The next day, the three either went to the people who they picked out from the dueling club's first meeting or sent one of their group to give a message. It took nearly a week, but now twelve students were sitting in the great hall talking this out. They all talked for a while before Zarif got their attention. "I think we should introduce the first club rule. Any other competition or problem you have with any other house should be left at the door when entering the meetings or practice. We should leave the houses at the door entirely as we are representing Hogwarts itself, not one of our houses," Zarif proposes.

"A fine idea. If we are going to be competitive, then we need that," Percy says, having taken the role as leader of the club.

"The thing is everyone's big egos. Especially since we are competing with each other with just the school alone. And then hardly anyone sees the other schools coming around to compete. It's like we need more school to fight and challenge us just to shut everyone up," Merula concludes, trying to think of how to appeal to everyone's attitude and ego, not just those in the room.

"If it were easy, we wouldn't have strong rivalries within the school, but what Zarif says is very true. We can't beat everyone else if we are constantly fighting with each other and looking over our shoulder in case the rest of the houses betray us," a sixth year Ravenclaw says.

"We can work on it, but it will take time," a seventh year Slytherin says begrudgingly.

Zarif sighs. "And then there's convincing the houses. That will take the same amount of time we are for the school year."

"I don't think it will take that long," a sixth year Hufflepuff says.

"Not if everyone is working together. The last thing people want is to be left out. If everyone is doing it, then it should be awkward if no one is working together with other houses, it might push them to try. This is just a guess about what they would do," Zarif suggests.

"True," Percy says.

"Are we at least in agreement that in the dueling club practices, we are not to compete or fight with each other?" the sixth year Hufflepuff asks.

"Only in duels, we do fight. The club itself, yes. We do keep our feelings at the door. Plus, we would get a lot more done," Zarif agrees.

"This is reasonable," a sixth year Ravenclaw says.

Most of those there, begrudgingly or not, agreed as well, and then Percy called the meeting as it was close for the time for prefects to start patrolling the corridors.

"Draco, a moment!" Zarif calls.

Draco stops for a second before turning back to him. "What is it?"

"As third years, we are lagging behind the other years when it comes to spells and how they are used. So I suggest we train more than the other years and meet at least two to three times a week so we can win our first tournament. At least for our year," Zarif suggests.

"Please, we do not need to do that. No one will be able to stand up to Draco," Pansy says, making Draco smile.

"If we underestimate our opponents and don't train properly, then all of us will be humiliated and beaten badly," Zarif counters, making Draco think of how his father would react to that, making him frown.

Pansy was about to say something else when Merula jumped in. "We need to take this seriously. The other schools we will be competing against may have had more dueling instructions than us as we don't know what they would be teaching,"

Malfoy thinks on what was just stated and does recall, that in the last three years, they had only had an introduction lesson in dueling. More than a year ago at that. "Agreed," Malfoy says, silencing his group who were about to start arguing and defending their mostly untested dueling skills.

"Ok, so we should plan around quidditch practices. We should get our year's schedules from all four houses and at the next meeting to compare them all to see which is best," Zarif adds as many looked between Zarif, Draco, and Merula, seeing them as starting to take the lead in their year.

More were about to interject when Filch showed up and scattered them back to their respective houses for the night.


The next morning, Zarif walked into defense against the dark arts to find professor Lupin had returned. 'I wonder if the essay on how to recognize werewol…wait. Professor Lupin has shown all the signs,' Zarif realizes as he narrowed his eyes, taking in all the details of Lupin's form that he could, and something then clicked. 'Lupin is a werewolf,' Zarif concludes as the class exploded in complaints from all but himself and Hermione.

After a bit, Lupin finally spoke up, "Don't worry. I'll speak to Professor Snape. You don't have to do the essay."

"But sir, what about us who did the assignment?" Zarif voices, making it sound like he was tuckered out from writing all two rolls of parchment.

Lupin looks at Zarif, and his eyes begin to tell Zarif he is caught in his secret. "Those who did the assignment will be given extra credit. All who did it, please bring it up to the front," Lupin informs. No one, but Zarif and Hermione, brought up the assignment for Lupin to review.

When Zarif did, he made a message appear at the bottom of his paper. 'Can I ask you questions someday to learn about this affliction from first-hand information?' Zarif walked away as if the message was never there, and Lupin acted like he didn't see it, but understood Zarif was very strange. He wasn't reacting in fear or paranoia like most would, but genuinely curious and wanting to learn.

The lesson continued from there, and they learned about what Professor Lupin had brought along. At which point, a glass box containing a hinkypunk was placed on the table, a little one-legged creature who looked as though he were made of wisps of smoke, rather frail and harmless-looking.

"Lures travelers into bogs," Professor Lupin informed them as they took notes. "You notice the lantern dangling from his hand? Hops ahead — people follow the light — then —" The hinkypunk made a horrible squelching noise against the glass.

When the bell rang, signaling class was over, everyone gathered up their things and headed for the door. Zarif was heading out when he heard Lupin call to Harry, "Wait a moment, Harry," Lupin called. "I'd like a word."

Zarif didn't think much of it and continued to get something to eat.


