"Do you know what a Horcrux is?"

Teddie furrowed her brow at Harry. "What makes you think I would know?" she asked.

"Because you're the Charms enthusiast, aren't you?"

Teddie rolled her eyes. "Look, I haven't come across any charms that are to do with Horcruxes, and Dumbledore said we wouldn't find them in the school library, so I'm guessing they aren't on the curriculum," she said. "Besides, he wants us to get it from Slughorn.

"What makes you think Slughorn is going to listen to us?" Harry asked. "If he has tried to modify it so it makes him look good when it concerns Riddle, I hardly doubt he is going to make himself look bad for us."

Teddie sighed. He had a point. She walked between the bookshelves in the library, returning her Charms books, and taking out new ones for the new lot of essays they had received that day.

"What about Professor Snape?" Teddie asked, suddenly. "If Professor Slughorn is trying to cover up a mistake and make himself look good in the eyes of whomever sees that memory, then we can chance a guess and say that Horcruxes are something bad, right?"

Harry looked thoughtful and nodded. "Yeah, I suppose," he said. "But, what does Professor Snape have to do with anything?"

"Well, Dark objects would come under the Defence Against the Dark Arts banner, wouldn't they?" Teddie asked. "We can ask Professor Snape what a Horcrux is, and then confront Professor Slughorn."

"Like he is going to tell me about Horcruxes," said Harry. "But he might tell you? I mean, didn't he give you Gillyweed in fourth year when you asked for it?"

"I think Professor Snape would draw the line at even me on this subject," said Teddie. "He's a good teacher, but there are things that not even we should know about."

"Can't you try?" Harry asked.

Teddie huffed and set down her books. "I can," she agreed. "He may be curious as to why I want to know, but don't worry, I won't say anything about Slughorn or Dumbledore."

Harry sighed in relief. He then paused, cocked his head to the side and stared at Teddie, curiously. "Why are you meeting with him tonight?" he asked. "Is everything okay?"

Teddie nodded. "Yeah. I'm just having defence training with him. I know it hasn't slipped your notice that I don't participate in group activities during class."

"I had noticed," said Harry. "Why is that?"

"My shield," said Teddie. "It's a complicated story, but it's to do with my shield. By the way, didn't get a chance to ask you last night. How was Christmas?"

"It was good. I spent it with Ron and his family," said Harry. "You? I know it's a hard holiday for you."

"It was okay," said Teddie, half shrugging. "We visited my parents graves on New Year's Day, which is also Mason's birthday, so I know he appreciated it."

"I'm sorry that happened to you, Ted," said Harry, reaching for her hand. He squeezed it.

"Thanks." Teddie checked her watch. "I better check these books out and head back to the common room. It's getting late and Snape is expecting me at eight. I'll come find you tomorrow if I manage to find anything out."

Harry nodded and stepped aside, allowing Teddie to pass him and disappear from the library. He sighed and looked down at the book in his hands. Hopefully Teddie would be able to find something out from Snape, otherwise they were back at square one.

~X~

Closing her eyes, Teddie took a deep breath and raised her wand. She could hear Professor Snape's narrowed breathing from across the room, the shuffle of his footsteps as he walked around her, circling her, and watching her every move. When he was back in front of her, Teddie reopened her eyes and met his gaze.

She wanted to ask him why he was at the Flint's over Christmas. Wanted to know what Voldemort had planned for her, what job he had given Draco. He also had questions that she had promised Harry she would try and find answers to, but would Snape tell her? He was in Dumbledore's good graces, and Harry had promised the headmaster that he wouldn't share their talks with anyone bar Hermione and Ron.

But did that sentiment extend to Dumbledore, too? Did Dumbledore mean only to share his conversations with Harry? Or did the rest of the teaching staff know? Did Snape know what she was going to ask him for Harry? Would he guess that Harry would enlist her help? She swallowed, her focus sliding as her wand arm trembled.

"Focus, Teddie," Snape said, his voice soft.

Teddie took another deep breath. Her gaze hardened as she pushed all thoughts from her mind, all thoughts except one - Protego.

