"So the storm attack wasn't planned," Reggie said.
"And all it really did was show us what we could do," Lynne added.
"We'd better watch out for this Liliana woman," Ron said. "If she's his favorite, there's no telling what she might do."
Rose and Rhia shared a look. "That's true," Rose said. She winked at Harry. " You keep an eye on her."
Harry quirked a half smile at her. "Sure," he said.
Draco spoke up then. "If she's replaced my… my father as the favorite… then we'd better keep an eye out for him as well. He'll be here this weekend for the game." No one said anything to that.
Harry cleared his throat. "I'm almost convinced that she sensed me somehow though. She looked directly at me."
"But you werent' really there," Reggie said. "Were you?"
"Some people know when they are being watched." Draco said. "That may be all it was."
"Either way, Snape is going to check it out the next time he must do so." Rhia said.
"That explains his odd behavior then," Ron said, "partially at least."
"He was a bit distracted, wasn't he?" Draco said. "You only lost thirty points instead of the usual fifty." His trademark smirk made its appearance.
Ron smiled sarcastically and nodded. "Ha bloody ha," he managed. Draco grinned.
"Speaking of distraction," Monica said to avoid a possible confrontation. Though it had been a couple of weeks since anyone had been zinged by their Shards, they still had to be careful. "That was nicely done in Runes Rhia. I didn't know you spoke French."
"Yes," Rhia said. "We lived there for a time. What was Draco's Memory?"
"Why don't I let him tell you?" Monica said with a smile.
"You remember it?" Hermione exclaimed. Draco nodded. "That's brilliant!" she dived for her books. Ron shook his head and went to help her get a book larger than she was from the top shelf.
"So tell us already," Rose said. So he did.
When he finished, the little twins looked at one another. Lynne swallowed hard. "Wind and Water…"
"Failed," Reggie finished. She gripped her sister's hand.
"Because they were alone," Draco said. For just a moment his eyes went icy. " [I] You [/I] will not be alone." Something somewhere clicked into place. He blinked and his eyes were once again a crystal clear blue. Vestan yowled from his place in Rose's chair. Anondir and Ikarus leapt up from the cushions in Ginny's little area and sped for their mistresses, using Draco's shoulders as springboards.
Rose shook her head at the kits antics. "You said Peltier had a picture from inside the Cavern?"
Rhia nodded solemnly. "It wasn't just his picture either. It was from the textbook."
Rose sighed. "He'll be going there soon then."
"Who?" Neville asked. "Peltier?"
"Voldemort Nev," Ginny said, a very slight tremor in her voice.
Surprising everyone, Neville didn't flinch at the name. Instead he moved closer to Ginny and patted her arm. She smiled at him gratefully."Is that significant?" George asked, resolutely ignoring Neville and his little sister. "That he'll go there?"
"Yes." Hermione said in a stunned voice from her corner. Everyone looked over. She had the Book now. Ron, who was reading over her shoulder went pale. Hermione looked up, her brown eyes a bit vague before she focused back in on them.
"What is it?" Rhia asked.
"There's a prophecy here in the Book. I couldn't make sense of it before,"Hermione said. "But it fits together now." Her eyes were bright with knowledge and fear as she asked Draco, "In your Memory, they said the Serpent had been cast out of the Cavern, right?" Draco nodded. "Then…" She swallowed. Cleared her throat. "Listen to this." In her clear voice she read,
[I] "When what was Shattered is made whole,
When what was lost is found again,
When the Serpent has returned to the place that cast him out.
This is the day when Light shall rise to triumph,
Or fall forever into Darkness."[/I]
There was a heavy silence in the room when she finished.
" 'What was Shattered…' that refers to the Sunstone," Harry said, softly.
"How do we find what was lost if we don't know what it is?" Fred asked.
"I think you've missed the real issue here," Ana said. "That last line. When those other things come to pass, it's the final day. The last chance. If we fail then… we fall into Darkness. Forever."
"Blessed Hell," Rose said into the even heavier silence that followed Ana's quiet words. "We need the Headmaster." She walked quickly to what was now the Portal wall and summoned up the Headmaster's office. Luckily, they could see him at his desk through the portal and the doorway between the Atlantis room and his office. "Professor Dumbledore Sir?"
He looked up with a smile at the sudden interruption. "Yes, Miss Jameson?" His tone showing absolutely no reaction to the manner in which she had appeared.
"We need your guidance on an issue Sir," Rose said simply.
