Hank found himself staring at each one, unable to tear his eyes from the visions he was being shown. He'd known that the Dursleys treated Harry as slave labour, but he never dreamed that they could have treated him this badly; especially as a toddler, unable to fight back. Hank felt his eyes burn as another flare showed itself, revealing an image of Harry. He couldn't have been any older than five or six; laying down inside a cramped closet, crying himself to sleep.
Hank lowered his hands as they balled into fists, staring at the image; but he was soon distracted by a dim glow that had appeared a ways away. Averting his gaze from the memories, Hank stared at the glow for a moment before heading toward it; trying to block out the hateful phrases reverberating through Harry's mind.
As Hank moved from the light that Harry's memories were creating, he noticed his own body gave off a dim glow, allowing him to see his footing and a small area around him. He halted briefly as he saw a faint glimmer of metal off to the side. His curiosity getting the better of him, Hank extended a hand and illuminated the immediate area, feeling his breath catch in his throat at what he saw.
It was a metal cage, as large as the Gryffindor common room. It had a door, and it currently had a large deadbolt chained to it; but what Hank was staring at, was what was currently sitting in the centre of the prison. Sitting cross legged and seemingly asleep, was a Felanade; motionless and seemingly oblivious to everything around it. Smiling imperceptibly, Hank approached the bars, taking in the magnificent grandeur that the Feline projected from his presence alone. Sighing inaudibly, Hank turned away from the cage to recommence his travel toward the dim glow; waving his hand and extinguishing the light on the cage as he did so.
Hank walked and walked, spotting new memories emerging as he travelled toward the glow. Not wanting to get distracted, Hank tried not to look at them, but from what he could tell, all of these memories were from Harry's time at Hogwarts rather than his home. Hank quickened his pace and started to jog; frowning as he saw the glow in the distance begin to flicker. It wasn't until he got considerably closer that he realized that something had been blocking his view … as though something was moving around in the darkness ahead of him.
Uneasiness was beginning to form in the pit of Hank's stomach, so he decided to go all or nothing. Gathering himself, Hank halted for a moment as he concentrated, focusing his thoughts on one thing … The next instant, a pair of brilliant feathered wings burst from his back, illuminating the area even further with their bright glow. Jumping upwards, Hank beat his wings forcefully, propelling himself forward, toward the flickering glow with blinding speed.
As he continued, the deafening threats and insults slowly faded; but Hank soon found that they were replaced with a different sound. He could hear a woman, screaming and pleading for her sons life as a high, cruel laughter filled the air.
Hank shuddered, only then just noticing the cold that was settling upon his very soul. He looked down toward the glow; now noticing small streaks of silver being hurled out into the darkness … which was moving. Hank frowned and turned his attention toward the darkness below him, feeling a stab of horror and revulsion at what he only then just realized was actually below him.
Dementors. Hundreds upon hundreds of them, slowly encroaching upon the only glimmer of light in the area apart from his own. Coming to the conclusion that this is most likely where he'd find Harry's consciousness, Hank immediately sped toward the ground. Harry was darting all around, hurling Patronus after Patronus out toward the Dementors, trying to keep them at bay. Hank landed heavily on the ground beside Harry and quickly analysed the situation; barely noticing the stunned look on Harry's face as he jumped a foot in the air, startled by his unexpected visitor.
"Hank!?" gasped Harry, momentarily forgetting that he was surrounded by Dementors. "How'd you get here?" Harry was staring at the wings protruding from Hanks shoulders in absolute awe. "And since when did you have wings?"
Hank turned to Harry and said hurriedly, "I'll explain as we go…" he suddenly raised his hand toward Harry, who started, and a moment later a glowing white tendril burst from his wrist, shooting inches past Harry's ear and connecting with a Dementor that had snuck up behind him. Harry whirled around and retreated a few steps, as the tendril wrapped itself around the Dementor, holding it steadfast. The rest of the swarm crept ever closer, and Hank raised his other arm, pausing again momentarily to gather himself.
Harry let out a yelp of surprise as hundreds of the same brilliant white tendrils erupted from both Hank's wrists, twisting and weaving at blinding speed, taking hold of the horde firmly.
"I can only hold them for a small amount of time Harry," said Hank in a strained voice. "I can't defeat them, for this is your mind … You have to do that."
"But how?" asked Harry. "There's so many of them!"
"This is your mind Harry," Hank explained. "If you will it, it will happen…"
Harry looked doubtful, but he still nodded and gave it a go. He took several deep breaths and shut his eyes; trying to block out his mothers cries, focusing his mind on placing some sort of barrier between himself and Hank, and the Dementors.
Hank looked around and saw the beginnings of a green shimmer, starting at the base of the Dementors feet, slowly making it's way upwards. Soon, both he and Harry were inside a small dome that had encircled them; completely blocking the Dementors passage toward them. But it didn't stop there. Hank's curiosity grew when he saw a dome rising behind the rear line of Dementors; slowly enclosing them in a dome much like theirs, only larger. The green glow closed in above them, effectively sealing the Dementors where they were standing, when the top of the larger dome began to sag. With growing interest, Hank watched as the two domes met at the top, creating a hole, yet keeping the Dementors between the two. Slowly, the hazy green barrier shrank in size; making something like a donut which contained the Dementors, while he and Harry were now standing in the open centre.
Harry opened his eyes and looked around, smiling in relief when he saw that it had worked. Hank lowered his arms and withdrew the Dementors bindings, smiling down at Harry as he beamed up at him.
"Well done Harry," congratulated Hank, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You did very well. Now we have to try and get you back where you belong … at the front of your mind, not down here in the bowels. Your friends are very concerned about you…"
Harry's smile faded from view and was replaced with a look of great sadness. "No they're not," he replied quietly. "They're probably happy that I can't get them into more strife…"
Hank gazed down at Harry intently. "I think you'll find them quite relieved, actually."
"Why would they be?" demanded Harry. "Ron was right! All I ever do, is attract trouble, and drag them along with me!" Harry hung his head, "They'll only get hurt if I go back…"
"They are hurting with you not there!" said Hank firmly. "Ronald was beside himself with guilt; Hermione was fretting over both Ron and you; and Ginny was desperately trying to call you back to them."
