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Of all my crimes, the breath of all thy Laws
Love, soft bewitching Love! has been the cause;
...If things on Earth may be to Heaven resembled
It must be love, pure, constant, undissembled:
But if to Sin by chance the Charmer press,
Forgive...forgive our Trespasses.
|Trespasses- Aphra Behn|
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Part 7- The Quest
Meet of Mages, IWOP, Geneva
Albus Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, the arguments were going full swing. He didn't like exposing their fractured front to Voldemort, but it was necessary. His armies were governed by an absolute monarch, a Lord, while theirs by democracy. Much more fair, but it was much harder to make quick decisions.
"No, we must not start before July." Voldemort pronounced, interrupting the babble.
Everyone stopped, Dumbledore cleared his throat. "I quite agree, my students graduate at the end of June as all the other Wizarding School students. I am quite sure they shall wish to participate."
Michael laughed. "True, true as ever, for what's a war without youngster's zeal?" Percy cringed at his rolling 'r's and extended 'a's but nodded anyway.
"It is settled then, July." Tatanya cut in.
Everyone nodded. Suddenly a soft but penetrating voice spoke. "But is it right to involve the young in the conflict of their elders?"
"Only those above seventeen, Vina. We must grant them their own choice." Tsi-Yung Chang said to her.
She considered a moment and then nodded.
"We must choose an auspicious day to start, of course." Georg said, suddenly. "The fifth is good."
"Very well, let us agree. We have solved nothing yet." Percival- Percy Weasley interposed.
"The fifth." Everyone nodded. "Now, we must come to the allies, armies and their leaders." Georg said. "Mr. Riddle, would you please begin?" The meeting had been advised by Dumbledore on how to address the Dark Lord.
Voldemort's nostrils flared, but he said nothing. "My armies will be led foremost by me and my steed, Blacknight. Lucius Malfoy will command the trolls, dementors, humans and my deatheaters. Another Ally, Countess Parthenope Czyren will command the armies of the undead. There is also another Ally I am yet uncertain of." He stopped, and waited for the shock to sink in. "I will have at least 200,000 creatures fighting for me."
"Ah, well." Georg said, obviously shaken. "We are led by Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Celeste LaSeule, you may not be knowing her." He continued on, not seeing Voldemort's expression of horror.
Albus Dumbledore, however, noted it well. "The goblins and giants fight with us. Our strength is around 170,000."
"The TimeFreeze spell will have to be quite large, then." Roberto said, nervously. "Where is there such a large area?"
"Greenland." Jenny Candon said. "It is the only place isolated enough."
"Can't we find somewhere slightly warmer, eh?" Cornelius Fudge said.
"I shouldn't worry if I were you, Fudge. You'll be dead before you feel the cold."
Lord Voldemort smiled.
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Celeste's room in the Dungeons...
Celeste quickly stirred the yellow-orange potion. The temperature and consistency had to be perfect when the powdered Grimwort was added. She tried to open the wooden jar with one hand while stirring the potion with the other. The jar fell to the ground with a clang and Celeste sighed in exasperation.
The doors swung open. "If that's you in there Potter, I'll-...ah." Severus Snape stopped.
"Hello Severus." Celeste said evenly. "I could use some help."
"And you expect me to deliver it?" He spat.
"Why do you loathe me so?"
"The Dark Lord's progeny! Evil runs in your blood!" He hissed. Celeste went white and stopped stirring. "Look at what your father did to me when Dumbledore bade me return. Look!" He lifted his sleeve, and where the DeathEater's brand used to be was scarred and disfigured tissue.
Snape could still hear the words. You have disgraced me Severus. You have betrayed not only my service but my friendship. The Dark Lord is merciful only to the loyal. He could still taste the air, but oddly, the pain eluded him. It had been searing, but he could not remember it.
"My- my father?" Celeste whispered, aghast.
"Why do you think your foolish mother hasn't told you? I hate you, Celeste, because your father loves you."
"But- but...Narcissa- mum- she said that there were two men in her life. She said that she would never tell me which- so how do you know?"
