I do not own Sailor Moon or Harry Potter.

Shifts in Destiny

Chapter Four

Trelawney's Birthday Party

After a Potions lesson, Harry asked Professor Snape what he looked for in a woman. Snape did not like his question.

"I beg your pardon," muttered Snape.

"You think you'd be interested in say, Professor Trelawney perhaps?" inquired Harry. "She is nice, a little spooky but maybe you might hit things off."

"Don't you dare ask me such things, Potter!" Snape roared. "Twenty points from Gryffindor. Ask me again, and it will be detention!"

"He didn't give you detention?" Serena gasped when Harry told her the news in Transfiguration later.

"Yeah, I know," said Harry. "I was surprised too. It was worth a shot, Serena.'

"It's okay," said Serena. "I have Divination later today. I'll ask Professor Trelawney what she likes in a man, and then maybe I'll put an ad in the Daily Prophet for her."

"Just make sure its for her, and not you okay?" said Harry.

"I know!" said Serena.

"Potter, Tsukino, pay attention!" called Professor McGonagall.

"Yes Professor!" said Harry and Serena together.

Trelawney taught her all witch sixth year class the High Priestess card. The High Priestess stood for different types of knowledge and secrets that may or may not be revealed. She wore a crown resembling a moon. Because of the moon symbol and Serena drew Queen Serenity as the High Priestess in her deck.

"Ah, very good Serena," said Trelawney, glancing at her deck over her shoulder. "This woman depicts the High Priestess very well. A woman from mythology, I presume?"

"Er, yeah, something like that" said Serena. "Say, Professor—what do you like in a man?"

Trelawney stared at her. Serena thought she had asked the wrong thing. But Trelawney did not upbraid her for it. She looked slightly confused.

"I—I don't know," she said. "I've never really thought of it much."

"Er, well, just wondering," Serena murmured, realizing that matching Trelawney up would be harder than she thought.

"Professor, what is your birthday?" inquired Raye suddenly. "I think we should have a birthday party for you."

"Oh, that is too kind of you," said Trelawney. "My birthday is next week. Thirteenth of September."

"Friday the thirteenth huh, spooky," said Mandy Brockleworst. "Not really surprising though."

"Shh!" hissed Hannah Abbot

"Wow, that's close!" said Serena. "Let's have a party for you then. In the Great Hall!"

"Oh no, no no," said Professor Trelawney. "I like being up here. I need to remain connected to the clairvoyant vibrations of the tower."

"So we can have the party here, then?" Serena said. "We can bring some friends? Some of your former students that are studying under Firenze?"

"I—I suppose that will be all right," said Trelawney. "I would like to know if they are well…improving in the art of divination somehow or another."

"Great!" Serena said. "We'll just need a list of your students then, and we'll send out the invitations! And make some flyers for the bulletin boards, for those that need something to do for a Friday night."

"All right," said Professor Trelawney and she went to her desk to pull out her class charter. It has a list of every student she was teaching or had taught in the past.

"Wow, you've already had this?" said Mina.

"Yes, I like to keep a list of my pupils," said Professor Trelawney. "To keep track of how much promise they have for divination. All right, you will need those of current divination teachers of course…"

Professor Trelawney gave Serena a list of third to seventh year students that had been in her class. As they left, Serena thanked Raye for her quick thinking.

"I wasn't really planning on throwing her a party," admitted Raye. "I was thinking if we learned her star sign, then we could find a match for her. Her birthday is between August and September, so she is a Virgo. She would likely be compatible with a Taurus, Cancer, Capricorn or a Scorpio. I think a Libra, Leo or another Virgo would work too."

"Wow," said Serena. "I haven't thought of that. I'm glad you did, Raye."

"Yeah," said Hannah Abbot. "I'd have to keep an astrology guide with me to know all that. There are just…too many signs!"

"It's likely that most men don't know their sign," Mandy pointed out. "And asking men their birthday may be suspicious."

"Oh, right," Serena murmured. "Well, we can just look for men that have those attributes of a Taurus or whatever."

"How?" Hannah asked. "Put an ad in the daily prophet?"

"That's a great idea!" Serena exclaimed.

"Oh boy," Hannah mumbled.

Harry had his first meeting with Dumbledore that Saturday. He saw the memory of a man named Ogden who was speaking to the Gaunt family: Voldemort's maternal side. After his lesson, Harry told Serena, Ron and Hermione what he learned. Serena was working on invitations and flyers for Trelawney's birthday party. She had invited Ron and Hermione, but they both turned her down. Because it was important to Serena, Harry agreed to come with her as her date.

