Disclaimer: come on now this is getting stupid! Lol, all right, all right, I don't own Harry Potter, sadly it all belongs to J.K.

Blue is back y'all! But I'm not sure for how long, I had to abandon ship for a while, but now 'm ready to take the helm... it's been a long time.

Chapter 13: Zabini's tale

November 13th 2006

So afraid to love you more afraid to loose

Clinging to the past that doesn't let me chose

Once there was a darkness a deep and endless night

Gave me everything you had oh it gave me light

I will remember you – Sarah Mclachlan

"Harry, Harry! What do you want to do about dinner tonight?" a loud, irritating voice cried, the declaration travelling quickly through the large manor to the tall raven-haired man who was preparing himself for a speedy apparation from his luxurious home.

A minute, impatient sigh escaped his lips.

"I don't know Pansy - you choose love," Harry called as he retrieved his favourite black cloak, "Listen sweetheart, I'll be working late again, Arthur's really working me lately but I can't say I blame him the slightest – just save me some of whatever you're having." He added quickly as he examined his golden watch. 12.44, he was running late.

"But Ha - "

"See you later Pans," Harry shouted shortly before pulling out his faithful Holly wand and apparating with a noisy pop into the hustle and bustle that was Hogesmade village.

Meanwhile, from the large marble kitchen, Pansy Parkinson Potter gave a poignant sigh of annoyance before picking up the long handled black knife, and continuing her work on the carrots with only the house elves for company. Again.

"Alright there Harry?" called Mr Augustus Snoops, the gentle crepe man that held shop outside the leaky cauldron as Harry appeared with a loud pop beside him, "Can I tempt you with a nice drizzling chocolate and marshmallow crepe?" he added grinning boyishly, waving the knife temptingly over the hot munchies.

Harry grinned kindly, eyeing the snack with hungry eyes, yet he had to decline, he was working after all. "No thank you Gus, I'm on official business today and can't stop – perhaps after I've done." He said kindly, stepping aside so a young witch and her windswept infant could examine the mouth-watering crepes.

Mr snoops dipped his head benevolently in acknowledgment as Harry gave a small wave before sweeping along the cobble stone pavement towards the entrance to the village. It was the third time in 2 days that Harry had walked this same route past the welcoming gates to the village and up the dusty country road to the small, well kept cottages that lay beyond.

Unfortunately, his intention for coming here was the same too. He was once again searching Ginny's cottage, for any clues that he may have overlooked in his first 6 searches. Now, unless he was incredibly hopeless, or possibly going blind, there wasn't anything else to investigate. He'd looked everywhere, inside and out of the cottage and nothing gave him motivation to his cause.

Yet he wasn't giving up hope. He knew that there was something – something wide of the mark about all this, about Ginny and Leos sudden departure. Harry had never known Ginny to be so spontaneous about leaving her home, heck 2 months ago she asked Hermione and Ron to house sit for her whilst she and Molly went to Paris for the DAY, so unless Ginny had suddenly loosened up, which didn't seem that likely - then there was something about the whole situation that didn't ring true... and he couldn't give up just yet as there was the little minor detail that he'd been ordered to search the house once again by his boss and surrogate father Arthur Weasley.

As Harry approached he noticed how the cottage looked so lifeless and sad, the darkened windows and depressing stance of the house bought a sad smile to Harry's face. This place was so – so vibrant when Ginny was around, but now, without her, it looked boring and inhospitable.

Shaking his head at his evoking thoughts, Harry strode through the opened gate and paused a few metres along the path, remembering that special protection wards had been placed over the house to shelter it from another infringement.

"Debilitorus" he said languidly, watching the house carefully as the invisible wards around the cottage glowed a poisonous purple before vanishing with a thunderous crack – Merlin help the poor beggar who tried to get past this, you'd be burning up before you even realised what'd hit you. Strolling up to the front door Harry unlocked and opened it and for reasons unknown to him, waited on baited breath.

Peculiarly, the cottage was strangely warm - even for this time of year, Harry could feel the securing heat as he stepped through the front door and into the empty hallway. Now where had he stopped at his last search . . . Oh yes, Ginny's room, that's where he'd last looked before being called back to the office, all because one of the "new recruits" had set fire to his office . . ..

