-CHAPTER FIFTEEN-

Escape of the Aitruses

Far off from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, through the gloomy fog clouds of night, over hill and under brush, a man sat by a fire.  The chair in which he sat was made of the finest silks and cushions from Romania.  It had been a gift to the master of the manor in which he sat, from the head of the Romanian Improper Use of Magic Department.  The snivelling little fool of a man had given it to the master of the manor in hopes it would be bestowed to the Dark Lord.  And though it had taken over fifteen years, it had indeed made its way to He-who-shall-not-be-named.

The rejuvenated face of Voldemort stared into the iridescent flames, as they reflected shades of scarlet on his already alarmingly red eyes.  The shadows of the fire seemed to etch themselves into his pale face like granite carved into a grotesque statue.

"You disappoint me."  Said the Dark Lord.  "And as you know, I do not take kindly to those who disappoint me.  I took you back, after all that has happened…"

"I apologize profusely once more my Lord,"  Came an indecipherable, yet familiar voice from the shadows beyond the chair.  "But Dumbledore is keeping an eye on her at all times.  He suspects something."

"Surely that old bat has more important things to do than follow around a teenage girl."  The man sneered, but he seemed to let it drop.  "And what of young Master Malfoy?"

""I beg your pardon my Lord?"  Asked the voice sounding perplexed.

"How goes his task?  Is she prepared yet?"  Voldemort's head tilted slightly to one side, as if entertained by an image in the blaze before him.

"I do not know my Lord.  Prehaps you might as his-"

"You do not know?"  The Dark Lord's eyebrows rose in freezing misgivings, although he did not seem at all surprised.  "It is your duty to be my eyes at that school.  While that old mudblood loving cretin is there, I cannot risk attacking it.  You know that."

"I do my Lord."

"Then why do you persist with this insolence?  Do you challenge me?"

"No my Lord."  Replied the voice.  The smallest hint of a smile crept unto his lips as he heard the tension rise in the other man's tone.  His mouth was becoming as dry as a desert; the slightest indication of panic seemed to have set in.

"Then explain yourself."  The Dark Lord replied callously.

"Unfortunately my Lord, you know as much as I do.  I f you would allow me to converse with Lucius upon the topic…. I might speak to young Master Malfoy about the situation.  Then I could-"  Said the voice, and stepped closer into the light.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk."  Voldemort's serpent-like tongue clicked and he shook his head ever so slightly.  His servant was being daring.  Pushing his boundaries.  Such behaviour should not be tolerated, but then again these were not ordinary circumstances…

"I would have thought you would know me better by now.  When the time comes, you will know more.  Until then, you must remain steadfast at your station."

The man hung his head; his dark mane of greasy dark hair hid his features from the radiance of the flames.  "Yes my Lord." 

"Good."  His lips parted in a smile.  It was still small, but truly sinister.  "Go now.  I will burn for you when you are to return.  You best not disappoint me again.  While your duty is of high importance, do not think for one instant I can't replace you."

"Yes my Lord."  Replied the man.  With a low bow he turned and left the room, closing the door behind himself.  An inaudible chuckle found it's way out of Lord Voldemort as he stared into the flames.

"Do not disappoint me again, Severus."


Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry awoke with a jolt and the feeling of utmost urgency.  His scar was burning with a regretfully familiar sort of painful, tingling sensation.  Clutching his forehead he managed to dress himself and leave a note for Ron.  Had he truly seen Snape?  Talking to Voldemort?  His mind swirled with thoughts as he hurried through the castle's quiet halls.

Once he saw the recognizable statue leading to Dumbledore's office, Harry took a moment to catch his breath.  The statue seemed to be staring down at him as he breathed deeply, as if to say 'What are you doing here?  Don't you know what time it is?'

Harry almost felt the need to explain himself, and then realized it was only a sculpture.

"Err… Chocolate frogs?"

The statue did not move.

"Vomit flavour?  No… he would have changed it by now… Fizzing Whizzbies?  Popple rocks?  Turtle Truffles?  Please!  You don't understand how important this is!!"  He pleaded the statue, but to no avail.  Harry had to remind himself that kicking the statue did no good, and only ever ended poorly.  Bitterly he was reminded of every time he had been forced to guess the password.  Suddenly he was struck with the most unusually of thoughts.

"Socks?"  He asked hopefully.

The statue swung out of the way and Harry made his way up the stairwell as quickly as his legs would carry him, jumping a few steps in his strides.  But to his surprise, for the first time ever (that Harry had seen), the ominous doors were closed.  From inside the office he heard voices speaking.  Headmaster Dumbledore's voicece was quiet, but audible.  The other voicee however…. The hairs on the back of Harry's neck stoiod up on end.

Snape!

The other person in the room was Snape….. But Harry had just seen him in his dream with Voldemort!  Dumbledore had said sometimes when Voldemort felt particularly full of hatred towards Harry a link opened between them and he could watch what the Dark Lord was doing while it happened.  But…. Snape was now inside the Headmaster's office, this very instant.  And Hermoine had reminded him time and time again that 'No one can apparate to Hogwarts', so how had he gotten back so quickly?  Harry leaned closer to the doorway.

"Does he suspect anything Severus?"

"No, I don't think so.  He seemed to be more interested about Skye, and how close young Malfoy is to turning her."

"Indeed he would be."  Dumbledore replied thoughtfully.  "What did you tell him?"

"For the most part, the truth.  I did not feel him roll my mind, although I cannot say for sure.  I asked him if he would permit me to speak with Lucius and Draco about it, but he said that in time I would know.  He's doing very well to keep everyone away from learning things they shouldn't."

"He's cautious, even more so than before.  With just cause as well…….  And what worries me is, she seems to be a vital part of his plan.  Whatever that might be.  You know better than most how difficult it was to hide her existence from him.  For nine months he knew nothing….  Charis did all in her power to protect her from him.  But now, with such a close source as young Malfoy…"  The headmaster's voice trailed off solicitously, and Harry had not doubt that he was most likely staring off at something, immersed in his thoughts.

"Headmaster?"  Snape's voice questioned.

"I apologize Severus, I lost my thoughts.  He must know something substantial about her that he is withholding from you."