"True, it might have been another, but what if it isn't? Have you not noted how much your features are like his? Your straight black hair? Look at a picture of Tom Riddle and you will see."
"I don't believe you."
"And I don't care if you do."
Severus Snape turned on his heel and walked out, a seed of remorse in his heart.
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The Granger funeral procession...
Hermione swallowed and brushed the tears from her eyes. No amount of crying could relieve her pain. A thick knot of apprehension squeezed at her stomach. The procession had been planned to wind past her old home.
She had stayed at an aunt's house since she arrived. Just thinking about her lost home caused her pain. But somehow, she was glad the house was gone. She couldn't have lived there again, in the memory haunted rooms. At least she could forget.
There was bliss in forgetting.
They turned the corner and Hermione stopped. The front of the house wasn't as badly damaged as she had expected. It was slightly charred, and the garden had grown out of the meticulous neatness her father had kept it in. The back was completely obliterated along with most of the sides. Black and grey ash was piled in mounds.
There was still the pungent odour of obliteration about the house. She looked away quickly and kept her head down.
They reached the graveyard quite quickly. Hermione hardly remembered the service or the relatives coming and expressing their condolences. Her parents had both been atheists, but Hermione didn't have the strength to do away with religious vestiges. All she remembered was wishing that everyone would leave.
Wishing that they would stop crying and let her cry. There was so much emotion in the air that she felt it impossible to show any of her own. As she walked to her parents' open coffins she heard whispering.
"Like stone! You'd think she didn't even care-..."
"At boarding school- they say that they were never very close..."
"She's always been indifferent. One of those intellectual types that don't have hearts."
"Ruthless little thing- she's probably calculating inheritance tax in her head!"
Hermione closed her ears to the insults. She didn't care what other people thought. Her parents had known how she had felt. She wiped the tears from her eyes and bent towards her father's body.
"I love you, daddy." She whispered and kissed him on the cheek.
She drew away quickly, the skin was so hard and cold- unyielding. Her lips tingled with the coldness and her heart raced with fear. Guilt flooded her senses.
Hermione, you're afraid- afraid- of your own father? Get a grip. Suddenly she felt her feelings twist her face. She was mere clay in their hands.
She fell to her knees and started to sob.
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The Library of the Vidya Institute, The Book of Preservation.
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Utilising The Craft:
Inexperienced Healers can do more damage than good if they are especially powerful. The Great Arlena Weatherstaff, in her younger days, almost sucked the very life-force out of those she touched. Other manifestation of uncontrolled power include Empathy, where the Healer can actually feel the suffering of people around her, and Energy Drain, where the Healer channels energy from the surroundings to complete the Healing.
They may also take large amounts of time to Heal small injuries. A variety of power channeling exercises and charms are depicted on Page 138.
Healers may not use their gift upon Mensamagi, those having mind scrying capabilities. The Healer's mind is so complex that even another of great intelligence would be unable to balance their thoughts.
Healers are of great value to the outside world because of their most baneful talent. Healers, with the proper instruction, can channel all the suffering they feel and that has ever passed their fingertips, into another being. Many Dark Lords have enticed Healers to their path.
Healers are a rare race mainly because when they are born, their mother almost inevitably dies in chidbirth. Healers are also very troubled, and countless have taken their own lives. Their ability to see Destruction often works against them. Healers also upset the Balance of Life on the world. Healers are very affected by the Dilution Effect, which is when people stop believing in wizardry. Healing is a powerful Magic and requires a lot of energy. Fewer and fewer are allowed to practice their skills.
-
Chaos shut the book with a thud. That was the last she had to know. The exercises in the books had been easy for her and she had mastered them quickly.
"Chaos." She spun, unnerved. Kaveri stood behind her with a friendly smile.
"Yes Kaveri."
"I hope you find our library to your, ahem, satisfaction." She said, a smile twitching on her lips.
"Yes, thankyou." Chaos replied seriously.
"And the only other thing you want in return for teaching the kids is us screening people wanting to see you."
"Yes. I have a feeling some will come seeking for me. I leave tomorrow, my work here is complete."
