, may well be better now than she has been in a long time. I am not a healer, but I feel she will recover and thrive."

Poppy supported his story. "As far-fetched as the Headmaster's words are - it is frightening – but the idea of a trapped soul being released, does indeed fit her diagnosis." Poppy explained. I know little of blood rituals and I have never heard of a scar containing a soul, but everything you witnessed last night fits the description of an exorcism. When lost souls turn sour in an attempt to find life again, they can become a parasite. There are records of ghosts trying to leach from any source of human life, magical or muggle. If what the Headmaster says is true, Mrs Potter's ritual could have very well protected Miss Potter – Sorry Miss McGonagall-Potter, from early possession. However cursed scars are not my area. Headmaster, regarding your theory, if it was Mrs Potter who marked her, why that particular rune? Surely, there are more fitting symbols?" Minerva didn't really enjoy Runes so she didn't remember all the translations but since Dumbledore mentioned it at the end of summer, she checked to see the Rune meaning and the lightning bolt rune, Sowilo, translated to 'sun'.

"When does one feel safer? In the dark night, or the light of day? The Sun is a symbol of hope and good health. I can think of no better guardian against the forces of evil." Dumbledore riddled.

"Hang on," Sirius said slowly. "'The dark lord shell mark...' based on that theory, Lilly would have had to make the mark... "

"Not unless the mark manifested as a result of Voldemort's Spell? But do not confused my words as fact, these are but an old man's theory. There was something magical about that scar, I could feel the magic from it all those years ago. But now, it does not feel the same. That is of course – Poppy my dear, have you tried to heal Miss McGonagall-Potter's scar."

"Of course, Albus." Said an offended Poppy. "She should have been bought to me as a baby and I could have prevented scar tissue then. Now the bleeding has stopped, I can apply more cream."

Minerva's heart leaped, a reminded of that night would no longer be plastered across Athena's forehead. But a small voice bought her mind back to that night, the memory of Dumbledore's words, 'Yes,' said Dumbledore. 'She'll have that scar forever.'

'Couldn't you do something about it, Dumbledore?' Minerva replied.

'Even if I could, I wouldn't...'

Minerva had never questioned his decision. Even back then, he said it couldn't be healed, but did he even try. Why didn't she question it? "You never mentioned you felt something wrong with the scar. But you did allude that it could never be healed. Did you suspect than, that a piece of Voldemort's soul could be present, even then? You said you wouldn't get rid of it, even if you could. What game are you playing Dumbledore?!"

"Please Minerva, calm yourself. I assure you I did not think it was likely back then. Even now, this is but a theory. Back then, I assumed it was only residue from what had previously transpired. Only today, have I felt any certainty."

"Then why didn't you get her checked by a healer." Sirius said through gritted teeth.

"Because I did the same as you that night, I placed Athena in the arms of someone who could keep her safe."

The room, suddenly went cold. If you could cast the unforgivable spell wordlessly; Dumbledore would have dropped dead. If Sirius had just stayed with Athena, she would have never gone to the Dursley's and Sirius would have never been taken to Azkaban. This was the biggest kick in the teeth Dumbledore could have mentioned.

"Then we were both severely mistaken." Sirius growled.

"Mistakes are one thing..." Amelia was outraged, "You planned for her to keep the scar. You said it yourself – that rune is a symbol of hope!"

Minerva had previously concluded this and it made her sick to her stomach. To think that he could manipulate the situation over such a large time scale. If Minerva hadn't found Athena when she had, what would have happened? Would he have trained her? Prepared her at all? "You painted Athena as this hero, as you expected her to be a hero and stand against You-Know- I mean, Voldemort again! You manipulative cockroach! She's eleven – she was a baby!" Minerva raised to her feet. Her temper had finally been unleashed. "Are you sure you are not the Dark Lord the prophecy speaks of? It seems everything bad that has happened to Athena can be traced back to you and that Prophecy!" Minerva knew she had gone too far. She didn't honestly think he was dark; he was manipulative and had no regard for individual lives. Humans are merely chest pieces to him. He was a sociopath in her eyes. In his own deluded way, he thought he was doing the right thing. Delusion and power are a dangerous mix.

