Chapter 28- Cavern of Contemplation

The hospital wing in Hogwarts was full to the brim. Those that had been injured were everywhere and part of the wing had been turned into a morgue. Anaka shivered whenever she looked over at the closed off area and felt a deep sadness whenever a new victim was brought in.
Anaka reread the letters she was writing one last time. She had written to Hermoine, Ron, and George explaining what had happened during the battle and about the state Harry, Snape, and Leslie were in. It was quite disconcerting looking at them. They glowed a faint purple and their eyes were a bright violet. There eyes were the strangest of all. It looked like their eyes had rolled inside their heads and instead of seeing white you saw violet.
No one had left their sides since it happened. Sirius sat quietly next to Harry's bed and Remus sat inbetween Harry and Leslie's bed. Anaka found herself sitting inbetween Snape and Leslie. As she sealed her letters she looked at her professor. Did anyone care about what happened to him? Leslie did but she was in the same spot as he was. Who did that leave? Her?
It was true that she did not hate Snape as much as she used to. If she held a grudge against him because of her father's childhood then none of them would be able to live in peace. Harry and the others had not even known about Anaka and yet they seemed to accept her right away. What if Snape had a secret child? Anaka smiled. It was funny imagining Snape as a father and yet she wondered. How could anyone not want a family or want someone to care about?
Anaka sighed and looked over at John. He was sitting by the door reading the book about Abaron. Anaka knew that his parents knew more about this strange event then they were letting on. John looked up occasionally and looked at the three unconscious, if they were unconscious, beings. He looked up now and as his eyes roamed over the three beds Anaka caught his eye. He smiled weakly but Anaka did not smile back. John's smile faded into a frown and he gestured for her to come over to him. Anaka placed her letters on the nearby table and walked over to John. John stood and they walked out the door.
Once the door was closed John sighed and closed his book.
"You and your parents know more then you are letting on," Anaka scolded, "What is happening to them John?"
"I know my parents know more but I do not," he replied, "The only key to figuring this out is by looking in this."
"Have you learned anything yet?" Anaka asked.
"Some vague things," John said hesitantly.
"Like?" Anaka pressed.
"There is this one thing that it could be," John started, "But it is very vague and unrealistic."
"A lot of things that happened this year seem unrealistic," Anaka said rolling her eyes.
"There is this place where the creator and ruler of the Zekans resides. Kind of like her place of solitude or whatever," said John, "It is called the Library of Knowledge, also known as the Den of the Mother or the Cavern of Contemplation."
"I guess the chief or ruler is a girl huh?" Anaka said thoughtfully.
"According to this," John replied.
"But what makes you think Harry and the others went there?"
"Well, it says that when the Great Mother calls the bodies of those that are called become motionless and they glow the color of the ruler. Their essences are sent to this place."
"That's some pretty heavy stuff," Anaka said quietly.
"You're telling me," John sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.
He flipped through some of the pages in his book.
"It could be possible that Voldemort's spell back fired or something went wrong and they were sent actsodentically or it could be that this creator of the Zekans called them."
"But why?" Anaka asked as John opened the door.
"I hope when they wake up we can find out," John replied.
***************************************************
Harry opened his eyes and immediately wondered if he had really opened them. Everything was pitch black around him. He heard two people breathing beside him and his heart started beating fast. Suddenly a hand gripped his left hand and someone put a hand on his right shoulder.
"Harry?" the voice on his left whispered. Harry sighed with relief.
"I'm here Leslie," Harry whispered back.
"Potter? Leslie? Where are we?" asked the voice on the right. The hand squeezed his shoulder hard and Harry yelped in surprise.
"Sorry," Severus grumbled.
"It's so dark," Leslie whispered.
"Please forgive me," a whispery voice answered.
They all froze and stared straight ahead as there was a sound like someone lighting a match. A single small flame appeared and grew brighter and brighter until the small flame lit up the whole room and a women stood in front of them. She had fiery red hair and violet eyes.
The room resembled a comfy library. Tons of books stood on beautifully carved wooden shelves that reached the ceiling. The floor had a red carpet and there was a fireplace in one wall where a violet fire was blazing. Chairs and couches with red cushions were arranged next to the fireplace and in the corners. In the middle of the room stood a solitary wooden desk. A wooden chair was next to it and it had a bright blue cushion. The desk was full of papers and open books. The writing in the books was foreign to them just as the marks on the doors were. In the wall a few yards away stood a grand doorway with intricate gold and red patterns and symbols everywhere. One symbol stood on the middle of the door and Harry thought it looked familiar.