"I agree."  Said Snape.  "What should I do?"

"I fear for now, I have no suggestions."  Dumbledore's voice muffled as he rose from his seat.  The next sound Harry heard was that of something heavy being put on the table.  "I will consult myself and speak with you later."

"Yes Headmaster."  Snape's voice replied and he turned.  Quickly Harry hid himself to the far sided of the entrrace, and as the doors swung open the shadows of the antechamber hid him perfectly.  He watched Snape's back saunter away and down the stairs.  Only after he heard the noise of the statue moving back into place did he come out of hiding.  Luckily, the door had been left partly open and through the crack Harry peered into the Headmaster's office.  Dumbledore sat at his desk looking quite transfixed, peering into a very familiar basin.

It was his pensieve.  Harry had had the accidentally opportunity of seeing into the pensieve before.  A Witch or Wizard who wanted to relive their memories used it with little work, and Dumbledore had inadvertently left it in the open for Harry to see.  Harry's brow furrowed and he wondered what the Headmaster might be remembering.  He was so deeply into his own thoughts he did not even realize when Professor Dumbledore had looked up from his pensieve and directly at him.

"Can I help you Harry?"

Startled Harry jumped back vaguely, and he felt a flush cover itself over his cheeks.  "Err… Professor…I… I had a dream."

Dumbldore's eyebrows rose inquisitively and he gestured for Harry to take the seat in front of the desk.  "Of Voldemort?"

"Yes sir."

"What did you see Harry?"

The question was so simple.  What did you see Harry?  But it was the difficulty in answering the question that struck him.  He knew he could trust Dumbledore, but the question really was could Dumbledore trust Snape?  Harry was not sure, even if he had heard them speaking about Snape's meeting with the Dark Lord.  Harry and his friends had accused Snape several times of being a Death Eater, and now it seemed he was once more.  But then why would he be telling Dumbledore about it?  Was he…. A spy?  And if so, for which side?

"Harry?"  Dumbledore prodded.

"I'm sorry Professor.  It's just… I saw Voldemort and…. And Snape.  I wasn't really sure at first if it was him, but now I'm certain of it.  Snape is a Death Eater."

Dumbledore merely nodded sagely, as if signalling him to continue.

"And err…  You don't seem very surprised by this."

"I will admit I am not surprised."  Said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling.  "As you will recall Harry, you witnessed my memory of the trials of Mr. Bagman, Barty Crouch and a few others.  Do you recall what was said about Professor Snape?"

"He was on the Death Eater list."

"That is correct.  But what else?"

"That you vouched for him because he had turned from Voldedmort before his downfall and that he had given information about the plans.  But sir, is Snape a spy?

"Now Harry, whether or not Professor Snape is a spy I would not be at liberty to say."  Harry took note of the emphasis on the word professor.  It was a kind of reminder that even thought it was a slimy git like Snape that they were talking about he was still a teacher.

"Oh."  Said Harry feeling embarrassed.  In his eagerness to understand the situation he had forgotten certain things he already knew.  His eyes looked away from the weathered face of the Headmaster to the pensieve on his desk.

"Is there anything else Harry?"  Asked Dumbledore.

"No."  Haarry rose from his seat, but then he stopped.  "Well, actually sir… I have a question."

"Then I will answer it to the best of my abilities."

"Since you're Skye's Godfather, like Sirius is mine, that mean you knew her parents right?"

"Yes."

"And you knew both of her parents?"

"Her father was the son of an acquaintance of mine.  And I had the pleasure of teaching her mother.  So yes, I knew them."

"That's right."  Harry mumbled.  "I forgot.  Sirius said he went to school with her mum."  Said Harry as he recalled the last time he had seen his Godfather.

"Indeed.  Charis was a few years ahead of your father and his friends, but they did know each other.  In fact, your father played with her on the Gryffindor Quidditch team."

"So she was in Gryffindor then?"

"Yes."  Said Dumbledore, his eyes seemed to glaze over slightly as if he were recalling memories from his younger years.  "A very brilliant student.  She was top of her class, much like Miss Granger.  A Prefect, and then later on she became Head Girl."

"Oh."  Harry frowned confused.  How could a top student, or Gryffindors none the less be dark enough to give brith to Voldemort's heir?  'But people aren't always what they seem.' Said the malicious little voice in his mind.  'Look at Skye after all.  She was able to sneak around the school with Malfoy for over four months and not get caught.  It would be easy enough to-'

"Professor, did Skye's mum-Charis I mean-Did Charis know Lord Voldemort?  When he was Tom Riddle?"

The most peculiar look ever appeared on Dumbledore's wrinkled face.  His eyes seemed to have lost a fair amount of their twinkle and he asked very solemnly.  "Would you like to know what I was looking at in my pensieve?"

Not quite the question he was expecting, Harry nodded anyways.  But what could the pensieve possibly have to do with Skye's mum?  Harry could only wonder.  Dumbledore's instructions to place his finger in the pensieve were foggy as Harry prepared himself for the feeling of travelling through a pensieve.  Staring into the bright swirling colours inside the basin, and as he put his finger into the silver substance he felt the room lurch.  He was thrown forward, head first-and yet; his head did not hit the granite bottom.  Harry shivered as he fell through the frosty, cold bleakness, into the whirlpool.

And then, he found himself standing in a large room, with books covering every wall almost all the way up to the ceiling, which was covered in portraits.  But he recognised it immediately as the Hogwarts library.  Catching his breath he looked around, and surely enough Dumbledore stood beside him, eyes twinkling and a small smile on his features.  There were a few students at the different tables, others were searching for books; after all it was a library, wasn't it?  None of them seemed to even know he was there, and it took Harry a moment to realize that in reality he was not really there.

Searching the room Harry's eyes landed on a familiar face sitting at one of the larger tables, books surrounding her and her companions.  At first he was doubtful it was really her.  Why would Dumbledore bring him to a memory that Harry existed in?  But there was no mistaking the golden curly and childlike features.

It was Skye.

He watched her laugh and smile at something her friend said, and then followed her faze to the entrance hall.  Entering the library was a younger Dumbledore.  Across the room Skye spoke to her friends and then rose, making her way through the room to meet him.  Intrigued, Harry took a step forward and then looked back to the present age Dumbledore.  He nodded wisely and followed Harry as they crossed the floor.