"Why are you called Chaos? Did you make it up yourself?" Kaveri had a look of intense curiosity on her face.
Chaos almost sighed. She could still here her father's voice. You just cause too much chaos! Why can't you be normal?
That was the word he said to her most often. Chaos. Can't you do anything without creating chaos? It had started when she was around fourteen. The air crackling. The screaming fits and crying. It came to a head when her boyfriend kissed her. She had almost sucked out his life-force. He had collapsed on the floor, gasping and jerking convulsively.
Ever since then she had never touched anyone. She covered her skin to protect herself from the pain and also to hide her real self from the world. It was so much easier not to care.
Pure Chaos.
"I just made it up." Chaos replied.
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Celeste's rooms...
Celeste sat on the cold stone floor and stared disconsolately at the grey wall. Slowly, the colours swirled before her eyes and she became drowsy. A tiny tear trickled down her cheek and splashed onto the unyielding floor.
"Celeste...may I please, uh, come in?" Celeste did not reply or even acknowledge whether she had heard the call. "Celeste?"
She slowly ebbed out of her stupor and looked up lifelessly. "You may come in." Her voice was flat and listless.
"Look, Celeste, I'm-...well, you know...I wish-" Severus Snape stopped. "I apologise." He said quickly.
"That's all right. It's not your fault."
"It's not yours either. It is most probable that you aren't the Dark Lord's offspring."
"Oh?"
"I know who the other man is." Celeste lifted off the floor and some life flashed into her eyes.
"Who? Tell me Severus, please." She clutched his sleeve. Snape shuddered at the touch.
"Sirius Black." He tried not to spit out the word. He focussed instead on Celeste's face. Hope glowed on it.
"The Dark Lord or Sirius Black! How different they are..."
"How not." Snape muttered.
"What?" Celeste asked, the rapt look still on her face.
"Eh? Nothing..."
"Thankyou...so very much Severus. You're not quite as bad as you make out to be." In a quick movement, Celeste raised her arms and gave Severus a hug.
Snape went rigid and relaxed when Celeste released him. It felt almost- rewarding. Snape banished the thought. He had made amends for his mistake, it was time to leave.
"Severus...I'm making a very interesting Potion...and I need some help."
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The Slytherin Dormitories, a month later...
Draco curled up in his bed and closed his eyes.
He was back in the library with the Sorceror facing him. The Sorceror smiled- grinned maliciously, rather.
"You haven't made up your mind or talked to you girlfriend."
"Yeah, well, she's got enough on her mind." He replied, defiantly. "You're driving me crazy- I can't take you in my head any more."
"I'm not even being malevolent- imagine if I was. You could never get me out of your mind." Draco looked down.
"You don't think I know that?"
"Even the most knowing minds sometimes need reminding..." He stopped and looked away. "Anyhow, I'll give you till you Graduate. No more appearances, manifestations- nothing. But the day after, you will give me an answer."
Draco said nothing.
"You will- or I will make your life a living hell. Draco Argentus Valwracen Malfoy, you are very much like me. It is your destiny. You cannot avoid it. The Trident will not allow it."
"My destiny?" Draco felt his control leaving him. "My fucking destiny? Do I have a goddamn sign on me that says 'control me' or something? My whole life my father has tried to control me and now you flash the freaking Trident. Well, I have some news, I don't care whether you don't give me your permission."
"Stop it. You are trying my patience."
"Tragic. My heart bleeds for you." He spat back.
For a second, Daemersgrale looked ready to murder him on the spot, but then, oddly enough, he laughed. A human laugh from an inhuman person.
"You do have spunk. That will be useful. You really do remind me of myself. I won't try and control you. I will, ah- guide- you. Goodbye till your Graduation, Draco Argentus Valwracen Malfoy. Keep well."
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Four months later, Graduation Day at Hogwarts...
Draco bit his lip nervously. He was dressed in the deepest green. He tried to think of it as Slytherin Green but failed. It was Mortragen Green. He was as confused as ever.
