Harry Potter and the Cult of Shadows

by chadsgirl824

AFTER HOGWARTS Harry now works at Hogwarts and has his hands full as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. But Voldemort's fate is still a mystery and dark forces are closer than anyone imagines. Written before OotP

13. Chapter 13

"It's me," came Jack's quiet reply. "But what I want to know is, who are you?"

"What…don't you…remember…?" Harry stammered, imploringly. "It's Harry…Harry Potter."

"Is that the truth?" Jack's voice asked curtly.

"It is," Harry breathed, finally beginning to take in normal amounts of air as his breathing became regular. "I swear it's me."

Jack nodded from beneath the shadows hiding his face, before slowly raising his hand, and lowering the hood. Harry was instantly relieved to see Jack still looked normal…he wasn't a Shadow Walker.

"We…Mel and I…we thought you were dead…" Harry said quietly.

"How is she?" Jack asked suddenly, a wave of sadness and hope washing over his face as he met Harry's eyes.

"She's fine…and she misses you terribly…" Harry replied sincerely, and then, for the first time in over a day, a small grin touched his lips. He had to tell Jack, he didn't know if there'd be another chance… "She's pregnant."

Jack didn't reply, as he stared evenly back at Harry, and only his eyes betrayed the shock that news had caused him. He looked away suddenly, standing up and crossing to the center of the room.

"I'm sorry," Harry said quickly, fearing he might just leave. "I didn't mean to upset you…but I didn't think it would be right to keep that a secret…"

"No, you didn't…" Jack began, his voice thick with emotion. "You didn't upset me." He slowly turned back around, his eyes glassy, but he was smiling slightly. "It's yours…I'm assuming?"

Harry nodded faintly, smiling.

"Yes."

"Then I have to figure out how to get you out of here," Jack said suddenly, his blue eyes flashing with determination. "I know I hurt my sister…and I'll regret it for the rest of my life…but I can't let her lose you too…"

"Why did you leave?" Harry asked quietly, unable to stop himself.

"Because the cult offered me something I've never had…a family who cares for me, not one that tolerates my existence because they'd feel guilty doing otherwise…"

"Mel cared for you," Harry said insistently.

"Yes, I know," Jack conceded softly, once again kneeling down beside Harry. "But I was a burden for her…even if she didn't see it that way, the sicker I became, the more time she would need to spend looking after me…and I didn't want her to watch me die."

"You're not dead though," Harry said, as if Jack didn't realize this fact. "She told me that you wouldn't make it past the summer…and now it's spring…"

"Yes well, that was something else I was offered by coming here…" Jack explained, "A life…a very long life…"

"You mean…you're cured?" Harry asked.

"Not exactly," Jack replied, shaking his head. "But the cancer is spreading much slower now…and if the Orb is found, it will become so slow that I might actually live a full life before it becomes too much…"

"Then…you're accepting the help of magic users…" Harry began, remembering how adamant Jack had been about not doing just that.

"No, I'm accepting the help of my family," Jack said firmly. Then, seeing the skeptical look in Harry's eyes, continued. "I don't expect you to understand…I've seen how horribly they've treated you, but to me, they've been generous and kind…"

"How did you meet them?" Harry asked, realizing Jack had decided to leave very soon after he and Mel had first encountered the Shadow Walkers.

"They came to my house," Jack said simply. "They said they happened to find me by chance, and offered me…a family. I was skeptical at first…I thought it might be a trick my parents were trying to make sure I did what they wanted…but it didn't seem that way. They weren't offering a cure, just a home…the only time my illness was brought up was when I asked about it…"

"Why didn't you say anything?" Harry asked quietly. "You just left…"

"They told me I couldn't," Jack shook his head, sadly. "I couldn't tell anyone about them…I wouldn't even be telling you right now, but obviously, you already know they exist…"

Harry nodded faintly, realizing with sudden certainty that it was his fault Jack had left. He and Mel went back to her house after the first attack from the cult…and as it was still in the muggle world, the shadows must have tracked him back there, but he had already left when they arrived, and so instead of him, they found Jack.

"Is this it then?" Harry asked. "You can never go back?"

"If I wanted to, they wouldn't stop me," Jack said flatly, giving Harry the definite impression that he wasn't even considering that option.

"Castor said you were dying," Harry began. "I saw you up in the village…there were a few people in hooded cloaks…"

"Halflings," Jack said quickly. "We've started to change, but it won't be complete without the Orb."

"How long do you have left…I mean…until…?" Harry stammered.

"We don't know exactly," Jack said, understanding. "All we do know, is that it could be anytime within a year from when we started our transformation. For me, I have as long as four months left…if the Orb isn't found by then…"

"So the Orb was missing all that time ago?" Harry asked.

"It was missing before they came to me, yes."

"Then why did you agree? Knowing you would die without it…"

"Because I was already dying!" Jack said fiercely. "What did I have to lose? At least this way I got to live a little bit longer."

Harry was silent, somewhat understanding Jack's reasoning…and wishing he would have known about this long before now.

"I like it here, Harry," Jack said at last. "I can do anything I did before…and if I ever get to complete my change…I'll have powers…for the first time in my life, I'll be able to do magic…"

"They can do that…?" Harry asked, his eyes widening.

"Not the way that you or Mel can use it, no," Jack said quickly. "But I'll be able to use the shadows…to go anywhere I wish-"

He cut off suddenly as the sound of footsteps slowly descending the stairs outside the room reached their ears. Harry inhaled sharply, looking fearfully at the door, entirely certain it would burst open any second, and Castor would come storming into the room…

The muffled sound of someone's voice called out suddenly, and the footsteps halted. Harry waited, barely breathing, as there was a conversation…or an argument, he couldn't tell which…and after several minutes, the footsteps retreated forcefully, back up the steps.

Letting out a shaky breath, he looked up as Jack spoke quietly.

"That was close…I don't know how much time we have…I'm sure they'll want to send someone to check on you after all this time…"

"How long have I been here?" Harry asked, looking around the dark, windowless room, shuddering as his eyes passed over the door to the cell he'd been locked in.

"They left you in there all night," Jack said, uncomfortably, averting his eyes. "Seven or eight hours, I think…this was the first I could get to you without anyone knowing…"

"Wait…you snuck down here?" Harry asked fearfully. "Jack you can't…if they find out…"

"I don't care," Jack cut him off quickly. "They'll get mad at me, but they won't do anything…"

"If you help me escape…" Harry began, insistently. "Jack they'll say you're a traitor…"

"So what should I do?" Jack stated, not really asking. "Would it be better if I put you back in the cell? Leave you there until Pollux and Castor decide to come for you?"

Harry's eyes dropped to his hands, and he shook his head helplessly. He couldn't ask Jack to do this for him…but the alternative was enough to send an icy chill down his spine. He could no longer remember the images he'd seen, but the terrifying feeling that had gripped him was still clear in his memory.

"Maybe you could talk to them," Harry said quietly. "Tell them you know I'm not Jared."

"I did," Jack said, dismally. "I went to Pollux the moment I had a clear look at you…he said I was only using my eyes. If I was fully transformed I'd be able to use your scent to know for sure. That's why I had to ask you myself…I needed to see your eyes when you answered me."

"Thank you for believing me," Harry said, for what it was worth. He appreciated this more than Jack knew, but he still didn't see any way out. Jack couldn't use the shadows to travel the way Pollux and Castor could…and then there were his injuries. Harry knew his leg was broken, shattered at the knee…and the wound under his ribs, while it had stopped bleeding, was a numb ache at the moment…which he knew would change if he attempted to move.

"If I can get you out of here without anyone seeing us…we could hide in the woods until we reach the gate…" Jack began.

"Even if we did, do you know how to get past the fog?" Harry asked, shuddering at the thought of coming face to face with another Sagon. The sudden memory however, caused him to remember his transformation…

"Jack…do you know how Castor changed me back?" he asked quickly.

"From when you became a wolf?" Jack asked, continuing quickly. "I can't say for certain…I don't have their powers yet. I know that they have definite abilities to work with transformations…they can manipulate things like that…but I don't know how…"

"Did they get rid of it?" Harry asked quickly. "Will I change any more?"

"I doubt he removed it," Jack said, shrugging apologetically. "But as I said, I don't know…and they were very unwilling to tell me much about you other than what I've already said…"

Harry nodded, thanking him for the information, and leant his head back against the hard, stone wall.

"I'll go upstairs and have a look around," Jack said then. "If it's clear, I'll try getting you out now…better to get it done before it starts getting light out…"

"You never answered my question from before," Harry said quietly. "Do you know how to get through the fog?"

Jack was silent for a long moment, and Harry knew with cold certainty what the answer was.

"It's the only way out," Jack said at last, shrugging helplessly.

Harry nodded numbly, trying not to think about the creatures living in the mist at the gate…chances were, they would never make it that far anyway.

Jack turned then, heading silently for the door, and as he reached out for the handle a blinding flash of light filled the room. Harry raised his arm, trying to shield his eyes, and as the light dimmed, he blinked his vision back into focus, shocked at the sight before him.

"Sirius…" he breathed in joyous disbelief, seeing his godfather had appeared in the room with them. Harry's hand instantly went to his pocket to find he had brought his watch with him. He couldn't help but quietly laugh to himself, filled with such relief as he had never felt in all his life, as his godfather rushed to his side, his face a mask of worry and fear.

"Oh my…God…Harry," Sirius stammered, staring in horror at the state his godson was in, his bloody tattered clothes, and the all-too-visible wounds. He quickly raised his wand, which was already in his hand, aiming it at Harry. "Retrievo."

"Who are you?" Jack spoke up then, and Sirius whirled on him, fury in his eyes, looking about ready to murder whoever this person was.

"Sirius, no!" Harry cried suddenly, fearing for Jack's life. "He was trying to get me out…"

Sirius didn't look convinced, but as the charm from the watch only gave him one full minute, he didn't argue the matter. Keeping his wand trained on Jack, he leant down and put an arm around Harry's back, helping him gingerly to his feet.

Wincing in pain as fresh agony shot through him, Harry managed to lock eyes with Jack in the last remaining seconds…

"Thank you…I won't forget this…and I will find the Orb…no matter what it takes…"

He barely caught the movement of Jack nodding in reply, before another bright flash of light filled the room, and the shadow world was left behind.

When the light faded this time, Harry immediately recognized Minerva's office, before the stabbing pain in his knee caught up with him, and he collapsed in Sirius' arms, unable to support his weight any longer.

"Thank goodness!" McGonagall's voice cried at once, and Harry saw her through blurry vision coming up to he and Sirius. "Sirius!" she gasped, getting a good look at Harry's injuries. "He has to be brought to the hospital wing at once!"

"I know," Sirius said grimly, waiting as McGonagall conjured a stretcher, which Harry was gently placed upon.

"Sirius…" Harry began weakly, "we have to…"

"No Harry, not yet," Sirius interrupted firmly, his pale face etched with concern and sadness. "We're taking care of you first…everything else can wait."

