Chapter 16
A bed of black sand went first. Next came a layer of fragrant passiflora harvested from the tropical greenhouse. The dark green leaves were showered with coarse bits of charcoal followed by finely ground rauvolfia roots and crushed verbena leaves. A lit match triggered the burning. The brass lid shielded the burning from prying eyes. Sitting on the floor, Neville Longbottom secured the smoke burner's lid firmly checking the stand one last time. Grayish streams of smoke plumed upward from the small opening in the middle of the lid. He grinned and nodded at Hermione Granger who sat opposite him in front of the Eyrie library. "Breathe it in and relax," Neville instructed. He opened a small booklet with a stained cover and dog-eared pages.
"We're about to perform a slightly dark spell and you tell me to relax." Despite the tone of her words, Hermione breathed the incense in as instructed. The sweet floral scent hit her neurons quickly. She felt calm but very alert.
"Just because we're using a few drops of blood does not make this a dark ritual." Neville said. "A lot of the ancient spells use blood in lots of rituals to make things more fool proof."
"Who are you trying to convince?" Hermione asked. For the third time in the last ten minutes, her eyes drifted to a box of bloodletting lancets lying next to a shallow mixing bowl. "We're not going to use the entire box are we? Like one per book?"
"No, just one lancet, marvelous things. I don't handle needles well so having these handy is a godsend." Neville picked up his wand and placed the open book on a bookstand next to him. "You understand why this is necessary, right, Hermione? Because you're not of the Tradition, we have to link you to the library in this roundabout fashion. You ready?"
"I understand and I have my part memorized." Hermione took a deep breath and placed her wand in front of her. She noticed that Neville wasn't using his normal wand. The wand in front of him was shorter, thicker and very old. She could just make out some inscription engraved on one side. "Let's get started then."
Neville placed a crystal shard of sky blue celestite in the mixing bowl. Neville took out one sterile cylindrical lancet. Hermione presented her left hand towards him index finger extended. Neville placed the blue end of the lancet against her finger then pressed the white end of the lancet. Hermione steadfastly kept her hand still. Unseen, a small, razor sharp needle inside the lancet jutted out penetrating her skin then retracted back into its sheath. Hermione squeezed her index finger waiting patiently as a small pinprick of blood pooled at the end of her finger. She held her finger suspended over the bowl watching intently as four drops of crimson dropped onto the waiting crystal. Through the crystal's transparency, Hermione could see her blood being absorbed into the crystal. Together they raised their wands. In one voice they said the incantation binding the blood to the crystal. Hermione raised the bowl holding it over the pungent gray smoke rising above the smoke burner. Neville consulted his booklet then cast another spell to link the crystal to the library. They both watched fascinated through the hazy gray smoke as the crystal slowly turned a deep shade of red.
Neville cleared his throat loudly. He asked the first required affirmations. "Do you understand the power of the knowledge which will be made open to you?"
"I do." Hermione replied solemnly. The mixing bowl in her hands was starting to get hotter. She had at first thought the arcane and intricate ritual to be a bit overdone when she'd first read through it. But now she thought differently.
"Do you dedicate the strength of your mind, the bounty of your heart and the depth of your inner soul to the attainment and improvement of this knowledge?"
"I will." The bowl in her hand began to hesitantly turn in an anti- clockwise direction. She found the heat almost comforting.
"Will you bind yourself in lifelong contract to the protection and sheltering of this knowledge following the dictates of the Tradition?
"I will as I must." Hermione let her breath out in a hiss as the bowl heated to a higher temperature. After a few seconds she saw a sparkle of red light flicker inside the crystal. The crystal itself returned to its natural translucence edged by sky blue. The bowl stopped turning. The bowl cooled quickly. Hermione reverently took the crystal and placed it in a gem holder on a long chain. She then slipped the chain over her head. She gasped loudly and closed her eyes for a few moments. Her mind was flooded with title after title, book after book, summary after summary of every item in the library. She had one more step to do to make the ritual complete. She stood up on shaking legs and walked to the library. As she passed her hand over a book, the book's spine glowed yellow green. A whispered "Accio" compelled the book to fly out of its shelf, expand to its full size and land gently on Hermione's outstretched hands.
"Congratulations, Hermione! It is a bit awe-inspiring to feel the story of every single book isn't it?." Neville watched her closely for any signs of distress. Professor Snape had warned him that this particular ritual had never been performed on a pure muggle born before so he had to be alert to anything going wrong.
"Cool, wow and awesome are so inadequate to describe this, Neville. I stand here and I can remember every person who every contributed a book or a parchment as if it all just happened yesterday. I can feel what they felt." Hermione ran an appreciative finger over the bookshelves leaving a glowing trail of rainbow colors in her wake.
"Before I forget, I ought to warn you about something else. Since the library is bound to Hogwarts right now, you'll feel historical resonances in certain parts of Hogwarts - good and bad." Neville said
"Really, what can I expect?" Hermione experimented summoning and returning books.
"Without warning you may get chills whenever you get close or are in an area of historical significance. Sometimes, I've even heard a voice telling me what really happened in that area." Neville clutched the booklet and returned it to his desk drawer. He then lifted the smoke burner and placed it on the low table by the fireplace. It was still emitting a puff of smoke now and again.
"Professor Snape's voice?" Hermione asked playfully. She followed him and took a seat on the sofa.
