HARRY POTTER AND THE SEERS' TRUTH
By Lady Lestrange
Chapter 55
Knockturn Alley
10 REVIEWS. I really hate blackmailing you into reviewing, but hey, I'm a Slytherin. It's in my nature, so when there are 10 reviews for this chapter, the next one will magically appear. Love my readers and reviewers. Answers to reviews follow the story.
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter characters and previous situations belong to JK Rowlings. No infringement is meant or implied. No money is made from this Fanfic. THANKS JK.
--LADY LESTRANGE
(A/N: I've been reading a number of fanfics in installments like this one myself, and find it is sometimes hard to remember exactly what has happened before-In a fic as complex as this one is, I thought having a reminder may be helpful for you. If you want to skip it, just page down FIVE times. --Lady Lestrange)
UP TO THIS POINT: Parvati has been having dreams and visions about the Dark Lord, Harry and a Prophecy Child. So far, they are not sure who the prophecy child is, and it is important for them to find him/her. The Sorting Hat is not sorting, so the students have "little brothers and sisters" to show around. The dream team thinks that The Sorting Hat failing is a plot to hide the Prophecy child from the teachers and anyone who can help insure that he/she stays on the side of light. No one is sure that the brothers and sisters actually belong to the house they are currently in.
The Hogwarts Express has been attacked. Dark Marks have been in the sky. The floo network is compromised. The Minister of Magic has been turned. Snape is now teaching both Defense and Advanced Defense, but it looks like Advanced Defense is just an excuse to let the Slytherins and Ginny and Edward visit the Dark Lord. Mrs. Figg is teaching potions and we know very little about her so far, except that she was against Dumbledore's suggestion to make Poly Juice Potion.
Beatrice is an animagus, a bunny. Edward's granny looks like she could have given the Dursleys a few pointers on cruelty. Slytherin is a house at war according to Snape, divided between Death Eaters and those who want to stay on the side of light. Harry uses his Invisibility Cloak and finds out when it is ripped, the Invisibility spell ceases. There is an unwelcome addition to Myrtle's bathroom, Olive Hornby. Peeves is his usual annoying self, but the Baron seems to have a little less control over him.
Samara, for some reason, lofts some wicked, powerful curses. She doesn't look like she has total control over them, which isn't really surprising since she's learned magic on her own from a book, that Harry is sure is a dark book. She seems to like Draco, but don't assume this is a romance. It is not. Ginny is still hearing voices in her head. Harry's scar is hurting more, and neither he nor Ginny know what this means. Ginny is closer with Harry this year, but again, not romantically. There is Edward, the new Gryffindor, who seems interested in Ginny, but Ginny really hasn't gotten over Tom.
We find out about Neville's powerful auror parents. We learn that Neville has a memory charm that was put on him as a baby. He's a more powerful wizard than anyone ever thought as evidenced by his yew wand and the way he reacts to Snape's ministrations in trying to remove the memory charm. We might wonder why Snape is trying to do this himself, instead of enlisting the help of Madam Pomfrey. Sirius and Lupin are on "fieldtrips" with the sixth and seventh years.
Of course we can also wonder why Snape is so determined to teach his classes advanced spells like the Patronus, or we can just chalk it up to Snape, being mean. The Fifth year class starts apparition classes and we meet Professor Sinistra. We also visit Hufflepuff, where we see The Wall, and Slytherin house, where we discover, to our amazement, a magic room that Draco shares with Samara, but Samara has a very unslytherin use for the room. Ravenclaw to come next weekend.
The chapter, CHAINED AND CHARMED, takes place at the same time as DANCING IS AN OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE-when Samara was in Slytherin, dancing. It is Saturday afternoon. Harry and the Gryffindors examine Samara's Dark Book, after they come back from lunch. They find an extreme potion, and decide they need to make a trip to the Chamber of Secrets. Ghastly Ghostly Dinner is when Gryffindor's meet with Samara after her little trip to Slytherin. Samara and Beatrice are persuaded by Edward to help him steal his snake back from his brother Ethan. Things get a little out of hand, and Samara learns more about Slytherin than she ever wanted to know.
Now the Gryffindors are mad at her. Samara wants to make up and be friends with them, but is it possible to befriend both Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy? How far will she go to make up, or will she just find some valuable information to store away for future use? (So, don't you want one of those Tee shirts?)
LIONS AND TIGERS: We see a very stressed out Snap both in Harry's memory of what happened with Snap and Neville and in the actual DADA class. We find out Trelawney doesn't want Samara in her class and Samara decides to take Ancient Runes instead. McGonagall assures Samara that Trelawney has done her a favor. McGonagall further talks to Samara about her experiences in Gryffindor, opening the door to give Samara someone to talk to, if she so chooses. We also learned lots more about animagi in McGonagall's class. Snape dismisses the Gryffifndors and keeps the Slytherins after class. We find out it's because Snape wants them to practice their patronus because the Slytherins are so lousy at the spell. Could it be because there are so few happy memories to chose from?
In DRAGON BREATH AND BLUDGER BATS, Ginny and Edward set the Slytherins up with fire mints, and Samara gets extremely angry at them both because they hurt her friends. In an effort to contain her anger, she goes to the Quiddich pitch where she meets Fred and George. After lobbing a few quaffles at them in her anger, they decide to ask her to be a Beater for Gryffindor. She refuses, but later when she talks to Draco, he is not very nice to her, (hey, who said Draco was a nice guy?) so she wonders whether or not she should take the Beater job.
In WISH IT REAL; WISH IT NOT we see into one of Ginny's dreams. If you don't remember this dream, go and re-read chapter 28. In Chapter 29, THE SPELLING BEE, Samara is feeling homesick and friendless until Draco invites Samara back to Slytherin. Also, includes a short intro into what's coming up in potions class.
In Chapter 30, CHILD OF GRYFFINDOR, Neville and Snape break the Imperio part of the Memory Charm. The trio discusses the Founders' spells, which put their gifts in the Sorting Hat; however they do not have the original parseltongue version of Salazar's spell. Ginny also sees Edward painting and the reader sees a bit of Ginny and Tom's relationship. In SLYTHERIN GAMES—Well, if you don't remember it, you better re-read. Voldemort is finally out and angry—burning and pillaging and we see a little-known inside version of Slytherin through Ginny's eyes. In STICKY SITUATIONS, Samara uses her adhere charm on the Weasley twins, Neville sticks Beatrice's wand to his with bubble gum, and Edward is sticking in Gryffindor.
In OW POST the Slytherins get even for the Dragon Breath Mints, among other things—
In the Ravenclaw chapter—I'm still trying to think of a good name for it—Help me please—we meet a number of Ravenclaws and find out a little more about the characters, in Ravenclaw as well as Edward and Samara. So do you think either of them are really Ravenclaws? Hmmmm? In chapter 35 we meet Sirius again who plans to have a talk with Dumbledore about his keeping Harry safe and of course what that nasty Snape is doing to poor Neville. The Quiddich Game and then more of Neville's awesome Auror parents.
The war is heating up and touching the lives of the children. This story is rapidly approaching –nasty things. Not for the faint of heart. Last chapter, we had a relaxing time at Hogsmeade. Samara bounces from friend to friend and Harry has some nasty dreams, and Harry is shocked to find out that Ron and Hermione are a couple. We knew that already though, right?
In THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS the trio did some exploring, but failed to find the basilisk eggs. They found other things though. Obviously, they have to go back, but first Ginny gives them some instructions.
In THE CHAMBER, THE WALL, THE WAND AND THE WINDOW, Ginny gives the trio some instructions about the Chamber, the Gryffindor boys are having trouble sleeping and Harry's talking to the Snake, Kauket. Parvati has yet another vision, about a muggle and the earlier one about the wand is explored. Trelawney tells Ginny she will open a window to the past—Didn't she already do that? Is Trelawney a little late with this prediction, or does it mean something else?