"Wonderful," the great man said, standing. As he came around the desk and towards them he said, "Arguing with the Ministry over how our funds are being distributed by owl no less, was getting tedious." With a bit of a wink and his trademark twinkle firmly in his blue eyes, he managed to calm them all as the portal closed behind him. "What is this issue?"
Then, voices calm and steady, Harry, Draco and Hermione told what they had seen, Remembered and found, respectively. Throughout it all, Dumbledore merely sat silently, sucking on a lemon drop. When they finished he asked the room at large, "What do you know of the Cavern of the Winds?"
"Combining what I know of the history of the Guardians and what I learned from Professor Peltier this morning, I know some," Rhia said. "It's an ancient source of magic from before the Shattering of the Sunstone and the Fall of Atlantis. The power there is at least as old as the Sunstone itself. Sometime after the last Gathering, a battle was fought there. A hurricane swept the Emerald Isle. Something that had never happened before in anyone's memory and hasn't since." She paused and looked at the little twins.
'The Serpent was there trying to tap into the power of the place. Wind and Water found him there. There must not have been time to summon any of the others. When they realized they could not defeat him on their own, they cast him out of the Cavern and into the sea. Earth and the Blade found them there, exhausted, but all right. Earth used what was left of the hurricane weather to help tear the coastline and hide the Cavern."
"My great-grandfather found it and my family has been making it ready for the Serpent ever since." Draco said.
Dumbledore finished his second lemon drop with a crunch. "It appears things are accelerating." He looked at them thoughtfully for a time. "If all this, the dream, the Memory and the discovery of the Prophecy occurred when you were apart… Imagine what could happen if the Shards were kept near each other for an extended amount of time."
"What do you mean, sir?" Daniel asked.
"I propose that you all remain here tonight," Dumbledore said.
"But… what about dinner?" Ron asked.
"There aren't any beds," Neville said.
"There's hardly room for 15 people to stay the night in here," Hermione said.
Harry cleared his throat to stop the babble. "I think it's a good idea," he said. He did not notice Rhia looking intently at him and then away. Harry went on, "We come back here after dinner, it never hurt anyone to sleep on the floor and I'm sure we'll have blankets. Hasn't anyone else noticed that no matter what we bring in here, there always seems to be plenty of room for it?"
Dumbledore smiled as they started making agreeable noises. "All right then," He said cheerfully, "I believe you all have classes shortly. Attend it as usual, as well as dinner," he winked at Ron. " Afterwards, Professor Jameson, Raine and myself will escort you here, so be prepared. Accommodations will be made for your sleeping arrangements."
"If people ask, how do we explain?" Daniel asked.
"Just tell them it's part of a project that you have to do at night," Ana answered.
Dumbledore smiled a little satisfied smile again.
"Sir," Monica began, a bit nervously. "There was one more thing… I saw … Snuffles going into the Forbidden Forest this morning. Is everything all right?" Harry looked at her sharply. This was the first he'd heard of his godfather's movements outside of the practice sessions. They hadn't talked much in the past month.
"Everything is fine Miss Reed. He just got bored with being in my office all the time. He'll be at your session tomorrow. Don't worry." Dumbledore answered.
"Is it truly safe for him to be here?" Harry asked.
"He needs to be here, so he is." Dumbledore said. "Now, to class with you. I must soothe Fudge." And he was gone through the portal to his office.
"I really don't like it when he does that," Rose said.
"He's utterly mad you know," George said.
"Well of course he is," Ron said. "Couldn't do half the things he's done if he weren't."
"He's also brilliant," Fred said.
"Well of course he is," Hermione said. "He couldn't have done half the things he has if he weren't." A chuckle fluttered around the room. Kali'na batted it out the window with her paw.
"Do you think he was serious about staying overnight in here?" Reggie asked.
"Yes, I believe he was." Rose said.
"Oh," Reggie said.
"He was right about class. We should get going." Hermione said.
It was a rather eventful dinner. Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy sat at the Ravenclaw table, shocking the entire school. Granted they sat together at the very end of the table with only Monica for company, but still is was progress. Dangerous, perhaps even foolhardy, but progress. Everyone knew why Draco was sitting with the Ravenclaws, though they weren't happy about. However it wasn't until halfway through the meal with the arrival of Cho Chang that Blaise's presence was explained. She swept in and sat across from him, smiling flirtatiously. Blaise choked on his pumpkin juice.
The four of them ate in decorous silence, ignoring the whispers around them, though Cho seemed to be preening under the eyes of the others. The other Guardians breathed a sigh of relief as the dessert course was finished. Then Cho 'accidentally' knocked her hot cocoa over. The momentum of the steaming liquid was enough that it splattered on Draco, though the brunt of it hit Monica.
