Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and its various publishers own Harry Potter. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: Notes to reviewers are at the end of the story. I really appreciate all of you taking the time to read and review my story. Last week was really busy. I've never had so many projects due at the same time. Thankfully it's over. It's just a memory.
Chapter 20
Keeping Secrets
A bitter winter settled around Hogwarts. The towers and battlements were trimmed with rows of icicles as storm after storm blasted the area. The constant snow kept the students inside except when forced to go to Care of Magical Creatures or Herbology. Then they usually huddled together with warming charms and hurried to their destination.
Feet crunching as he trudged through the snowy field, Harry arrived on his own to Magical Creatures class. They were meeting in the dragon enclosure to watch the animals being prepared to travel. The Dragon Masters wanted to get their charges back to the reserve in the Hebrides so they could be home for the holidays.
His classmates had mostly gathered around to watch the professionals work. Hagrid was talking to Darin MacFusty about the travel plans. The team of handlers planned to fly alongside the dragons with charms trained in their direction.
"So 'yer going ter herd them back to their island?" Hagrid asked wistfully. "Won't be the same without 'em."
A mutter went through the crowd at Hagrid's words. Truth was that most of his students were looking forward to the dragon's departure.
Malfoy and his Slytherin friends walked over to where Harry was standing alone and said, "Going to miss your fire breathing friend, Potter. No one to keep you warm over the holidays."
"Shut it, Malfoy," Harry said without bothering to look at him. He had too much on his mind to spend time dealing with Malfoy's pitiful insults.
"What will you do if I don't, Potter? Use the power of your necklace on me?" Draco asked, smirking. The fact that Harry wore the torque had become common knowledge among the advanced Magical Creatures students since he used it frequently with the dragons.
"You can use your power on me anytime, Harry," someone said in a husky voice close to his ear.
Startled, Harry turned around to see Susannah Martin, a flirty Hufflepuff seventh year, smiling at him briefly. She was pretty and she knew it. She arched an eyebrow as if asking a question and pursed her pink mouth into its usual pout. He smiled and shook his head. "Hello, Susannah."
She smiled back. "Hello, Harry. Did you come to watch the dragons or were you looking for me?"
"I think you know the answer to that," he said.
"I'm just checking. If I keep asking, maybe one day, I'll get what I want." Susannah had been working on Harry for months without success. She figured there was no harm in trying.
Malfoy moved close to them and looked the pretty blonde girl up and down in a lewd way. She didn't miss the invitation in his arrogant sneer. Linking her arm with Harry's, she said, "You're wasting your time, Malfoy."
Someone in Malfoy's group said something that Harry couldn't hear and the rest of them laughed. The back of his neck prickled. The atmosphere became charged with energy.
The dragons spread their wings over their handlers, straining to break free. Darin broke off his conversation with Hagrid and hurried to help. The larger female dragon was twisting her neck as if trying to throw off an invisible rope.
Just as Harry was turning around, Hannah Abbot walked out of the feeding enclosure levitating what appeared to be a large cauldron and said, "Looks like they weren't very hungry. Neither of them ate their breakfast." She stopped in her tracks as she saw them fussing against their handlers. "Does that mean they haven't had their potions?" Her eyes grew wide and she dropped the cauldron. The spilt liquid turned the snow pink.
Right on cue, the dragons took turns giving out a fiery roar. One of the bursts flew twenty feet and ignited the feeding enclosure. Students ran in several different directions. The dragons finally broke free and took flight, narrowly missing the stunners sent their way by the Dragon Masters.
One of them made an impossible turn and headed toward Harry. The other one followed. Susannah took off running, but Harry stood his ground. They flew straight over him, one after the other, blocking out the sun. Then very quickly both dragons flew out of reach of stunners and almost out of sight.
The Dragon Masters set out on brooms to follow them. Harry remained calm as he watched the dragons escape. He'd sensed they wouldn't hurt him. Part of him wished he were flying away with them -- removed from the confines of the castle, flying free over the mountains. Free from all the people who didn't trust him. Soon they looked like small birds in the distance.
Professor Snape's sharpish voice startled Harry out of his reverie. "Don't just stand there gawking, Potter. Bring them back."
Harry looked over. Professor Snape stood with his head tilted back, looking down his nose at him. Wrapped in a heavy cloak, a black wizard's hat pulled low on his head against the cold, the Potions Master looked out of place in the fresh air and snow. He was carrying the bag he used to collect vials of dragon's blood.
"You make it sound so easy, Professor. Why don't you show me how it's done?" Harry had been forced to forgive the Potion Master's "prank" with the Truth Taffy. Dumbledore was worried that Snape's life would be in jeopardy outside the castle. Harry was worried that pressing the issue would bring out the fact that Harry and Ron had been exploring a cave in Wales, not out on an innocent walk, so Harry and Professor Snape continued their mutual dislike and distrust.
Snape sniffed. "I thought you were the Dragon Master's golden boy. Surely you could bring them back here with a snap of your fingers," he said dryly. Lifting an eyebrow and leveling his gaze at Harry's face, he added, "Oh. And ten points from Gryffindor for your insolent tone."
Harry sighed. This was exactly why he wished he could fly away from Hogwarts. He needed a break from Snape and Malfoy, some time alone away from the press of people with their mean spirited comments and their expectations.
Meeting Snape's stare, he gathered his energy and said, "Accio Firebolt!" Holding out his hand, he tried not to feel foolish. It took some time, but he was rewarded with a whooshing sound that grew louder until his Firebolt appeared. Without further comment he took off in the direction he'd last seen the dragons, glad to be flying free over the forest and mountains.
He didn't have to do much though. The dragons were already flying back towards Hogwarts with their handlers. Harry met up with Mr. MacFusty and asked, "Anything I can help with, sir?"
"They're under control now. Some of the wards were weak enough for them to break free, but they didn't get far." He laughed heartily. "You'd make a great addition to our team, Harry, coming after us fearlessly."
The team swiftly returned to the paddock. Harry could see Professor Snape was talking with Malfoy and two Slytherins. Having smothered the fire in the feeding shed, the other students moved over the smoking ashes while Malfoy's group stood idly by. As the dragons landed, their handlers moved closer to stun them further.
Seeing Snape grab his kit and approach the magnificent black creatures, several people shouted, "Wait! Professor Snape, Stop!" Snape turned in the direction of their voices, his back to the dragon.