In NO MORE GAMES we return to ADADA class and Ginny finds out by using the Quick Quotes Quill that the class is more than she planned, but the notes are stolen, so she has no proof to go to Dumbledore with—So she takes matters into her own hands. In PERVIGILO ARMARO, we see part of Ginny's awesome ward. Doors are opened and Tom is out, but he isn't everything we thought he would be. Could it be that he's keeping secrets from us? Puppy Puffs and the Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw Quiddich game offer a little comic relief.
Chapter 44, MORS MORDRE. Ginny gets a dark mark. 'nouf said. BLOOD AND MAGIC MINGLED is Ginny reaction to Voldemort's Imperio curse, and a trip to the Chamber. In THE SEVENTH SUFFERING, We leave Ginny in the Chamber, while we go off with Samara to find out what happened to Ginny in Slytherin this morning, but Samara gets side-tracked, and she learns a personal secret of Draco's—so when is she going to share her secret? Speaking of secrets, Snape has a few, which he unwittingly shares in SNAPE'S SECRET AND SALAZAR'S TREASURE. In SECRETS KEPT AND THOUGHTS SHARED, we at last know what side Snape is on--almost—
And for all those Ginny lovers--awesome Ginny in WHAT IS A DARK WIZARD--where we at last, rejoin the Dark Lord. After that, aren't we all ready for a little fun and games with the Gryffindor/Slytherin Quiddich game? Harry finally confirms Edward's evil intent, although no one believes him, and now, once again Harry is privy to Slytherin secrets in NOTHING HALLOWED, on Halloween night. Halloween continues to the wee hours of the morning with THE BIRTH OF A NIGHTMARE, where Ginny, Voldemort and the Death Eaters free those in Azkaban. This chapter entitled, PORTRAITS, POLYJUICE AND PORTKEYS tells of the aftermath in Hogwarts.
Non-stop action to the end, and now, on to Knockturn Alley--
Knockturn Alley
By Lady Lestrange
Harry didn't bring up the subject of Edward until the next evening when Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were sitting in the common room talking. All of their books and homework had been packed up for the night. "You know," he said, "McGonagall still thinks Edward's the prophecy child."
"Well, mate," said Ron. "The only thing we can do is find the real one."
"Edward thinks it's me," said Ginny.
"You!" said Ron. "It can't be you. You came to Hogwarts two years ago. It's not a year after Hufflepuff's loss—"
"Professor Quirrel was a Hufflepuff," she told them.
"But you're a pureblood too," said Harry. "We know we're looking for a muggle born, but I didn't know about Quirrel. Who else in your year is muggle born?"
"There's just Eloise Midgin and Colin Creevy, and they're both muggle borns."
Ron shuddered. "That's a scary thought," he said.
"Do either of them have anything special about them? Any special talents or powers?" Hermione wondered aloud.
"Sure," said Harry with a grin. "Colin could blind whole groups of people with a single flash."
"Oh, come on Harry," said Hermione. "He gave his camera equipment to Dennis since he's on the Quiddich team now.
"Yeah," agreed Ron. "That was one of the stipulations to let him play. George told me."
"You're lying, Ron," accused Ginny playfully. "They never said that. Even if they did it they wouldn't have told you!"
Ron and Ginny laughed.
"Harry," said Hermione. "I wouldn't think it was Edward, but we've been wrong before. We were wrong about Snape, remember? We thought he had some plot with You –Know-Who, and he didn't. It was Quirrel. We thought he hexed your broom and he didn't."
"Hermione, you can't be serious," said Harry.
"Well, it doesn't say anywhere in the prophecy that we have to approve of him—"
"He's a pureblood," said Ginny.
"Born in Azkaban?" questioned Hermione. "Are we sure he's a pureblood, or is that just the Slytherin assumptions."
"He's pureblood," said Ginny with certainty, thinking I've met his mother.
"Lovely lady, isn't she?"
"Shut up Tom."
"He's not the prophecy child," said Harry. "Parvati said the prophecy child is a girl. He's just a Slytherin git. I still think he's a Death Eater."
"Oh Harry, Pity you'll never prove it," said Tom. "And then of course, there's Ginny—"
"Shut up, Tom."
Hermione put her hand on Harry's arm. "You just looked at his arm yesterday. You were so sure, he had the Dark Mark, but he doesn't—"
"He will," said Harry.
"He does."
"You can't know that," Ginny protested. "Harry I know you don't like Edward, but—"
"Smart boy," commented Tom. "Why do you like Edward, Ginny Love?"
"Why do you like Carman, Tom?"
"You're too young to know about those things."
"No. I don't like Edward," said Harry, "but it goes further than that. I have a thousand little nuances of feeling in my scar now. Burning or tingling or pulsing or just out right pain, and all of them mean something. I haven't figured it all out yet, but when certain Slytherins pass me in the corridors, my scar reacts. I know which ones are connected in some way to Voldemort's magic. I don't know if they have a Dark Mark or if their magics are similar or if they are related by blood to other death eaters. I just don't know—But there is some connection. I'm going to find out what it is." He turned his head, not meeting Ginny's eyes.
"I told you his scar would react to your Dark Mark," muttered Tom.
"I know," said Ginny softly thinking of the night her Dark Mark burned when she was kissing Harry.
Harry looked at her. "You know?" And then recognition dawned. "Your connection is from that damned diary," he spat. "and that was Malfoy's fault, not yours, Ginny. Never yours."
"Yes, Ginny Love. You are the picture of innocence aren't you? Good thing he won't ask to see your arm. Or did you remember to put the potion on today."
"I remembered," Ginny thought irritably. "I'm not completely stupid."
Tom said nothing, but he didn't need to. She could feel his smirk. Tom and his Slytherin arrogance and his Ravenclaw superiority. She had just about had it with him, but it was not like she could do anything to mute him.
"I'm not stupid," she thought.
Ginny reached out and laid her hand over Harry's. He didn't move to clasp it in his. He didn't try to kiss her good night. Ever since the night she had gone to Azkaban, he had been avoiding touching her. No wonder, she thought If he associated the pain in his scar with touching her-Especially if his pain was anything like her Dark Mark. She sighed. "Good night," she said as she climbed the stairs to her dorm room. She cared about Edward, he was her friend—"
"Edward is not your friend," Tom interrupted.
"--but it was Harry she wanted to touch."
She felt Tom shudder at the thought, as she glanced over at Hermione and Ron, wrapped around each other so intimately that their robes were tangled around each other. A pang of regret hit her, and she turned away, her thoughts again going to Harry, but he had disappeared up the staircase.
"Tom, do you think Harry ever will—"
"No," said Tom. "No. No. No. I don't think a single thing about Harry Potter. You aren't taking my thoughts in that direction."
"But we talked about Harry—before—"
"Before, you were eleven. I knew you weren't going to act upon any of those thoughts, and before, I was able to separate my thoughts from yours. The barriers were intact."
"But Tom, I need you—"
"For what?" Tom spat. "Ginny, I don't want to make this a threesome—"
"Don't be disgusting, Tom."
"You suggested it."
"I did not."
"Did so."
"Did not."
"Did so."
"Did not."
"Oh, good, you're acting like an eleven year old again. I never thought I'd be happy to see the day when I wished you were eleven again."
Ginny burst out laughing, and Parvati and Lavender stared at her as she got ready for bed. "Sorry," she muttered. "Just thinking—of something," she explained to them
"Well that's just hilarious, isn't it? A Gryffindor thinking—"
"Tom you're beginning to get really annoying."
"Just beginning?"
==
Lavender and Parvati looked up from their game of Exploding Snap. Lavender was beating Parvati soundly, probably because Parvati was spending most of her time staring into space and muttering because she couldn't See any more, due to the intermittent doses of Dreamless Sleep Potion Madam Pomfrey prescribed.
Parvati stood and began pacing. "I should know something else," said Parvati.
"What?" asked Ginny.
"Not what. When," Parvati answered looking at Ginny. When is it all going to happen? She sat at her desk and gazed into her Crystal. Lavender gathered up the cards.
"I guess she's done playing cards," muttered Lavender.
"Where are Seamus and Dean?" asked Ginny.