Harry looked up briefly at the mention of Ginny, but quickly looked at his feet again. "Yeah, I know about Ginny. She brought me back earlier on … but she was so upset, and it was all because of me…" Harry took a deep breath. "I can't keep hurting her the way I do…"
"Then, maybe you should know how much you're hurting her, by not going back," Hank replied gently. "Come on. I can take you back, if you wish, and then you can judge for yourself if your friends are happy about your current condition…"
Hank held his breath as Harry thought about his offer, releasing it when he looked up and nodded. Hank smiled and placed his hand atop Harry's head and concentrated. A few moments later, Harry faded from view and returned to his active mind. Hank smiled and leapt into the air, flying over the trapped Dementors and climbed higher, before vanishing in a shower of white light particles……
Harry blinked a few times to focus his blurry vision; the first thing him seeing was Hank do the same thing, giving his head a small shake to clear it. Harry groaned softly and shifted his position as Hank grinned down at him, also beginning to stand. Harry turned around and came to a sudden stop when he saw his friends staring at him, with varying levels of joy, shock and distress.
"H-Harry…?" said Ginny tremulously, her eyes darting from Hank to Harry rapidly.
"He's OK Ginny," Hank replied soothingly as he straightened up, smiling warmly down at her. "He's back…"
Harry looked at them all and hung his head guiltily. It's not that he wasn't happy that they were so concerned about him … but it was merely how he was responsible for making them all fret about him.
All of a sudden, Harry was almost knocked to the ground as three pairs of arms wrapped around his neck and chest, embracing him tightly. Catching his balance and breath, Harry looked down and saw that Hermione and Ginny, had buried themselves into his mane and Ron was kneeling by his side, with his arm across his shoulders. In spite of himself, Harry smiled inwardly and rested his head upon both Ginny's and Hermione's shoulders; purring loudly to reassure them that everything was fine.
He could feel Hermione and Ginny trembling against him with silent sobs, but he couldn't think of any other way to tell them that he was fine now. He quickly glanced toward Dumbledore, and was surprised to see him smiling at him; though Harry thought that he could see immense relief in his eyes.
Ginny suddenly pulled away from him and wiped away her tears, before turning her brown eyes toward his green.
"Oh Harry, we were so worried that you wouldn't come back!" she said, her voice wavering violently. "You don't know how happy I — How happy we are that you're all right!"
"Yeah Harry," Ron added, looking at him sadly as Hermione also pulled away from him. "And I'm really sorry about what I was saying earlier … I wasn't thinking about everything else you have to put up with at the moment … I was just being a stupid git…"
Ron trailed off when Harry shook his head at him, trying to tell him that it was OK … but once again he was misread.
"Yes I am!" Ron exclaimed, thinking he'd been referring to his statement about being a git. Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head again; now trying to get across that that wasn't what he'd meant … but once again, Ron misread him.
"Harry, I am trying to verbally berate myself here! You could at least let me do that without interruption!" He was pointing his finger at Harry playfully and had the most serious expression on his face that Harry had ever seen. If Harry were able to burst out into hysterical laughter, he would have. It was just the look of utmost seriousness that Ron had on his face as he tried to admonish himself that made it so funny to him. All Harry could do was give off some low growls and shake his head, but he did feel relieved when he spotted Ginny and Hermione giggling at Ron; obviously seeing the funny side to his behaviour as well.
"What?" asked Ron, a touch indignantly as he looked at everyone laughing at him.
Ginny tried to straighten her face as much as possible before replying, "I'll explain it to you later on, O brother dear … but, on a different note; I think it might pay if you tried to pay a bit more attention to what Harry does, when he's talking to you. You did a marvellous job of not understanding what he was trying to say to you…"
"And you did?" Hank asked curiously, drawing all attention toward himself.
"Pardon?" Ginny frowned.
Hank's gaze remained searching. "You understood what Harry was trying to say to Ronald?"
As Ron said "Can you not call me that please!", Ginny's frown deepened as she grew more perplexed about Hank's question. Slowly, she nodded her head in confirmation.
"How?" Hank pressed gently.
Ginny frowned as she tried to put her answer into words. "Well," she started, "This time around it was pretty obvious … It's just the way he moves and the different posture he takes, and then I try to match it up with his behaviour. You know … how he rolled his eyes before shaking his head really jerkily. That told me that Ron had gotten the wrong idea, but then Ron thought he was telling him that he wasn't a git again … because the first time Harry shook his head it was really slow, and he looked a little sad. I knew he was trying to tell Ron that everything was OK and not to worry about it …"
"OK, OK I get the idea," Hank grinned and raised his hands. "You understand him using body language … right?"
Ginny nodded, "Though, sometimes it's a lot harder to tell…"
"Why'd you ask?" Ron put in curiously, looking toward Hank.
"Oh … No reason…" he replied vaguely.
"Well!" Dumbledore spoke up suddenly, after remaining silent for the previous disscusion. "As everything here is now under control, I think we'd best get started on Mr Malfoy's little game…" his gaze flicked to Hank meaningfully before returning to Harry. "You've a magnificent transformed state Mr Potter. It is quite stunning. Although that being said, I hope that I don't see it on a regular basis." he finished, peering sternly over his half-moon glasses.
Harry nodded in affirmation, noting a small grin on Hank's face as he turned to leave.
"Don't forget that you three still have afternoon classes to attend," Dumbledore added, gesturing to Ron, Hermione and Ginny. "And lunch should have started by now, so why don't you all go and get something to eat?" he suggested in a fatherly fashion, smiling at them all before walking from the room.
"I'll see you in a little bit Harry," said Hank as he gave a small wave and followed Dumbledore, shutting the door behind him.
"Well I am getting hungry," said Ron, rubbing his stomach as it growled loudly.
"What about Harry though?" Ginny said, swatting Ron on the shoulder. "It's not as if he could come with us?"
At this, Harry shook his head and gestured toward the door, hoping that Ginny could decipher what he meant.
"Are you sure?" she asked gently, confirming that she'd understood. "You don't mind do you?"
Harry shook his head no, before motioning toward the door again, telling her that it was fine if they wanted to go to lunch. Ginny eyed him for another moment before turning to Ron and Hermione.
"He doesn't mind if we want to go and have something to eat," she translated for them. Ron and Hermione smiled as they patted him on the head and collected there things, before also walking from the room. Ginny sighed and stood also, and began to gather her belongings.
Harry watched as she ventured around the room, grinning inwardly as she started to blush. It was almost as if she could feel his eyes on her. Ginny finished sorting out her gear and flung her bag over her back before turning to face Harry again. Harry immediately walked over to her as he saw tears building in her eyes. Ginny knelt down and wrapped her arms around his neck when he reached her, sniffling as she tightened her grip around him.