A silvery shield burst from the tip of her wand, erecting itself between her and Snape. The Stunner he had just sent her way fizzled out, and Teddie beamed as her shield dropped.

"I did it!" Teddie exclaimed. "I produced a shield without using my own!"

"Excellent work," said Snape. "Well done."

Teddie smiled and dropped her wand arm. A comfortable silence enveloped them, and she lowered her gaze to the floor,

"Something is troubling you," said Snape, still watching her.

"It's nothing," said Teddie, shaking her head.

Snape slipped his wand back up his sleeve and approached his student. "If it is clouding your judgement in training then you should say it out loud," he said, lifting her face. "Or do I need to pry it from you?"

Teddie glared. "My shield won't let you know," she said. "You know that. You've already tried."

"There are ways around a mental block, Miss Green," said Snape. "I have my ways, you know that."

"You're supposed to be teaching me how to keep people out! Not breaking in yourself," Teddie snapped, wrenching her face out of his grasp. "What would the point in these evening lessons if you're just going to abuse it?"

"Penetrating, or attempting to penetrate, your shield will be a lesson in itself," said Snape. "It will test your strength. How long you can go before your will breaks and the shield along with it."

Teddie turned away and set her wand down on the table. "I do have a question," she said. "Not to do with what is bothering me."

"So, you do admit there is something bothering you?"

"Yes. But it's complicated," said Teddie. "I'll be admitting to something that could, and most probably will, get me in trouble, and I have no desire to be lectured tonight."

Snape stared at her and then nodded. "Okay. Then, what is your question?" he asked.

"What's a Horcrux?"

Snape stopped, his eyes staring blindly at Teddie. His hand twitched, and Teddie could've sworn she saw him reaching for his wand. But he didn't. He merely curled his hand into a fist, clenched, and then relaxed.

"Where have you heard that word before?" Snape asked, his voice level and calm…, too calm.

Teddie shrugged. "I overheard someone talking about it in the library," she answered. "I don't know who it was. I was putting away books."

"Are you absolutely sure you don't know who was speaking?" Snape asked. "Maybe you could identify them by voice? Or, we could view the memory in a Pensieve? Or…"

"No," said Teddie, shaking her head. She turned away again, preventing Snape from seeing into her mind without permission. She knew that he would have a hard time getting past her defences, but she also didn't want to risk it.

Snape remained silent. "Why would you ask me that question, Miss Green?" he asked.

"Because you're the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher," said Teddie. "Also, I know that a Horcrux is to do with Dark Magic. What I want to more of is how they are created, and why."

Snape straightened and moved over to his desk. "I don't think I'm the teacher that should be telling you about them, to be fair, Miss Green," he said, throwing his cloak behind him and sitting down. "You're dismissed for this evening. I'm sure you have homework to attend to."

"You know, very well, that you're the right person I should be asking about this too," said Teddie. "You're just either too scared to tell me, or you don't know."

"I know more than you wish to know," said Snape. "But you do not need to know what a Horcrux is… and neither does Mr. Potter."

Teddie furrowed her brow. "What does Harry have to do with this?" she asked, feigning innocence.

Snape chuckled. "Mr. Potter has everything to do with this, Miss Green," he said. "Everything. You're not one to ask about such dark objects without a reason, too, and I see no reason you would desire to know about Horcruxes."

"Okay, fine, say Harry does have something to do with this conversation," said Teddie. "Would you have told me any different if he hadn't had been?"

"No," said Snape, shaking his head. "Again, you may leave."

"But -"

"Leave, Miss Green!" Snape snapped; his eyes narrowed. "Before I give you detention."

Teddie stepped back. She then turned, snatched her wand from the desk, and fled the room. If Snape didn't want to give her answers, she'd find them some other way.

~X~

APPARITION LESSONS

If you are seventeen years of age, or will turn seventeen on or before the 31st of August next, you are eligible for a twelve-weeks course of Apparition Lessons from the Ministry. A Ministry of Magic Apparition instructor will take the course, and it will start one week from Saturday.

Please sign below if you would like to participate.

Cost: 12 Galleons.

Teddie produced a quill and handed it to Blaise. He was the closest to the notice board when the sign went up, and therefore the most available to sign all their names.

