Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling and her licensees.
A/N: This story is H/Hr. If that is not the ship you sail, abandon ship and find another captain. Also, I don't particularly like Ron or Mrs. Weasley and this story reflects that. There is slight bashing, but mostly comeuppance.
Reviews are lovely and constructive criticism is as implied, constructive, but flames will be use to line my birdcage.
Chapter 6
As soon as Flitwick was gone, Heather pulled them into an unused classroom and again the room glowed a series of odd colors, but this time it wasn't Heather that did it, it was Hermione's sister. After Richard nodded at him, Harry handed the box of Ice Mice to Alwyne and smiled at her.
"Do the door and window seams Gwendolyn. Fred and George left products and I don't know who is who right now. Grandmother pretty much alluded to the fact that her house was riddled with sympathizers, no pun intended," instructed Heather.
The room glowed the rainbow again and McGonagall was looking at her oddly. "Did Ravenclaw's portrait speak to you?" McGonagall asked Heather.
"She did. The Fat Lady sent me a message from her last night, and this was the earliest that I was able to visit her portrait. I apologize if Professor Flitwick feels that I've trespassed, but the portrait in the library was a bit too exposed."
"Filius has known for years that you sneak into his common room to talk to her. He has no authority to ask you to leave; the castle wouldn't allow it. She is highly selective and when she wishes to give him information regarding activities in his common room, she will use one of the other portraits as a messenger. She has only spoken to me four times and him once, shortly after he became head of house." McGonagall looked around and asked, "Why are we in here?"
"Harry?"
He looked at Hermione's sister and brother-in-law and shifted in his seat. "Um, I think that this is a private conversation."
Heather chuckled and said, "They have known about them longer than you have been alive, Harry. When Dumbledore and Mum blew us off, we made sure that Gwendolyn and Richard knew exactly what was happening. Then, after I received Mum's communication the other day, and she told me that I was correct all along, that Dumbledore had confided in two students who were in desperate need of guidance, the three of us began searching out any old notes on them. As far as Alwyne goes, I don't believe in treating children like mushrooms. She is going to hear eventually and since her life is in danger as much as the rest of us, why shield her from the truth when it could indeed kill her or one of us. Now, what was that about Harry?"
"I think I know where that tiara thing, the um-"
"Diadem," supplied Hermione.
"Yeah, that. I think I know where it is. I found one a couple weeks ago when I was hiding my potions book and," he saw the look on Hermione's face and he said, "Please don't start on about the book, Hermione. You were right, I should have listened to you."
"No, I was just thinking that maybe we should take it with us. That some of the potion tips were worth copying into a journal or notebook or even my clean textbook and then we can burn the other one."
"Book later kids," Heather said. "What about the diadem? Did you hear Grandmother? It has been lost for centuries."
"Right, but what if someone who didn't get along with her mother took it and brought it with her to Albania and when she died, it stayed there."
Heather nodded, "He was on the continent thirty plus years ago for about a year, maybe a bit more. We'd wondered at the time if he was looking for followers." She was quiet and then began pacing. She stopped abruptly then said, "There is no saving it. If he has turned it into one, I will not be able to keep it intact. I would rather not use Fiendfyre, but as we are short a basilisk, I can take it out to the pitch and-"
"Um, Mum, we um, well there have been a few things that I've left out of my adventures here at Hogwarts," Hermione said nervously. "We might be able to find you a basilisk. It's dead, but um, that was what the monster in the Chamber was, that was what killed Myrtle."
"Yes, but we can't open the Chamber, Hermione. I know that is what Grandmother suggested, but as none of us are Parseltongue, it isn't going to happen."
"Actually Heather, I am. I can open the Chamber."
Heather blinked and nodded, "You didn't just follow Ginny into the Chamber with Fawkes?"
"No ma'am. I opened it," Harry looked at his shoes.
Heather swallowed and nodded. "Well, I guess we won't have to worry about how we are going to get down there." She was thoughtful for a moment. The last twenty-four hours has been one shock after another and it wasn't going to get better anytime soon. "So if I had an adder or two in my garden at home would you..."
Harry started to chuckle and said, "Sure, I go by Hagrid's small animal area monthly to clean it out and I... I cleared out the Weasley's garden before fourth year."
"You mean one is here at the school?" asked McGonagall.
"Yes, ma'am. I think so."
