Chapter 24: Beyond the Silence
Walking side by side, Harry gave Ginny's hand a reassuring squeeze as they neared the Fat Lady, already he could hear shouting and a few explosions on the other side. Smiling up at him there was a sparkle in Ginny's eyes as she spoke. 'Why the need to reassure me, Harry? - It's you my brothers will go after.'
'You're right, let's just go to breakfast now,' he replied, turning and walking in the opposite direction, only for Ginny to spin him around so that he was facing the Fat Lady again. 'Well,' he said, glancing at Ginny, 'which one of us is telling them?'
'For now?' Ginny asked, her face suddenly the picture of innocence. 'Neither of us,' she said, her eyes lighting up with delight, 'if you think you can keep a secret.'
Laughing back at her Harry planted a kiss on her cheek, then turned back to the Fat Lady who was watching the both of them with a funny expression on her face. 'I hope you can keep a secret as well,' he said.
Sticking her nose up as Ginny began to giggle, the Fat Lady sniffed haughtily at Harry. 'It's not me who's the gossip young Potter, Violet's the one you want to watch out for. Password?'
'We won,' Harry and Ginny said simultaneously, fighting back a laugh as the Fat Lady continued to snub Harry as the portrait swung back. As they climbed into the tunnel a wave of noise swept over Harry and Ginny, then a firework flew past that continued on screaming down the hallway. Climbing down into the common room, they emerged into a sea of red and gold that literally exploded into cheering.
If Harry had thought the party when they'd won the Quidditch Cup previously was loud, it was nothing compared to the noise the Gryffindors were making now. No sooner had his feet touched the floor than Harry suddenly found himself hoisted by Seamus and Lee, both of them cheering like maniacs as they started to work their way through the mob.
Turning back to Ginny, Harry could only smile with an amused expression, shrugging her shoulders in reply Ginny smiled back, then went to join the others who were sitting around the fireplace. 'How are you feeling?' Hermione asked, leaning forward to be heard over the noise as Ginny sat down in one of the chairs.
'Okay, I guess,' Ginny replied, turning to watch Harry as he was passed on to another pair of shoulders, 'all things considered,' she added, making sure they couldn't see her smile. Turning back to them she was in time to see an awkward look pass between Fred and George. 'What's wrong?' she asked, eventually pinning George with her stare.
'We were just wondering.Kilmorie?' he asked eventually.
Suddenly remembering, Ginny turned to look at Harry again. 'I.I think he's dead,' she whispered, 'Harry took me out of the room before I could look around.' Looking back she saw Hermione bite her lip and grasp Ron's hand, while George and Fred just nodded slowly.
'What happened out there?' Fred asked, finally ending their silence in the noisy room.
'I don't know,' Ginny replied, 'but I won't forget it.'
* * *
To Harry and Ginny, the time before exam results and the last day of school seemed to fly by, while Hermione grew more frantic for every day of waiting. 'You do realise that you've passed everything with at least one- hundred percent again?' Ron would say every day, earning a small smile from Hermione, but nothing seemed to entirely convince her.
Walking down to breakfast with Ginny, Harry rolled his eyes as Ron's voice echoed along the corridor, the words '.red percent again?' sounding clearly through the air.
'How do you think you did?' Harry asked Ginny, giving her hand a little squeeze as they approached the Entrance Hall.
'Well enough,' she replied, an impish grin on her face, 'anyway, you should be the one worried about it - you have to decide what N.E.W.T.s you're going to take.'
'Is there an Advanced Weasley Studies do you think?' he asked. 'The one that teaches you how to date your best friend's little sister without him killing you?'
'Not to mention the other five older brothers,' she added mischievously. Before they entered the hall she pulled Harry aside, into the shadows of a suit of armour. 'We're going to have to tell them sometime,' she whispered, her face now more serious.
'I know,' Harry replied, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. 'Besides, I'm pretty sure I could take the others before Bill or Charlie got to me.' Giggling to herself, Ginny reached up a hand to stroke Harry's face, then drew him into a kiss that filled him with fire. Breaking apart after a few seconds, Harry nodded to the Entrance Hall, smiling down at Ginny as she leant back with her arms around his neck.
Emerging into the hall they found that Ron and Hermione had moved on, and looking ahead through the doors he caught a glimpse of Ron's bright hair on the Gryffindor table. Giving Ginny's hand a last squeeze, he led the way into the Great Hall, threading past the other students until they found spaces by their friends.
