Harry faintly heard Amicari's voice call through the other side of the door, the centaurs had not been able to get through. "What is it, Harry?"
Indeed, Harry had to consider what the room was. It had velvety scarlet carpet, but the overstuffed suede chairs and couches were of silver with gold trim. There were highly polished wooden bookcases filled with row after row of tomes. There was a table and two desks of elegant oak. The room looked as though it was the study for some prosperous gentleman rather than a cell connected to dusty, rocky rooms full of torture weapons under a dangerous forest.
"Well, er, its." Harry trailed off unable to find the words.
"It's nice. It's definitely not what we expected here," Renata tried to find the words.
Hermione was off in the corner looking through the shelves. "Oh my!"
Harry, Ron and Renata came over. "What is it?"
"Just look at these titles!" exclaimed Hermione. "Potent Potions, this is in the restricted section in the library. And this one, A Hundred Deadly Hexes. Look they go on and on!"
"The Top Ten Torture Techniques. Fun with Muggles-Tricks to Amuse You While Destroying the Worthless. Who owns this stuff?" Ron asked.
"That would be me," the voice was echoing and seemed to come from all around them.
"And who would 'me' be?" Ron asked.
"I.am Me. That is all you need know."
The four of them looked around trying to find the source of the voice.
It laughed. "You won't find me with your eyes. I am the essence of this room. A guardian. Leave now." The voice was beginning to sound weary.
The youths watched as the door through which they had come in entirely vanished. The four of them were floating a foot or so off the ground to the other side of where the door had been. They turned back to find the door there once more and whole.
"Solid as ever." Renata told them bitterly, discovering so with her own two, now sore, fists.
Harry described what happened in the room to Amicari and Terra.
"Interesting. Did none of you recognize the voice? Surely one of you must have."
"We didn't recognize the voice, Terra. It was sort of low, melodious, with a hint of humor," Hermione said in exasperation.
"We can't learn anything else here, we better get going," Renata told them.
"You're right," agreed Harry. The wizards, witches, and centaurs made their way through the chambers and back to forest outside. Hours had passed since they had entered the forest that morning.
Terra and Amicari escorted the students back to edge of the forest. They then took their leave. Amicari told them, "It's been hours. They probably noticed I'm gone. Bye."
Terra's parting words were, "It is well passed noon. I must return home."
The students took their time returning to the castle.
"I saw another book in there," Harry said quietly.
"There were lots of books in there on the shelves."
"This one wasn't on a shelf," he persisted. "It was lying near the desk."
"Well? Are you going to tell us what it was or not?" asked Renata.
"It was The Book of Ever."
"You can't be serious!"
"It was just lying there? Like some common book on wart removal?"
Harry nodded.
"Why didn't you take it?"
"The voice started and I couldn't."
"How do you know? Was there a title?"
"The Book must be huge, how could we not see it?"
Harry shook his head. "I don't know! It just, well it sort of glowed. And it was big, but not huge or anything and there wasn't a title. Just a kind of magical hum around the book. Look, I can't explain it."
"It's okay." Hermione patted his shoulder. "At least we know where it is."
"That's one up on the teachers. We better talk to my mom."
"Renata, we've got Quiditch practice tonight. If we skip it the others will know something is wrong."
"Good point. Besides that match against Slytherin is only sixty- eight days away."
They finished the remainder of the way back to the castle students thronged in the entrance hall heading to the Great Hall. The four suddenly became aware of how hungry they were.
"We haven't eaten since breakfast."
"We've been working hard."
"Let's eat."
After ravenously consuming their meal the four of them headed back to the tower. Renata and Harry retrieved their brooms and walked back downstairs with Angelina and Alicia.
"Where's Katie?"
"She's walking with Fred and George."
"Interesting," Renata commented.
"Why?" asked Harry.
"No reason," she smiled.
After practice Harry and Renata went to see what Ron and Hermione were doing. They seemed to be having an argument.
Renata looked around and saw there were still a fair number of people in the common room. "Ron, Hermione, we really should write a letter and bring it up to the Owlery."
"What?" Hermione snapped.
"Remember that fascinating book we were reading earlier? I think it's a good idea to send a letter about it to our friend."
"Renata, either say what you mean or go away," barked Ron.
Renata knocked over a piece of paper on the desk and whispered to Hermione as she bent down to pick it up. "We need to write to Sirius about the chamber in the forest and the books there!"
"Oh, sorry. You're right. Really, we need to write the letter," Hermione said getting a piece of parchment and a quill.

