Disclaimer: All of this is based upon the lovely J.K. Rowling's work. I own nothing except Salazar's wife, son, and various other original characters. This story is an AU of sixth year, but it will contain a few spoilers from Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows. However, it will still seriously diverge from canon. Also, the title is from an episode of Stargate: Atlantis.
"blah": dialogue
'blah': thoughts
"blah" : Parseltongue
"blah": Legilimency/Telepathy
Italics: excerpt from a book /newspaper or any other written form
Bold: a word or phrase that is emphasized
Italics, Underlined, and Bold: location/date of a scene in the story
Chapter Twenty-Six: Before I Sleep
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Minerva's Rooms: October 12th, 1996
Minerva simply stared, her eyes searching. She fought the urge to fidget, a nasty habit from her younger days, and idly wished that Severus was here with her, though he was currently elsewhere with Harry. Besides, her lover had enough problems of his own, what with Draco and his Slytherins and his own unease and uncertainty about the former Salazar.
Her gaze shifted back to her companion, taking in the myriad shawls, necklaces, and beads. The Transfiguration professor opened her mouth to speak but promptly shut it. Even weeks after they remembered, she was still unsure what to say.
After all, how does one relate to their former sister?
Grey eyes studied the other woman again, as if searching for some outer sign of what she was thinking. Trelawney simply sat there quietly, occasionally sipping her tea and tapping her chin with her forefinger. She, too, was watching. Waiting as the tension between them built even more, seeing if it would finally reach the breaking point.
"This is awkward," Sybill blurted out, setting down her cup.
Well, that was certainly one way to begin.
Minerva snorted. "Yes. Yes, it is." She paused, knowing that if she didn't say something now, the chance to connect would be lost. Perhaps forever. "When I came rushing to the rescue of my students this wasn't exactly what I expected to happen," the older woman continued uncertainly.
Sybill slowly smiled. "This wasn't what I expected either. Before, we respected one another. We were associates, colleagues, but we weren't exactly…" she trailed off.
"Friends," Minerva completed for her. "No, we weren't. We just couldn't connect, not really. There was always something in the way, whether it be the Order or the students or--"
"--your disdain for my craft," Trelawney asserted but kept her voice neutral. She tilted her head back.
The other witch looked at her sadly. "Yes, and I am sorry for that. I can't help the way I feel, and I won't excuse it."
Sybill sniffed and turned away.
A minute passed in silence.
The chance was once more slipping through her fingers, and Minerva scrambled to hold on to it, a sudden thought occurring to her. "I suspect this is much how Severus and Harry currently feel," she murmured more to herself than to the other.
Nevertheless, Sybill's eyes flickered to her, a question evident in them.
The deputy headmistress explained, "Salazar and Quinn were such great friends in the past, brothers even, but their present incarnations despise each other." She gave a silent sigh of relief, glad to have something else to focus on.
"That they did," the Divination professor put in softly with a slight snort of remembrance. "And now, there is so much tension between them. Though they try to hide it for our sakes," she added with a twitch of her eyebrow.
"Aye, there is a great deal of tension, but it isn't like it used to be. Before, they simply hated each other. But now, with their returned memories, they are just… awkward," Minerva commented and also sipped her tea. "They simply don't know how to relate to each other any more."
Sybill seemed to be considering the statement. "Not that I can really blame them for that one. They have five years of animosity to work through, which is fighting with almost ten years of friendship, not to mention Salazar's death." She shrugged. "It will simply take time."
"But it has almost been a month." Minerva finally voiced the worry she secretly possessed, "It's been a month, and I fear that we are running out of time. The war is degenerating rapidly, and they are still dancing around each other, unsure of what to do."
"Much like we still don't know what to do." It was a statement, not a question. "Here, we are discussing Harry and Severus, as though they are naughty children who should know better. When we are doing much the same thing as them," Trelawney put in, twisting a necklace through her fingers.
Minerva gave a self-depreciating laugh. "Yes, that is true, but…" she trailed off with a shrug.
The Divination professor didn't reply.
Minutes ticked by, the clock on the mantle letting them know how quickly the seconds of their lives slipped away. The two women avoided catching each other's gaze. Minerva tapped her fingers on the arm of her chair, while Sybill continuously twisted her necklace in her fingers.
"We were never close before," the older woman said quietly.
Sybill looked at her.
