The Heiress

by She

What's the heir of Voldemort to do? So much evil, so little time...

5. Aurors 101

Here's what happened when last we met:  Voldemort is gathering his crew of evildoers and has asked Severus Snape to take Draco Malfoy under his wing by giving him a potion that will help sway Hermione to the Dark Ways.  Snape was shocked to learn of Voldemort's interest in the labyrinth, an ancient legend that seems a long shot on which to hang plans for world dominion.

Many thanks to the wonderful site www.wildideas.net/cathbad/druid.html for tremendous information about the Druids.  We'll be using it a lot in the following chapters.

THE HEIRESS 5:  Aurors 101

Albus Dumbledore fiddled with the golden tassel on his powder pink nightcap.  He studied it closely as Severus Snape related his encounter with Voldemort.

At last Snape concluded hopefully, saying, "If Voldemort is wishing to find this ancient labyrinth, he is grasping at the straws of mythology.  Surely this is a good thing for us…"

Dumbledore shook his head. "I am remembering an old adage, Severus: in Knossos did Daedalus build a dancing floor for curly-haired Ariadne.  You are familiar with it?"

Snape sat down with a sigh.  "You are referring to the legend of King Minos of Crete and the Minotaur."

Dumbledore spun his cap on the tip of his wand.  "Ariadne was the King's daughter, guardian of the dancing floor in which her half-brother the Minotaur was confined.  Every seven years, young men and women were led into the labyrinth to dance to its center, where the Minotaur awaited them.  Ariadne was forced to perform this horrible ritual until the Athenian Theseus, to whom she gave a ball of string to navigate the labyrinth, rescued her."

"I am acquainted with the tale, Albus.  But Knossos and its labyrinth were destroyed in 1450 BC, when the volcano on Santorin erupted and sent tidal waves flooding over Crete."

Dumbledore twirled his tassel.  "The revenge of Poseidon for Ariadne's betrayal of her family.  But let us assume that Daedalus' labyrinth was not original.  What if he devised it based upon a primitive design long known to mystical societies?  Recall, Severus, that the Celtic civilization spread across Europe and the British Isles; the influence of the Druids was powerful indeed."

He raised his wand and called Accio, at which point a large, worn tome zipped into his hand, grazing Snape in its passage.  Dumbledore thumbed through it, "You see, I have been refreshing my knowledge of our ancient predecessors to assist Remus with his curriculum development… Aha! Here it is, a description of the Feast of Cormac: on May 1, Beltaine, at the greatest flow of power between heaven and earth, the Druids would gather for a great festival in their sacred oak grove.  You know, of course, that the Druids were known as "Knowers of the oak grove," given their familiarity with natural powers…"

Snape shrugged and Dumbledore chuckled.  "You never did care for Binn's lectures, my friend, yet he is a virtual font of useful, albeit arcane, information.  Why, just this evening he told me the funniest tale of an old Druid and a magpie…" His blue eyes twinkled with amusement.  "But I digress, as is often my way.  Let me see, where was I?  Ah, yes. The sacred oak grove was an actual labyrinth of the old trees, with mistletoe and yew filling in the gaps - must have been an awesome sight indeed."

"Quite," agreed Snape, who was not at all sure he was following Dumbledore's convolutions.

"At Beltaine, three elected Druids would wind their way to the center of the labyrinth at which grew a magnificent oak tree - the Crann Bethadh, or Tree of Life; its mighty branches touched the heavens and its roots plumbed the depths of the earth.  At its base sprung the Well of Wisdom, whose waters held the power of life, death and rebirth.  The Druids would draw forth the waters in the golden Cup of Cormac and drink from it.  Results varied - I am paraphrasing now, Severus - death, insanity, prophecy or rebirth.  I believe the latter were the most desirable outcomes…"

Snape leaned forward.  "That is what Voldemort seeks!"

Dumbledore drummed his fingers upon the dusty pages.  "The Cup of Changes.  A conduit to immortality."

