Magic Counting For All

Twenty minutes later, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were nearing the base of the mountain. I didn't know she was an said Harry.

Me either, said Hermione. I should have seen it, though.

Ron smiled.

What is it? asked Harry.

I realized it last night, he said. She told me to watch for when she and Pearl took a walk last night. I didn't see her, but she saw me. An Invisibility Spell or Potion are too advanced for kids our age and she doesn't own an Invisibility Cloak. That was the only option left.

She is really smart. Maybe she picked up on something like that, said Hermione.

Ron climbed down over a boulder. Remember when she sent the letter with Pig? Well, she said she had put Hedwig's name in it. Then she closed her eyes and seemed to be concentrating. When her parents wrote back, they talked about Pig, not Hedwig.

I'm sure there's another explanation to that, too, Harry said, unconvincingly.

AND think that this is her first year. Why wouldn't she have been identified before?

Because others' are not usually identified due to the different nature of our power, said Mora, who had just appeared a few feet below them. The others were surprised by her sudden reappearance.

Sirius and Buckbeak are safe. They both are going to get a good meal, right away.

Harry said, smiling.

They continued to climb down the remaining rocks in silence. They kept going into Hogsmeade and into the Three Broomsticks. Four butterbeers, Ron said to the witch at the bar.

They settled into a booth and began to relax. Their butterbeers arrived and they started sipping on them.

So, you're an said Hermione. What are the differences of the two magic communities, other than what Dumbledore told us?

He covered most of our differences, Mora responded.

So, can you do a magic count thing? asked Ron. She nodded. Can I get it done? His cheeks flushed.

Close your eyes, commanded Mora. Imagine a silhouette of yourself with an even glow over your body. Force, with your mind, the glow up from your feet and hands, into your head.

Ron's face contorted, showing his obvious attempt to obey.

Now, force all of that glow into the front portion of your forehead. Mora paused. Keep that glow there.

She shut her eyes. Harry and Hermione looked on, intently. Mora opened her eyes again, looking a bit surprised. You may relax now.

Ron's eyes opened. That was it? What's my count?

Two thousand, nine hundred.

Is that good? asked Hermione.

That is better than good. She turned to Ron. You are highly gifted in our branch of magic because that number is high. The problem is you do not know how to use it. Let me ask a question; have you ever had problems carrying out spells, even though you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing? He nodded. The reason why is that the magic you use and the magic I use are both present in your body but it gets mixed up when you try to use only one. If you see me use your magic, I can do it since I know how to control both types of magic in my body.

How can he get around that? asked Harry.

I can try to teach him to be able to differentiate and control both types of magic. She looked at Ron, If you are willing to learn, of course.

Of course! It'd be great to be able to do spells right.

At least you're not as bad as Neville, said Hermione.

Poor guy. He's great and all, but he just can't do anything without messing up. Harry shook his head.

Mora giggled. Neville does not know but he has a high magic count. He is more of an other' than he is a normal' wizard.

The rest of them just stared at her for a moment. How do you know? Hermione finally asked.

Mora sipped her butterbeer. When you have been brought up like I have, you learn to feel the presence of other strong magic forces. The only reason why I did not feel you, Ron, is that you are one of the few who do not have an aura that surrounds you, that could give you away. Believe me, that is a blessing. You are not such an easy target as some.

Are you a target? And what's your count? asked Harry.

I am a definite target. The strongest power, in our tradition, that has lived in the past was five thousand. I am five thousand five hundred, and I am getting stronger.

said Hermione. What count do I have?

Mora asked her to follow the same procedures and was able to tell her two thousand. But do not feel bad. That is good for anyone. The count is divided, remember, into your magic and my magic. The number for my magic is low. This means you could do basic spells and such of my magic.

What about me? asked Harry.

I know you are at least two thousand, because I can sense it from you. Harry did the routine. You are at two thousand, five hundred. My magic is strong within you, too. She thought for a moment. I could teach all of you sometime, if you want.

What advantages does your magic have over what we do? asked Hermione.

Can any of you read auras, and therefore, minds, of people like the expressions on their faces? Can you Apparate and Disapperate, right now? Can you transfigure yourself without a potion? Can you fly? she asked. They shook their heads. These are basics in our magic. First, ethics of magic, and then those skills.

You can fly? Ron excitedly asked, in a whisper. Mora nodded.

Hagrid walked into the Three Broomsticks. He saw them sitting in the booth and came over to them. Dumbledore says everybody's got to go back, now.

Harry exclaimed. It's not even one o'clock!

We haven't even been to Honeydukes yet, whined Ron.

Hagrid shook his head. Can't help it. The dementors are closer than everyone thought. Dumbledore doesn't want any student around those creatures.

Harry and Hermione looked shocked. Okay, we'll leave, Harry said.

As they got up and started to walk out, Harry whispered to Mora, I'm sorry.
she whispered back.

I didn't really believe you were right. I didn't think the dementors were as close as you said. I thought you just wanted to make sure Sirius get out with plenty of time. I didn't mean to doubt you.

Do not worry about it.

They joined the crowd of other grumbling Hogwarts students going back to the castle. No one was happy about having to leave Hogsmeade.

Later that evening, most people in Gryffindor Tower had calmed down and were doing homework in the common room. Ron came and sat beside Mora, who was working on Potions.

I have a question. Did you hide' me from Snape, that day in the hall?

Mora put down her quill. Yes. I felt him coming so I made you invisible and suggested, in your mind, that being quiet would be good.



Power of Suggestion is basically the suggesting of an idea to someone, mentally. It is one step away from mind control, but it is NOT mind control, really. Most are too preoccupied or weak to ignore the suggestion. They fall victim to the implantation of the idea. There is a fine line that you walk when you use that power. Since I was using it for your good, it was okay to do it.

You can control people's minds? Ron's voice was getting quieter and more nervous.

Yes, I can, but I choose not to do so. There are few instances when mind control is ethical and necessary.

So why did you do the suggestion to me?

Mora sighed. Because you went with me to the stable to keep me company, like a good friend. I knew if Snape saw you, though, you would be in trouble. As any friend would, I did what I could to help you.

So why could Dumbledore see me?

Mora blushed. I knew Dumbledore knew about my powers and he could tell I was hiding someone. When Snape went away, I stopped your invisibility, thus confessing to Dumbledore I was hiding you. Had I not, he would have asked me to do so anyway, probably getting us both into trouble.

She looked at Ron, who seemed to be thinking. It was a really stupid move, on my part, to let you come down to the stable with me. But I enjoy spending time with you, so I took a chance.

Ron looked up at Mora. His expression was soft, with an air of understanding. I enjoy spending time with you, too. I didn't know... I mean... I just....

I understand what you mean. I did exactly what you would have done, had things been reversed. Ron nodded. Let us not talk about this anymore, now. Do you need help with your Potions homework?

Ron and Mora smiled at each other. Then he got up and got his homework. They sat side by side, working out the different percentages of ingredients for the Silence Syrup until the light of the fires went dim.