Disclaimer: The setting of this story, and most of the characters are the intellectual property of J.K. Rowling, I lay no claim to them. However the characters of Malana Avonell and Schön are of my own creation and to these two, I do claim rights.
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Harry, Ron and Hermione could hardly wait to get off by themselves and discuss what had just happened. The Gryffindor common room was far too crowed, so the trio headed to the library.
"How did a Death Eater get into the school?" Hermione asked as the found a secluded corner.
"I thought there were Wards on the school that would keep them out," Ron said shaking his head. "Maybe we're not as safe as they want us to believe."
"I think," Harry, said in deep thought, "it may have been someone who would normally be allowed into Hogwarts."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked aghast.
"Well, if it were one of the staff members . . ."
"Snape was with the teachers," Ron pointed out.
"We're not even sure he is really with the Death Eaters," Hermione retorted.
Harry gave her one of his 'oh come off it' look.
"If not a teacher, then someone's parent, maybe," Harry added slowly.
"Malfoy?" both Ron and Hermione said in unison.
"Or Crabbe or Goyle," Harry continued. "We really don't know whose parents might be involved."
"And they were down in the dungeons," Ron offered.
"What I want to know," Harry said, "is how Professor Avonell was able to block the unforgivable curses. Moody told us there was no way to counter them."
"All I know is one minute I was in so much pain that I was about to pass out, and the next, I was perfectly fine," Ron told his friends.
"And the way the Avada Kedavra curse just . . . just popped," Harry replied.
"And no wand," Ron breathed, "she must be very powerful."
"What was it she said to that Death Eater," Hermione struggled to repeat the words she had heard.
"Naah Ttaah-gruw-aah," Harry repeated perfectly.
"But what does that mean?" Hermione scoffed.
"Protector, Guardian, Champion, something like that," Harry told her.
"How do you know?"
Harry shrugged. "I just do. It isn't the first language I didn't know I knew."
"What about the other word, the one she said to me?" Ron inquired.
Harry had to think for a long moment. "Comfort – I think."
Hermione sat back and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Well, I'm going to ask her," she said defiantly.
"Oh yeah, you're going to just walk up to her and ask . . ." Ron started.
"She told me, anyone can come to her office any time," Hermione cut him off. "So I'll see her right after lunch."
"You're not going alone this time," Harry told her sternly
***
When Professor Avonell had not shown up at lunch, Hermione had wanted to call off the visit to the Rune teacher's office, but Harry had been insistent.
"I still think we should wait," she said as they stood outside Avonell's office door.
"You said that anyone could come at any time," Harry returned hotly.
"Harry, maybe Hermione's right. If she didn't come to the Great Hall for lunch, maybe she busy," Ron supported Hermione.
Harry raised his hand to knock, but Hermione grabbed by the wrist.
"She might not even be in there," she told him.
The door opened, making the three teens jump. Professor Avonell stood in the doorway.
"I thought I heard voices," she smiled. "What brings the three of you here?"
"We were . . ." Hermione began awkwardly.
"We wanted to ask you a few questions," Harry overrode her.
Avonell nodded. "I've been expecting this. Please come in."
She stood aside and allowed the trio to enter. Inside a small House Elf was clearing away an empty plate and water goblet from the desk.
"Izzy," Avonell addressed the elf.
The elf turned her large amber eyes on the Professor, "Izzy will see to it Professor Avonell," she answered. "When should I tell him?"
"Say that I will send Schön when the time is right," the Professor answered.
The elf left the room without another word.
"I think we're going to need another chair," Avonell observed. "Could one of you boys give me a hand?"
Harry stepped forward before Ron could react. Following Avonell to the bookcase, he watched as she tipped one of the leather bound books forward. Wide eyed, he took a step back as the bookcase went through its motions, to reveal a spacious room beyond.
"If you could get the chair by the fireplace, please," she told him.
Harry felt a little awkward entering the room. This was obviously the room she lived in. He glanced back over his shoulder, but the Professor was not in opening. Retrieving the chair, he returned to the office. Avonell had moved her desk chair over to the office fireplace.
"Just put it here," Avonell directed.
Harry did as he was told and then took his seat.
