Chapter Twelve, in Which Explanations Are Continued, and I Am Relocated

"The magical defenses around the school grounds will keep anyone with evil intentions out unless specifically invited by the Headmaster, which is at the current time, myself. That is how Professor Quirrel was able to enter Hogwarts unharmed. It seems that Mr. Nox managed to find something that I overlooked. He used a large crystal in a manner similar to a pen sieve and placed his evil thoughts inside it. There is no defense against magical crystals around the castle, so he was able to bring it with him and place his thoughts back inside his head, unstopped by our defenses." Dumbledore answered.

"Did you take his crystal once you caught him?" I asked. "Did it have any of his thoughts in it?"

"Yes, but they were meaningless, babbling jumbles. Probably the remnants of dreams or trains of thought that never got anywhere." Dumbledore sighed.

"So what happens now?" Blaise asked. "What can I do to stop the danger?"

"It would seem that you have a decision to make, Blaise Zabini. You may choose to stick with your beliefs at the risk of your own life and that of others close to you, you may choose to give them up and join Lord Voldem-"

"Never!" Blaise cried, jumping up. "Never!" Dumbledore held up his hand, and Blaise sank back into his chair.

"I must admit, I pleased at your adamant, but we have another option. There are processes we can use that will keep you from becoming entirely Voldemort's. This would allow you to remain on the side of light and work against the dark without excessive risk of your parents discovering your actions and killing you."

A bit of hope gleamed in Blaise's dark eyes. "What sort of processes," he asked with interest.

"We can help your mind set defenses against his probing and mind control. We can help you build defenses against pain. We can teach you powerful spells that could help you if you ever got caught. We could give you a second skin so that should you ever be forced to give up your position as a spy, the mark would not be present on your real body. We can give you ways to keep a relationship with someone without putting them in danger." Dumbledore's eyes glinted with a hint of sadness. I wondered what he was thinking. Surely he didn't think I'd be afraid to love Blaise now?

"I will not give up my beliefs because my parents do not understand that what they are doing is wrong," Blaise said firmly.

"You realize that this choice may eventually lead you to being forced to turn them in," Dumbledore said sharply.

"I do," Blaise said, "and I am not afraid to do so. They have chosen a path of evil, and they must pay the consequences. Patricia and Frederick Zabini killed my sister. I will not ever forgive them for that." In that moment, I realized that Blaise could be more frightening and at the same time more wonderful than anything I could imagine. The fire in his eyes and the set look on his face filled me with a mixture of pride and love that I find it very hard to explain. Here was someone who could devote himself completely to what they believe in. A shiver ran down my spine. I looked back at Dumbledore to see him watching me speculatively.

"Erin, are you afraid to face this danger with Blaise?"

"No." I said it firmly and confidently. Blaise's hand tightened around mine. Suddenly, I was fighting not to cry.

I surveyed the room doubtfully. "How will I take my classes?" I asked, taking in the comfortable looking bed, lushly carpeted floor, and abundance of heavy, oak doors at every wall.

"Your teachers will be given notice that you are 'away,' so to speak. You will study and complete your homework here," answered Professor Dumbledore.

"I assume meal sand all will be here, too?" I queried.

"Yes, our magnificent house, or should I say, castle elves will see to cleaning, meals, and anything else you desire. In fact, I shall assign one to each of you first thing in the morning."

"And are you positive these rooms are entirely safe?" Blaise looked sharply at the Headmaster, who nodded.

"Quite certain. And your suite is just like this."

"I suppose if Blaise insists that I stay here-"

"Which I most certainly do," Blaise interrupted.

"-then I shall," I sighed. "Will I be able to contact my friends?

"For the time being, my answer must be no, Erin. Until we are entirely certain of who is informing Patricia and Frederick of your situation." Dumbledore's eyes were tinted with worry. I know my disappointment was blatantly obvious on my face, but then Dumbledore started.

"Blaise, are you familiar with floo powder?" he asked suddenly.

"Yes, sir," Blaise answered promptly. I looked around at them both, utterly confused.

"I expect that you may visit Erin by way of the 'Bust Method,' with the aid of a special charm." Blaise's face lit up. Dumbledore smiled warmly as Blaise moved over to me and slipped his arm around my waist.

"Thank you, Professor," Blaise said, his voice pleasant and strong.

"I'll give you two a few moments," Dumbledore said. He winked and vanished with a wave of his wand.

"Thank you Erin," Blaise said quietly after a moment.

"For what?" I asked, looking up at him with again, genuine confusion.

"For not fighting me on this. You mean quite a lot to me, and I could never forgive myself were anything to happen to you," he answered. His deep eyes shimmered with a strange mixture of love and regret, fear mingled with a glow of happiness.

"Blaise," I began, "what all of this boils down to is something bigger than either of us. I know it sounds cliched and all, but it is truly Good versus Evil, Light versus Dark. All you and I can do is work for what we believe in, Blaise, and that is exactly what I am going to do. I truly believe that you are the only person in the existing universe that I could ever love this way. I'll do anything for you, Blaise. Even stay locked in an odd room with no contact with the outside world!" I smiled, lightening the first half of my speech. Blaise bent his head and kissed me, catching my breath away. When Dumbledore returned, he found me in Blaise's arms, nestled into his chest, his chin on top of my head.

"Time to go, Blaise," Dumbledore said softly. "You will see her tomorrow." Blaise reluctantly let go of me. He stepped toward Dumbledore, but then I thought of something and threw out my arm.

"Blaise!" I said. He stopped and turned back to me. "I think I would have liked Cornelia," I said. It sounded lame to my own ears, but Blaise smiled, if sadly.

"And she would have liked you, too," he said, and vanished.