a/n: So this whole werewolf/silver thing, obviously I'm not up on it, sorry. How about platinum or copper, are those safe? I will change it as soon as I can remember where I saved that chapter.

disclaimer: I still own nothing.

Hermione was still in the hospital wing. She sat in her bed and stared at the wall. She was thinking: Leave. . . in two days she would be gone, from her friends, her family, and Hogwarts, the only place on earth she had ever been happy. And worse even then leaving, soon she would have to tell Harry and Ron. What could she say, Hi guys, tomorrow I'm leaving Hogwarts. I don't know where I'm going; I don't know when I'll be back; I don't know if I'll be back. So yeah, bye.

Then a silent figure slipped into the room.

Professor Lupin?

Yes it's me. There was an awkward pause. I feel I need to tell you a few things Ms Granger. Vera has, umm had, a friend called Ivan. He worked for Dumbledore in the resistance since Voldemort's first rise to power. He always worked alone. It was his job to protect Vera and he has been searching for her since the disappearance. He felt personally responsible for her kidnaping. Hermione nodded. Ivan was a member of the council of the west and when he died, his place came to me.

What is this council? I don't understand.

It is an ancient, ancient order of witches and wizards. Members are chosen by the runes, which don't make mistakes. There are two councils really, the council of the west and the council of the east. They are usually, I guess you could say, dormant. But when the combined skills of the council are needed, members are alerted and convene to decide what to do.

But professor Lupin, how could I not have heard of any of this before? I've read almost all of the history books in the library.

The councils are older than books and older than history. He smiled, There are more things in heaven and earth, Hermione, than are dreamt of in your library. Now then, back to the pedestrian. Dumbledore and I think it best if I accompany you. I can help you learn to understand and use your powers. We will also, of course, search for the other members, there are six more. I'm fairly certain I know who one of them is, but the rest are an absolute mystery.

But, . . . sorry I'm not trying to be rude. What about your potion? How will you get it?

There are ways. Now if I know you at all, you have been sitting here worrying about what to say to your friends. I have a suggestion. Everyone is in class. Why don't you just run down to your dormitory, pack a few things and we'll leave. You can owl Harry and Ron when you've decided what you want to say. I realize this cannot be easy.

A long silent minute passed. Yes, I think I'll do that. I'll be ready in half and hour.