"Now," Avonell said settling into her chair. "What did you want to ask me?"
All three started at once. Avonell held up a hand and the trio fell into silence.
"Ron, why don't you start?"
Ron swallowed. "This morning," he began slowly, not really sure how to put his question. "How were you able to stop the Cruciatus curse?"
"I didn't stop it," she answered in a matter of fact tone. "I simply changed its nature"
There was a moment of silence.
"And the . . ." Harry started.
"The same thing."
"But Professor Moody told us there was no way to block the Unforgivable Curses," Hermione blurted out.
"And he was right," Avonell, said patiently. "But then I didn't block them. I changed them."
The teens exchanged confused glances.
"The trick is to change energy of the curse into something harmless, or in some cases to redirect the energy to somewhere else." Avonell explained in the same tone of voice she would have used in class. "It's a very complex process and most Witches and Wizards never master it."
"But you did," Ron asked nervously.
Avonell sat back and absently played with the necklace around her throat, a gold disk, with an embossed triangle within a circle. "Yes, I have."
"Can you teach us?" Harry interjected hopefully.
"The question isn't weather I teach, but if you can learn," Avonell said slowly.
Again they exchanged confused glances.
"Ah, how to explain this," Avonell sighed, looking at each of the teens in turn. "Not all people are born with the ability to . . . well, it's referred to as the Sevlorian Technique."
"Sevlorian?" Hermione sat forward, and excited look blossoming across her face. "Isn't that the origin of Magic?"
"Origin of Magic?" Ron said disbelievingly.
"Yes," Hermione dropped back into her know it all tone. "There are some who believe that a group of people known as the Sevlorian, came to earth bringing the knowledge of magic, which they taught to others."
"Came to Earth?" Ron was aghast. "You mean from outer space?"
"Miss Granger, you've been reading some very obscure texts," the Professor tried to head off the ensuing argument. "Besides, it's just a theory, it's never been proven."
"Professor, can you teach us this – technique?" Harry tried to draw the conversation back on to the track.
"I suppose I could try," she replied studying him. "Just understand that not all people can do it, no matter how much they study. It something you are born with, or without."
"Professor, how did the Death Eater get into the castle?" Hermione changed the subject.
"I'm not sure they know yet," she said. "But I doubt it will happen again."
"Could it be some one connected with Hogwarts?" the girl continued.
"How do you mean connected? Do you suspect one of the staff or a student?" The Professor sounded a bit surprised.
"We think Professor Snape may be a Death Eater," Ron offered.
"Hmm . . . not unless he's figured out how to be in two places at one time."
"Why does Vol . . . you-know-who, what you dead?" Harry asked.
"Because I'm a threat," Avonell pointed out. "Which is why I assume he would like to see you dead as well, Harry."
"Then you're on Dumbledore's side?" Hermione piped up.
"I certainly wouldn't be here if I weren't," the Rune teacher laughed.
"Then Dumbledore brought you here to kill, you-know-who?" Ron was the next to speak.
"Kill? No I won't kill Voldemort or anyone else for that matter. Professor Dumbledore knows that."
"You told the Death Eater to fear for his life," Harry pushed.
Avonell sighed, "only because I know what the Dark Lord is likely to do to him when he finds out he failed to dispose of any of us."
"What did you do to the Death Eater?" Harry continued to question.
Avonell shook her head, "sorry, that one's off limits."
"But . . ." Harry started.
"Look you three," she cut him off, "you're getting in way over your heads here. And I desperately need some rest."
Harry looked disgruntled.
"I'm sorry," Avonell sighed. "But this morning took a lot out of me."
"We understand," Hermione said, giving the boys a stern look.
They stood and moved toward the door.
"When can I start training?" Harry asked pausing at the door.
"Ah, let's say Wednesday evening?" Avonell replied. "After your last class. Come to my classroom."
Harry nodded and left closing the door behind them.
Schön jumped into Avonell's lap and meowed questioningly.
"No, not now. I was serious about needing to rest," she told the cat. "Oh shoot, I forgot to have them put the chair back."
She sighed.
"It will have to wait until latter, I'm too tired to get up."