Their warnings were too late, the dragon caught sight of Snape and let out a blast of fire that hit him in the back. Without thinking, Harry yelled, "Tempus freezus!" The spell bought him a few minutes time as the fire froze in mid air just barely touching Snape's backside. Levitating the frozen Snape, Harry moved him out of the path of the dragon's fiery breath, dousing the back of his robes with water from his wand.
As time returned to its normal pace, Snape screamed. Harry's eyes widened at the Potion Master's fury. He stepped away from him. Behind them the handlers subdued the dragon.
"Get away from me, Potter!" Snape growled, slowly and deliberately. "And why do you insist on watering me? You do realize it is a cold day." Clearly he hadn't noticed that the back of his robes was still smoking slightly.
"I'm so sorry, Professor," Harry said flatly, glaring at Snape. The crowd gathered around them as the Potions Master continued to berate Harry for getting him wet. In the end, saving Snape from the dragon's breath cost Gryffindor fifty points and earned Harry a detention.
As he walked away fuming, Hannah Abbot followed him. "He's always so unfair, Harry. Try not to think about it. We all know what really happened. If you hadn't stepped in, Professor Snape would be toast right now…You were really wonderful, Harry." She smiled at him shyly, putting her hand on his arm.
Harry stopped his furious stride and summoned all the politeness he could find. "Thanks, Hannah. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I really need to be alone right now." He could tell his words hurt. "I appreciate your sympathy. I really do…I'm just going to take a walk and calm down."
Before she could answer, he headed down toward the lake. Glancing over his shoulder, he could see Hannah was still watching him. Maybe he had been rude, but he just wanted some time to think.
As the path turned leading Harry out of sight, he leapt on his Firebolt and took off. He flew low until he was on the far side of the lake. There he sat down on a rock and pulled a small book out of his pocket. He'd begun to carry the book and the phoenix shaped black stone with him. He uttered the translation charm that Hermione had taught him and the words "Myrddin's Torch" appeared on the cover next to the drawing of a strange gnarly tree.
He glanced through the pages wondering what he could discover. This book was a key to his past and maybe his future. It had become very important to him to explore its mysteries. He was the last of his family. There was no one left to show him how to be a Potter, but with this book he might discover something of what it meant. He hoped that part of who he was could be found in discovering where he came from.
He turned the page to the map of Scotland with the forest carefully marked. Deciding quickly or perhaps acting rashly, Harry decided to Apparate to the forest. He rationalized that he was far enough away from Hogwarts' wards to make it unlikely that he would be caught. He could simply take a quick look and return.
Concentrating hard, he closed his eyes. When he opened them again, Harry found himself standing on a barren hillside in a strong wind. Snow swirled around him, making it difficult to see. On a clear day, the view would probably have been lovely, but right now he couldn't see very much. He noticed a circle of stones piled on each other and a small plaque. They appeared to have been put there by Muggles.
The plaque read, "Hart Fell." It told the story of Merlin's supposed stronghold. This must be the site. Looking around him, Harry was a little skeptical. It was hard to imagine it. Merlin's Scottish refuge was supposed to be a wooded forest. The poetry in his book described lush forests and magical creatures. The hilltop he was standing on was completely devoid of vegetation. There was just a pile of stones and a plaque on a windy, snow covered hill.
Wanting to share his discovery, he pulled out his mirror and called Ginny. She was sitting in her History of Magic class drawing a picture of Crookshanks playing by the fire and unconsciously humming a quiet tune. Professor Binns was droning on about something. Colin sat beside her, diligently taking notes. She startled when he leaned over and said, "I think your rucksack is making a noise."
"Thanks, Colin," she said with a smile. She reached down and opened her bag. It was her mirror. With a whispered incantation and quiet wave of her wand, the window flew open causing quite a commotion as the incoming gust of wind blew papers around.
As everyone was chasing the papers, Ginny answered her mirror quietly. "Hi, Harry. I can't talk now. I'm in History class."
He was glad to see her nose appear. "Binns won't notice, Gin. This can't wait. I found the enchanted forest…only there's nothing here. This is definitely the place, but there's nothing but a barren hillside. See." He held the mirror out for her to get a good look around, well as good a look as possible with a small mirror.
She was shocked. "What were you thinking?" she asked in an excited whisper. Grabbing her sketches and her bag, she waved goodbye to Colin and left History class. Binns didn't seem to care.
Once in the hallway, she said, "How did you get there? Shouldn't you be in Magical Creatures? Does anyone even know you've gone?" She was genuinely alarmed.
Harry answered, "Creatures class was dreadful. Snape was there." He described what happened with the dragons and Snape. Trying to sound brighter he continued, "Anyway…there's no harm done. I was just curious…and I'll be back soon."
She could see his grin. "All right. But I think I want a longer explanation when you get here." Smiling back at him, she wasn't paying attention to where she was walking and she ran smack into Terry Boot who didn't seem at all sorry.
"Where are you going?" he asked. Realizing who had run into him, he added, "You don't need a little mirror to check your face. You're beautiful." He smiled at her, thinking he was suavely flirting.
She could a hear a muffled, "Oh, bollocks! Tell him to go stuff himself."
Taking her attempt to hide a smile as evidence that she enjoyed his attention, Terry cleared his throat and said, "Maybe we could go to Hogsmeade together next Saturday, Ginny. It's the last trip before the holidays."
Ginny blushed, realizing that Harry could hear every word. "I…I've already made plans for Saturday. But thank you…Terry. I'm…flattered."
Watching her face flush, Terry did not feel at all discouraged. "Maybe some other time, then."
"Maybe," Ginny whispered before giving a sharp gasp as Dobby appeared at her elbow. Letting out her breath, she said, "Dobby! You scared me."
"Dobby is sorry, Miss Wheezy, but I am finding you on urgent business of Headmaster Dumbledore." The elf's green eyes were as round as saucers.
"What does he want, Dobby?"
"Dobby cannot say, Miss." He gave a small giggle as he looked at Terry Boot. "The Headmaster wishes to see you immediately."
"Well, thanks. I'll go there directly."
In an audible whisper, Dobby said, "You'll need to remember Gobstoppers, Miss." He winked meaningfully.
Terry and she rolled their eyes over the elf's head. Assuring Dobby that she took his meaning, Ginny said goodbye to Terry. As she walked, she held up her mirror and said, "Harry are you still there?" All she could see was a bunch of white.
Harry answered, sounding cheerful. "I'm still here, Gin. I'm flying around the area on my Firebolt. I want a quick look, then I'll come back to Hogwarts." He carefully did not mention Terry Boot. As long as they kept their relationship secret, they both had to put up with moments like that.