Once finished, the four Slytherins headed for breakfast. They met with Mason and Astoria in the Entrance Hall, and Mason was bouncing with excitement that he was barely able to contain as soon as he spotted his sister.

"Professor Flitwick was able to pull strings for me to take the Apparition test early," said Mason. "Apparently someone at the Ministry came to Dumbledore and asked about me. Professor Flitwick had a meeting with the Headmaster and the Ministry official last night, and he asked me this morning."

Teddie stared at her brother. "You've done Side-Along Apparition and you want to learn to do it alone?" she asked.

"You signed up for it," said Mason. "Don't deny it."

"Yes, I did," said Teddie. "But mostly because I don't want to spend the entire day in the common room by myself."

"It's on a Saturday," said Astoria. "You could've come hung out with me in the library."

Teddie nodded. She would admit, she hadn't thought of that. Especially since she thought that Mason would be with Astoria.

"It's not just Apparition," said Mason. "Professor Dumbledore has noticed that I am sailing through my current workload. He's trying to see if I can sit my O.W. Ls this year."

The four Slytherin's looked impressed.

"You know, I don't recall a time where a student ever sat their O.W. Ls a year ahead of their class," said Daphne. "I mean, there has always been smarter than smart Ravenclaws, but to jump the line in terms of exams, you must be genius level."

Mason laughed. "I wish," he said. "I'm just an intellectual." He shrugged. "Besides, it's not a given yet. Professor Dumbledore has to talk to the exam board first. It's a lengthy process, but he should hear back before June, at least he is hoping."

"Let us know what they decide," said Theo.

"I will," said Mason.

"Put it this way," said Astoria, leading the way into the Great Hall. "If you see him bouncing all over the Entrance Hall in a few days then the answer was yes."

The group laughed.

As the others split ways, Mason hung back and turned to his sister. "I did what you asked," he said. "I knew I wouldn't find anything in the school library, so I wrote home to Mo and asked him to send me a book I remember reading last Summer. I do remember reading about them, and I'm fairly sure they are objects that contain dark magic."

"Thanks, Mason," said Teddie. "Let me know what you find out and then stay out of it, okay? I hate involving you, but other than Hermione, you're the only person that I know that will read almost anything."

Mason smiled. He hugged his sister and started for the Ravenclaw table, pausing only as Teddie called his name. He turned back. "Yeah?" he asked.

"I am happy for you," said Teddie. "On making the Apparition lessons early, and possibly even your O. W. Ls, you're doing well here, and I'm proud of you. Mum and Dad would be, too."

Mason beamed, his eyes tearing. He then nodded, waved, and headed over to Astoria.

Teddie watched him a few seconds before heading towards her friends. She had barely sat down when Professor Snape swooped towards her from the teacher's table.

"Miss Green," Snape sniffed, folding his arms, and wrapping his cloak around himself. "The headmaster has requested your presence in his office later this evening," he said. "I shall accompany you, and the headmaster will call for me to escort you back."

"Why does Dumbledore want to see me?" Teddie asked.

"I did not ask the nature of the meeting," said Snape. "He shall tell you when he sees you. He wishes to see you at 8pm. I'll meet you in the common room at 7:45, do not be late."

Snape swept away and Teddie turned back to her friends.

"What do you think this meeting is about?" Blaise asked. "Could it be because you told us about your task?"

"Doubtful," said Teddie. "Dumbledore approved of me telling you way back during session one. I don't know what this meeting could be about."

"Maybe he has a different task that he wishes for you to do?" Theo offered.

"Like what?"

Theo shrugged. "There's got to be a reason he has asked for you without Potter," he said.

"Hang on, Snape never said that Harry hadn't been invited," said Teddie. "Maybe he has, and I just don't know about it."

Daphne looked hesitant.

"You think different?"

Daphne shrugged. "Well, all your other lessons with Potter and Dumbledore have been done without you needing an escort," she said. "Why the sudden change now?"

"True. Well, I'll find out in a few hours," said Teddie, helping herself to bacon and eggs. "In the meantime, do you think Apparition is better or worse when doing it alone?"

