The Express rattled over the rails, speeding towards the Scottish Highlands. For the return journey the Gryffindors had spread out with Harry and Percival joining Seamus and Dean in a carriage while Neville and the others were further down the train catching up with some of the Hufflepuffs.
"Did you have a good Holiday?" Harry asked, as Seamus hoisted his trunk into the luggage rack.
"Yeah," Seamus nodded and then began to tell the story of the Football match that Dean had taken him to.
Half way through the trip just after the lady had been by with the snack trolley, their door slid open again, Harry had the thought that they should really start applying some sort of locking charm and intention ward to it, maybe he could do something with some little ward stones. Perhaps he could find something in Hogsmeade on the next weekend.
He looked up at the door and said "I see you've come for your regular visit Malfoy. I must say if I did not know that you were dating Parkinson, I would have thought that you had a crush on one of us."
"I'm not dating Pansy!" Draco snapped, looking slightly horrified.
"Really? Because I'm sure that a Prefect found the pair of you lip locked in a broom cupboard just before the holidays. Do you mean to tell me you're just using her? Huh. I can't see that going well."
"Wha…!" Draco exclaimed thoroughly off balance. "No Potter!" He shook his head in frustration. "When the Dark Lord takes over, you'll regret every time you have insulted me," he threatened.
Percival stood, moving himself in front of Harry. Draco looked him up and down, they were about the same height.
"Who are you again? You Potter's bodyguard? I know, bet you're a poof. Ha, Potter the poof!" Draco snorted.
"I would suggest," Percival began his voice dropping in tone and volume. If his subordinates heard that tone, they would have hustled off to the furthest corners of the Auror office and made sure that their work was completed as quickly and quietly as possible without drawing his wrath on themselves. The only reason hexes were not flying as yet was because he was facing a school child. "I would suggest that you learn some self-control Mr Malfoy," the words were clipped, and cold. "You have already been warned."
"About Harry being Heir Black," Malfoy sniffed dismissively. "Mother and Father are sorting that out at the bank. It won't be any obstacle. The family motto will not allow a Mudblood to become Lord."
Harry opened his mouth, to comment, but a stern look from Percival had him shutting it abruptly.
"You will leave Harry alone," Percival growled.
"Or what?" Malfoy puffed out his chest, surreptitiously dropping his wand into his hand.
"Or you will have to deal with me."
"A jumped-up Yank? What are you going to do?"
"A jumped-up yank who is the Godson of the current American Ambassador to the British Isles? I will have all of your Father's extraneous activities exposed and shut down, decreasing his income by at least half, and then I will arrange to have every skeleton in his closet exposed on the International stage."
"You wouldn't dare!"
"Try me!"
Draco, raised his hand, "Densaugeo!"
Percival merely batted the hex aside and it splashed impotently against the wall of the carriage with a bang.
"Expellunt Exta!"
Percival's face became stony and with a wave of his hand the curse hit a ward. Another wave and Malfoy was petrified and bound.
"An entrail expelling curse, on board a school train!" he hissed fiercely. "Well you are certainly showing your Pedigree aren't you." His patronus appeared and was quickly sent bearing a message to Seraphina. Another was sent to notify the Head Boy, Timothy McMahon, of the incident.
"Really Potter!" Tim sighed when he arrived at their compartment and saw Malfoy lying bound on the floor. "Can you ever just be, I don't know, not in trouble?"
"Hey," Harry raised his hands, "this wasn't even me!"
"You mean Malfoy came to your carriage for a reason other than annoying you?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Well…." Harry said sheepishly.
They were interrupted by Seraphina's cheetah.
"Aurors will be on site for your arrival at Hogsmeade. Be prepared to have your memory of the event withdrawn for evidence. Because of the nature of the curse, there may be a trial."
"That serious?" Tim asked, looking around at the stern faces. "This is going to be a right headache. I hope you two," he looked at Dean and Seamus, "are willing to give a statement?" Both boys agreed. "Good. Well I guess I'll just levitate him up to the Prefects carriage."
He waved his wand and muttered the necessary spell, Malfoy floated out of the carriage behind the Head Boy.
When the train pulled up to the station, the disembarking students stopped to stare at the squad of Aurors that were waiting at one end of the platform. The whispering began immediately. Harry, Percival, Seamus and Dean moved towards them.
"Been causing trouble, Harry?" the amused voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt greeted them.
Harry smiled, "Not me this time."
"Alright boys, Harry, you're with me, Percival with Tonks, …."
"Dean," and "Seamus," the boys identified themselves.
"Right Dean you're with Robbards," he gestured to the next Auror. "Seamus with Dawlish. It won't take long to give your statements. We'll have you up to the school in no time."
Each boy was led away by their designated Auror, and gave their statement, with Percival agreeing to supply his memory. As they finished Harry noticed both Crabbe and Goyle standing near another couple of Aurors and realised they must have had to give a statement as well.
"Right, we're done with you for the time being. There is carriage waiting to take you up to the school. No doubt dinner has started. Off you go."
"Where have you been," Hermione hissed as they slid into the only vacant seats at the table. "They're saying there was an attack on the train! What did you do Harry?"
"Why would you think I had anything to do with it?" Harry replied indignantly.
"Pft, you're always up to something Harry. I heard that Malfoy was injured. He was bought up and taken straight to the infirmary. I know you don't get on Harry, but you can't just go around cursing people you don't like. People will say you've gone dark!"
"Our Harrykins Dark?" Fred scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous Granger. Besides we all know Harry did not do anything."
"Why didn't they just unpetrify him?" Harry whispered to Percival.
"I don't know," Percival reached towards a plate of baked potatoes. He paused when they wiggled. "What…"
One by one the tops of the potatoes split open, and a small golden fluffy creature popped out, 'cheep' 'cheep'.
"I think I'll give the potatoes a miss then," Harry said with a small laugh, looking around the hall.
There were dozens of the small birds on each table, roaming from one end to the other, stepping on the plates of food. It was not obvious at first but after a few moments, it became clear that they were growing. Then they moulted, feathers gradually bleeding through the fluff. Soon there were red bantams everywhere, their squawks a harsh accompaniment to the laughter and coos that filled the room. The above it all voice was heard "Dear Merlin it is going to poop right there!"
"Bwark!" the hen called as she dropped her egg.
"What in Merlin's name is that!"
"It's an Easter Egg!" squealed a Muggleborn First year. Reaching out to snag an egg that had just been laid near her. Unhesitatingly she unwrapped the foil and to the horrified fascination of the purebloods watching, popped the brown egg into her mouth, giving a satisfied groan as she did.
Harry chuckled as he watched Veronica and Iris, who were sitting a couple of places further down the table, delightedly open eggs as well.
Percival grinned at Harry.
"What?"
"You are adorable when you giggle like that," Percival's warm breath tickled the curve of Harry's ear, causing him to shiver.
"I did not giggle!" Harry replied affronted.
"Sorry Harry, but yeah, you did," Neville agreed with Percival who smiled in satisfaction.