"I'm really glad you're OK Harry," she whispered as she drew back, wiping her face as she slowly stood. Harry purred, trying to comfort her. He desperately wanted to transform so he could talk to her, but he didn't want to cause her more distress by watching him suffer such pain.
Ginny smiled weakly down at him. "I wish you could too…" she said softly.
Harry blinked in surprise, but before he could try and get another message across, Ginny had bent down and swiftly given him a soft kiss on his muzzle; almost running into the door in her hasty retreat.
Harry didn't even notice, for he'd felt as though he'd been struck by lightning, and was now bearing the after effects. He was still staring at the place Ginny had been standing, unable to move as the electricity that was shooting through him began to dissipate. Ever so slowly, Harry stumbled back toward the centre of the room and flopped to the floor, with the biggest, goofy grin a lion could manage, plastered to his face……
Ron, Hermione and Ginny were all eating lunch in record speed that day, wanting to get back up to Harry before the ceremony started.
"You know," Ron began through a mouthful of pie, "We don't have to be up there right away … It's not as if he can feel the pain now…"
Ginny glared at him. "That's not the point Ron," she said harshly. "He needs our company; now more than ever. It doesn't matter if he can't feel the pain or not. He's still stuck like that until this whole thing's over! It's very frustrating for him to not be able to interact with us properly…"
"Look at Snape!" Hermione whispered loudly, cutting off Ginny as she pointed toward the potions master. They all turned to face the teachers table, spotting what Hermione was referring to. Snape had just opened a letter that he'd received, visibly showing his concern over whatever he was reading. They watched with curiosity as Snape turned his gaze down the table, in search of something, or someone. The three friends followed his line of sight, and saw that Hank, who was just talking to Professor Flitwick, had now met Snape's worried gaze. Mild confusion flicked across his features as the two professors continued to stare at each other. Snape gestured to the letter subtly, and Hank shook his head as an understanding expression formed on his face. Snape looked mildly bemused, but Hank raised his eyebrows at him, and Snape visibly relaxed. Snape gave Hank a small nod before sliding the letter into his pocket, recommencing with his meal as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Hank shook his head again as he chuckled, then returned to the conversation he'd been having with Flitwick.
"Well that was odd," said Ginny, switching between Hank and Snape with her eyes. "They didn't even say anything!"
"Well, Hank did do the same thing with Harry," surmised Hermione as she returned to her meal. "He probably uses that Felanade magic to speak telepathically." She shook her head in disgust, obviously still not agreeing with Hank's usage of forbidden magic. Ginny, however, looked at Hermione in confusion.
"Wait a minute … Hank can use Kahn's magic! How? He's not one of them…"
"I know that," Hermione replied. "He knows how to use it though. He even made this from thin air," she continued, removing the blue rose that Hank had conjured earlier from behind her ear and handing it to Ginny.
"Why don't you like it?" said Ginny as she held the rose under her nose, inhaling it's fragrance. "It's not dangerous, is it?"
"Not what you've seen, no," Hermione answered grimly. "You've seen it used to heal … and just before, to help Harry. You didn't see what else you can do with it though…"
Ginny looked between Hermione and Ron; both of which were a little sombre. "What else can you do with it?" she pressed cautiously.
"Nothing much really," Hermione replied in a mockingly sweet voice. "Do you remember what we told you about the dragon, Diego?" she asked. Ginny nodded. "Well, Hank used this magic to do that. He just offed him like that!" Hermione clicked her fingers as though to prove her point.
"Jeez … you sure know how to sugar-coat something, don't you?" said Ron sardonically, rolling his eyes. "And you know that it was a last resort just as well as I do. As it was, Hank and Harry almost got scorched, so you should be thanking him instead of getting all squeamish over the magic he used to do it."
"I'm not questioning what he did, Ron," Hermione explained patiently. "I'm just a little iffy about him using magic, that the ministry forbade the use of decades ago."
"The ministry also forbade the interaction between wizards and Felanade's, and Dumbledore is blatantly disregarding it," pointed Ginny. "If he sees nothing wrong with them, then I think that should say something about the subject. It's obvious someone has really screwed up when it comes to Feline behaviour…"
"But the book said — "
"The book is wrong!" Ginny snapped, cutting off Hermione. "Everyone here that has actually sat down and interacted with Kahn, or knows his people, has done nothing but argue with you about them! Maybe you should take the hint!"
Ron and Hermione looked on, stunned by the outburst, as Ginny gave Hermione a withering glare before grabbing an apple from the table and storming out.
"Where the hell did that come from!?" spluttered Hermione, still staring after Ginny.
Ron shrugged. "I don't know … but she does have a point," he added, raising his eyebrows.
"You agree with her?"
"Yes I do. I like Kahn, and don't see anything wrong with Hank using their magic. In case you didn't notice, it saved all our arses today…"
With that, Ron also stood from the table and left; pausing only briefly to pat Hermione gently on the shoulder.
She watched as Ron strode purposefully after his sister, sighing softly when he vanished from sight. Maybe they had a point? After all, everyone was so adamantly disagreeing with her, so maybe she should give Kahn a chance. Hermione glanced up toward the teachers table in search of Hank, only to find he was striding over toward her.
"Greetings, Miss Granger," he said cheerfully, grinning down at her. "I was wondering if I could sit here?"
Hermione blinked, then turned her gaze to the Gryffindors seated near her, feeling her face grow warm as she saw them staring; obviously wondering why a Professor would want to sit with her.
"Or … Would you rather accompany me into the foyer?" Hank continued smoothly, also noting Hermione's awkward position.
"Um … C - certainly, Professor…" stammered Hermione, gathering her things quickly and walking toward the Entrance Hall.
"Is there something I should know about?" asked Hank politely, once they'd vacated the Great Hall and turned the corner.
"Err … Not that I know of…" Hermione answered evasively, keeping her eyes on the floor. She hoped that Hank wouldn't press the matter, for she didn't want him to know just how much she'd disliked his use of Feline magic. Though, she would try and explain that she was giving the idea thought.
"Now Hermione, you should know better than keeping things secret … especially from someone like me…" he trailed off and grinned mischievously.
Hermione slowed her pace and stared at Hank, as he also came to a halt. "You just heard everything I was thinking, didn't you…?" she said tetchily. "Well then why even bother asking me anything, if you're just going to read my mind!?"