Frowning amusedly at the memory of the escaped arsonist and seeing no point in looking downstairs yet again, Harry wondered up the musty stairway and across the empty hallway into Ginny's room, where the skyline ceiling above was still shining brilliantly despite the fact that its creator was not here to marvel it.

Harry's emerald eyes raked the room: the wardrobe, the draws, the bed, the vanity table; everything looked, as it should do. What else could the room be hiding? Ooo, maybe there were Corpses under the bed? Maybe there was a secret passage behind the wardrobe – okay, that's a bit too far fetched, he thought, shaking his head at the absurdity of such a thing. He was just pissed at having to come here yet again.

"Oh well," he sighed, "may as well get started. Sorry Gin, but - " he walked over to the wardrobe and pulled it open, "I'll have to go rummaging."

His eyes wondered over the solitary purple cloak, the paisley summer dress and the casual little black number that hung there miserably, looking quite alone with the absence of the other garments.

"Hello, what's this . . ." he mumbled quietly as he spotted the coat hangers that lay scattered at the bottom of the wardrobe. They were lying in the most peculiar fashion. Frowning at the mess for a moment, his eyes then travelled upwards. Along the back of the wardrobe there were shiny scratches in the dark wood, each about 2 centimetres thick. Harry looked down at the hangers, his eyes wondering over them quickly . . . 2 of them were broken.

"In a bit of a rush weren't we Gin?" he whispered to himself as he picked up a piece of broken coat hanger and sat down on the comfortable bed. "Okay Harry, think logically for a moment. Perhaps Ginny was in a rush to pack? But, would she really rip the clothes from the wardrobe?" His eyes landed on a stuffed bear sitting in the corner of the room, its black eyes shining innocently at the question.

"No, of course not. Ginny has always been tidy – gets it from Molly," he gave a small smile as he thought of his surrogate mother, weren't all mothers the same? "Okay . . . think Harry – what do we know so far? Ginny left in a hurry with Leo, now unless they were pushed for time, then surely they would have taken the time to pack tidily . . . What else do we know? We know that 2 unconscious deatheaters were found on the same afternoon they left, and that neither Ginny or Leo saw them . . . or did they."

He walked over to the window, gazing out across the shining landscape. The cool winter sun was sinking slowly behind the mammoth Scottish mountains, preparing the village for the prevailing darkness. His eyes wondered over the field across the road, the emerald orbs coming to rest on the solitary tree, all alone in the world. Yet the beautiful scenery bought no inspiration to his confused mind.

"Harry mate I think you're losing your touch . . ." he muttered quietly as he turned back to the empty room. However, his lack of confidence diminished ever so slightly when he spotted something that shouldn't be. In the middle of Ginny's vanity desk, a small chip in the wood was visible – but this wasn't the reason it seemed peculiar – a beam of sunlight from the dying sun was shining on the dark oak, revealing a box in the wood.

Frowning suspiciously at the markings, Harry slowly crossed the room and plunging recklessly on, he traced the chip in the wood as if sensing what it was. Placing the piece of coat hanger on the desk, Harry placed his thumb carefully into the chip and steadying himself with the other hand, he slowly pulled the wood forwards.

Chapped lips formed a satisfied smile as the emerald eyes scanned the secret draw – jackpot. Yet . . . the objects in the draw were, well, extremely useless to say Ginny had gone through the trouble to hide them. An eagle quill, paper, single white rose and some white envelopes were the only objects in the draw, the other was -.

"Hello, what have we here . . ." Harry whispered as he picked up the silver object and lay it on his palm where he could inspect the trinket more closely. His eyes wondered over the silver leaf, long stem and sharp fastening pin on the back, then over the most noticeable feature of the brooch. The rose.

Suddenly his mind was on that day at Hogesmade when he'd last saw Ginny, and the last time this pin was mentioned by his wife as they went to the quidditch match . . . the Zabini rose. But... what was it doing in Ginny Weasley's bedroom? Suddenly his wife's words were ringing about his head. "Blaise used to have a crush on her..." Blaise had a crush on Ginny.

But was the feeling mutual? Harry had been under the impression for many a year at Hogwarts that Ginny Weasley was completely and utterly smitten with himself – the boy who lived... Would Ginny just fall for a Slytherin guy out of the blue? Without him noticing? She was much too shy... to frigid... for something so daring... Right...? I mean a Slytherin and a Gryffindor... together.... Haha! Hell it was possible! Every morning Harry woke up to his own special Slytherin. However some thing worried him about this thought – that meant there was definitely a possibility of it happening... that it happened....