"Why do you think Dumbledore will show me memories of Voldemort's past?" Harry inquired.

"Dumbledore must think it is important for you to know as much about Voldemort as much as you can," said Hermione. "I agree with him."

"Yeah," said Serena, "I bet he wants you to see that Voldemort was born human, and so he can still die. I'm sure it will all add up when Dumbledore is finished giving you the lessons."

"Yeah, you're right," said Harry.

More students came to Trelawney's party than expected. It was the second weekend of the year and some students already needed a break. The girls in Serena's class did a good job of advertising the party, inviting younger classmen to check out the Divination teacher if they were interested in taking the subject when they became third years. Trelawney gave the first and second years some introductory lessons in divination to spark their interest.

Dean and Seamus also came. They weren't very interested in the subject, but they found Trelawney's spooky manner a little entertaining and a Friday the Thirteenth themed birthday party was something they had to see.

Serena was pleased that Trelawney was getting the attention. It was boosting her confidence. Because her birthday fell on Friday the thirteenth, Serena went all out on the spooky and "unlucky" decorations. There were ladders and pictures of black cats about. Serena even brought her black cat Luna. Luna did not want to come, but Artemis insisted that she come. He even came thinking that because he was a white cat, he might "balance" out the bad luck. When someone walked under a ladder, the ladder would close on them and say, "I got you!"

Raye was standing by the window with Blaise Zabini, who looked a little bored. He came to be a good sport since Draco turned Raye down. He told her he was going to be busy. Instead of classes they shared, Raye hardly saw Draco. Where was he most of the time, she wondered.

"I understand you were the one who arranged this?" Luna Lovegood asked Raye, snapping her out of her reverie. Raye didn't even notice Luna walk up to her.

"Huh—oh—yeah, throwing her a party was my idea," said Raye, "but Serena did most of the work."

"I think it's lovely," said Luna. "Professor Trelawney's one of my favorite teachers. I have Firenze this year and his methods are interesting, but I think I favor Professor Trelawney more. Centaur divination is different than the human style. Humans can give predictions but centaurs can't."

"Really?" said Blaise. "I didn't know that. I guess that may explain why the prophecies in the Department of Mysteries all came from people. But I never saw Trelawney give one though. Do you really think she's a real Seer?"

"Of course she is," Luna said. "She was the one who gave the prophecy that the Death Eaters wanted!"

Serena made rounds to the different students, asking if they knew any available wizards that may be interested in dating Professor Trelawney. Some where unsure so Serena rephrased her question by asking if they knew any Tauruses, Scorpios, Cancers or Capricorns, Leos, Libras or Virgoes.

"That's a weird question," said Dean.

"Hey, I know a Leo!" exclaimed Lavender.

"You do?" said Serena. "Who?"

"Gilderoy Lockhart, of course!" she said excitedly. "I'm one of his biggest fans. I write to him all the time."

Surrounding students that happened to be drinking choked on their refreshments. "What?"

"Gilderoy Lockhart is in St. Mungos," said Seamus. "You know that he really didn't do the things he said he's done in his books, right? He just interviews someone who really killed a werewolf and wipes their memory. Then he writes a book."

"So what?" muttered Lavender. "He doesn't remember doing it. And I'm sure he's learned his lesson by now."

"Yeah," Dean snickered. "Got a taste of his own medicine. Hasn't got a clue who he is now."

Lavender scowled at the boys. "Surely he can start over!"

"I think that's great," said Serena. "But he is in St. Mungos. Wouldn't it be hard for him to leave the hospital so he could meet Professor Trelawney?"

"Oh I'm sure if his nurse comes with him it should be okay," said Lavender. "My mother makes regular visits."

"See if you can work it out that he can come to the next Hogsmeade Weekend trip!" said Serena. "And I'll do what I can to get Professor Trelawney out of this tower!"

"It's a deal," said Serena and they shook hands.

"This," said Dean to Seamus, "I've got to see."

After the students left the party, Serena stayed behind to help Trelawney clean up. Harry offered to stay but Serena insisted that he turn in so he could be rested up for Quidditch tryouts the next day.

"This was very kind of you dear," said Trelawney. "Just what I needed, thank you."

"You're welcome, Professor," said Serena, picking up some left over food.

"I'm impressed so many came," said Trelawney, "I believe that I will have quite the turnout of new students next year."

"That's great," Serena said. "You know, you really are a great teacher."