"Professor, I was wondering if I might have a moment of your time."  Said Skye, but there was something different in her voice.  Harry blinked and looked closer.  Although from a dozen feet away the girl did in fact look like the present age Skye, there were a few distinguishing features that proved it was in fact, not her.  Her eyes were a colour of hazel with the tiniest flecks of green, which did not seem to fit her face.  But he shortly realised the reason they seemed so odd was because he was used to seeing Skye's own azure eyes instead.

Professor Dumbledore smiled benignly, a complete copy of that which Harry had seen many times before.

"Ah, Charis.  How can I help you?  I'm rather stretched for time, but walk with me and I'll see if I can be of some assistance."

Harry felt his mouth drop as he watched them.  He turned to the older Dumbledore, and speaking quietly he asked.  "That's Skye's mum?"

Dumbledore nodded and gestured to follow them.  "Indeed."  He replied in a normal tone, reminding Harry there was no need to whisper.

"Now I understand why Sirius said she was exactly like her mum.  But it's like she's a complete copy."

"Many people have said the same about yourself and your father."  Dumbledore pointed out.  Harry, taking the signal to be quiet turned his attention back to the younger Dumbledore.

"I was thinking sir-Since we covered duelling in the beginning of the year-that maybe I-that is to say we-as in the students from my year-could join-or even participate in the senior duelling club competition.  It would be a great method of review-and-and a wands on learning experience."  Harry watched Charis fluster.  He could tell she had practiced the speech beforehand, and she seemed terribly upset that she had floundered it up.

"It's not that I haven't considered your request Charis.  But what if a mother, say your mother for example, knew her fifth year daughter was a contender in the senior competition?" 

The blond hung her head disappointedly, but continued.  "You're using my mother as an example because you know what she thinks of duelling.  So I believe I am allowed to use myself as an example?"

"By all means."  Said Dumbledore.

"Then I must protest Professor.  You've said many times I was the best in my year.  I was awarded the duty of being a Prefect earlier than anyone else in my year.  The only way I can possibly better myself is by competing against people of more skill than myself.  How am I ever supposed to improve if I keep duelling people I've beaten?"

"Ah,"  Said Dumbledore raising an eyebrow lazily, and looking up from the book he had removed from the shelves.  "You've been speaking with Professor Flitwick."  Charis's face flushed with colour.

"Just because he's new to the staff doesn't mean someone should be discriminate against his talents."  She persisted.

Dumbledore sighed heavily.  "I'm sorry Charis.  While I am aware of Professor Flitwick's duelling skills I am still the Head of the Committee and I know that your mother would not be pleased to have her underage witch competing against older years."

"But Albus-"  She stopped herself short, and corrected her informality.  "Professor, please."

"I know you had hopes for joining the seniors because of the fact I know you and your family very well.  But unfortunately that is the exact reason why I must deny your request."

The hope in the girl's brown eyes seemed to shatter as the Professor spoke.  Finally admitting her defeat, Charis shamefully hung her head reminding Harry of a child being scolded.

"I do hope you understand."  Dumbledore finished earnestly.

"Yes Professor."  She replied quietly, sounding wounded. 

"I truly am sorry."  Said Dumbledore sympathetically.

Charis sniffed and raised her head.  "It's alright-really."  She forced a weak smile.  "I knew my chances were against me.  I was just hoping you might change you mind."  She nodded politely.  "Thank you for your time, Professor."

And with that she returned to her table and sat back down.  Her friends, who all seemed to have been listening to the conversation were now watching her.

"Stupid old cogger."  Said one particularly plump girl.

"Bertha!  How can you!  Professor Dumbledore is one of the world's smartest wizards."  Charis defended.  Harry glanced over to the two Dumbledore's.  His present-age self was smiling proudly, while the other was pretending to search for another book.  But he smiled to himself as well. 

"It's alright if I'm not allowed to compete with the seniors.  It's only one more year to wait after all.  He's probably just looking out for my best interests."  But Harry could tell the girl didn't truly believe what she was saying, not entirely at least.  But by the looks of it, her friends did.

"Oh alright."  Replied Bertha.  "If you say so."

"Maybe I can help you."  Came a voice.  Looking to one of the selves Harry saw him, holding a particularly old text in his hands. 

It was Tom Riddle.

Harry looked to present-age Dumbledore, who seemed to be caught in his own thoughts and not really watching the scene before him.  Younger Dumbledore on the other hand, was pretending to read from a book, but Harry knew he was still listening.  Harry looked back to the bunch of giggling girls.  Clearly, from their expressions they were surprised to see Riddle talking to them.  Harry reasoned that it was most likely because of his school reputation.  In Harry's present time very few people actually knew that Lord Voldemort has been Tom Riddle whilst he attended Hogwarts.  He was the golden boy; adored by the girls, envied by the boys, Prefect and judging by the pin on his cloak he was now Headboy.

"And how is that?"  Asked another of the flunkies who sat by Skye's future mother.

Riddle smiled at Charis, as if ignoring the other girl.  There was a knowing glimmer in his eyes, which forced Harry to shiver.  He hated that look, whether it came from a teenage or adult Voldemort it did not matter.  Riddle stepped forward and spoke,

"I could go to Headmaster Dippet.  Everyone knows that the only person who can overrule the Head of the Duelling Committee is the Headmaster.  Get permission from Dippet, and you parents wouldn't even know until after the competition.  After all,"  Said Riddle airily.  "They would have to see the trophy at some time."

"But the trophy is only awarded to the top witch and wizard.  How can you be so sure I'll win?"  Asked Charis apprehensively.  "What about you?  Or Margeret?  You two are the Heads right now, and the school doesn't just give that title out to anyone."

"If you don't win, then your parents will never know the difference."  Riddle's dark eyes stared into hers, as if actually trying to mesmerize her.  Harry had to commend her, because even as a teenager Voldemort was very convincing.

"And what do you get out of it?"  She asked inquisitively.  An innocent smile played on Riddle's lips and Harry could have sworn he heard one of the girls sigh dreamily.

"The satisfaction of having a fair competition.  Like you said, how can you ever excel if you're not given the opportunity?"