"Now perhaps you can explain the eggs to us?" Percival suggested.
"Well it's a muggle Easter thing. The wrapping is foil and the egg chocolate. They symbolise re-birth and growth. I won't go into the religious reasons for it, but even before that there was celebration of the turn of the seasons, with spring being the season of birth and growth"
"Besides, they taste good," said Dean breaking one apart, passing a piece to Seamus and popping the rest into his mouth.
"Nearly as good as Honeydukes!" Seamus agreed.
Fred and George shared a look, bent towards the group and said, "Thanks, what till you see the aftereffects." With a wink they snatched up a couple of eggs each and made their way out of the hall. Disappearing just as the First year Ravenclaw disappeared from view under a covering of shiny paper like a technicoloured mummy. With a crinkle her arms wiggled and popped out the sides, her hands reached up and tore the paper covering her face and she reappeared giggling.
With all the distractions the students had not noticed but there were less teachers than usual in the Great Hall, those that were missing where gathered in the infirmary.
"It looks to be just an ordinary petrification, and binding, but I can't reverse them," Poppy was saying.
"Who cast it?" Albus Dumbledore asked.
"Percival Graves," Snape supplied. Dumbledore's head turned so fast that Poppy heard the crack.
"Have a care Albus, you'll hurt yourself if you keep that up," she chided. "Perhaps you could have a go at removing them?"
"Of course," he raised his wand and pointed it at the boy.
The doors to the infirmary slammed open, to reveal a very irate blonde.
"Who has attacked my son! I trust they have been taken into custody. I will not settle for any punishment less then expulsion," Lucius Malfoy fumed.
"Really," Amelia bones, starred the man down. "I can almost guarantee there will be an expulsion and a term in Azkaban. But I doubt it is the one you are thinking of."
"I beg your pardon!" Lucius Malfoy said indignantly. "But whomsoever has harmed my son will pay!"
"Don't be a ninny. Your son is perfectly fine," Poppy said blandly.
"Fine! Fine. You think that lying there trussed up like a….like a…." he huffed. "He is anything but fine."
"Well then I suggest you step away and allow us to remove these spells then," Poppy said.
Grumbling the man stepped away from the bed, and Albus Dumbledore raised his wand once more.
"What are you doing?" Lucius made a grab for Dumbledore's wand arm.
"The spells are too strong for me to remove, so I have asked the Headmaster to…."
"You are so weak that you cannot remove the spell cast by a school child?" Malfoy sneered.
"By all means, have a go yourself then," Poppy shrugged, nonchalantly. "It's only a simple Incarcerous and a Petrificus Totalus, so a Finite should do it."
Lucius pointed his wand at his son, "Finite Incantatum."
There was no relaxing of muscles, no unwinding of rope, nothing happened.
"FINITE INCATATUM!"
Silence.
"Right well, if you have quite finished, I believe we will allow the Headmaster have a go. If that doesn't work, Severus and I can try casting in tandem."
"Finite Incantatum," Dumbledore intoned.
Nothing.
"I would think that even you would need to put more effort in then that," Poppy told the Headmaster sternly.
"FINITE INCANTATUM!"
Slowly, almost begrudgingly the cords slithered from around the boy, falling off the bed and disappearing. Then there was the wiggling of a finger, and gradually movement came to the boy on the bed.
"Right then," Amelia said, suddenly all business. "Draco Malfoy, you are being placed under arrest for casting the Entrail Expelling curse on another student. Please note anything that you say at this time, can be used against you at your trial."
Malfoy Senior's jaw dropped open, "No! You are to arrest whoever did this to Draco!"
Amelia was unimpressed, "Whoever did this to Draco, was acting in self-defence. And has stopped your son from being charged with murder. Attempted murder is still on the cards though."
"But he…"
"He was completely unharmed. Trussed up like a chicken certainly, but in perfect health. They did not even let his head hit the floor when he was petrified," she sounded grudgingly impressed. "Now I will be taking Mr Malfoy…" she paused, "Junior. To the Auror's office to obtain his statement." With a firm hand, she clasped Draco by the arm, sitting then standing him up and marching him towards the floo.
"Draco, say nothing until I get there," Lucius ordered his son. He moved to follow them to the floo.
"Oh, I am sorry Mr Malfoy but only Healers or Aurors are authorised to use my floo. You'll have to head over to the Three Broomsticks," Poppy said.
Lucius Malfoy turned on his heel and practically stabbing his cane into the floor with every step he made his way out. He definitely did not run, at least not until he was out of sight.
"For a moment there, I did not think you were going to be able to remove the spells Albus," Poppy confided.
"It is perhaps just as well that I did," Albus said, not acknowledging that he had felt another's magic join his as he cast the spell. "At least this way his anger is focussed elsewhere."
"Elsewhere! Do we know what happened Albus?" Poppy asked.
"The Aurors have been being surprisingly tight lipped about it all in terms of identifying the individuals involved. However, I do know that there was a confrontation between young Mr Malfoy and Harry Potter. I believe that somehow Mr Graves became involved and that was the result. I do think that we need to consider that the boy may have performed some Dark ritual to be able to cast spells with such power," he said acting concerned.
"Percival Graves Dark? Really Albus!" Poppy laughed. "Now you are being ridiculous, he spent a significant time in here last term, and I would have detected anything of the sort. Amelia said the boy was acting in self-defence I rather think that his emotional state, if it is true that his friend was attacked, gave him an extra power boost. It has been known to happen before. Especially if he was faced with something like the Entrail Expelling curse."
"Hmm," Albus would say no more.
Albus could not concentrate on the school paperwork that evening. His mind was consumed with the thought of that dratted American boy, That Percival now had enough power to prevent even the Elder wand undoing his spells was deeply concerning and lent more credence to the theory that the boy was the Master of Death. He would have to examine the Cloak tonight, just to be sure. Albus was certain that his wand was the Elder wand, which meant that one could be the Master without obtaining all the Hallows. But how?! Did it also mean that the wand was changing its allegiance? No that was not how wands worked and his spells were as powerful as before.
Certain that he would not be able to concentrate on reading the latest report from Pamona Sprout with the attached request to expand the Greenhouses, until he had checked the Cloak, Albus pushed his chair away from his desk. Hurriedly making his way through his personnel office, to his bedroom. Once there he levitated the bed out of the way and casting the necessary spells lowered the trap door. He did not know which Headmaster had created this space or the purpose behind it, but it had certainly proven to be invaluable. Climbing the ladder, he emerged into a cluttered room. That was half the brilliance of it. Should anyone else happen to notice the odd coloured blocks in the ceiling, stumble across the perfect combination of spells to lower the trap door and find the room. They would still think that the space was merely a storeroom for the Headmaster's extra belongings. However, in the cupboard in the back corner of the room, obscured by boxes was another door. Inside that room Albus kept all of his prized possessions.