Hank sighed before approaching her again. "I'm sorry if it upset you, but if you must know, I can only read your surface thoughts … what your currently thinking about. I can't go any deeper without your knowledge and approval … unless you were unconscious or unable to make a conscious decision."
"And that's supposed to make me feel better?" retorted Hermione, deadpan. "Quite frankly, I'm disgusted that you would read anyone's mind without their knowledge. Yet another reason why Feline magic shouldn't be used. Especially by humans. I was going to reconsider my opinion considering you, and your use of this magic; but you've just clarified that subject for me…" She shook her head and stepped around Hank, heading for the hospital wing, when she abruptly turned around again saying, "But, I guess you already knew that, seeing how you were probably still up here!" Hermione pointed at her head, while staring at Hank coldly, before spinning on her heel and storming down the hall.
"How could I be so stupid…" Hermione muttered as she rounded a corner. She should have known that the Feline magic would start to corrupt Hank. Using such magic never did anyone any good. Suddenly, as she rounded another corner, Hermione ran into something solid and stumbled backwards; feeling someone grip her firmly by the arms and steady her.
"Sorry," said a deep voice that made Hermione balk and take a step backwards. "Didn't mean for that to happen."
Hermione stared at Hank blankly, her eyes darting from him, back to the empty hall beside her, and back again.
"How did I do that?" asked Hank knowingly, just as Hermione had opened her mouth to ask just that. Hank grinned as she scowled up at him. "Well, that's an interesting question. There is something I'm going to confide in you. You can't tell anyone what I am about to tell you. Is that understood?" Hank stared down at Hermione sternly, until she gave a nervous nod. "Very well. You know that I can perform Felanade magic, and you don't agree with it … You know that a number of people, that you trust, associate with Felanade's, and you are also against that … and you think that I'm being corrupted by the magic that was so obviously not designed for me to use. Don't deny it!" Hank added suddenly, just as Hermione opened her mouth, shaking her head. "I know that's what you were thinking…"
"OK fine!" Hermione exclaimed, exasperated. "Yes, you're right, that's pretty much what I've had on my mind! It's obvious to me, that your use of this magic is making you behave differently than you used too. You never would have read our minds with it before … would you?" she added uncertainly.
"Actually, I have," Hank answered calmly. "Err … just one question though. You believe that I use magic to read your mind?" Hermione nodded, still glowering. Hank smiled faintly before sitting next to the wall and patting the area beside him. "Perhaps you should take a seat Miss Granger … I wouldn't want you to get hurt once I tell you this, for you would most likely collapse with the shock…"
Hermione frowned uncertainly, but still took a seat beside him.
"Now … Remember that you can't tell anyone this … not even your friends … and especially not Harry…"
"OK…" Hermione answered, still feeling thoroughly bewildered.
Hank eyed her for a moment, before nodding his head, and speaking. "Miss Granger, what I am about to tell you, will undoubtedly shock you … and most likely frighten you … but I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt," Hank paused briefly and drew a deep breath. "I don't use magic to read minds," he said, staring at Hermione studiously.
"Excuse me?" said Hermione, staring at Hank with wide eyes. "How could you not use magic? Unless…" she trailed off and looked up as Hank nodded.
"Yes," he answered. "I'm naturally telepathic. It's part of what I am … so is the Feline magic. It hasn't corrupted me, for I've used it most of my life … Err … Miss Granger, are you all right?" Hank was looking at Hermione in concern as her eyes practically popped from her head. He reached out a hand as she inched away from him, the colour draining from her face.
"Oh my god!" she whispered, covering her mouth and standing abruptly. "I was right! I was right about you, the whole time!"
"Actually, you were only half-right…" Hank said as he got to his feet, and motioned for Hermione to keep her voice down with little success, for she wasn't listening, and was bordering on the hysterical.
"You tricked all of us!!" Hermione continued shrilly. "You've lied to everyone!"
"I have not lied to everyone," Hank replied calmly, not wanting to get Hermione worked up any more than she already was. "The only people that didn't know about me, was you kids and most of the staff. Sirius, Remus, Snape and Dumbledore knew about me, as does Poppy … And the only reason that I didn't tell you and the others about me earlier, was because I knew that you'd all react this way!"
"Well we've got every reason too!" Hermione retorted, still backing away slowly.
"Why?" asked Hank sadly. "Because of what you've read in some book? How can you believe a book, over your own instincts? You should take Miss Weasley's advice you know, and ignore whatever you think you know about us…"
"I don't have to think about any of this," Hermione shot back nervously. "And right now, my so called instincts are telling me not to trust you…"
"Only because of what I've told you," said Hank, looking injured. "You thought nothing was wrong with me when we ran into each other in Diagon Alley? Or for most of the time I've been here."
"I didn't know what I know now though!"
"It shouldn't matter! You saw nothing wrong with me until a few minutes ago! Why should you not trust me now? I'm still the same person!"
"Far from it!" snapped Hermione viciously. "This is only your little act so you can blend in with us and not get caught!"
"I change my appearance so as to blend in, yes!" Hank admitted exasperatedly, "But there is no act. Why would Dumbledore allow me to be here if I was some insanely sadistic monster?"
"How should I know!" said Hermione spitefully. "For all I know, you might have put some sort of spell on him!"
"I would never do something so dishonourable as alter someone else's thoughts!" said Hank quietly, yet firmly. "And even if I would do such a thing, then why have I done nothing but help and assist everyone? If you believe me to be so evil, why would I destroy a companion in order to save the lives of my class? Why wouldn't I just let him run rampant and slaughter my charges?"
"Because you'd have to deal with Dumbledore!" answered Hermione without hesitation.
"Dumbledore?" Hank raised his eyebrows. "Dumbledore would pose little trouble if it ever came to that," he continued softly. "But it never would, because Albus is one of my fellows. We've known each other since we were young, and we both have the utmost respect for each other."
"What on earth would you know of respect?" remarked Hermione. "Your kind think only about themselves and how everyone can benefit them. You certainly have no qualms about killing people if it'll get you what you want!"
Hermione almost felt remorseful of her words when she saw the shattered expression cross Hank's features. She could almost feel the hurt and despair pouring from him, but held her conscience steadily. She was sure it was an act, so she would let her guard down or so she would trust him; but she wasn't going to fall for it.