"Before, even when we were sisters, we weren't really close. I could never understand you." Her eyes were glazed over in memory. "I just… I didn't understand you. I couldn't comprehend how you could be a Seer or even why you would want to be, why you loved it so." She exhaled, deep in thought. "That's why we are different than Severus and Harry. For all their awkwardness, they still have a foundation to build upon. We… we do not."
Sybill looked at her with incredibly wide eyes, and she opened her mouth but swiftly shut it.
Finally, she simply asked, "What… what do you think we should do about it? How do we change that? Do we even want to? Do we really want to be more than we are now?"
Minerva blinked and starred into her now cold tea. "I honestly don't know."
Hogwarts, The Defense Professor's Office: October 14th, 1996
"Excellent, Miss Bulstrode," the Defense teacher intoned with a smile as he ducked her expertly blocked and rebounded spell. He quickly cast a more powerful curse to ensure that her shield would hold, only to sidestep as she redirected it at him. "Wonderful."
The Slytherin smirked at him, shooting her fellow Serpents a pleased look before she stepped back.
Dominic smiled. He strolled away, weaving his way through the other students. The vampire hesitated so that he wouldn't come into the path of Dimitri's spell on its way to Gavin, one of the few non-Slytherins present. The dark-skinned Ravenclaw sidestepped and ducked at the same time, the curse flying over his head and hitting the wall on the far side of the expanded room. The orange-silver light struck the surface with the force of a manticore, and thick fractures in the magically reinforced stone radiated out from the impact.
Professor Boyd gazed at the Slytherin with an appraising eye, impressed by the advanced magic. That particular type of Concussion spell was university-level; he hadn't expected a seventh-year to not only know it but to be able to cast it with such precision and strength. The force alone probably would have left the other student a smear on the wall, instead of with addled brains, had it hit.
The vampire gave an internal shudder as the thought fluttered through his mind. The hex would have certainly killed the younger pupil. Part of him, the same part that had been consumed with guilt over his actions concerning Salazar, demanded that he step in and prevent them from further using similar spells. Yet, another part held him back.
What they were doing was dangerous, that much was readily apparent. However, it was necessary, and it wouldn't do them any good if they pulled their punches. They could be assured that Voldemort and his followers would show no mercy, using the most powerful and deadly magics in their arsenal. They had to be prepared, even if it meant taking risks.
Overall, Dominic was exceptionally pleased by the progress they had made thus far. The Slytherins had mastered the spells he taught far faster than the other DA members, with the notable exception of the original members and Harry's inner council.
'But then,' the vampire mentally added as he continued on his way. 'There is a very good reason for their progress.' He momentarily paused, watching as Millicent ducked Daphne's Bat-Bogey hex. 'For one, they have performed magic longer than the other students. Most of their families started them on it long before Hogwarts.'
His lips twitched faintly as the heavy-set witch transfigured a spare scrap of parchment into a flock of ravens and sent the birds at her partner. The other Slytherin grimaced in surprise, trying to dive out of the way.
'For another, they have a greater motivation than the others,' his thoughts went on. 'After all, they are not just learning to defend themselves, their friends, or their families. A number of them will actually end up defending against their relatives.' The professor shook his head sadly. 'No, they are fighting for their very lives, for the right to choose their own destinies.'
The teacher eyed the female pairing once more. The smaller witch was fighting off the various ravens, while dodging other spells at the same time. Daphne actually managed to send a few curses out to keep her partner on her toes. But the teenager was forced to duck out of the way as a hex from another practicing pair came toward her.
Using her friend's moment of distraction, Milli cast another spell. 'Abrogarma,' she sent out, the red and purple light shattering the other girl's shield. She smirked in triumph with the oak wand of her partner now firmly in her hand.
Professor Boyd nodded at her with approval and wandered over to where Draco and Theodore Nott were working. He smiled as Theo stepped to the side so that the vampire could partner with the blond instead. Out of the corner of his eye, the Prefect saw his teacher wink.
'Prometheum.' Without warning the Defense professor sent a powerful and silent hex at his student. A molten wave of flame shot out of his wand, spreading out on either side and growing even longer and higher as it moved forward.
Draco brought his wand forward. 'Espejo Mágico,' he countered, erecting a small, mirrored shield that was barely larger than his hand. However, the faint shimmer of energy that completely encircled him belied the size of the barrier, suggesting it was far larger than readily apparent.