Monica shrieked and stood, clothes dripping, wand out and at the ready. Draco put a hand on her arm, using his napkin to wipe droplets of cocoa from his face. Small reddened spots showed on his skin where the cocoa had been. "Are you all right?" he asked Monica politely, though his icy eyes belied the tone.
Monica glared at Cho, violet eyes practically glowing with anger. Draco squeezed her arm a bit and she calmed enough to snap, "Fine." Draco then turned the full force of his frosty gaze on Cho. Her false concern faltered and finally fell away.
"For someone smart enough not to date Potter," Draco started. He suppressed a wince and his face showed no sign as his Shard gave a twinge. "You aren't very bright are you?." Cho hissed like a scalded cat and the waiting population of the school let out a collective gasp. The other Guardians were watching intently from the Gryffindor table. Draco bent his head to the side, and looked her up and down. "We wouldn't want your godmother to know about this little incident now would we?" There was a flash of something behind the pretty girl's dark eyes. Cho then attempted to look down her nose at him, but being Malfoy, that was impossible and not only because he was taller than she.
Snape and Flitwick appeared then. "Malfoy, Zabini return to your own table." Snape ordered.
Flitwick hurried over to Monica, and patted her hand. "I can't believe such conduct could occur in my own house," Flitwick said. He looked over the table at Cho. "Five points from Ravenclaw and detention for you Miss Chang." He shook his head sadly. "Honestly dear." She looked down at her plate.
Blaise had already gone, but Draco remained. "I told you to return to your table Mister Malfoy," Snape ordered firmly.
"With your permission sir, I'd like to escort Miss Reed to the hospital wing." Draco said.
Snape nodded. "Do so." With one last furious purple glare at Cho, Monica stormed out of the hall with a coldly sneering Draco at her side.
About ten minutes after that, Dumbledore, Cora and Alaster, stood from the high table and headed for the doors. The Guardians all stood and picked up their bags. They had swapped their books for clothes previously. They followed the professors. With Draco and Monica already out of the hall they didn't have to worry about what it would look like if Draco left with them.
Cho cleared her throat and said as Rhia passed, "Could I speak with you a moment?" Harry stared at her with his mouth open for a moment. He glanced at the professors, who hadn't noticed. Rhia paused in her exit of the Hall and waited. Harry stayed with her. EH stood silent by her side to see what Cho wanted with Rhia.
"What did you want to speak with me about?" Rhia asked Cho. The girl looked at Harry.
"I'd prefer this be a private conversation." Cho said pointedly looking at Harry.
"After what you just did to our friend, I believe he is afraid for your safety." Rhia said calmly. Her eyes were slate gray ice chips.
"My safety? Why my safety?" Cho asked smiling innocently. Rhia simply raised an eyebrow. Cho's olive skin turned a rather awful shade of puce as she paled. Kali'na bristled at Harry's side. He bent and scooped her up. The dannikit's bright green eyes fastened on Cho. Harry's were locked on Rhia. He was watching her eyes.
"What was it you wanted Cho?" Rhia asked.
"I merely wanted to know if I might borrow your Arithmancy notes," Cho said.
Rhia blinked at her. "Arithmancy? Wouldn't Hermione be the one to ask for those?"
"I rather not ask her," Cho said. She frowned a bit. A small line formed on her brow. She would have been horrified if she had known.
"Why's that I wonder…" Rhia said in an airy voice. Cho's frown deepened, then smoothed out as if she had just realized what the expression did to her face.
"Rhia, we are going to be late," Harry said softly, noting that Kali'na's claws were making a sneak appearance, as the kit tried to wriggle out of his arms.
"Oh right, the project." Rhia glanced at him, then Kali'na. "Fine. Give me a moment to find them Cho." She reached into her bag and rummaged around a bit. Finally pulling out a scroll and handing it to the girl with a flourish. "I'd like these back at breakfast if you please."
"Of course." Cho said, taking the scroll as if it were gold. Harry frowned at her, but she didn't notice as she put it in her own bag. "Thank you," Cho said, smiling at Rhia.
Rhia just looked at her. "You're welcome." She turned back to Harry. "Shall we go then?" Harry nodded and took her bag. She smiled brightly at him. Cho tensed and then turned and walked away. When she was a safe distance away, Harry let Kali'na down. The kt was still bristling slightly. She trotted along with them as he and Rhia left the Great Hall.
"She's up to something," Harry murmured as they entered the corridor.
"Of course she is," Rhia answered. "That's why I stopped to talk to her. I want to know what it is before she does it."