Stepping out of the shadows of the staircase, Draco stared after them, his eyes picking out the four of them as they began eating breakfast. He stood there for a few minutes, gazing calmly, his own pale face seemingly darker than the shadows of the hall. Eventually as other students began leaving breakfast he walked away, but not before a cold smile had spread itself over his face.
* * *
'If Hermione doesn't get to the front soon, it'll start getting messy,' Ron predicted, watching as she fidgeted her way towards the list of O.W.L. results that had been posted.
'Shouldn't you be the one bravely fighting through the crowd for her?' Ginny asked, giggling to herself as Hermione more or less growled at someone standing beside her.
'You think I could stop her when she saw that piece of parchment?' Ron asked incredulously, then he began smiling to himself as Hermione eventually reached the front. Harry joined them as Hermione arrived back, practically throwing herself into Ron's arms as she hugged him. Whether it was her hugging him in public, or the lack of air, Ron turned a bright red before hugging her back until Hermione released her hold on him.
'Let me guess,' Harry put in before either of them could say a word, a grin spreading across his face. 'One hundred percent on everything?'
Taking a swipe at him, Hermione could only nod happily before turning to Ron. 'You passed too,' she burst out excitedly. Ron's happy face suddenly went decidedly sour, so sour that Ginny couldn't help but burst out laughing at her brother. 'What's wrong?' Hermione asked, her mood now dampened slightly.
'It sounds like you expected me to fail something,' Ron replied grumpily, putting Ginny into further fits of laughter and making a grin appear on Harry's face.
'Ooooh, you're just so infuriating!' Hermione replied, and before Ron could do a thing about it she put her hands on his cheeks and kissed him. All around them the students either burst out whistling and cheering or went slack-jawed. Looking out of the corner of his eye, Harry could see Fred and George's faces light up with glee at the prospect of another brother to torture.
Eventually Hermione pulled back, her face now as bright red as Ron's, but a warm smile aimed directly at him. Giving them a couple of minutes, Harry turned to Ginny who was watching her brother and friend, smiling at the both of them. 'So how did you do?' he asked.
'Passed everything,' she said simply, 'even if Snape didn't want me to do Potions again - he's got me.'
'Poor soul,' Harry said in mock despair, taking the jab from Ginny as he grinned.
'It's not like I get to choose yet,' she replied. 'How did you do with him?' she continued, grinning back at Harry.
'Well, I haven't looked yet,' he replied using the same tone of voice, laughing at how ridiculous he sounded. 'I was going to wait until there was less of a crowd around, but if you insist I go now.' Adding the last bit he began walking to the line, but was stopped by Dumbledore who had appeared almost out of nowhere, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder.
'A word, Harry?' he asked quietly, even though it was not so much a request as an instruction. Nodding to the headmaster, Harry turned with a shrug to Ginny, then followed the old wizard up the stairs. Watching Harry go, Ginny felt his Liefgema cool and heat against her skin as conflicting emotions poured through him.
* * *
'I'm sorry to take you away from your friends at such a time,' Dumbledore said to Harry as they walked alone down the corridor to his office. 'I just needed to speak with you. I'm sure you know why.' Harry simply nodded in reply, he'd expected Dumbledore to ask him sooner in all honesty. Arriving at the gargoyle, they waited together as it hopped aside, then both stepped through onto the ascending staircase.
Walking through the door into his office Harry was surprised to find Professor McGonagall sitting at one of the other chairs. Leaning against a wall to the side was Sirius, who stood up and walked over to Harry, embracing him as he entered the office. 'Sorry I wasn't there,' he said, 'I got back as fast as I could.'
'If it is anyone's fault you were away it is my own, Sirius,' Dumbledore said, sitting behind his desk and gesturing for Harry and Sirius to sit beside McGonagall. 'I don't have much to say Harry, but as always I feel it better for you to know the truth about what has happened.' At this point he looked at Sirius, then to McGonagall. 'Particularly concerning some of this year's events.'
'Sirius is here because you both believe that Professor Snape was somehow involved with the Cambirer's attacks on Harry and his friends. Once again, I can only say that I do not believe this to be so. Severus's meeting with Julian was indeed that, and not with the Cambirer in disguise as you believed Harry, you overheard Julian worrying about his ability to protect you.'
Sighing, Dumbledore leant forward, his piercing gaze falling on them both. 'As I said, I cannot persuade either of you to trust Severus if it is beyond you. All I ask is that you continue to treat him as you normally would. Although slightly more respectfully on your part, Harry, Potions is still an important lesson.' He added the last part with his eyes looking over the top of their glasses, and Harry saw the twinkle of humour long associated with his headmaster. 'You can leave now, Sirius,' Dumbledore said with a nod toward him, 'we will make time for you to see Harry before he goes home, though.'