"Am I?" Trelawney said. "Well, I do try. I love divination but even I don't understand all its secrets."

"But isn't that something a teacher needs?" said Serena. "Love for its subject? I mean, what would be the point of teaching divination if you don't even like it? It doesn't matter how much of it you know, just that you love it and you want to share it with others. I hope I'm half the teacher you are someday."

"You wish to be a teacher too?" inquired Professor Trelawney. "Divination?"

"Oh, no, not Divination," said Serena, shaking her hands side to side. "Defense Against the Dark Arts. I want to help people protect themselves. It's what gets me out of bed in the morning…that…and breakfast." Serena laughed.

As they continued to clean up, Professor Trelawney began speaking in a harsh voice.

"You all right, Professor?" Serena asked. "Sounds like you've got a cold. You want some tea?"

Serena approached the divination professor and gasped to find her standing rigidly. Her head however, was drooped down. He eyes were rolling around her head and her voice became more and more harsh. "Professor!"

"The werewolves seek the one who can control the moon. The moon controls them. Every month when the moon becomes full, they change into savage beasts. Only when they find the one who can control the moon, will they be free of their curse."

Professor Trelawney shuddered and she straightened up, yawning. "Goodness. I feel tired. Too much excitement, I think."

"Er, yeah," said Serena. "Um, you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine," Professor Trelawney said. "You needn't worry about that. You should be off to bed. I'd hate for you to get detention on account of me."

"Yeah, quite unlucky," said Serena. "Well, happy birthday Professor and goodnight."

Serena went to the trap door and went down the ladder, almost sliding off it. "Wow, that was weird!"

Quidditch tryouts for the four houses were at different times on the same day. Since Slytherin versus Gryffindor was the first match of the season, their tryout times came before Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. Gryffindor tryouts started first thing in the morning, giving the other three houses to sleep in. Serena decided to wait on holding tryouts for the cheerleading squad until after the Gryffindor team was assembled. Ginny and Lydia, both previous members of the squad, were trying out for the Quidditch team. Serena arrived in her uniform to help cheer on the Quidditch hopefuls.

Even though with her cheering, the tryouts did not go very smoothly. Someone trying out for Chaser crashed his broomstick and broke some of his teeth. Those that did not make the team complained and gave tantrums. Surprisingly, Katie Bell did not make the team but she was one of the few that was cool with it. She retired to the bleachers to sit with Serena.

"Sorry you didn't make it, Katie," said Serena.

"It's all right," said Katie. "I've still got bruises from the last game. Quidditch can be rough, you know. Maybe I'll become a cheerleader and just cheer for the team. Has to be less painful than being on it, I'm sure."
Serena laughed. "Sure, but you're likely to get cold and lose your voice."

The new Chasers to join the team were Demelza Robbins, Ginny and Lydia. The new beaters were Jimmy Peakes and Ritchie Coot. Serena jumped up and gave them her welcome cheer.

"Our new Beaters can't be beat!" she exclaimed. "Ha…I made that one up myself."

The new beaters grinned sheepishly and waved their thanks. For whatever reason, Harry decided to hold the Keeper trials last. Cormac McLaggen saved four out of five, and it was likely he would've saved the last oen if he didn't fly off in the wrong direction. To Harry and Serena's relief, Ron saved all five.

"Way to save those shots, Ron!" Serena cried out. "You're a real Keeper!"

"Hah, yeah, I guess I am!" Ron yelled back.

Following Gryffindors tryouts it was Slytherins turn. Though there has never been a time with witches on the Slytherin Quidditch team, a few did try their luck. Some of the cheerleaders tried out, Lori Higgs, and Millicent Bulstrode being among them. When Uruquart wouldn't let them try out, Millicent punched him in the face. Raye, who was watching the tryouts, hurried down to see what was the problem.

"Calm down, Millicent," she said. "What's going on?"

"Sexist pig wont' let us tryout!" Millicent growled.

"Witches can't play Quidditch," said Uruquart. "All they good for is childbearing, you know."

"That isn't true!" Raye snarled. "You let my friends try out!"

"But why?" asked Harper. "If they get on the team, who is going to wear their cute skirts?"

"Yeah," chuckled another player. "We're going to need the support."

Raye narrowed her eyes. "Maybe you will. Let them try out or you'll be the new Cheerleading Squad."

"Oh how are you going to do that?" demanded Uruquart. "Imperious us? You'll get expelled and sent to prison for that."