"But you gave her your notes," Harry said.
"Yes I did," Rhia said. "Too bad only I can understand them." She grinned. "Do you think she'll tell me she couldn't read them or she'll pretend she could?"
Harry smiled a bit. "I guess we'll see." He frowned. "Why do you suppose she dislikes Monica so much?"
"You mean instead of me?" Rhia asked, with a little laugh.
"Well, yes." Harry said, flushing slightly.
Rhia smiled and took his free hand. "I'm not sure. I think I'll ask Monica a few questions tonight," Rhia said. "Maybe we'll be able to figure it out."
"I hope so," Harry said with a thought for his dream. "If not about that, then something." Rhia squeezed his hand. They had reached the window. "After you," he said gallantly.
"Thank you," Rhia said, blowing him a kiss before scrambling through. Kali'na followed her with a trill. With a grin, Harry did too.
The room had been rearranged. The chairs had been transfigured into fifteen blanket pallets on the floor lining the wall. Each was still monogrammed with the everyone's name. The boys were on one side and the girls on the other. The others had already arrived, except for Draco and Monica, who were probably still at the hospital wing… or somewhere… Everyone had left their things on the pallets and were speaking to Cora and Alaster. Dumbledore had already left.
"So, nothing inappropriate," Cora was saying.
"Exactly what do you mean by that Cora?" Rose asked cheekily.
"Right now I'm Professor Jameson Rose," Cora said "And you know exactly what I mean."
"So… you aren't staying?" Reggie asked.
"Neither of you?" Lynne added.
"Not unless you want us to," Alaster said. "We figured there were enough people in here. Besides, we trust you." The Weasley twins found themselves the objects of a lot of scrutiny just then.
"What?" George asked.
"We haven't done a thing," Fred said.
"Well except for that…" George started. "But that was earlier."
"Right. Nothing to do with tonight anyway."
Rose looked at the two of them narrowly. Cora huffed. "Well see that you stay in this room, and stay safe. We've set up a portal link to the bathroom, so you won't have to wander the hallways after hours."
"What about food?" Ron asked.
"You just ate!" Ana exclaimed.
"He's always hungry," Hermione said. "Must be eternally aware of a food source." Ron pulled a face at her. She smiled back serenely.
"I'm sure you can come up with something," Cora said. Ron sighed.
"Well all right then," Rose said, "Goodnight you two."
"We'll see you all in the morning." Cora said, giving her sister a stern look. Then she lost it and smiled. "Just don't stay up ALL night okay?" Then the professors were gone and the thirteen of them were alone for the night.
"Um… you don't think they locked out Monica or Draco do you?" Ginny asked.
"No, the window isn't locked yet." Rose said.
"I've never figured out how you can tell that," George said.
"It's a faculty thing," Rose said with a wink.
"But you aren't faculty, not really." Fred said.
"I'm as good as," Rose said, "At least in here."
"Should we send someone to fetch them?" Ana asked, worriedly.
"No need for a search party just yet," Monica said as she climbed into the room. "We're here." Draco followed a second behind her. His eyes were still frosty.
Rose grinned. "Now it's locked." The Weasley twins approached the doorway to see if they could perceive a difference.
Ana went to Monica, "Are you all right? What did Madame Pomfrey say?"
Monica smiled. "Don't worry, I'm fine. Actually she didn't say anything, because she wasn't there."
"Didn't you wait for her?" Reggie asked.
"No. She wouldn't." Draco said with a frown at Monica.
"Draco stop it, I'm fine," Monica said. "I'm a healer. I know how to take care of burns." She smiled at the still frowning Slytherin. "All I really needed to do was change clothes anyway. My robes caught most of the cocoa."
"I see you've done that," Rhia said. She smiled a bit. Ron was staring at a concerned Draco. He looked quite unsettled.
"Well I did have a couple of jumpers to choose from in my bag. Couldn't decide you know." Monica said with a grin.
"So no blisters then?" Lynne asked. "Those hurt like the very devil."
"Nope," Monica said, a little too flippantly.
Draco scowled. "Where is it?" he asked. "Let me see it."
"Why Master Malfoy," Monica gasped. "I'm not quite sure we've known each other long enough for that kind of talk!"
Everyone laughed then, except for Draco. Monica smiled at him sunnily. "I'm FINE Draco, really. It's nothing, just a water blister."
"Can't you heal it, like you did Draco's arm?" Daniel asked.
"Can't heal myself." Monica said with a sigh. "Doesn't work that way."
"Well, that's not fair." Hermione said. "Are you sure you can't?"