"Dumbledore wants to see me in his office. I'm thinking he found out about the Cheering Charm biscuits." Harry and she had perfected some chocolate chip biscuits with an extra something to beat the winter blahs. They'd tested several recipes on the Slytherin lunch table before deciding they were ready. The early versions had mixed results, notably the time Vincent Crabbe sobbed nonstop for an hour or so after lunch. It was almost enough to make them feel sorry for the big thug. Now that the biscuits cheered people as planned, Ginny was going to give them to Fred and George for Christmas.
She reached the gargoyle and said, "I have to go. Hurry back, Harry." As she approached the open door of the Headmaster's office, she could hear excited voices.
Snape said, "There's nothing to worry about. He's not a helpless little boy. And he's obviously been controlling those dragons all along. He probably brought them here along with that Lethifold. This attack on me proves it. He's controlling dark creatures. What further proof do you need?"
Moody growled something she couldn't make out. She also recognized McGonagall's voice saying something.
The Headmaster's voice boomed over the rest of them. "Stop this, Severus. Harry is not controlling anything. He's in grave danger. Away from the protection of Hogwarts, anything could happen to him. We must take steps to find him immediately."
"Why do you trust him?" Snape asked.
Sounding tired, Dumbledore said, "He often wonders the same thing about you." He looked straight at Snape.
Ginny made a discreet knock on the open door. The Professors looked surprised. She looked at the carpet, uncomfortable with their scrutiny. Even the portraits on the walls seemed to be staring at her.
Dumbledore smiled at her. "Welcome, Miss Weasley." He looked at her expectantly, then added, "Please sit down."
She looked at McGonagall before moving to the chair the Headmaster was indicating. "Thank you, Professor," she said quietly before she sat. She noticed that he had a map of Great Britain spread out on his desk. On it she could see several markings that blinked and moved although she had no way of knowing what they meant.
The Headmaster said, "It's best not to waste time. I think perhaps you have something to tell us, Miss Weasley."
Turning to Dumbledore, she said, "What would you like to know, Professor?" She bit her lower lip, trying to keep her mind off those Cheering Charm biscuits.
"Harry Potter is not on Hogwarts grounds. Do you know how we could contact him?" The twinkle was still in his eye, but his tone of voice commanded an answer.
Ginny took a deep breath and said, "I'm sure he just went for a walk around the grounds, Professor. Perhaps he wandered too far away. I understand there was some incident during his Magical Creatures class today."
The room seemed a little tense. Out of the corner of her eye Ginny saw Snape pouring a cup of tea. She stood and leaned over the map for a closer look. "What's this, Professor?" she asked.
"It's just an ordinary map. We were deciding where to look for Mr. Potter. When it occurred to me that you might know where he is." He looked at her expectantly.
Ginny remembered that Dumbledore knew about their charmed mirrors because she had let him use hers when Harry was kidnapped from the Three Broomsticks. But she didn't want to admit to still having the mirrors for fear of what the other Professors might think. Snape might insist the mirrors be confiscated.
Thinking this over, Ginny decided to study the map instead of answering Dumbledore. It did look like just an ordinary wizarding map. Without looking directly at him, she was aware of Professor Snape walking toward her left side. His hand was outstretched to offer her a cup of tea. She stepped in his path and lost her balance, knocking the cup out of his hand. The tea sprayed all over Snape, then the cup clattered across the map. "Sorry…I'm so sorry. Oh…how clumsy of me, Professor." She sounded earnestly surprised and contrite.
Professor McGonagall looked like she would burst from the laugh she was stifling. Dumbledore wasn't really trying to hide his amusement as he cleaned up the mess with a wave of his hand.
With his magic eye rolling around its socket, Moody laughed loudly, "Fool me once, eh, Miss Weasley. Well done." She just shrugged and kept her head down, trying to look innocent. Of course, Ginny knew it was unlikely that Snape would try to drug her the same way he had Harry, but she thought that a girl couldn't be too careful.
Snape sneered at her and opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by Professor Dumbledore who asked, "Did Mr. Potter tell you where he was?"
Realizing how impossible it was to keep anything from the Headmaster, she said, "He went for a ride on his Firebolt after his Creatures class. He'll be back any minute. I'm sure he didn't mean to worry anyone." She looked around at the Professors and sat down. The chairs in the Headmaster's office were always deliciously squishy. Vaguely she wondered if they were charmed for comfort.
Dumbledore rang a small bell. Dobby appeared out of thin air. "When Mr. Potter arrives would you ask him to come to my office, please." Dobby did a litle happy dance before giving a formal bow and disappearing the same way he came.
They waited only a few minutes before Harry knocked on the door. He grinned at Ginny who was relieved to see him despite the fact that she'd known exactly where he was all along.
Professor Snape began the inquisition. "Where were you, Potter? That is, after you stomped away from the dragon enclosure." Harry's lips grew thinner as he listened to Snape. He felt like nothing, not even Veritaserum, could make him talk to this man. He was so grossly unfair.
Looking at Harry, Dumbledore said, "We're glad to see you have returned unharmed, Harry. Regarding the incident in Magical Creatures class, the points for Gryffindor have been restored and you will not have to serve detention since the circumstances have been fully discovered. Every eyewitness says that you put out the flames in Professor Snapes robes."
Ginny and Harry exchanged looks. That had never happened before. No matter how ridiculous the punishment, neither of them could ever remember one that had been overturned.
"But…" Their attention returned to Dumbledore as he sounded deadly serious. "Leaving Hogwarts grounds, whatever the reason, is a very serious matter. All reports say the Death Eaters are still hoping to kidnap you. The real consequence for wandering away from the castle could be kidnap, torture and death. Since you escaped that fate today, I will reinstate Professor Snape's punishment."
Harry didn't try to lie. He said, "Sorry, Professor. I was…well…curious about something."
McGonagall, stood up with the help of her cane and said, "Hrmph…really, Potter. Curious!" She sounded truly exasperated. "I'm very disappointed in you. Can you tell us where you were at least?"
"How'd you get there, Potter?" Moody growled.
Realizing that he could be in further trouble, Harry wisely decided to say nothing and stared at the floor. Glad that he'd banished his Firebolt back to his trunk when he arrived back at the castle, Harry stole a glance at Ginny.
She seemed unconcerned about the proceedings, including the scrutiny of so many Professors at once. She was really marvelous. Nerves of steel. Seeing her stand firm gave him strength. He could have just as much nerve as she did. He lifted his head up, chin out in defiance.
Seeing his stance, Dumbledore dismissed them, silencing Snape's protest with a look. "Better get going. We'll forego your tutorial today, Harry. I'm sure you can find some way to use the extra time."