Sirius, we found a chamber in the forest, underground, and we
were wondering if you knew anything about it. It's not on the
Marauder's Map.

"Wait," Harry told them. "We weren't supposed to be in the forest, remember? It's not allowed. Sirius already told me that he'll fix it with Dumbledore so I'm out of Quiditch if I'm anywhere I'm not supposed to be."
"But we've got to put that it was the forest. He might know something."
Eventually Harry agreed. They finished the letter and went up to the Owlery to find an owl to send it. Hedwig was nowhere in sight.
"She must be hunting. Here we'll use mine. Artemis! Arty! Come on Arty!" Renata made an odd noise that must have been an owl call because nearly every owl turned to her and a large grey one flew to her outstretched arm. She stroked him, not minding the talons. "Ready to send a letter for me? I know you're tired from your trip but after this you can have a long rest. Deal?"
The owl stared coldly.
"Fine then I can use Hermoine's owl, he's better anyway."
The owl made a large squawk of protest and then a low hooting noise of consent.
"Good boy. Here." She took some old toast from her pocket and gave it to the owl before tying the letter to his leg and sending him off. "C'mon. We'd better get back to the tower. Hermione could I talk to you on the way? I really didn't understand the Transfiguration homework that's due Monday."
"Sure."
"Thanks."
Behind the girls, Harry and Ron walked. "She's interesting."
"What?" Harry asked.
"Renata. Look at her. She smiles and laughs all the time. She seems great at Quiditch. She's a bit strange but.interesting."
"Yeah. I know what you mean." Harry glanced at Renata.
"You know, Harry, I take back what I said last year about them not being made that great at Hogwarts. Renata looks all right. What do you think? "
Harry dodged the question. "But she's not from Hogwarts."
"Good point."
Back in the room Harry talked to Dean, "Hey, before I came in earlier, what were Ron and Hermione arguing about?"
"I don't know. They looked mad, but they were whispering. I couldn't hear a word."
"Oh well. Thanks."
Harry turned and was unexpectedly face to face with Renata. "So should I add 'nosey' to the list right under stubborn and arrogant? When you want to know something you go to the source. Or in this case talk to the arguers."
It was a while before Sirius's reply came. But two and half weeks later the letter did come. Harry and Ron had just gone out the trap door of Professor Trelawny's tower when they found Renata and Hermione waiting there for them, out of breath. Renata's arm was on her shoulder.
"We've got the answer. We've got time to go read it in the Tower."
"Hurry up."
The four of them made their way back to the tower as swiftly as they could manage. When they had settled themselves into a corner they ripped open the letter.

I want you all to be careful. It wasn't too bright to go off
into the forest like that. I never remember the chambers you were
talking about. I won't say anything to him, but I really think you
should consult Dumbledore. He's full of surprises and may know
something I don't. Now I heard that the Book of Ever was missing. So
you've found it? Well that's interesting. I heard it was missing and
the Order was really upset but they didn't say anything to anyone
else. Be careful. Stay out of the Forest. I'll write to you if I find
out anything else.

"Just as I thought he'd say. Sounds a lot like my uncle," Renata told them.
"I didn't know you had an uncle," remarked Hermione.
"Sure you guys know him. I'll give you three clues and one guess. He used to work here. He isn't in league with Voldemort. And, he's a werewolf."
There was a brief pause as the words sunk in.
"Lupin is your uncle?"
"Sure. My Uncle Remus. We really need to study for our antidote quiz tomorrow."
"Yeah, Snape usually likes to test antidotes by poisoning people," Harry said picking up his book. He noticed it wasn't Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsinus Jigger. "Wait a sec. This isn't Magical Drafts and Potions, and we don't have Snape tomorrow."
"I know. Just wanted to see the reaction," she laughed.
It was nearly mid-April and Harry had moved Quiditch practice from three times a week to four and made it nearly twice as long. He stayed out and practiced after the others went in as well. Harry was exhausted as he headed up to the tower, worn out that he didn't notice Filch coming down the hall until it was too late.
"What are you doing out at this time of night?" He stared coldly at Harry. "Causing trouble I don't doubt. I'm going back to check for mud prints on the floor!"
"It's been dry outside for at least a week. There isn't any mud to be tracked in."
"I'll see about that." The caretaker stormed off with his dust colored cat, Mrs. Norris, behind him.
Harry made his way up to the tower. Ron was playing chess with Renata as Hermione watched. He appeared to be losing.
"Just a second Harry." He looked up and saw Harry as he began to stumble and caught him as he fell to the ground. *****************************************************
The next sounds Harry heard were several people, apparently telling off Fred and George.