Charis's head made the smallest nod in agreement.  "What's the catch?"

"No catch."  Riddle smiled again.  Charis paused, to think a moment.  Harry felt the sudden urge to rush in and warn her against it.  But he knew that he could not, and it was almost a sort of torture to watch her nod and say,

"Alright Riddle.  Thank you.  But don't expect me to go easy on you just because you helped me."

"I wouldn't dream of it."  Said Riddle in a matter-of-a-fact tone.  "But please, call me Tom."

Harry shook his head in disbelief as he watched their faces fade.  The library dissolved as if it were smoke from an outdoor fire, swirling around as it was blown away.  And then…. they were outside.  Still at Hogwarts he knew, because younger Dumbledore was walking away from the Forbidden Forest, towards the lake.

A warm breeze ruffled his hair and Harry turned to face the present-age Dumbledore with a look of confusion on his face.

"Why didn't you stop her?  You were still listening You could've stopped Riddle from going to the Headmaster.  Or gotten to him before Riddle did?"

"I wish I had."  Said Dumbledore with a small sigh.  They fell into step following behind the younger Dumbledore.

"I was looking out for her well being of course, but I did feel blameworthy about not stopping her.  Although she did not win the trophy that year, it was the beginning of a change in her.  Her parents were both prominent figures in the Ministry, which was how I met them.  Because of the family she was born into, she lead a… A somewhat over protected life. 

"And so, I thought it would be a good experience for her to become friends with Riddle.  Keep in mind Harry, although I had an inkling about him, there was no way anyone could know what he would turn out to be."

"But you knew something."  Harry protested.  "I mean-Riddle-the Basilisk-you must have-You knew Hagrid wasn't the sort of person to go about letting out dangerous creatures."

Dumbledore merely rose his eyebrows, gazing a Harry with a benign smile.

"Okay…"  Harry corrected himself.  "A dangerous creature at his command, like a Basilisk."

"That is true.  But the memory we just witnessed was months before the opening of the Chamber.  I did not have the slightest notion that Riddle was to be blamed for such a disastrous event."

"What about this one?"  Harry lifted his hands, gesturing around the summery grounds.

"This recollection comes after Hagrid was sent from the school.  The same year, but during the last month before summer break."  Dumbledore explained.  "Since the incident in the library I had been trying to keep a close eye on her.  But as I've said, by then she had already begun to change.  She snuck around the grounds, but she worked hard not to let her marks slip.  Behaviour that was completely unlike her; which made me wonder." 

Dumbledore gestured to his younger self.  Harry had been so involved with the conversation he had not noticed the blond figure wandering near the lake.

"Hello Professor."  Said Charis sounding vaguely surprised.  "What brings you out here?"

"I've just come from Ogg's hut.  I wanted to check on a portion of the examination for my third year class, and then I decided it would be nice to take a little stroll.  I see you're not sitting in the library studying hastily like your classmates."

"Ah…. That."  She said smiling.  "Speaking frankly sir, it's only Potions.  I've already taken my OWLS, and all that is left is the class examination.  Besides, I know all I can.  Now all I have to do is test my knowledge."

"I see."  There was a long pause between them.  Harry could tell by the look on Dumbledore's face t hat he was thinking about something deeply.  Charis on the other hand seemed indistinctly on edge, and her eyes kept scanning around the grounds.

"Professor?"  She prodded.

"As yes, terribly sorry Charis.  I was thinking about an incident and-perhaps you could assist me.  I'm sure you are aware of the death of a girl in your year."  Charis's  features fell slightly.

"Myrtle, something or other, right?  I never really knew her.  She wasn't really my sort of person.  I tried being friends with her, on several occasions but she never seemed to like me.  Then one time, Olive said some stupid comment about her glasses and Myrtle took off.  I had thought she was just going to the bathroom on the third floor to cry again.  She does that-She used to do that a lot."  Charis paused, as if caught up in her own thoughts as Harry had seen Dumbledore do so many times before.

"Did she really kill herself Professor?  Just because of what Olive said?"

"Myrtle's death was not caused simply by what miss Hornby said."  Said Dumbledore wisely.  "Your friends are at no fault."

"Oh…. I suppose that's good."  She shrugged her shoulders sullenly.  

"I think I might head back to the castle now, would you like to join me?"  Asked the younger Dumbledore.

Charis smiled earnestly.  "Err.. No that's alright.  I think I'll stay a little longer… and clear my head.  Thank you anyways."  She replied and looked back out to the lake.

"Alright, but don't linger to long.  You wouldn't want to be late for your Potions exam."  Dumbledore said perceptively, and with that he began his was back to the castle.  Harry glanced once more behind his back as he followed.  Charis walked back slowly, but with a definite direction until she was standing in the exact same spot before.  Then she sat down, and was completely hidden by the bushes.  Harry frowned, but his attention was drawn ahead of him to the younger Dumbledore who was speaking again.

"Tom."  He greeted.

"Hello Professor Dumbledore."  Said Riddle politely.  "Nice day isn't it?"

"Indeed it is."  Dumbledore agreed, and then continued.  "I thought a little stroll around the grounds before the last exam would be quite nice."

"So did I."  Riddle nodded, as his eyes scanned beyond Dumbledore.  Searching for something….  For Charis…."I was hoping to sit by the lake for awhile before I have to go back in."

Young Dumbledore nodded.  "Very well then.  See you at the Feast."  He continued on his way up to the castle.

"Come then Harry."  Said the present-age Dumbledore.  "I believe this answers your question."

Harry nodded, although he wanted to ask Dumbledore more questions.  It was as if a door had been opened, but now there was another one standing in his way.  Dozens of questions spilled around in his mind.  Like why did he not stop Riddle from going down to the lake where he knew for a fact Charis was waiting.

But he knew by the tone in the Headmaster's voice that the conversation had come to an end.  It had been a privilege to see the memories, not a right.  Slowly he felt himself rising into the beautiful summer sky, and he watched as the school grounds dissolved below him.  For a moment he was in total darkness, and then his eyes opened and he found himself looking into the faces of several portraits that were all smiling and waiving.