A spike of tension ran through Theo and the other watching students. A few exchanged ominous glances as the temperature in the room spiked. Their fellow Serpents' shield did not seem powerful enough to block the hex. In fact, it looked as though it would liquefy from the sheer heat of the teacher's spell.
The center and leading part of the fire-wave was intersected inches in front of Draco's mid section. The sparkle of energy around the Slytherin glimmered bright enough to be seen, but it faded in an instant. A molten wave of heat continued to roll forward. But the reflective glass did not melt as expected, merely shimmering red-gold as it completely absorbed the other spell.
Draco smirked faintly, and the vampire raised an eyebrow. His face betrayed nothing as he sent another curse at his student.
'Ansante.'
The faint yellow light shot out of Dominic's wand faster than the human eye could track, heading for Draco's seemingly unprotected side. However, it struck the semi-invisible shimmers of the mirror shield, which brightened as the spell was absorbed. The tips of Draco's lips twitched, the only forewarning Professor Boyd had as the blond finally sent back a spell. A ripple of surprise went through the man as he pulled his head to the side just in time, the curse whizzing over his shoulder. Without his heightened reflexes, the magic would have hit him dead on.
The vampire's calculating eyes studied his student. "Aestuo Sangre?" the Defense professor murmured barely loud enough for the blond to hear. "I am impressed, Mr. Malfoy," he added loudly for the other pupils.
He eyed the Slytherins, thoughtfully considering what he had seen of their skills over the last hour. For a brief moment, hope flared in his chest. Perhaps they did have a chance at winning after all.
"What can I say?" The Prefect gave an elegant shrug and instantly drew back the vampire's attention. "I actually listen in Defense this year," Draco put in smoothly, smugness evident in his posture. Though it was belied by the fact that his wand was still trained on the professor.
A strange grin tugged at Professor Boyd's lips as he slowly backed off. "Indeed, Mr. Malfoy." He inclined his head and casually walked to the far end of the room but not before he softly sent back over his shoulder, "And maybe that will be enough to save you."
He didn't bother to notice the reaction his words had caused; he didn't need to.
Draco's smirk was already dead.
Hogwarts, The Headmaster's Tower: The Same Day (Late Evening)
"I think that is more than enough, my boy," Albus Dumbledore panted slightly as he lowered his magical shield. His eyes were twinkling like mad as he conjured two armchairs, lowering himself into the first.
Across the room from him, Harry beamed. "I have to agree," he stated as he wiped sweat from his brow. "Not to shabby, if I do say so myself." He walked over and plopped himself down in the vacant chair. "I can now see why you're so respected, Albus." He added with a wink as the headmaster laughed, "Not that I couldn't before, but I now know for sure. I have to say that I hope never to battle you in a true duel. I would certainly lose."
If it was possible and apparently it was, the sparkle in the professor's eyes increased. "Perhaps, but I would not be so sure, my boy. You gave me a fair run for my Galleons. I dare say that I am quite tired and more than a bit thirsty" He winked in return before softly summoning a house-elf. "Peachy--"
The tiny creature instantly appeared. "Yes, Master Dumbledore, sir." She looked at the headmaster with thinly veiled eagerness.
The man's lips twitched. "A tea for me, please. Not too hot." He turned to his companion. "Harry?"
"Just water, thanks." Harry cast a discreet Cooling charm on himself as the little creature popped away. "That reminds me," he added as the house-elf returned with their drinks. "How is Dobby doing?" He watched as the elderly wizard conjured a table in between them. "I've actually missed him. Strangely enough."
The old man smiled into his tea. "Fine. He is fine. He checked in just this morning with a report on his mission." At Harry's intrigued look, he continued, "Things are going well if a bit slow. He said that he probably won't be back until after Halloween, most likely not until mid-November at the earliest."
At the casual mention of Halloween, the pleasant mood between the pair instantly plummeted. A slight undercurrent of tension was now in the air.
Harry promptly set down his glass.
"Halloween… humph." He ran his forefinger over the bridge of his nose and pushed up his glasses.
Dumbledore slowly lowered his teacup. "Yes, Halloween." He paused, as though waiting for the correct moment to bring up an unpleasant topic. "Actually, there was something I have been meaning to ask you about that." He waited for the teenager to glance at him before continuing. "I know that you have been preparing the DA members for it, but I am not sure of their progress. I know the original members are well versed in Defense, but will the others be of any help protecting the school?"