"What did you do that for?"
"It was only a joke."
"Yeah, no harm meant. Harry'll know it right away when he wakes up."
"But look! He hit his head awful hard."
"Should we get someone?" Hermione's anxious voice asked.
Harry rubbed his head and tried to sit up. The others noticed.
Fred and George each put out a hand to pull him to his feet.
"Sorry, Harry."
"Just testing a new product of Weaslys' Wizard Wheezes."
"I take it, it was successful? Do me a favor: don't test anymore of them on me. Which one was it?"
"Catnap Blow-darts. They're only supposed to knock you out for a minute or so but you looked really tired when you came up so I guess the effects were stronger, you were out for nearly ten instead."
"Here, Harry." George tried sound official as he handed Harry a bag with five little wooden blow-darts with orange tips and a little pipe to shoot them through. "On behalf of the Weasly Bros. of Weaslys' Wizard Wheezes I present a free bag of our Catnap Blow-Darts."
Fred turned to the rest of the common room. "Who would like to buy a bag of our Catnap Blow-Darts? Only six Sickles for a bag of five! A bargain folks!"
A couple second years took a few hesitating steps forward and at a sign from George, Lee Jordan ushered them onward and into a line.
Harry meanwhile went over to talk to Ron and the others.
Hermione told him, "You really should cut back on the practice. You look exhausted."
"Wood had the team practicing five times a week, I've only got them practicing four."
"I wasn't talking about team practice. I mean you staying out so late practicing alone. Then by the end of the week you've only got two nights to do your work for the week and you're drained. You have got to take it easier."
"I can't. We are going to win against Slytherin. We have to."
"We will," Renata told him with confidence.
"What makes you so sure?"
"Because Harry, I am up at quarter to six every morning and by six I'm on the field. At seven I come back to fall asleep a little longer and I am rejuvenated for the day's schoolwork, simple as that. If I don't let the Slytherins score and you get the Snitch, it's a done deal. Of course, I don't doubt that the twins will always keep us from getting bludgeoned by the Bludgers. And I know Katie, Angelina, and Alicia will score plenty against those dorks from Slytherin. After all think about it. What's their team? Malfoy's dad bought his way onto the team. I've got no clue how he managed to get the Captain position. And most of the others are big and stupid. The only one who might be a slight problem is Taylor Nott; she's the Slytherin Keeper. Only thing is she can fly well enough and if she can just get herself in front of whichever hoop in time there isn't much shot of the Quaffle getting past her. Although, she looks like her flying has been improving. I hear she does some extra practice too. I've run into her once or twice in the mornings. She's certainly not the most genial of companions though, that's certain. Night all. I'm bushed. I'm going up to bed." Renata stretched her arms, yawned and went upstairs.
Hermione and Ron didn't allow Harry to stay downstairs much longer and told him that if he didn't go upstairs they would slip a sleeping potion in his drink at dinner the next day.
"Besides," Ron said as they mounted the stairs, "we've got Snape tomorrow."
"Again?" Harry groaned. Potions with Snape had always been a torture sessions for him.
"Yep."
Harry and Ron both looked at the bed that had now been empty for about two months. Neither said a word as they climbed into their own beds. Harry had a feeling Ron was thinking the same thing as he was: wondering if Neville was all right.
It was a couple weeks later on Friday when the Gryffindors and Slytherins showed up for their Care of Magical Creatures class they were surprised for the second time that day (McGonagall had substituted for Snape because he was in the hospital wing with the flu). The Gryffindors were shocked and the Slytherins were pleased to find that Hagrid was absent. No one expected the man who came out of Hagrid's hut.
"Hello students. Its good to see you all again, for those of you who do not remember, I am Professor Lupin. Today we shall be studying-"
Dean asked, "Where's Hagrid?"
"He is unavailable at the moment. He left this morning to visit some relatives. He did however leave instructions. We will be observing-"
"When will he be back?" inquired Seamus.
"He told me a week, two weeks at the most. As I was saying today we shall be studying kobolds."
Chatter broke out among the students.
"Aren't kobolds dangerous?"
"I thought there weren't many of those left around here?"
"Kobolds are not often found in England. They are native to Germany but can occasionally be found here. Does anyone know why?"
Hermione's hand shot into the air, knocking Harry's glasses askew. "Kobolds are suited to the hilly terrain of northern Germany and the thick forests. Kobolds were brought here to be trained and to become sort of slaves like the house-elves."
Ron muttered to Harry, "She still hasn't given up on the house-elf thing."