Hermione and he had gotten to know each other further. Their relationship was delicate, she still felt guilty, and Draco didn't want to fracture it. He didn't have an easy option. Each one called for sacrifice. He knew he would never join Parthenope, but if he didn't then he would have to join Daemersgrale or Voldemort. He didn't believe in Dumbledore. So far Daemersgrale the Sorceror seemed the only choice.
Daemersgrale was far more powerful than Voldemort would ever be.
But would Hermione ever forgive him and be able to love a Dark Lord's Ally. Not simply and ally, but his heir...Lord Malfoy. Draco almost laughed bitterly.
His father was already Lord Malfoy. And Draco didn't want to become his father. Sorceror Malfoy? Maybe just forget Malfoy. Lord Draco Argentus Valwracen.
Would she love him then?
Cornelius Fudge stepped down from the podium after making his long-winded speech. Dumbledore stepped up and cleared his throat.
"We've kept you here for long enough and I'm sure you want to reach the refreshment table as soon as possible, so I'll be brief. As always, we confer special awards to the outstanding three students of the year." McGonagall handed him three black velvet boxes.
"Hermione Granger, Gryffindor." Dumbledore called. Hermione stepped up to the large podium clustered with teachers.
It was a warm June day and the breeze ruffled her hair. Her cheeks were flushed with anticipation. She was the first of the Graduating class to be called.
There were murmurs of discontent from the RavenClaw and Slytherin rows. RavenClaw usually took first place and Slytherin simply hated a Gryffindor leading the class.
"Ms Granger, eleven out of thirteen N.E.W.T's taken. All completed with Wizarding Level A with extensions in Arithmancy, Transfiguration, Defence Against the Dark Arts, History of Magic, Charms, Ancient Runes and Telepathy." Dumbledore snapped open the black velvet box and placed a gold medal around Hermione's neck. "First Place."
She blushed an even deeper red and smiled.
"Draco Malfoy, Slytherin." Draco looked up with a start. Second place? He got up and strode up the steps.
There was a large hum over all the rows now. The Slytherins with surprise, the Hufflepuffs with confusion and the RavenClaws and Gryffindors with sheer outrage.
"Mister Malfoy, twelve out of thirteen N.E.W.T's taken. Eleven completed with Wizarding Level A and one Level B. Extensions in Potions, Transfiguration, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms and Arithmancy." He placed the gold medallion onto Draco's neck. "Second Place."
"Topping show, Draco." He whispered amiably.
Draco glanced at Hermione, who was beaming by his side. She reached for his hand behind the podium and squeezed it.
"Carmen Terocha, RavenClaw."
Dumbledore finished with the awards and motioned for the three of them to stand back. He quickly handed hand-written diploma scrolls to the rest of the Graduating Class. Harry graduated with First Class Honours with Ron close behind.
"Now, I have to make a few announcements which may come as a surprise to you all. Firstly, the date for the Wizard War is set. The fifth of July 2003, we will perform the timefreeze and battle for what is right. You may, of course, choose which side you would prefer to be on." Dumbledore took a deep breath.
"I know many of you have cherished hopes of entering institutions of higher learning, universities, I mean. I must regretfully inform you that all Universities will be closed during the Wizard War. If you choose not to participate, you will be Frozen in Time along with the rest of the world. You need not worry about age, for this year the Universities will relax their rules."
Scattered muttering broke out. "Class of 2004, I wish you all the best. I know you'll do Hogwarts proud!"
He stepped down from the stand and walked purposefully towards Draco and Hermione. By now people were milling toward the Great Hall for the feast.
"Hermione, Draco, get Harry, Ronald and Padma Patil and meet me at Hagrid's in ten minutes."
"What's up, Professor?" Draco asked.
"Oh- you'll see. You'll see..."
"You what?" Draco exclaimed. I've been saying that a lot lately. He thought, irritated.
"I want you to aid Celeste in finding a Healer. I have a good notion of where she will be. This will help not only Celeste, but the armies also." Dumbledore said, quietly.
"Six hundred years. That's a long time." Harry said.
"Sylvoren's pronouncements are pretty accurate- unlike Professor Trelawney's." Ron said as Hermione sighed with exasperation.