"I don't want to know anymore. Come to lunch first, then take care of your business. Remus and Nymphadora will be by later to discuss how things went with your aunt and uncle and the status of the property that you have discussed. Nymphadora is also concerned about something that is happening at the Ministry and thinks it might alter our timeline."
Heather nodded and then caught sight of the scar on the back of Harry's hand in the light. In a slow cold voice Heather said to her mother, "Explain to me why you allowed Delores Umbridge to torture your students."
"Delores was a bit tyrannical, and she had no business teaching, but she never tortured students. Manhandled and threatened to do it yes, but Alb..."
She was cut off when Heather thrust Harry's hand in front of her eyes. McGonagall blinked and then looked at Harry. "If she never tortured them, then how exactly was this phrase carved into the back of his hand? They told me that they came to you." McGonagall had gone white and kept looking between Harry's hand and the fury burning in her daughter's eyes. "Something very wrong has been happening here for years."
"I didn't know."
"The portraits knew, Mum. I don't see how as deputy headmistress you didn't."
They all trooped down to the Great Hall. The three Grangers taking in everything and looking around wide eyed. Heather stopped short when they got to the Great Hall and she yanked Harry aside. "The Minister is still here and from the looks of it he is unhappy. Who is that woman with him?"
"Molly Weasley," supplied Gwendolyn. Heather directed them to head to the Gryffindor common room and that she would meet them there with lunch.
She rapped herself over the head and faded from view. Just as she turned to head in Harry held out his hand. "Sorry, I don't know what I just grabbed, but take this too." He offered up his invisibility cloak.
"Thanks, and it was my elbow. Not to worry, now get going," Heather tossed the cloak over her head and went and stood behind her mother to listen.
"I keep telling everyone that he will be much safer with me than with those Muggles," Molly Weasley said emphatically.
Before the Minister could state his opinion, McGonagall said, "I might agree with you Molly, once his birthday has come to pass, but not until. Dumbledore secured blood protection after Lily died. You-Know-Who cannot attack Harry, nor can he send his Death Eaters after Harry, while he is still under age. Right now, at his aunt and uncle's, his mother's sister's, Harry is physically safer than anywhere in Britain. After his birthday, it is no one's business but his own. You are very aware of the protections Molly. I know that Albus explained them to you every year when you tried to insist that Harry come straight to you. I am unsure as to why the Minister is here?"
Rufus Scrimgeour looked at Mrs. Weasley like he was very unhappy with her at the moment, as if she made him look like a fool intentionally. "I apologize Minerva. I was not made aware of the protections at the house. It seems that you have the Potter situation under control after all. Let me know if you need me to intervene on his birthday."
"I will discuss with Harry what his plans are for after his birthday in a few weeks and let you know if your assistance is needed. Thank you Minister." The group that had escorted Rufus Scrimgeour to the castle headed out the front door and toward the gate.
Minerva McGonagall turned on Molly Weasley and said, "This needs to stop Molly. What you want and what is best for Harry is not necessarily the same thing. He must return to his aunt and uncle's, he must renew the protections. The Order will decide how they want to retrieve him and where he is to stay after that. It might be the Burrow, it might be headquarters, but I will not make that decision unilaterally and neither will you. Albus left express instruction as to what is to happen to Harry until his birthday and I have had Miss Granger investigating to make sure that with Albus' death, that they are still active and secure. They are now as strong as they have ever been."
"Hermione did not take the train this morning."
"No, she did not. She is researching several things for me. Other members of the Order are busy with their jobs and she is extremely competent and efficient at what she is doing. If anyone asks she is working on her advanced Transfiguration thesis to use to apply to Salem next year. Not that it wasn't finished months ago. Now, if there is nothing else Molly, I do have things I need to do. I will see you next week."
"We expect frequent owls from Harry," she intoned.
"That is not a good idea. Harry's own owl is far too recognizable and as Ronald has used his frequently, You-Know-Who is liable to have been told what he looks like also."
After Molly Weasley stormed off Heather whispered, "I'm behind you. I'm going to follow her to make sure that she leaves the castle and the rest of us are up in Gryffindor common room."
"Let me know if you leave the castle," McGonagall said and then joined the rest of the staff at the table.
Molly Weasley was indeed leaving the grounds. Heather smiled at the slight ripple on the stairs and said, "Come on little one, why don't you help me in the kitchen."
"How did you know I was there?" said Hermione's voice.