Daylight fell faintly through the windows, but not nearly enough to melt the snow on the ledge of the windowsill outside.  And as if on queue, Professor McGonagall appeared at the doorway.  Her face was creased with an urgency Harry had never seen before.

"Headmaster,"  She breathed.  "There's a situation at the forest lines that needs your immediate attention."

"Very well."  Said Dumbeldore.  He turned to Harry and nodded with a smile, and indication that it was time to leave.  "Harry, if you have another problem, don't hesitate to come see me.  Now, is there anything else you need to tell me before I leave?"

The serious look in Dumbledore's eyes forced Harry to consider admitting that he was planning on sneaking into the Slytherin Common Room later that very night.  But if what he saw in the pensieve…. If Skye's mum had actually been sneaking around Hogwarts with a young Voldemort…. The plan to get into the Slytherin Common Room had grown to be even more significant. 

"Err-no.  Everything else is fine."  He lied.

"So you just lied to Dumbledore?"  Asked Ron stunned.  Harry sat nest to the fire, in the empty Common Room with Ron, Alexa and Hermoine as he had told them every detail about his visit through Dumbledore's pensieve.

"Well, what else was he supposed to do?"  Asked Alexa.  "Just casually mention, 'oh by the way Headmaster, I'm planning on sneaking into the Slytherin's Common Room through a secret passage?' Not very bloody well likely."  She smiled encouragingly to Harry.  "Speaking of which, I think we've got the password figured out.  Well, actually, we do.  Hermoine figured it out."

Harry looked to her expectantly, but Hermoine's brown eyes blinked.  "Oh sorry, I was thinking.  Right!  About the secret opening; after creating a detailed list of every possible option I knew of, we went to the library to test them out.  All we have to do is make sure Malfoy is in the room and we're ready."

"We've just got to go see Hagrid then."  Said Harry.  He felt strangely relieved that there was at least one more thing to do before they snuck into the Slytherin's Common Room, with only his invisibility cloak save them.  Thinking about the task ahead, it reminded Harry of the anxiety he imagined he would feel walking into an angry Hippogriff's den.

It was asking for trouble, but there was no other alternative any more.  At one time it might have been different, but now… Harry wondered momentarily if he was trying to convince himself, or practicing what he would have to say to Amy.

"I haven't seen Amy today thought,"  Said Alexa, as if reading his thoughts.  "She's been off working on some project.  But I'll go find her while you three go down to see Hagrid."

"It's alright, you don't need to."  Said Harry a little too quickly.  "I….er…I haven't told her about it yet."

Alexa examined him closely, obviously she knew Amy would be less than pleased to find out Harry was sneaking into the Common Room where he knew for a fact Skye would be.  Ron and Hermoine on the other hand, seemed surprised that he had not told her.  Or maybe they did not have the same grasp on the situation as he and Alexa had….

"Don't you think she'll want to come with us?"  Asked Ron.

"Actually, If you think about it,"  Said Hermoine sounding slightly condescending.  "She'll probably not want to.  I think she's doesn't want to choose between… Well, you know."  She blushed and Harry felt his stomach flop.  Obviously he was not the only one embarrassed about his outburst the day before.

"I really am sorry Hermoine."  He apologized.

"It's alright.  I know how it feels."  She gave him a small smile, and for a moment they sat staring at each other feeling the warmth of the earnest reconcile.

"Are you not going to tell her then?"  Asked Ron.

"No, it's probably best if he don't involve her for now."  Harry replied, although he did not believe himself entirely.  He was reminded of Charis in the library when she was speaking to her friends about Dumbledore looking out for her well being. 

"Alright."  Said Alexa.  "But what if she asks?"

Harry had not thought of that.  If Amy did ask, could he lie to her?  Straight to her face?  Like he had lied to Dumbledore?

"I don't like lying to one of my best mates, but I agree with Hermoine on this one.  I don't think this is the best time for Amy to know.  Muggles have a saying, what a person doesn't know can't hurt them."

"Alright."  Said Ron with a nod.  "What do we do now?"

"I wonder why Hagrid wasn't here for Christmas morning."  Said Hermoine, thinking aloud as the three of them made their way across the snow-covered grounds.  Harry shivered and wrapped his scarf around his neck tighter.

"Do you think maybe…"  Hermoine looked around making sure they were alone.  Which in all honesty Harry found slightly silly because who else would be trudging through eleven inches of thick, wet snow?

"What if he spent Christmas with his mum?"  She finished.

"Good for him then."  Said Harry.  "I suppose."

"Do you think that's safe?"  Asked Ron.  "I mean-talking with giants?  The Ministry might not want to admit it but they don't even know if they can trust the Dementors.  After all, that's why they're not guardian the school."  Ron looked doubtful.  "What I mean is… You know Hagrid just as well as I do.  And just because he doesn't want to, doesn't mean he won't."

"Still,"  Hermoine replied.  "I don't think that-Is that Ruby?" 

Harry looked to where Hermoine was pointing.  Sure enough Ruby's ponytail bobbed as she croushed behind the Aitruses' cage.

"Is she made?"  Asked Ron astounded.  "Sneaking around the Aitruse cage like that?   They'll shred her to bits!"

"Don't be silly Ron.  Aitruses rarely shred anyone to pieces; they just scratch you so that you're paralysed.  Really, didn't you listen to Hagrid at all?"  Said Hermoine.

"But,"  Harry began as his eyes scanned the bare fenced cage.  "Where are they?"

Not a single Aitruse was to be seen.  The cage was completely deserted.

"Hagrid is probably just taking them for a walk."  Said Ron, trying to sound calm.  But his voice broke, giving him away.  "Like Muggles walk their dogs, right Harry?"

But Harry did not respond.  As they came closer to the border of the Forbidden Forest he watched the people standing in front of Hagrid's hut.  Headmaster Dumbledore stood next to a towering Hagrid, who seemed to be trying desperately not to cry.  With McGonagall and Moody standing beside Dumbledore, Madame Maxine stood on the other side of Hagrid trying to comfort him.  Dumbledore spoke to a very anxious Head of the Ministry of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.  Behind him was Snape, who was looking around markedly.  Harry ducked with the others, hiding behind the fence as Snape's beady eyes scanned the area.