Shaking himself from his thoughts, Harry examined the rose once more, churning these views repeatedly in his mind. Why did Ginny put it in the draw? Was it because she knew nobody that no one had a clue about the compartment, and because of this, it would be safe whilst she was away?

Sighing, Harry placed the pin in his pocket, yet as he did so he couldn't help thinking that he was taking something precious. Seizing it from his cloak, he scanned the rose once more before placing it back in the draw, and then closing it. Staring at the draw unnerved him... for some reason it felt as though he has just closed this case – like he was giving up on Ginny. His eyes flickered to the picture of himself, Ginny, Ron and Hermione all smiling and waving down by the lake. The look on Ginny's face looked cheerful enough, after all he'd had his arm around her, but he noticed that she was relaxed and calm like she did it on a regular basis.

'The Ginny I know wouldn't have been so cool.' He told himself, studying the picture. Yet as he considered this, the feeling of guilt washed over came him once again. 'I mean the Ginny I think I know...' he thought, running his hands back all the way through his untameable hair.

"BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP" Came the shrill sound from his pocket. Opening it up, he pulled out his magical pager. Flashing across the screen right now were the words: "Meeting with A.D in 5 minutes." Woah! He was here much longer then he originally thought he would be! He'd have to leave Ginny's house today and come back tomorrow, hopefully his muddled up mind would have organized itself by then.

Giving the room one final fleeting glance, Harry closed the bedroom door and set off swiftly out of the cottage. For some explanation... he felt glad to be out of there today. The house felt, well... evil. Ginny Weasley's house felt evil... noooo! He was just being stupid. It couldn't. Not some thing of Ginny's!

Pacing to the gate, the raven haired man swept around gracefully. 'Boy do I need some advice...' he thought to himself, flicking his wand at the house, eyeing it apprehensively. Immediately the wards cracked back around the house protecting Ginny's little "Haven" from all harm that may come to it. 'hopefully Albus will have answers regarding Mr Zabini.'

The weak sun was beginning to set, preparing the little village for the long, bitter winters night that lay ahead. Harry didn't care for the cold though; he loved this little village ever since he sneaked out behind the statue of the one-eyed humpbacked witch all those years ago. He laughed warmly at the memory... gosh he was such a rogue...! Right?

"Hello again Mr Potter!" cried Mr Snoops, watching Harry draw nearer and nearer to his quaint little stall, "Are you absolutely sure I can't tempt you into buying a crepe?" he chided, waving a warm hand over the melted gooey chocolate, marshmallows, sugars, sweets and all the other wonderful fillings that were just waiting to be gobbled. Harry peered down at them all, his stomach now rather empty.

"Oh go on then, you've won me over!" He said, giving in to the sweet saccharine smell of the crepes. "It is most definitely the night for one I must say, the night draws in bringing a cold breath with it," he breathed, warming his hands on the hot glass.

"Indeed Mr potter, it sure is" Snoops agreed, busying himself about making the snack. "Oh I was meant to ask you Harry... where is the delightful Miss Ginny? We haven't seen her for some time now. Just this morning I had old Rosie come outta the three broomsticks and ask me if I'd seen her. Apparently she was supposed to be having a meal at hers last night, she'd organised it a while back she'd said, and it certainly isn't like Ginny to miss out a night out with a friend?"

Harry gave him a sharp look. "Having dinner with Rose? Really? So Ginny didn't tell her that she was going away?" he demanded, taking the hot snack from the old man, handing him bits of silver and copper.

"No sir. Miss Ginny isn't here? How odd! And fancy not telling old Rosie, oh she'll be so disappointed with her she will!" He said with a curious tone in his voice.

"Yes... yes she will be. I tell you what, I'll tell old Rose that Ginny's away, you shouldn't worry yourself about telling her." Harry said with a smile, although it did not reach his eyes. He was still wondering why Ginny had not cancelled her dinner date with the old bar lady. "Well I must be off now, but I'm sure that I'll be seeing you around." He said warmly, nodding his head in recognition to the elder man.

"Aye that you will, I'll be seeing you young Harry." Replied Snoops kindly.

'Typical' thought Harry bitterly, 'just as one door closes another door bloody opens! Why on earth does it happen to me?'

