Harry Potter and Dumbledore's Secret

by chadsgirl824

YEAR SEVEN Harry's 7th year at Hogwart's, and the hardest he's yet to face. New enemies and tough challenges await him, as well as the discovery of incredible new powers. Written PRIOR to OoTP

22. Chapter 22

Harry stepped through the portrait hole quickly, into the bustling common room. Everyone seemed to have stayed in today, and as he glanced at the windows Harry noticed for the first time that day that it was raining out. Some people were taking advantage of the time to get homework done that had been assigned over the break, and Harry remembered he still had so much of it to work on, as he hadn't begun yet. Ron, Hermione and Ginny were back in the corner as usual, and he started towards them right away, waving and smiling at a few people that said hi to him along the way.

"Harry!" Ginny cried spotting him first as he neared the circle of chairs. Ron and Hermione spun in their seats as they heard her.

"Are you alright?" Hermione asked immediately.

"We went looking for you…when you didn't return…" Ron began.

"Remus sent us back…said you were with Dumbledore…" Hermione filled in.

"We talked to Sirius too…" Ginny said.

"You stayed in the office rooms again?" Ron asked.

"What about Lucius?

"…and the Changs?

"Where is Draco?"

"Guys!" Harry said loudly, cutting them off. "Calm down…I'll tell you what happened.

"Well we know about you running into Lucius," Hermione explained. "Remus told us that much. We went to look for you and a few students near the great hall told us you and Draco had gone by a few moments earlier carrying someone…towards the headmaster's office. But just as we reached the gargoyle Remus came out. He told us what he knew, but not to go up right then, because Dumbledore needed to speak with you, and that the Changs had arrived."

"We also talked to Sirius," Ron continued. "We ran into him after dinner and he told us something had happened with the Changs…but he looked very upset…he wasn't paying much attention to our questions, and wouldn't tell us anything else. When we went to see Dumbledore he told us both you and Draco would be staying there, and we'd see you in the morning."

"Well then you know most of what happened," Harry said, feeling a bit relieved at not having to explain everything. "C'mon," he went on, motioning for them to get up. "I barely ate anything at all yesterday and I'm starved. I'll tell you the rest downstairs."

"I really don't trust those Inquisitors," Hermione spoke softly, a calculating expression on her face. Harry had filled them in on everything they didn't already know from the events of the previous day, and was now eating ravenously from the plate in front of him. The four friends sat together at the far end of the Gryffindor table in the great hall.

"Me either," Ron added firmly. "They don't seem to be doing what they came here to do."

"Well they give me the creeps," Ginny began tentatively, "but they've only just arrived. And if Lucius really was introduced to them then the Inquisitors wouldn't have any reason to send someone after him, right? So we just have to hope he was the only death eater that happened with."

"Well we can't just leave it at that…we have to be sure," Ron said

"Unless Saaneeraa takes it upon herself to step forward and admit to everything, I don't see there being much chance of us knowing for sure…" Ginny said dismally.

"Maybe the Inquisitors could tell us…" Ron suggested.

"If they could talk," Harry spoke up, between forkfuls of mashed potatoes.

"Well how do they tell someone when there's an intruder then?" Hermione asked. "They must be able to communicate somehow!"

"They lead the person to the intruder," Harry replied, "That's what Dumbledore said, at least."

"Well, then Marzia really was lying to you that night," Hermione said. "Because from what you told us, she showed up in the observatory by herself. If she'd really been notified by and Inquisitor of an intruder, shouldn't they have been there too?"

"You're right," Harry said, thoughtfully. "She was there alone, and when Mel and I left, we didn't pass any Inquisitors."

"Are you sure Dumbledore told you everything?" Ginny asked. "Because if there's another way they can communicate…"

"I'm never sure of that anymore," Harry replied, shaking his head and lowering his eyes. "But the way he said it made me think that was it. The only way they could warn someone was to show them where the threat was."

"Then we need to find out more about them…" Hermione said, her brow furrowed in deep thought.

"Well we could always ask Dumbledore," Ron began, "or Cole…or Gazten even…"

"Yes but they're still only going to tell us just what they want us to know…" Hermione said. "And I can't remember ever reading anything on the Inquisitors…"

"Then that right there is a sure sign there's nothing written on them," Ron joked, grinning at his girlfriend. Hermione narrowed her eyes, a sardonic expression on her face.

"Yeah, Ron has a point," Harry joined in, smirking across the table at his friend.

"Why do I put up with you two?" Hermione asked, lifting her gaze to the ceiling and shaking her head disapprovingly, but she couldn't keep the small grin on her face hidden.

"Because you love us," Ron answered, grinning a bit too widely at her.

"And," Harry continued, his expression matching Ron's, "because you have no other choice, it'd be even worse if you tried to ignore us."

"That I believe," Hermione said, rolling her eyes, but she was smiling with them just the same.

"Okay, seriously though," Harry went on, "do you think we might find something on the Inquisitors? I kinda feel the ministry might not have wanted anything printed on them either…just like the Zlam."

"I don't know," Hermione replied. "The Zlam are feared by the ministry, and they keep their information on them very guarded. But it sounds like more people know about Faerun, and how it was blocked off all those years ago. I mean it's still something of a secret, as they don't teach about it, or at least they haven't yet. But I feel it might be easier to find information about them…" she trailed off, pausing for a moment, "though I'm sure, it'd be in the restricted section if it's in our library at all."

"Well," Harry said. "We might be able to get in there a bit easier this time."

"How?" Ginny asked, her puzzled expression matching Ron and Hermione's.

"Sirius doesn't seem to like Cole, Allison or the Inquisitors," Harry began. "And even though he doesn't have the authority to give us a pass, since he isn't a professor, he could probably talk Remus into giving us one. If we tell him we're trying to find out as much as we can about the Inquisitors, I bet he'd go to Remus straight away, he wants to know just as much as we do."

"Well, let's go then!" Hermione said, standing up.

"Right now?" Ron asked.

"Yes right now," Hermione said insistently. "The sooner we know about these Inquisitors the better."

"Hermione's right, Ron," Harry said, standing up as well. "I really don't want to wait any longer than we have to. And we don't even know how long it'll take us to find the information, if we're allowed in at all."

"I should've known we'd be spending time in the library before this break was over." Ron said glumly. "We can never seem to go through any holiday without it."

"Oh stop complaining," Hermione said lightly as the four of them made their way towards the doors. "Just think of all that homework you've been putting off this whole time. Going to the library is the only way you'll get any of it done, as you always seem to let yourself get distracted in the common room."

"It's winter break Hermione!" Ron said exasperatedly. "You're not supposed to spend it doing homework!"

"I didn't spend it doing homework," she grinned, smugly. "Mine is all finished. We do have N.E.W.T.'S this year, remember? You really should start…"

"Yes, yes, I know," Ron cut her off, laughing a bit. "You don't have to remind me any more than you already have. I heard you the first eight hundred times."

"I didn't say it eight hundred times," Hermione muttered indignantly as they walked through the halls. Ron chuckled at her expression before reaching over and slipping an arm around her waist, pulling her close to him and kissing her forehead gently, as he always did. Harry watched his friends, feeling a pang of sadness run through him, but shook it off quickly. He walked a few paces ahead of them, next to Ginny, in search of Sirius.

"Do you think he'd be in Dumbledore's office?" Ginny asked quietly as they moved through the empty corridors.

"I don't know," Harry replied with a shrug. "That's where he was last time I saw him, but that was a few hours ago. He could be anywhere now."

"Should we try the office at least?" Ginny asked.

"Probably not," Harry answered, thoughtfully. "I mean, we're only doing this to get into the restricted section of the library. Saying that in front of Dumbledore will most likely end any chance of it happening."

"So where should we look then?" Ron spoke up from behind them.

"Let's check Remus' office first," Harry answered. "Even if we don't find Sirius maybe Remus will know where he is."

"Well, it's as good a place as any to start," Hermione said. The four of them continued through the halls talking quietly, until they reached Professor Lupin's office. The door was closed but Harry could see a light shining underneath the crack, and muffled voices could be heard, but they didn't sound pleasant.

Harry turned to his friends, and saw they heard it too.

"Should I knock?" he whispered.

"Let's just come back," Hermione said.

"Who is that other voice?" Ron asked, leaning closer.

"We can ask Remus later!" Hermione whispered loudly, tugging on Ron's arm. "C'mon let's just go."

"Yes, please," Ginny agreed, nodding.

"What if he's in trouble?" Harry asked, his eyes widening as the thought suddenly occurred to him. Without another moment's hesitation, he raised his hand and rapped on the door loudly, before grasping the handle and pushing it open forcefully.

Remus and Cole were standing in the center of the room, both seeming a bit more than angry, but their attention was now directed at the entrance, where Harry and his friends stood, staring in at the scene.

Clearing his throat softly, Remus took a step back from Cole, who he had been standing quite close to, before speaking.

"Hello Harry," he nodded, "Ron, Hermione, Ginny, is there something you needed? Cole and I were just finishing…"

"This discussion is not finished," Cole said pointedly, bringing Remus' glare back upon him.

"We're sorry, very sorry," Hermione said quickly. "We can come back if…"

"No, you can stay," Remus interrupted loudly, while keeping his eyes locked with Cole's. "Please, come in. Cole was just leaving."

"This is very important Remus," Cole said fiercely. "You must consider…"

"There is nothing to consider," Remus said, cutting him off curtly. "My answer is no, end of discussion," his expression grew darker as Cole opened his mouth to speak again. "I will not be changing my mind," he said slowly, annunciating each syllable. "Now if you'll excuse me, it appears there are some students that need my assistance."

Cole stared intently at Remus, his eyes flashing with anger, but he did not reply. Nodding stiffly, he turned and moved towards the door, stopping just in front of Harry.

"We are going to start your training differently than I had originally planned," Cole began briskly. "I will speak with you about it first thing tomorrow morning…early."

Harry didn't have any chance to reply, before Cole strode past him and his friends, and stalked off down the dark hall.

"What was that all about?" Harry asked, turning back to Remus when Cole was out of sight.

"Nothing you need to worry about," Remus answered in a tone that clearly stated he was not going to discuss it. "Please, come inside, have a seat. Was there something you needed to talk about?"

"Actually," Harry began as the four friends filed into the office, "we were looking for Sirius. I wasn't sure if you might know where he is…"

"He could be anywhere in the school right now Harry," Remus laughed. "Did you check the map?"

Harry had to clamp his teeth to stop his jaw from dropping. How could he not have thought of that? Glancing at his friends, he saw they all looked equally shocked.

"No…" he replied sheepishly. "I didn't even think to look…"

"Hey," Remus said, seeing Harry begin to blush, "It's perfectly alright, you can still check it when you go back upstairs," he smiled, before turning and crossing the room to his desk. Filing quickly through some loose paperwork, he glanced up at the students again. "Is there something maybe I can help you with?"