***
Avonell awoke with a start. She sat up realizing that someone had brought the ottoman from her room, and put her feet up on it. She had also been covered with a blanket.
"Did you have a good rest?" To her relief it was Dumbledore who spoke.
She turned in the chair, to find the Headmaster standing behind her desk.
"Interesting, you call this – a computer?" he indicated the notebook computer on her desk.
"Yes," she answered, rubbing sleep from her eyes. "I'm sorry I must have fallen asleep."
"Indeed you did, for three hours," the old Wizard chuckled.
"Oh gees, the scroll," she started to get up.
"I've already told Severus it can wait until after dinner," Dumbledore said waving her back into her seat.
He walked over and sat down in one of the other chairs.
"You've had a very busy day," he observed.
"Albus, you do know who the intruder was?" she asked ignoring his comment.
Dumbledore nodded sadly, "But without proof, there is little I can do. Unless you have proof?"
"No," she sighed, "I sent the wand back."
Dumbledore raised and eyebrow. "Did you?"
"By way of a warning, I want no further trouble," she explained.
"I don't believe we will have any trouble from Lucius, at least for a while. But was it wise to take the children with you?" Dumbledore posed.
Avonell shrugged, "what better way to let the boy know I had something to teach?"
"I see your point," the Headmaster nodded, "and did you succeed?"
"Oh most defiantly," Avonell gave him a wily smile.
Dumbledore returned the smile. "Do you think Harry can master the Technique?"
"Albus," Avonell answered with mock indignation, "you forget, his is James Potter's son."
"Yes, but James did refuse to learn the Technique," Dumbledore reminded her.
"I don't believe we will have that problem with Harry. He seems anxious to begin training," she informed him.
"Very good then," the Headmaster sighed with relief. "And when will he start?"
"Wednesday, if he can wait that long."
"He's an impatient youth," Dumbledore cautioned her as he rose from his seat. "And might I add that you should really ward your doors."
"There warded," she replied causally as she folded the blanket and placed it on the ottoman, "it just that you are on the authorized personnel list." She stood.
"Good," Dumbledore replied turning back to her, "then I'll see you at dinner."
Avonell smiled and inclined her head slightly.
***
The Great Hall was already crowed when Professor Avonell made her appearance, accompanied by Schön. Pausing at the entrance, she quickly scanned the assembled students, locating Harry and his friends. Giving then a quick wink, she turned towards the Staff table and proceeded along the Slytherin house table.
Draco jumped out of his seat to bar her way.
"My father would like to thank you for returning his stolen wand," he drawled. Then in a low voice he added, "He says that as far as your warning, well, you always were an arrogant bitch."
Avonell raise a finger only a fraction of an inch from the boy's noise. Draco felt his body freeze, as her eyes bore into his.
"I will not be spoken to like that, young man!" she told him in a dangerously silken tone. "I think, fifty points from Slytherin for your insolence. Now sit down!"
It was only after she had broken eye contact, that Malfoy was able to move. He turned after her with the intent of slinging another insult at her, but Professor Snape was on his feet, and he thought better of his actions, and sat.
Snape remained standing. Harry watched as he and Avonell exchanged words, Snape glaring down his house table.
"Wonder what that was all about?" Ron whispered.
"Coming from Draco, do you really need to ask?" Hermione scolded.
"What ever he said, its made Snape mad," Harry observed.
"Probably lost house points," Ron guessed.
Harry jumped as something grabbed his arm. Glancing down at the seat next to him he was met by the green eyes of Schön. The cat had looped on paw around Harry's forearm and was trying to draw his hand down.
"Oh, hello Schön," he said softly.
"Meow?" The cat replied.
"What's he doing here?" Ron questioned craning his neck to get a better look at the animal over the table.
"Begging for food," Hermione surmised peering around Harry.
Harry tore a bit of chicken from the leg he was holding and extended to the cat. Schön took the morsel daintily from the boy's fingers.
"You like that," Harry smiled, tearing off another tidbit.
"Harry, you shouldn't feed him like that," Hermione scolded. "It's not a good idea to feed animals from the table."
"Oh go on Hermione, it won't hurt him," Harry complained, allowing Schön to take the second piece.