The reborn Slytherin considered his answer. "Yes," he said simply, "but I wouldn't recommend anyone under fifth-year being directly involved. The younger years should be hidden away from the battle. They're able to defend themselves but not nearly to the level that they would need on the front lines. Or even in a supporting role."
The professor seemed to be considering the answer. "There is a safe place for them in the castle," Dumbledore replied, looking every one of his hundred and fifty years. "It is easily defensible and has only one entrance but multiple exits in case the students have to flee. Minerva and I had planned to place the students there," he continued thoughtfully.
Harry nodded. Unbeknownst to Albus, the Transfiguration teacher had already mentioned the plan to the other Founders and himself. The area the headmaster planned to stash the students dated back to Hogwarts' construction, so he was already familiar with it. The room was hidden in the dungeons and had specifically been made for the purpose Dumbledore described. It was exactly what he needed, not to mention that almost no one knew about it. As such, it would be difficult for the Death Eaters to find if they actually managed to enter the castle. All in all, it was perfect for them.
"We agreed that the sixth and seventh-years would be more than capable of helping us protect the castle if they so desired, but the fifth-years and below were to remain behind with the Prefects in charge," Dumbledore stated after a moment. "However, if you feel that some of them are up to it, they could join us."
Harry thought about it. "The DA members are up to snuff." He quietly sipped his still cold water. "But there are a few things I have to ask about."
"Like what, my dear boy?" Blue eyes studied him over steepled fingers.
"What about the students with Death Eater ties or sympathies? I'm not saying that they will, but the ones that are placed away from the battle will later be able to report the location of the hidden area to their families." A bitter smile tugged at Harry's lips. "It wouldn't be hidden any longer." He pinched the bridge of his nose, a gesture oddly reminiscent of Severus Snape. "To this, the upper years would be put in a rather awkward position during the battle. They would possibly be fighting against their own family members."
The headmaster seemed oddly pleased by his favorite student's question. "Well, to the first part of your query, the way there is convoluted and confusing, but a determined person could eventually find the room. Also, I do not believe in placing Memory charms on our students to obscure the knowledge; there are multiple ways around such a thing." He inclined his head, clearly thinking it over. He took another sip of his tea.
"We will have to find another location to secure them should we be attacked again," the headmaster at last decided. "A very likely thing given Tom's focus on us," he added as an afterthought. "However, I believe that I already have an idea about that. We would certainly have to clear it out and add additional protections, but I believe the Chamber of Secrets would make a magnificent hiding place for our students."
The teenager couldn't help but snort, finding the presentation of such an idea quite amusing. "It probably would. We'll eventually have to look into that."
Albus gave him a small but genuine smile. "As to the second part, there really isn't much we can do about that. We can give them the option of not fighting, but it is their choice. Most of them are mature enough to handle that decision on their own." He hesitated. "Further, there is still the worry that students will betray us. Though it pains me to even think of such a thing, it is still a distinct possibility."
"Yes, it is," the reborn Salazar acknowledged, "though I would say that the ones we really have to worry about probably aren't the Slytherins."
The old man beamed him with pride. "No, the Slytherins as a group are doing their best to stay out of Tom's hands. Their addition to the DA and the help that Professor Boyd is giving them will provide an advantage in the endeavor."
"And what of the others, the ones with unclear loyalties?" Harry inquired with something nameless to his voice.
Dumbledore sighed. "Hogwarts and Fawkes have been watching them closely, not to mention the professors, the portraits, and the ghosts. We have a list of ones to watch, but we keep an eye on several others with Death Eater leanings." He tipped his head back and fingered his beard. "Just as you said, most are not Slytherins. Not even a third are." He shook his head. "Strangely, the largest House group is in Hufflepuff, but that is somewhat understandable. Most have strong loyalty; a thing engrained in them by their parents fanatical devotion to Tom."
"I'm assuming that they'll not participate in the battle," Harry inserted.
"No, only one is old enough to do so anyway," the headmaster responded, still twirling his beard. "I doubt she would even try. She is not particularly competent in Defense." Albus looked somewhat saddened. "They will stay with the student body, but I have assigned several ghosts to monitor them during and after."
Harry didn't say anything. He simply sat in silence, processing the new information. Albus cautiously watched him over the brim of his teacup, noticing the normal glow of his green eyes was oddly dim.
"Harry?" the elderly man prompted.
"I'm worried," Harry confessed.
Albus reached out to grasp his shoulder.
"There are just so many things that can go wrong with this."