He grinned as he looked around the space, taking pride in his possessions. It was becoming cluttered too, perhaps it was time to cast yet another expansion charm. That was a thought for another day. Tonight, he needed to address the issue at hand. There folded neatly on the shelf along the furthest wall was the Cloak. Obtaining it had been simplicity itself. He had merely waited until the alarms that he had placed on the Potter's cottage had sounded and made his way to the scene, under a strong disillusionment charm and an ordinary invisibility cloak. James had not even bothered to hide the thing. It was just lying there, in the locked trunk under the bed in the main bedroom, behind several wards, waiting for anybody to wander and take it.
Albus had known what it was the moment he had lain eyes on it. Fleamont had used it to gad about the school at night. James using it as well was merely confirmation. The spells on a normal invisibility cloak would have faded in the time between. It was ridiculous that they should have had it. They did not respect the Cloak for what it was and what it meant, that was clear by the fact that they bought it to school of all places. They were irresponsible. In fact, he was doing them all a favour by taking it, he would surely look after it better than they.
Caressing the soft fabric, Albus raised it to his face, smelling the cloth. Summarily raising his wand, he cast a spell on it, and frowned. It did not have the dark, seductive signature of death on it. Glaring at the cloak as if it was at fault, Albus tried to recall if he had cast the detection spell on it after he had rescued it from the Potters neglectful care? Raising his wand to his temple he withdrew the memory. Hastily with the cloak in his hand he made his way to the pensive, dropped the memory and practically dived in after it.
"Argh!" Albus yelled as he emerged from his memory, wand dropping into his hand. A downward slash and the chair in front of his desk burst. Raising his wand sharply, sent everything on his desk flying into the air. A final jabbing thrust, caused the window behind his desk to explode outward in a shower of multicoloured glass shards. The cloak was not THE CLOAK at all, it was just a damnable invisibility cloak. Just one of good enough quality to last a couple of generations, even now the spells on it were beginning to fade. By giving the boy the other cloak in First year, Albus had actually replaced one that's spells were dying with a brand-new cloak! Calming down slowly, Albus returned his room to order and slumped into his chair. Instead of having two of the Hallows as he had thought he only had one! He had been so sure that the Potters would be the owners of Deaths Cloak, given their link to the Peverells. Now he had not a clue as to where it could be.
With deep breaths Albus, tried to find the stillness at his core. It was always a bit of a challenging balancing act, but he achieved it. Letting the black threads circle and storm around him, as he thought.
There was of course another Heir to the Peverells. The Gaunts, who were dead. Could they have owned the Cloak as well as the stone? He had heard that the stone had been placed in their Lordship ring. Who would even know where it was now? Marvolo was killed by Morfin. It would not have taken long with his severely limited amount of magic for Morfin to pass in Azkaban. Sure, Albus knew about their relationship to Voldemort, but he was certain that when the boy had met them (he had of course engineered the meeting) he would not have considered that they might own something as precious as the resurrection stone or a Lordship ring. Albus would have to have a look at their run-down little cottage surely with Marvolo's hatred of the Goblins he would have hidden the ring there and not placed it in his vault. Yes, perhaps another Hallow was within his reach after all. Now that he had thought the matter through and made a plan, Albus decided that the execution of it could wait until the school holidays. With any luck, he would be able to obtain the two Hallows and would then wrest the title from the undeserving brat who currently held it.
Minerva watched each of her fellow Professors as they made their way into the teachers' lounge. Everyone seemed most relaxed after the holidays, she was surprised that it really was everyone, including Severus. She had often worried about the dour young man who never seemed to leave his put-upon expression behind. This evening though he seemed almost comfortable and she was sure that the little twitch at the side of his mouth signified that he was most pleased about something. Minerva made a note to talk to him about it later, as Dumbledore flounced into the room.
"Now were there any problems over the Holidays that need to be addressed?"
Filius Flitwick spoke first, "It seems that Mrs Sotherby passed over the holidays. Daisy was able to attend the funeral and the family has decided that it would be best if she does not return for the final term. She has booked in to take all her NEWTs at the Ministry in August," he said quickly before Albus could protest again. "She has asked if the Professors are willing, to be send her the assignments and she will owl them back when she is able."
They all indicated that they would be quite happy to.
"Now," Professor Vector said, when it was clear that Filius had finished. "I have marked the papers for the students wanting to test into classes and both have performed extremely well. I have no issues with recommending them both for their OWLs this year.'
"I agree," Bathsheda Babbling cut in excitedly. "Both Mr Potter and Mr Longbottom performed excellently, both producing well thought out projects, which I believe will easily allow them to pass their OWLs this year. I also dropped by the Burrow and had a quick word with Mr Weasley. On a brief verbal test, I believe he will be fine to enter Fifth year at the start of the new year. He is not at the point of developing a project as yet, though he has several good ideas and is planning on working on them over the Summer holidays. He said he wanted to focus on the OWLs he was going to take for the rest of this year. Which I encouraged him towards."
"I must raise my objections to Mr Potter taking on this workload. I believe the events on the Hogwarts Express today demonstrate that he is not mature enough to be given this extra responsibility and I have deep concerns about the company he has been keeping of late."
"I did not think Mr Potter was involved in today's incident," Severus said drily.
"Mr Malfoy entered the compartment Harry was in and a disagreement ensued. At some point it devolved, and curses were thrown, resulting in Mr Malfoy ending up unconscious in the Hospital Wing. Needless to say, Lucius Malfoy is not pleased. Now we must ask ourselves if a person who is willing to harm another student that way is the type of person that we would like Harry associating with. Until he can make better choices with regards to whom he spends his time with, I do not believe we should be pandering to his desire to …."
"Albus you are extemporising. You have already said that Amelia did not give us the details," Minerva cut him off. "Mr Malfoy was not unconscious, he was merely petrified and bound. The only reason he was in the Infirmary at all was because no-one else could remove the spells. Amelia Bones has floo called to say that they have already reviewed the statements by all parties and the memories provided by Mr Graves and Mr Malfoy and determined that Mr Graves acted in a fashion which protected the other boys in their compartment, and not only that but his response was entirely appropriate. Poppy felt that the strength of the spells was merely an accidental overcasting caused by the stress of the situation," the Transfiguration teacher informed the others.
"Well I think," Flitwick turned the conversation back to Bathsheda and Septima, "That you both have done a wonderful job. Do you feel this 'testing in' would work in the future?"
"Yes. I feel much more comfortable sending the boys for their OWLs now. It's a good format, and I would recommend we repeat the process should the situation arise again," Bathsheda said.
"Is there anything else?" Albus asked huffily.
Minerva raised a piece of parchment, "Timothy McMahon has written a recommendation for Ronald Weasley with regards to his Prefects duties. He notes that Ron has always been prompt in his attendance to the meetings and rounds and has gone above and beyond the expected duties. You all know my Lions are not necessarily the best when it comes to organisation, however it seems that Mr Weasley has, using his own initiative, discussed with the other Prefects what systems they already had in place. He then implemented a system of mentoring on top of study groups that are similar to the other Houses. Mr McMahon and Mr Weasley have discussed the mentoring program. Reporting on this discussion the Head Boy felt that Mr Weasley had some very valid points including that a inter-House mentoring group might help to decrease some of the animosity and competitiveness that exists, and that on some levels the teachers should also be involved. He also suggested that the mentoring for First years include more of an orientation to the Wizarding world. It seems they have been getting a lot of questions on the things that are not covered when their letters are delivered."