"What are you lot doing down here?"  Asked Ruby in a whisper, occasionally looking back to the adults.

"We came to see Hagrid.  What are you doing here?  What's going on?"

"The Aitruses escaped last night-or rather-this morning.  The gate was just found open.  I'm here investigating."  She shrugged although she was smiling proudly.  "Me dad's an Aurora you know."

Ron was about to ask about her father, but thankfully Hermoine spoke first.  "Do you think someone let them out on purpose?"

Ruby nodded.  "That's my guess."  But before she could say anything else, she was stopped.

"Now really,"  Came a drawling voice crossing over the grounds.  Even through the wind blowing about Harry reconized the voice.  And peeking his head out only confirmed what he already knew.  Making his way over to the crowd of adults was none other than Lucius Malfoy, Draco Malfoy's father.

"Can't you even keep a hold of your creatures Dumbledore?"  He asked with a sneer towards Hagrid.

"That's dirty git."  Harry heard Ruby breath crossly, and he nodded in agreement.

"Lucius,"  Said Fudge sounding quite surprised.  "What are you doing here?"

"As the representative of the school Governors it is my duty to address this situation."  Said Lucius courteously to Fudge.  "It is to my understanding that you,"  He pointed his dragon hide glove covered hand at Hagrid while still managing to hold onto his cane with the same hand.  "Left the cage unattended over the night."

"Now zee here!"  Protested Madame Maxine.  "Hagrid waz wiz me in Hogsmeade yesterday."

"Why am I not surprised?"  Said Lucius lightly, and then turning to Fudge he added.  "I trust you know what mumst be done Cornelius."

"Well, it wasn't really Hagrgid's fault.  From what I understand he and Madame Maxine were staying in Hogsmeade for the night because of the poor weather conditions.  Am I correct Albus?"  The Minister looked to Dumbledore.  Ordinarily, Fudge would probably have let Dumbledore answer Lucius Malfoy's questions, but since the return of the Dark Lord Fudge had been more wary of the Headmaster.

"Hagrid is not to blame for the situation."  Said Dumbledore wisely.  "The cage was locked magically.  And after inspecting the scene we have found that the Aitruses did not force their way out.  They were in fact, released from the outside."

Lucius seemed stunned for a moment, but something about his expression warned Harry that it was an act.

"That may be the case, but we cannot have dangerous creatures roaming around the school grounds."  Lucius continued.

"But zey are not roaming zee grounds!  Said Madame Maxine.  "Zey are in zee forest."

"Madame Maxine is right."  Added Moody, as his magical eye swerved in his socket.  Harry silently pleaded Moody did not decided to look over by where they were hiding.  "The tracks lead right into the Forbidden Forest, about half way in."

"They won't stay there.  Minister, obviously the only course of action is to-"

"They'll stay in the forest."  Said Hagrid, finally speaking.  "They hate confrontation.  Unless yeh provoke em' o course.  But they'll be right ah' home in the forest."

"Is that so?"  Asked Lucius snidely.  "And what happens when it comes time for them to feed?"

"Dumbldore has assured us that they will find enough..er…food supplies inside the Forest."  Said Fudge.

"And what would a Headmaster know about a matter such as this?"  Lucius sneered.  Harry felt his own temper boil, but it was Ron who reacted more strongly.

"That damned-"  With a look of ferocity on his face he pulled his wand from his pocket and started to climb to his feet.  If it had not been for at that exact moment his knee had fallen through the snow to the ground he might have done something drastic.

"Ron!"  Hermoine hissed and wrapped her hand around his arm, pulling him even more into the snow.  "They can't know were here.  Especially with Malfoy's father here."  She looked over to Harry, meeting his gaze as if willing him to back her up.

Harry nodded.  "She's right.  Besides, we've got to go back up to the castle.  We've got-er-important things we need to do."  Ron did not seem pleased, but he bit his lip and nodded in agreement none the less.  "Alright, let's go.  Before I knock that damned bugger of his block."

"So how was Hagrid?"  Asked Amy looking up from the table where she and Alexa sat in the Gryffindor Common Room.  Fred and George sat on the floor near them, playing a game of exploding Snap.  Ginny sat in the far off corner, away from the rest of the group as she read a book.  Her face flushed momentarily as his eyes met hers, but it faded.

"Not good really."  Replied Harry honestly.  "The Aitruses escaped last night.  Hagrid was in Hogsmeade with Madame Maxine when it happened.  Dumbledore thinks that someone must have let them out because the lock on the cage was done with magic.  Fudge is here, along with Lucius Malfoy."

"Malfoy's father?  The Lucius Malfoy?"  She asked.  Harry nodded.

"The one and only.  He's one of the school Governors, so he's got a ticked to up here whenever he pleases.  But if you ask me he was just looking for an excuse to get up here."

"Yeah, probably to rendezvous with You-Know-Who's heir."  Fred grumbled.

"Let's hope not."  Said Amy.  "I just wish he leaves soon.  He's a worthless lying git from what I hear.  One of Voldemort's most supportive Death Eathers and he thinks he can get away with saying that he didn't know what he was doing.  It's disgusting."

"I agree with that."  Added Ron.  "Soddin' bastard, he's been out to get-"

"So."  Said Alexa, trying to keep him from falling out of line.  "Amy and I were going to practice Divination, you lot want to?"

Harry shook his head, although part of him still wanted to stay in the Common Room with Amy.  But he knew that was the queue they had agreed on.  Alexa would keep Amy busy studying while he and the others snuck into the Slytherin's Common Room. 

"Besides,"  Alexa had said when they came up with the signal.  "It'll be easier to move around under the Invisibility cloak if there's only three of you." 

"Harry?"  Amy asked, pulling him from his thoughts.

"Sorry,"  He shook his head.  "I was thinking.  We can't tonight, we've got to see Dumbledore later."

Amy frowned.  "Is everything alright?"  Her eyes instinctively raked his hairline, searching for his scar.  It felt different as he watched her, rather than the uneasy feeling that usually ensued when someone saw his lightning bolt shaped scar, it was almost calming for him.

"Yeah, I just wanted to ask him a few questions about Snuffles."  Harry lied, referring to Sirius by his codename.  Amy nodded consciously.

