Chapter 11

Let's see…

Charms – poor; Herbology – good; Potions - interesting, but smelly; History of Magic – yawn ; Care of Magical Creatures – eye-opening; Transfiguration – mass destruction; International Magical Studies – easy; Defense Against the Dark Arts –?

"Watcha doin' Zack?"

"Oh, hi Bethie. How's tricks?"

"Tricks? You are so weird."

"Thanks," Zack said and scratched his head. "I'm doing a little bit of self-evaluation."

Elizabeth peered over his shoulder to look at the parchment and shook her head. "Kind of hard on yourself aren't you? We haven't even finished the first week."

Zack looked up and noticed a young man with straw-colored blond hair waving frantically in his general direction. "Elizabeth, I think an adoring fan craves your presence," Zack said indicating the young man.

"I'll be back in a sec," she said and walked quickly away.

Zack looked down watching a drop of ink splash on the parchment and let the quill fall on the table. Looking up he saw the boy gesticulating madly, several of which were in his direction. This can't be good. Zack groaned inwardly as Bethie came bounding over, her hair swinging back and forth.

"Is it true, Zack?" she asked breathlessly.

"Hello again, Bethie. Is what true?" Zack answered without meeting her gaze.

"It's Elizabeth, and you no very well what," she said lips pursed.

"Given the exaggeration that kids are prone to, I'd rather hear what the mad gesticulator had to say."

"You are soooo annoying sometimes," she said, rolling her eyes. "Well, Amboy Duke told me that Jay Geils told him that he overheard two third-years talking that they heard Filch yelling at McGonagall in the infirmary about having to completely reconstruct her classroom!"

"Oh, well it must be true…whatever it is you're talking about. Except for the part about Filch. There is no chance Professor McGonagall would allow anyone to yell at her."

She stared. "Anyway, did you burn down the Transfiguration classroom and singe all the fur off of Professor McGonagall? I also heard Madame Pomfrey still hasn't figured out how to grow it back – the hair! Did Dumbledore kick you out? Did she curse you – McGonagall I mean? Did she…"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa; slow down! Let me see, that would be…no, I don't know, no, and no. I trust that clears everything up."

"C'mon Zack, spill it."

"I don't think I heard the magic word?" Zack sing-songed. Elizabeth glared at him.

"Okay, I did have a little accident in Transfiguration. It's almost not worth mentioning."

Elizabeth smiled. "Almost? I'll find out anyway you know."

Zack's head dipped slightly. "All right, Professor McGonagall kept me after class for a little extra instruction."

"Ooooo."

"Let's keep our minds out of the gutter," Zack admonished gently.

She looked at him quizzically. "Gutter?"

'Nevermind. During class I kept obliterating the matches we were supposed to turn into pins…"

"I got it on the first try," she added with her nose ever so slightly raised.

"Of course you did; be quiet."

Elizabeth chuckled.

"Where was I…oh yeah, she knew I had a free period and it turns out so did she. So, we arranged to do a little one on one instruction. Unfortunately," he paused.

"Yeeesss…"

"She thought if we worked on lighting a candle it might be easier."

"Aaanndddd…"

"You don't have to be enjoying this so much, you know."

Elizabeth smiled.

"I tried a few times but the strength of my flame kept melting the candles. She told me to relax and concentrate. Anyway, I didn't know she could turn into a cat."

"So when she transfigured, you went bezerk and zapped her!"

"No, don't be a twit! I'll admit I was a bit surprised when she transfigured, BUT I was fine. What I didn't count on was Russell showing up soon after for a visit." Zack took a deep breath. "I closed my eyes – trying to concentrate like she said – and at the moment I released the spell Russell pounced on the Professor and the resulting yowl blew my concentration." He sighed as he saw the unabashed joy on Bethie's face. "I wish you'd stop grinning like that – it's a little disturbing."

She didn't stop.

"The flame shot out of my wand like a flamethrower, completely engulfing the table I was working on and singed the Professor a little bit. Russell, as always, was unharmed – and quite proud of herself."

Elizabeth giggled and smiled. "Zack, you're the best!"

"I'm sure you're the only one who thinks so."

"Don't be so glum, tomorrow's your birthday and you haven't had Defense Against the Dark Arts – Severus is so dark and dreamy…"

"Please, I just ate. One other thing, I'd be careful calling a Professor by their first name if I were you. It shows a lack of respect."

"You weren't there Zack – we connected."

"I'm sure. I'll see you later Elizabeth, I need to get to your beloved's class." He got up, gathered his belongings and headed toward the door.

