The days after realizing that there have been Death Notes influencing humanity for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years were not a comforting time.

"If that's the only thing anyone's ever written down about the Shinigami, then how else are we going to save Fred?" moaned Hermione, scribbling down a charms essay while reading through yet another useless scroll. "It's almost Easter and we're nowhere near the truth."

"We still haven't tried the philosopher's stone." mumbled Ron.

"Shut it." the other two said.

Harry hated that in his heart he knew Ron was right. They had exhausted their resources. Vim was still cackling at them from her corner. Books were only going to have the vaguest of scraps about the Shinigami, and even if they read every book in the Restricted Section they might find nothing. The only lead they had about extending life was the Philosopher's Stone.

"I know. I know. If Dumbledore's protecting it, and a teacher like Quirrel can't steal it, then what chance do we have." Ron said.

"Well, I did have one idea." said Hermione.

"What's that?"

"Well, Easter break is coming up soon."

"And?"

"We could visit Nicholas Flamel."

"And how are we supposed to do that? Does anyone know where he lives?" said Harry.

"Yes. He lives in Rome. "

"And how are we supposed to get all the way to Italy?" said Ron. "If you haven't noticed, we're 11."

"There has to be some international travel for Wizards, right Ron? How does your family go abroad?"

"Ha!" Ron laughed loudly before noticing Hermione's face. "Oh, you're serious. I don't know, I've never been abroad." he said glumly.

"Oh."Hermione exclaimed, realizing her mistake. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I'm not ashamed of being poor. It just sucks."

"Well, i'm sure we can ask around. I've got some money from my parents. How much do you have Harry?"Harry thought back to the piles of gold and silver lying in Gringotts.

"Um, enough."

"Potter is attempting to leave the country." Bode said, looking over the reams of parchment. "Our contact in Hogwarts indicates he is heading to Italy." The unspeakable sat grimly.

"Your 'contact' is a 14 year old girl." The tribunal looked down upon Bode. 6 witches and wizards sat in the stands of the courtroom where Bode was laying out his case.

"My niece is a trustworthy girl. Harriet has spent the last several weeks tailing the Potter boy and his behavior indicates that he is going to visit Nicholas Flamel."

"Your jump in logic is predicated on the idea that Potter has somehow ascertained the location of the Philosopher's stone. It is the opinion of this order that Potter is merely going on an Easter vacation."

"You fools!" Bode slammed the table. "This boy is a menace. It's like you don't even care this boy can destroy He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and Dementors. Ever since his aunt and uncle died last summer, there has been strange occurrences surrounding him. I still find the idea that there was no foul play in their murders suspicious. He may even be involved in the deaths of the Death Eaters these past months."

"We are aware of your theories Bode." said a tribunal member with an exceedingly weaselly appearance. "But without more evidence we shall be taking no actions against an 11 year old boy. Good day."

Bode fumed silently as the tribunal left the chamber.

If they won't listen to reason, thought Bode, Then they'll listen to facts. To Italy we go...