"Minerva -" Ted tried to warn her to calm down.

"I am truly sorry you feel that way Minerva." Dumbledore said calmly. "I am but a man, I have made mistakes. Countless. When I do make mistakes, the consequences are always severe. My wish now, is only to support Athena. She will face challenges that we can only dream of. She needs all our support."

"Do not tell me what she needs." Minerva's words were laced with Venom. "Get out."

Dumbledore didn't move from his seat.

"Minerva you can't possibly-" Poppy tried to defend the great old Headmaster.

"I said, get out." Minerva would not dare say it again. She feared what she might do.

Dumbledore raised from his seat. And moved towards the door, but of course, he could not leave without having the final word. "Once you are ready to talk, you know where I will be. Please Minerva, I only wish to-" Either Dumbledore was really intimidated by Minerva or he actually respected her enough to move away as Minerva drew her wand and held it firmly at her side. "Good day." He bowed his head and left the Hospital Wing.

After a few minutes of silence. Minerva returned to her seat next to Athena.

Amelia was the first to speak. "I just can't believe it, I knew Dumbledore thought himself a God, but I didn't know he tried to act like one. Until a few weeks ago, when you first explained things to me, I didn't believe it. But when you see it, you can't unsee it. He truly thinks his actions are justified. All his actions." Amelia arms around herself and Sirius join her embrace.

"He reminds me of Grindelwald, when he first came to power. There were records of his speeches in the Black Family Library. I read them like they were story books when I was small, not realising they were history." Andy admitted. "Grindelwald, he used the muggle war, to justify why muggles were no better than rabid animals. For a while, I believed it, like the rest of the family. But then Ted was the kindest soul I had ever met, everything was turned upside down. It was when I met his family, the most loving family, when I learned never to believe information from one source. But it's so easy to fall into that trap, when a leader speaks so eloquently. We need to check his words are true we need an impartial expert. There must be someone who knows about magical scars?" As Andy shared her story, Minerva thought again about all the times she had simply accepted Dumbledore at his word. He had a way with words, that could make leaving a child on a door step justifiable. It scared her to know, how easily influenced she was.

Suddenly Minerva had a thought, "Wait, no. We need Ollivander. He can see connections; he says they are auras? But he said he could see the new connection between Athena and I, all the way back in September. His gaze kept falling on Athena's scar, he could see something was there. I know it."

"Can we trust him?" Amelia commented. "The experts in the Department of Mysteries have sworn a vowel of secrecy, perhaps they could help?"

"I don't want Athena to be some sort of test subject. Anyone who goes into the Department of Mysteries rarely comes out." Sirius said, unsure.

"They have a reputation for a reason, but it's not what you think. The rumours are there to keep people away but they are just normal Witches and Wizards under those cloaks, undergoing work for their country."

"That may be true but I don't think they should be the first step. I agree with Minerva, Ollivander can see things others can't. He said something like, Tonk's pattern shifted more than others and that's what made her clumsy... this alludes to the fact she is a Metamorphmagus. It was all very strange, yet he made perfect sense. I never asked him about it. As your legal counsel, I can request he not discuss anything regarding Athena. He might not accept but I could try?"

"Would you?" Minerva pleaded. "I just feel he'll be able to tell us something."

Ted nodded. "What about Dumbledore?" Amelia asked. "I don't trust him. And now he knows we've been looking into things."

Sirius got up to hug her and stop her pacing, "He doesn't know everything. He knows we resent him for sending me and Athena apart, that's it."

"He has probably worked out what I've found, but he would have suspected this once you were free. He knew I discovered you hadn't had a trial and he will know I've had to investigate Athena's guardianship, otherwise Minerva wouldn't have been able to adopt her magically or not. But he also knows we do not have enough to take him to court at the moment – or ever really. Because politically, he thinks he is untouchable – which he is. He doesn't know what else we – strongly suspect." He looked at Amelia. "You did really well to keep yourself under control."