"If you get him started," came a soft voice from behind him, "he'll expect it every time."
Harry looked up into the face of Professor Avonell.
"Sorry Professor, but …"
"Schön," Avonell said sharply, cutting the boy's apology short, "if you continued to beg, you will not be allowed back into the Hall."
The cat slunk off the bench and disappeared under the table.
"I know he can be hard to resist Harry, but please don't feed him in the future," Avonell told him, putting a hand on the youth's shoulder.
"I won't," Harry promised.
Avonell smiled, "Thank you."
"Professor?" Hermione started, "what did Draco say to you?"
The Rune Teacher shook her head, "that, Ms. Granger, is between myself and Mr. Malfoy." She patted Harry's shoulder, "enjoy your dinner," she turned back to the staff table, "Schön! Come!"
The cat followed his mistress glancing back only once. Hermione assumed her 'I told you so' expression, and the teens finished their dinner in silence.
***
Avonell returned to her office retrieved the scroll from the desk drawer.
"Oh Schön," she sighed, "I wish I didn't have to work on this blasted thing tonight."
The cat leapt silently onto the desk, and rubbed the side of his face against her outstretched hand.
"I'm just not up to it tonight."
"Purr-ow."
"No, it's not just that," she paused stroking the cat's back, "I guess I'm just not comfortable working with Severus."
"Mow?" Schön chirped.
"I know that," she scooped the cat into her arms and cuddled him to her chest. "It's just that with everything else Albus wants me to do, this scroll is getting in the way."
There was a soft knock on the door to the classroom.
"Well, best to get this over with," she told herself, setting Schön back on the desk.
She picked up the scroll and walked to the door. Opening the door she found Professor Snape, as she had expected.
"Any thoughts?" she asked moving past him and proceeding to the front of the room.
"No," he answered flatly, following after her.
She tossed the scroll onto the table and pivoted the blackboard over to where they had been working the first time.
"Ok, let's take a new approach," she began picking up a piece of chalk. Snape moved to stand beside her. "See how some of these symbols are similar to each other," she indicated the left edge of the board, where she had drawn the set of Sevlorian characters. "What if they didn't represent different letters, but were used to represent the same letter?"
Snape moved back to the table and spread the parchment open. "That would narrow things down," he observed.
"If you'll notice, some of the characters are never written alone, but rather over another character," she pointed out. Snape nodded. "In Sevlorian, they are somewhat like vowel in English."
"Then following the logic we were using before," Snape said returning to the board, "these marks," he took the chalk from her and drew a box around the four hash like marks, "would be e's."
For over an hour, they worked, but got little further.
Avonell slumped into the chair and watched as Snape tried again at the blackboard.
"I thought we had decided those were a's," she moaned.
Snape stepped back and observed his work, "if they were o's then …"
"This is stupid," she cut him off. He turned to face her. "I give up," she intoned miserably.
She got to her feet and started down between the rows of desks.
"Where are you going," Snape demanded.
"Severus, we're not getting anywhere with this tonight. It can wait," Avonell said turning back to him. "I'm tired, my eyes hurt, and I have a headache. All I'm interested in right now, is a long hot bath and at least eight hours of sleep," she turned back towards the door. "I'll see you in the morning."
***
Avonell placed her towel, washcloth and a bar of bath soap at the edge of the bathtub.
"Why couldn't they have put bathtubs in the staff quarters?" she muttered to no one but the cat.
She selected the appropriate taps for a bubble bath and turned then wide open. Turning to the mirror, she wound her hair into a tight bun at the crown of her head, and then studied her reflection. She looked tired, older, and the veins on her forehead stood out slightly.
She turned back to the tub, it was full already, and turned off the taps. Letting the terrycloth bathrobe slip from her shoulders, she stepped into the tub. It was insanely big, more the size of a small swimming pool.
"You could fit a dozen people in this and still have room," she mused.
She eased herself into the hot water and found the bench. Leaning back, the water covering her shoulders, she closed her eyes and allowed herself to relax. At the far end of the tub, Schön began his own cleaning ritual.
The water was the perfect temperature and the scent of the bubble bath helped to further ease her mind and body. For several long delightful minutes she remained unmoving, allowing the warmth to envelope her.