"Shadow and a bit of light displacement. It was very good for a seventeen year old however." She pulled off the cloak and removed the charm from herself. As soon as she was visible, Hermione did the same.
"What did Mrs. Weasley want?"
They began to walk down to the kitchens arm in arm. "She told the Minister that Harry would in no way be protected in a Muggle house and so he jumped on her bandwagon thinking that maybe he could get Harry to back him. It makes me nervous with as concerned as he is. I think things are worse than the Ministry is letting on."
Hermione tickled the pear and turned the doorknob. "It is. Tonks said that the Ministry will fall by Christmas, but realistically, before summer is over."
"That's why you want to get married and to the bank before Harry's birthday."
"Yes."
Several elves gathered around them to help, but Dobby bustled his way to the front and beamed up at Hermione who had been waiting for him.
"Hello, Mistress My-Knee ma'am," said Dobby. "What can Dobby be doings for you today?"
"We aren't going to be able to eat in the Great Hall, Dobby and we were hoping for something we can take up to the Gryffindor common room. It is for six."
"Dobby be doings it."
On their way up the stairs, Heather stopped by the library and asked a portrait to tell the Grey Lady she was interested in speaking with her when she had a chance, "I am behind you Heather. What did you need to see me about?"
"Hello Grandmother. My eldest daughter is here along with my granddaughter. We are having a bit of lunch in the Gryffindor common room, would you like to join us for conversation or would another time to talk be better for you."
"Is my nephew also waiting to speak to me?"
"Yes Grandmother he is. It is quite important," Heather answered.
"Very well. I will accompany you to Gryffindor tower."
The three of them headed out with Hermione watching the conversation between the ghost and her mother with interest.
The ghost passed through the wall and Heather merely walked up to the portrait and the Fat Lady smiled at her and opened. As they entered through the portrait hole Hermione thought she saw the Fat Lady wink at her. The Grey Lady was standing in front of the portrait of Godric Gryffindor and he too looked as Rowena Ravenclaw had, as if a freezing charm had been placed on the occupant of the frame.
After several minutes of eating and polite conversation, Heather said, "Harry, tell the Grey Lady what you wished to speak to her about."
"Please tell me how your mother's diadem ended up in Albania and did you ever tell anyone else where it was?" asked Harry.
A cold smile spread across her face and she said, "You are hardly the first student to ask me about my mother's diadem. While it is said to bestow wisdom on the wearer, I do not think that it will help you in your task."
"I'm not interested in wearing it. I just need... I just need to know how it ended up in Albania and if anyone else knew where it was. I have to know or I won't be able to stop Tom Riddle."
Hermione saw a second face enter Gryffindor's portrait to watch as the scene unfolded. "I took it. I took it from her in a fit of jealousy. My husband had died and I couldn't feel or think. My head felt like it was going to cleave and my heart was broken. I abandoned my daughter and left the country. My mother never told anyone that I took it. She hid that fact, my dreadful betrayal, even from my father. Eventually she fell ill, fatally ill, and despite my perfidy, she wished to see me one last time."
The ghost drifted off to look upon the grounds through a window then continued with her back still facing them. "She sent a baron who had long loved me. He didn't understand that I was bonded with my husband, he didn't understand that the commitment is for eternity, that because I linger here my beloved has spent a millennia separate from me. Her hope was that he would bring me back to her, so she could see me one last time." A cold mirthless chuckle issued from her lips and she said, "I hid it. I hid it in a hollowed out tree when I heard him coming through the forest.
"He tracked me to the forest where I was hiding. When I refused to return with him, he became violent. The Baron was always a hot-tempered man. Furious at my refusal, jealous of my love for my husband, he stabbed me."
"The Baron? You mean -?" questioned Harry.
"The Bloody Baron, yes," said the Grey Lady, and she lifted aside the cloak she wore to reveal a single dark wound in her white chest. "When he saw what he had done, he was overcome with remorse. He took the weapon that had claimed my life, and used it to kill himself. All these centuries later, he wears his chains as an act of penitence... as he should," she added bitterly.
Heather nodded and said, "I understand the despair, Grandmother. I know the heartache and the feeling of your soul being ripped apart. We need to know if you ever told anyone else where you hid it. Did someone have the opportunity to find it?"
She closed her eyes and nodded.
"I had...no idea...He was...flattering. He seemed to...to understand...to sympathize..."