"No, it sounds like Mr. Ollivander or at least one of his ancestors. The Ollivanders are the historians after all." Neville turned serious. "Hermione, I have to tell you that Professor Snape made an exception for you."
"He did!? Why? He could have just said no when I asked him." Said a flabbergasted Hermione.
"I don't know why. I have to believe that he must have a good reason. The professor said something about finding allies and friends in the oddest of circumstances."
"Friends and allies, eh," Hermione pondered this new bit of information. "I'm sure he's very selective about who gets access."
"Selective doesn't begin to describe it, Hermione, not even the headmaster has access. Only those born of the Tradition know of the library. And only seven people know that the library is here. And only five of those seven people truly know what it contains and have access to it. To most people it just appears as rows of miniature books, nothing special." Neville took a seat opposite Hermione. His face had lost its normal earnest amicability. It was replaced with a determined, almost grim, expression.
"Five people in the entire world?" Hermione walked slowly towards the fireplace and sat down on the sofa. The enormity of the privilege granted to her hit her square in the solar plexus. "Just five?"
"Yes, Professors Snape and Vector, Professor Snape's father, you and me. That's it. That's the five." Neville continued on.
"I had no idea. I just wanted a chance to read in here. What's in it that's so valuable?"
"Besides being an archive of hundreds of years of magical knowledge, it also has our family histories - the Snapes, the Bones, the Ollivanders and mine. It contains almost every thought, discovery and achievement that's been kept secret from everyone else. We don't treat it lightly. My grandmother put my father's journal here. I . I didn't know him but I do now because of that journal. All of this is passed on to a.. a Keeper."
"Like a secret keeper?"
"Yes and no. The keeper of the library is more of a guardian. He protects the library all his life and with his life, if necessary. The keeper donates a little bit of his life essence to the library. This keeps the books in a state of permanent stasis so they don't deteriorate. The keeper is the only one who can move it to another location or grant access to it."
"What about all the relics in here? Mr. Ollivander said that they belonged to Salazar Slytherin."
"That's separate from the Tradition, Hermione. It's the sole responsibility of the Snapes. That's all I know about that. You'll have to ask Professor Snape." Neville informed her. "Professor Snape has a double responsibility for the library and the Eyrie, too. Keeping it from the Death Eaters must be an incredible strain on him."
That last almost offhand comment startled Hermione. "You know that he's a Death Eater and your parents were -"
"Ex- Death Eater. We've talked about it. I know what I need to know." Neville said.
"Wait, before, you said that only the Keeper can grant access. But didn't you just give me access?" Hermione gave Neville an intent look.
"It's true when they say you can't put anything past Hermione Granger. Yes, only the Keeper, or in my case, Keeper's Apprentice can give access. I can only do so with Professor Snape's absolute permission though." He went to make both of them some coffee. It was going to be a long night.
"That's . Snape's apprentice... I mean... that's incredible.'
"I know I can't believe it myself but, I'm the only choice. The professor was an apprentice to his father and became Keeper after his father got . was, ah, taken ill. Professor Snape doesn't have a son to be his apprentice. Hugh Ollivander is apprenticing with his father. The Bones' male heir isn't at Hogwarts yet. So- "
"How very chauvinistic!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Don't have a choice there either. Magnus Snape and Pieros Ollivandros set up the library such that only direct male issue at most 2 generations apart like a son or grandson could serve as a Keeper." Neville pointed out. "So, unless and until the Professor has a son, I'm stuck with it."
"That's sounds very unfair! It's not your fault you're . you're available."
"Hermione, it's fine with me. I'll just have to learn how to juggle two sets of responsibilities." Neville brought their coffees over.
"Two?" Hermione took a sip of her cappuccino.
"I'm my family's only direct heir. So, I'll be taking over my grandmother's responsibilities. She took over my father's place in the Tradition when he was disabled."
"So each family has a specific function to perform or to do? The Snapes take care of the library. The Ollivanders are the historians and the rest of the families?" Hermione probed.
"The Bones keep an eye on the political end of things muggle and wizard. My family oversees the financial side like managing stock portfolios and investments. The Ollivanders are the inventors and historians. The Snapes are the researchers and the first line protectors of Hogwarts itself."
"So that's why Professor Snape teaches here though it's obvious he's not a natural teacher. He's stuck doing it." Hermione frowned at this new revelation.
"Actually, one on one he's not so bad a teacher. He could have taken any job on staff just to stay on but he chose to be a teacher. So, he must enjoy it on some level."
"If he does, he doesn't show it." Hermione observed. "Though, you're right, he must be under a lot of pressure. Is every Snape always made the Head of Slytherin house?"
"I don't think so. The door won't open for any Slytherin, not even the head of Slytherin unless he's a Snape or of the Tradition." Neville said. "For some reason, the professor was very adamant about no Slytherins ever entering this room let alone know about its existence."
"At last, a haven from Draco Malfoy and his goons." Hermione said cradling her drink in her hands letting the heat warm her hands. They were both quiet for a few moments. "Neville, I promise you that I will treat this, all of this, as a great gift that I'm privileged to have. I can't help feeling that this was done at great risk. I'll keep its secrets."
"Good. I'd hate to lose any blood revoking your privileges."
"You're starting to sound like Professor Snape. You'd better watch that." Hermione and Neville clinked their mugs together.