Giving Harry a reassuring clasp on his shoulder once more, Sirius nodded to the two professors, then left the office silently. 'The reason Professor McGonagall is here may not be so obvious to you Harry,' Dumbledore continued. 'Unless you can surprise me?'
Thinking back, Harry remembered the Liefgemas that he had seen McGonagall carrying from the hospital wing.what had Kilmorie said - For a Liefgema to work you must have a deep emotional bond with the person you share it with.Looking at Professor McGonagall he could almost see the truth, until it suddenly leapt out at him. 'Brother? Professor Kilmorie was your brother?'
'He was, Harry,' Dumbledore confirmed, reaching across the table and lifting two gems that Harry hadn't noticed. As he held them Harry felt his own Liefgema for reassurance, warmth still emanated from the stone - but the other two were lifeless and grey. 'During the Voldemort's first rise Julian left to fight his own way, some of us took it unfavourably - Hagrid may have told you something along these lines?'
Harry could only nod in silence before his mind caught up with him. 'Hagrid said.said that Professor Kilmorie betrayed you?'
Clearing her throat Professor McGonagall spoke for the first time. 'A slight over-exaggeration by Hagrid, I suspect,' she said, her voice slightly strained. 'Julian may have left, but he would never have turned against us - but to leave at such a time.I felt betrayed.' Breathing deeply, 'I never truly figured out why he left, not until now - and it's too late now.'
'What about your names, though?' Harry asked, then fell into silence as if he'd overstepped himself.
'That is a question for me,' Dumbledore replied. 'When Julian left he went away to a place he called 'The Island', I know of only a few other wizards who have ever heard of the place - and they will not tell me its real name, even they may not know.' He added the last part with a smile that seemed both tired, but also excited at the thought of something unknown. 'All I know is that those who have been there changed their names, to protect their loved ones I believe.'
'You see Harry, any wizard or witch who goes to this place comes back trained to fight against the worst kinds of evil. Some are trained in magical arts beyond an Auror's skill, others, such as Julian, learned to use ancient Muggle weapons for defence and attack.' Leaning back in his chair he stared deeply into Harry's eyes before continuing. 'Prior to them changing their names, there was often a terrible backlash on the families of such wizards, and so it became the next logical step.'
'Now only a few of them remain, most keeping their skills unknown - Julian only ever told a few of us, again I believe to protect us.' Standing up, Dumbledore walked around the desk to Harry. 'But this is all beyond your concern now, Harry, Julian died knowing he'd fulfilled his role to the full - saving the lives of two innocents. Unless you have no more questions, you can go.'
Nodding to Dumbledore he rose silently and went to the door, pausing as he was about to go through it. 'Is Jenks one of them as well?' he asked, receiving a simple nod from Dumbledore in reply.
'I passed Kilmorie's message onto him,' Dumbledore added as Harry began to leave once more, 'there is no need for you to see him - save you wish to.' Nodding to himself once more, Harry stood on the steps and prepared to descend out of sight when something else sprung to mind.
'Professor.what happened out there? That night?' he asked, braving Dumbledore's piercing stare to look for any clue in the wizard's eyes.
'I still do not know, Harry,' Dumbledore replied, and Harry saw the honesty in his eyes. 'But, I am beginning to see things more clearly with each day. I suggest you return to celebrate with your friends now.' He added the suggestion quietly, but it compelled Harry to leave even more quickly by being so.
* * *
Walking out of the bottom of the stairs, Harry emerged in the corridor, his thoughts focused on what he had been told. He was so focused that he walked into the only other person in the corridor and sent them sprawling on the floor. 'Sorry,' Harry mumbled, helping to lift the wizard, some part of his mind trying to recognise the man.
'No problem, Harry,' they replied, and Harry saw a feral grin as he looked up in shock. 'I haven't walked on two legs for a long time.' Looking at the man's face Harry saw green eyes that pierced his own, the man's hair was pure white and the same short length all over.
For a minute Harry couldn't speak and the man's grin widened. 'Jenks?'
'Got it in one,' Jenks replied. 'Amazing what Poppy can do, isn't it?'
'But.but you're meant to be stuck as a cat aren't you?' Harry asked, his eyes travelling over Jenks as the ex-cat leant against a wall nonchalantly.
'Kind of good to know Hermione isn't always right, isn't it?' he asked, a wry grin on his face. 'Don't ask me how but Poppy is an absolute miracle worker.' Pulling up a corner of the shirt he wore, Harry saw a wicked scar that stretched across Jenks's stomach. 'Took what ever that demon did and reversed it a treat. Then it was just a matter of mixing up a Varianus Draft while I was unconscious.'