The month seems to fly by so quickly after that class. Between extra lessons with Snape, the weekly meeting of the dueling club, and the three extra nights of practice by their age group for upcoming tournaments, every day was so busy. Fred and George teased Zarif that he might inspire Wood to up their training for quidditch as a result. Thankfully, the meetings had mellowed out between the houses. In the meetings and practices, the members sometimes forgot about the divides and grudges between them. Draco had been seen talking to Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw their age about the upcoming tournament they would be entering after Christmas. Zarif was kind of sure that he may be the most excited for it out of the entire club.

Zarif did notice that Harry was not as happy over the month, and a lot of the time was looking through a broom catalog. Zarif understood that he was still upset after the whomping willow destroyed his nimbus. He thought about offering to contribute to buying a new broom but stopped that thought quickly. He had only so much money from his scholarship and what was in his vault. Thinking about that, he remembered he had a key which he was convinced was to his vault. He had to go back to the bank as well. He wondered what was in the vault. All he had from his time with Merlin had been in the first room. He had no idea what was beyond the door in the back of the room. He wondered if it was something else from the past. Would he go back in time again like when he met Merlin? These questions and his imagination, along with his studies, kept Zarif up late into the nights.

Now Zarif and Merula were heading out for the final Hogsmeade visit before Christmas break. Merula had informed him that she would be heading home to spend time with her grandparents and aunt. So Zarif and Merula would make the most of their time together and were heading to Honeydukes to see what sweets there were on sale.

"An endless stream of chocolates…and I am pining for something like rock candy to suck on. You know, if you have a bad cough, you can use them to keep it under control," Zarif says, smiling, looking at all the rock candy variations they had. Other students and visitors were moving around them, buying what they wanted, or just looking at what they could have.

"This one seems interesting. I think my grandparents sometimes eat on them," Merula says, looking at something branded Sugared Butterfly Wings. Zarif looked it over, before freezing seeing the expiration date. "Man, what some muggles wouldn't give to preserve things that long," Zarif comments, looking that the expiration date was 2785. "I might try this to warm me up," Zarif says, picking up a pack of Pepper Imps.

Merula smirks and leans over to him. "You sure? In fact, where are you headed for the winter?"

"Staying at the castle again this year," Zarif informs as they grab some sugar quills, and Zarif keeps the pack of Pepper Imps.

Merula smiles sadly at him. "You sure you won't be bored to death by the time I get back? I won't find you dead on the ground?" she jokes, chuckling.

"I think Autumn here will keep me from doing that," Zarif says as she was eyeing some Honeydukes Mice Pops.

Merula snarks hiddenly. "The almighty bird god shall keep her subject under control."

'I like that,' Autumn hoots to herself.

"I think she likes that one," Zarif says, getting the sweet she was eyeing.

Autumn hoots at him and ruffles her wings in response. Merula smiles and leans down to the owl. "Take care of him and make sure he doesn't get into life-threatening situations, okay girl?"

Autumn hoots and puffs up a bit before getting on Zarif's shoulder to ride around.

Zarif reaches up and playfully pokes her stomach. "Don't push it, girl."

"I think we have enough for a while, don't you think?" Merula asks.

Zarif hums, looking over what they bought. "Yeah. Looks like. Should even hold out for the winter. Maybe you should get something for your grandparents and aunt."

"I have. It looks like those two are shopping for Harry," Merula points out Ron and Hermione. "They look like they are hard at work, so let's leave them be?" Merula asks.

"Yeah, we got other things to do anyway," Zarif says, and the two checked out and head out to look at other shops to restock on supplies for potions and do some window shopping.


Zarif sat in front of the fireplace. It seemed everyone, but himself, Harry, Ron, and Hermione had left for the holidays. Zarif looked to the side to see Autumn and Hedwig were conversing about something. Zarif was mostly waiting now. He had put in a request to go to Diagon Alley and was informed by McGonagall that he would need an escort to go with Black on the loose and having infiltrated the castle once already.

Zarif did miss having his crew around, especially Merula, but talking to Harry, Ron, and Hermione made him feel less lonely. It only occurred to them how little time they had spent together since getting back to Hogwarts. Something they wanted to change. They talked about hanging out once Zarif gets back and what they would do until McGonagall entered. "Mr. Trazax, your escort is ready," she informs.

"Who will be taking me, Professor? Is it Hagrid?" Zarif asks, remembering Harry telling him his first time to Diagon Alley.

"Unfortunately, no. Professor Snape will be taking you," McGonagall informs him, getting him looks of pity from both Harry and Ron. "Hagrid is dealing with an issue in the forest," McGonagall adds, gesturing for him to follow.

"Alright. Autumn, come on, girl," Zarif says expectantly.

Autumn hoots from her post over the fireplace before flying over and lands on his shoulder while he smiles. Zarif gives her a little scratch on the head as he gets up to start walking. "I will see you in a few hours. Save me some of that sugar quills," he says, mostly looking at Ron, who had some pieces stuck to his mouth.

"No promises," Ron teases as he headed out. McGonagall escorted Zarif to the fireplace in the main hall where Snape was waiting.

