"Ah. I will write up a letter, I would appreciate a chance to meet with him." Dumbledore paused again. "On his terms. There's a lot I would like to tell him."
"I can only ask." Lupin warned. "No magics and I'll forward a letter, magic and I'll burn it."
"Agreed." Dumbledore nodded. "If you would excuse me, it seems that I have a letter to write. Good evening."
"Good evening, Headmaster." Snape gave a bow of his head.
"Good evening, Albus." Flitwick said.
"Good evening, Professor." Lupin also dipped his head.
As the Headmaster began to ascend the stairs towards his office, the three Professors headed for the DADA tower.
"I wonder what the Hellions have planned for the rest of the school year?" Snape asked.
Snape looked out over the students gathered in the Great Hall and raised an eyebrow at what he saw. Many of the students looked like they'd been dunked in a vat of ink, different coloured inks, at that. Some of the Ravenclaws were striped in alternating bands of green, yellow and purple. A good chunk of the lions were striped in blue, purple and iridescent orange. The few Hufflepuffs that were coloured had bands of pale pink, deep purple and a hideously bright chanteuse green. Only a few Slytherins were wore ice blue and mauve stripes with heavy bands of bright blood red, which caused Snape to realise that those that were coloured were those that remained seated when the school had stood in memory of Potter.
"It seems that the Hellions have hit the Express." He said quietly to Lupin.
"It does." Lupin replied. "I wonder why?"
"Take note of who is… coloured." Flitwick said. "Notice that only those that didn't support Mr Diggory, Miss Chang, Percy Weasley and Mr Malfoy, when they stood in memory of Harry, have been hit."
"Really?" Lupin began to look around the Hall with a little more attention. "Well, now… I wonder how they managed to get them? Them and no-one else."
"I have no idea." Snape said, his voice bland and no expression on his face.
Lupin studied him for a few moments. "You know."
Snape raised a brow in response. "Do I?"
"Yes. I remember that look." Lupin tilted his head. "That look preluded every time one of our pranks went wrong."
"Did it, now?" Snape let a little satisfaction trickle into his voice.
"Yes, dammit." Lupin huffed.
"Boys, enough. Don't scare the children." Flitwick muttered at them.
Snape stalked into the hospital wing. "What happened?" He demanded.
"I don't know." Madam Pomfrey replied distractedly. "I haven't managed to get a sensible answer out of anyone."
"Mr Pucey?" Snape focused on the Slytherin beater.
"Sir?"
"Explain how Mr Warrington end up looking like a reject from a muggle horror film. Now." Snape ordered.
"I don't know, sir." The sixth year said. "I don't know. We were just talking and suddenly there was a bucket of water, or what I thought was water, and Adrian grew tentacles and fins."
"And what were you discussing?" Snape frowned. What was he missing?"
"Um…"
"Answer me and do it fast, before I hand you over to the matron." Snape glared at the silent teen.
"We were talking about the tri-wizard tournament and how they cancelled it because Potter killed himself and-"
"Stop." Snape leant his head forward and rubbed at his forehead. "You were discussing the death of a student in derogatory terms and blamed that student for the cancelation of a contest that holds the dubious honour of being responsible for more deaths than all the Dark Lords that have ever set foot on British soil, put together. And you did this where you could be overheard. Am I correct?"
"Yes, sir…" The teen whispered.
"Thank you, Mr Pucey. You know full well, my position on the subject. Yes?"
"Yes, sir."
"What is that position?" Snape raised a brow in question.
"Freedom of speech only in our dorms or common room. Don't speak ill of Gryffindors where anyone outside of Slytherin can hear. Don't speak ill of anyone in public. Retaliation is not to happen in public, do it in private. Don't get caught, either way."
"Precisely." Snape nodded. "And you know my stance on getting caught."
Pucey grimaced. "Yes, sir."
"Good. Consider both yourself and Mr Warrington removed from the quidditch team for the remainder of the year."