'So you're human? Fully changed?'
'Fully changed, I still want to lick my.face clean occasionally though.' He added the last part with an eyebrow raised slightly and Harry couldn't help but laugh. 'How are you doing though?' he asked suddenly, standing up against the wall, his eyes piercing Harry once more.
'I...I don't really know,' Harry said at last. 'Everything's just happened so fast.'
'That's they way it always goes,' Jenks replied, shifting his stance against the wall. 'Trust me on this, things are about to start moving very fast.' For a second the wizard's face seemed to age suddenly, and Harry was reminded of Dumbledore, but just as quickly it was gone. 'I came to find you because I'm leaving, I just wanted to say goodbye. Julian asked me to do a few things for him so I need to go.'
Standing up again he reached into his cloak's pocket and pulled out the knife that Julian had given to Harry in the hospital wing. 'He noticed you left this.' Jenks trailed off, leaving the unanswered question hanging in the air. Before Harry could form a reply Jenks stepped forwards and pushed the sheathed blade into Harry's hand. 'I know it feels wrong, Harry, but sometimes you need to use unorthodox methods of defence.and attack.
'Julian felt the same way, when he was given this dagger - but he took it, and he used it - you've seen how yourself. He told me it needed to pass from one protector to another, and also that I couldn't have both this and his sword.' He added the last part light-heartedly, and Harry felt a smile tugging at his lips. 'You don't have to use this Harry,' Jenks continued, 'but Julian wanted it to go to you. I have to respect his wishes.'
'I will too,' Harry whispered in reply. Holding the sheath firmly he drew the handle upward slightly, revealing the smooth blade. Harry stared at his reflection, mildly surprised as he caught the look in his own eyes. Looking back up at Jenks he saw the wizard studying him, trying to figure out what Harry was thinking. Pushing the blade back into the sheath he put it into his belt.
'It was nice to have met you, Harry.' Jenks said, extending a hand. Nodding back Harry clasped the hand, shaking it warmly. 'We'll meet again,' the other wizard continued, 'it won't be soon, but we will meet again.'
'I'll look forward to it,' Harry replied honestly, the smile now blossoming on his face.
For a second Jenks's face froze before he replied, then a similar grin appeared on it. 'You and me both, Harry, you and me both.' With a final wave of his fingers, Jenks began walking away down the corridor, and turning down another hallway he disappeared. Harry turned to head back to Gryffindor tower, but spun around when he heard a loud hissing. Amidst a chuckle of laughter echoing from around the corner, he saw Mrs. Norris fly away from the path Jenks took, her hair standing on end.
* * *
'Hey.' A soft voice brought Harry out of his reverie as he walked back to the tower. Ginny stepped out from the shadowed alcove where she had been waiting, distractedly putting a hand to Harry's cheek as he stopped before her.
'Hey yourself,' he replied, taking her hand and kissing the palm gently. Lifting his hand to her cheek, Harry let his fingers push aside a strand of hair that had fallen over her face. 'Anything wrong?'
'No. I was just waiting for you, in case you needed to talk.'
'I'm done with talking,' Harry replied with a smile, and then he leant in to kiss her softly on the lips.
'Fine by me,' Ginny said, a smile blossoming on her face as well before she leant into the kiss as well. Pulling away after a few seconds she put a finger to his lips before he could speak again. 'I suppose for that I could tell you the news.'
'News?' Harry asked, encircling her in his arms so she could lean back, her hair shining in the candlelight of the hall.
Rolling her eyes theatrically Ginny sighed before speaking. 'Your results? You can't have forgotten them already?' Grinning back at her Harry didn't even bother replying, but instead kissed her once more. 'I suppose that means I should definitely tell you the news?' Ginny asked, grinning back at him as he continued to stare deeply into her eyes.
'I can wait if you can,' he whispered back to her, but before Ginny could reply to him the corridor suddenly started echoing with cheers and shouts. Looking up from Ginny's face, Harry saw the rest of the Gryffindors returning from getting their results, and without thinking he pulled Ginny into a quick hug.
'Something to celebrate?' Hermione asked as she and Ron stopped by them, letting everyone else walk by.
'Ginny gave me my results,' Harry replied. 'Passed everything,' he continued with a smile.
'We've still got a while until dinner - Exploding Snap?' Ron suggested, and with a nod from everyone started walking back to the tower. Reaching the crowded portrait hole, Harry let Ron and Hermione in ahead before pulling Ginny back gently.
'I did pass everything, didn't I?' he asked, a nervous expression on his face.