Almost all of her doubts and fears disappeared, however, when she looked into his eyes and saw that they were shining with held back tears. Hermione felt her gaze soften as she took in his uneven breathing and downtrodden posture; her opinion changing again as she questioned if such a callous creature would be capable of shedding tears, if the reason was purely from insult. She answered that question immediately. No. If he was as evil as she believed, he wouldn't've been phased by her comments, and would have brushed them aside.
As Hermione thought about this, her memories returned to Hank's open weeping after he'd killed Diego … now realizing that he wouldn't have though twice about it if what the book said was in any way, true. Hermione was suddenly jolted from her thoughts, as Hank began to speak.
"I … I still ask of you, to not tell anyone what was just discussed," said Hank unsteadily. "I'll be informing Albus that … that I've told you this … but it's still your opinion, and your right to decide for yourself. I can't force you to believe any differently…"
Hermione felt everything she thought she knew evaporate, as Hank nodded to her politely and turned away; shoving his hands in his pockets and reassuming his confident and easygoing demeanour; perfectly hiding how upset he was.
As Hermione watched Hank stride down the hallway, a hundred different thoughts were running through her mind; all of which were referring to apologizing. She opened her mouth, with the intension to call out to him several times, but nothing would escape her throat. She sighed heavily as Hank turned the corner and vanished from sight; looking down at her feet as she scuffed at the floor guiltily.
Knowing that Hank was on his way to the hospital wing to visit Harry, Hermione decided to go back up to Gryffindor Tower, seeing how it would be quite awkward if she and Hank were in the same room at present. Sighing softly and taking one last look toward the end of the hall Hank just vacated, Hermione turned the other way and set off. Halfway down the hall though, she changed her mind and decided to go and apologize.
Turning on her heel, Hermione began to double-back; but before she'd taken a couple of steps, she felt someone grab her roughly from behind and twist her arms behind her back. Hermione let out a yelp of pain and surprise just before a hand appeared and covered her mouth, cutting her cry off abruptly. Struggling vainly against her captor's, Hermione felt a hand dig in her robe and pull out her wand, before being dragged into an abandoned classroom and plunged into darkness………
"Hey Ginny! Wait up!"
Ginny looked over her shoulder and saw Ron running to catch up to her. Still feeling angry about Hermione's unacceptance of Feline's and their magic, Ginny simply kept walking at the same speed and let Ron continue after her.
"Ginny!" he called again, sounding closer. Ginny just took another bite from her apple and ignored him. She needed to be alone for the moment to cool off, and didn't want to get into an argument with her brother over the way she'd spoken to Hermione.
Ginny heard Ron's footfalls increase in speed and grow louder as he closed the distance between them; finally feeling him grip her shoulder and turn her to face him.
"What is it Ron, cause I'm really not in the mood to talk to anyone at the moment, all right?" said Ginny heatedly, shrugging Ron's hand from her roughly.
"Why'd you do that?" asked Ron in between heavy breaths. "You know that Hermione takes everything she reads seriously."
"Yeah well … That's the problem!" Ginny shot back. "All everyone has done, is try and convince her to give them a chance; but no! She's got to take whatever she reads over the opinions of her friends!"
"But she doesn't have a reason to not believe a book that was approved by the Ministry," explained Ron calmly. "It's just the way she is. Books before experience. And because of what she's read about them, she's not about to interact with them and keep an open mind."
Ginny sighed and turned to continue down the hallway, knowing that Ron was right. It was just Hermione's way. Ginny took another bite from her apple, as she felt Ron walking beside her; smiling as he draped an arm over her shoulders, as he accompanied her to the hospital wing.
"I'm sorry that I snapped at you," said Ginny sheepishly, after walking in silence for a few minutes. "I was just annoyed with Hermione and … what with Harry …"
"That's OK Gin," said Ron gently. "With everything that's going on, I'm pretty sure that everyone's a bit on edge at the moment…"
He grinned down at her and she smiled back appreciatively, resting her head on his shoulder as the double doors came into view. Just as Ron was about to open them, something caught Ginny's eye and she turned to face it, starting as she saw Hank round the corner and approach them.
"What?" asked Ron when he felt Ginny stop and turn. He saw her staring at something, and followed her gaze, smiling when he also saw Hank; yet his grin faded as he sensed something was troubling him. He didn't seem as jovial as he usually was, and he let his bare feet scuff the floor on every other step.
"Hey Hank!" Ginny called, trying to smile happily at him. She'd also seen his dejected behaviour, and it bothered her. She was so used to seeing him smiling boyishly at everyone, and it troubled her to see him in such a state. "You coming to see Harry before afternoon classes as well?"
Hank glanced up at them when Ginny called out, painting a smile on his face as he did so.
"Yes I am, Miss Weasley," he answered. "Actually, it's a good thing I ran into you before you went in," he added as he stopped in front of them.
"Why?" asked Ginny inquisitively. "Has something happened?"
Hank shook his head, "No, I don't believe so. It's just that, I should probably go in before you, in case Mr Malfoy has woken up. If he's still out too it, then you'll be able to come in … but if he's awake … Well, he can't see students wandering into a staff only part of the ward…"
"Couldn't you pull some sort of magic thingy on him though?" Ron put forward hopefully. "I mean … You can do a lot of stuff that other wizards can't, because of that Feline magic, can't you?"
Ginny was positive that a shadow passed through Hank's eyes at the mention of Feline magic, but it vanished almost as soon as it came, making her question if it was really there.
"So … You and Ginny see nothing wrong with my using it?" Hank stated, almost pleadingly; making Ginny wonder what had caused such a change in his normal demeanour.
"'Course we don't!" exclaimed Ron, grinning up at him. "I think it's kinda cool!"
"Why?" asked Ginny, taking a step forward. "You didn't by any chance run into Hermione a little while ago, did you?"
"What makes you ask that?" said Hank after a moments silence; though, there was a tone to his voice that made Ginny believe that he knew what she was referring too.
"Nah…" Ron shook his head in disbelief, cottoning on to what was just said. "No … Hermione wouldn't just blurt that out to you … She didn't, did she?"
"I can't force her to accept my use of Feline magic," Hank shrugged, looking a little sullen. "It's her decision."
Ginny studied Hank for a moment, feeling that something more was troubling him, but decided not to push the issue. "Don't worry," she assured him, "She'll come around eventually."
"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Ron remarked irately. "Tell Harry that I'll see him before we go down to dinner," he told Ginny as he began to walk away.