"Oh, they had detention," said Lavender.
"For what?" asked Hermione, who just appeared somewhat breathless and covered with snow.
"For throwing snowballs with rocks in them. They broke one of the windows," said Lavender
"They could have just done 'reparo', said Hermione.
"Snape's window," answered Lavender. "Parvati, leave the Crystal alone for a while ."
Parvati ran her hands over her Crystal again. "I just need to know when—" she said. "I can see her on the train and the founders are all there. They're pulling her and the Death Eaters guarding--"
"Death Eaters?" said Lavender. "You never said anything about Death Eaters—"
Parvati continued gazing into the Crystal. "When?" she muttered. "Show me when."
She shook her head, and looked up at Lavender and Hermione. "It just keeps going back to the scene at the Yule ball. I see the twelve trees, all decorated and Snape saying to dance.
"Snape?" said Hermione.
"What about the Death Eaters," asked Ginny. "You didn't say there were Death Eaters on the train."
"Well, there had to be, didn't there?" asked Hermione. "Only a Death Eater could send the Dark Mark."
"Yes," said Ginny softly. "A Death Eater."
"Feeling a little quesy, Ginny Love? I could take over from here."
She ignored him.
The familiar tingling feeling coursed through her. She shivered.
"She's been captured by them." Parvati turned and gripped Ginny's hand. "Does this mean anything to you?" she asked. "She was speaking in parseltongue to someone—do you know of anyone else who is a parselmouth—Have you spoken to—anyone—in the snow—"
"In parseltongue?" asked Ginny incredulously, pulling her hand away.
"Speachless, Ginny Love?"
"I really don't think she wants to know, Tom."
"Oh Parvati," said Lavender, trying to console her friend. "Ginny would have told us if she knew anything about this. Right Ginny?"
"Of course," Ginny answered uneasily.
"Sure you would, Ginny Love—"
"If only I could understand the parseltongue," muttered Parvati, carressing the Crystal. "When?" she asked. "When? All I see is snow and Christmas trees," Parvati complained. "There's so much snow—There's McGonagall taking roll of who is going home for the holiday and the prefects working on the final decorations for the feast—"
"Parvati," whispered Hermione. "What if the Crystal is telling you when—"
"McGonagall said she wanted the final count of who is going home—" whispered Ginny. "I already told her all the Weasleys were going home and I wasn't sure if Harry was coming with us—She said she needed the count. He had to make up his mind by Monday—"
"Monday?" said Lavender in alarm.
"Well the train takes students home too," said Hermione. "Could that be the time? We should be very watchful on the train home."
Ginny shook her head. "Or it could be during Christmas break. I wonder who is staying—"
"It could be anytime in the snow," said Lavender with exasperation.
Ginny bit her lip—or it could be at the Snow Castle she thought. And how long was there snow on the ground that far north—whereever it was
"I see you Gryffindors really have this narrowed down," said Tom.
"So what's your bright idea?" Ginny asked Tom.
"I'd like to hear the parseltongue myself," said Tom. "Then we'll know who is talking to the prophecy child anyway—you, Harry or Salazar. That should help. And what is said may tell us if she's made her choice for dark or light—Honestly Ginny, you should have thought of this long ago."
"Well, I didn't—" thought Ginnny sharply.
"Didn't what? Think? Why doesn't that surprise me?"
"I'd really like to hear the parseltongue," said Ginny.
"I wish you could,"complained Parvati. "I feel like the answer is right there on the edge of my consciousness, but I can't understand it. It's in parseltongue!"
"You need a pensieve," suggested Tom.
==
Ginny sucked in her breath. "That's it," she whispered to Hermione.
"What?" asked Parvati.
"We have to get a pensieve and have you put these visions in it."
Hermione nodded. "You know, Parvati," said Hermione. "Harry's a parselmouth. So's Ginny. They could understand what these visions mean."
"But he can't hear them," said Parvati, blinking and wiping her teary eyes. "They're in my head."
"We could use a penseive," said Ginny.
"Oh, no," said Parvati. "No one's taking thoughts from my head. It hurts."
"Not always," said Ginny.
"You think I don't hear your nightmares, Ginny? No. No one is screwing around with my thoughts."
"You could do it," said Hermione. "You could put the thoughts in yourself. It's not that hard. Neville's done it."
"Neville?" said Parvati.
Hermione and Ginny both nodded.
"We don't have a penseive anyway," said Parvati.
"If we got one, would you put your visions in it?" asked Hermione. "So we could try to figure out what the prophecy means—"
"I don't know," said Parvati softly. "No."
"Parvati," said Hermione, a little annoyed, "This prophecy may mean the end of He-who-must-not-be-named.."
Parvati cringed
"It may mean life or death for the Prophecy child if we can find her—"
"I can't," said Parvati. "It would be too—embarrassing—"
Tom chuckled softly.
"Seen one, you've seen 'em all," quipped Lavender.
"Parvati no one cares about your sex life," snapped Hermione. "We're talking about something important here."
Tom's mirth started to effect Ginny and she smiled, covering her mouth discreetly.
"Easy for you to say," Parvati smirked at Hermione. "Yours would be—an empty bowl wouldn't it?"
Tom burst into laughter.
Ginny snorted and tried to change her laughter into a cough.
"Quit it Tom," admonished Ginny, but he ignored her.
Hermione blushed and Ginny tried to smooth things over. "It would be helpful to see your visions," said Ginny. "To hear your visions. Please Parvati. You wouldn't have to put in anything that was—um—embarrassing. You would have control over that."
Ginny bit her lip. "You've heard my nightmares," she said, "But if I could help someone who probably doesn't know they are Voldemort's next target. I would do it. Even if I had to relive every bit of that—that—"She looked at the ground unable to continue.
"Rape," supplied Lavender.
Tom was suddenly quiet. His laughter stilled.
Ginny nodded, and then looked at the girls surrounding her. Hermione looked shocked, but Lavender and Parvati didn't. "How long have all of you known?" Ginny asked. She felt Tom hovering, whether from guilt or sorrow or curiosity, she didn't know. Go away Tom!"
"I wish I could, Ginny."
Lavender and Parvati exchanged glances. "From the first time you talked in your sleep," said Parvati.
"I—I didn't realize," whispered Hermione. "Ginny, I'm so sorry."
"Hush up, Hermione," said Parvati. "Just give her a hug. For someone who is so smart, you are sometimes just impossible.."
'Does your family know?" asked Hermione, as she pulled Ginny into a friendly hug.
"Mum and Dad," said Ginny. "And Percy. He was at St. Mongo's—when—when-- He was really upset. Thought he should have been able to stop it. Being a prefect and all. I think Ron knows something bad happened, but not what. The twins don't have a clue—please don't tell them. Don't tell anyone. It's over now."
Hermione nodded.
"Really? Is it over?" Tom asked.
"No."
"Ginny you know that I was just as much a prisoner of Salazar as you were—"
"That excuses nothing."
"I suppose not."
"I trusted you."
"I know," said Tom.
But he didn't say the words--nor feel the feeling Ginny was waiting for—"I'm sorry." Even after all they had been through together, he still felt he was justified. What he had done was necessary to save his life and separate himself from Salazar. He would do it again--if necessary.
Ginny took a deep breath and pulled away –determined to stand on her own. She looked right into Parvati's eyes with the intention of staring her down if necessary. "What are you going to do, Parvati? This Prophecy Child needs you."
"Sometimes hard choices are necessary," said Tom.
Ginny cringed. "Go away, Tom."
"OK," said Tom, and he retreated to some distant memory.
"You get the penseive and I'll see what visions I can put into it," promised Parvati.
"No," said Ginny. "All the visions."
Parvati swallowed. "You drive a hard bargain."
"We might make a mistake without all the puzzle pieces," said Hermione. "It's better to have them all."
"She's right you know," whispered Lavender.
There was a long silence as Parvati considered. She raised her eyes to Ginny's and nodded. "OK," she said. "I'll do it."
"And while we're shopping," said Hermione. "We can get Samara a new wand."