Harry nodded faintly, too tired to fight with his godfather, and thinking he was probably right. He glanced around the office as the stretcher moved easily towards the door, seeing it was empty. He wondered if his friends were there…if they'd been out looking for him…and he wanted very badly to see Mel right now…

The trip down to the hospital wing was quick, and Harry was glad it was so early; most of the students were probably still asleep, so the corridors were empty and silent.

Madam Pomfrey was waiting, as McGonagall had informed her they might be coming, and immediately took control of the stretcher, directing Harry back to one of the beds.

Minerva and Sirius came with her, watching as she gingerly pulled the bloody, torn shreds away from Harry's chest wound. Harry winced; squeezing his eyes shut, and felt someone grasp his left hand. He looked, and found his godfather at his side, trying to give him a reassuring smile, but Harry could see how horrible Sirius looked. He wondered if his godfather had slept at all while he was gone, and guessed it wasn't likely. His hair was messy, there were bags under his eyes, and despite the firm hold he had on his godson's hand, Harry could feel him shaking.

"It's alright Sirius," Harry whispered. "I'm alright."

Sirius looked at him, forlornly, before shaking his head faintly and lowering his eyes. A lump rose in his throat, which he pushed down forcefully, before letting out an unsteady breath.

"We'll talk about it later," Sirius finally replied, his voice shaking before he cleared his throat curtly, and continued. "We need to get you all healed up first," he said, attempting a grin.

Madam Pomfrey needed him to sit up slightly, and both she and Sirius helped Harry out of his clothes and into a hospital gown, before letting him rest against the pillows once more. Minerva excused herself then, whispering briefly with Sirius before exiting the hospital wing.

"My watch," Harry said quickly, seeing Sirius about to toss the bundle of rags, and he pulled the small gold piece out of the pants pocket, handing it back to his godson. Harry took it gratefully, before speaking again. "Where's Mel? Is she alright?"

"She's very worried," Sirius replied. "Everyone is. I asked them to wait back at the house though…I wasn't sure what…what state you'd be in…when I found you…" he stammered, his gaze faltering for a moment. "I didn't want them crowding you…Minerva's gone to let them know though, they'll be here when you wake up…if that's what you want."

"Yes, please," Harry said, nodding weakly, almost yearning to see them…only a short while ago…he had nearly accepted the fact that he'd never see his friends again…

Madam Pomfrey had moved on to inspecting his knee now, and was just finishing as Harry finally set his watch on the bedside table. She left his side briefly and returned with a very familiar looking potion.

"It's best for you to sleep while I take care of these," she explained gently, smiling reassuringly. Harry took the potion from her, discovering he was actually looking forward to a dreamless sleep, and took a long gulp of it, feeling his eyes begin to droop pleasantly. As he pulled it away from his lips, however, a sudden thought struck him.

"Sirius," he said quickly, the urgency he felt lost in the sleepiness already overcoming him. "Troy…he…" but Harry was asleep before he could finish, and could say no more.

As Harry slowly came back to consciousness, he gradually opened his eyes, seeing everything around him looked hazy and out of focus. For the briefest of moments, he felt a cold fear seeping in, remembering the fog and the shadows…until everything finally came back to him with a rush of relief. Sirius had come for him…he was back at Hogwarts…and the only reason he couldn't see clearly was because he wasn't wearing his glasses.

Slowly extending his left hand towards the table just beside his bed, Harry heard muffled voices very nearby. He grasped his glasses and slipped them on, seeing the curtains had been drawn around his bed, and the light that shone against them was muted, leaving him in comfortable darkness.

A soft stirring to his right caused Harry to turn, and a large smile spread across his face as he saw Mel, sitting half in her chair, half leaning against his bed, and slowly opening her eyes.

"Good morning beautiful," he whispered as her groggy gaze finally focused on him. Her eyes were drawn and red, but they lit up immediately upon seeing Harry awake, and she was out of her seat in an instant, throwing her arms around his neck, and holding him tightly.

He felt the smallest twinge of pain from where he'd been stabbed, but he paid no attention, loving this feeling, never wanting to let her go. The small bulge of her stomach pressed against him, and he felt only a surge of pride…and happiness…he would still be around to see his child born…

When Mel finally pulled away, her face was streaked with tears, which Harry gently wiped away.

"Are you alright?" he asked softly.

"Me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She swallowed hard, her voice starting to hitch as she went on. "I'm fine! But…Harry…w-what happened?" she sobbed, her shoulders trembling as she started to cry. Harry pulled her to him again, and her shaky voice was muffled against his shoulder. "N-no one knew where you were…we c-couldn't find you…and then…Draco…"

"Is he alright?" Harry cut in, suddenly concerned. He hadn't thought about Draco during any of what had happened…but realized now he must have been in terrible pain.

"He's here," Mel nodded weakly, sitting back and looking into his eyes. "But Madam Pomfrey couldn't do anything for him…everything she tried just had no effect…"

Harry nodded, knowing that would be the case any time Draco was feeling his own pain. Before he could say anything else however, Harry noticed the voices that he'd heard outside the curtains had stopped, and seconds later, they were drawn back, letting in a splash of light.

"Harry!" Hermione's voice cried happily, and Harry felt someone else hugging him fiercely as his eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness.

"It's good to see you too," Harry laughed as Hermione finally released him. He could see Ron was there also, as well as Sirius, Marzia and…"

"Snape," Harry said, before he could stop himself…he was just so surprised to see the potions master there.

The dark man looked back at him intently, his lips pressed into a thin white line, before he finally took a small step closer, and spoke, quietly.

"Are you feeling better, after your rest?" he asked stiffly.

Harry nodded slowly, his hand instinctively going to where the wound under his ribs had been, but felt only bandages.

"Yes, thank you."

"You look much better," Sirius smiled faintly, still looking ragged and worn as he came up to Harry's bedside. "Did you get enough sleep?"

"I think so," Harry nodded, though inside he felt quite tired still, it could wait. "What time is it?"

"Just after noon," Ron spoke up then, and Harry noticed he, as did just about everyone else there, looked a mixture of tired, hungry, pale, worried, and relieved.

"I'm sorry to have put you all through this," Harry said quietly, feeling suddenly guilty.

"We're just glad you're safe," Marzia said, stepping up beside Sirius and taking one of Harry's hands reassuringly. "And if you're well enough…" she trailed off, looking as though she knew he wouldn't want to hear the next part.

"I'll tell you what happened," Harry said, nodding faintly. He'd never wanted anything less in his life, but knew it was unavoidable…when suddenly, the urgent thought that had struck him just after he'd drank the potion came rushing back. "Where's Troy?" he asked, looking up at Sirius, and shifting his gaze swiftly to Snape, anxiously.

"We don't know," Sirius said quietly. "I heard you say his name this morning…just before you fell asleep, and tried to find him. But he isn't in the school as far as we know."

"They said he'd be back this morning," Harry said, confused.

"Who did?" Sirius and Snape asked in unison.

"Adrik and Oren," Harry replied.

"Is that who did this to you?" Sirius asked, sounding rather calm, but his eyes showing how clearly livid he was.

"No," Harry replied, "They just…" he trailed off, shaking his head, "Let me start from the beginning…"

For over two hours, Harry talked, retelling the events of the last day and a half. Getting through all that had happened while following Troy, and speaking with Adrik and Oren had been easy enough…it was after that, that he had trouble.

He spoke quickly, stumbling over his words, needing to get it all out, and clasping his hands together fiercely to try to hide the fact that he was shaking. No one interrupted as he spoke of hearing the noises from the fog, the arrival in the village, the discussion with Pollux near the platform, and finally, being left for the Sagons. His friends sat listening in stony silence, seated around his bed, except for Mel who was just beside him, her arms linked through his as he spoke.

After managing to get through the transformation to and back from a werewolf, decidedly glad he couldn't remember anything that had occurred while he had been changed, though knowing that must've been where his knee was injured, he rushed on to the next argument between Castor and Pollux, and seeing the figures in the hooded cloaks again.

The cell he'd been locked in had been a terrifying experience, and despite not remembering anything specific about the images, his voice caught in his throat just thinking about the hopelessness that had very nearly overcome him…until he was pulled out… It was then that his voice faltered entirely, and he looked uncomfortably down at his hands.

"I think you've been through enough," Sirius spoke up then, his tone barely audible and his voice sounding strained. "You don't have to tell us any-"

"No, I'm fine," Harry whispered, trying to look reassuringly at his godfather, who'd begun to stand, ready to usher everyone out. If he didn't say this now, he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to.

"Someone pulled me out," Harry said again. "They let me sit down…they…they weren't there to hurt me…"

"One of the Shadow Walkers?" Marzia asked, sounding surprised that any of the cult would show Harry even the smallest amount of kindness.

"No," Harry shook his head slowly. "Not yet at least…" he trailed off, sighing inaudibly. He just had to say it; there was no easy way around it. "It was one of the figures in the dark cloaks," he said, turning and looking to Mel, his gaze locking with hers. "It was Jack."

Mel's eyes widened in shock, and she shook her head quickly, insistently.

"No…" she whispered.

"It was him, Mel," Harry nodded gently, grasping her hands in his as she continued to deny it.

"He…no…he's dead…it couldn't have…no…" she stammered, her voice hitching as fresh tears sprung to her eyes. Harry let go of her hands, pulling her into his embrace as she began to sob against his chest.

"Mel, I'm sorry…" Harry began, having no idea what to say.

"Why? Why would h-he do that?" she cried. "Why would he l-l-leave me…for them?"

"Shhh, it's alright," Harry cooed, rocking her back and forth tenderly, feeling everyone's eyes upon them. He could hear Hermione crying softly, and glanced to see her wiping at her eyes, while Ron sat beside her in shocked silence. Snape's features were unreadable, and Sirius looked sadly at Mel, while Marzia looked as if she wanted to rush to her side, but instead let Harry comfort her. No one knew how to respond to this. None of them had ever met Jack, they'd only heard about him from Harry or Mel.

"What happened?" Mel finally asked, shakily. "You said he didn't try to hurt you…right?" she asked, pleadingly.

"Right," Harry nodded softly. "He let me out of the cell…and we talked."

It didn't take Harry long to finish telling them of his conversation with Jack, and when he was finally finished, he actually felt much better, as if a weight had been lifted from his chest. Taking a deep breath and looking around the room, he waited, knowing there would probably be questions. Everyone had been kind enough to let him keep going with as little interruption as possible, but now they had much to discuss…and he still wanted to know where Troy was…

"Why would the cult think you were Jared?" Hermione spoke up first, asking the question that had been bothering Harry above all else.

"Honestly," Ron added, sounding annoyed. "If they're supposed to be able to track things so flawlessly…how'd they mess up this badly?"

"Guys, I'm not sure this is the time…" Sirius began, concernedly. "He needs to rest…"

"Sirius, it's alright," Harry assured him, doing an excellent job of masking his fatigue. He was getting tired again, but this conversation had to happen…soon.

"Harry, you've been through too much…" Sirius began to argue.

"Why don't you let him decide for himself?" Snape spoke up then, almost daring Sirius to argue with him, which of course, he did.

"Who are you to say anything in this matter?" Sirius hissed, whirling furiously on the potions master. "If you hadn't decided to simply leave the school two nights ago, Harry would never have had to go through what he did!"