"Welcome," she said in a more human voice. She blew out the match and flung it to the floor. She was wearing a silver robe over a violet tunic and black pants. The women turned around swiftly and her robes swished around her. She walked towards the desk.
"You are early," she said quietly.
"Where are we?" Harry whispered. The women flipped through some papers on the desk. She finally looked up at Harry.
"You are in the Library of Knowledge," she answered. A smile spread across her face.
"Also known as the Den of the Mother and Creator or the Cavern of Contemplation."
"And you are…?" Severus asked slowly.
"I am the Mother and Creator of the Zekans," she said quietly, "but if I really was then I would look quite old do you not agree?"
They gave her confused looks and she sighed.
"Humans," she muttered. Then in a louder voice she explained.
"In some of your ancient cultures like the Egyptians, the pharaoh was basically considered a god and creator. To the Zekans I am their chief, their ruler. They believe me to be their mother and grand creator like the rulers that have come before me. I was given the keys and enchantments needed to get here by the former ruler, my mother. Unlike you humans, Zekans can come here fully and not leave our bodies behind. I am afraid you left your bodies in quite a strange state."
"So," Leslie started, "only women are rulers and they pass it to their daughters? What if you only had sons?"
"Human reproduction is quite different from Zekan reproduction," the women said with a smile, "each family has at least one boy and one girl. After that it is up to fate but the first two children are always a boy and a girl."
"This is absurd," Severus growled, "Why are we here?"
"Before I get to that," the women said slowly, "Why don't we learn each others names hum? After all you are the ones that intruded my home and place of solitude. No mortals have been here before. It was quite a surprise when I felt you coming."
Leslie, Harry, and Severus quickly introduced themselves and then waited for her to speak.
"My name is Ravenna," she said quietly.
"What did you mean when you said we were early?" Severus asked. He had been waiting to ask her for sometime.
"You three are not supposed to come here for a few more years," she exclaimed, "it was quite surprising having you show up now."
"Why were you expecting us and when were we supposed to come?" Leslie asked curiously.
"You three and one other are supposed to be the key to enter the land that you seek," Ravenna replied.
"What land?" Harry asked.
"The land of Abaron," Ravenna said gesturing around her. Suddenly the library faded and they were in a beautiful forest. Huts were all around them and blurs were here and there. Zekans of all ages, speeds and colors were everywhere. Children practiced flying with undeveloped wings and teenagers raced trying to see who was the fastest. Their clothes were of a strange cloth and some of the men went without shirts.
"Wow," Harry said stunned.
"Wow is right," Leslie whispered.
The scene faded and then another came up. They seemed to be at a reception and everyone was dressed formally. Anaka was showing everyone a bright ring on her finger and John stood smiling nearby. Leslie was wearing a long white gown and Remus was in a stunning tuxedo. They seemed very happy and there was a huge cake behind them. Severus was talking to an auror and did not look very happy when someone cried out a toast to Leslie and Remus.
Leslie frowned as she looked at the scene, her heart beating. Was this a wedding she was looking at? Her wedding? The scene faded again and they were back at the library.
"The scene you just saw is the time when you need to return to me," Ravenna said quietly.
"But how do we get back here?" Severus asked. Ravenna took a small wooden box off the table and three keys. On the top of the box was a handprint.
"Harry. You are to hold onto this box at all times until the day comes when I will call you," Ravenna said giving him the box. Harry noticed three keyholes in the box as he put the box in his robe pockets.
"Each of you must have one of these keys," Ravenna said quietly putting the keys on each of their necks. The gold chain matched the golden keys perfectly and Harry looked at it mesmerized.
"You must go now. You have already seen to much of what is to come," Ravenna whispered, "Go in peace and I will see you soon."
Then they were all plunged into darkness.
**********************************************
Anaka was reading through John's book when she heard a groan come from all three patients. She looked up at Severus to find his eyes back to normal and him rubbing his head.
"Professor!" she cried closing the book and standing up.
"Harry and Leslie are back too!" Remus cried happily.
"What happened?" Sirius asked as he hugged Harry.
"We need to have a little chat with the Miffugan's," Harry replied.
Anaka watched as all three of them suddenly put a hand to their necks and looked at each other. Anaka looked closer and realized they all had a gold chain around their necks. Those were not there before, Anaka thought staring at the chains.
Madame Pomfry quickly checked them over and said they were fine. Severus, Leslie, and Harry got up slowly.