"Well, I haven't been able to so far." Monica said.
"Hmmm I think I'll take a look in the Book, just to see…" Hermione said. She wandered towards her shelf.
"Oh no you don't." Ron said, grabbing her arm. "You are not going into 'library land' tonight. How often do we get a chance like this? No possibility of intrusion by grown-ups. The fifteen of us in a room together, overnight…think of the possibilities…"
"Little brother has it right," George said, "Let's have some fun." He grinned as Ron snorted.
He was taller than his brothers by at least six inches.
"But Monica's blister…" Hermione started.
"Is fine 'Mione." Ron said, "She said so herself."
"Besides, by the time you found a possible answer, there won't be a blister anymore." Monica said with a smile.
"Why's that?" Neville asked.
"Because I'm making her a potion," Draco said. He went to his corner. "Do you have any thistledown?"
"What?" Neville paused. "Oh. Yes." Neville went to his window box.
"Hang on, If I'm not allowed to look in the Book, then why are they allowed to do their things?" Hermione asked Ron.
He raised an eyebrow at her and whispered, "Do you want to tell Draco Malfoy that he can't make a healing potion for his girlfriend?"
Hermione stared at him, then looked over at the rummaging Draco. "You mean they're… oh. I suppose not."
"Well, do we want to play some games… or what?" Ginny asked.
"Let's see… We could try 'Truth or Dare'… " Fred started.
"There's also 'Spin the Vial'" Daniel said with a wink in Ana's direction.
"Ewwww… That is so not what I wanted to picture right now Daniel," Reggie said. She made a face as she twirled a lock of hair around her finger. A quickly muffled laugh came from Monica's direction, but she wouldn't look at anyone. Ana blushed furiously. George raised his eyebrow at her.
"I don't suppose any of you happened to pack unicorn tears in your bags?" Draco asked the room at large..
"Um… doubtful. Why?" Rose asked.
"Because they're an ingredient in this potion." Draco said. He was staring at his ingredient collection.
"They're expensive, aren't they?" Ron asked.
"Well… yes. But they are nearly as good as Phoenix tears for healing," Draco said.
"I don't need anything like that Draco. It's just a blister." Monica said, frowning slightly.
"Do you really need the unicorn tears Draco?" Rhia asked.
He looked at her and the frost in his eyes thawed considerably as he realized what she was asking. "They are an important ingredient for this particular potion," he said carefully, but he glanced at Monica as he finished.
Rhia nodded. "All right then." She looked at him intently before there was a flash of light and a unicorn stood in the middle of the room. A unicorn foal is pure gold and a mature one is purest white. But one that is in its adolescence is silver. Rhia glimmered in the bright torchlight. The base of her mane and tail were the dark gray of storm clouds, fading to a silver-white at the ends. She had a slightly darker gray ring around her neck, and a silvery gray diamond-shaped spot in the center of her chest.
All the girls gasped in awe, and the boys stepped back a pace. Harry and Ron remembered their experiences with Professor Grubbly-Plank and the unicorns. Those horns could be dangerous. Draco already had a small vial ready in his hand, but he was hesitant to step near her. He had nearly gotten speared by a unicorn horn. Rhia's horn was a glowing spiral of twisting pearl, rather reminiscent of a certain Spire. She looked over at Harry.
There was a sharp intake of breath from Ginny. Neville glanced at her. She was staring at Rhia with a shocked look on her face. She paid him no attention. "Harry… take the vial from Draco," Ginny said in a slightly strangled voice.
"Ginny? What… why?" Harry asked.
"Because only you can get close to her at the moment." Ginny said.
"Why?" Harry asked.
"Of all of you," Ginny started and stopped. She frowned. "Harry just take it already!"
"All right Ginny. Calm down." Harry said. He took the vial from Draco. He stepped to Rhia's side. "Hi." He said softly.
"For Shards sake Harry," Ginny said exasperated.
"What's got into you?" George asked. He was unprepared for the daggers thrown from Ginny's blue eyes in his direction. "Only a question."
Harry smiled at Rhia. "Erm… mind crying a bit?" he asked. Her eyes sparkled with mirth. Then the sparkle became a glitter and the glitter, tears. Harry caught them carefully in the vial. They shone like quicksilver. "This enough?" he asked Draco.
"More than," Draco said. "Thank you… Rhia." Draco said.
Rhia bowed her head. In doing so, her horn touched Ginny's forehead. The girl leapt back as if she'd been stung. There was a flash of light and Rhia was herself again. "That was interesting," she said. "I've never been that form before. Bit unnerving really."