"But, Albus, surely this place is as dead as Knossos or Troy …"

Dumbledore continued to peruse the text.  "I doubt it, Severus.  Magical places of such power are often concealed but rarely extinct.  It exists - somewhere."

Snape stood and began to pace the long, fuzzy hearthrug.  "But why does he wish Hermione to penetrate the labyrinth?  Why can he not enter it and use this Cup of Cormac himself?"

"You mentioned his interest in Hermione's chastity.  Remember the Cretan ritual, Severus.  Ariadne was a vestal virgin, and the most powerful Druids abstained from sexual relations to achieve the purest communication with the supernatural.  And Hermione has additional appeal for Voldemort.  She is his sole magical heir.  As the sacrifices Ariadne made for her father ensured the survival of Knossos, so too would Hermione serve as a conduit on Voldemort's behalf."

"Yet Knossos itself was destroyed when Ariadne betrayed her father and rescued the hero Theseus. Voldemort can have less assurance in Hermione - she has no loyalty to her lineage."

Dumbledore made a long tent of his fingers.  "As she should not."

Snape rubbed his weary eyes.  "Then Voldemort's plan is folly, Albus.  Even if he should find this unlikely oak grove, he cannot get a hold of Hermione."

"Indeed, no. Yet, as we know from experience, the unlikely - even the impossible - has been known to occur."

"I suppose," sighed Snape as he sank again into an old leather armchair.  "Speaking of the absurd, Voldemort has asked me to prepare a Fluide Influentum for our young Malfoy.  He wishes Draco to… guide Hermione's interests in the Dark Arts."

Dumbledore's eyes flashed.  "Does Draco know of this plan?"

"Lucius has sent his raven, I have seen it.  I cannot read the boy's heart; surely his loyalties are in turmoil."

"Indeed.  Until we are surer of him, you must present the façade of cooperation.  Give the lad a placebo as a ruse."

"That is easily done, Albus.  It is essential that Voldemort believes me to be acting on his behalf, even if he is going mad.  Labyrinth indeed!"

"Ah, my friend, we are - all of us - caught in the labyrinth of time."

The following day brought a glorious early fall morning.  The Griffindors were enjoying the sunshine as they waited for Hagrid and the Slytherins to join them in the magizoo for their first day of Comprehensive Care of Magical Beasts.  The cottonwoods had released their seeds; bits of fluff drifted across the pasture like tiny wisps of downy snow. 

Hagrid's approach was heralded by a hearty sneeze.  "Beg yer pardon, havin' some trouble wit' my a…a…achoo!… allergies…"

Hermione looked up at the trees; the light on their leaves seemed liquid, as if it could pour right off into little golden pools.  She noticed the light gleaming off the wheat-blond head of Draco Malfoy, who approached with his characteristic sneer. "Oh rapture, another year of those Magical Beasts, the Griffindors."

"Another year of rotten Slytherins," retorted Ron, focusing on Draco.  Damn him, he scowled.  He'd gotten beefier over the summer.  Maybe they actually made him work in Copenhagen.

Hermione hung her head, not wanted to meet Draco's gaze nor that of the curious Slytherins.  She was annoyed by their furtive or even open stares; had they expected her to grow horns or something?

Hagrid harrumphed, sneezed and began the class after wiping his runny nose on a massive red handkerchief. "Yeh brought yer texts, I hope?  Good.  Open yer books ter Chapter One - Why Magizoology Matters."

"Why does it?" sniggered Draco.

Despite his allergies, Hagrid's hearing was not impaired.  "It matters becuz some o' these critters may very well one day save yer lives - makes sense ter be good ter 'em, doesn' it?"

Hagrid spent the next hour explaining modern Magizoology practices and telling them a bit about the new animals to expect in the coming year. Wizards from around the world continued to send animals to Hogwarts for care and further study.  In particular, Hagrid was very excited about the impending arrival of a triptide, which Charlie Weasley would be delivering the following week.  It was as close as Hagrid could hope to a dragon of his own, and his eyes sparkled as he described it in vivid detail, right down to its little horned tail and claws.  Harry and Ron rolled their eyes.