Albus Dumbledore saw red, now Ronald Weasley that red-headed imbecile was getting out of hand! He would have to talk to Molly, the boy needed to be bought in to line. No, this just would not do. The only reason Albus had the amount of power he did was everyone was so uninformed.
"No! I believe this a monumentally bad idea," he said over the excited discussion that had erupted.
"But Albus why?" Minerva queried. "Is this not the sort of thing that will decrease the contention between the houses and help the Muggleborn students to adjust?"
"Oh no," Albus shook his head sadly. "This is just how Voldemort was created. He was a sad little boy who was no harm to anyone until he discovered all the ins and outs of the Wizarding world and the power went to his head. The next thing we knew he was running around killing. Even though it seems like it would work. You have me guarantee to that it would not!"
Minerva looked over at Pamona, who inclined her head towards Filius, who gave a slight nod at Severus who frowned even deeper, as impossible as that seemed. They were all agreed. They would continue this discussion later.
"If that is all then," Dumbledore said, rising to his feet. When nobody added anything he swept imperiously from the room.
"Shall we head to my office?" Minerva asked the other Heads of House. The discussion they held was brief. Without Dumbledore's support there was no chance of getting the changes implemented formally as it was not something that the Board of Directors would support. However, they could each encourage it amongst their own students, and spend a little time in the Common room each week to assist the Prefects. Well all accept Minerva. With the Deputy Headmistresses responsibility, and she admitted to taking on a fair portion of the Headmaster's work as well, along with being Head of House and the heavy role of Transfiguration teacher, she was finding it hard to have enough time for even a cursory visit to the Common room every now and then.
"Perhaps you need to ask Bathsheda or Septima to take on the role for you," Pamona suggested.
"I have made that suggestion before and Albus has outright refused every time He says that as the only Gryffindor on staff, it is my responsibility to see to them."
"You are no longer the only Gryffindor on staff," Filius pointed out with a shit-eating smile.
"Who? Oh Filius. I do not believe that Hagrid would be the best option for this. For Merlin's sake, did you see those Skrewts? If that was not a breach on the laws of cross breeding, I don't know what is!" Minerva rose to her friends baiting.
"Perhaps we can all assist," Severus offered, surprising the others." After all, if the point is to create better inter-house relations…."
"Actually, I was speaking of Rolanda," Filius smiled. "I know she is only employed part time; however, I believe she may be amenable to coming on staff full time. If she did then she could take over the Head of House duties and perhaps stand is a substitute when one of us is ill. As I recall she did rather well in all of her subjects."
"Hmmm. Do you really think she might be interested?" Filius nodded. "I'll speak to her about it before making the suggestion to Albus. I must admit it would be a huge load off my shoulders. I know I have not been as diligent in my duties as I should have been." She sighed, "I think I could do with a drink."
"Do you still have that bottle of Fire-whiskey?" Pamona asked.
For a few minutes the only noises were the clinking of crystal glassware and the running of the liquid into it. Finally, they relaxed enough that Minerva felt comfortable asking a question that had been bothering her for some time.
"Do you think that Albus might be…dementing?" she asked hesitantly. The other three froze.
"No," Severus replied, after a moments contemplation. "He is coherent, he knows the time and what is going on in the world. His idiosyncrasies are no worse than they have been in the past. None of his habits have changed. And he can still move well."
"It's just that some of his recent decision seem to be a little…well odd."
"Some of those decisions were not made recently," Severus said, reminding her of Dumbledore's placing Harry with the Dursleys.
"Quite right, however his fixation on Harry Potter and to a lesser extent Miss Granger are alarming."
"Indeed, I have thought the same thing."
"Well, I suggest that we keep an eye on the situation and step in if needed," the Herbology Professor said pragmatically.
"There is not much else to be done at this point. Filius, if you have time over the Summer could you make up a little booklet of things that the Muggleborn students, are not told in their orientation that could still be useful. Like where the entrance to St Mungos is, and how to get into the Ministry. Perhaps a list of books on the workings of the Wizarding world?"
"Certainly. Now might I have another?" he held out his glass hopefully.
There was something to be said for small backwater Muggle towns, Remus thought as he trudged up the road. With all the walking he had done in the area trying to find the town he was seriously considering buying a car and getting his licence, or at least learning how to drive. This run-down little town was just the sort of place he had disappeared into in those horrible years between the end of the first part of the war and Harry's third year. The locals might gossip like no-body's business about a newcomer but while they would watch your every movement, they would not make any comments. Still this time, he was hoping to find someone to talk.
"Oof! Oh, I am so sorry," Remus apologised as he turned a blind corner straight into a dark haired lady.
"Hey! Watch were you're going!" brown eyes glared.
Remus stopped, studying her face, the woman looked back at him.
"Do I know you?" she asked.
"Ah, is there anywhere round here we can get tea?" Remus asked not answering her question.
"Flaherty's up the corner," she pointed.
"Please allow me to buy you a drink to make up for …" Remus smiled and waved his hand vaguely, but she seemed to understand.
"Alright."
She led the way. Her movement was the catalyst to Remus figuring out who the woman was. But Remus did not broach the matter with her until they had ordered and were settled at one of the tables outside the teahouse.
"Marlene what happened to you," he asked with a catch in his voice.
"Who do you think I am?" she asked in confusion.
"Marlene, Marlene McKinnon," Remus said surely.
A puzzled look crept over her face, "What happened to this woman that you think I am?"
"We thought she had died, there was a …." How was he going to explain it? She seemed to have some sort of amnesia, perhaps a head injury during the fight? "There was a fight at your house, all your family were killed. It was assumed you were in the house as well. They set the place on fire afterwards, so we thought that your body had burned when we could not find it."
"How long ago was it?"
"Fifteen years. What happened to you?" he asked gently.
"I don't think I am this Marlene," she said shaking her head. "I was in a car accident some years ago, the memory is hazy, but I remember the sound of glass breaking, and I lost large portions of my memory in the accident. I woke up in hospital in 83."
"I…I am sure you're her. What do you remember of your life before the accident?"
"I remember I had a brother and a rather large black dog," she smiled.
Remus reached into his wallet and pulled out a photo, "Was this…was this your dog?"
He showed her a photo of Padfoot.
"NO!" she snapped, standing up angrily. "No, you can't trick me this way. I don't know who you are but there is no call for you to make fun of me!"
"Wait, I'm not …"
But it was too late she was already gone.
"I don't know what you did to our Janey young man but…"
"I think she is a friend of mine," Remus looked up at the old crone who placed a teapot in front of him. "I swear it."
"Swear it do you? Poor Janey ended up wandering here, after they turned her out of the hospital without so much as a dress of her own. There have been a few over the years who have tried to sweet talk her by pretending to be someone from her past. You'll need some solid evidence if you want to convince her."
