Chapter 46: Gratitude

"Why did you want to meet with me?" Claire asked as she sat across from Moody.

Mad-Eye Moody paused and said, "Your brother just told me that he's determined to take down 'R' completely, after hearing what the Mahoutokoro Wizard told you which I instructed you to keep secret!"

Unsure of what to say, Claire attempted to change the subject. "Has the Mahoutokoro Wizard said anything else?"

"No, and he still won't give up the identity of the Hogwarts mole either."

"I actually did my own investigation on the mole, before going into the Sunken Vault."

"And who were your suspects?"

"Mr. Filch, Madam Hooch, and Professor Snape."

"Were you discreet with your questioning?"

"Yes, but I didn't get definitive results on whether any of them were the mole or not. Filch showed a great deal of dedication to Hogwarts, Madam Hooch expressed beliefs that didn't coincide with 'R' and what they stand for, and Professor Snape was an enigma. All I know for sure is that someone was trying to dive-bomb into the Black Lake on a broomstick, which had to be the mole."

"And where did you get that information?"

"Madam Hooch told me."

"She could've been saying that to cover her tracks."

"But I don't think she nor Filch are the mole, and Snape was difficult to read."

"He owes Dumbledore too much to betray Hogwarts and work for 'R.' Trust me, I know Snape well enough."

"Then we haven't learned anything?"

"If the Mahoutokoro Wizard was telling the truth, the mole could try to bring you into 'R'. That means it might be someone you know."

Claire didn't like the sound of this. "What should I do?"

"I wouldn't worry about it for now. Mainly, I wanted to congratulate you on bringing Rakepick to justice. That's one less Dark Witch in 'R,' so they will need time to recover meaning you should try to do the same."

###

After Claire left Mad-Eye Moody, she got an urgent message from Talbott to meet him in the Owlery. So she quickly made her way from Hogsmeade up to the tower where the school's owls lived including her own pet owl Eban.

"So what did you want to talk about?" Claire asked Talbott, who was already there.

In response, Talbott reached into his robe and took out a letter. "I found this letter hidden in the Owlery. You should read it."

Without hesitation, Claire took the letter from Talbott's hand. But upon seeing who the letter was from, she gasped. "It's from Ben! And date on the letter is from last year."

"Maybe he wrote it before you went into the Buried Vault," Talbott suggested.

"But why didn't he give it to me?" Claire asked out loud as she tore open the envelope and read the letter out loud. "'I've always admired you, Claire. You're much braver than I am, but that's why I want to prove myself by accompanying you and Rakepick into the Buried Vault. Now I don't know how things will actually go down there, let alone if I'll live through it. But in case the worst happens to me, just know that you have always been my first and best friend.'"

"It's so strange hearing the old Ben again, even from a letter," Talbott remarked.

"Words do have a certain kind of magic, though," Claire said. "It really goes to show how much the Buried Vault changed him."

"Do you feel like you've changed?"

"Yes, I think so. While I did find my brother and sealed away the Cursed Vaults, I lost Rowan and broke so many school rules. There's no way I'll ever be the same girl who came to Hogwarts with the intention of not causing any trouble like her older brother."

"Everyone changes, Claire. It's how we grow as people."

"But I couldn't have grown without my friends, nor sealed the final vault."

"That is what friends are for."

"All right, I'm calling the Circle of Khanna for one last meeting."

###

Later that evening at the Hog's Head Inn, everyone in the Circle of Khanna was present. This time, Aberforth wasn't upset by their presence and even offered free Butterbeer on the house.

"Hey, you lot!" Merula called, getting everyone's attention. "Krystal has something to say!"

With all eyes on her, Claire said, "I want to thank you all for helping fulfill the promise we made when we formed the Circle of Khanna. We sealed the final Cursed Vault and brought Rakepick to justice!"

This caused everyone to cheer loudly.

"Actually, we should be thanking you, Claire," Badeea said.

"Yeah, school life would be so boring if we didn't have you around," Tonks added.

"Plus, you accepted us for who we are, including me," Chiara mentioned.

"Same here," Jae brought up. "I mean, who knew a troublemaker like me would end up helping save the school from terrible curses?"

"This goes to show that we can pursue our dreams if we persevere," Talbott mentioned. "So in Claire's case, she was able to find her brother."

"And I'm now a better Potioneer thanks to Claire and I's efforts at brewing difficult potions, such as the Polyjuice Potion," Penny smiled.

"I'm just glad that Claire's all right," Barnaby said as he blushed.

"Says the guy who let Rakepick slip past him," Ismelda pointed out.

"Hey! At least no one died this time," Liz objected. "So what did you find out about the Grindylows, Claire?"

"They were definitely guarding the Sunken Vault, but I'm not sure why they were being very aggressive toward the Merpeople," Claire replied.

"Speaking of the Merpeople, I do wish the Merqueen had given back that comb," Tulip said remorsefully. "I just hope the original owner doesn't miss it…."

"Well, I know Rowan would be proud of us all, if she were still alive," Ben muttered out loud.

Picking up a Butterbeer mug, Claire raised it up. "Yes, she would be. Here's to us!"

"I say the toast goes to Claire, the Hero of Hogwarts!" Tonks said, raising her Butterbeer mug.

The others raised their Butterbeer mugs in turn while the cheers resumed.

To be continued…