Hagrid paused in front of a large wooden crate, from which emanated disturbing squeaks and yips.  "Now here's a new arrival - rikitiks, just in from Indonesia. Treat 'em carefully," he warned them as Hermione peeked over the top of the crate.  "They're a bit tetchy yet."

As he said so, a small monkey-like creature leapt to the rim of the crate and bounded off it, hurtling directly at Hermione and knocking her down in surprise.

Swiftly, Malfoy raised his wand and shouted, "Stupefy!" which stunned the small creature in its tracks.

"'Ere now, no cause fer that!" cried Hagrid, who replaced the dazed rikitik with its fellows, carefully closing the top of the crate before he turned to Hermione.  "Er, you a'right there, Hermione?"

"Fine, thanks," she replied, taking Draco's outstretched hand to regain her feet.  Pansy Parkinson guffawed audibly. 

"Yeh be careful with yer spells, boy - yeh mighta 'urt someone…"

"Just what I was trying to do, knock Granger flat…" drawled Draco insolently.

Fortunately for all, the bell sounded from the castle, ending the morning's entertainment.

On the way back to the castle, Ron held Hermione's hand and glared at Malfoy as if daring him to approach.  Draco merely favored Ron with a sullen scowl, but did not attempt further contact.

Ron forgot his anger as they made their way to their next class: Aurorship 101 with Professor Remus Lupin.  They were eager to see their old friend again and, given their peculiar histories and experiences, were keen to learn about the subject he was to teach. 

The Griffindors were chatting anxiously when Professor Lupin entered the room, about five minutes late as usual.  He seemed less shabby than the last time they'd seen him; his robes weren't as tattered and were patched only at each elbow.  He still had a wan and exhausted air about him and his hair was now half-flecked with grey, which made Harry realize how hard he and Sirius must have been working.

Catching his steady gaze, Lupin winked at Harry as he perched himself on the edge of his desk in front of the classroom.  "Good morning, everyone.  It's been two years since our last meeting.  I hope I find you well?" There was a general murmur of assent.  Lupin smiled mildly and continued.  "Professor Dumbledore has wisely decided to increase your knowledge in these difficult times by adding this course.  In it we'll be taking an in-depth look at the field of Aurorship.  This will greatly supplement the work you'll be doing with Professor Snape in his Defense Against the Dark Arts class."

He paused, surveying the class as if to measure their reactions.  "You may find it odd that a wizard suffering from the dark disease of werewolvery will be your instructor for this course.  Let me assure you, my experience of the Dark Arts runs through my veins. I have found that the best way to fight the Dark Arts is to fully understand them rather than to blindly fear them.  And, with Professor Snape's latest potion I am virtually incident-free, even during the moon's full cycle.  Any questions on this?"

There were, tactfully, none at that time.  Lupin went on.  "Very well.  Let's begin.  For the historical origins of Aurorship, we must turn to the ancient Druids of this land.  As you know from Professor Binn's lectures," Lupin smiled briefly at the rolled eyes and stifled groans; he, too, had been a student of Hogwarts and said professor.  "The Celtic culture flourished throughout Great Britain and as far as the Balkan states in Europe.  Paul of Tarsus visited the Celts of Galatia, in what is now Turkey, around 40AD.  His epistle to them is included in the Christian Bible.  Ireland was a particular seat of this culture, as the Romans never invaded it.  Irish Muggle authors worth reading include James Joyce and W.B. Yeats, whose work reflects the Celtic spirit."

Hermione made a note of this.