With out even knowing it, Harry found himself standing outside the colossal gates of his old school. The melted chocolate in his snack had dribbled all over his leather gloves, without him noticing too. "Oh shit, Pansy won't be happy I ruined the new gloves she gave me. Nothing gets chocolate out!" he hissed, popping the rest of the crepe in his mouth and throwing the brown paper on the floor in frustration.

Walking over the litter he'd created, he pushed the gates open effortlessly noting how they made no noise despite how old they were... how ever old that was. They closed behind him soundlessly, luring Harry into a secure state.

There it was, like a diamond in the rough, gleaming there most brilliantly for all to behold in magnificent wonder. Hogwarts. Harry's home away from home. Even now it still felt as though he was 11 years old again, approaching it for the first time, remembering how awesome it looked as the boats glided across the water. This castle was astute, secure, mysterious and powerful all at the same time. Triumphs, disappointments, murders, battles, romances... all had been held here. The stone was made to last, and last it did.

"WOW LIZZIE COME 'ERE! IT'S HARRY POTTER!". Came a scream right in front of him. Rousing from his stupor, Harry observed that he was standing right before the main entrance hall... with about 15 students from various years all gawking at him stupidly. No one knew what to do... grins spread all over the faces of the kids whilst Harry looked for an escape route. He'd done it again! He'd dropped his guard and kept on surprising himself. But Somehow, he had to dodge around his admiring fans so he wouldn't be late.

"Hello everybody..." he started, looking for an getaway... "I hope you're all enjoying yourselves this term! I know that with Christmas just around the corner you'll be off into Hogsmeade spending up!" he said, flashing his wonderful celebrity smile to them all. Big mistake.

"Oh oh oh! Can we have your autograph Mr Potter – Harry – Mr Potter? Erm... can we?"

"Me first Mr Potter, me first!"

"No me!" cried a rather burly looking seventh year girl, stepping forwards from the crowd. Everyone took one step back from the pug leaving a gap big enough to slip through. Harry saw his opportunity and made towards them at a fast pace surprising them all.

"Sorry everybody but I've got a meeting" he called over the heads of the students, ignoring their frustrated moans, "You might catch me on the way out though!" he jested, before realising that their numbers may have doubled by that time. Waving this thought aside, Harry stepped through the entrance hall and walked as fast as he could towards the main staircase without looking back. Boy was this going to be an challenge.

A scream.

A shrill laugh.

A curse.

A cold heartless laugh.

The swish of two wands.

Curses shouted to the air.

The fall of two bodies.

One is redeemed. The other is not.

The discovery. One body is found. Evil is slain. Where is the hero?

"Sorry I'm late sir. Professor... Professor? Albus? Are you alright?......."

A birth.

A discovery.

A death.

We are doomed.

"PROFESSOR!"

"yes... yes? What is it?" came his voice; it seemed far away and soundless. His vision came to him. He could see everything clearly now. The boy who lived was looking at him. The visions were beginning to leave him. He must act now. Placing his wand to his temple, he dropped them, the visions, into the bowl set before him. Yes... everything was back to normal now.

Harry looked at the wizard before him with curious eyes. Albus Dumbledore looked very bizarre – very unlike himself indeed. He appeared to be exhausted; big dark patches under his eyes made his face look drawn and unhealthy. His eyes were glazed over right now as he placed his wand to his temple and placed his mysterious thoughts into the penisieve positioned before him on the desk. Harry knew better then to disturb his old professor whilst he was contemplating, so he contented himself with gazing around his office, taking in the pictures and books he'd seen a thousand times before until Dumbledore was ready to talk to him.

A heavy sigh sounded across from the raven-haired man after five still minutes. Harry gazed at his friend knowingly, letting him compose himself. The eyes that were glazed over were now staring at him over those half moon spectacles. They had not lost their mischievous sparkle just yet he noticed.

"Good afternoon Harry." He said quietly, smiling warmly at the man before him. "I'm so sorry that I did not hear you come in. I was deep in thought as you saw."

Harry nodded meaningfully. "Don't apologise. Knowing you Albus, it was probably something of the up most Importance." He said with a hint of sarcasm. Dumbledores eyes glinted quickly before he smiled in reply, leaving a curious Harry with an unanswered question. Rolling his eyes, he thought it better to move the conversation onwards.

"How's the year been so far Albus? I hope young our young Mr Weasley is doing alright?" he enquired enthusiastically.