"I won't have to Imperious you to get you in a skirt," said Raye, rolling up her sleeve. "Let's have a look at your legs, shall we? Emuto praelego!"

Uruquart's Quidditch robes changed into a cheerleading uniform. Millicent and Lori began laughing. The boys were in an uproar.

"Now," said Raye. "Let Lori and Millicent try out or you'll start singing soprano!"

"Okay, you win," said Uruquart. "I'll let them try, but I won't guarantee that they'll be on the team."

"Oh, you just watch me," said Lori. "My brother is the reason Slytherin won the Quidditch cup seven years in a row. I can catch the Snitch just as good."

"The Snitch," said Raye. "You're trying out for Seeker?"

"Yeah," said Lori. "Malfoy quit Quidditch. He was supposed to be Captain I think, but he gave up his badge."

"Is that true?" Raye looked at Uruquart.

"Yeah, he sold me his badge on the first day of classes," he answered. "So what? Finch only let him on the team because his old man bought us all Nimbus 2001s."

"I uh—gotta go," said Raye. "Good luck, guys."

Raye left the Quidditch pitch and went inside to look for Draco. He wasn't in the Slytherin common room. She searched classrooms, wondering if he had any detentions to do. When dinner came, she didn't see him.

"Hey, Raye," said Lori at the Slytherin table. "I made the team! Harper's so angry!"

"Me too," said Millicent. "I'm a beater. I'm better aim than the other guys and I can hit just as far too."

"Great," Raye muttered. "Has anyone seen Draco?"

"No," replied Lori.

"I'm going to wait in the common room for him," Reenie stood up.

"You guys back together?" Millicent questioned.

"Er, no, not really," Raye said. "I just want to talk to him. I want to know why he gave up Quidditch."

Lori shrugged. "Maybe it's because he's a sixth year now and needs the extra time to study?"

"You suggesting that I give up Quidditch too?" growled Millicent.

"I—I—well…" Lori mumbled.

Raye walked away from the table, wishing her friends goodbye. She waited and waited and waited in the common room for Draco. He finally came two hours after dinner.

"Draco, where've you been all day?" she asked once he came in.

"Around," he said shortly.

"I heard you were made Quidditch Captain," she said, rising from her seat. "But you sold it your captaincy to Uruquart. You didn't show up to tryouts. What's up with that? I thought you like Quidditch."

"So what?" Draco said defensively. "I was never really that good. I only made the team in the first place because my dad bought the team new brooms."

"But I've seen you," said Raye. "You're really good. You know how to handle a broom and you caught the Snitch in the match between Ravenclaw."

Draco shrugged. "Well, in times like these, there are more important things to worry about than Quidditch."

"Well yeah, I know," said Raye, "but you shouldn't have to give up something you really like to do."

"I have a lot on my mind," said Draco.

"Like what?" Raye asked.

"Mind your own business!" Draco snapped. "Geez, Raye, we're not together anymore!"

"I know that," Raye said softly. "But after what happened on the train…I thought at least you want to be my friend."

"I do," Draco groaned. "Raye listen, I do still like you and everything and I wish we could still be together, but we can't. Things are difficult right now. I told you those things because, well, incase something happened to me or you, you'd at least know how I felt about you."

"What do you mean?" Raye reached for him. "Draco, are you in some sort of trouble?"

"No," he said quickly. "But he's back, you know. Nobody is safe. I've got no time for Quidditch or a relationship right now. Things have changed. You've got your sailor scout things to do and I've got my…my stuff to do. I'm sorry, Raye."

Draco walked past her, ignoring her pleas as he went to the boy's dormitory. Raye kicked over a chair in frustration.

"Argh, I don't understand that guy!" she exclaimed.

It took a lot of persuasion, but Serena managed to drag the reclusive Divination professor from her tower and to Hogsmeade for her date.

"Just one cup of tea," Trelawney insisted as they approached Madame Puddifoot's teashop. "Then I have to go straight back to Hogwarts. Too much outside exposure is not good for my inner eye."

"Yes, but your lungs need fresh air every now and then," said Serena, pushing her gently into the shop.

They walked inside and Trelawney recognized Lockhart sitting at a table with his nurse. Some young witches were asking for his autograph. Trelawney looked at Serena.

"Gilderoy Lockhart?" she demanded. "He's my date?"

"Yes," said Serena. "Handsome, isn't he?"

"Handsome?" she gasped. "He's a bigger fraud than I am!"

"You're not a fraud," said Serena tersely. "And he's lost his memory. He can start fresh."