"We'll do it." She said. She suddenly felt as if she was the glue that held their little band together. Draco and Ron hated each other, Padma and Ron were looking sort of uncomfortable, Harry didn't know whether to act friendly towards Draco or not.
"Now, there is one other- very important thing." Dumbledore began.
"Name it." Harry said.
"It's quite dangerous...but you have all handled danger before." Dumbledore smiled comfortingly. "The Dementors are moving southward. They haven't crossed the Scotland-England border yet but they will soon. According to the rules of war-"
"Which only you will be following." Draco muttered.
"Quite. They state that we may ambush the Dementors on our side of the border, stating self-defence." Dumbledore continued.
"But-...why? The Time-Freeze starts in a week or so." Padma interposed.
"The Dementors have captives." He patted Harry's shoulder then Draco's. "Sirius Black and Narcissa Malfoy."
"Shit." Draco hissed. "Oh, shit." His wand drew itself out of his pocket and started to rotate in front of his hand. He clutched it and white light enveloped them again.
The light began to pulse and change colour. It seemed to match his fury. As the light glowed more intense, Draco felt more relaxed, less out of control.
The light pulsed one final time and disappeared, Draco's rage with it.
"What-...happened?" Ron asked.
"The Dragonstaff respond to it's owners immediate feelings. When the wielder is out of control, angry or unhappy, it draws out the emotion. The wielder must always be calm." Hermione said, pausing. "Feel better, Draco?"
"Much." She didn't know whether he was being sarcastic or not.
"But there's no time to rescue them and get to the Healer both." Harry said. The door of the hut started to open.
Everyone whipped out their wands.
"I had no idea I was so popular." Celeste said, laughing. "I heard that you all were worried that you would have no time?" She stopped and took five identical gold chains from around her neck. "Don't be."
"Time turners!" Hermione shuddered, remembering her third year.
"When do we leave?" Harry asked, eagerly.
"Now. But before that, we must give you some help." Dumbledore zipped opne the large black bag at his feet. "The required clothing are in the backpacks in the closet." Draco opened it and tossed the backpacks to their owners."Go change and I'll tell you the rest."
Hermione and Padma picked up their packs and went into the bathroom, while the boys quickly changed in the kitchen.
Five minutes later the girls came out. They were wearing chainmail and leather slacks the same as the boys. Draco was wearing a green tunic, Harry, Ron and Hermione red ones and Padma blue. Each of them had scabbards around their hips, although of different sizes.
"Now Harry, take Gryffindor's sword. I've kept it for long enough." Dumbledore tossed Harry the long sword which he slung into his belt. "Ron, keep this short-sword. Hermione and Padma, daggers, just for protection. And Draco, your sister made this especially for you. She said you prefer the lighter kind of sword."
Dumbledore handed Draco a sword decorated in the same way as his DragonStaff. The same transclucent blue crystal with tendrils of green gleamed at the hilt.
Almost on cue his Staff slipped into the holder at his right hip. He pushed the sword into the one on his left. He had a determined kind of look on his face.
"But- Professor, why do we need armour and swords? We have magic." Hermione said, discomfited in her fighting outfit.
"The Dementors can sense magic. You will be going after them on brooms, no Apparating. Besides, you'll need the practice for the war. It will not be a SpellWar." Hermione gasped.
Dumbledore took out a black box and put it into Hermione's hand. Ste opened it. "A scrying pool! Why do I-" Dumbledore cut her off.
"You'll find out. Trust me."
"We'd better leave. How far back should we go?" Ron asked.
"A month and a half. My Time-Turners are already set. Just press the central knob when you're ready." Celeste said. "Goodbye and good luck."
"Keep safe." Dumbledore added.
On impulse, Draco gave Celeste a hug. "Bye, sis. I'll be back with mum soon."
"I don't doubt it, Draco."
"Ready everyone?" Harry said loudly. Nobody responded. "Three- two- one, let's go!"
They vanished with a soft swooshing sound.
Dumbledore glanced at his watch. "They should be back about now." A knock sounded at the door.
Dumbledore strode over and opened it.
"How'd it go?"
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