==
Later that day, Ginny and Hermione told the boys what had transpired in the room with Parvati.and they all went on a search for a pensieve. When they returned to the common room, Edward was tailing along after Ginny
Harry shook his head. "Dumbledore said that pensieves are too personal to be shared."
"There must be another teacher," said Hermione. "If Dumbledore won't consent to let us use his—"
"It's not that simple," said Edward. "They are made for each individual—"
"Yes," Harry said, twirling his wand through his fingers. "That is exactly what Dumbledore said. He said they sell pensieves in Diagon Alley and perhaps I might consider buying one myself--"
"You?" said Ginny, putting her hand on Harry's effectively stopping his nervous fiddling with his wand.
"Oh," whispered Tom. "So close to that wonderful wand—You could tell him you'd curse Edward if he gets out of hand. I'd do it in a minute, probably with less provocation than Harry Potter—"
Ginny pulled her hand away from Harry's.
"Snape has a pensieve," said Ron. "Remember the charmed Pensieve in DADA when we did the Patronus?
"I don't think I'd want to look into Snape's pensive." Harry shuddered. "And I don't think he'd let us have it anyway. I can't imagine asking—"
"They're pretty pricy if you are buying your own," said Edward.
"How would you know?" asked Ron testily.
"I was considering buying one once," said Edward shamefacedly. "I—ah—didn't have a very happy childhood." He shrugged. "I couldn't afford it."
"How much were they?" asked Ginny.
"Even a cheap one is 50 galleons or more. It depended upon how many memories you wanted to put in it and how clearly you want them preserved."
Harry whistled. "50 galleons. My parents left me pretty well off, but I still have two more years of school and who knows what the job market will be when the war is over—"
"That settles it," said Ginny. "There has to be somewhere to buy second hand pensieves. I've had second hand books and second hand robes since I started school. Ron too. There has to be some kind of consignment shop that sells these things. We just don't know where it is."
"Knockturn Alley," said Edward.
Silence greeted his declaration.
"He's right, you know, Ginny Love."
"I know, Tom."
"I've been there with my brother," said Edward. "Granny wouldn't let us go there alone."
"Nonsense, Eddie. I knew your granny. She probably sent you on errands. She needed both of you to carry the packages."
"Who would sell their thoughts?" asked Hermione. "That's –that's disgusting—" She shivered.
"Gives whole new meaning to the saying penny for your thoughts," Doesn't it, Ginny Love?"
"Shut up, Tom."
"Well," said Ginny "That's the sort of thing is for sale in Knockturn Alley. I'd suppose that a poor widow may sell her dead husband's pensive if they are that expensive. She couldn't afford not to. We just have to find one that doesn't have too many awful memories in it."
"At least the ones without awful memories should be cheaper," said Edward seriously.
"He's right," said Tom. "You got all mine for free—"
"I've paid for those Tom—Believe me, I've paid." She expected Tom to laugh, but he didn't.
"I know, Ginny Love," he said.
Samara giggled. She couldn't help it. They were just way too serious about this whole thing. It sounded preposterous to her—selling memories.
Hermione frowned at her. "And while we are shopping, we can get you a new wand, Samara."
"No—"
"Just look," urged Ginny. "Talk to Mr. Olivander about the wand you made—"
"Ok," said Samara reluctantly. "But I'm not getting a new wand."
"So," said Hermione. "You've been to knockturn alley, Harry. Do you really think this trip is wise?"
"Harry was in knockturn alley? Why didn't you tell me that, Ginny Love?"
"I didn't think it was that important. He wasn't there very long. He slurred his words using floo powder for the first time—"
"I was twelve when I was there and it was a mistake," replied Harry, but we do need the pensieve. I can't think of any other way to examine Parvati's visions. I need to hear the basilisks," Harry said white-faced. "It's the only way to understand the predictions in their entirety. I think if we do this, we will know, once and for all who the prophesy child is. And I think we need to do it now, before Parvati changes her mind again."
"I'd like to hear what the basilisks have to say myself," admitted Tom.
"Anyway, if we continue to wait," said Ron. "You –Know-Who will find this child, and I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy." He was rubbing his hand affectionately over Ginny's back. Harry had begun to think that Ron didn't even realize how often he reassured himself that his little sister was indeed still there. These seemingly meaningless touches were a grim reminder to Harry just how close they had been in second year to losing Ginny. He couldn't stand to think that someone was in terrible danger and not do anything to help them. He had to do this.
"Seriously, Hermione," said Edward. "I don't think this trip is wise for you. Knockturn Alley is not the place for--wizards and witches of muggle parentage."
"What Edward," said Harry. "Do you want to make this little trip all by yourself?"
"I'd probably be safer."
"Yeah, and among friends," said Harry.
"Harry's pretty perceptive," said Tom. "You know, Ginny Love, I'm starting to like him. And he's certainly a safer choice than Edward—"
"Samara's muggle born," said Hermione. "So's Beatrice for that matter."
"Oh, I'm not going," said Beatrice. "Just thinking about going makes me nervous."
"Edward's right," said Ginny. "I don't think any of you should go. It should be me and Edward."
"I'm going," said Harry firmly. "If you think I'd let any of my friends go alone with the likes of him—Especially you Ginny."
"Then you'd better keep your scar covered. If fact, keep your hood up. Too many people in Knockturn would just love to deliver the Great Harry Potter to the Dark Lord." Said Edward. "You are a liability in this venture."
"As long as you aren't planning to do the delivering, I'm not worried."
"Does that mean he's worried about Edward?" wondered Tom.
"Well, like you said Tom, he's perceptive," thought Ginny.
"I'm going," said Ron.
"So am I," said Hermione.
Samara pulled her wand from her hair. "If anyone says anything about my parentage, I have a wicked curse ready for them."
"I'll bet you do," said Edward with a smile.
"That is the attitude we must all adopt," said Ginny. "Now, let's see how much money we have."
Harry watched the group scrapping up knuts and sickles and counting them twice. Amazingly, Ginny had quite a stash—certainly more than Ron ever had, but not enough for the pensieve. "We need to stop at Gingortts first," said Harry. "I'll pay for the rest of it."
There was another moment of silence and then Ginny spoke. "Let's get moving. Stay together. Hoods up."
"And we're all purebloods," said Edward as he raised his hood.
==
Knockturn Alley
The group decided that they would be safer if they looked like couples. That way, they would be holding on to each other's hands and it would be harder to lose anyone. Harry had Samara's hand. She was striding ahead with long purposeful strides. He felt like her puppy instead of her boyfriend. Edward was walking with an arm draped lazily around Ginny's waist and Ron had a death grip on Hermione. Edward and Ginny looked comfortable with the arrangement, and when Hermione leaned her head on Ron's shoulder, Harry had to admit, they looked good together.
A gasp from Hermione brought him out of his revery. Harry turned to see Hermione's hood slipped to the side revealing her mass of brown hair. An equallly brown withered, clawlike hand was entwined in Hermione's hair.
"Just a few of the Mudblood's hairs," squeaked the hag. "I'll pay you well—or maybe you want a potion—or a charm—" She was addressing Ron, completely ignoring Hermione.
It was Samara who reacted first. "Back off Hag!" she snapped, her wand in the woman's face. Then the others had their wands out too, and trained them on the hag. Except for Edward, who spoke in a cool collected voice. "You are mistaken. She's a pureblood."
"Ahh-Ginny, another way to make some money," said Tom. "All that growing and shortening of her hair that she's doing, she won't even notice."
"Tom. I can't do that!"
"Why? If I can take blood undetected, you can take hair."
"No. Anyway, I'm doing fine with selling the potion to the Slytherins. The only thing I have to worry about is that the twins will start to wonder why I'm selling so much. They must think some of my customers bathe in it."
Tom chuckled. They do, don't they?
The hag had turned one green eye and one brown eye at Edward. Harry was strangely reminded of Moody, although he didn't think either of the eyes were magical, they were certainly unsettling. "Ah, Mr. Lestrange. I didn't see you there. My pardon." She withdrew her claw from Hermione's hair, but in the process scratched a nail across Hermione's neck, leaving a thin line of blood. "Where's your brother today?"
