Chapter 8

Author: My review tank is running out… I need a refill… So please Review!

The library had closed a long time back. But Draco and Hermione hidden in the corner had talked till night. Well, mostly Draco.

Hermione realized the time and quickly said her goodbyes and left. Still, a little dazed over the conversation she had with Draco. He's quite nice actually he just keeps a façade of hate and abusiveness.

She inwardly smiled, when moments ago he had realized what all he had said, the look on his face was memorable. Well today is a day for shocks he thought as she entered the Gryffindor common room. The Fat Lady admonished her for the lateness of the hour.

She found the common room empty. Quickly and quietly she snuck up to her room.

Meanwhile, in the boys dormitories Harry lay on his bed.

He heard a noise of someone exiting the dorm. A quick bed check showed him that it was Louis. I wonder where he is going off to at this time of the night he asked him self. Determined to find out, he slipped out his invisibility cloak and the marauders map and quietly followed Louis.

Louis went out of the common room, Harry followed closely. Louis seemed to know the castle pretty well for a new comer. But, then again he may have read Hogwarts a history. Louis headed for the Astronomy tower, and disappeared upon reaching one of the many hallways.

Harry was astonished! The Marauders Map didn't show him any more. He checked the map again, the dot marked Louis F. Had disappeared in to thin air. At least it's his correct name, he thought remembering the Crouch Jr. mix up.

He felt around the walls to see where Louis had gone. Finally when he tapped the third wall his hand went through. His breath quickened, maybe he should inform someone else? Don't be silly something in his head said, they'll just think you were going crazy, plus you have broken schools rules by coming here.

Realizing that he had no real option, he cautiously stepped into the wall. On the other side he found himself facing a passageway leading to circular room. He could see someone's shadow moving quickly across the wall.

He slowly advanced, finding a niche in the archway, from where he could see without being seen. He gasped at the sight before him. There was a sword laid on a pedestal another one was in Louis's arm. He was practicing with it; his movements were swift, as if he had been doing this all his life. He stared, what Louis was doing, could almost be qualified as a dance. The blade of the sword sliced through the air as he moved around the room, cutting through invisible objects and people.

Suddenly he stopped, and turned around to look where Harry was.

Mentac! Rang through Harry's mind, I must have been concentrating on his sword use too much and he detected it.

'Come in Harry' said Louis.

Harry walked into the room, with caution. 'What are you doing?' he asked Louis.

'Practicing' he answered.

'Practicing what?' Harry asked again.

'I'm trying to improve my sword skills' he said simply.

'Why, for what?' asked a completely bewildered Harry.

'It's a family tradition and necessity, all male members must be extremely accomplished at sword fighting and dueling. I have been learning the art since I was five years old' he said.

"This room?' said Harry 'How did you know it was here?'. Harry voiced the question that was raising suspicions in his mind.

'My great-great-Grandfather, studied at Hogwarts. The room was built for him and other members of my… family, by the then headmaster' he said. 'I was told of its existence, and that I could use it'

'Why would they do that' asked Harry.

'I don't really know, it was just built' he replied.

This answers some questions thought Harry. He's definitely from one of those old wizarding families, which is how he knew about the Malfoys.

"Harry, Dumbledore allowed me to use this room, I must keep in shape and practice' he said this with such determination, that Harry was taken back.

'Okay, Louis, I believe you, but you should have told us!' said Harry.

'I, I could not. Dumbledore made me give my word that I would not reveal its location' said Louis. 'You found it by following me, thus I am guiltless'

Harry looked at the sword, 'Can I hold it?' he said finally. A smile crossed Louis's face.

'Here' he said handing it to Harry.

Harry held the weapon in his hand; Louis stepped forward and corrected his grip.

'Don't be fooled by its light weight' said Louis 'It has been enchanted to feel extremely light, but it can cause a huge amount of damage'.

'What is the other sword for?' asked Harry.

'That is my true sword, the one I bound to' said Louis. He went over and picked up the sword.

'Don't unsheathe it; I can only do so in certain circumstances' said Louis, handing it over to Harry.

Harry was impressed with the sword; the handle was decorated with jewels and gold. The sheathe itself was decor with gold linings in a language Harry did not understand.

Louis was the first to notice the time, and indicated its passing to Harry.

'We better get some sleep' said Harry.

'Harry, please don't tell anyone about this' said Louis 'Dumbledore trusted me, I don't want to betray his trust'

'Only if you teach me' said Harry.

Louis smiled 'Done!'

They picked up their things and left, only when they reached the common room did Louis realize he had left his sword in the room.

'It's okay Louis you can get it first thing in the morning' said Harry.

'I guess you're right' replied Louis, feeling stupid for forgetting it behind.

The two boys, now drooping with sleep headed for their dormitories.

Author: Short chapter. Longer one will come next. Review less, extremely tired, inspiration wavering…………………………………………. (Thud sound)