"How do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"Because unicorns do not like boys." Ginny said.
"Yes, that and… Are you all right?" she asked Ginny suddenly. "I didn't hurt you did I?"
"I… I think… I'm fine." Ginny said.
"You're sure?" Rhia asked. Ginny nodded. George raised an eyebrow at her. She shrugged at him.
"So… what are we going to do now?" Fred asked.
"Same thing we do every night Fred." George said.
"And what's that George?" Fred asked.
"Perfect our plans to take over the world!" George exclaimed, grinning maniacally.
"Oh, don't start that again…" Rose groaned.
George winked at her. "Or we could just play some games."
"Monica is taking this before we do anything," Draco said.
"I don't suppose this will taste good…" she said hopefully.
"You told me so yourself, a potion that tastes good is not properly done." Draco told her. She huffed. "Drink it." He growled.
She took the vial of amethyst liquid and drank it down. When she finished she pursed her lips and swallowed a couple more times. She looked at Rhia. "No offense, but… your tears are definitely Not sweet." Rhia grinned at her.
"NowI suggest that we all get comfortable before we get started," Rose said.
There was a flurry of activity as school robes were shed in favor of the simpler uniforms. Ties and shoes were also removed, ties to their respective bags and shoes to in a haphazard pile in one of the empty corners of the room.
"Ahhh…" Daniel sighed, throwing himself on his pallet. "Much better."
"Yes," Ana said, "Much."
Everyone made themselves comfortable on the various pallets. They disregarded the names on the pillows for now, since they weren't planning to go to sleep at the moment. Any spell that would prevent otherwise couldn't activate. "Okay then," Rose said. "We have to develop our trust of one another I suggest we go with 'Truth or Dare' to begin."
"How is that going to help?" Neville asked apprehensively.
"Implicit trust in one another is vital to our mission. Distrust is a weakness that we cannot afford. We have to be united if we are going to succeed." Rose answered. "Shall we begin?" There were nods of assent around the room, though several looked nervous. Rose smiled. "This nervousness is precisely why it is a good idea."
"I'd like to make to make a suggestion," George said. Rose nodded. "Perhaps a rle or two would be wise, considering the varying ages and genders of the group."
Rose's eyes swirled blue. "Why George how responsible of you." He winked and she smiled again. "What did you have in mind?"
"I thought," Fred elbowed him. "Sorry mate, WE thought that everyone should have tot take a Dare as well as a Truth, to make things fair of course,"
"Does that seem reasonable?" Rose asked. Again there were nods of assent around the room.
"I have a request," Draco said. Everyone looked at him. He took a deep breath. "If answering a truth or performing a Dare would place the subject or someone else in real danger, may we refuse?"
"I think we all agree that no truly dangerous Dares are permissible, but the Truths… I don't know." Rose said.
"We have to present a united front to the Enemy." Harry said. "Secrets divide us."
"Some secrets are kept to protect," Rhia said.
"In a group like ours," Harry responded earnestly, focusing bright green eyes on her. "Secrets are dangerous."
"Yes that's true," Rhia said. "But sometimes what is a secret, is moreso."
"Aren't we all secrets?" Hermione asked, "of one type or another?"
"What do you mean?" Reggie asked.
"Well, the Wizarding World is a secret from the Muggle World. The Guardians are such a well kept secret in the Wizarding World that they are barely even a legend anymore. We are secrets here at Hogwarts and within our own houses…" Hermione trailed off.
"We all have secrets," Draco said.
"All the more reason to continue," Harry said. "Every question should be answered." Everyone stared at him. "Don't you see? If we don't share our truths, then Voldemort may have more knowledge of us than we do as a whole. That is unacceptable." His green eyes shone with passion as he gazed intensely into each face. "The Shards were once part of a whole, and so they must be again."
After a silent moment, Rose spoke, "All agreed to speak any and all Truths requested of them, raise your hands." One by one, hands were lifted. Rhia and Draco were the last.
"You truly are the Heart of us Harry James Potter." Rhia said softly, gazing at him with a silver light in her eyes. When all hands were raised, something clicked inside them and the Shards flashed. It happened so quickly that they almost didn't notice.
"I guess this isn't just a game, if the Shards are involved." Ginny said.
"Everything is involved." Rose said quietly.
Another moment later, George cleared his throat. "Okay, no dangerous Dares," he said.
"Embarassing, yes." Fred added with a gleam in his eye. "Dangerous, no."
"Who wants to go first?" Rose asked.
"How are we going to go about this?" Draco asked.