"Busy."
Hermione's hand went to her neck and her other hand to her wand, but Edward shifted in front of Hermione and turned her away from the hag. Ginny heard the hag whisper as she sucked on the fingernail which had drawn Hermione's blood. "If you change your mind, Mr. Lestrange—premium Mudblood is much more valuable than hair, you know."
Soft laughter, caused them to turn. "Selling body parts now, are you, Lestrange," Drawled a lazy voice from the shadows. "Or are you just showing them the sights."
"It's none of your business, Malfoy," snapped Ron, pulling out his wand yet again.
"Get your brother settled down," suggested Tom. "People are looking—wondering if there is going to be a duel."
"This is getting us no where," hissed Ginny. "We're drawing attention."
"Get your hood up," Edward muttered to Hermione.
Indeed they were drawing attention. They needed to move off of the street and find __________where Ginny and Edward hoped they sold Pensieves.
"Just seeing the sights," said Edward. "Want to join us?"
What was Edward playing at? There was no way they wanted Draco to join them. That would be worse than Edward himself being with them. Harry started to protest, but Edward continued undaunted. " Darla has a book for me at ___________" he said.
Draco paled. "I have other things to do," he said shortly and after giving Samara a critical eye for hanging on to Harry's arm, he strode off.
Samara hesitated a moment and then pushed off of Harry's arm and hurried after Draco. "Draco! Wait!"
He stopped.
"Who's Darla?" Hermione asked Edward.
"Vampire," said Edward. "She's had the bookshop in Knockturn Alley for several hundred years as far as I can tell. And she does have a book for me. You don't mind stopping, do you? It's on the way."
"No," said Ginny. "But we need to hurry. We've wasted enough time already. Samara!"
==
As soon as Samara caught up with Draco, he grasped her arm, and turned her to face him. "Why didn't you tell me your were coming to Knockturn Alley?" he asked.
"I didn't want you mad at me," she answered truthfully.
Draco shrugged, releasing his grip on her arm. "Of course, you could have picked better company, but if I'd have known you were coming, you could have saved me a trip."
"Really?"
"I would have given you a list."
"Draco! Come look at this!" called an excited young voice from a shop doorway.
Samara recognized one of the little "puppies" who missed out on the Halloween Party.
"And you could have babysat, too," said Draco in a bored drawl.
"Draco!" called the "puppy" again.
"In a minute," Draco answered sharply his eyes never leaving Samara. "What are you looking for anyway?" He looked over her shoulder at the little group of Gryffindors., as Ginny Weasley moved closer to Samara to try to hurry her conversation. They looked pathetically out of place.
"Oh, they found out that my wand is infused with basilisk skin. They went crazy! They think I should get a new one."
"A new wand?"
"Right."
"Can I have your old one?" Draco joked.
"I'm not getting a new wand," said Samara.
"Of course not," said Draco, his lips brushing hers. "The old one fits you perfectly, but Olivanders is in Diagon Alley."
"Samara!" called Ginny.
"They want to get a pensieve too," said Samara.
"For who?"
"Samara," said Ginny again.
Samara shook her head. "It's complicated. I'll tell you later."
Samara started to pull away, but Draco's hands tightened on her arms again. "How did you get here?" he asked.
"Floo."
"They let you use the public floo? It's monitored!"
"See," said Tom. "I told you using the public floo was risky. You should have let me apparate you."
"How would I have explained that, Tom?"
"Learned it from a book. Worked for Samara."
"I guess I could have went with the old standby—I had this friend in first year."
Tom chuckled.
==
"They didn't exactly let us use the floo," Samara told Draco. "Edward, umm, convinced them to ahhh—ignore us."
Draco shook his head. "He's an idiot. He should know better. If the officials remember you when you come back through, you're toast. They'll deliver you right back to Dumbledore with a lecture and points off for leaving Hogsmeade. Floo back through Hogshead. No questions. But have your wand drawn, just in case they're nervous. In fact, send Harry and Hermione first. They can apparate and tell the proprietor that you're flooing.
==
"You shouldn't stand in one spot for too long," suggested Tom. "You're drawing attention."
"Samara!" called Ginny again.
"Gotta go," said Samara.
"Go then," said Draco gently pushing her away.
She turned back to him and kissed him. "I'll see you later in Slytherin, OK?"
"Maybe."
"Draco."
"Sure," he said with a smile.
==
The stop at the bookshop was enlightening. The little group browsed while Edward picked up his book, but Harry was determined to find out what book Edward wanted from this bookstore. It was obviously a Dark bookstore in more ways than one. Tiny reading lights that could be turned on and off in deference to the store's owner were situated along the shelves. Other than that, there was no light in the dingy store and all the blinds were drawn. Harry felt like he was in the restricted section of the library—at night---at Drumstrang instead of Hogwarts, trying to cast lumos with Ron's spello-taped wand.
Darla herself was unremarkable, except that she looked very young—perhaps only as old as Harry himself. She was also pretty, Harry thought with a smile. Then she smiled back, revealing inch long fangs. Harry took several steps backwards in surprise and bumped into Ginny. Ginny turned and faced Darla.
"Virginia?" said Darla, coming around the counter to inspect her. She glanced again at Edward. "And in such good company—"
She smiled again showing those hideous fangs. "It's good to see you--alive," she told Ginny.
"Thank you," Ginny said demurely.
"Do you have a book called Potions for Life and Love, by Helga Hufflepuff?," asked Hermione.
Darla turned her attention to Hermione, but didn't answer. Her eyes sort of glazed over and her nostrils flaired as if smelling something. She gripped the counter until her knuckles whitened.
"Out!" Ginny said, Pushing Hermione toward the door. "Get out, now." The group hastened toward the door.
Edward following a little more slowly. "I'm sorry," he said. "I guess we should have wiped the blood off of your neck, Hermione." He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, wet it with his wand and proceeded to wipe off the blood now.
"I'll do that," said Ron, grabbing the handkerchief.
"You knew that Darla's potion wouldn't work when she smelled warm blood!" spat Ginny. "That was inexcusable!"
"I just didn't think!"
And what about you Ginny?" said Samara. "What was that all about?" she asked. "And how do you know Darla. And how do you know that her potion wouldn't work? What potion?"
"Oh no," said Tom "Now what are you going to tell them?
"I don't' know," said Ginny weakly.
"Of course you know," Samara demanded.
"You know we could always try the truth. It would be a novel experience."
"I think she was a friend of someone I knew in first year," said Ginny softly. "I don't remember her." Ginny glanced at Harry and Hermione. "I know the potion does for vampires what wolf's bane does for werewolves—it helps them cope."
"But—" began Samara.
"We're drawing attention again," said Harry softly. "I think we should leave." Indeed a crowd of unsavory residents of Knockturn Alley had gathered around them. They were murmuring and speculating about them in chilling detail.
"Go," said Edward, catching Ginny's hand and hurrying up the street. They turned a corner and broke into a run. About a block later, Ginny stopped.
Here's the store," Said Edward. "___"
They composed themselves and went into to buy the pensieve.
The salesman wasn't readily available when they entered the store. "Oy Bradwr! ," Ginny called, and a short gray haired man that reminded Harry vaguely of Mr. Olivander came from behind a curtain that obviously separated the back room from the rest of the store.
"May I help you?" he asked in a deep polite voice. His eyes traveled over the group and the curiosity in his eyes was quickly squelched.
"I hope so, Bradwr," said Ginny. "A pensieve, please. It needn't be very big." Ron moved up behind her and to give her moral support, put his hand on her shoulder.
"Do I know you?" the man inquired.
"No," Ginny said—
"Oh yes we do, Ginny Love. Bradwr was one of my friends at Hogwarts."
"But I know you very well." Ammended Ginny. "Very well, indeed, Bradwr Eifion . You are a friend of a friend."
"You're just a child," said Bradwr unbelievingly.