Harry exchanged brief glances with his friends, who all nodded, before replying.

"We were actually going to find Sirius so he might speak with you…we wanted to see if you would give us a pass to the restricted section in the library."

"What for?" Remus asked pleasantly, "And why would you need Sirius to ask me for you?" He laughed.

"We wanted to see what we could find on the Inquisitors," Hermione replied, stepping forward.

"Since Sirius doesn't like them…" Harry started, trailing off.

"You thought he might…convince me?" Remus finished, not really asking, a knowing expression on his face.

"Yes," Harry grinned, trying to shrug it off. "It's only because…"

"Yes," Remus said, pulling open the top draw of his desk and pulling out a thick pad.

"What?" Harry asked.

"You can have a pass, all of you," Remus answered. "And any chance I get I'll be doing the exact same thing. I want to know more about our mysterious visitors, and what we're not being told."

The four Gryffindors exchanged excited glances.

"Here," Remus said, handing each of them a slip of paper. "Show that to Madam Pince, she'll let you get whatever you need out of the restricted section with those. Just make sure to take extra care with anything you get from there."

"We will," Hermione promised.

"Thank you Remus," Harry said, taking the slip and putting it in his pocket.

Remus smiled faintly.

"Don't mention it, just make sure you make use of those passes. And Harry," he went on, his expression growing serious. "If Cole says or does anything strange, I don't care how small you think it is, I want you to tell me, got it? Anything at all. Promise me."

Harry met Remus' gaze fixedly, seeing the sincerity in his eyes.

"I promise," he answered, nodding.

"Good," Remus replied, the smile returning to his face. He raised his hand, patting Harry on the back as the students turned to leave, all of them thanking him again. They stepped out into the hallway, closing the door behind them, and began walking through the corridors, all the while talking avidly about what they had just seen.

"What do you suppose they were fighting about?" Ron asked as the four friends made their way towards the library.

"I don't know," Harry said, shaking his head slowly. "But it sounded like Cole wanted something…or needed something, from Remus."

"What though?" Ginny asked.

"What does Remus have that Cole might need?" Hermione spoke up as well.

"Or maybe it's not something he owns, but something he has access to," Harry said.

"It could be that Cole wanted Remus to do something," Ron suggested. "Though what, I don't know…"

"Maybe, but why just him?" Hermione asked. "Is Remus the only person Cole has asked this to…whatever it was he wanted…or are there others? Maybe he's talking to all the Professors…"

"I don't know," Harry said, not sounding as if he believed that. "From what it looked like, Cole wanted something from Remus, whether it requires him to actually take part in something or just lend him something I don't know…but I got the impression Remus was the only one who could help him. If any professor could do it, why would be look so angry when Remus said no?"

"Well maybe he needs all of them for it to work," Ron said.

"I think we need to find out what 'it' is," Ginny spoke up. "Then we can figure out who he'd need and why they might not want to do it."

"Well Remus isn't going to be sharing that information with us," Hermione said. "He cut us off from that discussion as soon as Cole left…"

"And we can't just go around asking all the instructors if Cole's talked to them," Ron added.

"Or it might get back to Remus…" Harry finished for him with a sigh. "Look, let's concentrate on finding information about the Inquisitors now," he went on quietly, as they neared the library entrance at last. The four of them pushed through the double doors into the utter silence beyond, and walked quietly up to the desk where Madam Pince was seated. She lifted her gaze as the four students stopped in front of her.

"Yes?" she asked in a low voice, looking at each of them in turn. "What can I do for you?"

"Professor Lupin gave us these," Hermione began, handing her pass over to the librarian. The other three did the same and Madam Pince's eyes widened as she examined them carefully. She turned each one over in her hands, inspecting every last inch of the paper, as if expecting to detect some flaw to prove they were forged. After several long, drawn-out minutes, she finally looked back up at the students before her.

"A special assignment from Professor Lupin, ey?" she asked suspiciously. "Anything in particular that you're looking for?"

"No," Harry spoke up immediately before any of his friends could reply. "No our research is very broad for this assignment," he went on calmly.

Madam Pince raised one eyebrow, fixing Harry with a skeptical look, but as nothing was wrong with the passes, she had no choice but to grant them admission. Standing slowly, she moved out from behind her desk, and led them towards the restricted section.

"Why didn't you tell her what we were looking for?" Ron asked in a hushed voice as the four students walked silently among the towering shelves of books. "It'll take us forever to find it this way…"

"Because Ron, we don't want this getting back to Dumbledore," Harry replied. He noticed Madam Pince glancing up at them from back at her desk every few seconds, knowing she suspected they were up to something, but not knowing what. "All Madam Pince knows is Remus gave us the passes to get in here. If anything, she'll ask him what's going on. But if I mentioned Faerun, she might go to Dumbledore, and he'll know what we're doing. If there is anything on the Inquisitors in here, you can bet he knows about it, and if he really doesn't want us finding it, it won't matter how many passes Remus gives us, we won't be able to find anything."

"Do you really think Dumbledore would hide anything from you, though?" Ginny asked, pulling a large dusty book from the shelf closest to her and brushing it off. "I mean, I know he has in the past…but what's happening now seems too important for him to do something like that."

"The thing is," Harry began, coming to a stop and turning to face her, his expression becoming dark and serious. "I don't know what to believe anymore. We already know Sirius was able to be controlled, then yesterday with the smoke, whoever did it was able to make it so no one saw it. Dumbledore, Remus and Cole were all standing right outside that office, but no one knew anything was wrong until I broke the window. If Saaneeraa is powerful enough to control Dumbledore…then yes I believe he might not be telling us everything."

"But when Sirius was being controlled," Hermione spoke quietly, "it was very obvious. He acted nothing like he normally would. I haven't noticed Dumbledore's behavior change much from what it normally is…except that he seems more worried now…" she trailed off.

"Look," Harry began, his tone a bit lighter. "I don't know anything for certain. I'm probably being paranoid; there may be no real reason to hide this from Dumbledore at all. The truth is, we asked Remus for passes and he gave them to us, so we're not breaking any rules. We may find nothing on the Inquisitors. But I want to be sure. Maybe there's something Dumbledore doesn't know…it's not as if he hasn't had to research things in the past…or maybe what he told me is all there is to it."

"I guess you're right," Ron said slowly. "Better not to tell for now…"

"But if we find anything…" Hermione began, intervening.

"We'll go straight to Dumbledore," Harry finished for her. Hermione nodded her agreement, as did the others. The four of them then split up, each taking a different section, in search of any information on Inquisitors.

The next morning, Harry felt himself being shaken awake roughly. He groaned miserably, trying to turn over on his side, but whoever was standing over him was quite persistent.

"Harry let's go!" the person whispered loudly. "I told you yesterday I'd be here early."

"Cole?" Harry asked in a raspy whisper, lifting his head from the pillow and squinting in an effort to see.

"Yes it's me," Cole replied quickly. "Now c'mon, you and I need to talk, so outta bed with you. Get dressed and meet me down in the common room."

Harry pushed himself up slowly into a sitting position as the sound of Cole's footsteps retreated across the room, and reached for his glasses, looking up just in time to see the door close gently. Yawning loudly, he reached up, stretching as hard as he could, before bringing his hands back down and trying to rub the sleep out of his eyes. Last night had come up empty. He and his friends had spent the remainder of the day searching through countless numbers of books, and only once did any of them even mention Faerun, but it turned out to be of no help, and the Inquisitors weren't talked about at all. He'd expected as much, however. The research they were doing was blind. They had no one to point them in the right direction, but they weren't going to give up.

Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Harry pushed himself forward and forced himself to stand. He wondered why he was so tired, as even with all the work in the library they'd still had to leave when Madam Pomfrey locked it for the night, and he had fallen asleep relatively soon afterwards. Looking towards the window, however, he got his answer. The sun hadn't risen yet, not even the haze just before it could be seen. Grabbing his watch from the bedside table, he found it was just shy of four in the morning. Shaking his head, wishing Cole had specified what he meant when he'd said early, he moved to his closet and grabbed a shirt and some pants. Changing quickly, he threw his wand in his pocket along with his watch, and left the dorm.

"I told you I'd be here early," Cole said, smiling knowingly as he saw Harry shuffle into the common room.

"I d-d-…didn't know you meant this early," Harry replied, trying to stifle a yawn.

"Well now you know," Cole laughed. "C'mon, let's go." He motioned for Harry to follow him and started towards the portrait hole.

"Where?" Harry asked. "I thought we were going to start with the crystals…"

"No, I said we were going to talk about how your training is going to start," Cole corrected him as they stepped through into the hallway. "We're going to meet up with Allison, and the three of us can talk."

"Oh," Harry replied, a bit confused. "Then why…"

"So early?" Cole finished for him, startling Harry a bit. "Because Allison and I still have much work to do, especially now that we're going to be changing things. And I still have to work a great deal more with Draco, he is far from finished with his own training."

"So, when will I be starting then?" Harry asked looking around, suddenly realizing the path they were taking would bring them into the dungeon area. "And where exactly are we going?" he added, trying not to sound nervous. It wasn't so much that he didn't trust Cole, but he didn't know him all that well.

"As Allison is acting potions master at this time," Cole explained, "she uses Professor Snape's office for the time being. She's waiting for us there right now. As for when you'll be starting, we will be discussing that, just be patient a bit longer."

Harry simply nodded; feeling a bit annoyed with himself over getting worried, and followed Cole silently through the long corridors.

When they reached Snape's office, Cole knocked lightly, and pushed the door open quickly. Harry followed him in and saw Allison sitting at the desk, looking over some papers. She glanced up as they entered and sat back.

"Running late, are we?" she asked Cole with a wry grin.

"Don't blame me," he replied raising an eyebrow. "Sleeping beauty here wouldn't get up," he laughed, jerking a thumb over his shoulder at Harry.

"Sorry," Harry apologized with a grin. "I didn't realize when Cole said early that he meant before the sun rises…my mistake…it won't happen again."

"Don't apologize Harry," Allison said with a wave of her hand, leaning slightly forward, she put a hand up to the side of her mouth and lowered her voice "Cole has a bad habit of being a bit vague at times…"

"I heard that. And it's Uncle Cole to you, thank you very much," Cole said stiffly, but he was grinning just the same. "Now, we didn't all get up before dawn to joke around, so let's get down to business. Harry," he said motioning towards an empty chair, "have a seat, won't you?"

Harry lowered himself into the chair, which was on the opposite side of the desk from Allison, as Cole took the one next to him.

"So here's what's going to happen," Cole began immediately. "We are still going to prepare a training session for you, in which you will use all the crystals at once. However, as you have had no experience thus far in using them, we decided it would be best to not thrust you in full force, but to let you become a bit more familiar with each stone beforehand."