"Sirius, stop…it's not his fault!" Harry said loudly. Though he was surprised to see the look in Snape's eyes…they had dropped quickly to stare at the floor. He looked as if he felt guilty…

"I'm going to check on Mr. Malfoy," Snape said curtly, straightening himself up at once and glaring indignantly at Sirius. "And then I need to make sure his potion is ready," he continued, gesturing towards Harry, who realized he still had two nights of the full moon left. He wondered again…if he would change…

Snape began walking away quickly, not sparing them a second glance, and part of Harry wished he would stay. He still needed to talk with the potions master…about the crystals.

Sirius turned back to the others, his eyes still clearly showing the anger he harbored for Snape, but they softened some as they fell upon Harry.

"Harry…" he began.

"Sirius, we need to talk about this," Harry said with as much determination as he could muster in his tired state. "There's more going on than any of us thought…plus now we know that Thurston was the one to frame Albus…and his witness is a fake, because Ewan is really Oren…"

"Proving that might be difficult, though," Marzia spoke up quietly. "What it comes down to is our word against his, we have nothing solid to show Thurston is behind this."

"What about Oren?" Hermione asked. "Surely if it's revealed he's a death eater…"

"Again, our word against his," Marzia stated grimly. "Oren Alcott was never a part of any trials after Voldemort first fell…he was never accused…and so there's no record on him at all."

"So then we still have nothing," Ron said in angry disbelief. "A full on confession by the person who really framed Dumbledore and it does us no good!"

"There's a file for Ewan at the ministry, isn't there?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Marzia nodded.

"Very unorganized though," Sirius added, and Harry remembered them telling him it had been hastily written.

"Well, maybe since Thurston was in such a hurry to make sure there was a Ewan Norwood on record as being an employee, he could've messed up when he put the file together. If we can prove the file is false…"

"Could work," Marzia nodded, exchanging glances with Sirius. "We'll have to look into it…"

"I wonder what he meant though," Ron spoke up again. "You said that Oren told you Travis messed everything up…"

"I'm not sure," Harry shook his head. "He wouldn't tell me anything after that…" he trailed off, letting his eyes fall to his right wrist, where the mark of the cult was still showing, pale blue against his skin, though much dimmer than before. Travis had had the mark…so did Caleb…and Harry had been thinking on and off about this ever since he'd learned the cult's Orb was missing…

"Remember the picture in the Daily Prophet?" he asked quietly. "The one of Dumbledore's office?"

"The one with the painting?" Ron asked.

"And the crystal ball," Hermione added, catching on to what Harry was saying right away. Harry nodded.

"I don't know how…but there has to be a connection," he said slowly. Travis broke the crystal ball, and then there it is in the picture…the Shadow Walkers' Orb was stolen…and Travis ends up with their mark on his arm."

"Caleb had that mark as well though," Ron pointed out. "No one reported seeing any crystal ball near him…"

"I didn't say I knew how it connected, Ron," Harry said wryly. "I just believe it does…somehow…"

"What if the crystal ball in the picture…" Mel spoke up in a small voice after having remained silent for the duration of the conversation. "What if that's actually the Orb?"

Harry, Ron and Hermione exchanged quick glances.

"You…you might be onto something there…" Harry said, smirking.

"That would mean someone smuggled the Orb into Dumbledore's office though," Sirius spoke up quickly. "I doubt he wouldn't catch that…"

"But he said he was in and out of his office all night that night, remember?" Hermione spoke up suddenly. "Someone could've put it in there while he wasn't there…"

"Something as powerful as the Orb would give off as much energy as Dumbledore himself would," Marzia stated quickly. "He'd know it was in the building before it ever reached his office."

"The robes!" Harry and Ron cried in unison, exchanging brief glances with one another and smiling.

"Of course!" Hermione cried, realizing what they meant. "The robes in the closet, the ones Ewan…er…Oren…didn't want us to see! They don't let you sense the magic of whoever is wearing them!"

"So someone wrapped the Orb in them," Harry continued. "Then they could've just put it in the office at any point during the night while Dumbledore was downstairs."

"Probably the last time he went down," Marzia interjected.

"And when he came back, he would most likely have been be too concerned with Travis…and then hearing someone in the office with him…to think about what the Orb was doing there," Hermione said, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

"Well, this all makes sense, except for one thing," Sirius spoke up then, waiting until all eyes were upon him to continue. "How is it that Travis messed things up? Sounds to me like things went as planned…"

Everyone was silent for a minute, realizing he had a good point.

"Maybe…well, since Travis broke the crystal ball…it means there was no reason for there to be one in the picture in the paper?" Ron suggested weakly.

"Doesn't seem to have hurt their case any, does it?" Sirius asked. "No one knew Dumbledore's crystal ball had been broken, the majority of the wizarding world hadn't seen his office before that picture…so the crystal ball being seen in it, after it was broken, meant nothing to those that had no idea about it. The people that did know might just assume he got a new one anyway…"

"Then that can't be what Oren was talking about," Mel said seriously. "Travis must've done something else to have messed things up for him…"

After several minutes, Harry shook his head with a sigh, and sat back against the pillows.

"Unless their intention was something other than framing Dumbledore for murder," he began dismally, "then I have no idea how Travis interfered with their plans…"

"There has to be something we're missing," Hermione said, her brow knitted in concentration.

"It might help, if we knew how the Orb worked," Sirius interjected then. "All we know is Travis had the mark on his wrist…"

"And Simone didn't," Marzia added.

"Wait!" Harry cried, sitting up with a jolt, ignoring the twinges under his ribs as he did so. "When I was talking with Pollux…he made the mark reappear on my wrist, and said it never would have appeared if I hadn't at least touched the Orb. Maybe Travis touched the Orb…maybe the mark on his wrist wasn't from a potion!"

"It takes more than touching the Orb to become a Shadow Walker, Harry," Marzia said quietly.

"But Travis didn't become a Shadow Walker," Harry argued. "Neither did I…though we both have the mark…"

"You never touched the Orb though," Mel pointed out. "The Lestranges made you drink that potion…"

"I know," Harry nodded, remembering back to that night, concentrating hard. He'd not seen anything that resembled what he assumed the Orb would look like, though the blue flame he'd drunk looked much like the fire Pollux had forced his wrist into…and then, just before the Lestranges had left…

"Adrik sent Lilith into the kitchen, remember?" Harry said suddenly.

"Yeah but she came out carrying a sack," Ron shrugged, showing how little help he considered that to be.

"What do you suppose was in it?" Harry asked, having a very definite idea in his head.

"The Orb…it must've been!" Hermione exclaimed, almost excitedly.

"Even if it was, Harry still didn't touch it!" Ron pointed out, sounding as if that should be obvious.

"But he used whatever was in there for the potion," Mel said quickly. "I saw Adrik take something out of the sack, but I couldn't see what. Then he had a small piece of wire…or metal…something like that…I don't know what he did with it though…"

"Whatever it was, it must've been the Orb he used," Harry said, feeling that had to be it. There was no other explanation.

"So then you might've touched the Orb after all," Hermione said. "By way of the potion."

"That's what I'm guessing," Harry said confidently.

"Then Caleb must've been somehow forced…or tricked, into touching it as well, the night he died," Mel said quietly.

"And Travis would just touch anything," Harry added, a small grin touching his lips as he thought of Dumbledore's nephew. What had happened to him was more than unfair.

"Wait a minute," Hermione said loudly, glancing around at all the eyes that immediately fell upon her. "We all know Travis would touch anything…but maybe Oren didn't know that…"

"So?" Ron asked. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Well we know for Travis to have gotten that mark, he must've touched the Orb," Hermione explained quickly, the others nodding, waiting anxiously for her to continue, and finally, she did.

"What if it wasn't Travis who was supposed to have touched it?"

"Well if not Travis then who?" Ron asked. "I don't even see how having the mark of the cult matters…with or without it, he was still murdered."

"And why go through all the trouble of smuggling the Orb in in the first place?" Sirius asked. "Even if Dumbledore was meant to touch it…to receive the mark…how would that change anything that's happened?"

"Like you said," Hermione began quietly, looking at Sirius. "It would help to know how the Orb works first…"

Harry nodded slowly; wishing he'd been able to get more information from Pollux on the Orb while he'd had the chance…though he doubted very much the Shadow Walker would have been willing to share…

"What if…" Hermione began slowly, uncertainly, before shaking her head and beginning again. "Remember what Dumbledore said to us…the day after we found out about Professor Alcott?"

"That he was going to look into it more?" Ron suggested, not seeing where Hermione was going with this.

"And that there were doubts as to how the professor had died," Hermione stated. "They weren't sure it was the killing curse. Then with Travis…Dumbledore saw the blue light, not a green one…just before he found him…so again, not the killing curse…"

"They're using the Orb to kill," Marzia spoke up quietly, a definite certainty in her voice. "Somehow…they've figured out how to use it…"

"Why go through all of that trouble?" Sirius asked as if the idea were ludicrous. "Why steal the Orb from the cult, knowing the Shadow Walkers would go after whoever stole it…"

"Because it wasn't Travis that they wanted dead," Harry said quickly, filled with sudden understanding. "They wanted Dumbledore to touch it…he's who they wanted dead…and Travis ruined that by touching it first."

"Are we sure that's all there is to it?" Sirius asked, skeptically. "Just by touching it…"

"And still, that's a lot of trouble to go through…stealing the Orb…" Ron began, looking unconvinced.

"Dumbledore is very powerful, Ron," Harry said quietly. "If Voldemort wasn't killed when he was hit by Avada Kedavra…maybe Dumbledore wouldn't be either. The Orb was probably their way to ensure their plan worked…"

"So they stole the Orb," Ron began again, "knowing full well the cult would want their blood…"

"And they made sure to fix that by blaming it on Harry," Hermione cut in quickly. "The cult thinks Harry stole the Orb…"

"But why do they think he's Jared?" Mel asked then. "Was that part of Adrik's potion too?"

"I don't see how," Harry said, shaking his head slowly. "How would I get Jared's scent…someone who's been dead for fifty-four years…by drinking a potion?"

Everyone shook their heads, no one having any idea.

"Well, one thing is for sure," Hermione spoke up after the brief silence. "At least now we know Jared was a Shadow Walker," she paused, turning to face Harry. "The cult expected you would have their mark already…they expected you would know things that you had no idea about…and since they thought you were Jared, he must've been one of them."

"But now we also have a bigger question," Marzia spoke up grimly. "What could Thurston have done…because it must have been one enormous favor…that would make Adrik and Oren agree to steal the Orb and try to use it to murder Dumbledore?"

For several moments, there was only silence…but no one could think of anything that might answer that question. Harry could remember Marzia telling him during their first conversation about the Shadow Walkers that stealing the Orb would be nearly impossible. So naturally, Adrik and Oren would have wanted sufficient reimbursement for such a task.

"We don't have enough information yet," Hermione sighed at last.