"But sir-"
"I have to explain this to the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall." Snape held up a hand. "If I cannot show that I've issued a suitable punishment, Professor McGonagall will complain to the Headmaster and he may decide to interfere in house matters. I will not have that. I am the Head of Slytherin house in this school, not the Headmaster. You and Warrington are off the team. I suggest you head to the common room and inform Mr Bole of your suspension."
"Yes, sir." Pucey knew when he'd been dismissed and quickly left the hospital.
"Severus?" Pomfrey approached him. "Any information you can provide?"
"It was liquid-based, most like a potion, but there's a possibility that there's a charm or hex attached." Snape replied. "I've a fair idea of who's responsible, but being able to prove it? I doubt that will ever happen."
"What did the Princesses do now?" Dumbledore entered the ward.
Snape said nothing just pointed at Warrington.
"I see." Dumbledore nodded. "Do we know why? Any indications?"
"They were badmouthing Potter in front of Gryffindors." Snape replied. "Blaming the cancelation of the tournament on him."
"That wasn't why-" Dumbledore started.
"I am aware and so were they." Snape cut him off. "They were simply looking for a scapegoat and Potter wasn't around to defend himself. However, they now know that whether he is here or not, he will be defended."
"Of course." Dumbledore backtracked. "And you handed out a detention?"
"No, I went for something a little more painful." Snape smirked.
"Oh?"
"Both Warrington and Pucey have been suspended from the quidditch team for the rest of the year."
"Isn't that a little extreme?" Dumbledore asked. "Surely they aren't the only ones thinking much the same?"
"No, they're not." Snape sneered. "The suspension isn't for what they said, it's for where they said it and for getting caught. Slytherins do not get caught in public."
"Ah…" Dumbledore hid his chuckle. "I had forgot your… rules."
"So had they. They will not do so again." Snape turned away from the Headmaster. "Now, if you will excuse me, I need to try and find a counter to whatever the Princesses used to do this." He gestured broadly towards the fishy-looking teen.
"Ah, I shall leave you to it." Dumbledore beat a hasty retreat.
Snape entered his private lab, only to be confronted by a small herd of students.
"You five are…" Snape said before trailing off and making a frustrated noise. "Tell me there is a counter. I just informed the Headmaster that I would find said counter."
"Of course, there's a counter, Professor." Lee replied cheerfully. "We wouldn't use a semi-permanent combination like this, without one." He held up a small phial and a scrap of parchment, before laying them on the desk. "Give him the potion and wait for thirty seconds before casting the reversal charm."
"But we'd much appreciate it, if you'd leave him like that for a few hours." Fred had a vicious glint in his eyes.
"Oh, I think he can wait." Snape sneered. "Perhaps staying like he is until morning will encourage him to mind his mouth."
"I doubt it." George snorted. "Warrington is like Ron, no filter between his brain and his mouth."
Snape pursed his lips as he thought about that comment. "That is… quite an astute description of the two."
"Just because someone is family, doesn't mean we can't see their faults." Titania said. "Da's an idiot at times."
"Not nearly as much as he used to be." Snape replied. "In fact, he's quite tolerable, now."
Titania smirked. "Should I tell him, you said that, Professor?"
"I think not, Miss Grimmley." Snape replied, his voice sharp.
"Now what did you do, kitten?" Lupin said as he entered the lab.
"Say nothing." Snape ordered.
"You heard him, Uncle Moony." Titania just grinned.
"Huh, traitorous child." Lupin gave her an affectionate glance. "So, I hear that the Princesses attacked Slytherin house?"
"Not the entire house, just a single pair of idiots." Snape answered.
"Oh, that's alright, then." Lupin sighed in relief.
"Agreed." Snape lit a fire under a cauldron. "Tea?"
Dumbledore read and re-read the request a number of times, before he sighed and sent messages for a staff meeting.
Once the Professors had gathered in the Headmasters office, he picked up the letter.
"I have had a request for two students to sit their exams ahead of their peers. I am not prepared to say either 'yes' or 'no', until I know whether or not the students in question are capable of passing the exams."