"Okay," Harry replied, feeling slightly anxious, but waiting to hear more.

"When you called on the crystals the other day," Cole continued, his expression remaining even, "you found one whose voice matched your own, correct?"

"Yes," Harry nodded; still a bit embarrassed about that incident, but Cole didn't seem to be quite as upset about it any longer.

"Which one?" Cole asked.

"The courage crystal."

"I thought it might be," Cole replied. "It was the same one you did so well with during the introduction process, correct? The one you most closely related to."

Harry nodded, again.

"Then you can leave that one alone for now. We will start you with one of the others. Basically, what you're going to be doing, is calling on one crystal at a time, not all fourteen of them like the other morning, and becoming acquainted with each of them in turn. If it talks, it will most likely be to suggest you do something, to take some sort of action; do not always follow what it is advising you to do. It is essentially a second conscience for you, but a biased one. It has only one point of view, as you know, and all it is doing is giving you a thought you already have, but it that may go unnoticed if your other feelings are stronger. So for example, I'm going to use the liar crystal. If you are in a situation where someone, an instructor let's say, is asking you a question, one you don't want to answer, the liar crystal will discern that immediately. It will start feeding you suggestions, all of which are your own, as it is a part of you, but without the crystal you might normally pay little attention to these thoughts, as I know it is not your natural reaction to lie to the professors."

Harry felt a small rush of guilt, knowing that was not always the case as of late, but didn't say anything.

"Another example," Allison spoke up, "would be the fear crystal, in any situation it will most likely advise you to retreat, and while I know all too well how often you ignore that feeling when you get it, the fear crystal will try to make it harder to do so. In time, you will be able to hear what each crystal has to say, and use the advice, as you choose, to make your decisions. It was simply too overwhelming for you to do it all at once, which is what happened the other day."

"About that," Harry spoke up, towards Cole, not sure he really wanted to keep the subject going but too curious to let it go, "You said what I did was dangerous…and I believe you…but I don't see how. It was painful, yes, but as soon as you told Draco what to tell me, everything was fine. What would have happened if you didn't show up?"

"The crystals want to be used, Harry," Cole began seriously, "Moreover, they know you are not yet accustomed to utilizing their powers. If you take on too many of them at once, without being able to control them, they can use you. In a way you could call it, taking over your mind, and therefore, your body. You were fighting this from happening without realizing it, and that is what caused the pain you felt. When you are using the crystals the way we're going to start you on them, you will feel compelled to do exactly what they suggest. After what will hopefully be only a short period of time, you will be able to take their suggestions just as you would any regular thoughts that cross your mind, and brush aside the ones you don't want to use."

"I think I understand," Harry said, feeling confident he did, though also a bit startled at finding out what had actually almost happened to him. "Is that all they do though? Give suggestions?"

Cole smirked dryly at Harry.

"Trust me, that is far from the limit of their powers. But now you see why it is important we start you off like this, if they had been able to take you, not even Draco would've be able to reach you, you would have been lost to us forever, your body merely an instrument for them to control. A most unstoppable instrument."

Harry shuddered involuntarily, wondering briefly, seeing as how the crystals were, after all, magnified slivers of his own personality, if they would have gone after Voldemort. Shaking the thought from his head, he turned his attention back to Cole.

"When am I going to start?"

"I'm going to give it a few more days, at Dumbledore's request. Once classes have begun again, and you're back in the swing of things, we'll choose a date to begin. You can start with any crystal, except courage, you already have a strong enough bond with that one, it listens and obeys your commands."

"And then?" Harry asked. "When will the next part of training begin? What will I be doing?"

"That's all dependant on how long it takes you with this first exercise," Allison answered. "You have thirteen crystals to go through, and we want to make sure each of them is fully under your control before we go any further. As for what you will be doing in the second half of this training, we cannot say. You will see when the time comes."

Harry nodded, both anxious to begin his training, and glad he had a few days at least before doing so.

"So," Cole started, bringing Harry's attention back to him, "I believe that's it for now, we'll see after school starts up again exactly when we can start…"

"Actually," Harry cut in, tentatively. "There's something I'd like to ask you…if that's alright…"

"Sure," Cole said, nodding. "What's on your mind?"

"Ah…well, a few things…actually," Harry began. "I guess the first being…what happened yesterday…between you and Remus?"

"That, I'm afraid," Cole said apologetically, "is exactly why I can't answer you, it's between Professor Lupin and I."

Harry nodded, expecting as much.

"Okay…I guess my next question is about the other day…when I was in the office with the Changs. Do you know much about the black smoke? Marzia said it was Faerunian magic…"

"It is," Cole replied. I understand she's used it once, correct? Against some dementors in Hogsmeade…"

"Right," Harry replied. "She's the only person I've ever seen use it actually."

"Well that doesn't mean anything right now," Cole replied, brushing the comment aside with a wave of his hand. "What with the entities loose, as well as many other creatures of Faerun, even Allison and myself can use that particular spell. It is neither uncommon nor hard to learn."

"Do you think it was Marzia?" Harry asked, unable to help himself.

"I don't know," Cole answered evenly, shaking his head. "Though after hearing all you had to say the other night, I must admit I think it's a good idea to watch her closely."

Harry nodded, before continuing.

"Is the smoke…well…afraid, I guess…of wands?" he asked uncertainly.

"Afraid?" Cole repeated, his brow furrowing. "How do you mean?"

"Well, like I said the other night, I was stuck in the corner, surrounded by the smoke, and I found out right away that it was best not to touch it, but the part of the smoke near my wand seemed to keep its distance. It was the only way I was able to escape…" he trailed off, glancing from Cole to Allison, who were both looking at one another, their expressions unreadable.

"Yes," Cole answered curtly after a moment. "I guess you could say…the smoke is afraid of wands."

Harry didn't let the expression on his face change, and nodded at Cole's response, but every instinct he had told him Cole was lying. He didn't know why there would be any reason to keep the truth from him about this, but he was certain that's what Cole was doing.

"Mr. Potter?"

Harry blinked, glancing up; he had been lost in thought. Cole was staring at him intently.

"Hmm?"

"Is something wrong? You seemed a bit…distant…for a moment there."

"No, I'm fine," Harry answered convincingly. "This is just all so new to me…sorry."

"Don't worry, perfectly alright," Cole replied, a small smile returning to his face, but never taking letting his gaze drop, keeping his eyes locked with Harry's.

"I…eh…I had one other question…" Harry stammered, trying to change the subject. "Can Draco and I hurt each other?"

"What?" Cole asked, obviously not expecting that particular inquiry. "No, actually…why do you ask?"

Harry shook his head, somewhat unwilling to answer.

"We had a fight, actually, a few nights ago…and neither of us realized we were…um…bleeding…"

He glanced up, surprised to see Cole chuckling softly.

"That isn't too much of a shock, really. After all I've heard about the two of you…you felt the blows though, correct?"

"Yes…but the pain lasted barely a second. And like I said…I had no idea I was bleeding until Hermione told me…Draco didn't seem to either."

"I guess you two will just have to settle things by talking them through from now on," Allison spoke up, smiling.

"I guess so," Harry shrugged, grinning. He felt a bit awkward being there now, and hoped he could end the conversation and go. "That was it…really. That was all I had to ask."

"Well you can always come to either of us whenever you have any more," Cole said, meeting Harry's gaze. "Please don't hesitate if you're ever unsure, that's the reason we're here."

"I won't," Harry replied, standing up.

"Well, then I guess we're done here." Cole said, standing as well. "Go enjoy the remainder of your holidays Harry, I'll come speak with you again when classes have begun."

Harry thanked both Cole and Allison, before turning and letting himself out of the office. Glancing at his watch, he saw it was still too early for anyone to be awake, but decided to head back towards the tower anyway. Moving quickly, he made his way through the dark halls.

Harry had barely made it out of the dungeon area, when he saw something moving towards him from the opposite end of the hall. A very small something. He stopped for a moment, unsure what to do, staring intently at the hunched creature, shuffling along with its eyes on the floor, and could hardly believe it when he recognized who it was.

"Dobby?" he called out, uncertainly, moving towards him quickly. "Is that you?"

Dobby glanced up miserably, but quickly lowered his gaze, shaking his head.

"Dobby should not be speaking with Mr. Harry Potter, sir," the small house elf whispered as Harry neared him. "Dobby is ashamed of hiself."

"Why?" Harry asked in concern, kneeling down so he could see into the house elf's eyes, but Dobby refused to meet his gaze, and stared fixedly at the floor. "It's not still over what happened…back in the guest quarters, is it?"

"Dobby is leaving Hogwart's, Harry Potter, sir," he said, ignoring Harry's question. "Dobby is going away."

"What? No!" Harry said abruptly, startling the poor elf. "Sorry," he went on, forcing himself to sound calm. "Please, talk to me Dobby…why do you want to leave?"

"Dobby is sorry, Harry Potter" Dobby spoke in a small shaky voice. "Sorry he could not help when he was needed…"

"I don't understand," Harry said evenly. "You've always helped me…"

Dobby shook his head dejectedly.

"Dobby must go, Harry Potter, sir. Please can Dobby go?"

Harry looked long and hard into the house elf's sad eyes, realizing this was a true request. He wished he knew the real reason for his misery staring back at him and knew he had to find out.

"No," he said in a low voice, "No I don't want you to go. Please, I'm asking you to stay. For me."

"But Dobby has failed Harry Potter!" he wailed. "Dobby should not be allowed to stay!"

"Dobby," Harry said worriedly, "What have you failed at? If you'd just tell me…"

Dobby shook his head, almost fearfully, his eyes growing wide as he looked pleadingly up at Harry.

"Alright…it's okay," Harry spoke soothingly. "I'm not going to force you to tell me…but please, don't leave. I feel safer having you here."

"Harry Potter should not feel this way," Dobby muttered, looking at his feet. "But Dobby cannot leave, not if Harry Potter does not want him to."

"Is that why you came down here? To ask me if you could leave?" Harry asked.

Dobby nodded slowly.

"Yes, Dobby saw Harry Potter and the new man leave just as Dobby arrived at Harry Potter's tower."

"So you followed us?" Harry asked softly.

Dobby looked up quickly, appearing ready to apologize, but Harry held up his hand.

"I'm not mad, it's alright. I'm glad you did that, actually. I told you, I feel safer when you're around. I'm not going to make you stay if you don't want to. I'm asking you to stay…it's your choice."

Dobby seemed to consider everything Harry had just said, before nodding very faintly.

"Dobby will stay, as Harry Potter has asked," he mumbled, but his expression seemed to express only dread. Harry wanted very badly to know what was bothering the poor elf, but knew Dobby wouldn't tell, and the last thing he wanted right now was to make him feel any more uncomfortable than he already appeared.