The older wizard squeezed his shoulder fiercely.
"So very many…" he trailed off, glancing up at his mentor. He didn't need to describe what exactly could go wrong; it would be easier to name what couldn't.
"I confess that I am worried about it, too, Harry," the old man added slowly, withdrawing his hand from the teenager's shoulder but not before giving it a final squeeze. "I would have to be crazy not to be."
Harry snorted faintly.
"However, the best we can do is to prepare for the situation and pray to the Maker. He peered at the teenager over his half-moon glasses, as if something had occurred to him. "Unless there is something else that is on your mind also."
Harry exhaled slowly, meeting the older man's eyes fully. It was now or never. He had the perfect opportunity, and Dom had wanted him to say it, after all. But still, it was hard. He had been holding out on his mentor. And soon, the man would know it, too.
Harry finally said, "It's about Professor Boyd, Albus." The young man paused for a moment, running a hand through his slightly damp hair and making it even messier than usual. "I think that there is something you should know about him."
Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, The Kitchen: October 15th, 1996
The headmaster drummed his fingers on the heavy wooden table, waiting for the Order meeting to begin. But while his body was poised in his chair, his mind was elsewhere, focusing on what Harry hold told him a scant day ago.
Dominic Boyd: his Defense professor, the DA advisor, charmer of the hearts of Hogwarts' female population, and Chocolate Frog Card collector extraordinaire. He was a vampire. Not just a vampire, but the semi-notorious and famous – read infamous – Dominic de Dorée.
And somehow, Albus Dumbledore had missed it completely.
But Harry had known. How Harry had known… well, Albus wasn't sure. Or maybe why Harry had known was the better question. The headmaster actually knew the how; Dominic had told the boy. Nevertheless, Albus just couldn't understand why the vampire would tell him. He couldn't fathom the man's reasoning.
Did he want to convince Harry that he was no danger? Did he want the boy to see him as an ally, a friend?
Well, to the first question, telling Harry had probably not helped all that much. In fact, confessing that he was a vampire most likely made the young man even more cautious. On the other hand, it was better that he come clean before Harry found out. The boy could take the fact that Dominic wasn't human and was probably dangerous; he had stayed friends with Remus, after all. He just couldn't take people that lied about it.
As to the second, clearly, Dominic desired something from Harry. And he was doing his best to aid the teenager. Yet again, Albus just couldn't understand why, and this of course led to the old wizard's original questions.
What did Dominic get out of this alliance? Why would he place himself in such a position, in the path of danger for a teenager who by all appearances he had no connection to or contact with before the school term? Why?
He didn't even know why Harry had said anything in the first place.
Then, there was the confrontation in his office to consider. After Harry's revelation, he had sent Fawkes immediately in search of the professor, the phoenix bringing him back via flame-travel. A flash of surprise had been plastered on the vampire's face as he had arrived; Fawkes obviously had not given any warning before transporting him. But at the same time, he had remained strangely calm, taking everything in stride. Silvery eyes had flickered around, noting the fact that both Harry and Albus were present. Instantly, understanding had lit his face, and he had smiled.
Dominic hadn't even asked why he was there. He had already known.
A shiver went up the elderly headmaster's spine as he remembered. And he let his mind drift off of the memory and onto slightly more pleasant, though still confusing, topic.
The head of the Order sighed to himself, momentarily torn from his thoughts as Sybill and Minerva entered the kitchen together. He idly watched as they moved over to the stove to assist Molly. Slowly, his eyes swept the rest of the way around the room.
Tonks and Kingsley were quietly taking in the corner, their heads leaned in close together so that they could barely whisper and still hear one another. It was the closest they could come to privacy in the room without casting an Anti-Eavesdropping ward. Alastor clomped through the door a few moments later and joined them.
Bill was sitting by himself at the table, silently looking over a few sheets of parchment and occasionally scribbling what appeared to be Arithmancy equations. Across the table from him and to the left, Remus flipped through a copy of the Daily Prophet, which he promptly threw down in disgust before picking up the Quibbler.
Arthur sat sedately near the stove, occasionally contributing to the conversation between his wife and her two helpers. He looked up as Severus swept in and made a beeline for him. Apollo Avis and Dedalus Diggle entered after the dark man, taking seats on either side of Bill. However, Diggle strangely pulled his chair away from the curse-breaker.
Dumbledore's thoughts drifted once more.