"There are a few other permissions and privileges that I need to tell you about. The first thing is that now you'll recognize any one in the Tradition. Look at me and let your mind drift. The incense will help. Tell me what you see."
Hermione did as he instructed. The aromatic incense seemed to fire up her mind and senses but relaxed her body. She squinted at Neville barely able to see an intense white glow around him. "There's a field of blue white light around you. I blink and it's gone but I saw something."
"Fantastic. Blue and white are the colors of the Tradition. Only those of the Tradition can see that color combination. The more powerful the wizard or witch the bigger the white field is. You have just enough of the inner sight magic, just enough." Neville commented. Before she could ask which he was sure she was about to, he gave her the answer she was after. "Inner sight magic is an old kind of magic. In the old days, before wands, wizards and witches relied much more on their senses to see and feel the magic around them. So, one of the skills you had to learn was how to read people."
"Like body language?"
"But body language can be controlled. But your aura or boundaries of character doesn't lie. Haven't you ever looked at someone and out of the corner of your eye you think you see something else? That's the boundary. Aura reading is taught in Divination but not very advanced -" Neville stopped at seeing Hermione's dismayed expression at the mention of Divination. "It's just a different way of concentrating where you relax your physical body but sharpen your mental focus and senses. The incense helps you get started and as you get better at it you won't need the incense."
"Do I have to get lessons from Sybil?"
"It's either Professor Trelawney or Professor Snape. Professor Snape tutored me for 3 straight nights but I got it. I'm sure you'll only need one lesson."
"I'm not too sure about that. Divination has always rubbed me the wrong way. But, all right. Sybil it is. What else do I need to know?"
"Tomorrow, I'll show some areas in the castle and on the grounds that are accessible to the Tradition and -"
"Neville, wait. I'm missing something here." Hermione stood up and began to pace in front of the fireplace. "This sounds more than just getting access to certain places, Neville. "
"Didn't Professor Snape explain it to you? What it means to have access to the library?" Hermione shook her. Neville sat back in surprise. "Must have slipped his mind. Listen carefully, Hermione. The only people who can access the library are those of the Tradition. In order to give you access, Professor Snape made a big exception. I doubt there will be another for a few more hundred years. He decided to make you one of us by linking your bloodlines to that of my family, his family, the Ollivanders and the Bones. As the Keeper, he can do that. You're one of us now and so will your children and their children. Your bloodline is the first line added since the old patriarchs joined their lines together."
"Oh, my god. But, Neville, I'm muggle born, how can that be?"
"We make no difference between muggles and non-muggles. Blood is blood." Neville said. "In fact, I'd love to be around when someone calls you a mudblood within earshot of any of the Tradition, especially the older generation. They can be extremely protective. You do understand that you have the full support of all of us from now on financially, socially, everything. Anything you need."
"Why would he make such an exception? It's . I can't believe this! Does the headmaster know about me, about this?"
"I doubt it. We keep things pretty much to ourselves. I'm sure he'll find out eventually. Oh, but the Tradition knows already. You'll probably get congratulatory posts tomorrow."
"I don't understand. I have to talk to him, talk to him now, tonight." Hermione stared into the small fire. Her face expressed her inner turmoil.
"Can't. Remember Madame Pomfrey issued the blanket do-not-disturb-the- professor-and-stay-out notice this afternoon."
"Neville, we argued. I called him so many names, poured insults on his head. I pointed out that he was cruel, unhelpful and overbearing. I really lost my temper. Then he does this. this incredibly generous gesture. Why? I need to know why."
"The answer won't be coming tonight, Hermione." Said Neville gently. "Let's call it a night. I think you need some time to think about this. I'm sorry I didn't realize you didn't know all the implications."
"Thanks, Neville. I guess it just hit me all of a sudden." As they left, Hermione took one last look at the darkened Eyrie.
As they left turned off the Eyrie hallway, a pair of suspicious eyes followed their progress. Draco Malfoy trotted down the hallway the two Gryffindors came from past the sleeping portraits. He saw only one door in the hallway. He tried it and found it locked. "Alohomora" didn't do the trick. He tried a few more spells all to no effect. He casted a ward reveal spell and saw no wards of any kind around the door. He decided to come back another time. First, the professor now Longbottom, what in Merlin's name was the mudblood witch up to?
- * -
Around midnight, In the cold dungeon quarters of Severus Snape, a dark shape climbed on to his bed. There Demos laid - fetal, unmoving and silent.
- * -
Before breakfast the following day, Hermione found herself knocking on Professor McGonagall's office. She had been awakened that morning by about a dozen owls pecking and hooting at her bedroom window. She was surprised to receive a note from her head of house congratulating her and asking to see her before breakfast. So, here she was. The door swung open and she entered. Professor McGonagall hummed a tune while arranging some fresh cut roses in a vase.
"Good morning, Hermione. I was very surprised by what happened but very pleased." The head of Gryffindor house cast a Circle of Anomi as she conjured some tea for Hermione. "I didn't expect that from Severus but I'm sure he has his reasons."
"So you don't know why he, um, did it, either." The tea was making definite inroads in her foggy head this morning. She had tossed and turned most of the night unable to silence the questions playing over and over in her mind.
"No, the Keeper has full discretionary powers I'm told."
"How do you know about it? Are you in one of the four families somehow?"