Harry stood up slowly, smiling reassuringly at the house elf, but Dobby didn't return it.

"Will you walk back to the tower with me?" Harry asked, hopefully.

Dobby merely nodded, a far cry from his usual demeanor when asked to do anything by Harry. Together, the two of them made their way back up the corridor, and towards the Gryffindor tower.

The end of the holidays came quickly, and classes resumed as usual. Harry had spent the remainder of the break in the library for the most part. He had told his friends what had happened with Dobby, but no one had much of an idea as to what could be bothering him so badly, and they were putting too much effort into their research to worry much about it.

There was still no change in the Changs' condition, and it became very clear that the only way of reviving them, would be to find who had attacked them in the first place. Harry felt sure it was Marzia, but as she'd surely never admit to anything, he could do nothing about it. She was already under close watch; all he could hope was that somewhere along the line, she'd slip up.

One of the high points on the first day of classes had happened during breakfast. Dumbledore had called for everyone's attention, and announced that the quidditch season would indeed continue. He laid out the same rules he'd given Harry in the office over the break, and in no time at all, the great hall was buzzing with excitement. It didn't matter that there would be strict regulations and the practices would be shortened, the fact was everyone needed this.

The first week of classes seemed to breeze right by, and as potions was letting out, the last class before the weekend, Allison called on Harry, asking him to stay after so she could speak with him.

A few Slytherins snickered tauntingly at him as they made their way towards the door, all expecting he was in trouble for something. Draco's expression remained blank, however, knowing that was most likely not the case. He left the room silently, Crabbe and Goyle at his heels, not even glancing at Harry. Ron and Hermione told him they'd wait out in the hall, before exiting the classroom as well.

"How's your first week back?" Allison asked cheerfully, standing beside the desk and piling up the books she had used during the lesson. "Are you doing alright?"

"Everything's fine," Harry shrugged with a grin as he stopped a few feet away. "I'm doing fine."

"Glad to hear it," Allison replied. "And that being the case, so long as you feel you're ready, Cole and I would like to get you started right away with your training."

"Great," Harry said, nodding. "Yes, please, I'm ready. When do we start?"

"You know Cole," Allison laughed. "He likes to do things early. He'll be there tomorrow morning to begin, and walk you through it."

"Early, ey?" Harry smirked. "Alright then," he sighed, "I'll be ready."

"Good," Allison replied with a grin. "I'll be sure to let him know."

Harry thanked her quickly, before heading out into the hall to tell his friends the news.

"Maybe one of us should get up when you do," Hermione began, "for the training…" The three students were on their way back to their tower from the potions classroom.

"Well, you can't really do anything," Harry said. "Why would you want to sit around and watch?"

"Harry, Cole lied to you about the smoke and your wand, you said he did," Hermione said in a hushed voice, looking around as if expecting someone to be listening.

"That's right, I think he did," Harry replied. "But I don't know why. What I do know is that Cole is here to help me learn to use the crystals. If he were here for any other reason I doubt he'd have let it get this far."

"I think that depends on what the other reason might be," Hermione said curtly.

"I'm not going to wake either of you up for this lesson," Harry said with finality. "I'll tell you how it went when it's over."

Hermione looked like she wanted to argue, but Ron put out a hand, touching her arm, and shook his head faintly.

"You can't tell me you think it's a good idea for him to be alone with Cole…" Hermione began quietly, looking intently at Ron. Harry walked a few paces ahead of them, but could still hear their voices.

"I do think so, actually," Ron whispered back. "If Cole wanted Harry dead he's had about a million chances to…"

"What if he doesn't want him dead?" Hermione asked, cutting him off. "What if it's something else entirely?"

"Like what?" Ron asked, sounding exasperated.

"Well…I don't know…" Hermione began, not prepared to answer the question. "But if we just let it go…"

"I'm not saying let it go," Ron interrupted, calmly. "I'm saying not to make something of this until we know more. Think about it…if one of us tried to join Harry for his training tomorrow, Cole would want to know why…and something tells me he'd want a good reason. We can't tell him it's because we think he lied to Harry a week and a half ago now, can we? Wait until we know more."

Hermione sighed softly.

"Alright…you're right. He'd never let us come without a reason. But I still don't like it."

Harry listened to his friends' discussion, a small smile on his face, as he heard them finish quietly, before speeding up to join him.

"Now that that's settled," he said, rolling his eyes.

"You were listening, weren't you?" Hermione asked, shaking her head disapprovingly, but grinning.

"Can I help it if I have good hearing?" Harry asked, smiling widely at her. "Besides, Ron's right. I really don't think we have anything to worry about when it comes to Cole. He may have a temper…but that doesn't mean he's working against us."

"I hope you're right," Hermione said as they reached the portrait hole at last. They dropped off their schoolbooks and met up with Ginny, before heading down to the great hall for dinner, no one making any further mention of Cole.

Harry made sure to get to bed early that night, so by the next morning when Cole came to wake him, he was able to be stirred easily enough. Glancing towards the window as he put his glasses on, he was glad to see that at least this time the sun had already begun to rise. Getting out of bed and changing quickly, Harry slipped silently out of the room and down the stairs, to where Cole was waiting for him in the common room, with the trunk of crystals.

"Ready?" Cole asked with a grin, levitating the chest in front of him.

"Where to?" Harry asked as they stepped through the portrait hole.

"Since the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom worked out fine last time, we'll use it again."

"Were you actually there last time? Harry asked.

Cole nodded.

"Yes, I had to be. Allison is very capable, but I couldn't let her alone to help you through your introduction."

"Where were you though? I didn't see you anywhere…"

"Because I didn't want you to," Cole replied, smirking, but not explaining any further.

The two of them walked the rest of the way in silence, and when they reached the classroom, Cole immediately set the trunk down. Harry shut the door behind him and crossed to where Cole stood, waiting.

"Alright then, let's get right to it, shall we? Open the trunk."

Harry nodded, and lowered himself until he was at eyelevel with the keyhole, and unlocked the chest. As the lid lifted ever so slowly, Cole knelt down beside Harry.

"Now, the first step here, is to choose a crystal to start. As I said, you won't be working with the courage crystal for now, because you already have a close enough bond with it. Initially I was going to have you start with resolve, but from what I've seen, that might not be the best way to go. So instead, you're going to begin your training, with the fear crystal."

Harry nodded, listening, waiting for Cole to continue.

"Everyone gets scared sometimes, so you won't have a problem in relating to the crystal, whether it be from a memory in your past, to something that's yet to happen in your future. However, since it is the emotion you try to fight off more than any other, you will be able to learn how to disregard any suggestions it gives to you much easier. Sound good?"

"Sounds good," Harry repeated, nodding.

"Perfect," Cole said with a nod. "Alright, here's what you're going to do…"

"You have to find the fear crystal," Cole said, looking at Harry.

"How?" Harry asked. "I've only ever been able to tell them apart by the color they change…do I have to go through each one again?"

"You don't have to lift each one up, no," Cole smiled. "Put your hand right here," he went on, demonstrating by holding his own hand barely two inches above the first crystal in line. Harry did as he was told and waited for Cole to go on.

"Now just watch," Cole said.

Harry stared intently at the crystal, waiting. Less than fifteen seconds had passed, when it began to glow a bright gold underneath his hand.

"Now, "Cole went on, "Slide your hand over the others, until you see the fear crystal."

Harry did just that, until he came to a stone that glowed a deep green, and stopped, letting his hand hover above it.

"There," he said, keeping his eyes on the gem.

"Pick it up," Cole said.

Harry grasped the stone tightly, lifting it gently out of the chest, and held it out in front of him. The other stones had begun whispering, just as they had the last time he'd opened the trunk, and he looked questioningly at Cole.

"Do you hear it?" he asked quietly.

Cole furrowed his brow and glanced from Harry to the stones and back.

"Hear what?"

"They're talking again…but too fast, I can't make it out…"

"It's your thoughts," Cole explained. "You're hearing your thoughts…but split up by personality. You won't be able to understand them unless you're actually joined with them, which is what you're going to do right now with that one," he said, pointing at the stone in Harry's hand. "Ready?"

"Yes," Harry nodded, confidently.

"Good, now…relax your body, exactly as you must have done last time, for the courage crystal. Simply let any stress go, don't think of anything upsetting…don't think of anything at all…just let your mind go blank, and take deep breaths."

Harry listened to Cole's voice, though he didn't need to. He remembered exactly how he'd done it last time, and only found it easier to do now. Barely any time passed at all, when the crystal shattered in Harry's grasp, and a shimmering, deep green mist surrounded him.

Harry smiled as the haze floated lazily in the air around him, and turned his attention to Cole, having another question, when he heard a voice.

Do you really think it's safe to stay with him? He lied to you…

Yes, Harry replied, I know, but he's here to help.

Are you sure?

"Talking already, ey?" Cole's voice interrupted his thoughts, causing Harry to snap to attention.

"What? Oh…yeah."

"Remember what I said," Cole said firmly, a hint of warning in his tone. "You have to learn to listen to the crystal's advice, but choose on your own if you're going to follow it or not. Now this being the fear crystal, is only going to bring forward things that frighten you. It doesn't matter if it's something very big, or incredibly small…sometimes you'll find things you didn't even realize you were afraid of. It can see all your thoughts, as it is your thoughts, but things you may have forgotten, and are buried deep inside, can easily be brought back using these crystals."

Harry nodded, feeling the crystal's presence, but it had remained silent while Cole spoke.

"Can you see it?" he asked, suddenly. "The haze, I mean. It's just like last time…will it always be there?"

"Only you will be able to see it," Cole replied. "To everyone else it's invisible in this form. Just as when it speaks; only you can hear it. The only way others can see them is in gem form."

"I figured as much…" Harry said, "Just wanted to be sure…"

"Well any questions you have, don't think twice about asking them," Cole said with a grin.

"I won't," Harry assured him with a nod. "Believe me I won't." He watched momentarily as the mist swirled around him, before settling once again. He found it almost comforting, natural even, and was glad to finally be getting into his training. "So," he spoke up again, "what's next?"

"Now you simply go about your normal business," Cole replied. "I told you, we're starting off slow, and so you're just going to spend time adjusting to the crystals, and letting them do the same for you. You will release the crystal each night when you go to bed, and in the morning take it back again. I want you to hold onto the fear crystal for at least a week, before moving on to the next one, and I'll let you know at that time which it'll be."

"Wait, releasing it…" Harry said, uncertainly, "Will it listen to me? Because last time…"

"It will listen to you," Cole said, simply. "When it is only one crystal you cannot be overwhelmed. Simply tell it to withdraw, and it will. And of course, if you are having trouble, come to me at once."

"So then…all I'm doing, is making sure I have a crystal with me, wherever I go? That's it?"