Heather tensed all of a sudden. "Did he know that I was your granddaughter? Did you mention to him that I was the heir of Rowena Ravenclaw?"
She tilted her head and studied Heather. "I cannot recall. We spoke often for a while and you were often busy Heather. It is possible. I was very proud of the things that you accomplished while you were in school."
"I don't know what will happen to you once the diadem is destroyed. You have told your story and once it is gone, you might be released. I am glad that I have gotten the opportunity to know you."
The Grey Lady bowed to all of them and then nodded at her parents who were looking at the scene in horror out of the frame. As soon as they nodded back, she drifted through the wall and out of sight.
Heather sighed and said, "Little one, please go get your dragon hide gloves. Maybe two pair, Harry you too." The teens headed up the spiral staircases to their individual dorm rooms and returned shortly.
"Mum?" asked the redheaded woman on the couch.
"I am about to destroy a thousand year old relic, touch something that my great grandmother received as a wedding gift from her husband all because someone..." Heather chuckled in disgust and shook her head. "I will need to create a fake," Heather looked at the saddened eyes in the portrait and said, "there is no way for me to save it?"
"No child, I am afraid not. Hopefully it will release Helena to be with her mate," replied Ravenclaw.
"Just know that if the fake is ever found, that it is not the real one, that yours had to be sacrificed."
Godric Gryffindor shook his mane of red hair and his eyes sparkled to life. "You are all a credit to the houses of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. I have never been more proud of one of my children than I am today, with this task that you are undertaking." He looked at Harry and said, "Take heed of the wisdom time brings, her advice will be sound. Do not follow Albus' example and shut out the world." Next he looked at Hermione and said, "There has always been a special place in my heart for a brown haired, brown eyed witch who likes to spend her time with her nose in a book." Ravenclaw chuckled and rolled her brown eyes at him. "Don't forget to live Hermione and if you need it, you will be able to call upon your grandfather's sword."
"Thank you."
"You are welcome. Now, Heather, your grandmother told me what she has done, and as always she had a sound idea. Personally, and here is a bit of advice for you Harry, I just followed along and nodded. It worked out better for all of us in the long run anyway with Rowena in charge." His portrait swung open and behind it was another stack of parchment, journals, and bound notebooks.
"Thank you Grandfather."
"I make the same request that your grandmother did. Please add your own notes, observations, and experiences. Once Salazar's descendent is gone, return them to me and if the situation arises, I will pass them down to your grandsons."
"What of the dagger?" asked Heather fingering the ruby and sapphire encrusted hilt.
"Dagger?" said Gryffindor trying to pretend that he had no idea what she was talking about.
"I was supposed to be buried with that Godric," snapped Ravenclaw. "What is it doing in your portrait?"
Heather stepped away and held up the thousand year old steel for them to see. "Oops."
"Oops? That is all you have to say? Very eloquent. Well, Heather you might as well take that with you too. I have no idea how my dagger, that I wore at my bonding to your grandfather, ended up here, but there you have it. I used it twice. Once to slit the throat of the wizard who killed my son, and the second to kill the witch who fatally poisoned me. Then, I ran her through with Godric's sword for good measure."
"There are rubies on the hilt Grandmother," said Hermione as she held the dagger in her hand.
"I was in life Lady Gryffindor, Hermione, I was entitled to wear red on occasion, but I prefer blue. Actually the rubies were added when Godric and I decided to get married. It seemed appropriate, don't you think?"
"Yes."
Godric cleared his throat and said, "We must be going, and so must you. It was good to see you again Heather, and Gwendolyn you are lovely. You look so much like Helena and you little one," he looked at Alwyne, "I expect you to be coming through that portrait hole in five years with your classmates. Don't forget to wave at your old grandfather. I won't move for your friends, but know that I am watching and will be here if you need me."
The group could hear the bickering as they faded out. "What makes you so sure that she will be a Gryffindor, Godric. She very well might be in Ravenclaw."
"No, she'll be one of mine, I could see her courage."
"Gwendolyn would you like to come with us or stay here with Richard and Alwyne?" asked Heather after the voices from the portrait had faded.
"I believe that I would like to come with you. Alwyne brought things to do and I am sure that you have a book or journal that you need someone to read."
"Hermione, give him the Gryffindor biography." She turned to her son-in-law, "Richard from there see if you can make a list of things that Gryffindor may have owned that were passed down, other than the sword and the Sorting Hat. They are both in the headmaster's office." She was quiet and then added, "Check against the large ledger I will have Hermione give you also. There are some Potter family heirlooms and if the Potters have them, then you can remove them from your list."