Suddenly Schön stopped what he was doing and sat erect.
"Meo-o-o-w," he cried.
"What?" Avonell said snapping out of her reverie, "Who?"
The knob on the bathroom door began to rotate. Avonell snatch up the towel and plunged it into the water, wrapping it securely around herself flattened herself against the side of the tub, before the intruder could get the door completely opened.
"Don't you believe in knocking!" she snapped angrily.
It was Professor Snape who stood in the doorway, holding a gently steaming goblet. He crossed the distance between the door and the tub, extending the goblet toward her.
"For your headache," he told her coldly, "you should drink it before it cools."
Reaching up, careful not to expose herself, she accepted the goblet. She remembered the potion, entirely too well, it had been the only thing that had worked on her headaches when she had been at Hogwarts the first time. It worked, but it tasted dreadful.
"Would it have hurt to knock before you barged in?" she growled. She took a deep breath, held it, swallowed the potion in three gulps and shuttered. "But thank you," She handed him back the goblet.
Snape turned unceremoniously and started out of the bathroom.
"If you don't want to be disturbed," he snarled, "then I suggest you try warding the door."
Avonell grabbed the first solid object she could find, the soap, and flung it after him. It hit the closed door with an unsatisfying thump.
Schön came out of a dark corner, hissing.
"Oh yeah, like you were a lot of help!" she said hotly.
***
Sunday morning came entirely to quickly. Professor Avonell finished the last of her breakfast and drained the teacup. As if on queue, Izzy appeared in the doorway.
"Is Professor Avonell going to Saint Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries?" she asked in her high pitched voice.
"Yes, I'll be gone all morning," Avonell answered, "And I do wish you'd not be so formal. My name is Malana."
Izzy shook her head, "No, it's not right for a house elf to address a Witch with such informality, like and equal."
"Ok," Avonell said slowly, "then I'll split the difference with you. Call me – Miss Malana."
The house elf gazed up at the Professor with wide eyes.
"It's an old Eastern Shore tradition. It shows respect for an elder, but with the familiarity of someone you've grown close to." She explained.
"Eastern Shore?" Izzy squeaked.
"Ah, yes you wouldn't know about that," she replied thoughtfully, "It's American."
"Oh," the house elf breathed, retrieving the used dishes, "Izzy will try, ma'am."
Avonell laughed lightly.
***
When Professor Avonell had not shown for either breakfast or lunch, Harry had become worried. But when he got a twinge in his scar, he knew something was wrong. Managing to loose both Ron and Hermione, he made his way to Avonell's office. He knocked, and receiving no answer, he tried the knob. Locked, it figured. He knocked again, harder this time. Nothing.
He was about to leave when he heard a small click. Turning back to the door, he found it had opened just enough to allow Schön to exit. The cat shot past him and down the hallway. He pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Professor Avonell?" He called, but got no answer.
The room was dark and silent. Pulling out his wand, he muttered. "Lumos."
The light from the tip of his wand illuminated the deserted office. Harry moved further inside, the door closing behind him with a soft bump.
"Professor Avonell," he called again. He waited, but no answer was forthcoming.
With caution, he moved to the bookcase and began tipping books. On the third one, the bookcase responded. Harry stepped back. The room beyond was lite by two large windows.
"Nox," he told his wand and the light went out. Gingerly he stepped into the room.
"Professor Avonell, I really need to talk to you," he called out.
He looked around the room. In the far corner stood a large ornate mirror. But it was the size or even the carvings around its frame that caught his eyes, it was the gold chain dangling from the top center. Pocketing his wand he approached the mirror. There at the top of the mirror, nestled in the frame was the gold disk Professor Avonell usually wore around her neck. Harry reached up to touch it, but jumped back as hum suddenly erupted from the thing.
As he watched, the surface of the mirror rippled and shimmered, like water disturbed by a breeze. His reflection distorted and he backed away further. Then to his utter amazement, Professor Avonell stepped out of the mirror.
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Author's Note: Sorry for the delay. With demands at work, my Beta-Reader vacationing in Hawaii and System down time, I was late uploading. Hope you enjoy and – Please let me know what you think so far –