"Yes…" Cole began, "and no. You see, even just now, when you first allowed the crystal in, it began talking to you immediately, and you were distracted. What we hope to accomplish is to have you be able to use the crystals with ease, being completely aware of their presence, and yet at the same time, giving the appearance that they aren't there at all. This whole exercise will be spread out so you can use all fourteen crystals so that you'll be more than ready before we put you up against anything."

"How long until that, do you think?" Harry asked, curiously.

"That, my boy, is all up to you," Cole said, standing up and smiling. "I'll be monitoring your progress throughout, and will tell you when it's time to move on to the next crystal. Until then, just do what you'd normally do."

Harry nodded, and stood up as well. Moving to the trunk, he closed the lid gently, hearing the lock click shut.

"Straight back to your dorm with that now, got it?" Cole asked, gesturing towards the chest.

"Believe me, that's exactly what I intend to do," Harry said as he brought out his wand. He lifted the trunk into the air, and said good-bye to Cole, before heading off through the corridors and back towards his tower.

Harry stepped into his dorm just as Ron was getting ready to go downstairs. Being Saturday, everyone was just waking up, having been able to sleep in for the first time in a week. Harry sighed, knowing at least he'd be able to do the same tomorrow, before setting his trunk down by his bed.

"Did the lesson go well?" Ron asked, waiting as Harry came back towards him. They both left the room and started downstairs together.

"It wasn't what you could call a lesson, really," Harry replied. They stepped into the common room and found Hermione and Ginny there, waiting for them.

"How did it go?" Hermione asked spotting them immediately as they made their way towards the corner and sat down.

Harry explained as quickly as he could what had happened that morning.

"So, it's with you right now?" Ron asked. "The fear crystal?"

"Yes," Harry nodded. "All day, everyday from now on, until it's time to use a new one."

"And when it talked to you," Hermione said, "what did it say?"

"Well…it doesn't trust Cole…or doesn't think I should, at least."

"So that means you don't trust Cole…" Hermione said softly.

"Not exactly," Harry replied swiftly. "It means I'm worried, frightened even, on some level, knowing that he lied to me…it's only telling me I shouldn't trust him."

"Did it say anything else?" Ginny asked.

"No, not yet anyway," Harry replied with a shrug.

"Is the mist…or haze…whatever it is, is it annoying?" Ron asked. "You said you could see it all the time…"

"Actually…no," Harry replied, focusing once again on the translucent green fog still hovering near him. It had settled mostly into a small area near his torso while he sat, waiting, taking everything in. "It doesn't bother me at all," he spoke again, bringing his gaze back up to his friends.

"Hey," Ron spoke up again, now looking past Harry to something across the room. "What's going on over there?" The others all turned and saw a group of students crowded around something on the wall.

"You mean you didn't know." Hermione asked with a wry grin. "They posted the quidditch practice schedule…"

She never got to finish her sentence before Harry and Ron were out of their seats, exchanging large grins, and off to see the notice. Ginny stood as well, shrugging apologetically at Hermione, who sighed knowingly, before following the other two.

"We have to wait an entire week!" Ron cried in disgust as the three of them came back to the corner. "Why couldn't they let us go first and let Hufflepuff or Slytherin wait…?"

"Does it really matter?" Hermione asked. "Next week you'll be practicing and they won't…Dumbledore said it will all be very fair."

"I know," Ron sulked, "I just want to get back to practicing.

"We all do," Harry said. "Besides, at this point…what's one more week? It's not like we haven't been without it for the past few months anyway…"

"Exactly," Hermione nodded, before she stood up. "Now, I'm going downstairs to eat…you can feel free to join me, if you'd like…"

As soon as the words had left Hermione's mouth Harry felt his stomach rumble. Looking up, he saw both Ron and Ginny were also quite ready for breakfast. The four students stood together, and crossed the common room to the portrait hole, before stepping through and starting towards the great hall.

They entered the hall and took seats towards the far end of the Gryffindor table. As soon as they sat their plates filled up in front of them. They ate for a few moments in silence, all of them a bit too hungry to talk. After most of the food was gone, Hermione gently dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin, and cleared her throat.

"Well I guess we should head back to the library then…"

"Oh not again!" Ron groaned immediately. "We've been spending every spare second there!"

"Well we have to!" Hermione replied, annoyed. "How else will we find out about the Inquisitors?"

"It's just not there Hermione," Ron said, shaking his head, "we've searched for weeks…"

"And we've barely scratched the surface," she cut him off. "There are so many books that…"

"Exactly!" Ron interrupted loudly. "There are too many! We need someone to help us, Hermione. Or point us in the right direction at least…all this blind research is getting us nowhere! It's a waste of time! We don't even know if what we're looking for is there!"

"How else are we going to find out?" Hermione shot back.

"Guys!" Harry cut in before the argument could get any louder. "Look I think you're both right. We do need to keep looking…but a break wouldn't hurt either."

"But Harry…" Hermione began.

"Hermione, I'm not saying take a week off or anything," Harry continued quickly. "I just mean a little while…a few hours maybe."

"Even you must get tired of the library sometimes," Ron joked, smirking at his girlfriend.

Hermione just sighed quietly.

"You two do what you want, I'm heading to the library…" she said standing up.

"But Hermione," Ron said, standing as well, his smile fading.

"Ron, listen. I don't mind if you want to take a break…if you really need it, that's fine. But this is too important…we need to know about these things, and I don't want to stop looking for the information. Just come and join me when you're ready…"

"Are you mad?" Ron asked, clearly worried. Hermione looked at him evenly, before a small smile spread across her face.

"No, not mad, I know you too well Ron. Take your break…have your fun…and then come meet me, alright?"

Ron smiled widely, and leant down towards Hermione, giving her a quick kiss.

"Thanks," he said with a grin. She just shook her head, smiling, before starting towards the doors, on her way to the library. Harry and Ginny were still seated at the table, watching, and grinning.

"So," Ron said, very cheerfully, "how about a game of chess?"

"Um…" Harry began, glancing at Ginny, "but that's just for two…"

"I'll watch," Ginny said, smirking. "I can't play as well as either of you two anyway."

"Oh good, you get to watch me lose," Harry said as he stood up. The three of them made their way up to the tower, and Ron got his chess pieces together, but the common room was very crowded, and the table they liked to use to play on was occupied. So they made their way back down to the great hall, and set up at the Gryffindor table.

The game began, and almost immediately, Harry began losing pieces to Ron. It didn't seem to matter how often he practiced, Ron never failed to see the smallest openings that Harry left. He watched as Ron's pile grew larger, and his own barely seemed to grow at all.

They'd been sitting at the table for nearly an hour, and it was Harry's turn. He studied the board, but couldn't see any move that wouldn't cause him to lose yet another piece. He sighed inaudibly, raising his hand at last and reaching for his knight, when a voice from behind him spoke up.

"Not a good idea, that one."

Harry looked over his shoulder, to find Mel standing behind him.

"Mel!" he said happily. "Please, sit down…how long have you been there?"

Mel smiled as she took the empty seat next to Harry.

"Not long, only just walked in…Hi Ron, Ginny," she said, turning to Harry's friends and nodding at each of them.

"Hey Mel," Ron replied pleasantly, but Ginny barely returned the nod, a stiff expression on her face.

"So, you don't play often, do you?" Mel asked, turning to Harry again and glancing towards the chessboard as she spoke.

"Actually I've played quite a bit," Harry replied, grinning. "I just don't do well against Ron."

"Well, I wouldn't move your knight, unless you want to lose again…see?" she said pointing. Harry looked, realizing if he'd have done as he was going to, Ron's bishop would be free to checkmate his king.

"Now, if you move your rook," Mel continued, moving her finger across the board."

"Well then I lose him," Harry said, not seeing any advantage.

"Just trust me," Mel said, with a wink.

Harry just shook his head, not seeing any point in doing as she said, but it was after all, just a game. He pushed his rook into place, before glancing up at Ron.

"Your move," he said with a shrug.

Ron looked carefully at the board, a confused expression on his face. Apparently, he couldn't see any advantage to the move Mel had suggested to Harry either. After a few moments, and finding no real reason not to, Ron made his move, taking Harry's rook just as he knew would happen.

"Well thank you Mel," Harry said with a lopsided grin. "Now that I've managed to lose yet another piece and still…"

"Oh hush," Mel said, smiling. "Now move that pawn there…" she said, gesturing again.

Harry sighed, shaking his head, but grinning widely. He did as she said, and the game went on. Mel moved quickly, cutting very few losses, and going straight for the target…Ron barely knew what had happened, when Harry looked up at him, smiling.

"Checkmate."

"You're amazingly good at this," Ron said, looking at Mel in awe.

"Thank you," Mel smiled, looking away at the compliment.

"Though it was supposed to be a game between Harry and Ron," Ginny said pointedly.

Harry threw her a warning look before turning to Mel, who looked a bit embarrassed now.

"Oh…I would've stopped if…"

"Hey, I completely didn't mind the help," Harry cut her off before she could continue. "And I'm sure Ron enjoyed the challenge."

"Actually I wanna play her again…" Ron said absently, still studying the board, trying to figure out how, exactly, he'd lost."

"Well it wasn't her game to begin with!" Ginny said a bit loudly as the others turned to look at her.

"Ginny, look…" Mel began, sounding slightly irritated. "I'm really sorry if…"

"Mel don't apologize," Harry cut her off, looking pointedly at Ginny. "If either Ron or I minded your help we would have said something."

Ginny, seeing no one was taking her side, stood up abruptly.

"I'm going to see if Hermione needs help," she muttered as she turned and stalked away. Ron looked up from the board at last too see her leaving.

"What happened?" he asked, looking from Harry to Mel, confused.

"Ginny's a bit upset with me," Mel began, "for interfering…"

"Oh, is that all?" Ron asked. "She'll get over it…" He said, putting the chess pieces away as he spoke. "Though I reckon I'll join her, Hermione's probably waiting…you coming Harry?"

"Soon," Harry replied. "Gimme a few more minutes."

"Oh sure, leave me to the studying…you go have fun…" Ron joked as he stood up.

"Well, yeah…that was my plan," Harry said, looking quite serious for a moment, before a large grin spread across his face.

Ron just rolled his eyes, smiling.

"I'll see you later then," he said with a laugh. Harry and Mel both said good-bye, and watched him walk off down the aisle, before exiting the great hall.

"I really am sorry," Mel said immediately as Harry turned to face her again. "I didn't even think about it when I started helping you play…"

"Don't worry about it," Harry cut in with a wave of his hand. "I still can't believe you won…I mean…I lost quite a few men before you came and took over. On top of that you were playing Ron, and he's the best chess player I know."

"He's definitely good…" Mel said. "I'd really like to play a full game against him sometime."

"Well then sometime you will…" Harry grinned. "You heard him…he said he wanted to play you as well."