"I have photo's at home, hopefully something there will jog her memory," Remus mused.
"I'll wager meeting our Janey, wasn't the reason you came here," the old woman said perceptively.
"No, I'm doing some research into the Riddles and the Gaunts."
"Well I've never heard of the Gaunts before but the Riddles. That's a long story," she said looking pointedly at the teapot and Marlene's unused cup.
"Please feel free," Remus pushed it towards her.
She poured a cup and blew on it noisily. When she spoke again, she told him all the rumours of the wealthy family that lived on the hill. How they had mysteriously died, with no sign of injury on any of their bodies, and how the groundskeeper had been taken for questioning. Just twelve months ago that very same Groundskeeper had disappeared mysteriously in the middle of the night, and now there was no one to keep the property. Now there were lights that mysteriously came and went in the house on the hill. Before they had only been every now and then, but recently it seemed that they were there every night. She claimed it was the ghosts of the dead. With that last proclamation she closed her mouth with a snap.
"Where exactly is this house?" Remus asked curiously.
In Lieu of an answer the old woman looked out of the window. There passed the end of the village green, on a hill that rose up over green fields, was an old Mansion that had clearly seen better days.
"Thank you," Remus said turning back to the woman, but she was gone.
Sirius had booked Remus into the one tiny motel that the Village offered, so he headed there to check in. Only taking a moment to deposit his bag in his room, and tuck the room-key into his pocket, before striding out towards the house.
He felt it, just as he passed the opening in the hedge on to the drive that led up to the house. The distinct tingle of wards, it was not any ordinary vagrants who had made the house their home. Deciding against pushing across the ward line, Remus backed away. It was as he was wandering back towards the village that he came across another break in the Hedge, this time he picked up the illusion that made it appear that the wall of plant life extended in an unbroken line all the way to the little collection of houses. A few detection spells later and Remus determined that there was no alert ward placed on the space, so he ducked through the gap.
Ahead of him stood, and how it was still standing he did not know, the most decrepit cottage he had ever seen, and he had stayed in the odd condemned property a time or two when he was down on his luck. He approached the clearly magical residence with caution, hyper-alert for any movement or magic, but nothing happened until he approached the door. Now that he was close enough Remus could make out the limp body of snake nailed to it. It reared, pivoting on the nail, and hissed at him. A step back and it dropped into flaccid quiescence once more, with a frown Remus hurried away. There were clear magical wards on the property, perhaps he should discuss this one with Sirius. Had Sirius mentioned that Amelia was searching as well? Perhaps it was time to pool their resources. At least now that he knew where the place was it would be a simple matter of apparating back to the site.
"Now," McGonagall looked sternly at the group of six students seated in front of her. "Turn your papers over and begin."
She had set them a small test to check their understanding of the process for the Animagus transformation. Looking for a greater understanding then they had achieved in the past years. Looking down at their assignments while she was waiting for them to complete the task, Minerva had to admit that she was proud of them all. Seldom had she seen a group so dedicated to their learning. Perhaps there was something too this extension work after all. Absent-mindedly marking the paper that lay on her desk, she kept a close eye on the students, in case they had any questions. They did not and one by one they placed their papers on her desk and left the room taking care not to disturb those still working.
Harry Potter was the last one in the room. It appeared he had written his answers out once and then was re-writing them. When he laid his quill down, Minerva asked, "Why did you write it out twice Potter?"
"I didn't Professor."
"I saw you. You wrote the answers out on that piece of parchment you just slipped into your bag."
"Oh," he said pulling out the parchment and unrolling it to show her. "I wrote what I thought were the most important points down here, and then once I was happy with the points, I put them into sentences. I find it helps me to be more organised, so I am less likely to forget things," Harry explained.
"Well, as long as it works for you, just be aware in your OWLs you will have a time limit."
"Yes Professor," Harry, tucked the parchment away again, and stood to leave.
"I have been most pleased with your efforts this year Potter. I have no doubt that Lily and James would be proud of you."
"Thank you, Professor," Harry paused with suspiciously moist looking eyes. "Perhaps you could tell me a bit about them sometime?" he asked hopefully.
"Unfortunately, I am restricted in what I may discuss with my students. However, I believe I may be able to find another way. Leave it with me and I will come back to you with a response, though it may take me a little time."
"Thank you for trying Professor," Harry said, turning to leave the room.
"According to Professor McGonagall," Severus Snape began what was sure to be another rousing speech, "you have all passed her test on the theory of the Animagus transformation. Therefore, today we will commence work on the potion required to elicit the vision of the form you will take. For those of you who can produce a Patronus, while it is likely that they will be the same form, it is not always the case. Though I have not carried the exercise through to completion, I have made and taken the potion before. My own Patronus and Animagus forms are very different."
Snape paused to look at the group, "Be warned this potion is highly volatile, there will be no misbehaving in this class. Should you do so you will be dismissed the room and loose the chance to extend your studies. If you have questions about any of the steps you will ask, before beginning the step. Do you understand?" he glared at them all until they nodded. "There are several ingredients required that are not found in your current potions kit, you will find them in the potions store. You may begin."
Unlike class, there was no stampede towards the potions store. Each teen carefully unpacked their utensils and set up their workstation, wards were meticulously placed, and the methodology checked. Then they began, one at a time to approach the store, each carrying a tray, to gather the extra ingredients.
Severus was relieved, it seemed they were all taking the task very seriously. By the end of the night, when they all placed their cauldrons in the cabinet he had prepared, so that they could wait for the next step in the process, he was marvelling at how calm the evening had been. He had been able to wander amongst the table, providing extra instructions and advice. There was no idle chatter, no miscellaneous ingredients ending up in anyone's cauldrons and no glares across the room.
"You have all done very well. The potion needs a week to stew, return then for your next lesson," he dismissed them.
"Remedial potions Potter! I always knew you were substandard, but even I hadn't thought you were as dumb as that," the blonde boy glanced at the group who had just exited the classroom. "Even Longbottom is better at potions than you," he chortled.
"When did you get back?" Harry snapped in surprise and annoyance at seeing the boy.
"Do we have a problem?" the velvet tones of the Potions Master fell over the group.
"No Professor," both boys said. Severus watched the groups separate. "Mr Malfoy."
"Professor," Draco smirked.
"It is good to see you looking so well, after your…..excursion."
"Thank you, Professor."
"Do be more careful in future," Snape warned, after the group he had been teaching had left. "That last incident was nearly detrimental to the Dark Lords plans. Perhaps a more subtle approach is required."
"I don't need to take advice from you," the boy sneered.
"That is true," Snape acknowledged, "however it may be prudent. I suggest you make your way to the Common Room." Draco bent his head displaying the bare minimum of respect.
Sirius watched the boy leave, wondering if it was the Headmaster or the boy's father who had managed to stop him from being expelled.