"Mum," Gwendolyn called.
"Yes?"
"Didn't I read in Hermione's copy of Hogwarts, A History that Tom Riddle performed a special service to the school fifty something years ago?"
"You read about it and he did receive an award, but he performed no service. He was the one who unleashed the creature."
"Right, but in a moment of desperation, could the cup be... could he have used the cup."
"I'd forgotten about that. I don't think so, he didn't like his name well enough for it to be one," said Harry. "He resented that Tom was so common. Still, since we're here, it isn't like it's a bad idea and we are better off making sure then to discover five years from now that it was one."
"A copy of it would have to be made too. I'll get Mum to unlock the trophy case."
"That is probably a good idea. There might be traps too," stated Gwendolyn. "Any idea where she is?" Upon seeing the look on her own mother's face Gwendolyn said, "I don't know what to call her and since we weren't introduced in the normal way... I mean Professor Flitwick came down to the gate, asked us our business, and then after I removed my hood, he squeaked and fell over backward. He's an excitable little thing. After Richard righted him, we asked to see you, and since he had no idea where you or Hermione were, he took us to the headmaster's, er, I mean headmistress' office and as soon as I walked in she went pale then said, 'I trust that you are Gwendolyn.'
"What was I supposed to say? She just stared at us, didn't offer a hug or anything. Professor Flitwick didn't know what to say or do either so we all sat there for a while when I suggested that we try to find you or at the very least Hermione. I would have been okay with Harry too."
Harry shook his head and said, "McGonagall isn't the most warm and fuzzy person I know, but she really does care and she's had a rough week. Trust me, I've had a rough week, but I think to find out that you have two granddaughters and a great granddaughter that your daughter has been keeping from you, might put her a bit higher up the 'the normal world has come crashing down and I have no idea how to handle it' ladder than me." Harry pulled out his map and said, "She's in the Transfiguration office."
"So that is the map?" said Gwendolyn. "Hermione has told us quite a bit and for some reason that map has been what has gotten you in trouble for the last few years, or was it out of trouble. Still, very nice." She kissed her husband gently on the lips, hugged her daughter and told them both to stay in the common room.
Heather knocked on her mother's office door and she heard a brisk, "Come in."
Heather stuck her head in and said, "Mum, I need access to the trophy case."
Her head whipped up and she asked, "The service cup?"
"We don't think so, but it's one of those better safe than sorry type things. I'll leave a duplicate."
"I understand. I don't truly think we need to display anything that he earned as it is especially considering that he framed Hagrid and unleashed the monster himself." She pushed back and stood from her desk.
"You doing okay, Mum?"
McGonagall looked at her daughter and said, "It's been a long week Heather."
"I am sorry about that. I know the two of you were close."
"He was probably the oldest friend I had." The older woman sighed a bit then looked at her daughter and said, "Good luck chasing after those two, you're going to need it. I'm not sure their exploits haven't given me more gray hair than you and Hamish."
"It is possible. Still, you know me, I like adventure. Now, what do you want the girls to call you?"
"Pardon?"
"I don't think that referring to you as Professor is customary, but if that is what you prefer, than that is fine with me, but gran is fairly common."
"Is that what the younger one calls you?"
"No, somehow I ended up as grammy. It must have been in a film she watched or in a book. Still, it's fine with me."
McGonagall looked at Hermione sternly and said, "You will still call me professor in class is that understood Miss... Oh." She looked away and then said, "Whatever you prefer."
Hermione just looked at her sister and decided to change the subject. "How's Auntie Cat? I haven't seen her in ages."
"We could probably go to a game. She asks about you all the time and did not agree to my doing what I did. She will be glad to know I've lifted it."
"Who is Auntie Cat?" asked Harry.
"My godmum."
"Oh, I... oh," Harry looked a bit lost. "Game?"
"She manages the Prides," Hermione said nonchalantly trying to read the names on the plaques.
"Manages the Prides? Catriona McCormack manages the Prides." Hermione nodded, "She was Chaser for Scotland like thirty something times and she even won the Cup four. Arguably one of the best Chasers in British history."
"Same one. Meg, that's their Keeper, is Alwyne's godmum. She and Gwendolyn were best friends when they were growing up. She's a year older."
"Do you think we might be able to go? The only game I've ever been to is the World Cup."