Mel nodded, smiling back at him, before shifting in her seat, and speaking again.

"So…" she began slowly. "Remember that night we had dinner in the observatory?"

"Yes," Harry said quietly, looking at his hands. It was the same night he'd found Cho in his dorm. "I remember."

Mel hesitated for a moment, noticing the change in his expression, before continuing.

"Well, Professor Lupin came to our common room later that night…to get Draco, who seemed utterly furious at being told he had to leave. He kept raising his voice…I heard your name a few times…and he didn't come back that night…or the next one."

"Yeah, he didn't seem to happy when I talked to him that night either," Harry replied with a forced smile, but kept his eyes down.

Mel simply looked at Harry, who didn't say anything else about it. He could tell by the look on her face that she knew he wasn't saying something…but she wasn't going to ask.

"I'm sorry," she said at last. "I didn't realize that this would upset you…we don't have to…"

"No…wait," Harry interrupted, looking over and meeting her gaze. The stone was still trying to talk to him, to tell him something, but it was barely a whisper in the back of his head. He knew it was about Mel…it had to be. Standing up slowly, he turned and looked down at her.

"Care to go for a walk?" he asked, with a small smile. She nodded evenly as she stood as well, and together they exited the great hall, and started up the hallway.

For the first few moments, they walked side by side in silence. Harry found himself wanting to explain things to Mel…and at the same time, thinking it would be best to leave things as they are. They made their way up several floors, and Mel never once tried to push or prod him into anything. He loved that about her…she didn't try to force anything out of him…and he was grateful.

"A lot of things have been happening lately," he spoke up at last, turning and looking at her as he did so. She met his gaze, waiting patiently for him to go on. "Ever since the day after Christmas…I…we…" he paused, searching, "things have gotten pretty bad," he said, sighing. "Worse than I'd ever imagined."

"I knew things weren't going great," Mel said softly, "It wasn't hard to tell something was wrong…but it was none of my business…I didn't want you to think I was trying to pry…"

"Believe me," Harry said earnestly, "You're about the only one who did that for me…and I appreciate it more than you know…" he trailed off again, at a loss for how to continue.

"You don't have to tell me anything," Mel said, reading his expression. "Don't feel you have to…but if you need someone to listen…"

"Cho's dead," Harry said suddenly, cutting her off abruptly. "Voldemort killed her."

Mel's expression was one of horror and shock.

"I'm…I'm so sorry Harry…I didn't know…"

"No one did," Harry replied, shaking his head. "I didn't want anyone to know."

"I…I don't…don't know what to say…" Mel stammered. "Are you alright? I know how you felt about her…"

"Do you?" Harry asked, trying to smile. Mel seemed to consider a moment before replying.

"I didn't know her…at all," she said slowly. "But I'd see the two of you together over the last two years…here and there. And when I met her…just seeing you around her…the look in your eyes. I know you loved her…and I'm sorry for what happened," she paused a moment, looking down, before adding quietly. "No one should ever have to see someone they love die…never."

Harry stared at her for a moment, she sounded almost bitter and he opened his mouth to ask if anything was wrong, but stopped himself quickly. She had always waited for him to decide when he wanted to talk and when he didn't. The least he could do was show her the same consideration…if she wanted to tell him something, she would.

As they continued their walk, Harry told her as much as he could about what had happened the last few days. He didn't touch on anything about being a Psion, the defender, the guardian or the crystals…but he did tell her everything involving Cho…and where he had found her…and what had happened with her parents. He talked for quite some time, and when he finally finished, they were well on their way back down to the main hall.

Sighing softly, Mel looked up at Harry.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I know I keep saying it…but I don't know what else to say…I can't believe anyone would be so cruel…"

"That's how Voldemort is," Harry said coldly. "Anything chance he has to make life miserable…make my life miserable…and he takes it…"

He looked down at Mel and noticed her shiver involuntarily.

"I'm sorry," he said quickly, "You don't want to hear this…"

"No, no!" Mel replied. "I don't…"

"And it's not your problem," Harry continued, over her. "I don't want to…"

"Harry," Mel interrupted, firmly. "I don't mind talking about this…it's if you mind that we should stop. If you need to talk I'll listen…and if you don't want to then don't…but don't feel you have to stop because of me…please."

Harry couldn't help but let a small grin cross his lips as she looked up at him in earnest while she spoke. He barely knew Mel…but he loved her company, and wished he could spend more time around her.

With a quiet sigh, he shook his head slowly.

"Well in that case, I still think we should stop talking about this," he said firmly. It didn't hurt as much to talk about it anymore, but he still felt it just the same.

"Well then," Mel began, with a grin, "what should we discuss next?" she asked, and then before Harry could answer she quickly went on. "Oh! I know! Professor Dumbledore said that quidditch would be continuing! I bet you're excited…"

"Am I ever!" Harry replied, a large smile spreading across his face. "I honestly didn't think I'd get to play this year."

"I saw a notice in our common room this morning," Mel said. "The practices are on a strict schedule…you must've gotten one too, right?"

"We did," Harry nodded. "Our first practice is next week."

"The games are gonna be much closer together now though…especially since the first game is a rematch."

"I know," Harry replied. "But I'll take that over nothing at all."

The two of them continued on, discussing quidditch as they made their way back downstairs. They were so deep into strategy talk that Harry almost missed the library when they walked by the entrance to it. He stopped abruptly, looking from the doors to Mel and back.

"Did you leave something in there?" Mel asked, grinning at his indecision. She had taken a few steps passed him when he'd halted and had turned to look back at him.

"No…well, I'm supposed to help Ron, Hermione and Ginny with some…research, actually."

"For homework?"

"Er…not exactly," Harry replied.

"Oh…well…I guess it's important then?" she asked. "You can go if you have to…I'll just talk to you later."

"Well I don't…" he began quickly, before stopping abruptly. Grinning sheepishly, he continued. "I don't want you to leave…unless you want to, of course…"

Mel smiled wanly as she took a step back towards Harry.

"Did you want me to help…what are you researching?"

Harry considered a moment…and was about to reply, when the crystal finally spoke above a whisper.

Don't tell her…no one's supposed to know…

Well what harm could it do? he thought back quickly. I'm sure everyone in the school wants to know more about the Inquisitors.

It's not a good idea…

Harry shook his head, deciding the crystal was wrong. He didn't like the fear crystal already, and hoped he wouldn't have it long.

"Is everything alright?" Mel asked.

"Hmm?" Harry replied, seeming to snap out of it as he looked back at her. "Yes, everything's fine…sorry," he went on, grinning sheepishly.

"Well," Mel continued, smiling at his response, "if you do want help I don't mind…but I'd need to know what we're looking for."

"The Inquisitors," Harry replied without hesitation. "We want to know more about them."

"Oh, really?" Mel asked, her expression becoming very interested. "I want to know more too! I can't find anything though…in any books we have…"

"We have passes for the restricted section," Harry cut in, smirking.

Mel looked at him for a moment, her expression full of surprise.

"Well that certainly would make it easier," she said at last, smiling.

"So…you do want to help then?" Harry asked, wanting to be sure.

"Absolutely…if your friends don't mind, that is," Mel added quickly.

"Even if they do…I want you to help…they'll just have to accept it," Harry said with a wink. He stepped towards the door, and pushed it open, allowing Mel to walk in first, before following her through into the hushed calm of the library.

Harry and Mel made their way through the scattering of tables and busy students. Madam Pince, Harry noticed, was watching them like a hawk as they passed her desk, eyeing them suspiciously. He nodded at her, pleasantly, before turning away, looking for his friends. They had, as usual, chosen the table that was farthest back, so that no one could just walk by and look over their shoulders as they worked.

"Hey guys," Harry said quietly as he and Mel neared his friends. The three of them looked up at once, and Harry could see their expressions falter. Ron and Hermione looked confused and slightly annoyed, while Ginny appeared quite angry. "Mel is going to help us do some research," he continued on quickly, before anyone could speak.

"Oh," Hermione said, her voice somewhat strained. "That's…nice…"

"Yeah, just…great," Ron added, unconvincingly.

"I thought this was supposed to be a secret," Ginny said bluntly, her expression dark as she glared up at Mel.

"From Dumbledore," Harry said, immediately.

"And," Ginny continued, her gaze still fixed on Mel, "from anyone we don't trust."

"That's right," Harry nodded, tightly. "Luckily, Mel fits neither of those…"

"You know, this was a bad idea," Mel cut him off gently. "I shouldn't have come…"

Harry shook his head and opened his mouth to tell her she was wrong, but Ginny spoke first.

"That's right you shouldn't have," she said icily.

"Ginny!" Harry hissed, looking at her pointedly.

"What have I ever done to you?" Mel spoke up quietly, staring calmly at Ginny. "Because it's more than obvious that you hate me…and I would really like to know why."

Ginny glared straight back at Mel, and spoke in an equally even tone.

"It isn't anything you did…I don't trust you. I never have, and I never will."

"And do you have any reasons at all for your distrust?" Mel asked, crossing her arms over her chest. "Or is it just warped paranoia?"

Ginny's expression was now one of hate, and she stood up from her chair before replying.

"You're a Slytherin. You were put into that house for a reason. Everyone knows that Slytherins lie and cheat to get whatever they want…so what would make you any different? Acting nice to Harry doesn't make me believe your lies for even a second…neither did standing up to Malfoy at Hogsmeade. You want something and I think you're trying to use Harry to get it."

"Ginny that's enough!" Harry said sharply, causing the few students near enough to hear him to turn and stare. But Ginny didn't even blink; she kept her eyes on Mel, steadily.

"You're right…" Mel began softly, stepping so close to Ginny their noses almost touched. "I am a Slytherin." She kept her gaze locked with Ginny's for barely a second longer, before turning, her robes swirling from the momentum, and stalking silently back across the library.

Harry's jaw dropped in stunned silence as he looked after Mel, before turning to face Ginny.

"Why did you do that?" he asked fiercely, his eyes flashing.

"Harry," Ginny began, impatiently, "we can't let her know any more than you've already told her…which I'm seriously hoping wasn't much…"

"This had nothing to do with that!" Harry had to fight to keep from yelling. "You wouldn't have cared if I'd come back here with any other student in this school…"

"That's not true," Ginny cut in. "I would have cared, we all agreed not to spread this around."

"We've agreed to that in the past as well," Harry said, pointedly, "but none of you seemed to care when I used to invite Cho to help us research things…"

"Cho was different!" Ginny said, angrily. "She wasn't trying to hurt you…she only wanted to help…"

"Which is exactly the case with Mel," Harry said stiffly. "If you don't like her, fine. I can't make you change your mind, but I'm not going to let anything like what you just did happen again…you had no right…I don't care what house she's in."

Ginny looked at him, seeming both angry and sad. She shook her head slowly, before speaking.