"Alright then.  Tell me how it goes."

"Hullo there Harry!"  Said Sir 'Nearly Headless' Nick coming out one of the hallways.  "Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley."

"Oh hi Nick."  Replied Harry, glancing around.  They had been searching the halls for over an hour trrying to find a sign of Malfoy and Skye, but to no such luck.  Hermoine had finally mentioned how that if Lucius was on the grgounnds they were most likely to be returning from the train station soon.  So Harry, Ron and Hermoine had stood lingering around the entrance, always keeping it in viewing distance.

"Having a good break Sir Nicholas?"  Asked Hermoine politely.  Harry wondered briefly what she was doing.  If Malfoy came through the door they needed to be able to follow him to the Slytherin Common Room.  With any luck, Skye would be with him.  But with the Grryffindor ghost talking to them it would be more than difficult to follow them.

"As nice as usual.  And you?"  Nick replied.

"Quite nice thank you."  Replied Hermoine, and then suddenly looking very worried she added.  "Except for today.  Have you heard anything about the escape?"

Nick nodded solemnly.  "Indeed I have.  But Dumbledore has assured us that they will stay clear of the castle.  Have no fear Miss Granger."  Harry watched as the great doors creaked open, letting a blast of freezing cold air in.  Coming out of the darkness of the night sky and into the castle's lights Harry saw them below.  Scarf wrapped around her neck tightly Skye rubbed her hands together to warm herself.  Her cheeks were bright crimson from the chilly winter winds, as her Malfoy's.  Harry watched as Malfoy ran a hand over the top of his pale, slick hair and raised his eyes to meet Harry's own.  His face contorted into a scowl, and Harry watched irritably as Malfoy pulled Skye closer.  Her eyes rose briefly and then spotting him she returned her attention to Malfoy, and directed him to the stairwell that led downstairs…… To the dungeons!

Harry's spirits rose as he realized that they were heading to the Common Room.  Now all they had to do was go to the library and…

"Excuse me Nick,"  Said Harry sounding much more urgent then intended.  "But I think I left my new quill in the library."

"That's quite alright my boy."  Said Nick smiling with a slight nod.  "I must be off myself.  The Baron has called a meeting and all deceased must attend."

Once Nick was out of sight Harry, Ron and Hermoine rushed through the corridors to the library.  Harry almost tripped over the Invisibility cloak he carried in his arms, while Ron nearly knocked Collin Creevey over.

"Oh now!"  Said Ron standing in front of the bookcase Hermoine had pointed out earlier.  To Harry it looked like any other ordinary bookshelf, but he admitted that he was no the best at distinguishing Wizard from Muggle material.

"What?"  Asked Harry panting.

"I forgot the password!"  Ron admitted.

"Oh, move over!"  Hermoine grumbled, and then with a flick of her wand she commanded barely above a whisper,

"Overas."

Harry watched amazed as the bookcase began to revolve silently.  He glanced around nervously, although there was no noise he felt as if at any moment someone would come around to investigate.

"Quick!"  Said Hermoine as she entered through the hole in the wall.  "Before it closes!"

Harry and Ron followed hurriedly, and Harry nearly fell down the staircase.  The wall closed behind them as fast as it had opened and they were left standing alone in the darkness of the passage way.

"Lumos!"  The three said all together.

"We better put the cloak on."  Said Roon observing the rippled walls.  It was as if the walls were made of rippled water, but water as sturdy as the rock the entire castle was made of.  It was there Harry realized it was like the walls inside the Slytherin Common Room.  He looked around worried.  Were they already inside?

"I don't think we have to right away."  Hermoine corrected.  "The Slytherin Common Room is in the dungeons.  We'll have to go down at least a few flights before we arrive."  She looked around the hall for a moment, looking rather worried and then continued.  "But if you like we could put it on now, just in case."

With Harry leading, the trio made their way down the stairs, ever worried for what might happen next.  Harry felt as if any moment, a Slytherin would appear at the bottom of the stairwell and they would be trapped.

"Bloody hell."  Ron griped loudly, after they had descended what seemed like the fiftieth flight of stairs.  "Are we there-"

"SHH!"  Harry whispered.  "We're here!  I can see the light.  Quick!  Put out your wands."

Cautiously they made their way towards the hole.  There was some sort of dark green liquid substance separating them from the inside of the room.  Malfoy stood leaning up against a table, looking off to the side.  Crabbe and Goyle sat on a couch nearby, staring at him with their usual air of blankness.

"I wish Father could've stayed longer."  Said Malfoy lightly as he gazed over across the room.  "It's too bad he had to return today.  Mother says you can come for the next break."  Skye, who was standing by a small tea table smiled as she poured a cup of pumpkin juice.

"That would be brilliant."  She crossed over the floor with ease and brought the mug to him.  He took a large gulp as she sat down in one of the dark leather chairs.  "But I doubt Albus would let me.  You know how bloody stodgy he is about me leaving the grounds over breaks."

"I'm sure you could convice him."  Said Malfoy with a small smile.

She nodded brightly.  "Of course I could.  It would just take some work.  Would you be having…"  She paused, and Harry caught the movement of her eyes scanning the room.  "Company at the manor?"

"I'm sure that could be arranged."  Replied Malfoy before taking another sip.  He watched her carefully over the brim of his mug as he drank.  Harry felt the strong urge to push his way through the ripple barrier and wipe the cocky smile off of Malfoy's face.

"Dumbledore,"  Called an irratedd voice.  Harry's eyes fell to a sixth year Slytherin girl as she entered the room.  Her long auburn hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, which seemed to intensify the scowl on her face.  Her eyes squinted into a glare of anger at Skye as the stone wall closed behind her.  In her hand she clenched a copy of the Daily Prophet.  Harry had seen her plenty times before, his first memory of her; she was sitting with Marcus Flint at the Slytherin table.  But for some reason, he could not remember her name.

"Morton,"  Skye replied placidly. 

"What the damned hell did you do to Pansy?"  The brunette accused.

"Pansy?  Nothing."  Skye smiled innocently.  "Why do you ask?"

"I saw her in the fourth floor bathroom.  She was bawling her eyes out.  And as usual, you had something to do with it.  What did you do to her?"  Morton demanded.