"Where are you going?" she called in reply, utterly bewildered.
Ron stopped and turned around. "The only other time I've known Hermione to be so blunt with a teacher, was when she told us all about how Remus was a werewolf, while we were in the Shrieking Shack. I'm going to go and talk to her and try and find out why she said what she obviously said…"
Without waiting for a response, Ron turned on his heel and dashed out of sight, leaving his two companions speechless.
Hank turned back to face Ginny and shrugged, before stepping around her and reaching for the handle to the wing doors.
"I know that something else happened," said Ginny abruptly, causing Hank to drop his hand and turn to face her. "But I won't ask you about it, because if you'd wanted to talk about it, you'd have said something about it before hand…"
Hank smiled at her in thanks and returned to the doors, grasping the handle and opening them. He peeked inside for a moment or two, before glancing back at Ginny and nodding; stepping aside so she could enter first……
As Ron wandered the halls, he cursed himself for not asking Hank where he'd last seen Hermione. There were so many places that she could be, and he didn't have enough time to look in all of them before classes started again. Deciding to go for the most logical place during break, Ron headed for the library, again wondering what must've come over Hermione to be so up front with one of her instructors. Not that he knew what was said between them, but by the way Hank was acting, she must've just straight out told him that she didn't agree with his use of Feline magic, seeing how it's technically forbidden.
Ron shook his head as he hurried through the halls, thinking that Hermione might've had just a little more tact than what she must've displayed. Finally, Ron arrived at the library doors and opened them wide; sighing heavily as he didn't spot a teetering pile of books on a solitary table. Although it was only the third week of school, Ron knew that Hermione would most likely be studying for their O.W.L's; but she wasn't anywhere in sight.
Muttering to himself, and earning a stern stare from Madame Pince, Ron about-faced and tried to think of another place he'd find Hermione……
Hermione awoke, and immediately gagged from the taste of a dirty cloth that was firmly held in her mouth. Blinking away her grogginess, she found herself in a dimly lit room, filled with old and broken chairs, that were piled on top of beaten and dusty tables. She found she was sitting in a chair and tried to stand, discovering that her hands had been tied behind the back of the chair and her ankles were also tightly bound. Squinting, she looked around in the dim light, spotting four figures mulling around in a corner, apparently deep in discussion.
Hermione felt her anger rise as she immediately recognised the pair of hulking figures, as Crabbe and Goyle; Malfoy's dim-witted lackey's. Hermione strained her eyes as she tried to identify the two smaller people standing with them, but she couldn't get a good enough look at them; though she was almost sure that they were female.
"Oh look," a girls voice spoke, as one of the shadowy figures faced Hermione. "The smart arse Mudblood has finally woken from her beauty sleep … not that it would ever benefit her…"
Crabbe and Goyle guffawed stupidly as the quartet approached her, the two girls stopping on the edge of the light, keeping their faces hidden in shadow. Goyle stepped forward at a signal from the taller of the two girls, and began to remove Hermione's gag.
"Don't even bother yelling for help," the tall girl said calmly, as Hermione began to cough from her dry throat. "No one will hear you in here…"
"You people have no idea how big a mistake you're making!" spat Hermione, once her coughing fit subsided enough for her to talk. "You do realize that I'm a prefect, and that what you've done is kidnapping!"
"You had better hold your tongue, if you want to keep it…" the tall girl pulled her wand from her robes and held it steadily at Hermione's head. "Much better…" she remarked, as Hermione eyed the wand warily, obediently shutting her mouth. "Now, I have some questions for you," the tall girl continued; still training her wand on Hermione's head. "You will answer them truthfully, and to the point. Understood?"
Hermione nodded jerkily, silently promising to do anything but…
"Question number one: Where is Draco Malfoy?"
Hermione started in surprise. Of all the questions she thought someone was going to ask her, that was not one of them. She held her composure though, and decided to lie. If she told them what she knew, they'd question as to why Malfoy would be in the hospital wing, and that would lead to a very awkward situation.
"How should I know where he is," she answered icily. "It's not as if I take the time to monitor his travel arrangements…"
"Don't lie to me Mudblood!" the tall girl snapped, waving her wand threateningly. "He was last seen when that Muggle wannabe's Dragon went ape, and the last people to leave the area were you, your penniless boyfriend and that joke of a professor with his pet cat! Draco wasn't with the rest of the class when we left, and you lot stayed behind! I know, that you know where he is, and you're going to tell me…"
"I can't tell you something I don't know!" lied Hermione, raising her voice considerably in the hopes that a passer by would hear her.
"Severtcium!" the tall girl hissed, directing the curse at Hermione's neck.
Hermione let out a cry of pain, that was quickly stifled by Goyle's hand, as an intensely sharp pain ripped through the right side of her neck. A moment later, Hermione felt something warm trickle down her neck, only to feel the collar of her shirt grow moist as the warmth continued to spread.
Goyle removed his hand as Hermione fought to steady her breathing, trying to ignore the feeling of, what she knew, was her blood as it leaked from the gash in her neck. She clenched her jaw as she stared venomously at the girls shadowed face, feeling her blood boil as she sensed the girl smirking at her.
"That was your first, and last warning, Mudblood…" the tall girl sneered. "Next time, that severing curse will meet it's preferred mark…"
"Are you out of your mind Millie!" the shorter girl spoke for the first time, sounding almost appalled by the insinuation. "You know that you can't even hope to get away with killing her…"
"Oh go on then," snapped Millie, "spoil my fun why don't you! I'm not stupid, you know … I just wanted to have some fun with her…"
Hermione was barely hearing the argument anymore, for she was growing increasingly light-headed and drowsy. The warmth of her blood had spread throughout her shirt considerably, and Hermione could only just manage to come to the conclusion, that the intended wound was much worse than originally thought to be……
"Well, you've had your fun Millie," said the shorter girl. "You asked her, and she answered. End of story."
"Fine," sighed Millie, a bitter edge to her voice. "But I want to have a little more fun before we leave her here…"
Both girls turned back to face Hermione, and both gasped at the large bloodstain that had soaked into her shirt. The shorter girl made to take a step forward, but was held back by Millie.
"What are you doing?" she hissed. "I know that we're in opposing houses, but that's no reason to let her bleed to death!"
Millie grinned maniacally. "Don't worry, she won't die … not that I care. I'm just going to have some more fun … and yes, we'll go to the hospital wing and slip a note under the doors to say where she is. OK?"