"Harry, what if she is trying to hurt you? She lied about something very important on the very first day you met her, and for nothing more than house points! Lives were in danger and all she cared about was that Slytherin house didn't take any blame…"

"Why do you keep bringing that up?" Harry said, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Not every Slytherin lies to be mean…I don't think the fact that that's Mel's house should have anything to do with…"

"Ginny Weasley!" a shrill voice interrupted as Madam Pince strode briskly towards the four students. "Ginny Weasley I want to speak with you at once!"

Ron and Hermione, who had remained silent for both arguments, now stood up with the others.

"What's wrong Madam Pince?" Ginny asked, looking somewhat apprehensive.

"This is what's wrong!" Madam Pince spoke harshly holding up a slip of paper with messy scrawl on it. Ginny narrowed her eyes in confusion, before a wave of recognition swept over her features. "Yes," Madam Pince continued, nodding stiffly. "Your pass to the restricted section. Lending it out to other students now are we?"

Ginny thrust her hands into her pockets, searching, but came up empty. She looked up at the librarian in horror.

"I swear I didn't! Somebody must've taken it…"

"No this student explained very clearly to me how you gave it to her willingly. Now, if you'll please follow me."

Madam Pince turned abruptly and began moving quickly back towards her desk. Ginny cast a worried glance around at her friends who could do no more than stare back at her, stunned. They watched silently as she shuffled nervously after the librarian.

"You know who it was that did that, right?" Hermione spoke up quietly, looking at Harry. He turned and met her gaze evenly, before glancing at Ron, whose expression was quickly becoming one of anger.

"I have to go," Harry said absently, turning before either of his friends could respond. He crossed the room in a flash, and set off immediately for the dungeon area.

Harry moved quickly, almost running through the halls. He didn't even know if this was the direction Mel had gone in, but it was the only place he knew of to check. Deeper and deeper he moved through the corridors, until finally coming into view of the Slytherin dorm entrance, just as Mel was stepping through.

"Mel!" he called to get her attention. She looked up sharply as she heard her name, and seemed to hesitate, considering. Glancing almost longingly into her common room, she heaved a light sigh, before stepping out entirely, just as Harry finally reached her.

"Why did you do that?" he asked, breathing heavy as he spoke. He'd had to move fast to catch up with her, and was slightly out of breath.

"Do what?" Mel asked, smirking. "I just…"

"You know what I mean," Harry said curtly, not in the mood to joke around. "Why did you set Ginny up…she's in a lot of trouble!"

"Do you really need to ask me why?" Mel countered, raising an eyebrow. "I think it was fairly obvious that…"

"Look I'm not saying what she said to you is right or acceptable…but what you did is worse…"

"What I did, was give her what she wanted," Mel said flatly. "She is never going to accept me as anything more than a lying, cheating Slytherin…so that's what I gave her."

"Well it's going to be a lot harder to convince my friends to trust you now!" Harry said exasperatedly.

"I thought you didn't care what they thought?" Mel said, cocking her head to the side.

"I don't," Harry sighed, shaking his head. "I just think it could've been nice hanging out with all of you together…all we really needed was to convince Ginny because Ron and Hermione seemed to be coming around…"

"Sorry," Mel said, shrugging, sounding anything but.

"What did you do anyway?" Harry asked. "Take the pass right out of her pocket? Then what?"

"Well…yes, I got close enough where I could take it out of her pocket…then I went up to Madam Pince. She saw me walk in with you so she assumed we were all friends, I handed her the pass, and asked if I would be allowed to use it. I told her Ginny had given it to me and I didn't want to get in trouble if it wasn't allowed…and well…she seemed a bit miffed after that, grabbed the pass and headed straight back for your table, so I took off."

Harry just nodded, not sure what to feel. He wasn't completely angry, but at the same time, was far from pleased.

"I just…just wanted them to trust you, you know? I wanted all of you to get along, because I'm sick and tired of arguing about it…" he said, numbly.

Mel took a step forward now, an apologetic expression on her face.

"Harry…I didn't even think…"

"No you didn't," he said sharply, but instantly regretting it when he saw her flinch. He softened his tone as he continued. "I know why you did what you did…and like I already said, Ginny had no right to treat you like that. But now…" Harry trailed off, miserably. He just didn't want to fight with his friends anymore, there were too many things going on to worry about that. He glanced down at his hands for a moment before looking up again at Mel, her expression was unreadable.

"I'm gonna go," Harry said softly, before turning and starting to walk away. He felt Mel's eyes on him as he went, but she never called out after him. Reaching the corner, he turned out of sight, before coming to a stop, and leaning up against the wall. It was starting to feel like a vicious cycle to him, and he wanted it to end. He didn't want to face his friends now, knowing another argument was coming, but there was no way around it, and he was done with trying to avoid everyone. He couldn't change what he felt…and his instincts told him Mel could be trusted, despite what had just happened. Sighing heavily, he started off again, heading for the Gryffindor tower.

Harry reached the common room a short while later and stepped in quietly, letting the portrait hole shut softly behind him. He went immediately to the corner he and his friends usually occupied, relieved to find it empty. The others were still out, and for the moment, he was glad.

He lowered himself into the only chair that had its back to the portrait hole and settled down to wait. Most likely Ron and Hermione were waiting for Ginny, as he didn't think much research would be getting done now. His mind wandered to the fear crystal, which had been silent ever since its last warning, and now he wished he'd listened to it, if only to have avoided the argument that was sure to come.

Nearly a half an hour later, Harry heard the portrait hole swing open again, and heard the hushed voices of his friends as they made their way over to the corner, unaware of his presence.

"All I can say," Ron spoke evenly, "is that if Mel thinks she's gonna get away with this, she's in for a shock…I never should've…"

"Harry!" Hermione cut him off, her tone full of surprise, as she came around to the inner side of the circle of chairs. "We didn't realize you were back."

"So I gathered," Harry spoke quietly as the others came around to see him as well.

"Did you talk to Mel?" Ron asked sternly as he sat down across from Harry, the other two took seats as well. Harry simply nodded.

"Did she try to deny what she did?" Ginny asked, disgustedly.

"No," Harry replied. "She admitted to having set you up…"

"Well now do you believe me?" Ginny asked, leaning forward almost eagerly. "She lies for points, and she lied to get me in trouble…which, by the way, I can't help you guys with research anymore. Madam Pince took away my pass, along with twenty-five points from Gryffindor, plus I have detention!" Ginny finished, throwing her hands into the air.

Harry waited until she was completely finished, before starting to speak.

"I agree what she did was uncalled for…but so was what you said to her…"

"What?" Ginny interrupted. "How can you…?"

"Let me finish," Harry interjected, his tone even. "I think both of you were wrong, but I don't think this proves in any way that Mel can't be trusted. She did what she did to get back at you for what you said…that's all."

"Why are you defending her?" Ron asked, confused and angry. "Ginny didn't get Mel in trouble or points taken away from Slytherin…so the situation is hardly fair!"

"I never said it was fair," Harry replied, flatly. "I'm saying, for the second time, Mel did what she did because of what Ginny said. If she were actually trying to somehow infiltrate our little group and get information, this would hardly be the way to gain anyone's trust and you all know it…so if anything, I'm even more convinced now than I've ever been before, that Mel is not someone we have to be afraid of. She did what was in her nature to do…I agree it's wrong…I don't have an excuse for her…but that's all it was."

"So you don't care that she lost points for our house or that…"
"Ginny," Harry interrupted, raising his voice for the first time. "Please just stop. I'm tired of defending Mel to you…to all of you. I'm tired of the constant fighting. If you don't want to trust her, like her, talk to her…whatever, I'm done arguing about it! There are more important things going on right now and if you keep insisting we fight over this, I'm just going to start walking away when the subject comes up. I'm finished with it."

As if to confirm his point, Harry stood up at the end of his last statement and walked quickly across the room towards the door for the dorms, without so much as another glance at his friends.

Harry didn't speak with his friends for the remainder of the evening, and decided to turn in early. He had no trouble getting the crystal to return to gem form that night, and fell asleep rather quickly.

The next morning he woke much earlier than he normally would for a Sunday, and at first didn't get up, hoping to sleep just a little bit longer. But it was no good, he just wasn't tired, so after several long minutes, he sighed lightly, and sat up. He got out of bed and changed quickly, remembering to call on the fear crystal before grabbing his wand and his watch, and leaving the dorm. He didn't even think about what he was doing, and headed immediately for the dungeon area, moving silently through the quiet halls in the early morning.

Allison was in her office, searching through a drawer packed with files, taking no notice when Harry silently entered the office. As he neared where she was kneeling over the mess of paperwork, he cleared his throat lightly to let her know he was there. She looked up immediately, a warm smile on her face.

"Hello Harry…up a bit early aren't you? I didn't know Cole has asked you to meet him this morning…"

"Oh…he didn't," Harry interrupted softly. "I just woke up and couldn't get back to sleep…"

"Ouch," Allison remarked, cringing. "That stinks, especially on a Sunday…"

"Yeah, I agree," Harry laughed, nodding. "But since I'm up…I had a question I hoped you might answer. I think I already have an idea about it…but I wanted to make sure."

"Sure, anything," Allison nodded, standing up and turning fully to face him. "Ask away."

"Well…Cole explained to me how the stones will give me their suggestion…and I choose what to listen to and what to disregard."

"That's right," Allison stated, with a small nod."

"How about when I can't understand them though?" Harry asked.

"When you can't understand them? What do you mean?" Allison asked, puzzled.

"I mean when they're speaking too low. Yesterday the fear crystal was whispering a lot…I couldn't make any of it out…is there something I should be doing when that happens? Is it normal? What does it mean?"

"The fear crystal will do that…" Allison began gently, "as will some of the others. It happens when the thoughts and feelings it is centering on at that moment are not of the greatest importance to you, or you don't feel too strongly about something. There's nothing you can do to make it speak up, but try to make yourself aware of your surroundings when it happens…particularly on the people around you."

Harry nodded slowly as she spoke.

"Yeah…that's what I thought it meant too…" he murmured.

"Well than that was very perceptive of you," Allison commented, winking. "Was there something else? Any problems?"

"No, that was all," Harry smirked with a shrug. "Sorry to bother you for nothing…"

"Oh no bother at all," Allison said with a wave of her hand. "Stop in anytime."

"Thank you," Harry said, grinning. "See you later then."

Allison said goodbye and Harry left the office as quietly as he'd entered. He really had already known that was going to be the answer to his question…he didn't know how, but he just knew. Making his way through the corridors now, he moved slowly, enjoying the silence. He hoped he'd be able to talk with his friends today, but he also had meant what he'd told them the night before. He was done with pointless fighting. If they insisted on trying to argue his friendship with Mel, he wasn't going to listen anymore.

