DISCLAIMER:                This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Author Note:       Many thanks to Niamh, my beta reader and sounding board. She has good advice and stops me from being too vague. Her own fic, To the Honour of the Mother is well worth reading. You'll find the link in my favourite fics.

The following original creation is written in metered and rhyming verse. If you wish to borrow bits of it, ask first!

Arcanus and the Keys

Hogwarts fair we call to you

Hide this power and strength renew

We The Four do thus beseech thee

Warded from war and travail be we

Arcanus be the name bestowed

Warded in since time doth flow

He be Master of this fortress

Guardian, watcher and restorer

At a time of great upheaval

Will your gifts be released

And from that moment forth

Five markers must you seek

Look for keys to advantage all

Five to mark the magical realm

Friend or foe the five must be

To offer aid or succour thee

One who would suffer, though gifted be

The first worthiest gift for he

Passage marked and like a book laid bare

The key to peace be for him to share

Lovers old and lovers new

Renew tired souls and speak most true

The second worthiest gift for she

Forgiveness be the key

Evil marked and evil planned

Depravity be a sentinel device

Tainted, poisoned and reviled

Worthy not, but one of five

Release be his key

Will to fight and need to prove

Tenacity sparks courage true

Stubborn countenance, intellect and joy

Foresight be her key

Wisdom, power and good intent

Great honour does Arcanus give

Friend, confidante, conduit he

Resilience be naught save guide

Houses four held united

Aid the five whose toil must start

Sentient though we know not how

Arcanus, friend defend us all

Influence none save to write

Good counsel keep, wise choice hold tight

Should evil claim the fortress fair

Your duty shall forever cease this lair

Ghosts and guardians chosen thus

House allegiance protects their trust

All must e'er thwart evil's plans

Dark will strike if naught are fair

Should none prove worthy

Dark times will dawn

And all will be as evils pawn

Know well that wisdom, health and light

Must e'er be vigilant over might.

So, comments, critique or thoughts anyone? Does this work? Are you any less in the dark as to the direction of the fic?

Click the review button and let me know. It only takes a moment and I would appreciate the feedback.