"The person who goes first questions whom they like," Hermione said. "They in turn make their choice, 'Truth or Dare.' We should go to everyone before we repeat. So that no one must tell or do more than the others."
"I'll go first, since the game was my suggestion in the first place," Fred said. He looked around the room. "Neville, Truth… or Dare?"
All of the dannikits had climbed onto their companions, strengthening them in their own way. At Fred's words, Andra attempted to crawl into Neville's shirt. Being the size of a housecat and fluffy made this difficult. Especiallt for Neville, who was looking decidedly nervous. Ginny clucked her tongue at Andra, who abruptly calmed in Neville's arms. "T-truth," Neville managed.
Fred smiled even wider. "Why do you have Ginny's hanky in your pocket?"
Everyone smiled as Neville's mouth fell open. Well, Draco smirked of course. "She brought me breakfast this morning when I was running late. A sausage biscuit wrapped in the hanky."
"But why do you Still have it?" Fred asked.
"There are a couple of grease spots on it. I was going to send it to the laundry," Neville said. "Unless you need it?"
Ginny shook her head and smiled at him. "I have several thanks."
Fred looked thoughtful. "Your turn Neville," Rose said.
"What? Oh. Um…" Nevill's nose wrinkled as he thought. Andra stretched out a paw and tapped his nose. "Ah… Ginny, Truth or Dare?"
"Truth," she said without hesitation.
"Why did you behave the way you did when Rhia was a unicorn?" Neville asked.
Ginny blinked at him. "Because… because I felt what she felt."
"WHAT?!" Rhia exclaimed.
Ginny turned her face to Rhia. "When you changed, I could feel your feelings. That's why I knew that only Harry could get near you."
"Has that ever happened before?" Rhia asked.
That's how I communicate with the animals I speak with, but it's never happened with a person before. Well, Animagi I mean. I've never connected with Sirius or McGonagall before. That's why I was a bit… out of sorts. It was… unsettling."
"You felt what I felt?" Rhia asked. Ginny nodded. Now Rhia was thoughtful.
"Your turn Ginny," Rose said, after a quick glance at her sister.
Ginny looked around the room at each of them. Finally she looked down at Erian in her lap. "You pick someone love," she said. "I can't choose."
Erian trilled a stepped from her lap. Whirring, he began a circuit of the room, bushy tail waving cheerily. Aren't we supposed to be having fun?" Lynne asked in the silence.
"We all seem to have taken a seriousness pill of some sort." Ana said.
"You're always serious," Daniel told her, grinning.
"I am not," she said indignantly. "Some people think me quite the fun person." She frowned at him.
"See?" Daniel said to the group. "She even takes me seriously. You really shouldn't my dear," he said, shaking his head sadly.
Ana's mouth opened and closed and opened again. "Why you!" she exclaimed finally, smacking his shoulder.
"What'd I do?" Daniel asked innocently. His expression took on an injured air.
Meanwhile, Erian continued to wander the room. He semmed to be conversing with each dannikit. When he reached Draco, he stopped and sat down, staring up at him. Then the kit draped himself across Draco's legs and trilled. Drco stroked his head and looked from Daniel and Ana, who were still playing off one another, to Ginny. She cleared hr throat. Ana gave Daniel a look that clearly stated, 'We will continue this later.'
"Draco, Truth, or Dare?" Ginny asked.
"Dare," he said, blue eyes glinting oddly.
"Ah good" George said. "First victim."
"Doesn't the questioner make the Dare?" Draco asked.
"Oh yes," Fred said. "But she's our sister."
"So this ought to be good." George finished.
Draco raised an eyebrow at Ginny. She smiled at him, humming softly, tapping her chin and staring at him. Everyone waited expectantly. Erian whirred from his place draped over Draco's legs. "I've got it," Ginny grinned at Draco. He stared at her, waiting. "I dare you to drink a potion of Neville's making, in your pajamas, and doing a handstand."
"But Ginny," Neville whispered. "I only have that"
"Shhhh," Ginny told him. "Fetch it for me please?"
Draco was actually muttering to himself as he took his bag through the portal into the bathroom. He came back a few moments later in dark green satin pajama bottoms and a silvery gray dressing gown made of something softer than velvet, with a gold DM monogrammed on the left side. Ginny was waiting with a small teardrop shaped bottle of a thick brown liquid. Draco visibly blanched at the sight of the potion. The rest of them, trying not to laugh, could see him searching his mind for a potion that was supposed to be that color when it was complete. They knew the exact moment when he realized that he didn't know of any potion that color. His lip curled into a wry grin that was almost a sneer. "I thought none of the Dares were to be dangerous?" he asked Ginny.