"No, my dear. I received a post from Genevieve Longbottom, Neville's grandmother, late last night. I suspect it was right after you were joined. She's looking forward to meeting you."
"Her and about a dozen other people I don't know. I think I even got a post from Professor Snape's parents. What am I supposed to do now? What's expected of me? Why did he do it? What do I tell my parents? Do I tell my parents? Am I allowed?"
"I believe that Professor Snape is the best person to explain that. I'll ask Poppy to allow you to see him for a few minutes later today."
"Thanks, Professor. I'm just a bit overwhelmed that's all. On my way here, Susan Bones gave me a wink and a thumbs up. Professor Vector sent me a singing leprechaun post."
"The Tradition is very close knit, Hermione. You could not ask for better allies and friends." McGonagall looked at her with kind eyes knowing the myriad questions her charge had.
"Neville said that Professor Snape said the same thing - friends and allies in odd circumstances. I'm grateful but puzzled." Hermione admitted.
"Your answers will come in good time, Hermione. Come on, let's get to breakfast." The two paragons of house Gryffindor left the office.
- * -
During breakfast in the Great Hall an unusual thing happened. The headmaster got mail. Normally all his mail was sent to this office. This must be an extraordinary post. One could not help notice the bedraggled, aged owl that swooped, stuttered and swooned as it headed towards the high table. Harry nudged Ron and said "Ron, it's Errol! Heading towards Dumbledore it looks like."
"It must be from mum. We need to get another owl." Ron said his eyes following the faithful family owl's determined if unsteady progress. Dumbledore promptly retrieved the message and set a bowl of water and some bacon for the exhausted owl.
"There, there, Errol. I'll have you carried back in a basket chair by two school owls. You can rest all the way back." Said Dumbledore stroking and patting the owl while he read the missive. Errol for his part hooted gratefully. After he read it, he passed it on to Professor McGonagall seated at his right. She read it and sedately clapped her hands together.
The headmaster stood up and the hall grew quiet. "I am heartily glad to inform you all that the Defense Against the Dark Arts position has been filled not by one teacher but by two. Classes will start after Christmas break. You will be receiving revised day schedules tomorrow." Dumbledore scanned the room while he paused for dramatic effect. "As to the teachers, I will personally be teaching the course for the rest of the year." This announcement was greeted by some loud cheering. He continued. " Assisting me will be a former head boy here at Hogwarts, William Weasley. Classes will start -"
The respectful hush was broken by ear-shattering applause from the Gryffindor table. The applause coupled by foot stomping and cheers drowned out the rest of Dumbledore's speech. Ginny beamed proudly clapping and screaming her brother's name "It's Bill. Bill's a teacher!" Ron was collecting congratulations all around with a big grin that seemed to have taken permanent residency upon his wide, honest face. Harry and Hermione exchanged quick looks very happy that for a change the Weasleys' were the ones with a reason to celebrate. The other house tables save for the Slytherins extended their congratulations. The Slytherins as a whole adopted a poisonous demeanor shooting baleful glances at the wildly celebrating Gryffindors.
Professor McGonagall tapped the side of her water glass once again getting the room's attention. The room quieted down immediately and the headmaster continued. " I have a few other announcements to make. "As you all know, this is the last full week before Christmas break. Please inform Professor McGonagall if you are intending to stay here over the break. Additionally, the castle will be undergoing some renovation work over the holidays and the castle will not be conducive to rest and relaxation. One more thing. Professor Snape will be resuming his classes after the holidays. That is all."
The potions master's imminent return brightened only the Slytherin table. Their baleful glares turned to incongruously sunny smiles and sly grins. No one's grin was more mischievous than the one on Draco Malfoy's face.
- * - Author's Notes Passiflora caerulea is also known as the blue passion flower is popular in homeopathy for the treatment of insomnia and similar nervous disorders. It's stated hypnotic and sedative-like effects are medically well known. The plant itself is an evergreen, tropical climber with pink-tinged blue flowers and tough-skinned, egg shaped fruit that is edible if not tasty. Rauvolfia aka Rauwolfia serpentina is a small woody perennial with whorled leaves of dark green hails rom India and the East Indies. Fittingly Slytherin, rauvolfia was long used in India for treating mental illness and snake bites. It is commonly known as the "insanity herb" or snakeroot because it is an effective treatment for snake bites and scorpion stings. In the 1950s, the drug reserpine, derived from rauvolfia roots, replaced electric shock and lobotomy as treatment for mental illness like paranoia and schizophrenia. Reserpine was the first major tranquilizer as well as lowering blood pressure and controlling hypertension. The drug deserpidin, which is both a tranquilizer and an antihypertensive, is derived from Rauvolfia tetraphylla also known as the "Be Still Tree." I kid you not. Verbana (verbena officinalis) or Verbain is native to South America and was brought to Europe by the Spanish in the 17th century. The leaves retain their lemony scent for years and thus are widely used as perfume agents today. Gardeners value the purple flowers as good attractive soil coverage. Medical herbologist have used verbain to strengthen the nervous system and treat migraines, headaches and stress related depression. Modern scientific experiments supports the ancient use of verbain to increase breast milk flow and promote menstruation. Celestite is a mineral related to strontium. It's well known for its strength and sky blue colorations. A lancet is a small needle used by diabetics to prick themselves getting a blood sample so they can monitor their glucose levels. They can be used standalone or inside a spring loaded mechanism.