Heather evaluated him then sighed. "Cat would like to see Hermione and since she isn't capable of willingly betraying either of the girls, we are probably okay if I can get a box and you come in under your cloak so no one else knows that you are there. And it will have to be sooner rather than later."
"Why can't she betray them?" asked Harry looking at what Gwendolyn was pointing to.
"She's my godmum, Harry. Just like Sirius was your godfather. It isn't possible. It's more binding than an unbreakable vow. It isn't something that you enter into lightly," replied Hermione.
"Wait till Ron finds out that your godmum is..." Harry's voice trailed off and Hermione hugged him.
"I know Harry, I don't know what to think or feel about it either," said Hermione.
"Hold on, if a godparent can't willingly betray the child, then how come everyone thought that Sirius was guilty? I would think that turning traitor and handing the family's location over to Voldemort so they could be killed constitutes betraying," stated Harry.
Hermione just blinked and looked at McGonagall. The acting headmistress just said, "That is a very good question, Potter. I don't think any of us..." she stopped at the pinched look at both Harry's and Hermione's faces.
Hermione wiped a tear and said, "We heard Fudge tell Madam Rosemerta back in our third year at the pub. Harry used the tunnel into Honeydukes and met up with Ron and me. We were in the pub and you, Hagrid, Professor Flitwick, and Fudge came in for drinks. I moved a Christmas tree to block us from site and we stuffed Harry under the table so he wouldn't be seen. We heard you talk about him, Sirius, and… and Fudge told Madam Rosemerta that Sirius was Harry's godfather."
She hugged Harry and continued, "I think the question that needs to be asked is not why everyone thought Sirius was guilty, but why someone wanted him in Azkaban for twelve years and what did he or she hoped to accomplish by it." A mirthless chuckle left Hermione's lips and she looked at her mother, "He never even had a trial. No one wanted a situation where evidence that he was Harry's godfather could be used. Someone like Madam Bones would have known what that meant."
Heather just sighed. She ran a thumb over the scar on the back of Harry's hand and nodded. This was all something to think about another day.
Gwendolyn began chanting in a language that Hermione was not familiar with as she waved her wand over the cup. After several passed she stopped and shook her head. "I'm not detecting any traps other than the standard securing charm. That's been removed." She looked at her sister, "hand me one of your dragon hide gloves poppet."
Gwendolyn slipped the glove on and conjured a canvas sack. Heather stepped forward and began to conjure an exact replica of the trophy. "The problem if it is one, the wand signature will be wrong, but at least it's phoenix feather."
"Oh, will this be better?" asked Harry as he held out his wand.
"Better?" Heather asked.
Looking around and realizing that someone had blanked all the portraits in the room, Harry leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "We share wand cores. We can't duel against each other properly. It's the same phoenix, Fawkes."
Heather blinked at him then nodded. "It might be a good idea, let's just see if I can make your wand work for me." She picked it out of his hand and after a minute she had an identical cup ready to switch with her daughter. She and Harry traded wands back and then Gwendolyn picked up the original and Heather set in the fake.
"Thanks Mum. We have a bit more to do today and then we'll be finished."
"I will let you know when Remus and Nymphadora are here. I wouldn't expect them until after dinner."
Heather nodded then said, "Obviously Hermione's timeline has changed, but when did you tell the Dursleys that Harry would be home?"
"This evening. I presume that if we get him back by nine, than they will find that acceptable."
"They will only find it acceptable if you told them I wasn't coming back," stated Harry. Hermione frowned and cuddled into his side.
Sighing Heather said to her mother, "When you have a chance, would you please send an owl to Underage Magic and advise them that a group of above age witches and wizards will be bringing him home and we are going to be doing an inspection of the property, helping him unpack, perhaps making a snack and otherwise using magic for several hours at his residence. Also an of age witch, a close friend of Harry's, will be visiting daily until he is seventeen and to presume that any magic done in the home or area was done by her or several of age wizards that are guarding the boy."
She nodded. "I'll send that off first thing. The last thing we need is another trial."
"Trial?"
"Fudge and Umbridge, I was in Courtroom ten. The whole Wizengamot for using a Patronus Charm when Umbridge sicced two dementors on my cousin and me just before fifth year."
Heather snorted in disgust and shook her head. "It is a testament to your character that you are able to forgive and trust the way you do. I look forward to getting to know you better." She realized that her mother had left the room. Just as they crossed the threshold, Heather released the portraits, most of whom were grumbling that they were covered.