"Oh, and who would that be?" Professor Sprout asked.
"Ah, here is where it gets interesting." Dumbledore smiled gently. "Both students have stated that, in class they've only maintained an 'E' grade and have done so deliberately and as such have requested that each Professor set them an assessment before judging their capabilities."
"Again. Who are they?" Professor Sprout asked, her voice a little firmer, this time.
"Titania Grimmley and Luna Lovegood." Dumbledore answered. "They wish to sit their OWLs next year."
"I have no concerns with either's capabilities." Snape's comment drew the eyes of his colleagues to him.
"I would agree." Flitwick nodded. "I believe that both are holding back and have done since their first class."
"Yes, I believe that they may have." Sprout said. "I have noticed a few incidents that one or other has recognised a subject matter but deliberately not spoken up when I've asked for answers."
"Same in my class, too." Lupin said. "I've seen Titania send a Patronus message to her father but she's yet to attempt one in class." He knew full well that Paddy had taught both girls during the summer a year ago.
"What classes are they taking?" Sprout asked.
"Arithmancy, Astronomy, CoMC, Charms, DADA, Herbology, History of Magic, Potions, Study of Ancient Runes and Transfiguration." McGonagall replied after consulting her notes.
"Ten subjects?" Sprout asked. "That's a… They really think they're ready for OWLs in ten subjects? A year early?"
"They do believe so." Dumbledore replied. "It is, however, my responsibility to ensure that they truly are capable. I would ask each of you, to set the two an assessment that you would give to a fourth year that would be looking to start fifth year, this coming year."
The various Professors looked around the room, before slowly nodding. "I think we can do that." Professor Sprout allowed.
"If we are going to do that, perhaps they should be excused from classes for the remainder of the year. After all, there is less than a month before the leaving feast." Professor Vector said. "Fourth year assessments from all of us, will challenge them almost as much if they were to sit the fourth-year end of term exams."
"Thank you." Dumbledore smiled. "Shall I inform the young ladies to expect requests for meetings with each of you?"
The staff gathered in the Headmaster's office, the two Gryffindor girls once again the subject being discussed.
"Let's discuss this in order of their classes, shall we?" Dumbledore asked. "Core classes are, of course, first. Aurora?"
Aurora Sinistra offered a small nod. "I gave Miss Grimmley and Miss Lovegood a fourth year, end of year assessment and when they handed it in, I marked it. I then offered them the same exam that I give to my fifth years, just before winter holiday. Both passed. Miss Grimmley just scrapped an 'O' while Miss Lovegood had a perfect score. I believe that both could sit their OWLs in Astronomy and pass. Today."
"That is encouraging. Filius?"
"I didn't bother with the fourth-year assessment." Flitwick said. "I just set them the fifth-year winter essay and asked for a demonstration. I would have no hesitation in giving Miss Grimmley an 'O' and Miss Lovegood had a respectable 'E'. However with a little more time focusing on the practical side, I believe an 'O' is achievable."
"Very good." Dumbledore made a note on the form in front of him. "Remus? How are they in Defence?"
"Excellent." Lupin replied. "Titania is probably capable of sitting her NEWTs. Luna is a little behind her but both of them are likely to get 'O+' on their OWLs. I wouldn't be too surprised to find that they take the top two spaces."
"How do they compare to Miss Granger?" McGonagall asked.
"Well ahead. Like I said, I think they'd pass their NEWTs, maybe not with an 'O+' but certainly a high 'E' or a low 'O'. Easily."
"Really?" McGonagall blinked in surprise.
"Easily." Lupin repeated.
"Well." Dumbledore kept his composure, but only just. "Pomona?"
"If they were to join the fifth years, this coming year, then yes, I believe they are capable of passing their OWLs. Neither of them are likely to go further than NEWTs but they should receive quite acceptable passing grades." Pomona Sprout passed a small slip of parchment across to the Headmaster.