Zack entered the classroom and sat in the back as had been his habit in his other classes. Being a few minutes early he took a look around the classroom. Odd, sinister looking artifacts were hanging on the walls and a huge dinosaur skeleton hung from the ceiling – looking a little worse for the wear. At least after this class is over I will have sat through each class so I'll know what I'm in for. The other students filtered in, some Ravenclaw students and some Hufflepuff ones as well. Soon, Snape himself made his entrance – entrance being the operative word.

He breezed into class his black robes billowing out behind him.

"Wands away, books open, mouths closed." He ordered, stalking from the back of the classroom to the front. What a drama queen. Snape perused the classroom and as his eyes fell on Zack he smirked.

Zack smiled wanly back.

"Mr. Flood please come to the front of the classroom where I can keep an eye on you."

Zack groaned.

"NOW Mr. Flood. And keep your wand away. Accidents in here will not be tolerated."

Zack gathered up his belongings and trudged to the front of the classroom. "Where would you like me?"

"Don't tempt me Flood. Use that desk over there," Snape said pointing to a desk that stood alone in front of the others and to Snape's left.

"Should I move it back in line with the other…"

"No. Sit."

Zack ground his teeth and took his seat. An unfortunate Hufflepuff first year showed up late with bandages on her hands. "I'm sorry I'm late Professor, I had to go to the infirmary because of Potions class where I…"

"Enough Miss…" Snape started.

"Taylor, sir."

"5 points from Hufflepuff for your tardiness."

"But, but..."

"10 points. Would you like 20?"

"N..n..no s..s..sir," she stammered and sat down with her eyes full of tears.

"No one is late for my class. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Professor," the class intoned.

"This is Defense Against the Dark Arts so if you are supposed to be in another classroom, leave. Now, let us begin."

The lecture stretched out interminably and the classroom was very warm. Zack struggled mightily to stay awake, but for some reason he couldn't keep his eyes…

"FLOOD!"

Zack snapped his head up and saw a furious Professor Snape glowering over him. "Sorry, sir!"

Snape looked to about to go into a tirade, but stopped himself and rubbed his chin in thought. "You know, the first class has always been a bit on the slow side. I think it's time to liven things up a bit. What do you say class?"

The class responded vigorously in the affirmative.

"Disarming your opponent is a very simple but very effective strategy. Does anyone know the spell for disarming your opponent?"

A couple of hands went up.

"Miss Archer?"

"I…I… think it is Expelliamous," the freckled faced young lady offered.

"Not quite, no points. The spell is correctly pronounced - Expelliarmus. Now, I need a volunteer…thank you Mr. Flood." Zack gave a start. "You will stand there," Snape pointed to a spot in the very front of the class. "Now, very carefully pull out your wand and hold it in front of you."

Zack complied reluctantly.

Snape smirked. "Class it is crucial when casting the spell to speak in a clear and firm voice and to point the wand at your intended target. However, it is also important to understand how to control the intensity of the spell."

Most of the students were exchanging confused glances. Zack's stomach fell.

"I shall demonstrate. Mr. Flood make sure to hold the wand still, we wouldn't want any accidents." Snape took out his own wand gave it a test wave and in a normal voice said "Expelliarmus."

Zack's wand flipped out of his hand like it had slipped. In fact, he was quite proud of himself that he was able to catch it before it hit the floor.

"You see class that was far too weak. Let's try it again. "Expelliarmus!" he exclaimed in a deeper more forceful voice.

Zack staggered under the blow and his wand flew out his hand and hit the wall 20 feet behind him. The students were riveted. Zack was feeling ill as he went to retrieve his wand. He went to sit back down.

"Not yet Mr. Flood. We are not quite finished." Zack took his place and gave Snape the hairy eyeball.

"Now I would like everyone in the class to try and disarm Mr. Flood. Let's start with you Miss Archer. Remember to clearly pronounce the 'r.'"

At first Zack was angry at being singled out, but he relaxed as each student vainly tried to disarm him. By the end he was rooting for at least one of them to succeed, if for nothing else to shut Snape up.

"Well, that has to be the most pathetic attempts I have ever seen. "I expect two rolls of parchment for next class on the disarming spell." The class groaned. "If you would like three rolls, I would be happy to accommodate you."

"No professor, thank you professor," the class murmured gathering their books and bags and leaving the classroom.

Snape turned his back to Zack and walked towards the podium in the back of the classroom. Zack winced as he picked up his books and started towards the exit. A few steps away he hesitated and looked back at Professor Snape. He took a few halting steps back towards Snape, shook his head, turned and left

"Goddamn I need a drink!" Zack said rubbing the back of his neck and almost dropping his books.

"Bad day Zack," Professor Flitwick said approaching him from an adjacent hallway.