Harry was too wrapped up in his own thoughts to notice anything around him. He moved steadily down the hall, not realizing someone was following him, moving just as silent and steady as he was, and closing the gap between them.

Harry was looking straight ahead, when he happened to pass the spot in the dungeon area that led to the secret room he'd found Snape trapped in several months ago. He turned to look at it as he walked by, wondering briefly how the death eaters had known about the trick wall while no one in the school seemed to, but quickly turned away as he moved past it.

He'd barely made it another step when the crystal's fearful voice filled his head.

Shadow…did you…?

I did see it, Harry thought back to it quickly, realizing there had been a shadow on the wall apart from his own, and it was coming towards him quickly. He wouldn't have paid it the slightest attention had the crystal not said anything however, too caught up in his own thoughts.

Harry quickened his pace slightly, slipping his hand into his pocket and extracting his wand, before steeling himself, and turning to face his pursuer.

Harry spun quickly, and not a moment too soon, as the first thing he saw was someone's hand reaching for him. Without thinking, he reached out and took hold of the person's wrist, spinning them around, twisting their arm up behind them, and instantly regretting it.

A flash of red hair swept in front of his eyes as he moved, and he heard a girl's voice cry out in pain and fear.

"Ginny!" he cried in shock as he immediately released her. "I'm sorry, did I hurt you? Are you alright?"

"Why did you do that?" she asked testily as she turned around, rubbing her sore wrist.

"Well…why were you sneaking up on me?" Harry countered, slipping his wand back in his pocket. "What are you doing down here anyway?"

Ginny pressed her lips together and looked down at her feet; Harry could see the color rising in her face, her cheeks going a fierce shade of red.

"I saw you leave a while ago…so I followed you…" she muttered quietly.

"Followed me…" Harry repeated, his brow furrowing, "but why? And I didn't see you in the common room…why are you up so early?"

"I never went to sleep," Ginny said softly, looking back up to meet his gaze. "I've been in the common room since last night."

"What?" he asked, confused, finally noticing the bags under her eyes. She was completely exhausted. "Ginny why did you do that…you shouldn't have…"

"I couldn't sleep," she cut him off. "Trust me, I wouldn't have been able to."

"Well I think you should try," Harry said firmly. "C'mon…I'll take you back there now." He took her arm and began to lead her through the hallway, but she pulled away softly, coming to a stop.

"Harry wait…I wanted to talk to you."

"We can talk," he replied. "But you should get some rest first."

"No, now…please…" she said, looking up at him pleadingly.

"Okay, as we walk then," Harry said, thinking she would probably be much better off if she slept on whatever she wanted to say. He was getting the impression it was serious.

Ginny nodded her agreement at his suggestion, and the two of them began making their way back up the corridor, side by side.

"Harry…about yesterday…I wanted to…"

"Ginny, wait," Harry interrupted gently. "You're very tired…and I really don't think it's a good idea to get into another argument about this, especially right now…"

"I don't want to argue!" Ginny said hurriedly. "I don't want to fight anymore either…"

"Okay," Harry said, skeptically, "What then?"

"I've been thinking about what happened yesterday a lot in the past few hours. And if you want to be friends with Mel…then I'm not going to try and stop you. I don't like her, and not just because she's a Slytherin…"

"Which shouldn't have anything to do with it anyway…" Harry interrupted.

"Wait, let me finish," Ginny said, earnestly. "Please."

Harry nodded, holding in anything further he had to say.

"I don't like her…because you do like her. I know you do…"

"Well I've told you all she's my friend…of course I like her," Harry said with a small grin.

"No Harry," Ginny said shaking her head. "You like her…you look at her differently than…than you look at me."

Harry stopped walking, staring at Ginny as she did the same.

"Hang on…how I look at you? I don't…"

"Harry I know you knew about my little crush on you when we were kids…but the truth is, I've never stopped feeling that way about you," Ginny spoke quickly, as if needing to get it all out. "When you started dating Cho, and things seemed to get serious, I can't say I wasn't jealous…but at the same time I didn't mind it. I knew you didn't feel the same way for me that I did for you…but at least you had someone who cared for you…"

Harry didn't know what to say. He had thought Ginny no longer harbored these feelings for him, and only just recently had started thinking otherwise. But he never expected she'd come out and say anything…especially like this.

"Then when you started spending time with Mel, well it was obvious how much you enjoyed it…and now…well…I just…" she stammered, no longer able to find the words. Harry looked at her feeling horribly guilty, as tears began to trickle slowly down her face.

"Ginny…please, don't cry," he said awkwardly, stepping towards her. He hesitated a moment, unsure of what to do, and finally raised a hand to her face, wiping gently at the tears.

"I'm sorry," Ginny sobbed, bringing her own hands up to her face and looking away. "I didn't mean to do it like this…"

"Shhh, it's okay," he whispered, pulling her into a protective embrace.

"Do you hate me now?" she asked, sounding defeated, her voice muffled against his chest.

"I could never hate you Ginny," Harry said firmly. "I love you very much…you and Ron and Hermione."

"Yeah…me and Ron and Hermione," Ginny repeated softly. She sighed shakily before taking a step back, wiping once more at her eyes. "I won't try to fight with you anymore about Mel," Ginny said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Harry just shook his head, trying to smile reassuringly.

"Don't worry about it anymore, Ginny. I think you need to sleep, and we can talk more about this later…okay?"

Ginny nodded, keeping her eyes down. She allowed Harry to take her arm once again, and lead her back towards the Gryffindor tower.

"Harry c'mon, it's time to head back," Ron called out to his friend, who was circling the quidditch pitch on his Moontrimmer.

"I know, I know," Harry called back reluctantly. A week had passed since his discussion with Ginny, and she now seemed a bit awkward around him. He tried not to make her feel too badly about it, he couldn't help the way she felt, or that he didn't feel the same.

The first quidditch practice for Gryffindor had gone quite well, but Harry wished it would've been a bit longer. It was going to be tough getting ready for the games with such short practices.

Madam Hooch had scheduled the matches, and as it stood, Gryffindor faced Ravenclaw at the end of March, Hufflepuff at the end of April, and Slytherin at the end of May. The games were very close together, and the only good that Harry could find in this set-up, was every house was being given completely equal amounts of time for practice.

Harry and his teammates landed their brooms and made their way to the locker rooms to change. They quickly reviewed maneuvers that had went well, and the things to be worked on for next time, before Madam Hooch told them they had to head back to the school.

"So," Ron said as he and Harry walked next to each other up the hill. "How is the new crystal working out?"

"Boring," Harry replied with a shrug. Cole had told him that morning that he was to stop using the fear crystal, as Harry had had no problems working with it at all, and had switched him to the artist crystal. Harry hadn't been looking much forward to this one, as he wasn't exactly the most artistic person in the world, but Cole said he had to. Better to get it out of the way at least, but Harry still felt it was a waste of time; it hadn't uttered a word since he called on it.

"Maybe he won't make you keep it for long," Ron suggested, hopefully.

"Well if it never says anything," Harry began, "I don't see the point in holding onto it. The fear crystal spoke up immediately…this one isn't even whispering."

Ginny, who had been walking along nearby, looked up at them as Harry spoke.

"What if he makes you keep it until it does?" she asked softly.

"I don't know," Harry shrugged. "Hopefully it doesn't take very long…"

The three friends reached the steps to the school and ascended them quickly, before going inside. Harry and Ron were going to meet Hermione in the library to do some more research, and Ginny would meet up with them after. Her detention, she'd found out, would be the following weekend, with Madam Pince, restocking books with the librarian. With the number of students in the school, it could easily prove to be a very long night.

They reached the Gryffindor tower, where Harry and Ron dropped off their brooms, before leaving once more and heading back towards the library.

"Have you spoken to Mel at all?" Ron asked as they made their way through the halls.

"Not since last week, no," Harry replied. "Though I want to…I feel kinda bad the way I left it with her."

"Well she did deserve it," Ron began.

"Ron," Harry said warningly.

"I know, I'm stopping," Ron said, putting up his hands and rolling his eyes. None of his friends were any more accepting of Mel than they'd been before, but they'd all stopped trying to convince Harry to feel the same. "Though I still want her to at least apologize…"

"I want both of them to apologize," Harry replied with a shrug. Ron looked as if he wanted to comment on this, but instead, held his tongue, shaking his head.

"Hey look," Harry spoke up again, peering down the hall at a short figure moving towards him. "Dobby," he called happily. "How are you?"

Dobby was walking up the hallway towards the two students, and yet he hadn't seen them there until he heard his name. He jumped at the sound of Harry's voice, before scurrying over quickly.

"Harry Potter, sir!" he said worriedly, sounding almost out of breath.

"Hello Dobby," Harry replied, puzzled. "Is something wrong?"

Dobby looked up at Harry for a brief moment, before glancing around nervously, his eyes darting back and forth, trying to look everywhere at once. Harry and Ron exchanged worried glances; neither of them had ever seen Dobby behave this way.

"Crawls," Dobby squeaked suddenly, his eyes wide as he turned his attention back to the two students. "Not safe here…"

"Not safe?" Ron asked, his brow furrowing. "And what do you mean crawls? Who's crawling…or what?"

Dobby wasn't paying attention to Ron's questions, however. He was already back to searching the area around them, as if expecting something to jump out at them. Harry could see sweat on the poor house-elf's face and realized just how serious whatever Dobby was trying to tell them must be. He'd never seen him this scared…never.

"Dobby," Harry began gently, bending down slightly. "We'll help you with whatever it is that's worrying you…but you need to tell us…"

"Dobby must tell someone!" Dobby interrupted suddenly. "Dobby must see headmaster…must tell…must…" he trailed off, his eyes glazing over. He stood, swaying on the spot, looking as if he might fall. Harry knelt down completely so that he was at eye level with the small house-elf and took hold of his arms to keep him balanced.

"Dobby," he began firmly. "Listen to me…you're safe, but we need you to tell us what's wrong. What did you mean before when you said crawls?"

Dobby's eyes cleared once more as Harry spoke, and he blinked a few times, before meeting Harry's gaze.

"Crawls are everywhere," he whispered, fearfully. "When Harry Potter's friend Cho-"

Dobby stopped abruptly, inhaling sharply, looking past Harry and Ron.

"What about Cho?" Harry persisted anxiously, not taking his eyes off the house elf.

"What are you three up to?" a voice spoke up from behind them. Harry felt Dobby start to pull away as he and Ron looked around to see who was there. Cole and Marzia were barely a few steps away, slowing as they reached the students and the house elf, before coming to a stop.

"We're not up to anything," Harry replied, throwing Marzia a wary glance before turning to Cole. "Dobby was just talking to us about…"

"Dobby must go now!" the small house-elf shouted suddenly, ripping himself forcefully from Harry's grasp. He looked fearfully over Harry's head, before turning and scampering off down the hall.