"Since when is being a child a liability," said Tom.
"Ah, yes," Ginny said "but being a child need not be a liability.
Ginny was suddenly treated to remembrances of potion brewing and she instantly had the knowledge that one of the ingredients of the elixir of life was a child's blood. I didn't want to know that, she thought. She hesitated, and felt the familiar tingles of Tom attempting to take her over.
"It might be an asset," she said, recovering herself. "Especially in the eyes of our mutual--acquaintance."
"And who might that be?" whispered the man.
"He knows of whom we speak," said Tom. "He's playing you. He designed the skull and snake for me—We were good friends, until—well, never mind."
"I think you know," said Ginny. "The fellow you used to call friend. The one you did that lovely artwork for—back at Hogwarts. He remembered you fondly the last time I communicated with him…"
"Whatever you want," he whispered. "It's yours. Just tell him, I'm not brave. I couldn't –"
"Hush," said Ginny. "He knows. Now. We'd like a pensive."
"And whose pensive will this be?" asked Bradwr.
"Mine," answered several in the group.
Bradwr raised an eyebrow. "When you first came in the store," he said softly. "I thought you didn't belong here, but I see I was mistaken."
Hermione chocked.
"Purged or unpurged." Said Bradwr, now the quintessential salesman.
The group answered together again.
Hermione and Harry saying "purged."
Edward saying "unpurged."
Ron and Ginny asking "which one is cheaper?"
Samara didn't answer. She was examining the contents of one of the pensieves in the corner display adjacent to the roaring fire. It was a large solid gray granite bowl with flecks of pink in it. The silvery liquid inside was boiling with activity.
Edward moved over to Ginny and possessively wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her away from Ron.
Bradwr surveyed the group again.
Harry had moved over to Samara's shoulder. He knew from experience that sometimes you could fall into a pensieve and it was very hard to get out of. He touched her shoulder, but she didn't respond. He shook her. Still she didn't respond. Edward strode over and pulled out his wand—"emancipo!" he said.
Samara looked up, her eyes were dewy with excitement and her mouth was hanging open. "How much for this one?" she gasped.
"200 galleons," said the salesman without a blink.
"200 galleons, that's absurd," blurted Ron.
"That pensieve belonged to Morgan le fey's grandson," said Bradwr. "Those memories are priceless—but---but if you want it--"
"Oh, no." said Hermione. "We just want something that we could—um"
"Play with," Edward supplied.
Bradwr smiled indulgently. "I understand," he said, moving to a lower shelf near the back of the store. There sitting behind a collection moving figurines of dragons, gryffins and hypogrifts were several small ordinary pensives—if such things could be called ordinary. On a nearby table a set of wizard's chess was set up, waiting to be played.
Ron reached out and touched a knight who was mounted on a unicorn. The creature lowered it's horn and tried to gore Ron's finger.
"Oh, no, you don't touch it," said Bradwr. "Those pieces are only moved by magic."
"Woah, wicked!" said Ron, intrigued now.
"Let me show you," he said. With a wave of his wand, he moved several pieces so that the game was in play. With a grin, he moved the queen, who was a beautiful pale witch. She came to the space to put the opposing king in check. The chessboard queen, pulled out her wand and trained it at the dark king. "Crucio," she said in a soft feminine voice and the king writhed and moaned without leaving his space.
"Oh—"Hermione stared appalled.
"Hard to concentrate with all that moaning," said Ron with a tight voice.
"Well, then, you would want to end the game quickly," said Bradwr. With another wave of his wand, the white rook moved forward to join the queen's attack. The wizard castle pointed his tiny wand and a shot of silvery green light bloomed from it. "Avada Kedavra," said the chess piece, and the Dark King exploded in a shower of sparks.
"Too expensive," muttered Ron.
"When she is on an adjacent square, your queen can also use imperious curse on your opponent's players to move them out of turn.
'Marvelous," deadpanned Ron.
"Anyway, we came for the pensieve." Interrupted Ginny How much for that one?" She pointed at random to one of the pensieves on the shelf, and Bradwr brought it to the counter for their inspection.
"This pensieve belonged to an elderly Hufflepuff witch. Several of her children were killed. I believe that is most of the memories in this pensive."
"How much?" said Ginny again.
"30 galleons," said Bradwr "and 10 for the purging charm."
"20 galleons," said Ginny
"And we don't care if it's purged," added Edward.
Bradwr raised his eyebrows. "Well, since you are a friend of a friend," said Bradwr. "25 galleons."
"That's still too much," interjected Edward. "I think we should invite our mutual friend to visit—"
Samara stepped forward and muttered a spell. Bradwr turned a familiar shade of green. "I've slowed it down a little and added a splitting headache," she told her friends.
"I think 20 galleons is fair," she said to Bradwr."And I will take off your curse."
"I'm in business," Bradwr moaned. "I can't—" He swallowed hard, fighting nausea. Apparently his headache didn't allow him to think of going for his own wand.
"15 galleons," said Samara. "Because the last time I did this curse it lasted a little over 15 hours. But like I said, I slowed it down a little. If you'd like we could come back in a couple of hours and see if you change your mind about the price, but then it will be--10 galleons."
Bradwr dove for the trash can, as the nausea got the better of him.
"I think she's been spending too much time in Slytherin," muttered Hermione.
"That could be true," agreed Tom.
"Stop it, Samara," said Harry.
She gazed at Harry for a moment, then shrugged. "It's your money," she said and with a wave of her wand, lifted the curse."
Immediately Bradwr straightened and blinked at them. "10 galleons," he said to Harry. "For you, kind Sir. And for the purging charm."
"No need," said Edward. "I have a purging charm." He held up the book that he had bought earlier.
Bradwr wrapped the pensive, his eyes never leaving Samara's face.
Just as they were ready to leave the store, the man reached out hesitantly and touched Samara's robe. "Madam," he spoke, addressing Samara. "Tell your—um—our mutual acquaintance that I have never spoken—never betrayed—never—"
"He knows," Ginny said shortly, but Tom had retreated and was silent. The rush of his thoughts too quick for Ginny to follow.
When they left the store, they walked to Diagon Alley and had lunch before they went to Olivanders. They practically had to drag Samara, but she reluctantly went, stating flatly that she had no intention of getting another wand.
Olivander in his odd way, greeted them by naming their wands—asking how they were working for them and if they were taking good care of them. "I bought wand polish just the last time I was at Hogsmeade," said Hermione. " I remember," said Olivander. "Oak, 10 ½ inches and Griffin talon."
Hermione smiled at him. "And you," he said to Ron. "You are the one who spell-o-taped his brother's wand. Spell-o-tape! It's a wonder you didn't kill someone. How is your wand now?"
"Just fine," answered Ron.
Unicorn Hair, willow; said Olivander.
"And you," he said to Edward. "Yew and Harpy." Such a strange combination. But powerful. Yew for life after life and Harpy who carries souls to hell."
" And Harry Potter., Phoenix, 11inches, Holly. How is Dumbledore's familiar treating you?"
"Very well," answered. Harry, letting Olivander examine his wand as he did the others. "Oh dear," said Olivander as he took the wand in his hand. "Oh dear. Oh dear. What's happened to it?"
"Well, it's dueled with Voldemort," said Harry.
"No. No. No. I see that, but what has Fawkes done?"
"Oh," said Harry. "He infused it with some of his ashes—"
"When he burned. Oh, yes. I see now. An awesome magical event. Were you present?" Olivander asked in a hush.
"Yes. He was re-born on my lap."
"Oh. I would have loved to see that. You know not many people have seen a phoenix burn. Awesome birds. Healing and Power. I wish he had given a few more feathers, but I daresay, he was disappointed about how his last feather was used. Perhaps that's why he chose to add the infusion to yours.
"What's the difference between an infusion and a core?" asked Harry. "We studied cores, of course, but not much about infusions. Why is that?"
"Well, infusions aren't used much anymore," said Olivander. "They aren't quite as safe as cores, and it's always difficult to find a spontaneous magical event surrounding the infusible substance.