"Where did you hide it?" asked Hermione.
"Room of Requirement," said Harry.
Heather nodded and tapped a brick. A hidden corridor opened and Harry and Hermione looked at her with their mouths open. "Mum?"
"You didn't know that this was here?"
"Um, no," said Harry pulling out his map. As soon as it was activated the message changed with a congratulatory note for finding a new passage. "My dad never found it either and Fred and George didn't mention it."
"May I?" asked Heather indicating the map.
"Oh, sure." He handed it over.
Heather scanned it and nodded. "They did well, but only about two thirds of the passages are noted and there are two other ways in and out of the castle that are not listed and two more tunnels off grounds. We will see how many more we can get added before we leave today. Having them noted might come in handy in the future."
Hermione frowned and said, "Just how do you know all of this?"
"Your grandmother told you Hermione. I had an advantage that you did not. I knew that I was the heir of Rowena Ravenclaw and used that knowledge to my favor." She chuckled and led them through the passage.
"This one goes to the seventh floor?" asked Harry.
"One hallway over from the Room of Requirement," she answered.
"How do you know about that?" asked Hermione.
"Please Hermione. Mum got into as much trouble as Fred and George in her day. It pains her to have such well behaved children," said Gwendolyn with a smirk.
"You both do take more after your father, but like I said, it was nice to see Hermione breaking a few rules now and then." They walked along the seventh floor and Harry paced back and forth until a door appeared.
As soon as they entered Harry said, "The book is next to the tiara. It's on a bust of someone."
Gwendolyn's voice called out five minutes later, "There is an entire stack of brooms over here. We should be able to use them to get into the Chamber so Harry doesn't have to make three trips."
Harry came upon her a few minutes later testing out several brooms. "That one is a Nimbus 2001, in fact there are two of those, and this is a Nimbus 1901. That was the model before the 2000, so it is a decent broom. There is also a Comet that seems to work well. We can bring them back if we don't need to make a hasty exit."
"Harry!" called Hermione's voice.
"Yeah?"
"I found it. I have the book too and several others that are interesting."
Harry and Gwendolyn went off in search of Hermione and found she and Heather looking intently at Harry's potions textbook. "I say there are several very nasty spells in here, but the Potions adaptations are quite remarkable. Is this the book you were complaining about at Christmas, little one?"
"Yes, I don't feel the same about it now. I'm sorry it turned out to be Snape's, but the animosity and the other weird stuff that I was thinking is gone."
"That was probably from the potion," said Gwendolyn looking over their shoulder at the book. "What I don't understand is how the two of you were able to resist that long."
Harry handed Heather his wand and she began to create a detailed copy of the diadem. "Oh," said Hermione. "I haven't had the chance to tell you, but Harry and I are fated. We found out right after Madam Pomfrey checked me for potions."
"Fated? Really?"
"Yeah," said Harry. "McGonagall told us. Dumbledore asked the Ministry second year and he told her. She showed us the acknowledgement that he received. Hermione made a copy of it. We don't want to spread that around though until absolutely necessary."
"It's liable to be on the front page of the Prophet the day of your birthday. When is it anyway?"
"31 July," answered Harry.
"Maybe Harry was who you were supposed to come to Hogwarts to meet." She didn't say anything else, but used her wand and began chanting in the language that she had used before. "I don't know what it is Mum," Gwendolyn finally said after several minutes.
"How many layers?"
"I'm getting at least three."
"How about I give it a go?" Heather stated and she gave Harry back his wand and began to use hers to chant. Her wand movements were so fast and precise that Harry was having a hard time tracking them. Finally as she blew her hair out of her eyes for the third time, Harry saw red and green vapors rise into the air. "Poppet, I need you to hold it." Hermione's sister began to do some odd things with her wand and finally a crack was heard and orange vapor hissed and then vanished.
Harry swallowed hard and said, "Bloody hell. What was that?"
Heather looked at him and grinned. "If you had reached in and picked up the diadem without lifting that final curse, at the very least, you would have lost your hand immediately and slowly, over the course of the next year, your body would have shut itself down and you would have died. It wasn't detectable, except when I was using your wand to make the copy. It kept wanting to pull that direction. I think it was reacting to the core."
"Where did you learn that and what language was it?"