"You are familiar with the Floo system, are you not Mr. Trazax?" McGonagall asks.

"Yes, professor, I was taught how to use it," Zarif replies as Snape nods as if it was to be expected.

"Very good. I leave him in your capable hands, Severus. The Leaky Cauldron's staff has been informed to expect your arrival," McGonagall informs.

Zarif smiles up to Severus Snape and keeps a happy mood around him. "I am surprised you are chosen for this. Or did you volunteer?" he asks curiously.

"I had nothing better to do," Snape informs as he nods in confirmation to McGonagall.

McGonagall nodded in confirmation as well and headed off as Snape activated the floo network with the fireplace, and both were off. When they arrived in the Leaky Cauldron, they didn't wait long as they headed out the back straight into Diagon Alley and towards the bank.

Along the way, Zarif ended up in deep thought of what he might find. His first thought is of what else he left behind to give to Merlin. But when he remembers what was in the first vault, it seems very unlikely it could be that many items. So it must be something else. Maybe something else that happened while on his past journey, or perhaps that would happen eventually.

On the ride down, Snape was shocked at how far down they were going and even more so when they came to the vault door. It was unlike any he had ever seen. Zarif got out and walked to the entrance, taking out the first key and unlocked the door, allowing him and Snape to enter. Inside it seemed like a typical vault until Snape noticed another entry in the back. Zarif gulped as he walked up to it and took out the newest key and put it into the lock and turned it. There is a very audible click, and the door shined with golden rays for a bit before they faded, with the door seemingly folded itself out of the way like it was made of origami, allowing them to enter in further. Once the door wrapped in itself, the border flashed a bright gold before settling to ordinary stone.


A small cup of tea reaches up to someone before it stops, and the person breathes out softly. The person then chuckles and smiles happily. "Like he said. This is going to be enjoyable…but I shouldn't have gone to Paris yet…oh well. More time to enjoy," she says, smiling before turning back to drink her tea.


Both Zarif and Snape look around in surprise, with Zarif a little less so. This room seemed to be approximately ten times bigger or more than the last room and looked like a workshop and a deposit of knowledge with a crystal in the shape of a jackal hanging magically in the air in the center of the room. On the walls, either hanging or embedded into them, were many different ancient Egyptian architecture with what purpose was hard to tell just from looking at them.

Zarif, very intrigued, stepped forward before Snape could stop him, and the floor lit up, showing a reddish-orange magical circle. The jackal shaped crystals in the air then went from being clear to red or black and from them started to emerge snake-like energy that flew at Zarif. "Protego!" Snape calls in alarm, doing his best to protect his charge only for them to slip through the shield he created like it wasn't even there and start to enter Zarif one by one. Every time a magical aura of the color went into him, the energy overlapped his body and faded just as quickly before the next entered him. Zarif didn't know what was happening, but he felt like some sort of knowledge, or was it a power entering his mind. Snape was now trying to stop the snakes that looked to be attacking Zarif with every spell he could think of. He tried defense spells, he attempted to destroy the crystals, and at one point even tried to shield Zarif with himself. None of these worked as the snakes passed through the spells as if they weren't there, the crystals were not even scratched by what Snape attempted, and when he tried to use himself as a shield, they just slither around him.

When the final one entered Zarif's body, his eyes briefly changed into serpent-like ones. The left was black, and the right was red. Then his eyes instantly switched back to normal. "Zarif, are you alright?" Snape asks, actually sounding concerned, grabbing his arms and examining him hard.

"I am fine, professor. Nothing hurts or even feels wrong," Zarif assures, unsure what to make of all of this. Before either could continue, they heard something rise from the floor. Looking back, Snape saw a small column was now a bit away on the right side of the room, and the top slid open, and slowly something slithered out that Zarif had only seen in books. It was a three-headed snake. One that looked like a Runespoor, but instead of the light green underbelly, it had a black one. It's red eyes looked around the room, slowly taking in its surroundings before all six were on Zarif and Snape.

"At last, we have been waiting so long," the left head SPOKE!

"It feels like a dream that the time has finally come," the middle one says.

"And it took millennials of being sealed away!" the right criticized.

"Professor…are they talking?" Zarif asks.

"Well, at least she allowed us to be this way for our master!" the left head yells to the right.

"We are not supposed to talk about that!" the right tells at the left.

"No…you can hear them?" Snape fears he has an oncoming headache now as to what he might have to deal with.

"Apparently, yes…this is so weird," Zarif says as all three heads were now arguing with each other.

Snape rubbed his head as the Runespoor moved around before pushing all three heads down on the part of the floor that went down, and a click was heard. The column the runespoor had emerged from sank back down into the ground before the floor started to move when it stopped as a new post appeared. On top of it is a book wrapped in a magical binding. The Runespoor slithered up the column and collected the book after taking it to Zarif. "This is for your teachers to explain to them what is going on. I hope they can read ancient Egyptian well," the left head informs as Zarif takes the book.

"He says that this will explain it all, but it is in ancient Egyptian," Zarif relays to Snape, giving him the book.

"It is a pleasure to see you master. We are Elixir, and we are your familiar," the left head informs.