"Gilderoy gave me such a hard time when he was here," she frowned. "Flirted with me every chance he got."

"Wow, he fancied you?" Serena asked. "Then this is going to be good!"

"Oh the only thing he fancies himself," Trelawney muttered. "Man gets on my nerves with his…overly charming ways. 'Sybil, do you see me in that crystal ball of yours? How would you like to stop studying tea leaves, and study me for a change?' Ugh!"

Serena laughed and Trelawney eyed her. Serena cleared her throat. "It's all right, Professor. He doesn't remember any of that stuff. He's a whole different person now."

"Oh all right," Trelawney groaned. "I'll tell him I'll see the grim in his cup and that he'll die next week, or something."

"Uh oh," Serena mumbled as she and Trelawney approached Lockhart's table. Lockhart's bright blue eyes fell on Trelawney and he smiled his famous smile. Apparently, he hasn't' forgotten how to smile like an idiot.

"Hello," he said. "You must be Sybil. Have we met?"

"Yes," Trelawney said, "when you taught at Hogwarts four years ago. But of course, you don't remember."

"Oh I'm sure I'll remember you," said Lockhart.

"His memory is getting better," said his nurse fondly. "Thank you for this opportunity for him to get out."

Trelawney sat down in her chair. "Let's just order our teas."

"Sure," said Lockhart and everyone took a seat. "What do you plan to have?"

"Something strong," she muttered.

"No cooking sherry, Professor!" Serena hissed over her menu.

Madame Puddifoot came to their table and asked for their orders. Lockhart's nurse ordered an organic white tea, Lockhart an aromatic tea of herbs and peppermint. It smelled like he was drinking a vase of flowers. Being used to drinking it in Japan, Serena had green tea and Trelawney had a strong black tea.

"So we were teaching together," said Lockhart. "I do remember briefly talking to an old man about me being a professor."

"Yes, that would be Albus Dumbledore," Trelawney said, "the Headmaster."

"What was your subject?" Lockhart asked.

"Divination," she answered.

"And what…what would that be exactly?" Lockhart inquired.

"It's the study of using methods to predict the future," she said, starting to take a swig.

"Amazing!" Lockhart gasped. "Could you predict my future?"

"I suppose I could," Trelawney said, her voice a little strained. She nearly choked on her tea. When you are finished your tea, I can look at your tea leaves. The leaves make shapes, and I can decipher its meaning."

At this, Lockhart drained his cup and handed it to her. "What do you see?"

"Oh no…it's the grim!" she cried. "You will die a horrible death!"

"That's terrible," said Lockhart.

"Actually it looks more like an airplane to me," said Serena, looking at his teacup over Trelawney's shoulder. Trelawney narrowed her eyes at her.

"What is an airplane?" Lockhart asked.

"Well, it's something people ride in," said Serena. "It's made by Muggles. People use it to fly from place to place."

"Oh, Muggles, I've heard that term somewhere," said Lockhart. "So…does this mean I'm going to fly?"

"An aircraft in tealeaf reading means a journey," said Sybil. "I suggest you take one to find the poor souls whose memories you've erased!"

"I'm sorry?" murmured Lockhart.

"Please, he doesn't know about that!" gasped Lockhart's nurse.

"That is how you lost your memory, Gilderoy!" exclaimed Sybil. "You wrote books of you besting werewolves and vampires, but in truth, you just interviewed the real people who did those things and erased their memories. Four years ago, the Chamber of Secrets was opened, unleashing a monster that attacked the muggleborns of the school! Finally, when you had your chance to save the school, you tried to erase the memories of two of my good students, and it resulted in you losing your own memory!"

The tea shop fell silent. Ron Weasley, who was playing chess with Ami in the corner said, "You tell him, Professor!"

"Ron!" gasped Ami.

"Madam, why must you tell him that?" said Lockhart's nurse.

"Because it's true!" Trelawney exclaimed. "You didn't really believe his books, did you?"

"I wrote books?" Lockhart said. "Of me doing great things, when I didn't really do them? I was such…a bad person. No wonder I don't remember any of it!"

"Gilderoy, our tea time is over," said Lockhart's nurse. "We should return to St. Mungos."

"No, I must do as this woman says," Lockhart says, gesturing to Trelawney. "I will find these people whose good name I have besmirched and write their accomplishments! Thank you, dear lady."

He shook her hand in both of his.

"Well before you go anywhere," said Lockhart's nurse, "you need to return to the hospital. How do you expect to find these people when you can't even find your way around the hospital?"