The shorter girl looked far from pleased, but it was probably the best offer she would get; so after a moment, she nodded and stepped back, allowing Millie to have some more brutal fun.
By the time Millie was finished, Hermione was looking in bad shape. Her robes were torn in several places, and beneath those areas was either bleeding, or a nasty looking bruise. Hermione was only semi-conscious, and her breathing had gotten considerably shallower than before.
"That's enough Millie!" the shorter girl begged anxiously. "As it is, it'll take them a while to find the note you'll leave, and at the rate you're going, she won't be alive by the time anyone gets here!"
"Oh fine!" exclaimed Millie in exasperation. "You're a real spoil sport ya know Pans…" Millie shot one last curse at Hermione, which added to the cuts on her legs, before signalling to Crabbe and Goyle to leave. They nodded obediently before going for the door; stopping for a few moments as they listened for any unwanted visitors. Apparently satisfied that they were alone, they opened the door and waited for the two girls to leave before them.
Just as Millie got to the door, she stopped and turned around, throwing Hermione's wand into the room, landing near her; then drawing her own wand again and directing it at her, whispering, "Obliviate!"
"What was the point in doing all that too her, if she's not going to remember anything about it!?" hissed Pans, glaring at Millie.
"Don't worry," drawled Millie, rolling her eyes. "She'll remember everything that happened, except who was in here. She won't remember anyone's names or what they looked like … Just a precaution…. I don't know why you're getting all sensitive about this anyway, seeing how it was your idea…"
Pans scowled and stormed out, muttering under her breath. Millie smirked before throwing one last glance at Hermione's unconscious form. "Sweet dreams Mudblood…" she sneered, closing the door behind her……
"It should be starting soon…" said Hank as he looked at Ginny's watch from the bed. Ginny had reassumed her previous spot and was currently sitting on the floor, resting up against Harry as she casually ran her fingers through his full mane.
In response, Ginny also glanced her watch, seeing that it was indeed almost noon. "I'll just be happy when this is all finished with, and we can get back to our semi-normal lives," she remarked, sighing heavily before turning her eyes to Harry. "Do you feel anything different yet?"
Harry thought for a moment, seeing how he'd felt the pins and needles for so long, he'd almost become accustomed to them; before slowly shaking his head, signifying no change yet.
"Well, just make sure you tell us if you do, OK?" said Ginny, smiling when Harry nodded. "Good."
Almost as soon as Ginny had said this, Harry jerked in surprise, for a severe pins and needles sensation had just begun in his back feet; so severe it bordered on numbing.
Ginny jumped at Harry's sudden movement and studied his face, already knowing that it had started. She looked up at Hank and saw the apprehension on his face, and knew that he'd also figured out what Harry's sudden movement had meant.
"All right Harry," Hank began calmly. "This is the first phase, where the inductee will be forced to have his feet buried in burning coals. The poker and brand that will be used later on, are heated in this pile, so you'll only feel what's happening to Voldemort's feet until the other two pokers are heated. After that, you'll feel one of the poker's being run down and across your chest and stomach, all still while your feet are in coals; and once that's done, the last poker will be pressed to your left shoulder blade for no less than fifteen seconds. That's technically the end of the ceremony, and Voldemort will be left like this for a further fifteen minutes; after which, he will be healed completely, though the brand will remain."
Ginny leaned into Harry a little more and whispered shakily, "I'm really glad that you don't have to go through that Harry."
"So am I," said Hank gravely, as Harry also nodded his agreement. "It is extremely painful, and wouldn't wish it upon anyone … except the very foolish…"
"Why on earth would You-Know-Who let someone do this to him?" asked Ginny, clearly confused by such a notion. "He's one of the most powerful wizards in the world. What would being put through this, gain him?"
Hank didn't answer right away, and seemed to be debating whether or not he should tell them what was on his mind. "Let's put it this way," he began evasively. "By putting himself through this torture, he will gain himself a much wider range of influence, and have the abilities of a very dangerous race at his disposal. He will be considered one of them, and as such, will be given all the rights and privileges that come with his station."
"How would it give him more influence if it's such a dangerous race? Wouldn't the MoM avoid such creatures?"
Hank sighed heavily, frowning in disgust. "The MoM has absolutely no idea what a mistake they've made. By being inducted into this race of being, Voldemort can manipulate the Ministry even more that he's able to at present, because many get two particular races confused. The ones that the MoM unofficially deals with, are not as kind hearted as they believe … but they won't destroy the MoM because they serve their purposes. It's an advantage having them around, so they leave them be … however they also sway the MoM to their needs. Imagine if Voldemort was to become a member of this race, and influence the wizarding world as we know it, with even more ease than he has at present…"
"What do you mean 'if'?" gasped Ginny, wide eyed form the news. "He's going to be able to do all that!"
"That's right, he will … eventually," answered Hank. "He won't be able to have them at his beck and call from the moment the ceremony is over … he still has to work his way up in the Ranks of Status. Not that that would take very long anyway … but he'll be considered a fledgling until he proves his value to the clan. That's when he will be able to put forward his ideas and gain the control over the MoM he desires…"
"How is it you know all of this?" asked Ginny. She didn't sound accusing, as Hermione did; but she did seem genuinely intrigued by all the information Hank possessed about the subject. "I don't mean to pry … it's just that, you seem to have so much knowledge about these beings and what they're like, what they do … I know that you already told Hermione that you were acquainted with them…"
Hank smiled over at Ginny and nodded. "What I told Miss Granger was true. I am personally acquainted with these beings … but I'm not going to tell you about them in detail, for it will only give you more cause for needless worry."
Harry let out a low growl and shook his head hurriedly. He certainly thought that these creatures were worth worrying about; especially if they held such power over the MoM. Ginny was apparently thinking the same thing.
"I wouldn't call this needless worry," she stated firmly. "We deserve to know if our so-called government is making their own decisions, and according to you, they don't seem to be half the time. We need to know about these creatures and what they're capable of…"
"That's very true Ginny," said Hank simply. "But I won't yet. Don't worry, I will one day, but it's not a necessity yet, so I won't add anymore to your plate that isn't there already."
Both Ginny, and Harry, where quite unsatisfied with Hank's answer, but neither pushed the matter. He seemed quite adamant to not inform them of this race of beings, and they would have to be content with what he'd told them already.