"I apologise for my outburst. He will now think of me as an enemy." Minerva admitted, ashamed that her emotions are so unstable.

"Minerva you behaved like a Mother. It's perfectly acceptable for you to be upset right now and he probably believes he is being noble taking your rath in this difficult time." Andy said as she rolled her eyes. "He'll expect you to apologise for your outburst and go crying to him for help."

"Over my dead body." Minerva sneered.

"Well yes, he probably knows that would be out of character for you." Andy corrected. "But what you said was right and he knew it. Perhaps, he will try damage control and perhaps you should let him." Before Minerva said anything, Andy raised her hand. "I am not suggesting act like you've forgiven him. I mean, agree to disagree. 'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.'" Ted explained. "Besides, we need him. There is something bigger going on here. Soul Fragment? If he is correct, we need to know more about Soul Magic. The good and the bad."

"To split your soul? Surely that isn't possible? Even with a soul bond, they say your soul is still part of you?"

"It's possible." Andy said suddenly, causing everyone to look at her.

"What do you mean?" Ted was concerned.

"I told you I used to read a lot, a lot of things from the Black Library that I shouldn't have read. I was just a child; I didn't think knowledge could be powerful..." Andy explained and let out a deep breath. "There is a small collection of books in the Black Library that are locked away, which is saying something for that Library."

"It really is saying something." Sirius confirmed. "It was encouraged for my brother and I to read from that Library. I hated it; the very air was thick with evil. I hated even touching the books, let alone go near that cabinet." Sirius gave Andy a somewhat judgmental look.

"Bellatrix, just wanted to practice magic and Narcissa cared more about dressing up and impressing boys. I had my books." Andy shrugged.

"But did you have to have such evil ones?" Sirius cringed.

"Never mind that now." Minerva interrupted. "Did you find something that might help us?"

Andy looked haunted. "It was a foul book. I really only just skimmed it. The things in it made my skin crawl, I put it back pretty quick. But it did mention soul magic, soul curses, bidding a soul and I knew there was something—I don't know – I'm sure it said something about being immortal?"

"We need that book." Minerva said firmly."

"What? You can't want to read it?" Sirius exclaimed.

"Not as a bit of light reading Sirius! But if what Dumbledore said is true, a soul fragment being alive inside Athena? You can bet your broom I'll read through a few dark books? We need all the information we can. We need to know if it's truly gone. Dumbledore is under the impression Voldemort isn't truly gone. We need to check his sources. Ted is correct as much as I detest it, Dumbledore has information and if I have to butter him up for that information I will." Minerva paused to prepare herself. "I cannot believe this is coming from me, but I feel he is right about the Prophecy regarding Athena. I shell have a talk with Augusta, regarding Mr Longbottom. I will see if she was ever informed why her family went into hiding."

"There is an easier way to know for sure. There is a hall in the Department of Mysteries, where all prophecies are kept. But only Athena would be able to collect it, if it is even about her and I'm assuming you don't want her to know about this?" Amelia offered.

Minerva was quiet for a moment, she didn't want Athena to know about any of this but after what she just went through - what she'd already been through, Athena has a right to know why. "It's not our secret to keep. She has the right to know."

"It'll ruin her childhood or what little childhood she has left." Sirius objected.

"All the suffering you've experienced Sirius, what did it look like compared to what you saw her body do? Would you have me lie to her? Tell her that is normal?"

Sirius winced, "Of course not... I just... She doesn't deserve any of this..."

"She doesn't. But she's not alone, she has all of us, she has me, she has three traumatised friends. She deserves, a right to choose how she is going to live her life. If she suggests moving far away from all of this, I will go with her. If she wants to stay and learn, I will try and teach her. And if fate has its way and she comes face to face with Voldemort, you can bet your life, I am going to be right there next to her."

"As will I." Sirius returned.

"Not without me." Amelia said as she gripped Sirius's hand.

"And you have us." Ted put his arm around Andy.