"And even with all of this, provided any of it is correct, we still have nothing solid to prove Thurston's guilt," Sirius spoke up darkly. "If we could prove Travis wasn't killed by Avada Kedavra, we would still need the Orb to show what did cause his death, and then we'd have to prove Dumbledore hadn't had it there all along. The fact that Simone definitely was killed by that curse, and that when tested, it was shown that Avada Kedavra was the last thing cast by Dumbledore's wand, doesn't help matters any."

"Oh I'm sure the cult would be all too thrilled to lend us the Orb after we somehow find it for them so we could use it as evidence in the trial," Ron spoke up dismally. "That's about as likely as Thurston giving us a full confession…"

"Did you find anything else out about the mark under the painting?" Harry asked suddenly, as they hadn't spoke of it in a while.

"We should know whose wand it's from and what curse was used in the next day or so," Sirius replied, a small smile touching his lips. At least something was going right.

It was then, however, that Madam Pomfrey decided Harry had had enough visiting for the day, and he needed to rest again. One by one, Harry's friends slowly filtered out of the hospital wing. Ron and Hermione were on their way back home, but said they would stop back the next day. Mel was going back to Harry's house with Marzia, and Sirius was going to remain at the school, though he left for the time being, to give Harry his time to recuperate.

As sunset grew closer, Harry dozed on and off while resting peacefully against the soft pillows. He tried not to think about all of the recent events, and simply concentrate on figuring out how to help Dumbledore, but as Sirius and Marzia had said, there was no solid proof.

Harry wondered, once again, how Troy was really involved in all of this. The transfiguration professor had never even pretended to like him, and if he truly was a Shadow Walker, then that made sense, as the entire race obviously hated him…but Troy knew who he was. He knew Harry wasn't Jared, and could have told the rest of the cult this at any time…and if Troy been there to try to capture him, why did he never attempt it? If he was a Shadow Walker, why did it seem he didn't want what the rest of them wanted?

Or had the mark on Troy's wrist simply been another fake? Harry glanced down once more, to see the mark on his own wrist still had yet to fade, and was now simply a blue outline on his skin. If Adrik had given the mark to Troy, what purpose did it serve? Or if somehow Troy wasn't working with them…why did they say he would be back for classes again?

But he isn't back, Harry thought uneasily to himself, wondering if it was due to the fact that Troy realized he would not be receiving a friendly welcome, or if Adrik and Oren had decided it was better not to let him return…

As he thought of Troy, Harry's thoughts drifted to the night he'd seen the transfiguration professor in Hogsmeade…and the reason he'd been there in the first place. The crystals. He wondered if Snape would be able to help him…or be willing to help him for that matter. The Shadow Walkers would definitely not stop looking for him, and without the crystals…Harry didn't think his luck would hold out for another encounter with the cult.

Harry didn't hear the quiet footsteps nearing his bed until just seconds before the curtains were pulled back.

"Professor Snape," he said, offering a small smile, seeing the potions master staring back at him.

"Just wanted to make sure you had this in time," Snape replied briskly, holding a tall glass out to him. Harry recognized the potion right away, and glanced towards the window. He had an hour at best before sunset.

"Thank you," he said taking the glass. Snape nodded, and started to turn away. "Professor Snape?" Harry called after him quickly. "Could I…talk to you…for a moment?"

Snape stiffened, stopping in his tracks, seeming to contemplate his choices, before slowly turning back around.

"Yes, Potter?" he asked quietly. "What is it?"

"I wanted to ask about the crystals," Harry said quickly, wanting to say it before he could stop himself. "What should we do…how do we find them?"

"We'll talk about it another time…"

"Why another time?" Harry asked, sitting up further in his bed. "Don't you think it's important to get them back right away?"

"We know Adrik took them," Snape began curtly, "you said Oren told you this…and we know they can't use them."

"But I can't use them either!" Harry said earnestly. "And you're right, I don't know of any way that Adrik, Lilith, Oren or anyone else could use them right now…but when I spoke to him in the car he acted like it wouldn't be a problem…"

"He was just trying to scare you…" Snape said with a casual wave of his hand.

"For what?" Harry asked, his eyes growing wide. "As far as he was concerned I wasn't even going to be alive right now…what's the point of scaring me?"

"You should drink that now, Potter," Snape said suddenly, a stony expression on his face as he gestured towards the potion. "There's not much time."

"There is time," Harry countered, beginning to feel a twinge of anger. "What is it you're not telling me?" he asked demandingly. Snape made no reply, and simply started to turn away. He began stalking, quickly, towards the exit.

"Professor Snape!" Harry cried after him, feeling only utter disbelief at how the potions master was treating this matter. But the dark man didn't pause, and continued to walk, until he'd turned the corner. Harry looked after him, feeling hot anger building within him now. Without another thought, he set the potion down on the bedside table and slipped quickly to the floor.

His leg was almost healed, and he hardly felt the small twinge of pain flittering through his knee as he started after the potions master. Though he didn't realize he'd begun to limp as he finally reached the corner, and saw that Snape was only ten feet from the door.

"Professor Snape, wait!" Harry yelled after him, and the potions master finally came to a halt. Harry kept moving, intending to follow Snape for as long as it took if the older man should try to go again, however his shouting had attracted attention. Madam Pomfrey's office door swung open, and both Sirius and the nursemaid came tearing out into the main wing.

"Harry!" Sirius shouted at his godson, who had only just passed the office, but who didn't slow. He reached Snape just as Sirius trotted up behind him, taking one of his arms, and Poppy moved to his other side.

"C'mon Harry, you have to…" Sirius began.

"Why won't you tell me about the crystals?" Harry talked over him, breathing heavily, his face a mask of determination as he glared at Snape, who stood motionless near the door. "Why did you stop our lessons…?"

"Potter, I already explained…" Snape began, sounding annoyed.

"I know what you told me but now I want the real reason," Harry said calmly, wriggling his arm free of his godfather's hold and taking a step closer. "Why did you refuse to teach me about the crystals?"

Snape glared back at Harry, his lips pressed together in a thin white line as their eyes locked. Harry could see many things in the older wizard's expression. Anger, hate, exasperation…and guilt. Even Sirius didn't cut in, holding up a hand to stop Poppy from interfering, wanting to hear what Snape had to say.

Before another word could be spoken, however, the doors to the hospital wing burst open, and a figure in a dark cloak staggered forward, making it no more than three steps before collapsing in a heap near their feet.

Madam Pomfrey immediately moved forward, passing the three wizards in seconds and dropping to her knees beside the injured man. Harry started forward, but felt a sudden flash of pain in his stomach. It was starting. He was going to change after all.

"I haven't had the potion…" he murmured to Sirius, who saw Harry's hands fly to his stomach as he nearly doubled up and immediately came to his side.

"Sirius will you please get Harry back to his bed while I take care of him," Poppy spoke up, gesturing towards the injured man. She sounded dead serious; as if she'd clearly had enough of whatever argument they'd been having, and was no longer going to allow it to proceed.

Snape was obviously already done with the discussion, and had bent down near the cloaked figure as well.

"C'mon Harry," Sirius began gently, taking his godson by the arm and starting to lead him away, throwing wary glances at this new figure.

But Harry had barely moved, when Madam Pomfrey finally pulled back the stranger's hood, and he felt his jaw slowly begin to drop, seeing equally confused and shocked expressions on the others.

It was Troy.

Harry took a step towards Troy's still form, but felt Sirius' hold tighten gently on his arm.

"Not now Harry, you have to get back to your bed," he stated firmly.

"Sirius he's hurt," Harry said, his brow furrowed in confusion. Why would Troy be hurt? Who had done this to him? Surely not Adrik or Oren…

"Madam Pomfrey will take care of him," Sirius replied quietly. Harry waited a few seconds longer, before finally turning and allowing his godfather to help him back to the opposite end of the hospital wing.

After he was settled under the soft comforter once more, he downed the entire potion Snape had brought him, and waited.

Sirius started back across the hospital wing then, wanting to see what condition Troy was in, exactly. When he returned only minutes later, there was little to tell. Troy was unconscious, and Minerva was on her way…he would be kept under close watch while he slept. Harry nodded, feeling another sharp twinge rip through his stomach and cringed, before it settled down again.

"You don't have to stay, you know," he spoke up after a few minutes, feeling Sirius' eyes on him. "I don't know what it looks like…the change…but it doesn't feel pleasant…"

"I want to stay," Sirius replied, smiling warmly. "And I remember quite well what the transformation looks like, so don't worry about that…"

Harry nodded, and managed a tiny grin.

"Thanks."

As the last few minutes before sunset arrived, Sirius drew the curtains around them, before he transformed into Padfoot. He hopped up onto the edge of Harry's bed, remaining utterly still, as the change finally started.

The process was just as painful and horrifying as he remembered it, and Sirius couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for his godson. He had watched Remus endure this curse for so long…he hated having to see Harry go through it as well…and as far as he was concerned, if the crystals could help with a cure, then Snape would be helping them whether he wanted to or not.

After all that had happened, if that greasy git even tried to refuse the help, Sirius would be seeing to it personally that Snape changed his mind. He was certain after hearing what Oren had told Harry that the death eaters had the stones now…and Sirius had no idea how they'd managed to get into the school in the first place…but Harry knew what house they were in…and they didn't know Harry was alive. It would be easy enough to sneak in this way…there'd be no way they'd expect it.

The other problem now, however, was Troy. Who was he working for? Sirius believed completely that the shady transfiguration professor was definitely working against them…despite how Minerva seemed to think there was more to it…she only trusted him because she'd known him…but people change…

As Harry's transformation was fully complete, and the tired looking werewolf rested his head against the blankets beneath him, falling slowly into a deep sleep, Sirius stretched out his legs as well, and curled up on the opposite end of the bed, remaining alert for several long hours, before finally letting himself drift off to sleep.

When Harry awoke the next morning, he found he was already wearing fresh nightclothes. He felt much better than he had the day before, and hoped Madam Pomfrey would let him leave soon. But when she came to check on him, she told him he had to stay at least one more night.

Sirius was no help in the matter either; backing up the nursemaid with a large smile on his face, and Harry at last resigned from the argument, knowing it was hopeless to fight it. When Poppy had left, Harry immediately began questioning Sirius about Troy.

"Is he awake? Has he said what happened?" he asked eagerly.

"Madam Pomfrey insisted we not wake him prematurely," Sirius answered, his smile vanishing. "But the moment he opens his eyes…"

"I want to talk to him…" Harry began.

"No, that's not a good idea," Sirius cut in.

"Sirius, I need to ask him about that night," Harry explained, feeling the familiar exasperation that always came to him when Sirius became overprotective.

"I'll ask him, believe me," Sirius replied, his eyes narrowing.

"Please don't fight with me about this," Harry said, sighing quietly. "He's hurt, and now not many people here trust him…I don't think he'd have a chance to try anything even if he wanted to. Besides you must've taken his wand off of him, right?"

"He didn't have it on him to begin with," Sirius replied. "And I still don't want you near him…"

"Sirius…" Harry began, feeling impatient but trying to hide it. "Please understand, I-" but he cut off abruptly as his eyes caught sight of someone nearing the bed.

"Good morning," Mel smiled, coming up to the two wizards, before leaning down towards Harry and kissing him quickly. "You look so much better," she said happily, before looking to her right. "Hello Sirius."