As Ginny and Harry hurried away, they took turns whispering in each other's ears. Harry said, "Did you see the look on Snape's face? Like he'd swallowed a flobberworm whole. Hey, that's not a bad idea."
Ginny laughed. "He's stupid git. Everyone knows it."
"Thanks for not mentioning Hart Fell," he said, looking at her appreciatively.
"Don't mention it, Harry," she said and they both laughed. As they came around the corner, laughing, they caught Ron and Hermione snogging behind a suit of armor.
"Ew," said Ginny dramatically. The two of them jumped apart and Ron looked angry. Hermione was blushing to the roots of her hair. Ginny made a tsking sound. "Shouldn't prefects be setting an example? There are young children running about the castle." She shook her head, "Kids this days…"
Harry grinned at her. Looking at his friends' discomfort, he grabbed Ginny's hand and pulled her away. Back over his shoulder, he said, "Sorry Ron…Hermione. We'll just leave you to it then."
Ron watched Harry and Ginny run down the corridor together like carefree little children. Looking back at Hermione, he said, "I can't understand those two. Why can't they see how perfect they are together? When else does Harry ever seem that…happy?"
They had decided to stop matchmaking after the time Ginny had to hex Malfoy down by the lake. Hermione said, "We've been over this. They're good friends. They'll…figure..." She noticed Ron's mouth was swollen and slightly red from kissing. She had a hard time keeping her train of thought.
"Figure what?" he asked, pulling her close to him again. They forgot about everything but each other.
After dinner, Ron and Hermione were working at their usual table near the fire in the Gryffindor common room. Except for some worried looking fifth years near the window, they were alone. The weeks since Ron and Harry explored the cave had flown by. The Christmas holiday would begin on Saturday.
While relieved that no one knew her friends had been exploring the cave, Hermione was upset that the boys were forced to keep the truth from Dumbledore. She looked at Ron over her Ancient Runes textbook and said, "I'm still not sure we did the right thing. If we can't be honest with each other…."
Ron knew just what she was talking about. She'd brought it up almost every time they were alone during the last few weeks. "Would you rather I was expelled, Hermione?" asked Ron, giving her a wide-eyed look that he felt sure would gain her sympathy.
The puppy eyes worked. She didn't want to contemplate life at Hogwarts without her boyfriend. "They'd never expel you. Ron, I…I just think we have to trust Dumbledore. As long as we have him on our side, we'll be all right. But, if he doesn't really know what's going on..." She closed the book she was reading and walked over to the fireplace.
"Harry's the one keeping secrets. What about him?" Ron asked. Since returning from the cave, Harry had been fairly closed mouthed about the experience. He told them he spoke with Niniane, but he didn't show them the scrolls he'd found. Ron thought she sounded like a crazy old ghost. Hermione thought it confirmed the theory that a Potter long ago had somehow rescued Merlin from being entombed alive within a cave.
When Harry first woke up in the infirmary, he was furious that Snape had spiked his drink with the Truth Taffy. He began shouting about how he couldn't trust any of the Professors anymore. Lupin wasn't much happier. The two of them were plotting their revenge until Dumbledore dropped by.
The meeting with Dumbledore and Lupin must have been really intense, but Harry simply told his friends that he'd agreed with the Headmaster's decision. Snape would be reprimanded, but not dismissed. Hermione had urged Harry to confess everything. She wanted Dumbledore to know that Voldemort had probably been in that cave.
Then Ron had muttered something about wanting to give Harry some of the Truth Taffy himself. At that point, Harry said that he needed to be alone for a while and moved toward the dormitory stairs.
Hermione didn't want to let it rest. She called after him. "If you don't tell Dumbledore, Harry, maybe I will." She felt his green eyes staring into hers.
After a moment, Harry said, "I know you don't mean that, Hermione. You'd never betray any of us. Not like the Professors." He looked really tired, maybe the after effects of the drug.
She realized she couldn't violate their friendship. Until it was all right with Harry and Ron, she'd have to respect their wishes.
Harry stood with one foot on the first step and gave her a small smile. "Snape doesn't trust anyone but Dumbledore really. I think it's sad. I'm lucky to have friends like you." Harry sighed, thinking he could do a better job of trusting his friends himself. He just had a lot to think over.
Aloud he said, "This Talking Truth Taffy seems like something any one of us might have used for a prank…I'm assuming you meant you would have used it on me for a prank, Ron. Or maybe you were thinking you'd give it to me when I'm having trouble sleeping." He yawned widely. Harry laughed at their solemn expressions. "We can talk tomorrow. I'm really tired."
That conversation had taken place weeks before, but Harry had still avoided really confiding in his friends. He wanted to sort things out for himself before dragging them into something more. Ron and he could still be expelled if anyone found out so Harry adamantly refused to confess their trip to Dumbledore.
Now weeks had passed and Hermione was still working on it. Standing by the common room fire, she looked over at her boyfriend and said, "You could talk to Harry about this Ron. Or if you decided to confess to Dumbledore yourself, then Harry would have to agree."
"Drop it, Hermione. I'm not going to get Harry in trouble. He's a mate." Ron turned back to his Charms essay, breaking eye contact with his girlfriend before she could warm to her subject.
Ginny and Colin Creevey arrived. Ron shot Hermione a look that said, "What does she see in that git?" He'd noticed the two of them had been studying together quite a bit lately.
Hermione greeted them politely as the two of them settled into the sofa in front of the fire to work on their Herbology essay. They were laughing about Robbie Johnson's latest run in, this time with a Climbing Sucker Bean. He'd panicked and screamed for some reason, frightening the plant he was pruning. It reacted by attaching itself to one of the fingers on his left hand. He'd tried to escape by hexing it, but the only spell he could remember was "Erubescere!" which simply turned the plant a brilliant red.
Finally Ron said, "Do you mind? Some of us are actually doing their work."
Hermione turned from studying the flames in the hearth and gave him a look of approval.
Ginny said, "You're just saying that to impress your girlfriend, Ron. You probably have the latest copy of Quidditch Illustrated hidden in that book." She gave a snort of disdain. Colin laughed.
Ron grumbled, "I'm not the one keeping secrets." He was thinking about the conversation. It was Harry that appeared to be unable to trust anyone these days.
No one noticed Ginny growing pale at Ron's statement. She suddenly became very interested in her Herbology notes. The group by the fire grew silent. Hermione went back to work. Eventually Colin left and Ginny stretched out in front of the fire. She needed to warm up after walking back from greenhouse four. The fire felt good.