Harry remembered all too well S.P.E.W. Hermione's attempt to liberate the house-elves. It had failed miserably. The elves liked working, they didn't want vacations or wages.
Hermione scowled at Ron and continued. "But unlike house-elves, kobolds are vicious by nature. With sharp teeth and claws and their ability to run and cover great distances quickly they are great hunters and they remain quite wild. So far very few have ever been tamed and thus wizards have given up any such attempt."
"Very good, Hermione. I couldn't have put it better myself. Now class there was a problem with the kobold that was being sent here so we won't get any hands on experience with one until next week. For homework just read the chapter in your magical creatures books about kobolds. Class dismissed."
When they sat down to dinner later that night Renata was thoughtful. "I still don't understand why he was here."
"Why who was here?"
"My uncle."
"He said he was substituting for Hagrid."
"He said that but they could have gotten any teacher already here to sub. No it was something else."
The others found nothing else to support her theory but she was unshakable from it.
"Let's go to Quiditch practice," Harry told her, shaking his head as he stood. "We'll see you two later."
"Alright. Bye Harry."
"Bye Renata."
Harry and Renata walked in silence for a few minutes. Harry stopped short and Renata nearly crashed into him.
"What did you do that for?"
"Ssh! Listen!" he whispered.
Footsteps were coming down the hall. Harry ducked behind a statue of Edgar the Audacious and pulled Renata down with him. They watched as Snape walked side by side with Filch.
"So you've heard nothing?"
"No Argus. No news. What makes you so sure he'd come to me anyway?"
"Because-"
"Because what? Because of my old connections? I told you I changed. After what they did.well I told you all. Is Dumbledore the only one who believes in second chances?"
"No. Go. I'm through talking, but I warn you Severus."
"Fine, let me be warned but in turn I warn you, Argus. Any finger pointing and you'll be the one who needs to watch your back."
Argus started to shuffle off but Snape's cold voice cut through the air once more.
"And don't let me catch you trying to get into my office again. You'd never do it anyways of course, you've got no magic, but don't even think about it." Snape gilded off in one direction and Filch stormed off in another.
When they were sure the men were gone Harry and Renata stood and headed the rest of the way out the castle and onto the Quiditch field. They took their brooms from the shed and waited for the rest of the team to arrive.
After practice Harry and Renata didn't stick around long. They rushed back to Gryffindor Tower and went to talk to Ron and Hermione.
Harry sat down, "You won't believe what we heard Snape say." He told Ron and Hermione about the conversation he and Renata had heard.
"So much for Snape being in bed with the flu," snorted Ron.
"What ever happened to a simple school life?" asked Hermione.
Harry sighed, "I guess that ended when we stepped off the train five years ago."
"I think you're right."
"Simple life just doesn't exist," Ron said, shaking his head.
Renata frowned, "Sure it does. I don't like simpler life but it exists. Look at Parvati and Lavender; they read magazines, do their schoolwork, see? That's as simple as it gets. Personally, I don't like it when things are that easy. There's no fun in life. At least no fun if life's just: Quiditch, class, and homework."
Harry turned to Ron, "Why is it she's right so often?" he muttered.
Renata overheard. "Because, it's more fun that way. I like being right. So what do we do about Snape?"
"There's nothing we can do except keep watching him," Hermione pointed out.
"Then that's what I'll do. Dumbledore trusts him but I've got doubts."
Harry agreed. There had always been something about Snape; he was slimy and cruel.
Time was growing short and the Quiditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin drew closer. With only eight days remaining until the big match tension between the Slytherins and the Gryffindors grew.
Slytherins tried to trip Gryffindors in halls, the Gryffindors insulted them in return and received insults right back at them.
Harry had moved team practice to five times a week and he himself was practicing nearly everyday, waking up early to practice before classes, staying out late to practice after, and practicing whenever else he could.
Despite protests from Ron, Hermione, and even Renata too, Harry continued to practice until it was nearly a compulsion. Soon even his teachers were worried.
"Potter, stay a moment please."
"Yes, Professor McGonagall." He yawned.
"I've been asked to speak with you about your Quiditch practicing. Your other teachers have been getting worried. So have I. You've been falling asleep in class and two teachers told me you had a late assignment in their classes. What have you got to say for yourself?"
"The match is Saturday. Please there's only five days until the match and that's counting today."
"You need to cut down on that practice. It's affecting your schoolwork. If this continues you will be put on probation."
"But-"
"Potter I want Gryffindor to win as much as anyone but you are the only one who can anything about that. Keep up with your work and stay awake in class and there won't be a problem. Understood?"
