Book of Shadows
Chapter 31 – Making plans
…
The thrill of the season descended late upon Hogwarts, preceded by the announcement that the Hogwarts express would be coming for anyone who wanted to go home for the holidays. There was a general chatter from all tables, especially Slytherin and the members of the now disbanded Inquisitors.
The sealing of He who opens the ways was the big news on everyone's lips as they packed for the holidays; the who done it of the situation being only of minor interest, most just assumed it was Dumbledore.
There were a few though who could not share in the holiday cheer, and while their classmates prepared for bed in anticipation of the Hogwarts express, Harry, Ron, and Neville were on their way to a meeting, a very important meeting.
The adults were all waiting when they arrived. Lupin and pet, McGonagall, Flitwick, Snape, Moody, Shacklebolt and Tonks. Luna, for some reason, was sitting off to the side with a tablet and a pencil, and at the head of the table, Dumbledore.
"Thank you all for coming this evening," he opened the meeting. "We have several matters of some urgency that need to be discussed. Minerva."
McGonagall stood and turned to those assembled, "After a thorough survey of the castle we have located seven stable portals from which the shadows continue to come. The good news is, they only go the one way, from there to here, so there is no chance someone may accidentally find themselves in the Shadow realm."
"We've marked each location, so everyone will know to be extra careful," Flitwick added.
"Very good. Severus."
"The former inquisitors all saw what happened, or what they think happened to our departed Madam Umbridge. They were all too happy to hear the Inquisitorial squad had been disbanded."
"Harry?"
"I've gone through the entire castle with the Spell eater and sealed away the Wall shadows. There were only four."
"Your sure that was all?" said Snape testily.
"No," said Harry, "but it's the best we could do. They have a limited ability to move from where they are, but we checked all the places they had been placed and found only the four left."
"And how did you know where they were?" he persisted.
"Ah, Harry and I performed a brief interrogation of He who finds the ways," Harry's third of the former giant shadow. "We were able to learn much in a short time, including his ability to resist even after being sealed."
"What do you mean?" asked Lupin.
"I could feel him, pushing back against me the whole time he was out of the book," said Harry, a far away look on his face. "He's not like the others. He has, purpose. He wasn't doing this for no reason, and he wasn't finished."
"He certainly seems to be finished now," Flitwick remarked.
"Whereas we are only just beginning," said Dumbledore. "Cornelius of course was informed of the event in as little detail as I could manage. Naturally, he was most upset to learn of his undersecretary's fate."
"I'll bet," growled Moody.
"After considerable blustering he demanded I find a way to bring her back, and our other missing persons as well of course."
"Of course," said McGonagall tersely.
"In the interim, Kingsley has agreed to act as our Defense against the dark arts instructor," the dark-skinned man nodded, "And Minerva will be taking over my duties while I lead the expedition into the Shadow Realm."
There were gasps from those who didn't already know, Harry, Moody, and Snape not among them.
"Albus, are you sure that is wise?" said Flitwick.
"No, but I see no other recourse."
"Could we not try to summon them out?" offered McGonagall.
"Perhaps, if we understood the where, the how, the when. Ten years, maybe twenty we might be able to manage it."
"Pretty sure their parents would have hung us by then," said Moody.
"I think my mum'll hang me if she ever finds out about this," Ron whispered to Harry.
"Hope you siblings can keep a secret," Harry whispered back.
"Aw, bloody hell."
"Harry, Ronald, Neville," Dumbledore addressed the three young wizards, "It is not an easy thing I ask of you but ask I must. Without the three of you, there can be no expedition, but I cannot force you to do this."
"You don't have to," said Harry.
"We'll do it," said Neville.
"Just, don't tell my mum," said Ron.
...
Sequel Hook
...
That concludes this installment but have no fear, we will return to the darkness in November with Realm of Shadows.
In the meantime its back to our regular upload schedule, starting tomorrow with the latest chapter of Card the Moon, followed by Heroes of Magic and Might on Wednesday, and Friday its a brand new original piece in our Fantasy Friday file over on Fiction Press, Metal vs. Magic I, first of a short series. Hope you'll check it out. But until then, be good, be safe, and ya'll come back now, ya here.