"Wonderfully Harry, wonderfully. He is much like his father, but also a lot like his mother. It is hard to decide who he seems like more. From what the other teachers tell me he is doing extremely well in potions and has a natural talent for quidditch – which he must get from his uncle Harry." Harry laughed into his throat at this. Dumbledore smiled merrily before, however, turning ever so slightly pensive. This the man across from him noticed immediately. Something was wrong, very wrong. He had only known his good friend to be like this when Voldemort still held the wizarding world upon the edge of a knife.

Suddenly Dumbledore shook his head at the young man, his curiosity still couldn't be masked off his face just yet. "Do not ask me what is wrong. I cannot say that there is anything wrong, but I also cannot say if there is not." Breathed the old man, heaving himself from his chair and walking towards his balcony. Taking this as an invitation to follow him, Harry stood up and followed his old comrade.

"Then tell me what you think the answer is," whispered Harry as they reached the balcony overlooking the grounds. The sun was setting into the mountains tearing the last feeble rays from the world for another day. The grounds looked peaceful and still, like an ocean that has just been ravished by a storm. Framed against this background Dumbledore looked powerful, strong – yet deeply troubled. He was doing his best to avoid the conversation, which meant that the issues his old headmaster had were profound and secret. He would have to wait until he was ready to divulge them.

"If you cannot give me answers to that question, then perhaps you can help me with another that has been troubling me for a time." Dumbledore turned to face the young man showing he was free to continue. "What do you know about Blaise Zabini?" he enquired, holding the older mans gaze. "I want to know everything about him, about his past, about his present... everything."

"Blaise Zabini is very complex Mr Potter. His life is one of mystery and power, heartbreak and misery and inconceivable reality." He said with a smile... a sad smile. "Blaise is bound to a fate that he does not wish to have... to situations he does not wish to face... and powers way beyond his comprehension." Sighing, Dumbledore turned to his right to a pair of comfortable chairs sat either side of a table. "You will need to sit down if you wish to hear more." He said with a wave of his hand at the seats.

Curiosity and excitement urging him on, Harry took a chair with his friend, not wanting to miss a word of what was being said. Dumbledore took the seat next to him, taking a deep breath and penting his fingers on his lap, he continued with what he had to say. He must be careful what he told Harry, although he trusted him profoundly, some things were better left unsaid... he must not reveal the plans....

"If I am to tell you all about Blaise, then I must first tell you all about the Zabini's. First you must understand what power Blaise possesses before I can tell you his current affairs..." he sighed, turning his sparkling eyes away from the Potter and his piercing gaze. "The story I am about to tell you is passed down from generation to generation through the Zabini family. Members of their pureblood community and close friends will also know the tale, and of the other matters concerning it."

"This story originates back in the realms of time to when Hogwarts was just being born. As you know, the four founders of the school, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin, were creating the castle that we are sitting in right now. There were many difficulties between the founders as the castle was being built, but one of these problems would be so severe that it would alter the course of magical history.

Salazar Slytherin was powerful. He had a power greater then Hufflepuffs... greater then Ravenclaws... but it was not greater then Gryffindors. Godric was the only thing standing in the way of him ruling the school, and, controlling who was let into the school to practise magic. His life was not easy because of him, and his hatred for Godric was like a dark stain on his life."

"However, there was one comfort that he had: his wife, Trianna. Originally named Trianna Asirus, she was the daughter of a mighty warlock and his witch wife. Her father was the most famous seer and alchemist in the land. Many a witch and wizard would come to the powerful wizards home, asking if they may see Osirisen, seeking his guidance and counsel in times of dire need, often bringing large sums of money for his trouble."

"There was one thing that he held dear to himself and that was his wife, Aren. She had a beauty far beyond anything that was to behold in all the land. So much was this beauty, that he kept his wife away from all, locked in her room at all times with only a balcony to allow her access to the outside world. There she was kept.... unable to see anyone or anything, at all.

Yet, the lady he held dear had a secret. She was not as blind as he thought her to be... unknown to Osirisen; Aren had the power to see much more then her husband. She could see the stars dancing with the moon. She could see the sun laugh gaily. She... could weld a power from her sight which all would fear..."

"A power that all but one were oblivious of. Trianna, her only, beautiful daughter, knew of it too."

Dumbledore looked up at Harry, smiling as he saw his obvious frustration at the old man stopping. Looking back at the calm grounds over which he was protector, he continued once again with the story.