Harry walked in so silently that no one noticed him. They hadn't even been aware of the portrait opening and closing. The common room was fairly crowded with people studying by now. Hermione and Ron were still working at the table near the fireplace. While he surveyed the scene, Harry's eyes were drawn to a figure stretched out before the fire. Ginny had fallen asleep, parchment in hand, head thrown back over a pillow. Harry's thoughts flashed back to last summer when he found her asleep in the back garden of the Burrow.
She was a vision. Her head tilted back exposed the curves of her throat. The firelight set her creamy skin and russet hair glowing. Harry wanted to touch her, feel the silk of her hair, brush her throat with his lips.
"Oi, Harry," Ron's voice broke through his reverie. Pretending that he hadn't noticed Harry's intense gaze at his sleeping sister, Ron continued, "Have you finished your Potions essay, yet? The eight uses of unicorn horns. I'm on number seven."
Harry's mind was far from Potions class, but he was grateful to Ron for helping him get his mind off Ginny before he threw himself down next to her in a crowded common room. He could feel heat spreading across his face. He turned to Ron and blinked. "Potions?" he asked, sounding a little disoriented.
"Yes, Potions, Harry," Ron said, thinking, 'Or do you just want to stare at my poor, defenseless sister while she sleeps?' He grinned at his friend.
Ron winced as Hermione elbowed him and said, "Have you been grading papers, Harry?"
Harry said, "Yes, Moody asked me to grade the first and second years essays on defending yourself against Red Caps. I did start writing the Potions essay earlier today, but I was hoping you'd still be up doing homework so I could join you." Realizing that Ginny's breathing had changed so she might actually be awake, he added, "Notice that interesting bit of drool on your sister's cheek, Ron. So drooling in your sleep is sort of a family trait?"
Hermione shook her head and went back to work. Ron stopped to watch the show.
Ginny sat up with a start, embarrassed to be caught drooling in front of the fire. She wiped her cheek which was perfectly drool free and scowled at Harry who was now grinning at her.
"Made you check! Anyway, now you can quit fake napping and join us." He was grinning at her like she was his favorite chocolate cake.
Hermione broke in. "It's already past her bedtime."
"Don't be silly," Ginny said, shaking her head. "I can stay up late with the grownups some of the time." Most of the school year, Ginny had maintained that she needed to be in bed by eleven for Quidditch training. Even after Hermione and Ron knew about the mirrors, she and Harry had continued to use them this way. It was the simplest way of having a private conversation, Hogwarts being a crowded boarding school.
Harry looked pleased that she was joining them. All four worked in silence for a while. Finally Ron stood up and stretched, declaring that he was going to bed.
"I meant to ask you earlier, Ron, and you, too, Hermione," Harry began. "Professor Lupin wanted me to invite everyone to lunch at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade on Saturday. You, too, of course, Ginny. Unless you've already made some plans." Harry looked at her blush, remembering Terry Boot.
"I'd be glad to see the Professor," Hermione answered quickly. Maybe they would have a chance to clear the air with him. If Harry wouldn't confide in Dumbledore, maybe he would speak to Professor Lupin.
Ginny and Ron accepted the invitation, too, although Ginny had known about it for a while. Keeping things secret was becoming a habit with them.
Saturday arrived soon enough. The Gryffindors did some Christmas shopping then met Professor Lupin in the Three Broomsticks. He'd reserved a private room upstairs for them, away from the prying eyes of the crowded pub.
Madam Rosmerta greeted Remus cheerfully. She remembered him from his Hogwarts days. They all ordered the special of the day, chicken and ham pie served with your choice of greasy chips or mushy peas.
Leaning back in their chairs after finishing, Remus said, "I'm glad you could all come with Harry since I won't see you over the holidays. I thought it would be good to get away from Hogwarts for a change and Hogsmeade is reasonably safe."
"So you don't think there is too much of a danger right now, Professor?" asked Hermione. She pulled her bag away sharply from Ron who was trying to sneak a peek inside.
Lupin laughed as Ron made a face at Hermione trying to get her sympathy. Then he looked more serious and said, "You might say that there is no more danger here than anywhere else. We're in a private room, warded in. If anything dangerous occurred, we could exit via Portkey or Apparition fairly easily. There are Aurors discreetly hidden at the front and back entrances."
"We're as safe here as anyplace else then," Harry said. Ginny smiled at him warmly. She felt safe whenever she was with him.
Remus saw the look that passed between them, but didn't say anything. Instead he asked them all to tell him about Hogwarts. They talked about their classes and the latest pranks. He heard about Moody's Defense Against the Dark Arts methods, Snape's disagreeable attitude, and the dragon's final departure the day before.
Somewhere during the conversation Ron and Hermione started holding hands, a fact that Remus noticed without comment. Of course, it was common knowledge that they were dating. Remus also noticed the sort of code with which Harry and Ginny communicated, facial gestures, words slipped into the conversation that might have a double meaning. By the end of their conversation, he was sure that those two were closer than they wanted people to know. Or maybe they were closer than they had realized themselves.
As they were putting on their cloaks and gathering packages, Hermione asked Professor Lupin for a quiet word. "I think Harry is keeping secrets, Professor. In fact, I know he is. It isn't good for him to keep everything bottled up. And I just wanted to say that maybe you could get him to open up over the holidays." Harry was planning to spend the first week of the holidays with Remus at Grimmauld Place, then spend the rest of the holidays with the Weasleys at the Burrow. Remus would be going to Wolfhaven Inn during that time.
"Secrets?" he whispered, trying to act surprised. Watching Harry help Ginny with her cloak, he was pretty sure he knew at least one of Harry's secrets.
"Yes, Professor. I'm beginning to worry about Harry. He needs someone he can trust."
Before he could answer, they were interrupted by the sound of shouting coming from downstairs. An argument was in progress between some of the D.A. members and their least favorite Slytherins. Sophie Moon stood in the middle of the room, covered in butterbeer.
Professor Lupin stepped in to intervene only to be confronted by Malfoy. "Keep your long muzzle out of this werewolf. Oh…and here's the resident Mudblood. I can't believe they even serve your kind in this place. What kind of pub is this?"
Madam Rosmerta's troll like bartender stepped forward at that comment and said, "No need for that sort of talk here. I'll have to ask you to leave."
Malfoy looked him up and down with a sneer on his face. Then he turned and fixed Sophie with an icy glare. "I meant what I said, Moon. You've only yourself to blame for what happens next." He turned with a swirl of his expensive black cloak and left the pub, his usual entourage following in his wake.