"Glad you're here, Mel," Sirius smiled. "Look after him for me will you? Make sure he stays right there."

"Hey!" Harry cried in mock indignation.

"I can do that," Mel said with a smirk, grinning innocently at Harry as Sirius laughed.

"Then I'll leave you two alone for a while, there are some things I need to do. I'll be back later."

The two said goodbye as Sirius headed away from the bed and turned the corner. Harry turned his attention back to Mel then, and noticed she had a paper bag in her hands.

"What's that?" he asked, raising a curious eyebrow.

"Breakfast," Mel smiled, setting the bag down on the bedside table. She raised the food tray near the bed and slid it over so it was in front of Harry.

"I made pancakes for you…" she began as she pulled out a very warm plate which was covered with raised plastic, "and sausage…I hope you like that, I didn't have any bacon…"

"No, I love sausage," Harry said, feeling his stomach rumbling with hunger all of a sudden. He'd had a little bit to eat the day before, but had no real appetite…now however; it was back with a vengeance. Harry watched as Mel pulled out another plate, setting them both on the tray. She then produced syrup, butter, juice, silverware and napkins from the bag, which Harry knew had to be charmed, before settling down. Harry moved his legs to one side, so Mel fit comfortably on the opposite end of the bed, and she began removing the plastic covering.

They shared an entirely pleasant, private meal together, and Harry found himself thinking back to the previous year, when he and Mel would go off on their own all the time for dinner. If he pretended he wasn't sitting in a hospital bed, it wasn't so bad…

The quiet was short-lived however, as the news that Harry was in the hospital wing had of course, spread around the school. As students had free periods they began drifting in to visit, and Harry just couldn't turn them away. Most of the Gryffindors stopped in, Ginny, Colin, Su, Ariele…and many others. Several Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs stopped in as well, but not even one Slytherin, which didn't surprise Harry, or insult him in the least.

It lasted for most of the day before Madam Pomfrey finally cut them off, allowing no more students in for the day. She assured them Harry would be out soon, and they could speak with him then.

Minerva came by shortly after the last lesson of the day. She told Harry he wouldn't be expected back in class until the following week, and she would cover his lessons until then. As much as Harry wanted to return, he was glad for the extra time she was giving him…there were quite a few things he needed to do.

Hagrid stopped by, and of course went about fussing and worrying over Harry, while Mel stood by and laughed. When he had left, Ron and Hermione showed up after their days at work and school as well. Ron hadn't heard anything from his dad as of yet, however, and neither Sirius or Marzia had called or stopped by, so they knew nothing of what was going on at the ministry that day.

It was then, however, with about three hours left before Harry's last transformation of the month, that Draco Malfoy showed up.

For a moment, no one spoke, and Draco slowly came to a halt as he reached the foot of Harry's bed, meeting his gaze.

"How are you?" Harry asked finally, knowing the past few days had to have been horrible for Draco as well…

"I'm going home," Malfoy replied with a casual shrug. "Madam Pomfrey said I don't need to stay any longer."

Harry nodded faintly, glad for him. Draco was pale, but he always looked that way. And he didn't appear to be sick or in pain…if anything he looked subdued.

"I was able to call McGonagall after my wrist started burning," Draco began explaining in an unnaturally calm voice. "She opened up a floo channel to my house…and I arrived in her office, but we couldn't find you. It wasn't that bad just then…but later on…" he trailed off, his eyes glazing over momentarily before he slowly shook his head and let out a shaky breath. "I don't even want to know what they did to you…"

"I'm sorry," Harry said quietly, having to fight to keep his eyes up. "I'm sorry for what you went through…"

"Harry," Hermione started quietly, a soft sadness to her tone as Mel sat on the bed beside him, slipping her arm around his back. But Draco spoke up stiffly.

"I don't want an apology," he said quietly. "I know it wasn't your fault…I just don't want it to happen again."

"Oh and you think Harry does want that?" Ron asked, narrowing his eyes angrily. "It isn't as if-"

"That's not what I was saying," Draco spoke loudly, glaring at the redhead as he cut him off. "I know what I felt, and I know I'm not the only one who felt it…but the truth is I don't think anyone should ever have to go through that…" he trailed off, a very visible shiver running through him, before he looked to Harry. "So what do we do?"

The statement had to make several laps through Harry's mind before he finally realized what Draco had said…had truly said. The words actually left his mouth.

"You…you want to help?" Harry managed to ask, shocked, his friends looking equally surprised.

"I want to make sure this doesn't happen again," Draco replied evenly. "And before you even start Weasley, I don't mean just because I don't like the pain…" he trailed off, staring at Ron, almost daring him to say otherwise.

"If you want to help," Harry spoke up before an argument could break out between the two, "You should know up front…this might somehow be connected to Dumbledore…"

"What do you mean?" Draco asked immediately, his eyes narrowing.

"The cult blames me for stealing their Orb, their strongest source of power, when really it was Adrik and the others who took it. We think the Orb was what killed Travis…but that the real target was Albus," Harry explained quickly, telling what he'd found out from Oren, and the possible conclusions he and the others had come up with. Draco was quiet for several moments after he'd finished. He even began pacing back and forth at the foot of the bed, before finally coming to a halt and spinning to meet Harry's gaze once again.

"Let's start with the cult then…how do you beat them? You got away from them once before this last time, right?"

"Twice," Mel replied quickly.

"But only because of the crystals," Harry said miserably. "I can't do anything to hurt the Shadow Walkers otherwise…"

"Well then start using them again," Draco stated as if the solution should be obvious. "I know you said Severus didn't want you to but I'm certain that…"

"I already spoke to Snape," Harry cut in quickly. "It's not a question of him helping me learn, it's a question of him helping me find them…they were stolen."

"What?" Draco cried, growing paler than usual as his jaw dropped in shock. "When? How? Who has them?"

"A few days ago, I don't know how and I believe Adrik and Oren," Harry replied evenly.

"Snape's going to help you though, right?" Mel asked, her brow furrowing in concern as Harry turned to face her.

"I don't know," he replied, honestly. "He didn't exactly sound too eager to do so…"

"That dirty, filthy git!" Ron cried, clearly outraged. "Does he want you dead? You can't trust him Harry, we have to…"

"Do you want me to talk to him?" Draco asked over Ron's ranting. Harry could hardly believe Draco had just offered his help again.

"I…er…thank you…" he stammered awkwardly. "I want to…to try talking to him again first, hopefully tonight," he said, knowing Snape would still need to deliver the potion for the evening. "Maybe the stones will be at the apartment Adrik, Lilith and Oren are using in Hogsmeade, if they haven't moved, that is…" Harry trailed off.

"Maybe Troy knows," Ron suggested, obviously having been told about the transfiguration professor's arrival. "He was there longer than you…"

"Wait, Troy…that new professor?" Draco asked. "Is that why he's in the hospital wing? What does he have to do with this?"

"You saw him?" Harry asked, eagerly. "Where are they keeping him?"

"Upstairs," Draco replied quickly. "I passed his room on my way down here, there was some ruckus going on though…I think he was just waking up."

The words had barely left Draco's mouth, before Harry slid to the side of the bed, swinging his legs over the side.

"Where are you going?" Mel and Hermione asked in unison, wearing equally worried expressions.

"To find out what happened to Troy," Harry replied evenly. They were not going to stop him.

"Harry no," Hermione said sternly as she and Ron rose to their feet. "That's not a good idea…besides if something's wrong with him Madam Pomfrey won't let you in anyway."

"If she's sitting in the room watching him I'll be right back," Harry said quickly, sliding his feet into the slippers by the side of the bed before grabbing his robe.

"What if she's not with him?" Mel asked anxiously, standing up as well. "What if he tries something?"

"We'll go with you," Ron said immediately.

"He won't try anything in the school," Harry replied hastily. "And no, I need you three to stay here…leave the curtains pulled and talk or something…that way it will seem like I'm still here…" he trailed off turning to Draco. "Would you show me the room he's in?"

"Wait, you want to take him?" Ron asked incredulously before Malfoy could answer.

"Yes, I'll show you," Draco replied to Harry, while glaring at Ron.

"Why do you need to talk with Troy right this minute?" Mel asked, refusing to give up. "I'm sure you'll be able to ask him whatever you need to soon enough…"

"Because I don't want to put it off," Harry replied, honestly. "I don't want to chance anything happening before I get to talk to him." He left out the argument he'd had with Sirius, though…what he'd told them was true enough.

"How long will you be?" Hermione asked as Harry began stepping away.

"I don't know," he replied quickly, shaking his head. "I'll try to make it fast…" he trailed off for a moment, looking at each of his friends in turn. "Will you stay until I get back?" he asked, hopefully.

The three exchanged wary glances with one another, when finally Ron nodded faintly.

"We'll be here," he said evenly, and Harry nodded thankfully in reply, before turning and heading for the stairway door with Draco just beside him.

The two wizards made the trip upstairs in silence, and Draco led the way up the hall to the more private rooms of the hospital wing. It was so quiet Harry could hear his breathing magnified in his ears, and he was actually glad when he saw Draco reach into his pocket, pulling out his wand. Better to be on the safe side…

As they came to a slow halt near the end of the corridor, they found the door to the room slightly ajar, but could hear no noise coming from inside. Exchanging quick glances, Harry nodded and Draco pushed the door open slowly, to reveal a nearly empty room, with Troy lying motionlessly on the single bed. There were no lights on, and only the early evening sun cast a warm glow over the room.

Harry started slowly towards the bed, not knowing what to expect, when suddenly Troy stirred. His face, which had been pointed towards the window, slowly turned, until his eyes fell upon his two visitors, and immediately noticed Draco's ready wand.

"Come to kill me?" he asked casually.

"No," Harry replied at once, shaking his head and continuing to step closer. He realized suddenly, why Troy wasn't moving. His wrists and ankles were strapped to the bed. "What happened to you?" Harry asked, completely puzzled.

Troy laughed quietly, grinning up at Harry. He looked a bit…dizzy…dazed…but was quickly coming out of it.

"Adrik doesn't know everything, does he?" Troy spoke up finally, still chuckling over his private joke.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"He thinks he's so smart…he really does…" Troy said smiling, "but if he was as bright as he thought, then he would know memory charms won't work on me…"

"He tried to erase your memory?" Harry asked, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "Why?"

"Probably to make me forget something," Troy answered wryly.

"But what would he want you to forget?" Harry persisted. "Aren't you…er…are you working with him?" he asked, growing quiet.

"With Adrik?" Troy asked, looking suddenly insulted. "What are you on about?"

"Well you were there the other night…you knew where he, Lilith and Oren were…and then you turned on me."

"No I didn't," Troy said flatly.

"I saw you grab your wand…" Harry began quickly. "If you didn't knock me out…who did?"

"One of those spider things!" Troy replied testily.

"The Skeins?"

"Yes, them. They crept into the room while you were busy tripping all over yourself…I took my wand out to try and stop them, but they got to you before I could do anything…and there were too many…"

"He's lying," Draco spoke up darkly. "He's trying to talk his way out of this…"

"If I was working for the death eaters why would I have come back here?" Troy spat heatedly.