A bed of black sand went first. Next came a layer of fragrant passiflora harvested from the tropical greenhouse. The dark green leaves were showered with coarse bits of charcoal followed by finely ground rauvolfia roots and crushed verbena leaves. A lit match triggered the burning. The brass lid shielded the burning from prying eyes. Sitting on the floor, Neville Longbottom secured the smoke burner's lid firmly checking the stand one last time. Grayish streams of smoke plumed upward from the small opening in the middle of the lid. He grinned and nodded at Hermione Granger who sat opposite him in front of the Eyrie library. "Breathe it in and relax," Neville instructed. He opened a small booklet with a stained cover and dog-eared pages.
"We're about to perform a slightly dark spell and you tell me to relax." Despite the tone of her words, Hermione breathed the incense in as instructed. The sweet floral scent hit her neurons quickly. She felt calm but very alert.
"Just because we're using a few drops of blood does not make this a dark ritual." Neville said. "A lot of the ancient spells use blood in lots of rituals to make things more fool proof."
"Who are you trying to convince?" Hermione asked. For the third time in the last ten minutes, her eyes drifted to a box of bloodletting lancets lying next to a shallow mixing bowl. "We're not going to use the entire box are we? Like one per book?"
"No, just one lancet, marvelous things. I don't handle needles well so having these handy is a godsend." Neville picked up his wand and placed the open book on a bookstand next to him. "You understand why this is necessary, right, Hermione? Because you're not of the Tradition, we have to link you to the library in this roundabout fashion. You ready?"
"I understand and I have my part memorized." Hermione took a deep breath and placed her wand in front of her. She noticed that Neville wasn't using his normal wand. The wand in front of him was shorter, thicker and very old. She could just make out some inscription engraved on one side. "Let's get started then."
Neville placed a crystal shard of sky blue celestite in the mixing bowl. Neville took out one sterile cylindrical lancet. Hermione presented her left hand towards him index finger extended. Neville placed the blue end of the lancet against her finger then pressed the white end of the lancet. Hermione steadfastly kept her hand still. Unseen, a small, razor sharp needle inside the lancet jutted out penetrating her skin then retracted back into its sheath. Hermione squeezed her index finger waiting patiently as a small pinprick of blood pooled at the end of her finger. She held her finger suspended over the bowl watching intently as four drops of crimson dropped onto the waiting crystal. Through the crystal's transparency, Hermione could see her blood being absorbed into the crystal. Together they raised their wands. In one voice they said the incantation binding the blood to the crystal. Hermione raised the bowl holding it over the pungent gray smoke rising above the smoke burner. Neville consulted his booklet then cast another spell to link the crystal to the library. They both watched fascinated through the hazy gray smoke as the crystal slowly turned a deep shade of red.
Neville cleared his throat loudly. He asked the first required affirmations. "Do you understand the power of the knowledge which will be made open to you?"
"I do." Hermione replied solemnly. The mixing bowl in her hands was starting to get hotter. She had at first thought the arcane and intricate ritual to be a bit overdone when she'd first read through it. But now she thought differently.
"Do you dedicate the strength of your mind, the bounty of your heart and the depth of your inner soul to the attainment and improvement of this knowledge?"
"I will." The bowl in her hand began to hesitantly turn in an anti- clockwise direction. She found the heat almost comforting.
"Will you bind yourself in lifelong contract to the protection and sheltering of this knowledge following the dictates of the Tradition?
"I will as I must." Hermione let her breath out in a hiss as the bowl heated to a higher temperature. After a few seconds she saw a sparkle of red light flicker inside the crystal. The crystal itself returned to its natural translucence edged by sky blue. The bowl stopped turning. The bowl cooled quickly. Hermione reverently took the crystal and placed it in a gem holder on a long chain. She then slipped the chain over her head. She gasped loudly and closed her eyes for a few moments. Her mind was flooded with title after title, book after book, summary after summary of every item in the library. She had one more step to do to make the ritual complete. She stood up on shaking legs and walked to the library. As she passed her hand over a book, the book's spine glowed yellow green. A whispered "Accio" compelled the book to fly out of its shelf, expand to its full size and land gently on Hermione's outstretched hands.
"Congratulations, Hermione! It is a bit awe-inspiring to feel the story of every single book isn't it?." Neville watched her closely for any signs of distress. Professor Snape had warned him that this particular ritual had never been performed on a pure muggle born before so he had to be alert to anything going wrong.
"Cool, wow and awesome are so inadequate to describe this, Neville. I stand here and I can remember every person who every contributed a book or a parchment as if it all just happened yesterday. I can feel what they felt." Hermione ran an appreciative finger over the bookshelves leaving a glowing trail of rainbow colors in her wake.
"Before I forget, I ought to warn you about something else. Since the library is bound to Hogwarts right now, you'll feel historical resonances in certain parts of Hogwarts - good and bad." Neville said
"Really, what can I expect?" Hermione experimented summoning and returning books.
"Without warning you may get chills whenever you get close or are in an area of historical significance. Sometimes, I've even heard a voice telling me what really happened in that area." Neville clutched the booklet and returned it to his desk drawer. He then lifted the smoke burner and placed it on the low table by the fireplace. It was still emitting a puff of smoke now and again.
"Professor Snape's voice?" Hermione asked playfully. She followed him and took a seat on the sofa.