"So why do you have to talk to John and his parents?" Anaka asked excitedly. She had a feeling she knew what they wanted to ask. Severus gave her a strange look.
"None of your business," he growled. Anaka sighed and clutched the book in her hands.
"Wait!" Anaka thought aloud. Everyone turned to look at here and Anaka blushed.
"I just realized something," she went on, "I have this!"
Severus's eyes widened and he looked over at Leslie. She shrugged.
"I guess we should talk to you first Anaka," Leslie said quietly, "alone."
"About what?" Remus protested as Sirius and he were ushered out of the room. Once they were gone Anaka flipped through the book.
"You went here didn't you?" Anaka asked excitedly, "You went to this place."
"That's it," Harry whispered, "That's the place."
"We better find the Miffugans," Severus said quietly.
"I might know where they are," Anaka said biting her lip, "Come on."
Anaka and Harry were out of the room in a flash and the adults did not bother to stop them. As Leslie and Severus were heading out the door Madame Pomfry stopped them.
"I need to speak to you for a moment Leslie," she said sternly. Leslie nodded and Severus walked into the hallway. He made sure the door stayed open a little and he listened carefully.
"Leslie I need to check your mark," Madame Pomfry said worriedly, "Has the stress brought it out? Did Voldemort find it?"
"No," Leslie said quietly, "He did not find it."
Madame Pomfry sighed and examined the red glowing on the top of her chest.
"It seems like the spell is working. Be careful, if he found out…"
"I know. The pain would be worse."
Severus walked quickly away from the door as Leslie came out.
"Are you alright?" Severus asked quietly.
"We should catch up with Anaka and Harry," she said hurriedly walking down the hall. Severus sighed and followed reluctantly.
***************************************
Rich examined the small wooden box, the keys and the hand print and frowned.
"I have no idea about how it works," he concluded handing it back to Harry.
"But it must be the way to find Abaron," John said staring at the box.
"Well I guess we will not know for a few more years hum?" Alania said handing back the keys, "Don't get your hopes up Johnny."
John sighed as Harry stuck the box back in his ropes. He watched his parents exchange looks and knew they were keeping information from them.
"I still think it is the key," he mumbled.
*****************************************
Harry sat in the common room late at night, staring at the box and key before him. There was definately a puzzle here and he wanted to figure it out. The images he had seen while with the women Ravenna were the most interesting things to him. Had he really seen the ancient land of Abaron? Had he really looked into the future and seen Leslie and Remus's wedding?
The sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts and he looked up. Leslie smiled at Harry and glanced at the box before him.
"A real mystery huh?" she said heading for the door.
"Where are you going?" Harry asked curiously. It was late after all.
"Just for a swim," Leslie shrugged, "The things we saw give me a lot to think about."
Harry smiled.
"I can understand that," he replied.
"Good night Harry," Leslie said quietly.
"Good night," Harry whispered.
**********************************************
Severus had been strolling on the grounds thinking about what had happened to them when a splashing caught his attention. He turned towards the lake and watched a figure come out of the water and stand on the banks, gazing at the moon. Curious, Severus walked slowly towards the figure. When he got closer the figure swirled to face him.
"Whose there?" the figure asked squinting.
"Leslie?" Severus asked, recognizing her in the moonlight. Leslie bent down and picked up her glasses. She blinked when they were on and smiled.
"What are you doing out here Severus?"
He shrugged and sat down on the banks of the lake. Leslie sat next to him and they stayed silent a moment.
"Why are you out so late?" Severus asked quietly.
"I love the night almost as much as you do Severus," Leslie said quietly, "Why would I not be out here?"
She reached for her clothes and sighed.
"No matter how hard I try they always get soaked, "she mumbled miserably. Severus glanced at her soaking clothes and robe and smiled slightly.
"You were never good at keeping things clean," he said quietly.
Leslie hit him playfully in the arm and Severus smiled.
"At least I wash my hair," she retorted.
There was another moment of silence before Leslie spoke.
"Does this mean we can be friends again?" Leslie whispered.
"I was a jerk for being mean to you," Severus sighed, "I am sorry."
"Did you just apologize?" Leslie asked with a smile.
"No," Severus answered.
"I did not think so."
Leslie shivered as a cold wind blew past them and Severus took off his robe and gave it to her.
"Thanks," she chattered, wrapping the rope around herself.
"What did Madame Pomfry want to talk to you about?" Severus asked slowly.