Walking side by side, Harry gave Ginny's hand a reassuring squeeze as they neared the Fat Lady, already he could hear shouting and a few explosions on the other side. Smiling up at him there was a sparkle in Ginny's eyes as she spoke. 'Why the need to reassure me, Harry? - It's you my brothers will go after.'
'You're right, let's just go to breakfast now,' he replied, turning and walking in the opposite direction, only for Ginny to spin him around so that he was facing the Fat Lady again. 'Well,' he said, glancing at Ginny, 'which one of us is telling them?'
'For now?' Ginny asked, her face suddenly the picture of innocence. 'Neither of us,' she said, her eyes lighting up with delight, 'if you think you can keep a secret.'
Laughing back at her Harry planted a kiss on her cheek, then turned back to the Fat Lady who was watching the both of them with a funny expression on her face. 'I hope you can keep a secret as well,' he said.
Sticking her nose up as Ginny began to giggle, the Fat Lady sniffed haughtily at Harry. 'It's not me who's the gossip young Potter, Violet's the one you want to watch out for. Password?'
'We won,' Harry and Ginny said simultaneously, fighting back a laugh as the Fat Lady continued to snub Harry as the portrait swung back. As they climbed into the tunnel a wave of noise swept over Harry and Ginny, then a firework flew past that continued on screaming down the hallway. Climbing down into the common room, they emerged into a sea of red and gold that literally exploded into cheering.
If Harry had thought the party when they'd won the Quidditch Cup previously was loud, it was nothing compared to the noise the Gryffindors were making now. No sooner had his feet touched the floor than Harry suddenly found himself hoisted by Seamus and Lee, both of them cheering like maniacs as they started to work their way through the mob.
Turning back to Ginny, Harry could only smile with an amused expression, shrugging her shoulders in reply Ginny smiled back, then went to join the others who were sitting around the fireplace. 'How are you feeling?' Hermione asked, leaning forward to be heard over the noise as Ginny sat down in one of the chairs.
'Okay, I guess,' Ginny replied, turning to watch Harry as he was passed on to another pair of shoulders, 'all things considered,' she added, making sure they couldn't see her smile. Turning back to them she was in time to see an awkward look pass between Fred and George. 'What's wrong?' she asked, eventually pinning George with her stare.
'We were just wondering.Kilmorie?' he asked eventually.
Suddenly remembering, Ginny turned to look at Harry again. 'I.I think he's dead,' she whispered, 'Harry took me out of the room before I could look around.' Looking back she saw Hermione bite her lip and grasp Ron's hand, while George and Fred just nodded slowly.
'What happened out there?' Fred asked, finally ending their silence in the noisy room.
'I don't know,' Ginny replied, 'but I won't forget it.'
* * *
To Harry and Ginny, the time before exam results and the last day of school seemed to fly by, while Hermione grew more frantic for every day of waiting. 'You do realise that you've passed everything with at least one- hundred percent again?' Ron would say every day, earning a small smile from Hermione, but nothing seemed to entirely convince her.
Walking down to breakfast with Ginny, Harry rolled his eyes as Ron's voice echoed along the corridor, the words '.red percent again?' sounding clearly through the air.
'How do you think you did?' Harry asked Ginny, giving her hand a little squeeze as they approached the Entrance Hall.
'Well enough,' she replied, an impish grin on her face, 'anyway, you should be the one worried about it - you have to decide what N.E.W.T.s you're going to take.'
'Is there an Advanced Weasley Studies do you think?' he asked. 'The one that teaches you how to date your best friend's little sister without him killing you?'
'Not to mention the other five older brothers,' she added mischievously. Before they entered the hall she pulled Harry aside, into the shadows of a suit of armour. 'We're going to have to tell them sometime,' she whispered, her face now more serious.
'I know,' Harry replied, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. 'Besides, I'm pretty sure I could take the others before Bill or Charlie got to me.' Giggling to herself, Ginny reached up a hand to stroke Harry's face, then drew him into a kiss that filled him with fire. Breaking apart after a few seconds, Harry nodded to the Entrance Hall, smiling down at Ginny as she leant back with her arms around his neck.
Emerging into the hall they found that Ron and Hermione had moved on, and looking ahead through the doors he caught a glimpse of Ron's bright hair on the Gryffindor table. Giving Ginny's hand a last squeeze, he led the way into the Great Hall, threading past the other students until they found spaces by their friends.
Stepping out of the shadows of the staircase, Draco stared after them, his eyes picking out the four of them as they began eating breakfast. He stood there for a few minutes, gazing calmly, his own pale face seemingly darker than the shadows of the hall. Eventually as other students began leaving breakfast he walked away, but not before a cold smile had spread itself over his face.