Lockhart and his nurse left the shop. Serena turned to Trelawney. "Well, not bad for a first date, wouldn't you say?"

Because Lita and Raye were single, they hung out together in the Three Broomsticks. Lita had made Beater on the Hufflepuff team and Mina was going to commentate on the first Quidditch match.

"Mina commentating?" said Raye.

"Yeah, Mina thinks it would help her more in the cheerleading squad," Lita said.

"Makes sense," said Raye, "and she likes being in the spotlight. Good job making Beater. It's good to see girls swinging bats. You know that Millicent made Beater for Slytherin? And Lori Higgs is the new Seeker."

"Wasn't Malfoy the Seeker?" Lita asked.

"Yeah, but he gave up his position," said Raye.

"That's a bummer," Lita sighed. "I was looking forward to giving him a headache with a Bludger."

"Lita!" Raye gasped.

"Just kidding," said Lita. "So, why did he give it up?"

"I don't know," said Raye. "He wouldn't tell me. And he was supposed to be Captain of the team."

"Someone like Malfoy giving up Captain?" Lita questioned.

"I know, it doesn't make any sense," said Raye. "I think he's in trouble. He's never around. I only see him in classes. What's with him?"

Lita shrugged as she took a swig of her butterbeer. "Enough about my failed romance with Draco," Raye said. "How about you? You've got to be having better luck than me."

"Trust me, Raye, if I had a boyfriend," said Lita, "you'd know about it. Although, some younger guys do seem to adore me."

"Really?" Raye said. "Who?"

Lita shrugged. "Just some underclassmen. They follow me for protection, you know."

"Yeah, no one is going to pester them with big Lita around," said Raye.

"Got that right," said Lita.

"Ooh," Raye said, wiggling in her seat. She had four butterbeers. "I've got to go to the bathroom."

"I told ya you had too many butterbeers," Lita said.

"Oh shut up," Raye said and she went to the bathroom. She went to a stall to relieve herself and when she came back out, Madame Rosmerta obstructed her exit.

"Madame Rosmerta?" said Raye. "What're doing here?"
"Imperio!" exclaimed Madam Rosmerta.

Raye felt the familiar feeling of being under the Imperious Curse. The free sensation of being able to do anything.

"Take this package to Dumbledore," said Madame Rosmerta.

Raye blinked. She was aware of what was going on. Yet she played along and accepted the package. She walked out of the restroom and hurried to Lita's table.

"Lita, we've got to leave now," she said.

"Where'd you get that package?" Lita asked.

"I'll explain on the way," said Raye.

The two girls left the pub and Raye explained what happened. "What are you going to do with it?" asked Lita.

"Take it to Grampa," said Raye matter-of-factly. "Whatever is in here is most likely cursed and he should be able to tell without hurting himself."

"Good thinking," said Lita.

They approached Hogwarts. Filch was checking returning students with his Secrecy Sensor.

"Oh crap," said Raye. "I forgot about him!"

"Don't worry, I got it," said Lita and she bent down, untying her shoes. "I'll create a diversion. When I have him busy, you book it!"

"Right!" said Raye and she hid the package under her jacket.

Lita tied her shoelaces together and began walking to Filch, falling down in the process. "Mr. Filch! Ah! Help!"

"What've you done girl?" he said.

"I got these new shoelaces," she said, standing up and taking small shuffling steps. "They're self-tying you see, because I haven't the time to tie them myself...and they tied themselves together."

"You got those from Zonko's haven't you? Zonko products are forbidden in Hogwarts, you know!"

With Mr. Filch helping Lita untie her shoes, Raye was free to make it inside without a problem. She went to her grandfather's office and presented the package to him.

"Oh how thoughtful, Raye," said Grampa Hino.

"No, it's not a gift," said Raye. "It's got something cursed in there. I was in the bathroom at The Three Broomsticks earlier, and Madame Rosmerta Imperioused me to bring this to Dumbledore."

"It had no effect on you?" said her Grampa.

"Yeah," said Raye. "I can fight off the curse, you see. I thought you could study this. You are the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, you know."

"Very good, Raye," said Grampa Hino. "I'll study it and tell the Headmaster what I've learned."

Raye thanked her Grampa and left. She was grateful that she was the one who came into the bathroom instead of anyone else. She'd hate to know what would happen if the package actually made it to Dumbledore. Someone was after Dumbledore, but who and why?

TO BE CONTINUED