Minerva was overwhelmed, it truly was not every day, that a group of people agreed to go toe to toe with Voldemort.

"Thank you." She barely said as she choked back the tears. She looked back at Athena and prayed she would wake up soon.

OOO

Sirius hadn't moved from Athena's side. Amelia had insisted she stay with him, but he knew she had to go to work, so dutifully he reminded her constantly, that the whole Auror department would fall apart without her and she reluctantly left. Andy needed to leave to work on her newspaper article, at least the one regarding the troll break-in last night. That memory seemed a world away now. And finally, Ted left to see if he could contact Ollivander. But Sirius wasn't alone, Minerva had taken her first day away from classes in - well, he didn't want to ask how long it had been, but he suspected it was before he was born.

A small group joined them in the quiet hospital wing, Sirius had witnessed many brave acts in his time but never had he seen three first years, stand up to dear old Poppy, the School Matron. The kids had come here before breakfast and insisted they would sit quietly until Athena woke up. Poppy had threatened them with all sorts of things, including expulsion, but the three little heroes would not move. Admittedly, the young Miss Hermione looked like she was going to pass out. From what Sirius could tell, these kids seemed like the last bunch to skive off class. And Sirius suspected Poppy knew this. Poppy stormed off and declared she would get the Headmaster, but when she returned, she simply ignored them. Sirius didn't really want Poppy's wrath, he knew from experience how heavy handed she could be when she wanted to, but she was lovely really. She even called a House Elf, without them knowing and magically a breakfast buffet appeared in front of them. They looked at each other, unsure if they should trust the food. Smart kids, Sirius thought. Without a word, Neville tucked in and after a few moments he gave his friends the thumbs up.

Eleven and twelve year olds should not be that paranoid, Sirius thought. But after what they had seen last night, he can only imagine what they are thinking? They had been told Athena was in a stable condition but she wasn't waking up. Other than that, they only had the memory of last night to go by. He should talk to them, but what was he supposed to say? Hey, your friend's been possessed since she was one but it's ok, the ghost was contained until last night? Well, Sirius was never one for words, how do you explain last night, when he didn't even understand it? How much was safe to tell them? If what the old man said was true, then Voldemort was around in some form and had been for the last ten years? Could he still be around?

This led Sirius back to a thought he had returned to many times. The Prophecy: 'neither can live while the other survives'. Well that could mean they were both in the same body? And Athena couldn't be free until it was banished? Which it has been? So now it's over, right? Sirius suspected; it wasn't as easy as that. Besides, the Prophecy could still refer to Neville? Sirius watched Neville slowly put food in his mouth, as if he was already full and couldn't take another bite. He really needed to talk to them.

Without knowing what he was going to say, Sirius went over and sat next to Susan, on the bed the three shared.

"Hey." he started.

"Hi." returned Susan. All three had stopped eating.

"That's pretty brave of you guys, standing up to Madame Promfrey like that?"

Susan shrugged, but Hermione answered. "Athena would do the same for us, but I feel like she would be doing more. I feel so helpless." Tears that were resting in Hermione's eyes, started to fall again. Crying girls, was one of Sirius's worst fear.

"You are doing wonderfully. You are here, you are doing something. You guys are being so strong, it's helping me keep it together." Sirius didn't want to talk about it, but he figured maybe they should. "I don't know about you, but I'll never forget what happened last night. It was the most frightening thing I've ever seen. Ever."

It was surprisingly Neville who spoke first. "I thought she was dead. How can anyone survive that? Does she still have her mind at all?" Sirius realised what Nevile was asking, he was asking if Athena was going to be like his parents. How was he supposed to reassure him, when he didn't really know what state her mind was in?