The students remaining in the pub gathered around. Some comforted Sophie. Several cast a Cleansing Charm in her direction. Harry was glad to see that they were from all the different houses. Others gathered around Ginny, asking her about her shopping and did she need someone to walk her back to the castle. These Harry was not so glad to see.
Ernie Macmillan pulled Harry aside and explained what had happened in low tones, hoping that Sophie couldn't hear. Apparently Malfoy had seen her with some of her D.A. friends and gone off on her, ranting about what a disgrace she was to purebloods everywhere. He ended with threatening a dismal future for her and her family if she didn't see the error of her ways and stick to her own kind.
Hearing this, Hermione went off on a rant of her own about tolerance. Everyone nodded sympathetically. Not wanting a reincarnation of S.P.E.W. to develop, Ron decided he should collect his girlfriend. They left the pub with Hermione still talking and Ron agreeing with everything she said.
Over the crowd, Harry looked longingly at Ginny. Now that he knew what to look for, Professor Lupin caught the look. What surprised him was the look Ginny gave him back. It was a look that said, "Help, I'm surrounded!"
Professor Lupin stepped forward and claimed Ginny's arm. "Miss Weasley, if you're finished here, we'd better get going. I promised your father that I would see you safely to the castle." She looked grateful as she stepped away from the small group of disappointed young men.
When they'd almost reached the door, Remus turned around and asked, "Harry, are you coming?"
Once outside, Harry and Ginny stole glances at each other while walking on either side of Remus. The sun had come out, shining brightly on the snow. They trudged along the icy road with their steamy breath showing in front of them. None of them spoke much.
Remus thought about saying, 'So Hermione says you're keeping secrets, but I'm betting there isn't much about you that Ginny doesn't know.' He decided against putting them both on the spot. He'd have a better opportunity to speak with Harry at Grimmauld Place without the pretty red head to distract him.
Suddenly out of nowhere a lump of soft snow crashed over Ginny's head. Looking behind them, Harry shouted angrily, "Where'd that come from?" He shaded his eyes with his hand and stared at the trees beside the road. Ginny and Remus looked, too.
While they searched, they heard a quiet whoosh behind them. Another, larger lump of soft snow crashed over Remus' head. "Oh, Professor. Just look at you. You're…just covered with snow." This time, Harry completely failed to sound angry and burst out laughing.
"You're in for it now, Potter," Ginny shouted. Pulling out her wand, she uttered a quick charm. Behind Harry a large Yeti shaped snowman loomed.
Seeing Remus' eyes grow wide at the sight, Harry turned around just in time for the enchanted Bigfoot to 'crush' him in a big hug, dissolving in the process. Harry stood, half buried in snow. He shook his head like a wet puppy, spraying Ginny and Remus with snow. Then he shouted, "You're no match for me, Weasley. I don't know why you try."
She giggled and ran up the road a short distance, disappearing behind a tree.
Remus shook his head, thinking that Ginny probably was a very good match for Harry, but wisely deciding to stay out of the fray. The two teenagers continued to enchant snow to follow each other around, laughing at the various snowman shapes they conjured for each other. Harry's answer to her Yeti was a snowman shaped like a small dragon. Her response was one shaped like Snape.
When Ginny disappeared behind a tree again, he shouted, "Accio, Ginny!" Nothing happened. He started to worry, then something solid knocked him down into a snowdrift. "Oomph…what the blazes was that."
Remus hurried toward Harry, thinking the game had turned into something sinister.
Harry was flat on his back rubbing his arm. Looking around, he said, "Finite Incantatem!" Ginny appeared sprawled on the ground beside him. "Disillusionment Charm?" Harry asked. She nodded, rubbing her arm as well. He pulled her into a hug and said, "I'm sorry."
She answered sweetly, "It's not your fault. You couldn't see me well enough to catch me. But it does mean that I won the snow fight. I'd say knocking you flat means I won." She smiled widely.
He brushed the snow out of her soggy wet hair, searching her face. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were bright from the exercise. Her nose was red and running slightly. He thought she'd never looked more beautiful.
Professor Lupin cleared his throat and stared at his shoes. "Game's over. We have to get back to Hogwarts before someone starts to worry."
Harry stood up and pulled Ginny to her feet. He noticed that her glove had a hole in one finger. Casting warming and drying charms on both of them, he rubbed her cold hands in his own. Professor Lupin pretended not to notice the way they were looking at each other. They walked the rest of the way to the castle in silence.
The Hogwarts Express was steaming in the station. Harry was excited for Christmas in a way that he'd never been before. Last year, he'd been wracked with guilt over witnessing Mr. Weasley's attack. While he remembered Sirius' cheerfulness with fondness, this year's Christmas was going to be special. He couldn't wait to give Ginny her present although he had no idea how he would manage it with all her brothers gathered around.
Very few students were staying at Hogwarts despite the Daily Prophet reporting that Death Eaters had been sighted all over Great Britain. Harry was looking forward to spending some time with Remus. They planned to visit the Potter vault and Sirius' memorial.
Harry, Ron and Hermione claimed a compartment near the back of the train. Ginny joined them with Luna and Neville in tow.
As they stowed their things, Luna continued her explanation of the significance of toad droppings. Neville had a firm grip on Trevor and was listening as though fascinated by every word. He looked like he couldn't wait for Trevor to leave a 'dropping' so he could confirm Luna's words.
Some people came by to ask Harry about the D.A. meetings in January. The group had decided to hold a friendly dueling contest. Harry had agreed to officiate instead of compete. For a while, their compartment was really crowded, but people cleared out as the trip wore on.
Harry noticed the landscape outside the train looked like the area around Hart Fell. He still hadn't told Ron and Hermione about his little trip. He just couldn't face another lecture from Hermione about talking to Dumbledore or the hurt expression on Ron's face when he found out that Harry went alone. It had been a split second decision to go and he hadn't really learned anything, he rationalized. It occurred to Harry that Ginny knew all his carefully guarded secrets. Odd really, when he considered that his relationship with her was one of them.
As the trip continued, the girls settled into reading Witch Weekly and The Quibbler while Ron and Harry played a game of wizard's chess. Neville's attention alternated between watching Luna read and making suggestions to Harry about the game. Whether it was the rhythmic clacking of the train on the tracks or the lack of something to do, Neville soon fell asleep.
The compartment door slid open and Colin Creevey walked in shyly holding a small brightly wrapped package. "Ginny, could I speak to you alone for a minute."
She looked surprised. Swallowing hard, she tried to sound casual. "Sure, Colin. But can't we talk right here?"