The rest of the ceremony passed slowly. Harry once again felt severe pins and needles making its way across his chest and belly, before feeling his left shoulder blade go almost completely numb. He found it quite uncomfortable, but he much preferred it to the blinding agony he was sure he would have experienced if he was in his human form.
Ginny seemed to sense his discomfort, and remained by his side, whispering in his ear as she draped her arm over his neck. Finally, the sensations began to fade and disappear as if they weren't there. Sighing in relief, Harry began to stand, eager to get back into his human form. Feeling his movement and more relaxed demeanour, Ginny stood and stepped away from him, looking relieved. Hank also bore an expression of happiness, as he placed a hand on Ginny's shoulder, waiting for Harry to transform.
There was a small pop, and an ecstatically human Harry grinned back at the two companions. Harry began to chuckle contagiously as he stretched his limbs, revelling at the feel of being human. Ginny and Hank laughed along with him as he flashed a broad grin at them.
"As much as I like being a lion," Harry began cheerfully, "I don't think I could live as one…"
Ginny was giggling as she walked up to him and gave him a fierce hug, which he returned without hesitation.
"I'm so happy that you're back to normal!" she squealed, though Harry could hear a small waver in her voice. Hesitantly, He pulled back and studied her face, noticing that her eyes were rimmed with tears, and that she was biting her lip, to keep it from trembling.
"What's the matter?" asked Harry concernedly, gently brushing the stray hair from Ginny's face and hooking it behind her ear. "There's nothing to be upset over … I'm fine…"
Harry felt his insides go all fuzzy as Ginny lifted her gaze to meet his. He just couldn't get over how he'd never noticed her properly, until this year. He knew that his feelings for her were growing, and was almost positive that Ginny's feelings were mutual … but there was a problem that Harry could point out instantly.
Ron.
He'd made it quite clear; albeit unintentionally and discreetly, that he wouldn't approve of anything happening between the two of them. Though, Harry could understand his protectiveness. Ginny was his little sister, and she and Ron had always been close; especially after what happened with the Chamber of Secrets … and they seemed to have gotten even closer during the time he was thought to be dead … so it was only natural for him to want to keep anything that might meddle with their closeness at a distance.
"I was so scared that you wouldn't come back," Ginny whispered, jerking Harry back to the here and now. "When you wouldn't react to anything, or anyone…" she bit her lip and looked away.
Harry gazed at Ginny forlornly. He never even considered how it must've been for her, or Ron and Hermione. He remembered the way she looked at him when she managed to bring him to the surface for an instant; seeing the tears and fear in her eyes, yet smiling happily when he'd returned to her.
Harry brought her into another fierce embrace as she began to cry, resting her head against his chest tenderly; his arms encircling her shoulders. "I'm so sorry Ginny," he whispered hoarsely, feeling her wrap her arms around his waist. "I didn't mean to give you all such a fright … it's just that … thing's just got a little overwhelming, and it was too much to take…"
"You don't have to apologize Harry," said Ginny shakily, her voice being muffled by Harry's robes. "I understand … I'm just glad that Hank brought you back…"
Harry sighed with relief, knowing that Ginny didn't blame him for what had happened, and threw a glance toward Hank; feeling his face burn as he saw the professor giving them a knowing grin. "So am I," Harry stated, still staring at Hank; smiling when he nodded, acknowledging his thanks.
"How do you feel?" asked Hank as Harry and Ginny broke apart, though still keeping one arm around the other. "Any aches or pains? Numbness? Anything?"
Harry paused for a moment. "No," he answered firmly. "It's as if it never even happened."
Hank nodded his head grimly. "That's probably the only good thing that's associated with this," he sighed dejectedly, scratching a spot on his forehead. "Though, I shouldn't expect any different from them," he added. "If they've got one thing going for them, it's how they take care of their own. Their clan comes before anything else … but everything and anything else, is considered expendable in order to achieve what they desire…"
Harry considered Hank for a moment, knowing that there was something that he wasn't disclosing, and whatever it was that he was keeping silent, was a heavy burden. "Does Dumbledore know what this ceremony allows Voldemort to manipulate the Ministry even more than the series of Deatheaters he has in there?" asked Harry, anxiety lacing his voice.
"Oh yes," Hank answered with the utmost seriousness. "He is well aware of what this ceremony means. It has caused him a great amount of worry … but there is nothing he can do to prevent it. As it is, he has some friends hidden in plain sight at the Ministry, trying their best to keep the influence these beings have at a minimum. He can't do anything else, or it could blow their cover…"
"How could these friends of his, decrease the influence these other beings have?" Harry queried, growing worried by what he was being told.
"Well," Hank began thoughtfully, "If they get wind of something that these creatures wish to achieve, using the resources the Ministry provides, they will try and prevent it from going through all the necessary channels. You know, delay it's completion; lose the paperwork; sometimes even voice it in committee … but it's made difficult because they have to be as subtle as possible…"
"How do these other creatures get their ideas heard?" Ginny put in quietly. "Do they just tell one of the employees? Or do they have a consultant in the staff?"
Hank smirked grimly. "Actually, some of these creatures hold positions at the MoM."
"What? How?" Harry breathed, wondering how creatures like these could get a job at the Ministry.
"Quite simply," stated Hank. "They can hide in plain sight as well. They've placed some of their kind in key positions at the MoM, and they use it to their advantage. They just tell the ones that work there, what they need to accomplish, and they in turn, use their Ministry privileges to make it possible … though, they have to be reasonably subtle as well…"
"Why?" said Ginny, frowning in bemusement.
"This is where it starts to get complicated," mumbled Hank, before raising his voice and addressing them directly. "Well … Both sides know that the other has people working in the MoM, intended to hamper the others efforts in everything they do; whether to achieve something, or to stop the other from getting what they want. The thing is, that the identities of those people, are not known to the other side. Each side, knows about the others efforts, but neither side knows who those people are. They all blend in, making it look to everyone, that they are helping run the wizarding world smoothly … when really, half the time, the two sides are engaged in a secret war of actions and counter actions. It's been going on like this for decades … all without the wizarding world's knowledge."
"So, what you're saying, is that the running of the entire wizarding world, has been under the control of two warring races for the past century or two … and no one but them knows it?" said Harry slowly, trying to comprehend what he was just told.
Hank nodded slowly. "Pretty much. Only wizards that associate with them closely, have any knowledge of how deep it all goes…"
Harry stared at Hank, open mouthed, when he jumped out of his skin as the door to his room was flung open violently.