"I've done nothing to Parkinson."  Skye sneered.  "What she does, she does to herself."

"That's bullocks and you know it."  Morton snarled.

"Honestly!"  Skye heaved an annoyed sigh.  "Are you just going to stand around here accusing me of things that are obviously not my fault?  Because that's just a tad to boring for my liking."

"Skye,"  Malfoy said in a casual warning tone.  Up until now, it had seemed he was enjoying the catfight before him.

"Watch your mouth Dumbledore.  Just because Draco likes you doesn't mean any of us have to."

"I don't expect you to.  In fact, I'd prefer it if you,"  She waved her pointer finger at Morton condescendingly.  "Did not even talk to me."

"You're just gagging for it aren't you, you little-"  Morton put her Daily Prophet on the table and began to pull out her wand.

"Un huh huh,"  Said Skye with a small shake of her head and an arrogant grin.  "Don't go doing something that you'll regret later."

Morton opened her mouth to speak, but then glared and turned to Malfoy.  "Keep her in line Malfoy."  She warned.  "Or next time I won't be the only one."

Malfoy waved her away with a gesture of his hand, and then looked crossly at Skye once she had disappeared down another stairwell.

"What was that?"  He rose to pick up the Daily Prophet off the table.

"She annoyed me."

"That doesn't matter."  Malfoy replied.  "You don't treat Slytherins like that.  Not at all, especially not in our own Common Room."

"You say it as if I insulted you love,"  Said Skye rising from her seat.  "Besides, I'm innocent.  I've done nothing to her.  That blubbering twit Parkinson,"  She waved her hands dramatically, mocking tears.  "Oh, if I only had a brain!"

Malfoy chuckled quietly, but then said lightly.  "I spoke with her today, did you know that?"  Looking up from the Daily Prophet he watched for her reaction.  Skye seemed surprised, but the emotion quickly faded from her face.

"No, I didn't.  Why?"

"She had some interesting news to tell me."

"Like what?  She's finally stopped telling you that you're making the biggest mistake of your life by choosing me over her?  She's decided to move out of the girls' dormitory and into the fourth floor lavatory?  She's going to become the next Moaning Myrtle?"  Skye grinned to herself as Harry watched her pour a cup of pumpkin juice.

"Actually, she told me you gave Weasley an entire set of Quidditch Edition Frogs."  Skye froze.  With her back to Malfoy, and facing right in front of the barrier Harry felt that at any moment she would see through it and find them.  But she did not.  And what he saw, was what Malfoy did not, a sort of hesitation.

"And that you gave Potter some sort of wrapped gift."

"What if I did?"  She asked turning to face him.  "It's none of her damn business."

"But it is mine."  Said Malfoy, meeting her face.

"I'd already bough the frogs before the ball Draco.  What was I supposed to do?  Not give a gift I spent over five galleons on?'

"You could have given it to me."  Malfoy pointed out.  Skye's eyebrows rose.

"I was under the impression you enjoyed your gift."

"I did."  Said Malfoy grinning.  The smile wanted to make Harry gag.  The mere thought of whatever the gift was made Harry want to retch on his own bile.

"The point is you could have given the frogs to someone else.  Like… Crabbe or Goyle."  Malfoy gestured to the two other boys in the room, although everyone in the room knew he did not really mean it.  Except for Crabbe and Goyle of course.

"Vincent and Gregory liked the bundle of sweets I got them, didn't you lads?"  Crabbe and Goyle both nodded smiling broadly.  And as if they had had completely forgotten, they each pulled a sweet out of their pocket.  Malfoy seemed irritated.

"Crabbe, Goyle, leave us."

The two boys blinked.

"Leave!"  Malfoy pointed to the stone doorway.  Once the granite door closed behind them the room seemed to take on a new silence.  Malfoy rose to meet Skye at the table.

"What did you give Potter?"  Malfoy asked softly, as he wrapped his arms around her.

"What does it matter?"  Skye replied.

In an instant Malfoy's demeanour changed drastically.  Scowling he grabbed a hold of her wrist sharply, holding her in place. 

"It matters to me."  He answered.

"Draco, that hurts."  Skye said quietly, although there was no one in the Common Room to hear her.  And then, to Harry's surprise, Malfoy's expression changed again.  He released her from his grip and turning her to face him.

"I want to know what you gave him."  Malfoy said firmly as he stared down into her eyes.

"It's nothing to be bothered about.  It's just an old picture of his dad."  She shrugged moving towards the couch where Crabbe and Goyle had sat.

"Why did you have a picture of his dad?"  Asked Malfoy.  Harry himself was eager to learn the answer.  In his anger and eagerness to sneak into the room where they now stood, he had completely forgotten about the fist still wrapped and sitting in a drawer in the dormitory.

"It's from when my mum went to school.  I told you they played on the Quidditch team together."  She replied and sat down onto the long, leather couch.  After an elongated, soundless pause Malfoy sighed and picked the Prophet up once more.

"Have you seen this article?"  He asked gesturing to it.

"No, what's it say?"  Asked Skye vaguely interested.

"Many questions concerning the Dark Mark displayed in the sky at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on the first of December still remain unanswered."  Malfoy read aloud.  "Sources at the Ministry say that 'no one knows anything about it for sure.  All the specialized team of Auroras and Improper use of Magic has been able to come up with is, judging by some very thorough tests on the remaining sparks from the mark that it was indeed cast by a female student at the school."  Malfoy smirked conceitedly.  "A bunch of blooming geniuses aren't they?"

Skye let out a laugh.  "You've got to give them credit.  It's been not nearly even a month."  She said as she watched him stroll behind the couch.  "They'll catch on eventually."

"Who would guess the answer has been under their noses the entire time?"  Malfoy drawled in mock shock.  He laughed, and set his hand on the back of the couch, leaning over her.  He smiled at her, and again Harry had to suppress the urge to gag.

Observing the scene Harry felt a tremendous weight upon him, torturing him at a snail's pace.  Disappointment, pain and betrayal flooded his body while he watched; as if his life was playing in slow motion, Malfoy leaned over the couch and kissed her gently.

"And they won't know until it's too late."  Skye replied with a self-satisfied smile.