* * *
'If Hermione doesn't get to the front soon, it'll start getting messy,' Ron predicted, watching as she fidgeted her way towards the list of O.W.L. results that had been posted.
'Shouldn't you be the one bravely fighting through the crowd for her?' Ginny asked, giggling to herself as Hermione more or less growled at someone standing beside her.
'You think I could stop her when she saw that piece of parchment?' Ron asked incredulously, then he began smiling to himself as Hermione eventually reached the front. Harry joined them as Hermione arrived back, practically throwing herself into Ron's arms as she hugged him. Whether it was her hugging him in public, or the lack of air, Ron turned a bright red before hugging her back until Hermione released her hold on him.
'Let me guess,' Harry put in before either of them could say a word, a grin spreading across his face. 'One hundred percent on everything?'
Taking a swipe at him, Hermione could only nod happily before turning to Ron. 'You passed too,' she burst out excitedly. Ron's happy face suddenly went decidedly sour, so sour that Ginny couldn't help but burst out laughing at her brother. 'What's wrong?' Hermione asked, her mood now dampened slightly.
'It sounds like you expected me to fail something,' Ron replied grumpily, putting Ginny into further fits of laughter and making a grin appear on Harry's face.
'Ooooh, you're just so infuriating!' Hermione replied, and before Ron could do a thing about it she put her hands on his cheeks and kissed him. All around them the students either burst out whistling and cheering or went slack-jawed. Looking out of the corner of his eye, Harry could see Fred and George's faces light up with glee at the prospect of another brother to torture.
Eventually Hermione pulled back, her face now as bright red as Ron's, but a warm smile aimed directly at him. Giving them a couple of minutes, Harry turned to Ginny who was watching her brother and friend, smiling at the both of them. 'So how did you do?' he asked.
'Passed everything,' she said simply, 'even if Snape didn't want me to do Potions again - he's got me.'
'Poor soul,' Harry said in mock despair, taking the jab from Ginny as he grinned.
'It's not like I get to choose yet,' she replied. 'How did you do with him?' she continued, grinning back at Harry.
'Well, I haven't looked yet,' he replied using the same tone of voice, laughing at how ridiculous he sounded. 'I was going to wait until there was less of a crowd around, but if you insist I go now.' Adding the last bit he began walking to the line, but was stopped by Dumbledore who had appeared almost out of nowhere, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder.
'A word, Harry?' he asked quietly, even though it was not so much a request as an instruction. Nodding to the headmaster, Harry turned with a shrug to Ginny, then followed the old wizard up the stairs. Watching Harry go, Ginny felt his Liefgema cool and heat against her skin as conflicting emotions poured through him.
* * *
'I'm sorry to take you away from your friends at such a time,' Dumbledore said to Harry as they walked alone down the corridor to his office. 'I just needed to speak with you. I'm sure you know why.' Harry simply nodded in reply, he'd expected Dumbledore to ask him sooner in all honesty. Arriving at the gargoyle, they waited together as it hopped aside, then both stepped through onto the ascending staircase.
Walking through the door into his office Harry was surprised to find Professor McGonagall sitting at one of the other chairs. Leaning against a wall to the side was Sirius, who stood up and walked over to Harry, embracing him as he entered the office. 'Sorry I wasn't there,' he said, 'I got back as fast as I could.'
'If it is anyone's fault you were away it is my own, Sirius,' Dumbledore said, sitting behind his desk and gesturing for Harry and Sirius to sit beside McGonagall. 'I don't have much to say Harry, but as always I feel it better for you to know the truth about what has happened.' At this point he looked at Sirius, then to McGonagall. 'Particularly concerning some of this year's events.'
'Sirius is here because you both believe that Professor Snape was somehow involved with the Cambirer's attacks on Harry and his friends. Once again, I can only say that I do not believe this to be so. Severus's meeting with Julian was indeed that, and not with the Cambirer in disguise as you believed Harry, you overheard Julian worrying about his ability to protect you.'
Sighing, Dumbledore leant forward, his piercing gaze falling on them both. 'As I said, I cannot persuade either of you to trust Severus if it is beyond you. All I ask is that you continue to treat him as you normally would. Although slightly more respectfully on your part, Harry, Potions is still an important lesson.' He added the last part with his eyes looking over the top of their glasses, and Harry saw the twinkle of humour long associated with his headmaster. 'You can leave now, Sirius,' Dumbledore said with a nod toward him, 'we will make time for you to see Harry before he goes home, though.'