Lupin continued, "An old Celtic proverb goes 'A man is better than his birth.' This was certainly true of the Druids, who were a central part of the Celtic civilization.  They were really the intelligentsia of their society.  To become a Druid required training of at least twenty years.  They were capable of many magical feats such as divination, prophesy, control of the weather, healing, levitation, shape changing and exorcising evil spirits.  The Roman historian Diogenes placed the Druids on a list of the ancient world's wisest philosophers and sages.  The Roman author Ammianus wrote of the Druid's ability to solve problems of things secret and sublime.  The Druid's connection to nature was the source of their powers.   Their rituals often took place in sacred forests, hence their name 'Knowers of the oak grove.'  Just as the mighty oak is firmly rooted to the ground and throws its branches high into the heavens, so did the Druids encompass the span of earthly and supernatural prowess."

"What has this to do with modern Aurorship, you are wondering?  In 84AD, the Druid Mogh Roith proved herself as both a warrior and a mystic, driving evil forces from Ireland and what is now Scotland, making her a hero among the Picts and the Celts of those lands.  With the onset of barbaric tribal wars, she gathered to her many of the great Druids of the time, including the famous Ni-Asa of Ireland, to form a protective society that would combat the growing darkness.  As the Roman Empire fell and the Dark Ages descended, she and her successors fought long and hard against the forces of evil.  As dire as the Dark Ages were, they would have been virtually pitch-black were it not for their valiant efforts.  Unfortunately, their efforts had to be hidden from society, for Muggle persecution was increasing, witnessed by the removal of all wizards from the general society around 1000AD."

"A number of protective societies based on Mogh Roith's practices continued to flourish until, in 1582 the Wizards' Council, which preceded our current Ministry of Magic, organized groups under the common title of 'Auror', which, as you know, is the name we use today for those who penetrate, expose and defeat the forces of darkness."

"Many of the Auror's symbols and secret runes are derived from those used by the early Druidic exorcists.  These include the Triskele, or labyrinth - a rounded spiral with three arms that radiate from a central point, which stand for the land, sea and sky - the entirety of the Druid's domain.  Also in use is the Awen, represented by three upright bars surmounted by three stars.  Awen is the Druidic term for 'inspiration.'  The primary symbol of the great oak tree is key to the Auror's runic repertoire.  Remember that a tree bridges both land and heaven, communicating live-giving water between these realms.  Great power is gathered here, and we shall be returning to this concept more as our year continues."

He paused and sat on the edge of his desk.  "We will explore these symbols and other tools in future classes.  Right now, I'd like to begin your experience of the Auror's world first-hand."

Lupin divided them into groups of three, explaining that the Druids tended to organize into triads, two and four being unbalanced numbers with nothing in the middle.  Harry, Ron and Hermione watched closely as he dimmed the lights.  Eerie light flickered as they realized scores of candles had been lit around them.  "Each of you represents an element - earth, sea and sky.  These are the three realms of Druidic cosmology and must be present for true power to manifest.  The candle behind each of you represents a divine ideal - knowledge, truth and nature."

He paused at each group, drawing something with his wand in their midst.  "This is the Triskele; it is one of the chief runes used by the Druids and hence today's Aurors.  Notice the three arms radiate from a central point.  In the very center," into which he dropped a bronze disk etched with a rune that resembled a voluminous tree, "is the Oak, sacred source of the Druid's power, spanning all planes at once - astral, earthly and subterranean."

He took up a stance in the middle of the room.  In a hushed, reverent voice he continued.  "You are about to be initiated into the primary circle of Aurorship.  This will facilitate our journeys together.  Each of you shall receive a symbol at this time - see it in your mind's eye and hold it there; its significance will serve as your protection and illumination as we continue your instruction in the powerful lore of the contemporary Auror.  Close your eyes so that you may focus upon your inner vision."

Harry was aware of Lupin's voice, chanting in some archaic language unknown to him and yet… somehow the words, while foreign to him, made sense.  He felt himself sway and a blackness opened before him. In the center of this darkness he beheld a light, fragile at first.  He focused his attention on it as it grew in size and intensity.  He could hear the murmurs of others around him but kept his eyes on the light; it was taking shape, becoming brighter and brighter, until it flashed brilliantly and revealed itself to be an enormous circle. It seemed to draw him inward and he felt himself stumble as a searing pain shot through his body via his forehead.  He fell forward onto his hands and knees.  For a moment he felt the room humming about him as voices filtered through his consciousness. 