"Trianna had her mothers beauty, yet she did not share her prison. She was seen by many people, many people that were enchanted by her. Her beauty was legend – even to herself. Many powerful men attempted to woo the young Trianna, but none prevailed... or should I say, only one did. Argon Zabini."

"Argon Zabini was a wealthy and handsome man. Yet they did not meet purely by chance... Argon was the most trusted and best friend of the mysterious founder, Salazar Slytherin. Slytherin trusted the Zabini beyond anybody else, yet Argon soon learned to abuse his trust, and fall into a deep romantic relationship with his wife."

"She and her lover met anywhere they could to find the others warm embrace. For months it was kept a secret from all... until one day... something the deceiving couple did not intend to happen, happened. On a cold stormy night near the completion of Hogwarts School, the lovers met at the home of husband and wife to indulge in their passionate affairs when unknown to them, the hard working Salazar returned home to find some comfort in his wife."

"For him, however, all he found was deceit, hatred... and murder. Seeing his wife in the arms of his best friend, he vowed that his death would come to him and that he would deliver it. Throwing his adulterous wife out of his way, he cornered the Zabini and cursed him with the foulest curse... fouler then Aveda Kedarva. He ripped the life from Argon, cursing the name of Zabini for the rise and fall of many suns to come. With this betrayer dealt with, Salazar turned to his wife..."

"Raising his wand he was about to bestow the same fate to her when he suddenly stopped. Just stopped. Something was preventing him from killing her... he could not do it. That is when he decided to teach his cheating wife a lesson she would not forget... the last lesson that she would ever learn as a witch. He knew what she was capable of doing... he knew her dark soul. So, he took it away from her."

"'Serpens Lingua Devoveovovi' were the words that took away the magic from within her. She felt the power leaving her and once it was taken, fell to the floor, wretched, tainted, named to be a squib the rest of her life. His abominable work completed, Slytherin returned to Hogwarts and prepared the chamber of secrets so that his heir could purge the school of mudbloods - muggles like his wife... like his beautiful Trianna... the only woman he cherished that abused his love and trust."

"Trianna was hopelessly desolate after she was cursed. Running to her lover's side, she took his hand in hers and wept for what seemed a generation. Running a hand down his cold dead face, Trianna gazed into his gaping shocked eyes, still open from disbelief and horror. As she watched him she cried for her mother and vowed not to rest until she had her revenge."

"Calling out for her mothers aid as she wept, Trianna prayed that she might be able to do something. Suddenly, a brilliant light flashed behind her and there stood Aren in all her splendour. Running to her daughter's side, she demanded to know what had happened. Trianna explained all to her and begged for her aid. Aren being of pureblood lineage was most aggrieved about her daughter's sudden change of grace but decided that she would only help Trianna if her daughter would leave and never return."

"Trianna agreed with a grave heart and said she would comply with the promise. Trusting this pledge, Aren knelt down beside Argon and spoke these words to him: 'Accipio meus corcordis Permitto vos meus luxlucis, pectusoris, amororis, at meus munimeninis arceo vos absistostiti malusum.' She kissed each of his eyes with her precious lips and with each kiss each eye turned pure gold... the purest gold that would ever be seen."

"Light returned to those eyes... life returned to the Zabini... but he was not the same... and never would he, or any other of his kin be the same again...."

Harry gazed in numb shock at the man before him. Never before had he heard anything like it. The minutes slipped away as he took the tale in. Dumbledore simply sat there, gazing out over the grounds, an unfathomable look on his face. Yet Harry was still unsure of a few things...

"That is why the Zabini's, well, the Zabini men have gold eyes then... the curse was passed on the each generation - "

"To each male generation, yes." Dumbledore interjected, giving a small smile. Harry furrowed his brow, still having questions for the professor.

"But Albus, if Aren gave Argon the equivalent power that she had, then doesn't that mean that she passed her power into him?"

Dumbledore gave another sigh, something that was becoming increasingly frequent in their meeting today. "Yes Harry, I am afraid she did. The gift of life she gave to Argon, came with a curse." The wizard turned to face the grounds again, returning to his story-telling countenance.