Andra put a paw over Neville's mouth before he could respond. Ginny merely smiled. "Where would you like to stand?" she asked.
"Over there," he said, pointing to his place next to Monica. He raised a blond eyebrow at Ginny. "Were you serious about the handstand bit?"
It's necessary for the potion to take effect." Ginny said. The edges of her mouth were twitching with suppressed laughter.
"I see," Draco said. Monica smiled at him supportively. "Let's get on with it then." He was stiff with Malfoy pride as he passed the others. Everyone but Neville was shaking with silent laughter. He was looking just a bit nervous. Every dannikit except Andra took a swipe at his robe belt. "For the sake of your sanity, and mine, please get your laughter out now." Draco said in a serious voice, wry grin firmly in place. The Weasley twins were the loudest as laughter swept the room. "I will be able to speak after this, won't I?"
"Of course," Ginny said giggling.
Draco nodded. "How long am I to be in a handstand?"
"Until the potion takes effect," Ginny said. Draco nodded again.
He took a deep breath and flipped over onto his hands in one smooth movement. The belt of his dressing gown managed to keep it from falling down and covering his face. It was a very well-behaved dressing gown. "Someone is going to have to give me the potion," he said, quite seriously.
Laughter rolled through the room. There was something quite amusing about an upside down Draco Malfoy calmly requesting a potion. His hair, still slicked back, stayed in place, like a helmet of sorts, which added to the humor of the situation. Monica took the bottle from Ginny and approached, grinning. "Don't worry Draco. I'll make sure you get the full dose." She said, laughter sparkling in her voice.
"Thanks, I think," Draco said. His face was beginning to turn red, but he didn't seem to be having any trouble staying upright. In fact, he casually crossed his ankles to keep his pant legs from falling down. Monica knelt by his head and for a moment, a curtain of black curls hid his face from the rest of them. "How's my hair?" he whispered.
Monica laughed softly. "It's fine," She reached out and ruffled it, or tried to. Draco scowled. Monica took the cap off the bottle then and filled the little cap with the potion. It was about the texture of a smoothie, and an odd mixture of different shades of brown. "Doesn't this look appetizing?" Monica asked.
"Not really, no." Draco said. He shifted his weight a little. "Give it here."
"One moment," Monica said. "Who are you asking?" Draco frowned at her. "Come on Draco, turn that frown upside down," Monica coaxed. This sent the Weasley twins into gales of laughter. The others weren't far behind.
"Harry, Truth or Dare?" When his mouth was open on the 'are' portion of the word Dare, Monica poured in the capful of potion. Draco looked surprised and then thoroughly disgusted. "Gah! What is that?"he asked after swallowing with difficulty.
"My attempt at a cleansing potion." Neville said. "So the chocolate flavoring didn't come through did it?"
"No." Draco said. "You added chocolate to a cleansing potion?"
"Well sort of… Cocoa powder." Neville answered.
"What kind of cleansing are we talking about here?" Draco asked. Daniel snorted. Draco glared.
"Well," Neville started. Draco glared more. The Malfoy glare lost a bit of it's potency when the bearer was doing a handstand in his pajamas. "It's supposed to rid you of impurities. Which is why you have to be upside down. They come out your ears this way. Less unpleasant."
"Where on earth did you find such a recipe?" Draco asked.
"In one of my Herbology books. I'll show you later. It's harmless really." Neville said.
"So Harry Potter," Draco asked then. "Truth or Dare."
"Truth," Harry said, grinning at him.
"How the devil did you pull that floating head trick in Hogsmeade back in third year?" Draco asked. "I've been wondering ever since."
"The floating head… Oh. That. One second." He reached into his bag and rummaged around. Kali'na played with the strap. "I was wearing this." He pulled out a large shimmery cloak. "My father's invisibility cloak."
"Crikey Harry," Fred said. He got a sudden case of itchy fingers. Solida sat on them.
"Bet that's come in handy." George said. Lunia wrapped her tail around his wrist, whirring.
"It has," Harry said.
"Well," Lynne said, "Let's see it then." Her sister looked at her. "What? Have you ever seen one? I know I haven't."
"I was just going to ask the same thing," Reggie said. Both of them looked at Harry. Still smiling a little, he stood, put on the cloak and disappeared. Everyone except Hermione, Ron, and Rhia gaped at the spot where he had been, Draco wobbled slightly but stayed upright. Rhia's eyes went slowly around the room, then stopped. One corner of her mouth went up in a half-smile.
"Where'd he go?" Daniel asked.