Lupin rushed to his side.  Harry heard him say Lumos, and then tasted the bittersweet of Honeydukes chocolate pressed to his lips.  He opened his eyes and saw Hermione, as if from a great distance.  She was pale, clutching her hand over her heart.

"What is it, Harry?  What did you see?" pressed Lupin, supporting his shoulders.

"A circle," he replied.  "A great big white circle."

"Ah." Lupin helped him to stand.  "The orb - the shape of the human eye.  A powerful rune, Harry.  It means that you are guided and protected by the ability to see the truth."

Lupin turned his attention on the others, questioning them in turn.  Hermione had seen a golden chalice, Ron had seen three bars surmounted by three stars, and Neville had seen a silver scythe.  Lupin went around the room, hearing each student's rune in turn while Harry dusted off his knees and blushed crimson.  He was the only prat who had cried out and fallen on his face. 

Lupin softly murmured Accio and collected the Oak runes from each triad.  "That's enough for today, I think.  Before our next class, I want you to commit your rune to memory.  Vividly picture it so that it is as familiar to you as your wands.  I assure you, it will prove as useful."

They made their way to lunch, Hermione pressing Harry, "You sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, fine," he replied tightly, feeling deeply embarrassed and not-at-all hungry.  Why did he always have to be the one to be singled out?

After lunch, as Hermione sorted through her books to select those for her afternoon classes, a scrap of parchment drifted to the ground.  Someone had left a note in her book bag!  Curiously, she unfolded the scrap and read, "Must see you, ASAP - it's important!  Meet me after dinner, in the library.  Yours, Draco."  She sat back on her heels, recalling their encounter earlier that morning; how he'd pressed her hand and gazed earnestly at her with those ghost-grey eyes.  At the time she'd sensed his urgency but now she wondered.  What could be so pressing that he'd resort to secret letters?

Sitting down on her bed, she sighed.  What other method was left to them, really?  While she'd been in Kyoto he'd sent her several long letters, awkward but sincere.  Now, under the gaze of the Slytherins and her friends, it was natural for him to be hesitant.  She wasn't too comfortable herself, recalling the angry flash in Ron's eyes.

She tossed the scrap into the waste bin.  Yes, she'd meet him.  She knew Harry and Ron would be at their first Quidditch practice.  She'd have the time and privacy after dinner and she always went to the library at that time.  Packing her afternoon books, she wondered what Draco wanted to tell her.

After dinner, as Harry and Ron walked toward the Quidditch pitch, Ron noticed Harry's sullen expression.  "Er, Harry - is something wrong?" he asked as Harry used his Firebolt to sever the blooms off several wildflowers.

"Hm?  Yeah, kind of."

"It's Cho, isn't it?  I saw you guys talking - did you fight or something?"

"Fight? No, not really.  We never fight.  I'm just upset about something she said."

"About what?"

"About an owl she got from her parents.  See, they don't… that is, they don't really like me."

"What do you mean, they don't like you?"

"Just what I said.  Her parents think we shouldn't get too serious, that we should be seeing other people.  That we're too young to be so involved."

"That doesn't mean they don't like you."

"Oh, yes it does.  The "See Other People" thing never came up with Cedric."

"So?"

"So, her parents are nervous about me.  Personally."

"Why?"

"C'mon Ron, don't be thick.  I'm Harry Potter, TBWL, remember?  I'm every parent's worst nightmare."

"That's not true, Harry.  Cho's folks are just snobs.  Anyway, she's not listening to them, is she?"

"I dunno.  Usually I think we're okay but she really seemed shaken up tonight."

"You suppose what happened in Aurorship got around already?"

"Sure.  Why not? Everything I do gets broadcast."

"Cheer up, Harry.  No harm was done and you're just about to be elected Quidditch captain, right?"

Harry shook his head, an unruly lock of hair falling across his scarred forehead.  "I'd rather see you as captain, Ron.  You're the brilliant strategist."