"Excellent. Thank you, Pomona." Dumbledore gave her a gentle smile. "Severus?"
"I have no concerns about their capabilities. They both show promise, although, I would suggest that both of them join the fifth years for more practical work." Snape said in his typically formal manner.
"I will take that under advisement." Dumbledore replied and made a note on a separate sheet of parchment. "Minerva?"
"I have to agree with Severus and Pomona." McGonagall sighed. "I doubt they will struggle if we move them up to fifth year. I was hesitant but the more I hear, the more confident I am that they will pass comfortably."
"I am beginning to think I may have to agree." Dumbledore commented. "That covers the core subjects. What about electives? Septima?"
"Miss Lovegood is far ahead of Miss Grimmley in arithmancy." Septima Vector replied. "But even Miss Grimmley has passed the fourth year, end of year assessment with ease. I agree with Minerva and Severus. Move them to fifth year."
Dumbledore nodded and made another note on the second sheet of parchment. "Hagrid?"
"They'd pass they's NEWTs, Professor Dumbledore, sir." Hagrid answered. "Even if they sat 'em now. Nay worries there. I think having a familiar 'as prodded heir interest."
"I see. Thank you, Hagrid." Dumbledore made another note. "Minerva? You gave them the History of Magic fourth year assessment, how did they do on that?"
"Passed. Both of them did well." Minerva shook her head. "How we ever missed that they're so advanced, I just don't know. Both passed with 'O's'. I'm tempted to give them the fifth-year assessments, just to see how they do."
"It might be something to consider for them, over the holidays." Severus added.
"Let us finalise this, before we go getting too far ahead of ourselves." Dumbledore warned. "Bathsheda, how are they in Runes?"
"Miss Lovegood could easily pass her NEWTs, this year. Miss Grimmley is at much the same level as Miss Granger, still well ahead of the other fourth-year students." Bathsheda Babbling replied.
"I see." Dumbledore consulted his notes. "So it seems that both Miss Grimmley and Miss Lovegood are well placed, academically, to join the incoming fifth-years for the coming year? Any dissenters? No?" Dumbledore nodded and smiled. "Very well. I shall request a meeting with Miss Grimmley's father, I understand that he is Crisis Guardian to Miss Lovegood, as well."
"I shall be meeting with him, this afternoon. I can forward a request, if you wish." Snape offered.
"Meeting with him? Why ever for?" Minerva frowned. "The girls are in my house, surely I should be meeting with him?"
"It's nothing to do with the girls, Minerva. Mr Grimmley has an extremely well producing herbology garden and has started to prepare the harvest as potions ingredients. We discussed the matter in depth over the winter break and if Mr Grimmley's produce continues to be the quality it has been thus far, over the course of the coming year, then I will be recommending that we offer him a long-term contract to supply the potions' department with his produce. It is far superior to that of either Ladle and Vine or Dogweed and Deathcap. Unfortunately, he currently has a limited range of produce, but he does plan on increasing that over the next few years."
"Really? I definitely must meet with him, then." Dumbledore twinkled at the potions Master. "But why would you be meeting with him, this afternoon?"
"I get my personal supplies from him and this afternoon will be the third such delivery of goods." Snape replied.
"Ah. Excellent." Dumbledore nodded his understanding. "If you would ask him to meet with me in regard to the young ladies and their request to sit their OWLs? I would appreciate your mediation." He hummed. "And yours, of course, Minerva. The girls are in your house."
In the room that she shared with Titania, Luna sat up sharply, her eyes wide.
"Luna?"
"She's coming" Luna's voice was quiet, a bare whisper of sound. "At midnight, tonight, she will arrive at the shack. We have to be ready. We will need to bring her into the castle, she will need the same potions as Paddy. She will be his sister. She… she has lost everything. Only you and Paddy remain of those she loved. She will need our love." Luna flopped back onto her bed as though she were a puppet and someone had cut her strings.
"Who is she…?" Titania whispered.
"The dragonrider of Gryffindor."