Chapter Four

Despite the events of the previous night Hermione still managed to get down to the Great Hall before both Ron and Harry. Hermione sat at the Gryffindor table chatting with Ginny and Neville when Harry and Ron arrived. Ron was rubbing the top of his head and saying to Harry, "My head hurts, I think when they pulled me out of the bed my head hit the floor first."

"Ron, I got hit by shards of glass and then I got stepped on twice! And so far everyone I've talked to doesn't remember what happened."

Neville turned and spoke to Harry, "I can't remember the last time I was that scared," Neville gave a shudder, then attempted to say something else but shook his head and went back to eating breakfast.

Next to speak was Ginny, "I asked a few people about it, but they all looked at me—"

"—Like you were—"

"—Crazy?" Fred and George appeared behind Ginny who jumped at the sound of their voices, she had not heard them walk up behind her. "So far I think we're the only ones who remember it."

Harry turned to Hermione and asked, "Hermione you've been awful quiet do you remember what happened last night? Come to think of it, I don't recall seeing them bring you out of the girls dormitory."

Quickly trying to think of a plausible story to tell them Hermione began slowly, "I was erm--."

"Miss Granger?" Professor McGonagall was walking in-between the House tables towards them, "Miss Granger, the Headmaster would like to speak with you."

Relieved at the fact that Professor McGonagall had appeared the perfect time Hermione grabbed her bag and followed Professor McGonagall up to the Headmaster's office.

"Fizzing Whizbee," The stone Gargoyle leapt out of the way, Professor McGonagall motioned for Hermione to enter. Walking into the office Hermione quickly took a seat and awaited the arrival of Dumbledore.

"Ah, Miss Granger. Good morning," Professor Dumbledore stood in front of a door that Hermione could only guess to be the Headmaster's private quarters.

"Good morning, Professor Dumbledore."

Moving from the door to his chair Dumbledore began to speak, "It has come to my attention that you have been introduced to Kitoriav Lightningstider, tell me what did you make of him?"

Not quiet sure what to say Hermione responded as best she could, "Well… he seems to be loyal to you in the fight against Voldemort, though his friend Dekker scares me."

The Headmaster gave a soft chuckle and smiled, "Yes, Dekker is quiet an imposing character. At least until you've earned his trust. Yes, Kit is a fully loyal and dedicated, as he likes to call it "Southern Gentlemen". Kit is possibly one of the most loyal individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I find him to be most amusing, he's a very resourceful, and intelligent in the field of battle however, the things of which we do on a day-to-day basis elude him.

Kitoriav has the spirit of one who was born too late, in a way he is like Moody, he will examine your every move searching for some hidden motive, or meaning. Though, I will say that you seem to be the exception, he trusts you probably more than he trusts anyone else. One does not usually come across a trust like that very often. Getting back to the point, Kit has the spirit of someone who was born in the South during the War of Northern Aggression, compiled on top of an already unwavering love for his country of which he will willingly give his life at a moments notice in her defense. And in a way he feels the same way about America as he does about you, if I am correct in my assumption that he will do anything to insure your safety, regardless of what that calls for.

In fact I think it would be safe to say that our friend Kitoriav is just a unique combination of old-fashioned ideals combined into one, living in a time where those ideas are dispensed with. A sad thought, yes. However it is good to know that there are people like that out there defending us all."

"Professor Dumbledore, Kit always spoke of five others, do you know who they are?"

"Yes, the other five of which he will speak often of is the other five Carolina Quidditch players. He will introduce you to them eventually."

What will you do when wands fail? The question popped back into her mind. "Professor Dumbledore, what do wizards do when their wands fail them?"

Dumbledore looked at Hermione over the top of his glasses and said, "I'm afraid that I can not give you an answer. Though I do have the feeling that Kit has revealed a clue as to his future plan, of which I have no idea as to what it is. Now I think it would be best if you were to return to the Great Hall before Professor McGonagall hands out schedules."

Hermione nodded stood up, but stopped and asked, "What should I tell to those who still remember the events of last night?"

"Just tell them the what you feel they need to know."

Once again Hermione nodded and left the Headmaster's Office. Hermione entered into the Great Hall just in time as Professor McGonagall was exiting the Great Hall, she stopped on her way out to hand Hermione her schedule. Running up to Harry and Ron the trio set off towards History of Magic.