The month it would take a month to brew the potion made her skin itch. If only it was the sort of thing that could just be purchased at the apothecary without raising suspicion enquires from the Auror department, completely apart from the fact that there was a warrant out for her arrest. Steam curled off her cauldron as the liquid bubbled sluggishly. This was only the first step in her plan, and she did wish that she could just ask that ridiculous Potions Master to make the brew for her. Surely the man kept some on hand for his Lords work. In the meantime, Delores kept her ears and eyes open picking up all the little pieces of gossip from around the mansion. Wiping perspiration from her brow she smiled, there were so many power plays in progress as the various minions jostled for their Lords favour. Bellatrix Black-Lestrange though, was truly brilliant in her viciousness. The way she threw Crucio's around was a sight to behold, and she did not trust Severus Snape at all.
Delores took the cauldron off the heat and placed it carefully in the specially aerated cupboard, warding it against contamination. It would take another week to stew before the next phase and in that time, she needed to procure the last ingredient. Delores was not sure how she was going to get her hands on that as yet. Perhaps Lucius Malfoy would have an invisibility cloak that she could borrow.
There was a chime that caused her to look up. It signalled the next meeting. As yet she had not been inducted to the Death Eaters so she was not invited, though that did not stop her from eavesdropping when she could. Hopefully when she completed her task she would be accepted into the fold.
She was glad that they were moving out of the dusty old mansion that they had been staying in. Plans were in place to move them to Malfoy Manor, after investigations had proved that the Lestrange, Rookwood, and Goyle manors were being monitored and nobody in their right mind would want to stay at the Pettigrew house with the man's mother. Her current room was barely fit to live in. Still it was better than many of her options, like taking a portkey to the continent. Here at least she was fed by the Malfoy house elves, who had also cleaned and repaired much of the house, improving the situation since she had moved in. She supposed it was at least better than the cell she had been in at the Ministry.
Delores called an elf to clean up the mess she had left in the room that had been converted to a potions lab and demanded another make her some food. With a Half Blood for a father and a muggle for a mother, not that she was telling anyone that, she had never been served by the critters before, so she was going to make the absolute most of the opportunity.
"The action is three slashing movements, it is sharp, like so." A wizened hand demonstrated. "One, two, three. The movement should be smooth."
"Yes Sir," Hermione raised her wand and tried the movement. The hand placed on her wrist guiding her movement.
"Again, I must impress upon you the gravity of using these spells. We, the few who are charged with shepherding the Wizarding populace through the years, take on a heavy responsibility. It is only through diligent study that we can gain the skills we require to look after them all."
"Yes Professor," Hermione nodded dutifully. Pride causing her heart to beat faster. Out of all of them she had been chosen. Her, Hermione Granger, not Harry Potter or Ronald Weasley. This was her time to shine above the rest. She had always known that she was special, this just proved it. Soon all of the Wizarding world would know as well. Just two more years of study and then Dumbledore said that he would officially take her on as his apprentice just as Nicholas Flamel had done for him. Ronald and Harry would have to look up to her then. They would apologise for tossing her aside this year, do what she told them to and finally things would be back to the way they should be.
"Now try again Miss Granger," Dumbledore encouraged. "Yes, that looks better."
"Did Mr Flamel teach you these spells Professor?" she had to ask.
Dumbledore's face twisted into a very strange expression before he said in a tight voice, "No. I do not believe that Nicholas knew such spells. His expertise lay in alchemy. These spells I had to study on my own. And Miss Granger, I do not believe your peers would be very understanding if they discovered that you were studying these spells."
"You're right Professor. What should I tell them?"
"Why nothing Miss Granger, they have no right to be told what you are doing in your spare time," he smiled as she agreed with him. "Now I have another task for you. I need you to find out all you can about Percival Graves."
"Percival," she asked in a strained voice.
"Yes. I believe there is the possibility that he is more then he seems. While Percival has not cast spells on Harry, that does not mean that he is not influencing Harry's behaviour. He has certainly usurped your place in Harry's life." Dumbledore could practically see how she was vibrating with jealousy. It was more incentive for her to follow his direction. "If at all possible, I need you to bring me his wand," Dumbledore's voice dropped in tone.
"His wand Sir? But why?"
"Because, Hermione, a wand can tell us many things about the one who carries it. The core and wood can provide insights into their personality, and the last spells can be coaxed from it. If I am not mistaken, I believe that Mr Graves had been casting many dark spells and these will be displayed for all to see." Dumbledore ignored the obvious hypocrisy.
"Harry would never tolerate….."
"Harry is rather an oblivious boy. Blinded by his new friendship, I do not believe that he would have noticed. He is after all rather uninformed about many aspects of the Wizarding world."
"Perhaps I should educate him," Hermione mused.
"Now is not the time, I'm afraid. Young Harry has a great many responsibilities that he must shoulder in the near future. It would be best not to burden him just yet. Though when the time comes, I am sure you will do an exemplary job."
"Now turn to Chapter six in your text. I believe that it is time for us to work on something different."
A bag tumbled on the floor as its owner fell onto the bed.
"Long day Harry?" Seamus asked.
"Yeah, same as everyone else I guess."
"Nah. Don't think we haven't noticed that you are doing different work in most of your classes, and you've been slipping into Runes and Arithmancy when they don't clash."
"I…." Harry sat up quickly.
"Don't worry," Dean said from where he was sitting on his bed, pulling his books from his bag. "We won't tell Granger."
"Thanks. It's just that…."
"Oh, we know," Seamus said with emphasis. "She's always been a bit of pain, but this year…" he whistled.
"I know she was your friend mate but," Dean shared a glance with Seamus, "well things have been much better for the rest of us since you've finally seen how she was acting."
"What do you mean?"
"Well you know how she pushed Fay on the stairs the other day so that she could get closer to you?" Harry nodded having seen the incident. "Well like that. At meals she would just push into the space near you or Ron, regardless of who else was sitting there. I actually saw her sit on Katie one time."
"Then if you were ahead of her in the corridors, she would push her way through to get to your side, by pinching and punching anyone in the way. Hard enough to leave bruises as well."
"That's beside her behaviour in class which we assume you were already aware of."
"She actually locks the other girls out of the bathroom in the morning so often that they have a standing arrangement with the Sixth years."
"And this year, well let's just say that her understanding of the finer points of ownership have been lacking."
"Is that why?" Harry gestured to his forehead.
"Yeah, and that was only because she tried to get into Percival's trunk. She didn't get anything that time."
"Have the girls learnt how to ward their things?" Harry asked in concern.
"The sixth years taught them some spells, but they think she knows the counters for them."
The door opened, revealing Percival.
"Hey Perce," Harry called. "Do you think you could teach the girls to ward their things? Apparently, someone keeps taking things from their dorm."
"Sure, I don't mind. Perhaps you can get them to come in here?"
"Please," Dean, Seamus and Neville said in chorus.
"Alright, I'll show all of you then," Percival agreed amicably.
"Oh, and I saw you do a spell on a spider the other day," Ron added eagerly, "Can you teach us that too?"
"Sure," Percival smiled clearly amused, as the other boys teased Ron about his fear of spiders. "We'll come up with a list."