"The ancient Egyptians created most of the curses and traps that we use today, or at least some form of them. As for where, surely you recognize that Hermione gets her love of learning from somewhere, besides, I was an Auror, among other things, and very good at what I did."
"But Gwendolyn knows it too?"
"She's learning and better to learn with me here to help then out on her own. Both of the girls were taught Latin and Gaelic at a young age. It makes spell learning easier."
"I am really glad that McGonagall figured out what we were looking for and asked you to meet with us. Be thankful that there wasn't another basin of poison."
Hermione looked up at him sharply. Harry had steadfastly refused to discuss what happened, but she realized with the protections on the diadem as strong as they were, something must have been equally strong protecting the locket.
Heather smiled at him gently as she slipped one of Hermione's gloves on and then one of his to offer two layers of protection. "Is that where you were Harry? Were you and Professor Dumbledore looking for a Horcrux?"
"Yeah, but someone else got to it first. It was a fake." Harry was quiet then said, "You know about Inferi right?"
"Unfortunately I have firsthand knowledge. Did you see some?" she asked kindly.
"An entire underground lake full. We didn't know the locket was a fake, I didn't realize it until after Dumbledore was dead, but we had to cross the lake on our way out with all the Inferi after us," Harry said with a shudder.
"The first time I saw them I panicked and didn't remember what spell I needed to save myself. It was several weeks before Dumbledore was able to defeat Grindelwald. You will find that most of Tom's ideas are not that original. Thankfully my mother was with me and she was able to get us out. I didn't need reminding after that," said Heather sadly.
"I panicked too, but Dumbledore saved us."
"I imagine he did." She laid a gentle hand on his arm and said, "How about we go get rid of these two and then we'll know for sure if we are further along than we were this morning?"
"I think so."
"Good," she stopped and looked at him hesitantly, but decided to go ahead. "Harry do you know what a Pensive is?"
"A place where you can remove your memories, then view them like a three dimensional telly."
"Very good, but you don't have to remove your memories, just make copies of them. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Once we get some things settled, would you consent to letting me look over some of your memories? Just the ones that you are willing to share, but I think it will be helpful for me."
He looked at the copy of the diadem and was thinking back to the curse that was on it and how there was no way that he or Hermione would have been able to remove it safely. "I think we need all the help we can get."
"From a very small select group of people," stated Hermione.
Heather led them a long and roundabout way to Myrtle's toilet on the second floor. She took one secret passage way after another, each time the map congratulated them on finding new routes.
"Who's there?" asked a wispy figure in front of them. "Oh it's you."
"Hello Myrtle," said Harry coldly. "I suppose you heard about what Draco Malfoy did. Aren't you glad that you lied for him to Snape, oh, you probably heard what he did too. He was using an unforgivable curse on me Myrtle, yet somehow you never told the Headmaster or my head of house that. Excuse us, we have personal business."
"I am sorry Harry. He was kind and..."
"What you did Myrtle, was help someone who is an ardent supporter of the person who murdered you."
"Harry," Hermione admonished.
"I didn't know," said Myrtle. "No one ever comes to see me. I just..."
"If you are truly sorry, you will never, I mean ever tell anyone or anything, that we came through here or went into the Chamber. You will keep it a secret forever."
Heather looked around and said hastily, "However, if we aren't out or haven't sent a message saying we will be a bit longer, in say two hours, get Professor McGonagall please." Heather nodded to Harry and he found the snake marking on the tap and hissed for it to open.
Both Heather and Gwendolyn looked at him in surprise. They had obviously never heard anyone use the language before. The sink dropped down and the entrance to the underground area opened.
Gwendolyn handed out brooms and all four of them mounted them with Harry looking oddly at Hermione. "What's the matter Harry?"
"I don't think I have ever seen you get on a broom without protest before. I was wondering if we were going to have to stun you to get you down there."
"Little one?"
"You went a bit overboard on Quidditch and flying Mum." Hermione kicked off and followed Harry into the tunnel.
A/N 1: I always thought that it was odd that there were not any additional protections surrounding the diadem. Dumbledore was mortally cursed trying to get the ring and there was a basin full of poison along with all the other horrors of the cave. I added what I felt was a comparable defense to the diadem.
A/N 2: To treat someone like a mushroom means that he or she is deliberately having information withheld and told rubbish (kept in the dark and fed manure). It is something that Mrs. Weasley and Dumbledore firmly believed in. Think the OotP.