"Hello, Professor. I've had worse You wouldn't have any whisky on you would you?"

"As a matter of fact I do keep a little for medicinal purposes," he said with a wink. "Follow me." Flitwick retreated back down the hallway he had come from and disappeared behind an enormous arras of a dragon breathing fire at a familiar looking youngish boy with black hair. He mumbled an incantation and the wall slid open to reveal a rather large well appointed apartment. "Come in my boy; have a seat and relax."

Zack was shocked to find such a large room inside a wall, but then he remembered the physics bending wizard house he first went to. "This is a very nice place you have here, Professor."

"Thank you Zack, I don't have many students visit me in my private abode, but you looked so downtrodden I thought it would be good for you." He turned and walked towards what looked like a dining area. "Alastrina," he called out. "We have a guest."

"Filius? You just left a moment ago – what did you forget?"

A moment later a diminutive woman with grey streaked black hair, dressed in green robes covered in intricate braid work, came around a corner and Zack rose out of his chair.

"Oh, hello. I see you brought back a guest," Alastrina said sizing up the visitor.

"Yes, this is Zack Flood, the boy I was telling you about. He's having a rough time of it just now and could use a little pick-me-up," Filius said.

She glided over to Zack. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Zack. As you heard a moment ago, my name is Alastrina," she said with a tilt of her head. "Filius has told me all about your extraordinary adventures to date. You are quite a remarkable young man, I think." She smiled.

Zack flushed slightly at her words and cleared his throat. "The pleasure is most certainly mine madam," Zack said, bowing.

"I bet you're trouble." She winked. "For the ladies, anyway." Alastrina walked back over to Filius and took his arm. "You'll have your hands full with this one a ghrá," she said and gave him a peck on the cheek. "I'll be back in a moment with drinks for yeh two."

Zack spent a pleasant hour talking with Professor Flitwick and his wife; it was just the tonic he needed to get himself righted. "Great tea Alastrina, it really seems to have given me a boost. Did you have something special in it by chance?"

"I always do," she said with a twinkle in her grey eyes.

Zack laughed. "I guess I'd better get going. Thank you very much for the hospitality," he said getting up.

"It was our pleasure Zack. Let me walk you out," the diminutive professor said.

"Have a nice evening young man," Alastrina added while flicking her wand and sending the cups and saucers floating toward the back of the apartment.

"You know for a moment I thought you were really going to give me some whiskey," Zack said as he was being led through the door.

"I'm trying to help, but whisky, I think, would be somewhat inappropriate – at least this early in the term."

&&&&&&&&&&&

September 8th 2004 dawned like any other day in Hogwarts – cloudy. Zack woke half-expecting a surprise, but his room was quiet. He cleaned up and went to get breakfast – still nothing. All day long he expected something, anything, but it was a day very much like the last seven had been. He ate dinner alone and was going back to his room resigned that his birthday had been forgotten. As he promised yesterday he stopped by the transfiguration classroom to discuss with Professor McGonagall what went so wrong. In excruciating detail no doubt. But, the closer he got to the classroom the stranger he felt, like gravity was increasing our something. At 7:00 PM precisely, as confirmed by the clock tower chimes, he fell to his knees panting for breath. Damn! He struggled to his feet an odd sensation of disconnectedness overwhelming his senses. A minute later the feeling disappeared all at once. What the hell was that? Clearing his head, he looked around saw nothing and continued on his way – but carefully.

"You're late Mr. Flood," Professor McGonagall snapped without looking up from her desk.

"I'm sorry. I felt this…"

"SURPRISE!" a group of people announced to his left. Looking over he saw a smiling Bethie, Dumbledore, Hagrid, Vala, Flitwick, and Alastrina standing around a table with some presents and a cake on it.

"Well, I'll be." Zack smiled broadly and chuckled. He looked over at McGonagall. "So you helped plan this?"

"Not really. I'm doing my part to protect the school. When I learned of this, I volunteered this classroom as you have already damaged it." Zack flushed. "We will meet tomorrow instead for our discussion. So enjoy your party."

"Won't you stay a little while?" Zack asked.

She picked up her books and notes. "I would but I need to go and see Madame Pomfrey," she said crisply and limped out of the room.

Zack gulped.

"C'mon Zack – watch this!" Elizabeth announced.

Zack strode over to the table and watched as Bethie lit every candle on his cake with her wand. "Show off."

"Well done Miss Tilden," Dumbledore congratulated her. "You mother could not have done any better."

"Thank you Headmaster," Bethie said her face turning pink.