"Yes, Professor." He turned and left.
His friends had been standing just outside the door.
Renata's arms were folded in satisfaction. "That's what we've been telling you all week."
"Yeah, yeah. Let's go."
Hermione and Ron kept Harry inside doing his homework instead of at the field that night.
Renata had called over her shoulder, "Don't worry I'll tell the team you wanted to be out there."
Hermione helped him and Ron with their homework. Then around nine she disappeared saying she'd be back in a bit. Done with his homework, Harry had time to relax a bit.
Hermione came back up with three steaming mugs of cocoa. "Here I brought these up from the kitchen." She passed each of them a mug. "Cheers."
Harry drank his cocoa sitting in a chair by the fire. Afterwards he didn't remember anything else.
*************************************************
When Harry woke, everyone in his dorm was getting dressed for class. He got dress and went down to the Great Hall to see Hermione.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked
"I did but you put something in that drink last night, didn't you?"
Ron came up behind him. "She really didn't have much of a choice. You needed rest."
"You're right," Harry sighed, but he didn't yawn; he wasn't in the least bit tired.
That day in Charms they were working on Drying Charms. They'd each been given a leaf with a little water on it. The goal was to get rid of the water without drying up the leaf. Lavender overdid the charm and ended up withering it. Seamus overdid his as well but not nearly as badly.
As they left, Professor Flitwick squeaked, "Don't forget! Everyone read chapter 16 for homework!"
Later that day on the way to lunch Harry ran into Draco Malfoy.
"Scared, Potter? You're going to lose that match you know. A Bludger will come, it'll hit you on the head, you'll fall off your broom, crash, hit the ground, and never move again."
"Are you threatening me?"
"Of course not, Potter," he mocked. "Why would I? I'm just stating the facts, Potter: You'll be the second to go. Diggory got it first next it's you. You and those Muggle-Lovers and Mudbloods!"
"Don't you mean third?" Harry thought angrily about how long Neville had been missing, and what had happened to Cedric last year.
"You're right. But it was his fault. Longbottom never had enough brains to fill a spoon. You're next, Potter, you and your Mudblood friends. I told you that company needed to be chosen carefully. You chose wrong! You're on the losing side and you can't go back."
Harry pulled out his wand. "They are witches. Don't say a word about them or Ron."
Malfoy turned to leave, "You all need to watch your back. You're gonna get it. The Dark Lord will see to it that you do. You and all the other trash who deserve it!"
Harry would have jinxed him, then and there, but it was unsportsman- like and dishonorable to do that when your opponent's back was turned. By the time Harry got to the Gryffindor table he was steaming.
"What is it?" asked Ron.
"Malfoy."
"If that git is badmouthing Hermione again, I'm gonna-"
"He called Hermione and Renata Mudbloods." It was just about the worst thing you could call a wizard or witch. It insulted their very blood, saying that because they had Muggle blood in them they were worthless. "Well, Malfoy is going to pay at that match this Saturday."
"He'll regret it all right." They decided to go back to plotting ways of getting Malfoy expelled. It relieved some of the malevolent feelings that his remarks had caused.
That night, after Quiditch practice, Harry circled the field several more times. He looked down and saw Renata sitting on the field. He landed.
"What're you still doing out here?"
"Waiting for you. I wanted to make sure you came in. If you're on probation it will lower our chances of winning. Can't have you fall asleep in class."
"I thought you said you wanted a chance to play as Seeker in one of our matches."
"I did say that but I'd rather get a chance to play my own position. I haven't gotten to be Keeper once this year, at least not for any of the games."
"Fine let's go back to the castle."
"Good. Draco Malfoy is going to pay."
"You heard about what he said earlier?"
"I heard alright and that's why he's gonna get it. I'll slow him down with an Impediment Curse then use Jelly Legs and the Furnunculus Curse then- "
"Trust me Jelly Legs and Furnunculus are a bad combination He'll end up with tentacles on his face. Never mind, that's a good thing."
As they went back to the castle Renata started listing all the curses she wanted to use on Malfoy, listening Harry became very glad she wasn't plotting to use those curses against him.
Thursday passed by quickly but on Friday Harry was getting worried again. That night he called a meeting at the Quiditch lockers instead of a practice. "If we practice tonight we might be tired out tomorrow. So I just want to go over our strategies tonight and then we'll be done." Harry showed the team several different diagrams, which involved lengthy explanations.
When they were leaving Harry tripped and fell. He tried to stand and couldn't put any weight on the foot. The twins and Renata saw him.