"To feed us this phony story…so we'd trust you…" Draco replied evenly.

Harry looked back and forth between the two…they both had a point.

"You're paranoid Malfoy," Troy said, rolling his eyes.

"Call it what you want," Draco replied curtly. "But explain to me why, if Adrik wanted to erase your memory to keep you from telling us something, would he bother leaving you alive? That'd be the most efficient method of keeping you quiet, after all…and death eaters are nothing if not efficient."

"Because if he killed me, he'd have an entirely new problem to deal with…one he would want to stay far away from I'm certain…" Troy replied stiffly.

"What problem?" Harry asked.

"The Cult of Shadows," Troy said darkly. "They'd want him dead."

"They'd want him dead just for killing you?" Malfoy asked, arching a skeptical eyebrow.

"Then the mark on your wrist was real," Harry said, feeling his blood run cold just thinking about it. "You're a Shadow Walker."

"Yes, yes and no," Troy replied. "But I was one of them…"

"What mark?" Draco asked, looking quickly to Harry. "He has one too?"

"Want to see it?" Troy asked, smirking, trying to wriggle his wrists free. "Just help me out of these things and-"

"I don't think so," Draco replied evenly, tightening the grip on his wand and keeping it trained on Troy.

"Do I scare you that badly, Malfoy?" Troy sneered. "I have nothing to attack or defend with, and I can barely sit up, yet you won't lower your wand."

"You're part of the cult," Draco said evenly, as if that explained everything.

"You're not listening, I said I used to be," Troy shot back.

"If you're no longer part of the cult then why would they care what happens to you?" Harry asked.

"Because I didn't depart on bad terms," Troy replied.

"Why did you join them in the first place?" Draco sneered, earning an icy stare from the transfiguration professor. Harry opened his mouth to tell him he didn't have to answer…it was too personal a question, when suddenly Troy began speaking.

"Because not all of us get special treatment," he spat bitterly. "Some of us have our lives turned upside down and receive help from every direction, and some of us go through the same experience and get shut out." He turned his acidic glare upon Harry then, before continuing. "Not everyone gets accepted to Hogwarts, you know. Not everyone has their name on the list from day one."

"I'm sorry," Harry said quietly.

"Well I don't want any apology from you," Troy spat, leaning forward as far as he could. "When the cult came to me, I accepted their offer, and was happy with my choice."

"Why did you leave?" Harry asked cautiously.

Troy was silent for a long while, so long that Harry slowly realized he simply wasn't going to answer, when finally, he heard a quiet sigh.

"I don't know," Troy replied, shaking his head. It was as if his anger had vanished, and was replaced by emptiness. "They taught me everything I know. We didn't have a school, but I learned magic from the others who had been witches or wizards…I was shown everything I would've learned here…I didn't have a reason to leave, they were my family…but I didn't feel like I was home…"

"When did you leave them?" Draco asked, sounding minutely interested.

Troy glanced up at him suspiciously, as if deciding whether or not he wanted to answer any questions that came from Malfoy at all, before shrugging faintly and speaking.

"A little over two years ago," he said quietly. "I went back to London, where my parents lived before…" he paused for a half a second. "But I had no place to go…no money, no job…I almost changed my mind then, but I ran into Minerva. She had been very close with my parents, and used to visit me after I'd been adopted. I suppose she was sad after I left…but I didn't care at the time. I only realized how upset she'd been when I saw her again all those years later…she looked so happy…and she almost cried."

He stopped for a moment, his eyes looking far off as if he were reliving that moment, but seemed to realize what he was doing, before clearing his throat and continuing.

"She helped me get started…get an apartment, a job…a wand," he chuckled softly. "And she always came to see how I was doing, more over the summer then during the school year, but she certainly sent enough owls. Then, this past summer, she told me she had a very big favor to ask…and told me about the position open here, for transfiguration. I didn't know the first thing about teaching…but she'd done too much for me to refuse…"

"How touching," Draco said then, rolling his eyes.

"I wouldn't expect you to understand, Malfoy," Troy said, his eyes growing dark in a flash. "You've had servants and money all your life…"

"You don't know the first thing about my life!" Draco shouted fiercely, and Harry had to step in front of him as he took a step towards the bed.

"Alright, enough," he said crisply, waiting until he had Draco's full attention before continuing. "Look we don't know how much time before someone comes to check on him…or me…so try to hold your temper for just a little longer, okay?" he asked, sounding a bit more irate than he'd intended.

"Fine," Draco snapped. "Though I hope you're not buying any of his lies. If he was really so innocent as he's claiming then why would they restrain him? Someone doesn't trust him, apparently."

"It's because of the memory charm," Troy said quickly.

"Oh you mean the one that has no effect on you?" Draco asked sardonically. "That memory charm?"

"No, the one that doesn't work on me," Troy replied evenly. "As in, I keep my memory but the charm still has an effect. You should pay closer attention to the words people use Malfoy, they usually make a difference."

"How does it affect you?" Harry asked quietly.

"It burns," Troy said stiffly. "Quite painfully…I felt it searing through my mind, all the way to the back of my eyeballs…I don't have the best control over my actions while that happens. I just want it to stop…"

"So they restrained you so you don't gouge out your eyes or something…" Malfoy stated unconcernedly.

"Or something, yes," Troy replied crisply.

"Does Adrik know it didn't work?" Harry asked.

"I have no idea," Troy replied, shaking his head. "I barely had time to feel any pain before he knocked me out…when I woke I was near the school…and the charm was still trying to do what it was supposed to…it finally came to a head just a short while before you two came…and now it's gone."

"So why doesn't the charm affect you then?" Draco asked, distrustfully.

"Because I used to belong to the cult," Troy replied curtly. "When you become a Shadow Walker, you change physically and mentally…and when you go back, it's never the same as it was before. I don't have the same powers…I can't use the shadows to travel, and magic does have an effect on me, but not the same effect as it has on either of you."

"What about the way they can sense things?" Harry spoke up suddenly. "Do you still have that?"

"Wondering how I knew your girlfriend was pregnant?" Troy asked snidely, clearly amused by Harry's eagerness.

"Mel's pregnant?" Draco asked, looking curiously at Harry, who ignored him.

"Is that how you knew?" he asked Troy evenly.

"Yes, that's how I knew," Troy smirked tauntingly. "Before you knew."

Harry wasn't going to take the bait, he had no time for arguments right now.

"Then maybe you can help me understand what it is they sense in me," he said quickly. "Why do they think I'm Jared?"

"What?" Troy asked quietly.

"The cult," Harry said, rushing on. "Why do they think I'm Jared? They think I'm the one who stole the Orb."

Troy stared back at him, his eyes narrowed in confusion as he began speaking.

"That…that doesn't make any sense…"

"I tried to tell them that…" Harry began.

"You're the one they've been after all this time?" Troy interrupted, shocked. "You're the one they've been looking for?"

"And the one they nearly killed, too," Draco added, looking as if he wasn't buying Troy's act.

"But you were really there…in the village?" Troy asked, his eyes widening.

"Why do you think he's in the hospital wing you idiot?" Draco asked in exasperation. "Your family, as you call them, wants him dead."

"I just…I thought…I assumed you were here because the death eaters did something to you…and you escaped…" Troy stammered, looking at Harry.

"I wish," Harry said dully, and gave Troy the briefest explanation possible as to what really did happen over the past few days.

"How did you get the mark?" Troy asked when Harry finished. "If it appeared when Pollux put your hand in the flame, it must've come from the Orb."

"Adrik gave it to me…several months ago," Harry replied quickly. "I never saw the Orb, but we think he must've had it with-" he stopped abruptly as a sudden pain shot through his right wrist. Wincing from the sudden searing flash, dimly aware Draco was doing the same thing, Harry grabbed his wrist with his left hand, seeing the mark on his wrist now had delicate tendrils of smoke seeping from it. The heat increased immensely and for a sickening moment, Harry's vision blurred and he swayed on his feet, when suddenly the pain was gone, snuffed out as if it had never been there. He blinked his eyes a few times before focusing in on his wrist again.

"What was that?" Draco asked warily, stooping to pick up his wand, which he'd dropped, and stepping towards Harry.

"It's gone," Harry said quietly, inspecting the skin carefully. "The mark is gone…"

"Well it was gone for months after Halloween," Draco said, shrugging.

"But this time it's not going to come back," Troy spoke up then. "When the blue flame touched it, it brought it to the surface of your skin once more, sensing the power of the Orb within it, however, because you were not given the mark properly, the flame sensed that as well, and began erasing the counterfeit mark…the two powers working against one another…made it take a while."

"But it served its purpose, which was all Adrik needed," Harry said darkly. "He probably knew the mark wouldn't disappear right away, and when the flame made it show, it enforced the Shadow Walkers' belief that I'm Jared…"

"Well this is good then!" Draco said, suddenly eager. "If we can find them again then they'll be able to see the mark is gone…and it'll prove they were wrong!"

"I doubt they'd bother to check," Troy said, rolling his eyes. "They've seen it once, they don't need to see it again."

"Alright then, how about you talk to them for us first?" Draco snapped, glaring at Troy. "Would they believe you if you told them about Harry?"

"I'll find that out as soon as I'm out of here," Troy said hastily, tugging at his wrists once more.

The sound of the door slowly opening caused all three inhabitants of the room to suddenly look towards it, only to see Minerva McGonagall on the opposite side. The expression on her face faltered quickly, however, as she spotted Harry and Draco.

"What's going on?" she asked sternly, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Minerva," Troy said pleasantly, looking truly glad to see her. McGonagall started briskly across the room, pausing half a second as she reached Harry first.

"Potter, sit, now."

She continued then and Harry did as he was told, moving to the nearest chair and finding as he lowered himself into it that he was enormously relieved. His legs were ever so slightly shaking, and he hadn't noticed until just this moment.

"Troy, are you alright? How do you feel?" Minerva asked concernedly, beginning to unfasten the straps. "Mr. Malfoy will you put that away," she said irately, catching a glimpse of his wand. "I still want to know why you two are here. You should be resting Harry, you look exhausted, and neither of you should be disturbing Troy…"
"It's alright Minerva, I feel fine," Troy assured her, finally able to sit up. "But there's something I have to do, I have to go-"

"Go?" McGonagall interrupted, her expression suggesting how ludicrous that idea was. "No, Troy you need to rest."

"I'm fine, I swear," Troy said earnestly. "Minerva please don't argue with me, this is very important."

"What is so important that it cannot wait a day or so?" McGonagall asked in a very no nonsense tone. "And I highly doubt you're doing as well as you say…you were horribly ill when you arrived…shivering and burning up…then clawing at your face and neck…"

"It's passed now though," Troy said quickly.

"We can't be sure of that," McGonagall said evenly. "We don't even know what was done to you. Until Madam Pomfrey can determine…"

"I know what was done," Troy said quickly. "A memory charm."

McGonagall's brow furrowed in puzzlement as she stared at Troy.

"Memory charms don't work that way, Mr. Ryan…"

"No, I realize that," Troy said quietly. "But on me they do."

"And why is that?"