"What ever happened last night, it wasn't the same. You could see she was in pain...Obviously, but it was only moments, I know it felt like forever but..." Sirius wanted to explain that Neville's parents must have experienced hours of pain, but that can't be the right thing to say either. "She'll fight through, I think...I think, her mind is protecting itself. Have you heard of Occlumency?" Susan nodded but Neville and Hermione shook their heads. "Well, the mind can be entered by some people with a certain skill, they are called a legitimist. Occulumists, can protect their minds from invasion. When I was in – that place, I protected my mind a number of ways, one way was practicing Occlumency. It's not known to help against the guards there, but that and being a dog, it did help. When I came out, a mind healer had to help be bring down a lot of mind barriers. I think that's what's happened with Athena, she's protecting her mind from this traumatic experience." Sirius wasn't sure if what he was saying was true, but it was his theory and it made him feel better to think she was still in there. And it looked like Neville had taken some reassurance too.

"But what happened last night?" Hermione almost pleaded for an answer.

"I wish I knew. We are having someone come in today, he may be able to help or at least give us some answers." Then Sirius had an idea "I'd really appreciate it if you could take a little break when he gets here, at least go explain to your professors why you aren't in class. I'm sure they would understand. If anyone of them give you grief, I'm sure Professor McGonagall will sort them out. At least that'll give you something to do while we investigate?"

"But what if she wakes up and we aren't here?" Susan said, slightly panicked.

Sirius thought for a moment, he thought about Athena, laughing with her friends, he thought about the ceremony last night and the love he had for both Athena and Minerva; he thought about Amelia, when he first saw her after so long, she looked like an angel; he thought about the moment she said, she would have married him; he imagined their wedding day and maybe he imagined little pups of their own. Holding the feeling, he said the words he hadn't said, in over twelve years.

"Expecto Patronum." From his wand, shone a bright light, he felt the warmth from last night radiate from a form. Only this form wasn't what he expected, it wasn't his normal grim, quite the opposite, this time it was a large, white cat. Its face was like a domestic cat, but it was much larger, its fir was much wilder and its ears had long hair grown from them. The large wild cat, jumped behind the kids, and squeezed itself between Susan and Hermione, it leant down for a long stretch.

The three kids laughed warmly. "This is my Patronus, apparently." he added with a chuckle.

"It's Auntie Amelia." Susan corrected.

"What?"

"It's a Lynx, which is also Auntie Amelia's animagus form."

Sirius was rather shocked, he didn't even know Amelia had a form, she didn't happen to mention it. "Why are all the woman in my life Cats? Honestly, I'm going to have to buy Athena a dog or something."

"Don't you dare." Minerva had had her back to them most of the time as she held Athena's hand, but she was looking back smiling at Sirius, obviously fully aware that not only had his patronus changed, but who it symbolised.

Sirius was about to give some remark but he remembered he had a point to share with the kids.

"Can you show us how to do this?" Hermione asked.

"It's really advanced." Susan warned.

"So?" Hermione returned quickly.

Sirius laughed, "Maybe over Christmas, I'll set you off with the first task and then we can talk about it again over summer. But Susan, I mean, Miss Bones, is right, it is not often something taught until at least seventh year."

"Neither is wandless magic but I plan to master it before then." Hermione stated.

Sirius barked with laughter. "I have no doubt about it. I forgot which kids I was speaking too! Anyway, I'll send – er does your Aunt's form have a name, Miss Bones?" he quickly asked Susan.

"Oh er, you can call me Susan, I guess." It appeared Susan also knew it must be a good sign that Sirius's patronus represented her Aunt. "Erm, not really, I call her Kitty and it really annoys Auntie Amelia.

"Thank you, Susan. And that's perfect - Kitty it is!"

"NO! She'll kill you – She'll kill me!"

"Nahhh. It'll be fine." Sirius thought it'll be hilarious.

"So, here's the deal: If Athena wakes up or if anything changes. Kitty here, will find you and that'll be the sign to come back. How does that sound?"

"But we don't have to leave until the expert arrives, right?"

"Like I said, I like having you guys around. Keeps the wrinkles away." Sirius said as he tried to stretch out his face, causing Hermione to giggle.

Minerva was still looking back watching them, there was a hint of amusement in her eyes too.

Sirius hoped he wouldn't need to call them back. Hopefully Athena would wake any minute now.