"I am, aren't I? Hey, is that Ginny?  What's she doing here?"

"Dunno," shrugged Harry, noting the eager smile on her face.  "Wonder what's up?"

Meanwhile, Hermione waited for Draco in the library, a pile of books stacked before her.  She actually planned on consulting them to get a head start on her paper for Aurorship 101.  She was going to research early Druidic society and their practices, so she had accumulated some of the older and dustier books in the library.  She shifted uncomfortably as she leafed through 'Knowers of the Oak Grove.'  She didn't feel at all easy about meeting Draco.  Despite his attempts at a sort of civility, she did not entirely trust him.  He was still an arrogant, spoiled boy, whatever else he was becoming.  She chided herself and tried to remember what Dumbledore had said to her last March, about giving people a second chance.  But a chance for what?

She grabbed her quill and began an overdue letter to the Lama Li.  "I am, at last, home at Hogwarts but… I can't quite express this well… I feel so lost.  Life has gone on swimmingly without me.  Everyone has completed their O.W.L.s and I have to catch up.  Not that the studies trouble me - I've always been on the bookish side, but… I hardly know how to put this… I'm so dissatisfied.  It's lovely to see my friends and to be back at Hogwarts but everything seems so… flat. I thought, hoped for, so much to be returned to me - my sense of who I am… Now I know that who I am is not who I was and I have less idea of who I am becoming…"

She paused and frowned as she read it over, then crumpled the parchment in disgust.  Surely the Lama would instruct her to meditate, go within to find her answers and confront her fears.  Only… that was the last place she wanted to look.

Her unhappy thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Draco.  He seemed as awkward as she, coughing several times and brushing the white-blonde hair from his forehead.  He seemed a wee bit pink.

"Hi."

"Hi."

"Thanks for coming."

"No problem.  What's up?"

Draco studied her pile of books.  "You going to read all of these tonight?"
Hermione nodded.  "Scan them, anyway.  I'm researching my report for Aurorship."
Draco sat down.  "I have that tomorrow.  It's supposed to be… an interesting class."

Hermione sighed.  "An important one, too.  Given how things are…"

Impulsively, Draco snatched at her hand.  "I know things aren't good, Hermione, but I… I want you to trust me.  I'm not like the other Slytherins - I'm not going to pretend to be nice because of…"

She looked into his pale grey eyes and smiled.  "I believe you, Draco.  Is that what you wanted to tell me?"

Draco colored a brighter pink and coughed again.  "No.  I… er, no.  I needed to tell you something else.  I got a raven today, from my father."

Hermione's eyes opened wide.  "Isn't your father with…"
Draco nodded seriously.  "Yes.  That's what I wanted to tell you.  He wants me to be… your friend, so that you can learn about… Him.  But I won't do it, Hermione, I promise I won't."
"You won't be my friend?"

Draco looked irritated.  "No, I will be your friend, but not for that reason!"

He was holding both her hands now and kissed them suddenly.  Now it was Hermione's turn to blush, but she felt sorry for him, once so sure of himself and now caught between two worlds.  "I'm glad you told me, Draco.  I know you'll do what's right…"

The grim appearance of Madame Pince interrupted their conversation. Draco dropped Hermione's hands at once as the stern librarian tutted at them, "There'll be not of that in my library, to be sure."

Draco took his leave; Madame Pince waited until he did so.  "See you, Hermione," he said over his shoulder.  Madame Pince followed him as he left.

Hermione dropped her head into her hands.  Life had become so complicated.  She wanted to trust Draco; he had shared information he did not have to.  Then a thought struck her; what had Professor Lupin said, about fighting the dark arts by understanding them?  Maybe she should find out more about the Dark Ways.  Forewarned was forearmed and if she knew something about it she might be better able to defend against it.  She resolved to talk to Draco about it when next she saw him.

As he walked down the hall away from the library, Draco Malfoy grinned broadly.  The first part of his plan had worked perfectly…

Next: Bats and Balls