Albus was vaguely ill at ease with Dominic now. It wasn't the fact that the man was a Dark creature or a Necromancer. After all, the headmaster knew better than to buy into those stereotypes, but it was the fact that he was a completely unknown factor. There were stories about the Necromancer, but it was impossible to discern fact from fiction. Half of the tales were obviously untrue, but the other half had too many layers and were far too murky to tell. Dumbledore just couldn't be sure of what the vampire truly believed or which path he followed.
However, Harry had vouched for Dominic personally. He had clearly stated that he trusted the vampire and believed him trustworthy in turn. Harry, who hoarded his loyalty and gave it rarely, trusted his Defense professor. So despite his misgivings, Albus had relented and allowed the man to stay. Harry's word was good enough for him.
Then, there was fact that Dominic had not been forced to come forward with this information. He could have remained silent. He could have simply carried on as he was, and Dumbledore would have been none the wiser. The vampire had fooled him that completely.
Albus just didn't understand. None of it made any sense. He was missing something, some vitally important fact. A clue that connected it all together. The headmaster just didn't know what.
The last of the Order members straggled in, firmly shutting the door behind them and taking their seats. Albus exhaled and stood. His normal twinkle was noticeably absent.
"Good evening, everyone," the elderly man intoned, trying his best to sound pleasant. Nonetheless, his next words completely went against his tone. "I have called this meeting to discuss our plans for Halloween and how we are proceeding."
His eyes glided over each face, seeing the various expressions. Anxiety. Faint fear. Hope. Determination.
He nodded to the new Head Auror. "Kingsley."
The man raised a non-existent eyebrow. "Amelia has been warned about Riddle's plans. We haven't spread the news to anyone we couldn't personally vouch for, so only a bare minimum of our subordinates know about the attacks. We've already started preparing our forces as best we can without giving too much away." He shook his head, his earring glinting in the firelight. "There are rumors running rampant through the ranks though. Everyone suspects that something will happen around then, but they have no idea where we'll be hit. The idea of the Ministry or Hogwarts being attacked has barely even crossed their minds; they think it is still too early in the game for such a bold move." The dark-skinned man had to fight to not roll his eyes at their foolishness. "Plus, they don't believe Riddle will again try for the Department of Mysteries so soon after his failure there."
The professor nodded in understanding and thanks before turning to his next report. "Apollo, Arthur, how are things among the mid-level in the Ministry?"
The redhead hesitated before responding. "Tense. Everyone's been jumpy lately, more so than usual. They think that something major will happen soon."
Apollo took off his glasses and cleaned them with his shirttail. "They all figure it will be in or around Samhain. My sister stepped up security in our department after the summer and then again after the Order's warning. Beyond the wards I helped with, I'm not exactly sure what she had done, however." He put his glasses back on and pushed them up the bridge of his nose. "It is all very hush-hush, but she's sympathetic to the Order and might be willing to tell us if we prove trustworthy." The seemingly young man went on after a moment, "Also, she has a few new leads on the summer incident. Artemis believes that she may have finally found the culprit who let the Death Eaters in and who helped them clear out the other workers so that they could move freely."
"Good, good. Thank you." Dumbledore rubbed his chin. "Minerva, Severus."
The Transfiguration professor graced him with a glance. "We've been watching the students closely, but none outside of Harry's group even seem to suspect that Hogwarts is a target. The Death Eater's children don't appear to be forewarned, not even the ones in the most danger, which worries me."
"Their parents' loyalties have always been to the Dark Lord above even their own offspring. Even those who are coerced into his service will not say anything," the Potions master stated darkly. "They know that there is a chance their children will be injured during the attack. Even killed. However, the Dark Lord will most assuredly harm them if they knew and gave it away."
Albus frowned sadly. "Have you had any luck on discovering what they are planning to send?"
Severus shook his head. "No, Dolohov has been very close-mouthed. He knows his life is on the line if he even gives any hints."
The headmaster processed the information. "Thank you, Severus, Minerva. To our next order of business, Halloween itself. Are there any questions regarding assignments?"
"Who's going where?" Dedalus Diggle asked. He shifted with nervousness.
"Mum and I are going to Hogwarts," Bill inserted with certainty. "We need to be there to look out for our family."
Diggle looked down his nose at the curse-breaker with the mention of his mother.
Molly nodded resolutely. "We'll definitely be at Hogwarts. The students need all the help they can get."
There was a faint snicker in the background.