"No, it sounds like Mr. Ollivander or at least one of his ancestors. The Ollivanders are the historians after all." Neville turned serious. "Hermione, I have to tell you that Professor Snape made an exception for you."
"He did!? Why? He could have just said no when I asked him." Said a flabbergasted Hermione.
"I don't know why. I have to believe that he must have a good reason. The professor said something about finding allies and friends in the oddest of circumstances."
"Friends and allies, eh," Hermione pondered this new bit of information. "I'm sure he's very selective about who gets access."
"Selective doesn't begin to describe it, Hermione, not even the headmaster has access. Only those born of the Tradition know of the library. And only seven people know that the library is here. And only five of those seven people truly know what it contains and have access to it. To most people it just appears as rows of miniature books, nothing special." Neville took a seat opposite Hermione. His face had lost its normal earnest amicability. It was replaced with a determined, almost grim, expression.
"Five people in the entire world?" Hermione walked slowly towards the fireplace and sat down on the sofa. The enormity of the privilege granted to her hit her square in the solar plexus. "Just five?"
"Yes, Professors Snape and Vector, Professor Snape's father, you and me. That's it. That's the five." Neville continued on.
"I had no idea. I just wanted a chance to read in here. What's in it that's so valuable?"
"Besides being an archive of hundreds of years of magical knowledge, it also has our family histories - the Snapes, the Bones, the Ollivanders and mine. It contains almost every thought, discovery and achievement that's been kept secret from everyone else. We don't treat it lightly. My grandmother put my father's journal here. I . I didn't know him but I do now because of that journal. All of this is passed on to a.. a Keeper."
"Like a secret keeper?"
"Yes and no. The keeper of the library is more of a guardian. He protects the library all his life and with his life, if necessary. The keeper donates a little bit of his life essence to the library. This keeps the books in a state of permanent stasis so they don't deteriorate. The keeper is the only one who can move it to another location or grant access to it."
"What about all the relics in here? Mr. Ollivander said that they belonged to Salazar Slytherin."
"That's separate from the Tradition, Hermione. It's the sole responsibility of the Snapes. That's all I know about that. You'll have to ask Professor Snape." Neville informed her. "Professor Snape has a double responsibility for the library and the Eyrie, too. Keeping it from the Death Eaters must be an incredible strain on him."
That last almost offhand comment startled Hermione. "You know that he's a Death Eater and your parents were -"
"Ex- Death Eater. We've talked about it. I know what I need to know." Neville said.
"Wait, before, you said that only the Keeper can grant access. But didn't you just give me access?" Hermione gave Neville an intent look.
"It's true when they say you can't put anything past Hermione Granger. Yes, only the Keeper, or in my case, Keeper's Apprentice can give access. I can only do so with Professor Snape's absolute permission though." He went to make both of them some coffee. It was going to be a long night.
"That's . Snape's apprentice... I mean... that's incredible.'
"I know I can't believe it myself but, I'm the only choice. The professor was an apprentice to his father and became Keeper after his father got . was, ah, taken ill. Professor Snape doesn't have a son to be his apprentice. Hugh Ollivander is apprenticing with his father. The Bones' male heir isn't at Hogwarts yet. So- "
"How very chauvinistic!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Don't have a choice there either. Magnus Snape and Pieros Ollivandros set up the library such that only direct male issue at most 2 generations apart like a son or grandson could serve as a Keeper." Neville pointed out. "So, unless and until the Professor has a son, I'm stuck with it."
"That's sounds very unfair! It's not your fault you're . you're available."
"Hermione, it's fine with me. I'll just have to learn how to juggle two sets of responsibilities." Neville brought their coffees over.
"Two?" Hermione took a sip of her cappuccino.
"I'm my family's only direct heir. So, I'll be taking over my grandmother's responsibilities. She took over my father's place in the Tradition when he was disabled."
"So each family has a specific function to perform or to do? The Snapes take care of the library. The Ollivanders are the historians and the rest of the families?" Hermione probed.
"The Bones keep an eye on the political end of things muggle and wizard. My family oversees the financial side like managing stock portfolios and investments. The Ollivanders are the inventors and historians. The Snapes are the researchers and the first line protectors of Hogwarts itself."
"So that's why Professor Snape teaches here though it's obvious he's not a natural teacher. He's stuck doing it." Hermione frowned at this new revelation.
"Actually, one on one he's not so bad a teacher. He could have taken any job on staff just to stay on but he chose to be a teacher. So, he must enjoy it on some level."
"If he does, he doesn't show it." Hermione observed. "Though, you're right, he must be under a lot of pressure. Is every Snape always made the Head of Slytherin house?"
"I don't think so. The door won't open for any Slytherin, not even the head of Slytherin unless he's a Snape or of the Tradition." Neville said. "For some reason, the professor was very adamant about no Slytherins ever entering this room let alone know about its existence."
"At last, a haven from Draco Malfoy and his goons." Hermione said cradling her drink in her hands letting the heat warm her hands. They were both quiet for a few moments. "Neville, I promise you that I will treat this, all of this, as a great gift that I'm privileged to have. I can't help feeling that this was done at great risk. I'll keep its secrets."
"Good. I'd hate to lose any blood revoking your privileges."
"You're starting to sound like Professor Snape. You'd better watch that." Hermione and Neville clinked their mugs together.