Troy looked back at McGonagall, their eyes locked, as Harry and Draco looked on anxiously. Finally, the young redhead sighed, and began speaking quietly.

"I have to tell you something Minerva, I haven't been entirely truthful with you…"

Draco spit out a stifled laugh then, but quickly went silent as Minerva's icy gaze fell upon him, before she turned back to Troy.

"I'll try to explain this as quickly as possible," he continued, "and please understand that after I've finished, I need to go…"

"Troy…whatever it is…whatever's wrong…I can help you," McGonagall began, uncertainly.

"No, you can't," Troy said evenly. "I don't want your help, I just need you to hear me out."

"When you found me in London two years ago…I told you I'd ran away…that I was living on the streets, but that wasn't how it was," Troy said quietly, rushing on as if he needed to get it out. "I was a Shadow Walker."

If this news was shocking to McGonagall in any way, Harry couldn't tell. Her face remained stiff and intent, her eyes locked with Troy's, waiting for him to continue. He went on to tell her what he'd already explained to Harry and Draco.

When he finished, McGonagall looked at him for a long, heavy moment, before speaking evenly.

"And now? Are you still working for them in some way?"

Troy's eyes flickered briefly towards Harry, before he replied.

"Not in the way you think," he said quickly. "I only just found out they're after Harry…and I know they're wrong as well…if I'd known sooner…"

"How are you working for them, Mr. Ryan?" Minerva interrupted curtly; she was obviously less than pleased.

"Less than a day after you came to me," he began, "to ask if I would take the position here, Pollux found me. He came to my house and told me they needed my help, that the Orb had been stolen. I told him I couldn't come back, that I had a life here…and that I was just starting a new job, but I promised I would do what I could."

"How could you do anything while you were at the school though?" Harry couldn't stop himself from asking.

"I wasn't sure that I could," Troy replied quickly. "I don't have the same powers anymore…I can't sense things like a normal Shadow Walker, they gave me the name Jared Graham, but that was all I had to go on. But because I've been within the Orb, bathed in its essence, I will always know when it is being used…and when it is near."

"That's why you went to the apartment in Hogsmeade two nights ago, isn't it?" Draco asked snidely. "Took you long enough for it being such a short distance…"

"It wasn't always there," Troy shot back curtly. "The first time I sensed it, I couldn't place where it was, but it was definitely close. The second time I was shocked, however, because it was in the school…on Halloween, actually, but it was gone before I could trace it. Later that same night, I felt it again, but outside the school, and only for several seconds, not long enough for me to track it. After that it stopped, I couldn't feel it anywhere, though I kept searching the school to be sure. Then, the night before the holiday break, I sensed it again, much stronger this time, and definitely in the school. I started searching, everywhere, including the house dorms…"

"That's why you were in the Gryffindor tower that night!" Harry interrupted suddenly.

"Yes," Troy nodded. "I couldn't tell you that at the time though, and it's the only reason I attacked you…I didn't know who you were at first, of if you were the one with the Orb. But by that point I could no longer sense it in the school anymore…and a short while later I felt it again…someone used it, but it was too far away for me to know where it was, and I don't know what it was used for…"

"The night before the holidays," Harry began, trying to remember correctly. "Hermione's professor was murdered that night…the mark of the cult was on his wrist…"

"Someone used it on him then," Troy said, leaning forward. "It killed him."

"How would they do that though?" Harry asked quickly. "Marzia told me you can't use the Orb if you aren't part of the cult…"

"That's true," Troy nodded. "Only those who are or once were Shadow Walkers can use it."

"So, was Adrik ever…?" Harry began.

"Not that I'm aware of," Troy replied, shaking his head. "Oren either. It must be this Jared person…Jared Graham, that's turned traitor…it's the only way they could be using it."

"It can't be though," Harry said quietly. "He's been dead over fifty years…"

Troy looked at him for a moment, his eyes narrowed in thought, before finally he shrugged. "Then either it's someone else…or he isn't actually dead."

Harry stared back at Troy, shaking his head faintly. Jared had to be dead…Dumbledore killed him, didn't he?

"It must be someone else," Harry said at last.

"Possibly," Troy shrugged as if he didn't believe that. "All I know is that's the name Pollux gave me, and that's who he thought you were…pretty strange coincidence, don't you think?"

"If he were alive, we would know, wouldn't we?" Harry asked, almost hopefully. "Fifty-four years is a very long time for someone like that to remain hidden." The others simply looked at him, and Minerva remained stonily silent.

"Whoever it is," Troy said quickly, "they used the Orb again on New Year's Eve. I was already near the ministry building for the celebration that night with a friend of mine-"

"You have friends?" Draco interrupted sardonically.

"-so I realized where it came from right away," Troy finished stiffly, ignoring Malfoy.

"Why were you at there that night anyway?" Draco asked. "Don't you think you should've been out looking for the Orb…?"

"I was," Troy snapped. "I'm constantly doing just that…and seeing as how there were going to be so many people there, I figured it might work out to my advantage if someone were planning on using it. You see, it's easier to get away with something when there's more people around, everyone sees something different, stories don't match, no one knows who did what…it's mass confusion."

"But instead someone used it inside the ministry," Draco said, smirking. "So close, yet so far…"

"That was unexpected, yes," Troy nodded. "And of course, getting inside that building became virtually impossible…so I was forced to wait again."

"Why couldn't you just contact one of the other Shadow Walkers?" Draco asked, skeptically. "They could've gotten inside without a problem, right?"

"Because I don't have any immediate method of doing so," Troy replied crisply. "Or I would have. The only way I can speak with them now, however, is if they come and find me, or I travel back to the village."

"Why didn't you?" Draco persisted.

"Because I didn't want to go and then come back to find the Orb gone."

"Aren't they able to sense it as well?" Draco asked. "Why are you the only one looking for it?"

"That's why Pollux came to me in the first place," Troy replied. "As I'm no longer a Shadow Walker, I can actually sense it easier than any of them. Once the crystal is removed from the temple, it becomes sketchy to them, unclear…they can't see the way we can, and when the Orb is pulled out of its resting place, it blends in with whatever they're looking at…as if it isn't even there. Everything else about their senses remains as it was, however, so they decided to search for the Orb by searching for Jared, and since I can't sense Jared, I would search for the Orb."

"So you kept feeling it then, in all these places, and you never once went to tell them about it?" Malfoy asked, skeptically.

"No, I already told you," Troy began, impatiently, "I didn't want to chance that it would be gone. I kept sensing the Orb but I could never pin it down long enough to be positive of a location. If I went to get the others, and it was gone, it would be for nothing. However, near the end of the winter holidays, I finally found it. I was so close to the Orb I could feel it in my skin. I was in Hogsmeade when it happened, and I immediately followed the scent to a man in a dark cloak…he had his face hidden, but I got a good look at the woman he was with. I started to follow them, but it was too crowded, and I lost site of them near a busy street corner, when I reached it only seconds later, they were nowhere to be found."

"That was months ago," Draco pointed out quickly. "Did you decide you needed a break?"

"It took me a long time to find them again," Troy replied, witheringly. "It would have been sooner, but I couldn't leave…" he trailed off, looking to Minerva.

"You wouldn't give me a reason," McGonagall replied curtly.

"I know," Troy conceded. "I couldn't at that time…if I'd known you already knew about the cult, it would have been different…"

"So how did you finally find them again?" Harry asked.

"Luck, I suppose," Troy replied. "I went back to Hogsmeade every chance I had, as it was the only place I'd ever seen them, hoping they might show up somewhere. But after a month of nothing, I gave up, figuring they must not come through the town often, and I didn't go back for a while. Then, just this past weekend, I decided to stop at the tavern and have a drink. When I was leaving, I saw the woman…with the same dark clothes and long black hair, right there in front of me…but I didn't sense the Orb. She was heading out of the main square, however, and towards the housing area…so I did the only thing I could, and followed her several streets in, to an apartment, just like any other, and that's where it happened again. The Orb was there; I felt it. I didn't think it would be the best idea to try to get in right then, having no idea who was inside, so instead I looked over the building, taking in everything I could…any visible entrances or exits…before heading back to the school. The next night I went back…I wanted to try getting in by a side entrance, which looked like it would lead into the basement…what I didn't realize, is that someone was following me…" he trailed off, looking at Harry.

"If I had known what you were actually doing…" Harry began, quietly.

"Is there anything else?" Minerva asked curtly, her eyes boring into Troy's. "Anything more you haven't told me?"

"No, that's everything," Troy replied quietly.

"And what is it that you need to do now?"

"I have to get back to the shadow village," Troy began quickly. "As soon as possible. Adrik tried to erase my memory so I wouldn't remember anything about the Orb, but I know he has it, and even if he leaves his current location, I can at least make sure the cult is after the right person."

"How fast can you get there?" Minerva asked.

"It's tricky," Troy replied, his face screwed up in thought. "I can't just apparate there, not until I reach a gate…and I'm positive Adrik and the others will have the closest route under watch. I think it might be quicker to skip that way, and use one of the lesser known entrances, in the hills…though it will take a few days…"

"We will make sure you have enough food then," Minerva said briskly. "And something warm for sleeping, as the nights are still quite cold. Is there anything else you'll need?"

"No," Troy shook his head slowly. "Not unless someone wants to lend me their wand…"

Minerva was silent for a brief second, before nodding curtly.

"I'll see what can be done. When are you leaving?"

"The sooner the better."

Minerva stood up quickly, looking at once to Harry and Draco.

"I think it's time you head downstairs, Mr. Potter. Mr. Malfoy, please see that he gets there."

Harry and Draco exchanged brief glances, but were compelled not to argue after hearing the severe tone in McGonagall's voice. They stood quietly, and started for the door, feeling Minerva watching them all the way, until they were out of the room, and on their way down the silent corridor.

"You were gone nearly two hours!" Hermione cried when Harry and Draco finally came back into sight, nearing the bed.

"We saw McGonagall go up, thought for sure she'd be sending you down right away," Ron added.

"I thought she might do that as well," Harry nodded as he reached the bed and slid up on it. "I think she was too shocked by Troy's news…"

"What news?" Mel asked. "What did he tell you?"

Before Harry could answer, they heard the sound of nearing footsteps, and looked up as Madam Pomfrey came into view holding a large glass.

"Professor Snape just dropped this off and asked me to give it to you, Harry," she said gently, handing it to him. Harry took one glance and recognized it as the potion he needed for the full moon.

"Where is he?" Harry asked immediately.

"He said he was busy, I believe he went back to his office," Madam Pomfrey replied.

Harry could feel a dull anger in his gut, but forced a small smile to his face, thanking the nursemaid, and watching as she quickly walked away.

"He's avoiding me," Harry said darkly, after she was gone.

"This surprises you?" Draco asked sardonically. "Think of who we're talking about…"

"I know," Harry said. "I just can't believe he's acting this way over something so important, it doesn't make any sense."

"He's a coward," Ron said quickly. "Most all of them are…"

"Them?" Draco interrupted, his eyes flashing with anger. "Who exactly are you referring to?"

"With the exception of Mel," Ron began evenly, "I mean most Slytherins."