"You eavesdropped didn't you?" Leslie asked miserably. Severus nodded.
"Oh Severus!" Leslie scolded, "That was a private conversation."
"What's wrong?" he asked. Leslie looked at him for a moment and then stared at the water.
"It's about something that happened awhile ago," she said quietly, "when I was a spy and had to pretend to be a Death Eater."
"What happened?"
"Well, you know how we somehow got him to believe I already had the mark?"
"Yeah."
"The day after you practically broke my cover he kept me to question me, remember?"
Severus nodded.
"If I had not been a spy and trained to deal with tor…. I mean questioning then I would have broke and told him everything Severus but I didn't. I actually got through it all and he believed me. The thing that really blew my cover was when he asked to see the mark. I told them on my arm but when they looked it was not there. When they realized it was not anywhere he gave it to me."
Severus stayed silent a moment taking in what she was saying.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he choked, "that night when I helped you get away you should have said something!"
"What would you have done?" Leslie asked angrily, "The Ministry helped me as best they could. They gave me a spell that would hide it and stop the pain. It only tingles now when he's near. That's one of the reasons I was sent back to America. They only let me return to England this time because they knew I was the only spy that could do the job."
Leslie watched Severus rub his arm subconscious. He stopped and looked at Leslie.
"Where is it?" he asked curiously. Leslie pointed to a spot above her chest. She pulled the top of her suit down a centimeter and revealed a glowing red mark on her skin. She took her wand and tapped it whispering a word. Severus bit his lip as the mark appeared. Leslie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then she looked at Severus.
"You feel this all the time?" she asked quietly. Severus nodded and rubbed his arm.
"All the time," he whispered. Leslie's eyes stung and she quickly tapped the mark making it disappear. She covered up the mark and wrapped the robe tighter around herself.
"I don't know what to say," Leslie said quietly looking at Severus. Severus did not know what to say either so he leaned down and kissed her.
****************************************
"I wonder whose hand is supposed to go there?" Anaka said looking at the box Harry had been looking at all night. Right after Leslie had left Anaka had come down to find Harry examining the box.
Harry was about to answer when Leslie suddenly entered the room. Her face was bright red and she had a robe wrapped around her. She glanced at Anaka and Harry and then ran up the stairs.
"What was that about?" Harry asked yawning. Anaka sighed.
"I don't know. Maybe I'll see what my dad is up too."
"Hopefully she did not tell him about the future," Harry mumbled.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Anaka frowned and decided to check on her dad.
******************************************
Severus was sitting at his desk when Anaka entered the classroom. She had just spoken to her father and he had told her that he had not spoken to Leslie at all that night.
"What did you do now?" Anaka scolded, "Why can't you learn to play nice with the other adults?!"
"What are you jabbering about?" Severus growled, looking up from his desk.
"You did something that made Leslie quite uncomfortable," Anaka answered, "What did you do?"
"Nothing," he mumbled. He looked down at his desk and sighed.
"Was she very upset?" he asked quietly. Anaka shrugged.
"I still have to talk to her," she replied, "it would just be nice if you and her could get along once in a while."
Severus watched Anaka head for the door.
"Why do you care?" he asked suddenly. Anaka hesitated a moment and then opened the door.
"I care because you only have two friends in the whole world and you don't need to lose one of them. Leslie is your best friend and you should both stop being so stubborn and get along."
"Who's my other friend?" Severus said with a half knowing smile.
"I'll leave you to figure that out," Anaka replied closing the door behind her.
********************************************
Anaka entered Leslie's room to find her sealing an envelope. She was wearing regular clothes again but had Snape's robe on instead of her own.
"What's that?" Anaka asked flopping on a bed.
"A letter to the Ministry," Leslie replied, "I need to know what my next assignment is."
"You're leaving already?" Anaka asked, surprised. Leslie shrugged and smiled slightly.
"I have had more problems at this school then during my whole spying career!"
"He did not mean it," Anaka said quietly, "Whatever he did I bet he's sorry."
"You went to see Severus again didn't you?" Leslie scolded. Anaka nodded.
"If you must know what happened Anaka then I will tell you. He kissed me. He definately surprised me and after a few minutes I pulled away and ran inside. We were just talking about the past and got all caught up. There is nothing to worry about."
"Weird," Anaka whispered.
"Yup," Leslie said stuffing the letter in Snape's pocket, "Right now though I really don't feel like talking about it so I guess I will just send this letter."
Anaka watched her close the door and sighed. Was growing up really this confusing?