~X~

That evening, at exactly 8pm, Teddie stood outside Professor Dumbledore's office with Snape. The Potions Master knocked three times and then Dumbledore called for them to enter. When she did, Teddie noticed that Mason and Professor Flitwick were also present. Instantly, she started to relax, if Mason was there, then maybe Dumbledore wanted to talk about him doing O.W. Ls this year instead.

"Ah, Miss Green, right on time," said Dumbledore, smiling pleasantly. "Please, have a seat. Severus, Filius, I shall call for you when I am done." He nodded at the two Professors who left without a moment's notice.

Teddie glanced at Mason. He looked worried. She reached over and took his hand, squeezing it firmly. He brightened almost immediately, but she could see the fear in his eyes.

"I am curious if you know why I am asked for you this evening," said Dumbledore.

"I did ask Professor Snape, but he said he didn't know," said Teddie. "Is it to do with Mason's taking the Apparition lessons next week? Or him taking O.W. Ls this year? I would expect that you would need parental confirmation or something, and wouldn't I be classed as his legal guardian now, being seventeen and all that?"

"Yes, you would, but you would need to have that conversation with your brother, your current guardians, which are the Flints, and a Ministry solicitor," said Dumbledore. "But, no, I am sorry to say, that is not why I have called you hear tonight."

Teddie paused; her brow furrowed. Her eyes then widened, and she met Dumbledore's gaze. "Oh, you mean -?" she trailed off.

"Yes, Miss Green," said Dumbledore. "We intercepted a letter from your brother to Mo Flint asking for a specific book on dark magic. Was I not specific when I said that only your friends were to be informed of our sessions?"

"Mason is my friend," said Teddie.

"Yes, but Mo Flint is not," said Dumbledore. "Can you comprehend the alarm bells you could've set off if this letter had arrived at the Flint Manor, and Mo had opened it?"

Teddie looked down at her lap. "Yes, I can," she said, sullenly.

"Then, may I ask why?"

Teddie took a deep breath. "Harry and I had a plan," she admitted. "He wanted to know more about Horcruxes before we confronted Professor Slughorn about the memory. We thought, if we could get as much information on them as possible then he wouldn't shy away from telling us the truth, in fear of making himself look even worse disclosing dark objects with students."

"So, you asked your brother to request help from outside the castle?"

"No," said Mason. "Teddie had no idea I had sent the letter. I just wanted to help. I'm sorry."

"Mason, it's okay," said Teddie, squeezing his hand. "I couldn't get anything out of Professor Snape. He told me that I had no business knowing about something so dangerous. I asked Mason to do a bit of research, and I did tell him that once he had the book, he was to stay out of it.

"I understand, Miss Green, but the book that your brother has requested is a highly dangerous book on Dark Magic," said Dumbledore. "If Filch were to have found before it made it to your brother, the consequences would've been dire."

Teddie sighed, realising what he was saying was true. She turned to Mason. "I'm sorry," she apologised. "I should never have dragged you into this." She turned back to the headmaster.

"Ah, Miss Green, I am not saying that you should not ask for help," said Dumbledore, shaking his head. "I am merely informing you that such tactics as sending away for copies of dark magic is a dangerous task. You must be more subtle when concerning yourself with such things."

"Yes, Professor," Teddie muttered

Dumbledore considered her for a long moment. "You know, as well as I, Teddie, that it would be vital that we get that memory before the end of the year," he said. "Professor Slughorn has already stated that he will not stay longer than a year."

Teddie nodded and glanced at Mason. "From here on out," she said. "I don't want you involved. The letter you sent to Mo," she glanced at Dumbledore.

The headmaster held up the letter in question and Teddie took it. She stood from her seat, approached the burning fire, and tossed the letter, including the envelope into the flames.

Teddie then turned back to Mason. "You need to focus on your studies, Mason," she said. "Okay? I don't want you worrying about this. I'll talk to Harry, and explain what I know about Horcruxes, and then tell him that getting the memory from Slughorn is our main priority. I am sorry for any trouble I may have caused, Professor."

Dumbledore bowed his head once. "We all make mistakes, Miss Green, it is how we learn from them that matters," he said.