Giving Harry a reassuring clasp on his shoulder once more, Sirius nodded to the two professors, then left the office silently. 'The reason Professor McGonagall is here may not be so obvious to you Harry,' Dumbledore continued. 'Unless you can surprise me?'
Thinking back, Harry remembered the Liefgemas that he had seen McGonagall carrying from the hospital wing.what had Kilmorie said - For a Liefgema to work you must have a deep emotional bond with the person you share it with.Looking at Professor McGonagall he could almost see the truth, until it suddenly leapt out at him. 'Brother? Professor Kilmorie was your brother?'
'He was, Harry,' Dumbledore confirmed, reaching across the table and lifting two gems that Harry hadn't noticed. As he held them Harry felt his own Liefgema for reassurance, warmth still emanated from the stone - but the other two were lifeless and grey. 'During the Voldemort's first rise Julian left to fight his own way, some of us took it unfavourably - Hagrid may have told you something along these lines?'
Harry could only nod in silence before his mind caught up with him. 'Hagrid said.said that Professor Kilmorie betrayed you?'
Clearing her throat Professor McGonagall spoke for the first time. 'A slight over-exaggeration by Hagrid, I suspect,' she said, her voice slightly strained. 'Julian may have left, but he would never have turned against us - but to leave at such a time.I felt betrayed.' Breathing deeply, 'I never truly figured out why he left, not until now - and it's too late now.'
'What about your names, though?' Harry asked, then fell into silence as if he'd overstepped himself.
'That is a question for me,' Dumbledore replied. 'When Julian left he went away to a place he called 'The Island', I know of only a few other wizards who have ever heard of the place - and they will not tell me its real name, even they may not know.' He added the last part with a smile that seemed both tired, but also excited at the thought of something unknown. 'All I know is that those who have been there changed their names, to protect their loved ones I believe.'
'You see Harry, any wizard or witch who goes to this place comes back trained to fight against the worst kinds of evil. Some are trained in magical arts beyond an Auror's skill, others, such as Julian, learned to use ancient Muggle weapons for defence and attack.' Leaning back in his chair he stared deeply into Harry's eyes before continuing. 'Prior to them changing their names, there was often a terrible backlash on the families of such wizards, and so it became the next logical step.'
'Now only a few of them remain, most keeping their skills unknown - Julian only ever told a few of us, again I believe to protect us.' Standing up, Dumbledore walked around the desk to Harry. 'But this is all beyond your concern now, Harry, Julian died knowing he'd fulfilled his role to the full - saving the lives of two innocents. Unless you have no more questions, you can go.'
Nodding to Dumbledore he rose silently and went to the door, pausing as he was about to go through it. 'Is Jenks one of them as well?' he asked, receiving a simple nod from Dumbledore in reply.
'I passed Kilmorie's message onto him,' Dumbledore added as Harry began to leave once more, 'there is no need for you to see him - save you wish to.' Nodding to himself once more, Harry stood on the steps and prepared to descend out of sight when something else sprung to mind.
'Professor.what happened out there? That night?' he asked, braving Dumbledore's piercing stare to look for any clue in the wizard's eyes.
'I still do not know, Harry,' Dumbledore replied, and Harry saw the honesty in his eyes. 'But, I am beginning to see things more clearly with each day. I suggest you return to celebrate with your friends now.' He added the suggestion quietly, but it compelled Harry to leave even more quickly by being so.
* * *
Walking out of the bottom of the stairs, Harry emerged in the corridor, his thoughts focused on what he had been told. He was so focused that he walked into the only other person in the corridor and sent them sprawling on the floor. 'Sorry,' Harry mumbled, helping to lift the wizard, some part of his mind trying to recognise the man.
'No problem, Harry,' they replied, and Harry saw a feral grin as he looked up in shock. 'I haven't walked on two legs for a long time.' Looking at the man's face Harry saw green eyes that pierced his own, the man's hair was pure white and the same short length all over.
For a minute Harry couldn't speak and the man's grin widened. 'Jenks?'
'Got it in one,' Jenks replied. 'Amazing what Poppy can do, isn't it?'
'But.but you're meant to be stuck as a cat aren't you?' Harry asked, his eyes travelling over Jenks as the ex-cat leant against a wall nonchalantly.
'Kind of good to know Hermione isn't always right, isn't it?' he asked, a wry grin on his face. 'Don't ask me how but Poppy is an absolute miracle worker.' Pulling up a corner of the shirt he wore, Harry saw a wicked scar that stretched across Jenks's stomach. 'Took what ever that demon did and reversed it a treat. Then it was just a matter of mixing up a Varianus Draft while I was unconscious.'