"There are a few other permissions and privileges that I need to tell you about. The first thing is that now you'll recognize any one in the Tradition. Look at me and let your mind drift. The incense will help. Tell me what you see."
Hermione did as he instructed. The aromatic incense seemed to fire up her mind and senses but relaxed her body. She squinted at Neville barely able to see an intense white glow around him. "There's a field of blue white light around you. I blink and it's gone but I saw something."
"Fantastic. Blue and white are the colors of the Tradition. Only those of the Tradition can see that color combination. The more powerful the wizard or witch the bigger the white field is. You have just enough of the inner sight magic, just enough." Neville commented. Before she could ask which he was sure she was about to, he gave her the answer she was after. "Inner sight magic is an old kind of magic. In the old days, before wands, wizards and witches relied much more on their senses to see and feel the magic around them. So, one of the skills you had to learn was how to read people."
"Like body language?"
"But body language can be controlled. But your aura or boundaries of character doesn't lie. Haven't you ever looked at someone and out of the corner of your eye you think you see something else? That's the boundary. Aura reading is taught in Divination but not very advanced -" Neville stopped at seeing Hermione's dismayed expression at the mention of Divination. "It's just a different way of concentrating where you relax your physical body but sharpen your mental focus and senses. The incense helps you get started and as you get better at it you won't need the incense."
"Do I have to get lessons from Sybil?"
"It's either Professor Trelawney or Professor Snape. Professor Snape tutored me for 3 straight nights but I got it. I'm sure you'll only need one lesson."
"I'm not too sure about that. Divination has always rubbed me the wrong way. But, all right. Sybil it is. What else do I need to know?"
"Tomorrow, I'll show some areas in the castle and on the grounds that are accessible to the Tradition and -"
"Neville, wait. I'm missing something here." Hermione stood up and began to pace in front of the fireplace. "This sounds more than just getting access to certain places, Neville. "
"Didn't Professor Snape explain it to you? What it means to have access to the library?" Hermione shook her. Neville sat back in surprise. "Must have slipped his mind. Listen carefully, Hermione. The only people who can access the library are those of the Tradition. In order to give you access, Professor Snape made a big exception. I doubt there will be another for a few more hundred years. He decided to make you one of us by linking your bloodlines to that of my family, his family, the Ollivanders and the Bones. As the Keeper, he can do that. You're one of us now and so will your children and their children. Your bloodline is the first line added since the old patriarchs joined their lines together."
"Oh, my god. But, Neville, I'm muggle born, how can that be?"
"We make no difference between muggles and non-muggles. Blood is blood." Neville said. "In fact, I'd love to be around when someone calls you a mudblood within earshot of any of the Tradition, especially the older generation. They can be extremely protective. You do understand that you have the full support of all of us from now on financially, socially, everything. Anything you need."
"Why would he make such an exception? It's . I can't believe this! Does the headmaster know about me, about this?"
"I doubt it. We keep things pretty much to ourselves. I'm sure he'll find out eventually. Oh, but the Tradition knows already. You'll probably get congratulatory posts tomorrow."
"I don't understand. I have to talk to him, talk to him now, tonight." Hermione stared into the small fire. Her face expressed her inner turmoil.
"Can't. Remember Madame Pomfrey issued the blanket do-not-disturb-the- professor-and-stay-out notice this afternoon."
"Neville, we argued. I called him so many names, poured insults on his head. I pointed out that he was cruel, unhelpful and overbearing. I really lost my temper. Then he does this. this incredibly generous gesture. Why? I need to know why."
"The answer won't be coming tonight, Hermione." Said Neville gently. "Let's call it a night. I think you need some time to think about this. I'm sorry I didn't realize you didn't know all the implications."
"Thanks, Neville. I guess it just hit me all of a sudden." As they left, Hermione took one last look at the darkened Eyrie.
As they left turned off the Eyrie hallway, a pair of suspicious eyes followed their progress. Draco Malfoy trotted down the hallway the two Gryffindors came from past the sleeping portraits. He saw only one door in the hallway. He tried it and found it locked. "Alohomora" didn't do the trick. He tried a few more spells all to no effect. He casted a ward reveal spell and saw no wards of any kind around the door. He decided to come back another time. First, the professor now Longbottom, what in Merlin's name was the mudblood witch up to?
- * -
Around midnight, In the cold dungeon quarters of Severus Snape, a dark shape climbed on to his bed. There Demos laid - fetal, unmoving and silent.
- * -
Before breakfast the following day, Hermione found herself knocking on Professor McGonagall's office. She had been awakened that morning by about a dozen owls pecking and hooting at her bedroom window. She was surprised to receive a note from her head of house congratulating her and asking to see her before breakfast. So, here she was. The door swung open and she entered. Professor McGonagall hummed a tune while arranging some fresh cut roses in a vase.
"Good morning, Hermione. I was very surprised by what happened but very pleased." The head of Gryffindor house cast a Circle of Anomi as she conjured some tea for Hermione. "I didn't expect that from Severus but I'm sure he has his reasons."
"So you don't know why he, um, did it, either." The tea was making definite inroads in her foggy head this morning. She had tossed and turned most of the night unable to silence the questions playing over and over in her mind.
"No, the Keeper has full discretionary powers I'm told."
"How do you know about it? Are you in one of the four families somehow?"