"You're so ignorant it makes me sick, Weasley."

"And you have no idea how ridiculous that sounds coming from you, Malfoy," Ron laughed, ignoring the warning look from Hermione, telling him to stop talking. "What have you ever done that wasn't, in the long run, just to save your own skin?"

"First of all, there's nothing wrong with trying to stay alive," Draco spat, heatedly. "And second, there's a big difference between cowardice and acting in your own self interest. If it meant my life and I had no other choice, I'd do what I had to…"

"I'll believe that when I see it," Ron shot back, rolling his eyes.

"This isn't the time for this!" Hermione spoke up loudly then, causing both of them to stop and look at her. "Now if both of you don't mind, there's too much we still need to figure out without you two at each others' throats."

"Sorry," Ron muttered, not sounding it. Draco simply looked away.

"Alright," Mel said then, her eyes shifting to Harry who was still looking darkly at the potion in his hands. "Can you tell us what happened with Troy?"

"Draco can tell you," Harry replied quietly, gesturing towards the window with a nod. "There's not enough time for me to…and I would rather you all not be around…when I change."

"Is something wrong?" Mel asked at once, her concerned gaze searching his face. "Something we don't know about…I mean."

"Mel, everything's fine," Harry lied, smiling faintly. "I'm just really tired all of a sudden…"

Looking worried and confused, but respecting his wishes, Ron, Hermione and Mel reluctantly said their good nights, before quietly following Draco across the hospital wing. Harry sighed inaudibly, glancing again at the glass in his hands, before raising it quickly and downing it in seconds. He placed the cup onto the bedside table, laid back against the soft pillows, and closed his eyes.

He was actually glad to not be the one explaining things this time, and wondered if McGonagall would let Troy go…though, in his opinion, it had sounded like she was going to.

All Harry could do was hope the Shadow Walkers would listen to Troy, and would believe him. He didn't have the crystals to protect himself at the moment, and Snape seemed to think this was just fine…which angered Harry to no end. He was going to speak with the potions master one way or the other, and find out exactly what was going on.

At least, for the time being, he knew he was safest in Hogwarts. The way Oren had made it sound, they didn't want the cult anywhere near the school. Harry had no idea why this was, though he couldn't help but feel glad…as long as he stayed in the school, he would be fine.

The minutes ticked by, and all Harry could do was wait…wait for the sun to set. He heard Madam Pomfrey passing by on her way upstairs and back down again twice now, only recognizing it was her by the sound of her quiet mumbling. She sounded less than pleased.

Several minutes later, he heard two sets of footsteps. One set kept going in the direction that would take them out of the hospital wing, and the other came closer and closer to his bed. Harry watched curiously as the curtains surrounding him were gently pulled back, and Troy's face peered around the edge.

"Oh good, you're awake," he said quietly.

"What's going on?" Harry asked at once, sitting up quickly as the first flash of pain shot through his gut, but he masked his reaction and looked questioningly up at Troy.

"I'm going," the transfiguration professor stated flatly. "Minerva gave me everything I needed," he said, holding up a small backpack. If everything he needed fit in there, it was obviously charmed.

"Oh," Harry said quickly, wondering why Troy was telling him this. They weren't exactly on the friendliest of terms, last he knew. "Good luck," he said anyway, but truly meaning it.

"Thanks," Troy said, before rushing on. "There's just one thing…Minerva made me promise to ask you first…" he trailed off, sliding his hand into the pocket of his jeans and pulling out two wands. "These are the best she had," Troy explained, a skeptical look on his face. When students' wands are faulty, they're usually destroyed after they're replaced…but sometimes the broken wands are left behind when everyone goes home for the holidays. The school isn't allowed to destroy them, they have to be claimed…and most of the time they aren't…"

"So basically our replacement wands aren't up to par, is that it?" Harry asked, stifling another wince as his stomach twisted. "What's your question then?"

"Well…" Troy began slowly, almost as if he didn't want to. "This wand might cause problems," he said, holding up a battered looking piece of wood with a very tiny hole near the tip. "But this one looks like it's in near perfect condition…" he said, holding up the other. Harry looked at it closely, recognizing it immediately.

"That's Remus' wand!" he said, a smile crossing his face despite the feeling in his gut. "I didn't know she kept it…"

"I knew it," Troy muttered, looking disgusted and tossing the better wand down on the bed. He turned then, and started quickly across the hospital wing.

"Troy…wait!" Harry called after him, sucking in his breath immediately after as his stomach lurched. He glanced at the window, beginning to sweat, there was barely any time left.

"What?" Troy asked impatiently, stepping back up alongside the bed, one eyebrow arching as he noticed how sick Harry suddenly looked. "Are you-"

"Take it," Harry interrupted, quietly. "You need it more than I do…take it." He reached out, grasping Remus' wand tightly in his hand, before thrusting it forward, towards Troy.

"Are you sure?" Troy asked, uncertainly.

"Go, alright?" Harry said, knowing he sounded rude, but wanting Troy to leave immediately. "Just make sure you come back…"

Troy took the wand then, and placed the older one on the table beside the bed, before looking back to Harry. He nodded silently, turned, and without so much as another word, started across the hospital wing, towards the exit.

Harry didn't watch him go, however, the transformation had begun. He wondered, distantly, if Sirius would return tonight…but didn't think on it long, as all thoughts were soon wiped from his mind, and all he could do was wait for the change to finish.

Harry slowly fell asleep, but it wasn't restful. There were too many things that worried him at the present time…and too many things he still didn't have answers for. He woke several times throughout the night, but so tired he could do no more than blink sleepily before drifting back off.

At one point, with more than two hours to go before the sunrise, Harry stirred once more, realizing his right leg was numb, and reluctantly shifting his position. He opened his eyes slightly, only to do a double take at the sight he took in.

Raising his head up from the sheets, Harry could see the blurry outline of what could only be a ghost…and from the shape of this one…he was sure it must be the Bloody Baron.

Harry gradually began to push himself up, staring fixedly up at the ghost, who was hovering very near the bed, his silver eyes darting this way and that, but as soon as the baron saw he was being watched, he vanished.

Harry blinked tiredly; too weak to even try to move from the bed, but feeling a knot in his stomach from what he'd just seen. He glanced around wearily, and was somewhat comforted upon seeing Padfoot was once again at the foot of his bed.

Resting his head against the sheets once more, Harry closed his eyes, knowing there was nothing he could do about the baron right now, and slowly drifted off to sleep.

It seemed like mere seconds had passed, before Harry felt himself being shaken awake. His eyes squinted open, the bright light shining from the window causing him to turn away, as he recognized Sirius' voice.

"I saw your eyes open, you're awake," his godfather kidded gently.

"You know it's not nice to deprive a sick person of their sleep," Harry muttered, hiding the small grin spreading across his lips.

"Oh, still sick?" Sirius asked, sounding mockingly concerned. "I'll just go tell Madam Pomfrey you're not well enough to leave then…"

"No, no, no…that's quite unnecessary," Harry spoke up then reaching out and grasping Sirius' arm before the older wizard could walk away. "I'm fine…I just didn't sleep very well."

"Nightmares?" Sirius asked, with sincere concern this time.

"I'm not sure," Harry replied. He could remember seeing the Bloody Baron at some point during the night…but now wasn't entirely sure it had been real… "I'm sure I'll be fine though," he finally said, grinning lightly.

"Good, because I have news," Sirius said quickly, a smile spreading over his face. "So as soon as you're dressed and ready, we can head upstairs…"

"What news?" Harry asked eagerly. If whatever it was made Sirius happy, he was excited to hear it.

"I'll tell you all at once," Sirius replied hastily. "Now wait here while I get Madam Pomfrey. She'll want to see you again before you leave…and then we can head up to Minerva's office. Everyone's meeting us there for lunch."

The final visit with Madam Pomfrey seemed to take ages for Harry, and when she finally gave the word that Harry could leave, he was out of the bed like a shot. Sirius had brought him a fresh set of clothes to change in to, and soon the two were on their way through the corridors of Hogwarts.

Harry's mind was racing with possibilities as to what the news could be, and opened his mouth to see if he could pry any more information from his godfather, but Sirius spoke first.

"Minerva told me about Troy," he said seriously. "And about what he's doing now."

Harry nodded faintly.

"Looks like we were wrong about him…" he said quietly.

"Yeah, looks that way," Sirius replied. Harry sighed inaudibly. His godfather sounded quite unconvinced.

"He was telling the truth Sirius…even Minerva believes him."

"I know she does," Sirius stated noncommittally, before taking a deep breath and going on. "I want you to show me where the apartment is…the one you followed Troy to."

"Alright," Harry nodded slowly. "I can take you there right after-"

"No, I meant on a map," Sirius interrupted gently. "I want you to point it out to me…we can use a magnifying charm on one of Minerva's so I get an exact location. I want to find the crystals."

"Don't you think it'd be better not to go alone?" Harry asked.

"I won't go alone," Sirius replied quickly. "But you're staying here. From the little information we've been able to gather, we know Adrik and Oren do not want the Shadow Walkers at the school, and even if Troy tells them you're here, it's supposedly going to be a few days at least before he reaches them. So for now, this is where you're the safest. I don't want you leaving this castle for anything."

"Sirius," Harry began quickly, feeling somewhat insulted. "You can't just-"

"Harry I won't argue about this," Sirius cut him off, taking an authoritative tone. He stopped dead in his tracks, turning to face his godson, and a sudden wave of grief washed quickly over his features. Harry remained silent, at a loss for words as his eyes locked with his godfather's, and Sirius began to speak. "I nearly lost you forever…just two days ago," he said quickly, trying to mask the shaking of his voice. "You were nearly killed. I can't let that happen, Harry…I won't."

"Sirius, I know what I did wasn't…the best choice…" Harry said hurriedly, "but I'm not entirely helpless."

"You don't have the crystals…and you don't have a wand," Sirius stated evenly.

"I do have a wand," Harry replied quickly, fishing in his pocket for the replacement and drawing it out. Sirius looked at it skeptically.

"Harry, that thing looks ready to bust…I doubt it could even withstand casting a first level charm."

"Let's find out," Harry shrugged indifferently. "Lumos."

At once, a beam of light shot from the tip of the battered wand, though noticeably fizzling in the area of the hole.

"Great," Sirius replied flatly, turning and beginning to walk again. "So provided we're in a dark room and surrounded by death eaters, you have the slim chance of momentarily blinding them with a blast of not entirely bright light."

"Sirius, that's not fair," Harry said stiffly, extinguishing the light as he caught up with his godfather.

"No, maybe it isn't," Sirius conceded. "But that doesn't change the situation. I'm not asking you to stay inside for the rest of your life, just for a few days…until we have a better grip on the situation, alright?"

Harry didn't like it, and wanted nothing more than to refuse, but found himself nodding faintly.

"Alright," he replied quietly. He didn't want to stay angry with his godfather, and as always, he knew Sirius was only acting this way to keep him safe. Besides, he had no immediate reason to leave the school at the moment.

Harry pushed the thoughts from his head, however, as they finally reached the statue of the gargoyle. Sirius gave the password, and the two started silently up the stairs.