The room was dark and quiet ….well it was a quiet as a room full of sleeping teenage boys could be, there was the odd snuffle and snore, but there was nothing out of the ordinary that might alarm Hermione. She almost snorted at how complacent they all were, sleeping peacefully in their beds. Not a care in the world. No clue that outside in the real world there were threats aplenty. Which was the exact reason she had to learn all the spells that Professor Dumbledore could teach her. When they were inevitably faced with the terrors outside the castle walls, she would be there to show them the way.
Before then she had a task to do. She sidled over to the first bed and checked on the occupant. Neville murmured in his sleep causing her to pause for a moment, before he settled, huffing out a soft breath. Stealthily she moved towards her target. Now where would the dratted boy leave his wand. In the light of the moon shining through the window, Seamus and Dean's wands were clearly visible on the little tables to the side of their beds, but Harry and Percival's beds were in the darkest part of the room. Slipping past Harry's bed, she tiptoed closer.
Finally, she stood at the bedside, making sure not to stand between the boy's face and the moonlight. His table was completely in shadow, nothing visible on its surface. Hermione reached out a hand and ran it over the surface lightly to be sure. Not one thing sat on that tabletop. Where could he have left it? Would he have put it away in his trunk? That would be a challenge, still Professor Dumbledore had taught her a few interesting spells designed to break through wards, but could she pull them off at night. Hermione considered the matter. Surely a silencing ward would be enough. No, the Headmaster would not forgive her if she was discovered now. Percival would surely deduce what she was looking for and take greater care. Best if she put it off for later. Maybe there was a sleeping spell she could cast on the boys, because having them in the room when the wand went missing was surely the best alibi for her.
Moving away from the beds she chanced a look down and paused in shock. Harry was in Percival's bed, arms wrapped around the taller boy, like some kind of narcoleptic koala. His head buried under Percival's chin and a leg thrown over the other boy's hip. It was every bit a lovers embrace. She had suspected that they were close and even presumed that they had started dating given the lack of response to the spell she had cast on Ginny, but she had not thought that the relationship had progressed so far. Ha, now she knew exactly how Percival was controlling Harry. He had lured poor love starved Harry in with sex! Harry would have had no defence for it. Merlin knew how much that boy just wanted to be loved. Well now she had another task, shaking her head she crept from the room.
"What did you want to do today?" Percival asked Harry, when they awoke the next morning.
"I want a day off," Harry sighed. "I know that I should review the spells we were learning from Flitwick but…" he shrugged.
"Alright," Percival pressed a kiss to the top of Harry's head. "How about we make a quick trip to Hogsmeade, then come back and look through your parent's trunk. This afternoon I can show the guys how to ward their things and maybe go over the spells for Flitwick. If we don't get enough time, then we can review them tomorrow morning. How does that sound?"
"Sounds good," Harry said snuggling closer.
"You have to let me go to be able to go to Hogsmeade," Percival teased.
"'S warm," Harry mumbled into his chest.
"Harry James Potter," an obnoxious voice interrupted their quiet moment.
Harry groaned as Hermione continued speaking, he ignored her in favour of trying to bury his face further into Percival's chest. Finally, he lifted his head.
"Do you think if we ignore her, maybe she will go away," he whispered.
"Harry! Get out of that bed right now." She was off again.
Harry sigh, rolled out of the bed and shuffled over to his own, pulling fresh clothes out of his trunk and ambling over to the bathroom, with Hermione following. With his hand on the door he opened it stepped through and pivoted sharply attempting to close it, as she made to step through the opening after him.
"Hermione!" he yelled.
A shrill wail sounded. Growing louder each moment Hermione stood apparently frozen in the door way. Hurried footsteps could be heard outside.
"Well I never!" McGonagall said in surprise as she burst into the room. "What are you doing Miss Granger?"
"I was just trying to talk to Harry, but…"
"If you wanted to speak with Mr Potter then you should have waited in the Common Room, there is no reason for you to be in this dormitory let alone attempting to enter the boy's bathroom! I am afraid that I will have to revoke your nomination as Prefect."
"But Professor, I was talking to Harry and he just got up and walked away."
"He was clearly going to the bathroom Miss Granger and it is entirely inappropriate for you to follow him!"
"But Professor…"
"That is enough Miss Granger. Detention I will advise you of the time. Now out!"
Professor McGonagall shuffled the bushy haired girl from the room.
"At least now I can pee in peace," Harry said in relief shutting the bathroom door.
After the incident with Hermione the rest of the morning had passed rather peacefully. As a group the Fifth year Gryffindors wandered down to Hogsmeade. The girls trying to guess who McGonagall would choose to make the new Prefect. The consensus was that whoever it was would need to watch their back as Hermione was sure to make a scene.
"I doubt McGonagall will get her way," Harry said glumly.
"It's the Head of House's choice Harry," Parvati said.
"Yeah, but Dumbledore will overrule her or convince her to…." He thought for a moment, "put Hermione on probation or something instead."
"Still it's better than nothing. Maybe it will make her behave."
Between them the group spent an exorbitant amount of sweets from Honeydukes, planning to share it during study sessions, and spent an hour drinking Butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks before splitting up. The girls deciding the wanted to go to Gladrags, Seamus, Dean and Ron to Zonkos and Percival, Harry and Neville electing to return to the castle.
"Give me your bags and I'll take them back for you," Harry offered, holding his hands out towards the girls, who gratefully offloaded their shopping. They redistributed the bags between the three of them and headed back to the castle.
"I didn't know that a few sweets could be so heavy," Neville complain as he placed the bags he was carrying on the table near his bed. Sorting through his own bag and placing the ones he wanted to keep for himself and placing them in his trunk."I promised Professor Sprout I would go down to the Greenhouses today, so I'll see you at lunch," he excused himself and hurried away.
"Bye Nev," Harry called after him.
The bags were carefully divided and put away before Harry reached deep under his bed and pulled out his trunk to retrieve the shrunken one of his Mother's that was in the locked compartment. Percival carefully set aside the bags that held the other's shopping and then sat of Harry's bed to watch, as Harry enlarged the trunk and placed it on the floor.
Previously Harry had not delved too far into the trunk, merely grabbing the books that were all in the first compartment, with the potions equipment, the same with his fathers. A bubble of excitement welled up from his stomach as he flicked the switch to open the second compartment.
It was filled with clear crystal balls, the smallest of which was on as large as Harry's thumb nail. The biggest, the size of an orange.
"What are they?" he asked Percival in confusion.
"I have no idea," his boyfriend confessed. "I know of no spell that would make these, though they look a little like Remembrall's."
Harry retrieved his mirror.
"Sirius!"
It took a few moments for his father to respond.
"Yes Harry, what do you need?"
"You remember how Dobby found Mum and Dad's trunks?" Sirius nodded. "Well I hadn't had a close look at them until now and we found, well perhaps it would be best if I showed you."
The mirror was faced towards the open compartment.
"Any ideas what they are?"
Sirius frowned, "I'm afraid not. But your mum was looking at getting her charms mastery before they went into hiding. Perhaps it was something she was working on for that."