"No, my dear. I received a post from Genevieve Longbottom, Neville's grandmother, late last night. I suspect it was right after you were joined. She's looking forward to meeting you."
"Her and about a dozen other people I don't know. I think I even got a post from Professor Snape's parents. What am I supposed to do now? What's expected of me? Why did he do it? What do I tell my parents? Do I tell my parents? Am I allowed?"
"I believe that Professor Snape is the best person to explain that. I'll ask Poppy to allow you to see him for a few minutes later today."
"Thanks, Professor. I'm just a bit overwhelmed that's all. On my way here, Susan Bones gave me a wink and a thumbs up. Professor Vector sent me a singing leprechaun post."
"The Tradition is very close knit, Hermione. You could not ask for better allies and friends." McGonagall looked at her with kind eyes knowing the myriad questions her charge had.
"Neville said that Professor Snape said the same thing - friends and allies in odd circumstances. I'm grateful but puzzled." Hermione admitted.
"Your answers will come in good time, Hermione. Come on, let's get to breakfast." The two paragons of house Gryffindor left the office.
- * -
During breakfast in the Great Hall an unusual thing happened. The headmaster got mail. Normally all his mail was sent to this office. This must be an extraordinary post. One could not help notice the bedraggled, aged owl that swooped, stuttered and swooned as it headed towards the high table. Harry nudged Ron and said "Ron, it's Errol! Heading towards Dumbledore it looks like."
"It must be from mum. We need to get another owl." Ron said his eyes following the faithful family owl's determined if unsteady progress. Dumbledore promptly retrieved the message and set a bowl of water and some bacon for the exhausted owl.
"There, there, Errol. I'll have you carried back in a basket chair by two school owls. You can rest all the way back." Said Dumbledore stroking and patting the owl while he read the missive. Errol for his part hooted gratefully. After he read it, he passed it on to Professor McGonagall seated at his right. She read it and sedately clapped her hands together.
The headmaster stood up and the hall grew quiet. "I am heartily glad to inform you all that the Defense Against the Dark Arts position has been filled not by one teacher but by two. Classes will start after Christmas break. You will be receiving revised day schedules tomorrow." Dumbledore scanned the room while he paused for dramatic effect. "As to the teachers, I will personally be teaching the course for the rest of the year." This announcement was greeted by some loud cheering. He continued. " Assisting me will be a former head boy here at Hogwarts, William Weasley. Classes will start -"
The respectful hush was broken by ear-shattering applause from the Gryffindor table. The applause coupled by foot stomping and cheers drowned out the rest of Dumbledore's speech. Ginny beamed proudly clapping and screaming her brother's name "It's Bill. Bill's a teacher!" Ron was collecting congratulations all around with a big grin that seemed to have taken permanent residency upon his wide, honest face. Harry and Hermione exchanged quick looks very happy that for a change the Weasleys' were the ones with a reason to celebrate. The other house tables save for the Slytherins extended their congratulations. The Slytherins as a whole adopted a poisonous demeanor shooting baleful glances at the wildly celebrating Gryffindors.
Professor McGonagall tapped the side of her water glass once again getting the room's attention. The room quieted down immediately and the headmaster continued. " I have a few other announcements to make. "As you all know, this is the last full week before Christmas break. Please inform Professor McGonagall if you are intending to stay here over the break. Additionally, the castle will be undergoing some renovation work over the holidays and the castle will not be conducive to rest and relaxation. One more thing. Professor Snape will be resuming his classes after the holidays. That is all."
The potions master's imminent return brightened only the Slytherin table. Their baleful glares turned to incongruously sunny smiles and sly grins. No one's grin was more mischievous than the one on Draco Malfoy's face.
- * - Author's Notes Passiflora caerulea is also known as the blue passion flower is popular in homeopathy for the treatment of insomnia and similar nervous disorders. It's stated hypnotic and sedative-like effects are medically well known. The plant itself is an evergreen, tropical climber with pink-tinged blue flowers and tough-skinned, egg shaped fruit that is edible if not tasty. Rauvolfia aka Rauwolfia serpentina is a small woody perennial with whorled leaves of dark green hails rom India and the East Indies. Fittingly Slytherin, rauvolfia was long used in India for treating mental illness and snake bites. It is commonly known as the "insanity herb" or snakeroot because it is an effective treatment for snake bites and scorpion stings. In the 1950s, the drug reserpine, derived from rauvolfia roots, replaced electric shock and lobotomy as treatment for mental illness like paranoia and schizophrenia. Reserpine was the first major tranquilizer as well as lowering blood pressure and controlling hypertension. The drug deserpidin, which is both a tranquilizer and an antihypertensive, is derived from Rauvolfia tetraphylla also known as the "Be Still Tree." I kid you not. Verbana (verbena officinalis) or Verbain is native to South America and was brought to Europe by the Spanish in the 17th century. The leaves retain their lemony scent for years and thus are widely used as perfume agents today. Gardeners value the purple flowers as good attractive soil coverage. Medical herbologist have used verbain to strengthen the nervous system and treat migraines, headaches and stress related depression. Modern scientific experiments supports the ancient use of verbain to increase breast milk flow and promote menstruation. Celestite is a mineral related to strontium. It's well known for its strength and sky blue colorations. A lancet is a small needle used by diabetics to prick themselves getting a blood sample so they can monitor their glucose levels. They can be used standalone or inside a spring loaded mechanism.