A flush covered his cheeks. "I…I'd rather talk outside, Ginny…if you don't mind." He looked at Ron nervously.
Seeing Ron's glare, Ginny quickly agreed to step outside. The moment she closed the door, Ron leapt up and pulled Extendable Ears from his pocket.
"Ron!" Hermione said, shocked. "Doesn't your sister deserve some privacy?"
He looked at his girlfriend like she had two heads, then he turned to Harry and said, "You're with me, right?" He held out one of the ears to Harry who grabbed it without a word. The two boys closed their eyes like that would help them hear better.
Hermione began to shout, "Ronald Weas…" was all she got out before Harry cast a Silencing Charm on her with a wave of his hand. She threw her magazine at him.
The whole scene was finished quickly as Ron and Harry exchanged panicked looks and tried to hand each other their charmed ears. Scrambling back to their chess game, Harry hid the ear evidence just in time for Ginny to return to the compartment.
Ron was giving Hermione a pleading look that made her smile. She probably would have laughed at his appeal if she hadn't been silenced.
Hoping Ginny wouldn't notice anything, Harry quietly removed the charm on Hermione. All she said was, "Ahh…I love the puppy face, Ron." Then she picked her magazine up off the floor and resumed her reading, looking a little too smug for Harry to be reassured.
Ginny looked at her brother, then at Harry and said, "Did you start a new game? I mean, you were sitting on the other side of the chess board before I stepped out with Colin."
Hermione laughed loudly, causing Luna to finally look up from the Quibbler.
Shrugging their shoulders, Ron and Harry exchanged seats. Ron asked, "So what did lover boy have to say, Ginny? You can tell your big brother."
"Ask Harry. He's got Extendable Ears sticking out of his pocket so he probably already knows." Ginny leaned back next to Hermione and whispered, "Boys!"
Harry pulled the ears out and gave them back to Ron. "At least we tried, Ron."
"Humph!" said Ginny. She wasn't thrilled at the thought that Ron and Harry had listened to her conversation with Colin. It was embarrassing.
Harry looked genuinely worried that he'd upset her. "I'm sorry, Ginny. We weren't thinking. We just reacted. Hermione tried to stop us." He gave her a small hopeful smile.
"You can't get out of this so easily. Sorry doesn't change the fact that you listened to a private conversation. And what about you big brother. It was probably your idea to listen. When are you going to realize that I'm old enough to make my own choices?" She couldn't stay mad at Harry. She thought it was sweet that he was a little jealous of Colin. But Ron was another matter. It was just this sort of attitude that kept her from going public about her relationship with Harry.
Ron turned beet red and said, "Excuse me for caring enough about my little sister to look after her. A lot of blokes out there only want one thing, Ginny. A pretty girl has to be careful."
"Colin's not like that. Don't you want me to be happy?"
Ron groaned and said, "I just wish you could see what would really make you happy. Colin's not right for you." Ron was really frustrated. "Help me out here, Harry."
Harry had grown pale as his friend's comments became more strident. Ron really didn't want Ginny to date. He gave Ginny an unreadable look and shook his head. "You're on your own here, Ron." Keeping his eyes on Ginny, Harry said, "I think she ought to be able to make her own choices, just like anyone else."
Hermione stood up and pulled on Ron's arm. "Time for a prefect run, Ronald." She hoped a walk up and down the train might calm him.
After the door closed on them, Harry said, "I pity any of your…admirers…that Ron comes across during his prefect rounds."
Ginny giggled, calming down. She moved over next to Harry and the two of them settled into a quiet conversation. When they heard voices in the corridor, Ginny stuck her hands in his pocket and said, "Any more Extendable Ears in there? Maybe we can…" she stopped short. Pulling out his little book, she asked, "Do you carry this with you now?"
He shrugged and said, "I keep it close so I can think things over. It's such a puzzle. I mean, what do you think this is for?" He pulled the small black phoenix stone out of his other pocket.
Tossing the stone lightly in the air, he was about to put it away when Luna said, "That looks like a Summons Stone although it's difficult to tell."
No one said anything, but Harry held the statue out to Luna. She took it in her hand and turned it over. "Summons Stones were used as a means of calling a familiar to a wizard's side."
"Sort of an ancient 'beeper'?" Harry asked. Ginny and Luna looked at him blankly.
Neville woke up at the sound of Luna's voice. Rubbing his eyes, he looked at the statue in her hand.
Then Luna continued, "The Summons Stone would be charmed like a modern Portkey to make a magical animal appear. People don't need them these days because we can just make a Portkey or cast a Summoning Charm." She shook her head as though deep in thought.
Neville asked, "Why would a wizard need a Summons Stone for a Phoenix? They can Apparate on their own."
She shrugged and returned the stone to Harry. "I could be wrong of course. It also looks a lot like a Spirit Statue. The ancient Celts captured the spirit of a magical animal within a statue, then they used them in their wedding ceremonies to increase fertility."
Eyes wide, Neville said, "When did you learn so much about the ancient Celts?"
"My father and I spent several weeks at the Stonehenge library researching the History of the Mackled Malaclaw. His friend Uldric was sure they were first sighted in Scandinavia, but father was convinced that they originated in Ireland. You know…because they cause people to be unlucky."
Neville said, "But I thought Irish people were lucky."
Luna shook her head knowingly and launched into a list of Irish laments.
She had a willing audience in Neville, but Ginny and Harry tuned her out as she droned on. Picking up his book, Harry started flipping pages looking for anything about Summons Stones or Spirit Statues. He frowned when he didn't find anything and let out an exasperated sigh. It was probably just another weird theory from Loony Lovegood. He pocketed the black statue.
Neville looked over at him. The little book caught his eye. "Are you reading about Herbology, Harry?" he asked, pointing to the gold tree on the front of the book.
Harry held the book out to Neville and said, "It's a book of poems and such that's been in my family for generations."
"Is there a poem about a Tanglewood Tree in your book?"
"A what kind of tree?" asked Ginny.
It was Neville's turn for a speech. "Tanglewood Trees are a myth. They used to grow only under very unique circumstances usually within the heart of a large and lush forest. They were said to have gnarled and twisted branches. The magical properties of the Tanglewood were supposed to be especially useful for conducting magical energy. Before wizards carried wands, they often constructed a staff. Some say Merlin's staff was made out of Tanglewood." He looked to see if Luna was impressed with his knowledge of magical growing things.
She smiled serenely and reopened the Quibbler. Stretching out so her feet were on the back of the train seat and her head was falling over the edge of the seat toward the floor.