"Are they considered less safe because they can be used to draw from the Elementals?" asked Samara.
"Yes. That's right," said Olivander. "But there's not much call for them. Last I heard of anything being infused with a magical substance were the Firebolt broomsticks. Illegal of course. Big stink about it. I'm sure you heard it on the wireless. The Ministry almost closed the company, claiming the company was fighting dragons to produce a magical event and then using the Dragon wings as an infusion, in their brooms, but it was a hoax. No brooms were found with infusions of anything in their broomsticks.
Harry just stared at him.
"So—Are you here for a wand?" Olivander asked Samara.
"I have a wand," she said. "Pulling it from her hair."
He took it in his hand. "Basilisk skin and cedar," he said. "A very complementary combination. For a healer or a warrior, or perhaps both. Your wandmaker must have been very skilled to find a basilisk involved in a magical event. Usually that event would involve the killing of whomever is closest."
"I made my own wand," said Samara.
Olivander eyed her speculatively and handed her wand back to her. "If you decide you want to be a wandmaker when you graduate Hogwarts, come and see me. Those skilled in the tedious work of wandmaking sometimes are uncomfortable working with dangerous magical creatures. Although these days, danger is everywhere."
"I don't know anything about making a wand with a core," said Samara.
"That's fine," said Olivander. "I believe that infusions may eventually come back into vogue anyway."
"Really?" asked Harry
Olivander nodded. "It's inevitable. With the Dark Lords using wandless magic, the light wizards will have to use wands to equal their power.
"You don't think Samara should get another wand?" Questioned Hermone. "You're just going to let her leave with that?"
"Of course," said Olivander. "I couldn't possibly get a closer match than she has done. Ideally, every wizard or witch should be involved in the making of their own wand. It strengthens the magic, making it very difficult for an enemy to take their wand. I can't duplicate what she has done."
"But it's a basilisk," said Harry.
"An ancient basilisk," said Olivander. "Making it easier for her to revive and use ancient magic. I am glad you showed me this. A youngster embracing the old magics is indeed a sight for these old eyes." He grinned at her. Anything else you need.? Some wand polish?"
==
I can't believe he wouldn't give you another wand," fumed Hermione as they left.
They discussed using the public floo again and Samara flatly refused, saying she was going to floo to Hogshead, with or without them.
"Hogshead is probably safer," agreed Edward, "But I hated to suggest it when you were so worried about Knockturn."
"Are you out of your mind," snapped Hermione. "Hogshead is a pub filled with—with criminals.
"She was going to say filled with Death Eaters. You know that don't you?" asked Tom.
"So I guess Edward or I should go first," thought Ginny.
"Let Edward go," said Tom.
"Well if we're going to Hogshead, I should probably go first," said Harry. "As Draco said, I can apparate and they can't watch every corner like they do the floo."
"But Harry," said Ron. "You're taking Malfoy's advice? He'd be glad if you got killed."
"No he wouldn't," said Samara.
"Harry," said Hermione. "If someone wants to take you to—to—Him—Plus—" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Remember the trouble you had in apparation. What if it's worse? You won't be alert and ready to use your wand when you arrive—I'll go," she said more loudly.
"Pfaw! A mu—muggleborn? You don't realize the danger."
"I'll go first," Ginny interrupted Edward.
"You will not!" said Harry grabbing her arm.
There was a flash from the fireplace. "Hogshead!" said Ron.
"Ron!" called Hermione. "Itare phantasma!"
Harry followed her apparition and the others took the floo.
"Well, that wasn't so bad? Was it?" asked Edward.
"No. I guess not, but I think I'm going to keep my hair short next time we go somewhere like Hogshead or Knockturn," said Hermione.
"Next time?" said Harry.
"Well I wouldn't mind going back for that Morgan le Fey pensieve," said Samara dreamily, but I'll have to save forever—
When they got back to Gryffindor Tower it was late and supper was almost over. They hurriedly grabbed some supper and went up to the boy's dorm to look at Edward's book on purging the pensieve. Hermione was complaining that she hadn't finished her reading for class, so Ginny took Edward's book off of her, and suggested she do her reading. Hermione looked at her for a moment, and then nodded. "What about your homework, Ginny?" she asked.
"We'll get your homework done. Don't worry about it," Tom assured her.
"I'll get it done," said Ginny. "It's almost done already."
"Really?" said Hermione surprised.
Ginny nodded and sat reading aloud from the manual which Edward had bought.
"It doesn't say anywhere that you have to look at the memories to purge it," said Ginny.
"Yes, but Edward wants to," said Harry.
"That's sick," replied Hermione.
"Edward!" Ginny nudged him and he looked up at her, glassy eyed.
"What?"
"We aren't here to look at the pensieve. We're here to purge it."
"OK OK," said Edward. "I'll figure it out." He picked up his manual to examine it again. "It looks like there are two different ways to do this. You can charm the memories away from inside the pensieve or use a purging potion."
"Harry's best at charms," said Ron.
"Let's do the potion," said Hermione. "No one wants to look at these memories. He said they are of the old woman's children dying."
"Oh, I don't mind," said Edward. "It's not like it's likely to be anyone I know. Of course, I'm not sure if I can do the charm, but I can try. Let me study it a bit."
"How long does the potion take?" asked Hermione.
"Just an hour," said Ginny, but we don't have any horn of bicorn.
"Snape and Figg both do," said Edward. "We could get it tomorrow."
"I don't know if this is a good idea," said Parvati.
"Of course, it is," replied Ginny. "you agreed."
"We'll get it purged," promised Edward.
"I'll do it," said Harry, looking over Ginny's shoulder at Edward's book. "The charm isn't that hard and we won't have to wait for the potion or steal ingredients." Harry pulled his wand with this right hand and with his left touched the surface of the pensieve.
Immediately, he was dropped into a memory. It didn't seem to be a bad memory. It was a Quiddich game: Hufflepuff-Gryffindor.
Obviously, the person who had the pensieve was a Hufflepuff because the memory followed a Hufflepuff chaser. Harry raised his wand to begin the purging charm, as the announcer spoke: "That's Bones with the quaffle and look out, there's a bludger!"
The bludger whacked the chaser on the side of the head. "Bones is off of his broom," said the announcer as the Hufflepuff boy plummetted to the ground.
The person who held the memory was rushing pell-mell through the crowd to get to the fallen chaser, but Harry's eyes were drawn to a messy haired Gryffindor player who had glided down next to the fallen Hufflepuff—his father! Thought Harry! James Potter was observing the Hufflepuff with concern. Shoving his hair out of his eyes, he turned to one of the bystanders, another Hufflepuff. "Is he alright, Lily?" asked James Potter.
She turned. Startling green eyes met Harry's—no—she could not see him, Harry reminded himself. "I hope so," she said. Harry sucked in his breath, wanting despirately to touch her, to let her know that he was here, that he could see her--
And then the memory moved forward, following the hurt Hufflepuff.
Harry couldn't bring himself to raise his wand and erase his parents from this memory. There was only a moment, and even though, it was regretable that that Hufflepuff fell from his broom, it was not from Dark Magic. It was the first time, Harry could look into his parents' faces without hearing dementers in the background.
He replayed the last few minutes of the memory, watching his father fly. Now, that he knew where his father was, he could pick him out of the Gryffindor team, just by observing his flying style. The rumors were right. James Potter was an awesome flyer. He was not much older than Harry in this memory—maybe a sixth year, Harry thought. James pivoted the broom with his left hand, just like Harry had done a million times himself, turning his wrist slightly so that the whole of his hand supported the broomstick, and his right hand was free to catch the snitch. Harry felt tears collect in his eyes as he watched his mother in her Hufflepuff robes turn her face toward the game. She shaded her eyes with her hand for a moment and then pulled out her wand, probably doing a charm to keep the sun out of her eyes, thought Harry.
They didn't seem to know one another. Was this where they met? Wondered Harry, or were they just cool to one another because they were on opposite teams. He thought of how he felt uncomfortable playing Cho.