"You think I should show Flitwick?"
"That's probably your best bet. Oh and Harry, the Goblins have mentioned that you haven't been checking your mail box again. If you're not going to use it then you may as well give it back."
"Sorry, I keep forgetting. I don't like to open it when Hedwig is around because she gets all huffy," he confessed.
"Perhaps you need to learn how to stand up to your bird."
"Shhh," Harry looked around somewhat fearfully, "she'll hear you."
"Right," Sirius chuckled. "Any other issues I can help you with?"
"You weren't any help at all!"
"I'll take that as a no, then shall I? Goodbye boys."
The mirror returned to showing Harry's reflexion.
"I guess we take them down to Flitwick then," Harry said getting ready to shrink the trunk.
"Actually I think you need to check your mailbox. It does not do to irritate the Goblins."
"Right," Harry pulled it out of his trunk. "Do you think I should leave it out? Perhaps if I can see it I'll remember to check. I was just worried that someone might take it or get into it."
"The Goblins will have spelled it so that it is fairly indestructible, can only be able to be opened by you and will return to you if lost or stolen," Percival said.
"Right, on the table it goes then."
"And….."
"Fine," Harry said rolling his eyes. He pushed the button to open the box. "Oh!"
There was perhaps twenty letters contained within.
"Ah, would the Goblins have checked all these letters before putting them in here?" he asked remembering the bubotuber puss Hermione had received in Fourth year.
"Yes, and they would be insulted if they knew you had asked."
"Ok," Harry pulled them out of the box and shut it again. He began flipping through the letters, it was not until he reached the last one that he had some sort of explanation for what had happened.
Dear Mr Potter,
We were recently questioned by the head of the DMLE. It seems she had some concerns about your living arrangements prior to this year and has been collating evidence to pursue the matter on your behalf. During the discussions it was raised that you had never received mail from us, even though you had been sent your statements as per our by-laws. Amelia Bones has recently returned to us with an explanation. As suspected someone had placed wards on you that re-directed any mail addressed directly to you to another location. The spell has now been removed, in favour of one that will send the mail to the bank, and as part of the service of supplying the mail box, Gringotts has agreed to monitor your mail (there will be an extra monthly fee of one knut for the service). Please advise if you are happy with this arrangement.
Striknott
"Seems like a sensible idea," Percival said.
"Yeah," Harry said reaching for a quill and jotting down a reply and an apology for his tardiness. "I suppose that means that I have to go through this mail then," he winced.
"Best get it out of the way so that it does not build up." Percival looked at the date on Striknott's letter. "This is your mail for one week. Then when Dobby finds the rest, you'll have fourteen years worth to catch up on." He laughed as Harry paled. "Don't worry, I am sure Seraphina would be happy to help you write a form letter that will cover off on most things."
"Argh," Harry reached for the first letter.
It did not take long to open the letters and sort them into groups. One for those who were angry at Harry, for saying the Riddle was back, they called him delusional and an attention seeker, but at least they weren't cursed. These were bundled up and sent to Samuel McMillan to be given a formal warning that such behaviour would not be tolerated. The next was three business proposals, two were rather unrealistic but the third from a recently graduated Muggleborn wanting to start her own business, Harry thought was promising. These were sent back to Striknott to check. They could then be sent to McMillan to arrange a contract if Striknott thought they were a viable investment. The last, well the last group was somewhat confusing to Harry. There were ten letters there witches and one wizard who were proposing…well Harry was not sure what they were proposing. Though he did pick up on the one that was proposing marriage.
"Ah…..form letter," he asked Percival with a slightly terrified look on his face.
With a chuckle Percival quickly wrote a note to Seraphina and sent it through the box.
"Right now that is done, can we go!" Harry asked in exasperation, clearly the wait had been wearing on him.
"Alright, shrink the trunk and we will take it with us."
The Marauders Map showed that Filius Flitwick was in his office and not the staff room.
"Professor?" Harry enquired as he tapped on the door.
"Ah yes Harry. Been practicing have you? How goes the patronus?"
"Yes, I can do it most of the time without speaking now, but I don't know how it would go it there were really dementors around."
"Good, good. And you Mr Graves."
"All good Sir."
"Well, if it was not for additional assistance. What can I help you with?"
"Sir, I recently was given a trunk that contained some of my mother's things and we found something strange. Sirius thought that you might know what they are given that he said she was going to apprentice to you if…"
"Ah, yes. I believe this is a discussion we should not have in the hall. Come in," the diminutive professor stepped to the side, allowing them in to his office. "Now just hold on a second."
With a wave, the portrait on his wall froze.
"Continue," he smiled.
"Right," Harry stared at the portrait for a moment.
"That's Rowena Ravenclaw, we tend to keep it a secret that there is a portrait of her in the castle. But frozen as she is now she can't detect anything going on in the room," he reassured.
"Ok," Harry withdrew the trunk from his pocket, enlarged it, and opened the second compartment revealing the clear balls.
"Oh My!" Flitwick clasped his hand together in front of his chest. "I believe she did it! Oh my clever girl."
"But what are they professor?"
"Your mother was one of my best….no she was my best student. I am not to proud to say that even though as a teacher I am not supposed to have favourites, she was mine. As you have been told she was to be my apprentice, I had given her the paperwork to sign, when she disappeared."
Harry delved into the compartment, "Is this it?" He withdraw several sheets of parchment.
"Yes," Flitwick gave a small sad smile. "We had been discussing the possibility of modifying the spell used to create remembralls so that they could be used to save memories. Not to get you too excited but I believe that is what these are. Your mother's memories."
"How…how would we…I?"
The look of desire was so strong in the green eyes that matched the ones he used to know, that it made water well in the professor's eyes.
"When we last spoke she was unsure. I would suggest first trying to hold it in your hand and squeeze it gently as if it were a remembrall."
Harry pulled out one the size of a golf ball and closed his fist around it. Then shook his head.
"Hmm, it could be like the prophecy orbs?" Flitwick wondered.
"You can mean to smash it?" Percival asked slightly horrified.
"Only as a last resort, after you have searched for her notes," Flitwick said.
"What about like a crystal ball in divination?" Harry asked.
"It's as good a thought as any, give it a go."
Harry held the ball loosely in his hands and attempted to look into his depths, for a moment he thought he saw a figure swirl through it, but disappointedly realised it was Flitwick's reflection.
"I just….it's something of hers, you know?" Harry shrugged. "Just…." he rested his head on the ball he held in his hands. "I….."
And there she was, breathtakingly beautiful, she was standing in what must have been the lounge-room of their house.
"Test ball number fourteen. So hopefully this works. Filius I think I have the basic spell down, but then there is the matter of transferring the memory into it. This test is using it as a recording device so that the memory is recorded directly into the ball. I do believe I have created a spell that will allow the transfer of a previously retrieved memory into the ball. Any feedback or advice will be appreciated. End of test."
Her figure paused and then…'Test ball number….' it started again.
Tears rolled down, reddened cheeks.
"Harry!"