Ginny tapped Neville's arm and asked, "But where can a Tanglewood Tree be found?"
"They're only found in stories, Ginny. It's just a myth." Neville shrugged.
They all turned to Luna, sensing she might have an opinion on the subject. "Well?" Ginny asked, looking at her friend's upside down face.
"Well…Neville's right of course. Who do you know that knows more about Herbology?" She shook her head as though it was obvious. Then she went back to reading with all of her blood rushing to her head.
Thinking it would be a world gone mad if Luna and Neville were right about everything, Harry smirked and said, "Luna, didn't you used to just turn the magazine upside down."
"I'm feeding my cerebral cortex, Harry. You should try it sometime. My father always says you should feed your brain first."
Ginny and Harry looked at each other and smiled just as Ron and Hermione returned. While her brother seemed considerably calmer, Ginny decided to pick up her Witch Weekly and ignore him. At this, Harry settled in to rest, although he had no intention of sleeping. He just didn't feel like talking so he closed his eyes and enjoyed his last chance to sit with Ginny for a week.
If he'd felt guilty about keeping his relationship with Ginny from her brother before, he'd finally realized something. Keeping one secret led to keeping another secret until he had a whole secret life.
Harry didn't feel right about it anymore. It wasn't fair to Ron or Hermione. They had been honest with him. If he didn't tell Ron soon, it would affect their friendship when the truth finally did come out. And it wasn't fair to people like Colin who obviously had feelings for her. The clack of the train lulled him to sleep.
He felt the speed of the train increase. It flew faster and faster, so fast that it arrived just a few minutes later at Kings Cross Station. A dense fog swirled through the station shrouding the signs and people. Visibility was low, but Harry could make out several figures in black standing at regular intervals along the platform.
As the train pulled to a stop, they sprang into action. The screams of students rang out. Harry's scar burned. Without moving, he found himself standing near the barrier to platforms nine and ten. Something was shaking the ground where he stood.
"Wake up, Harry. We're at the station," Hermione ordered.
Ron laughed at her. "You're a brave witch, waking Harry when he's obviously dreaming. He could hex you before you manage to wake him."
Harry sat up properly and mumbled, "I must have dozed off." He could see outside the window that there were no black figures waiting, only anxious parents, no fog, and just a little steam from the engine. His scar was fine. He'd just dreamed that it was burning. He sighed.
All six of them busied themselves pulling luggage down and gathering their belongings. Soon they'd be on the platform and Ginny would be headed off to the Burrow while Harry went to Grimmauld Place.
He looked at her, trying to memorize. She was laughing with Hermione because they'd mixed up their bags. They looked similar, but Hermione's was much heavier than Ginny's because of all the books.
Harry waved his hand and froze everyone but himself and Ginny. "Harry?" she said, surprised.
Without a word, he pulled her close for a soft kiss. "I'll call you when I can. Keep your mirror with you."
"We'll see each other in a few days, Harry," she said with a warm smile.
"We need to talk, Ginny. We can't keep this secret anymore. We have to figure out how to tell them." Stepping away from Ginny, back to his original spot. He whispered, "I'll miss you." Then took off the charm.
To Be Continued…
Notes to reviewers: Thanks! Your reviews are important to me.
Nightwing509: Thanks for reviewing! They're getting closer to solving the mystery of the box.
Kyntor: Dumbledore definitely took advantage of the situation by waiting, but Snape is the real culprit. I thought about making Dumbledore the one who put him up so you almost made a quarter. Thanks for writing!
athenakitty: The dragons will return. I can't believe someone remembered about visiting the vault. That's in the next chapter. They haven't given up on clearing Sirius' name. Thanks for reviewing!
Lourdes: Niniane's ghost has more to say. The cave is friendly toward Harry for a very good reason. They will be returning there despite the danger. Thanks for writing!
Silver Warrior: Thanks for reviewing! Harry definitely looks like someone she knew. There are some things in the scrolls that he hasn't shared with anyone.
Dumbledore: I'm glad you like the story so far. I know all about that 4 am thing. Sometimes I work on writing this story to put off what I'm really supposed to be doing. OK, lots of time. Procrastination can be fun. I hope you did well on your finals anyway. Thanks for writing!
Jack-A-Roe: After Christmas, they will work on solving the Torch Mystery together. Voldemort just wants all the power he can get. Dumbledore took advantage of the situation to find out something. Thanks for writing!
Mrs.SakuraPotter: Congratulations on graduating! Now that summer is here, I'll have time to catch up on my reading. Thanks for reviewing!
Ted M. Hammett: Thanks for your nice comments. I love Harry/Ginny stories, too. Thanks for reviewing!
Ignorant: Arsenal's season will go down in the history books! Thanks for your nice comments about my story. I think punctuation should be optional. If your meaning is clear, that should be enough. Frolis, eh? Does Frolis have to be human? Sounds a little like a house elf. Thanks for reviewing!
russel can ziwei: Thanks for saying that about J.K. Rowling. I spent the rest of the morning, thinking about fun things to talk over with her. Thanks for your review!
PrincessSkywalkerOrgana: Thanks for reviewing! Harry will tell them eventually.
Gryphonmistress: Niniane will be back. In the real life stories about Merlin, she has many different names, Nimue, Vivian, etc. I decided to use the oldest version I could find because Myrddin is the oldest version of Merlin. She is referred to as the lady of the lake but there is another lady of the lake in the Arthurian legends named Elaine. That lady of the lake marries Lancelot.
Sealing Merlin in a cave and the name Niniane came from the legend, the rest of the story is completely invented. He wasn't really rescued so he could go live in Scotland. And…well I haven't put the rest of it in the story yet, but there is more. Thanks for writing!
brettmp123: Thanks for reviewing! I haven't followed the original storyboard perfectly so it's hard to say how many chapters this will be. I hope to finish it in the next couple of months.
Nathan Postmark: Thanks for writing! I'm glad you like it.
SillyGillie: Thanks for all your nice comments! You picked up on something important. Harry really needs to keep the scrolls to himself. Thanks for your review!
Talix: I'm glad you like the story so far. I appreciate all your kind comments. Thanks for reviewing!
LunaLovegood61: Thanks for reviewing! Now that it's summer, I'll have a chance to read, too.
GhostMagic19: Snape is not in as much trouble as he deserves, but his karma is worsening all the time. Thanks for writing!
hp4ashley2000: Thanks! Now that it's summer, I'll have more time to write.
Stephanie: Thanks for reviewing!
A/N: Want to tell me what you think? Please review!