Harry raised his wand, but instead of purging the memory, he replayed it again, marveling at the uneventful moment.
"Harry?" Edward was at his shoulder. "The others were worried about you, but no one wanted to enter the memories. Harry?" said Edward again.
Harry dashed the tears from his eyes and raised his wand obliterating the memory, just as his mother turned her green eyes toward him.
"Easy to get caught up in them, isn't it?"
"I believe each memory or group of memories, has to be erased separately," said Harry.
He obliterated several more in quick succession without looking at them, and had raised his wand again when Edward stopped him.
The memory came into view in a quick pop. Harry realized the watcher had just apparated from another place. This place was horrifying. There were three women, two blonde and one with jet black hair all standing on the doorstep of a burning building—someone's home, Harry thought. With a start Harry realized that he knew the women—at least he knew two of them—Narcissa Malfoy and Valeriana Lestrange. The other must be Laurel. Harry raised his wand to obliterate the memory, but Edward's hand pushed his wand down, his eyes on the women, no, woman, Edward's mother. Harry wondered if Edward had ever seen pictures of his mother. Surely his grandmother had pictures, but Edward was watching like a starved man watches a boiling pot and Harry turned back to the scene, understanding and yet not agreeing with, Edward's need to see his mother.
With morbid fascination, Harry too watched the image of the woman he had killed when he was just a baby. She was smaller than Narcissa, with blacker eyes, like Valeriana. With Narcissa on Valeriana's right and Laurel on her left, the three sisters chanted a spell he didn't know. And then they joined hands. The power of the spell doubled, no quadrupled, or more--The flames flashed and burned brighter, shooting to the sky. "Easy, Valeriana," scolded Narcissa as they dropped hands. "We don't want to kill them yet."
"Knock! Knock!" called Laurel in a sing song voice. "Search and curse—"
Between the sniggers, Valeriana called, "Can the little Bones come out to play?".
"Come out, come out, wherever you are!" called Narcissa.
All three joined hands again and laughed. A robed figure rushed out of the burning building. The robe was on fire, the woman clutching a baby in her arms. She didn't have a wand. One of the witches, said a word: "Crucio!"
The flaming woman dropped to the ground and the baby fell with her, the screams of the woman and baby mingled, and then the watcher was running forward toward the fallen woman and her baby, the wild sparks of magic flying from her wand. Glacio Flagella! And then Valeriana was hit with a curse. She returned it with one of her own: "Crucio!"
Harry had been unaware that he could feel a spell through the pensieve, but apparently since this was the watcher's memory and since the watcher remembered the feelings, he and Edward were both connected to it. Both Harry and Edward were rendered speechless by the mere memory of the crucio spell.
Harry felt as if his internal organs were being ripped apart inside of him, and Edward moaned, a trickle of blood coming from his left nostril. Harry sniffed, realizing that his nose too was bleeding within the memory. "Too rough," muttered Edward. "Just like Ethan."
"Ethan?" wondered Harry.
And then the spell was lifted. With superhuman strength, the watcher, darted forward to gather the baby and the woman in her arms, with the intention of apparating them, but the woman pulled away.
"Arvil!" she said. "He's still inside. They killed him.
"Then there's nothing you can do—" begged the watcher.
"But what will they do with his body?" She pulled away from the watcher and ran for the house. Harry could think of quite a number of gruesome dark magics that would animate a dead body. He shuddered.
"Why we'll bury him of course, like a muggle in earth," chanted Laurel, and raising her hands, and when her sisters joined her the earth cracked beneath the woman's feet and she along with the entire house slipped into the abyss that was created.
"Mudbloods and muggle-lovers first," said Narcissa, as the chasm in the earth closed over the flaming house.
Valeriana turned her wand toward the watcher again, and suddenly the memory was gone, swallowed in the movement of the watcher's apparition.
Harry looked at Edward. His eyes were shining in unabashed awe. "Obliterate!" called Harry, erasing the memory from the pensieve. He erased the next several memories in quick succession. He caught several flashes of green as he hurried past them. Perhaps they were Dark Marks in the sky. Perhaps they were Avada Kedavra curses. He didn't know. He didn't want to know. Winded with the quick succession of spells, he paused, and Edward took up the spell. "Obliterate!" He called. "Take a break," he told Harry, and gratefully, Harry pulled himself out of the pensieve and the awful memories.
"Harry!" called Ginny, catching his hands and looking into his face. "Are you alright?"
"I think so," said Harry sniffing. "Is my nose bleeding?"
Hermione shook her head. "No," she said.
Harry nodded, closing his eyes for a moment. All he could see was the three sisters, standing hand in hand. He no longer felt bad about killing Laurel when he was a baby. "What time is it?" he asked.
"Nearly ten," said Ron.
"I don't think we're going to get to put any memories into the pensieve tonight," said Harry sinking down wearily into a seat. "It's taking longer than we thought to purge it."
"Is Edward OK," asked Ginny concerned.
"Yeah," said Harry frowning at her. "He's OK," Harry sniffed. "It's a family reunion."
NOTES TO THE REVIEWERS:
Since we are so close to the end, I think I need to up the ante to 15 reviews. Tell your friends to review. Get other people to the story. –Lady Lestrange
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Jager Glad you think it's better and better. Wait till you see the sequel.
Trillium Do you really think *puppy eyes* is going to do anything for me? Now if you can get any of those custom puppy puffs off of the twins—Yes/ Get more peeps hooked on the story. Good idea. Do it now. Neville's surprising sometimes.
. ~Joda~ Wish more people weren't scared off by long stories, but I agree. Hate waiting for updates. I try to be less than a week between chapters, so keep that in mind for the sequel.
. liltrick89 Glad you like the way I'm taking Harry...wow. That line in a chapter way back (can't remember) of "they never tell me anything!" was just like, freaky. It was so close to the 5th book! I know and it was written before the 5th book came out.I wasn't kidding about studying JK's books.
No one's a big fan of Samara...I think it's because about the time you see yourself in her, she switches houses and does something totally "not you".
Eizoku Missed you. Glad you're back.
The Elemental Sorceress Probably a few more poems-Peeves in the next book. I have a website for Latin/English translation. I can never get websites to appear here, but send me an email and I'll send it to you. e too much. Gotta quit that—but ennui did such a good job on it. Draco's reaction to Samara saying she was muggleborn—consider this quote to Hermione at the World cup—OK it's not a quote. I don't have the HP books unpacked. (We just moved) but he said something like, "You think they can't spot a mudblood? Stay here and you'll be sporting your knickers" So, we have to assume that purebloods make sure they can tell who is a pureblood and who has wizarding blood and who is a mudblood. Now, since Draco was certain she had wizarding blood, he had to think she was lying to him. Squibs just didn't cross his mind.
ele Interesting for Sam. Yep.!
Reiven I'm working on fighting off the Imperio of yours. You know you want this chapter perfect, right? Don't rush me. And ennui wasn't completely right, but she got a lot of it.
Silverfox1 Where would that brother come from? And is he really a full brother? ... Re read the prologue.
ennui deMorte it took me absolutely friggin' forever to figure the stuff out. But me, a seer, let me contemplate that one...Sure I'd beta for you.
Wait till Samara really meets Draco's mother. Not what is expected.
Your thought about Samara's brothers made me think, yes they probably would gang up on him==very quickly—"We can get a couple good punches in before he reaches that bloody stick of his—" Way unfair battle though. Draco would curse them silly.
.You said, Samara should have blasted him into the lake and let him drown! Maybe, but you can't deny that he's "slytherin" Amazes me you like Tom and hate Draco. HMMMM.
Tom's comment on Ginny not telling her brothers about Rookwood's blood - lol. And then blackmailing them about the clock - Tom was so proud!
I have one word for you: Cantsay - erghh! I should've saw that one sooner.
Come and join the group:
At least stop by to look at the pic - it is how I see that Dark Mark above Hogwarts.
Kemenran, more please. Certainly.
Just 15 reviews to the next chapter. Non-stop action to the end. Tell your friends. Lady Lestrange.
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