"The sight that Aren possessed was passed to her daughters love. He was granted the power to see into the future... and this power, gave him the authority to change even that... change the course of his life if ever he wished it. However, with this power came the magic that was most feared and respected. Only those who have been on the receiving end of this power, or, were there to witness it, know of its lethal nature. This too was passed down through the generations – through the sons and daughters of Argon and Trianna's children... their kin possess it now... and their future kin will possess it then...."

Harry nodded understandingly. Now he knew what he was dealing with... Blaise was a dangerous person whether he knew it or not. He could conceive a power that would be as remarkable as Dumbledores upon comparison.

A swift feeling of nausea spread over him as he pondered his next thought... he had to know that he had not assumed the answer to this next question correctly....

"Albus..." he whispered, causing the older man to look at him with a solemn façade, as if aware of what was coming, knowing Albus Dumbledore, he knew unerringly what was. "Tell me that I do not presume correctly... being the person he is, with the family he was brought up with, and the people he knows, please tell me that the power he and his family possess are not in league with the dark forces that we are fighting to destroy...."

The look... the look on the headmasters face was enough.

"I am afraid so Harry, even more so now I fear. Something dreadful has happened. A shift in the power of evil has been undertaken. I do not know what is being planned, a guess I only have, but I dare not tell you what I think unless I am certain. If you are wise Harry, you will not pursue Blaise whilst evil is still shrouded in this world. Forces beyond us all are testing Blaise. However, do not label him as an evil man, you still do not know Blaise Zabini." Whispered Dumbledore, his eyes never leaving the dim light that was the edge of the sun setting behind the gigantic mountains.

"But Al - "

"Please do not ask me anymore questions Harry. I can only advise you on your search, I cannot provide you with all the answers. I suggest, if you are still not satisfied that you know what Blaise Zabini may be capable of... of good and of evil... then you find the answers from the only person that has been shown Blaise in all his magnificence. I cannot tell you whom that is just yet, but when you see them again, you will know whom it is I speak and you will then be able to brand the Zabini an evil man... or a good one."

"When will I kno - "

"You will know Harry, you will know." Smiled the old man, his eyes now locked with the raven-haired mans emerald ones. "I'm afraid that I must end our meeting here Harry. Other matters must be attended to before the day is through." He added, rising from his seat gracefully whilst Harry sighed profoundly and followed suit.

"All right Albus, I think I have been inquisitive enough for one day. I am sorry for prying, but I just – I just need to know why he might've been involved with Ginny. Still I am none the wiser, but I am sure I will be able to piece everything together in the end." He breathed, picking up his gloves from the table and slipping them onto his icy hands.

Dumbledore grinned at the young man stood before him. Still at his age, he was asking questions that required the most important of answers. It was his gift that he had, pressing the right buttons, but for those providing the answers, he was their curse...

Walking down the stairs from the balcony, the two wizards held a comfortable silence, both of their heads weary from the story told here today. Upon reaching the door, Harry turned to his dear, wise friend who was currently looking exhausted once again.

"I shall see you soon my old friend. I can see that your mind is elsewhere today... but don't worry, I know exactly what you're feeling." He said tenderly, placing a hand on the aged mans shoulder.

Dumbledore smiled warmly, appreciating the younger mans compassionate gesture. "You know me well... too well I fear... but I am glad of it." He replied nodding his head in recognition.

"Until next time! Take care!" Harry shouted, disappearing through the door with a nod of his head and a wave of his hand. As he descended the stairs... he sighed as he remembered what may be waiting for him in the entrance hall once again...

"Goodbye Harry!" Dumbledore replied, deep in thought of the voices... the images and the story that he had retold today. Turning around, the old wizard walked towards the bright orange birds sleeping form by the oak desk that had stood in the office for years beyond the wizard. "My dear Fawkes..." he whispered, stroking the bright plumage of the phoenix and rousing the form immediately, its strong but caring gaze falling on him. "I am afraid things have taken a rather unpleasant turn for the worst. When the time comes my dear friend, we must be ready. You will be given your greatest challenge yet..." he said... walking back towards his penisieve and adding a few more thoughts to the bowl.

Life equals life but sometimes... life... equals death....

Dun dun dun.... You know the drill people!! Read & review! Oh yes! Here is what Aren said to Argon when giving him a life:

With my heart I give you my light, soul, and love. May my protection keep you from harm and I allow me this gift to you, to see the light, as do.

Hope you enjoyed it, sorry again for my yearlong absence, I'm a bad person I know, but I'm gonna make up for it. Blue x