"Me, too," Tonks put in and exchanged a glance with Kingsley. "I've been placed there on semi-permanent assignment. I'm to patrol and monitor the students, and Harry asked me to help out with his club some."
"Semi-permanent?" Charlie queried with a peculiar look on his face.
The metamorph shrugged. "Well, I've got to go home occasionally to sleep."
Minerva considered the reply. "We cleaned out a set of rooms for you, Nymphadora. Forgive me, but I forgot to mention it earlier. You can move in tonight if you like."
The female Auror looked pleased by the suggestion. "That'll be wonderful. I'll just nip back to my flat to get my things. Shall I meet you in the Entrance Hall at eleven?"
A gruff voice cut in the two women's conversation, "I'll be at the Ministry. Director Avis asked me to help set up stronger wards and Detection charms for some of their more delicate areas," Mad-Eye responded. His fake-eye was still whirling even with his present and trustworthy company.
Tonks poked Remus in the side and jerked her head in Moody's direction. "Which means that he'll conveniently be there when the Death Eaters raid the place," she added in a stage whisper with a surprisingly straight face, her neon-purple eyes dancing.
Moody didn't answer. Though the tips of his lips simply twitched as he fought a scarred grin.
"I'll be at the Ministry, too," Arthur responded.
Apollo nodded as well. "I'm on the schedule for that day," the Unspeakable added without pause.
Kingsley ran his hand over his bald head. "I'll definitely be there, though Amelia and I will probably be in meetings with Artemis all day."
Tonks snickered at him, and he gave her a wounded look.
Remus smiled at the Auror pair. "I'll be at the school. I actually plan to have Harry loan me his map; it has several features that I'm not sure he knows about."
"Albus, Severus, and I will obviously be at Hogwarts also. Along with the rest of the faculty," the Transfiguration teacher commented. "Almost everyone else including you, Dedalus, will be here. Waiting for news and going to assist if needed," she addressed the original question.
"Well, I knew that, Minerva," Diggle responded somewhat snidely in his high-pitched and normally excited voice. "Unlike some people, I'm above simple tasks. Am actually useful." His gaze lingered on the Weasley matriarch.
Minerva raised an eyebrow, an expression quite similar to another Hogwarts' faculty member. The same one who was currently glaring at the little man. Sybill and Molly also shot the annoying wizard dark looks.
"Well, you certainly fooled me," the Divination professor said smoothly.
Diggle opened his mouth to retort.
"If that is all, ladies and gentlemen," Dumbledore easily inserted himself into the dialogue before any else could comment. His eyes blazed with authority as he rose. "I do believe that this meeting is adjourned."
Caput Voluneris: Advanced Concussion curse. Verbal and non-verbal. Causes a severe concussion in the victim. Symptoms include prolonged confusion, brain swelling, unconsciousness, blurred vision, dizziness, and nausea. It has been known to cause permanent and extreme brain damage.
Abrogarma: Advanced Disarming charm. Verbal and non-verbal. Is resistant to many shields and is harder to block than Expelliarmus.
Prometheum: Advanced Flame hex. Non-verbal. Capable of setting fire to anything, water and ice included. It grows as it advances through the air, reaching a maximum length of between 20 to 40 meters.
Espejo Mágico: Magic Mirror. Verbal and non-verbal. Can both absorb and reflect almost any spell, despite its apparent size. The absorbed energy can be used to fuel additional counters. The smaller the physical manifestation of the shield, the more powerful.
Ansante: Breathless, Panting. Non-verbal. Blocks the lungs and trachea, preventing the victim from breathing.
Aestuo Sangre: Blood Boil. Verbal and non-verbal. Causes the blood of the victim to boil.
AN: I actually created a forum for any questions you guys and girls might have. Feel free to ask anything, though I will warn you that I will include spoilers to the story.
Things to think about: I know that I really haven't commented on it until this chapter, but things are not all happy-happy in Founder land right now, not even including their worries about Voldemort. There is some tension between the various members of their group, while others are getting along rather well. Also, Dobby is finally mentioned. I know I haven't said anything about him before this point, but that is because he has been away on assignment for Dumbledore. I will reveal more about that sub-plot in the second story.
To everyone who reviewed: Thanks.
Special thanks to Our Catholic Faith (online) for the Latin translation.
Chapter Twenty-Seven: No Rest for the Wicked
Ever Hopeful,
Azar
Updated and Edited:
06/26/08