'So you're human? Fully changed?'
'Fully changed, I still want to lick my.face clean occasionally though.' He added the last part with an eyebrow raised slightly and Harry couldn't help but laugh. 'How are you doing though?' he asked suddenly, standing up against the wall, his eyes piercing Harry once more.
'I...I don't really know,' Harry said at last. 'Everything's just happened so fast.'
'That's they way it always goes,' Jenks replied, shifting his stance against the wall. 'Trust me on this, things are about to start moving very fast.' For a second the wizard's face seemed to age suddenly, and Harry was reminded of Dumbledore, but just as quickly it was gone. 'I came to find you because I'm leaving, I just wanted to say goodbye. Julian asked me to do a few things for him so I need to go.'
Standing up again he reached into his cloak's pocket and pulled out the knife that Julian had given to Harry in the hospital wing. 'He noticed you left this.' Jenks trailed off, leaving the unanswered question hanging in the air. Before Harry could form a reply Jenks stepped forwards and pushed the sheathed blade into Harry's hand. 'I know it feels wrong, Harry, but sometimes you need to use unorthodox methods of defence.and attack.
'Julian felt the same way, when he was given this dagger - but he took it, and he used it - you've seen how yourself. He told me it needed to pass from one protector to another, and also that I couldn't have both this and his sword.' He added the last part light-heartedly, and Harry felt a smile tugging at his lips. 'You don't have to use this Harry,' Jenks continued, 'but Julian wanted it to go to you. I have to respect his wishes.'
'I will too,' Harry whispered in reply. Holding the sheath firmly he drew the handle upward slightly, revealing the smooth blade. Harry stared at his reflection, mildly surprised as he caught the look in his own eyes. Looking back up at Jenks he saw the wizard studying him, trying to figure out what Harry was thinking. Pushing the blade back into the sheath he put it into his belt.
'It was nice to have met you, Harry.' Jenks said, extending a hand. Nodding back Harry clasped the hand, shaking it warmly. 'We'll meet again,' the other wizard continued, 'it won't be soon, but we will meet again.'
'I'll look forward to it,' Harry replied honestly, the smile now blossoming on his face.
For a second Jenks's face froze before he replied, then a similar grin appeared on it. 'You and me both, Harry, you and me both.' With a final wave of his fingers, Jenks began walking away down the corridor, and turning down another hallway he disappeared. Harry turned to head back to Gryffindor tower, but spun around when he heard a loud hissing. Amidst a chuckle of laughter echoing from around the corner, he saw Mrs. Norris fly away from the path Jenks took, her hair standing on end.
* * *
'Hey.' A soft voice brought Harry out of his reverie as he walked back to the tower. Ginny stepped out from the shadowed alcove where she had been waiting, distractedly putting a hand to Harry's cheek as he stopped before her.
'Hey yourself,' he replied, taking her hand and kissing the palm gently. Lifting his hand to her cheek, Harry let his fingers push aside a strand of hair that had fallen over her face. 'Anything wrong?'
'No. I was just waiting for you, in case you needed to talk.'
'I'm done with talking,' Harry replied with a smile, and then he leant in to kiss her softly on the lips.
'Fine by me,' Ginny said, a smile blossoming on her face as well before she leant into the kiss as well. Pulling away after a few seconds she put a finger to his lips before he could speak again. 'I suppose for that I could tell you the news.'
'News?' Harry asked, encircling her in his arms so she could lean back, her hair shining in the candlelight of the hall.
Rolling her eyes theatrically Ginny sighed before speaking. 'Your results? You can't have forgotten them already?' Grinning back at her Harry didn't even bother replying, but instead kissed her once more. 'I suppose that means I should definitely tell you the news?' Ginny asked, grinning back at him as he continued to stare deeply into her eyes.
'I can wait if you can,' he whispered back to her, but before Ginny could reply to him the corridor suddenly started echoing with cheers and shouts. Looking up from Ginny's face, Harry saw the rest of the Gryffindors returning from getting their results, and without thinking he pulled Ginny into a quick hug.
'Something to celebrate?' Hermione asked as she and Ron stopped by them, letting everyone else walk by.
'Ginny gave me my results,' Harry replied. 'Passed everything,' he continued with a smile.
'We've still got a while until dinner - Exploding Snap?' Ron suggested, and with a nod from everyone started walking back to the tower. Reaching the crowded portrait hole, Harry let Ron and Hermione in ahead before pulling Ginny back gently.
'I did pass everything, didn't I?' he asked, a nervous expression on his face.