Zack blew out the candles and then opened his presents. His parents sent him a book a Celtic poetry that had belonged to his maternal grandfather. Molly sent a remarkable vest and matching pants, with a message thanking him again for the Chanel knitting needles, and added a pan of fudge. Dumbledore gave him a get out of one detention free card,

He said. "If I am not mistaken, and I rarely am, you will have need of this sooner rather than later," and gave Zack a little wink.

Vala gave him a green amber scarab amulet. "It has protection spell and is good luck."

Hagrid gave him a hand carved flute.

"Did you do this yourself Hagrid?" Zack asked admiring the handiwork.

"Yeh, d'ya like it?"

"Very much, thanks. I've always wanted a reason to learn to play the flute."

Elizabeth gave him a free tutoring lesson.

The party only lasted for about an hour, but it was quite lively all told.

"Zack, remember to wear your amulet – you need all the luck you can get," Vala said as she left.

Elizabeth was the last one there, staying back to enjoy her third piece of cake.

"C'mon Elizabeth gimme a hug…it's my birthday," Zack emphasized with a pouting lip.

She looked around noticing everyone else had left. Giggling she walked over to give Zack a hug. But, the moment his hand brushed her arm she started to shake and grabbed his wrist hard. Speaking in a voice not her own, she announced,

The time of the heir is nigh! When next the moon turns as to blood, the heir must be where the key is hidden or lost will be his legacy. First return like the prodigal son; then let Debus be your guide.

Bethie sank to her knees, her eyes wide but unfocused. Zack picked her up.

"I hope I'm not late…what happened?" Hermione announced as she walked in and then hurried to Bethie's side.

"I'm not sure, she went into some kind of trance, said something in a strange voice, and then fell to her knees."

"What did she say?" Hermione asked, brushing Bethie's blond hair from in front of her face.

Zack felt his face flush. "Well, I was concerned that…she…ahem…I don't know?" he ended sheepishly.

Hermione sighed and shook her head. "Try to think back. It's likely important."

"Hmmm. Something about a key, blood, and a guide," Zack ended lamely.

"Wha' happended?" Bethie slurred.

"Are you okay? How's your head? How many fingers am I holding up," he asked holding up three fingers.

"Three, and I'm fine. What happened?" she asked more clearly.

"You went into a kind of trance or something and then said something. You wouldn't remember what you said by chance?"

"No, but it sounds really cool. Oh well, if I can't remember it can't be too important. Oh hi Professor Granger," Bethie added noticing Hermione for the first time.

"Hello Miss Tilden. It seems you are feeling better."

Zack peered into Bethie's eyes closely. "You really should…"

"Zack, I'm fine. Really. I promise I'll go straight to go to bed."

She moved past the pair, and waved a final good bye as she rounded a corner.

"Hermione, don't you think she should have gone to Madam Pomfrey?"

"I'm sure she's fine."

"Wait a second, what are you doing here?"

"Well, I understood it was your birthday…happy birthday," she added to which Zack inclined his head, "so I thought I'd drop by for a piece of cake."

"That was nice of you, as you see everyone has left, but there seems to be some cake left."

They shared a brief moment together munching on the last of the cake, trading shy glances.

"Hermione." Zack began and then he took a step forward raising his hands slowly.

"Zack? What are you doing?"

"You have a rather large piece of ash in your hair."

"Oh?" She said relaxing and reaching up.

"It's kind of lodged in there, I'll get it." As he neared her, his nose picked up an interesting – and not unpleasant – mixture of aromas. He swallowed. "Damn, your hair is thick."

She chuckled.

"Got it!" He disentangled the gray/brown fingernail size piece of ash and showed it to her.

She peered at it closely. "It must be some remnant of the spider-tree bark I was working with. Thanks." She said looking at him and smiling.

She definitely needs to be kissed. He started to lean forward.

"Zack," she cautioned but didn't back away.

"It is my birthday afterall and I haven't had a kiss yet." He said with a wink.

Their lips met in a chaste kiss that quickly turned into something a bit more. Their arms slid into an embrace. A few moments later Hermione broke off the kiss and buried her head in his chest.

"Damn you."

"Thanks…I guess."

"You're incorrigible," she snuggled a little closer.

"It's one of my finer qualities – ask anybody."

"Zack?"

"Yes?" he said stroking her hair.

"We really need to find out what Elizabeth said earlier."

"I already told you that I didn't really hear what she said and she seems completely unaware of what happened." He replied.

"I have an idea how to "enhance" your memory," she said backing out of the embrace.

"Why do I think this is not about hypnosis?"

She smiled wickedly.

Thanks to my betas Lillith and Juliane for all their help. Also, thanks to you that have stuck with me, I'm trying to pick up the pace. Reviews, as ever, are greatly appreciated.

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