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

25. Chapter 25

It had the basic shape of a human, and wore a sleeveless black tunic, but its body had somehow been horrifyingly altered. Its skin was very slippery looking, and the veins bulged out all over its body. It had no hair, but the top of its head seemed almost as if it were pulled back tightly, forming a curved spike that swung down behind its head. The ears were drizzling a sickeningly thick green liquid and as it stepped closer still, Harry could see the same gooey substance on the creature's lips.

It towered over the students, glaring down at them for a moment, before turning slightly and stepping towards Mel.

"No!" Harry cried, the creature's movement breaking his momentary paralysis. "Leave her alone!"

The horrifying being turned its head towards Harry, baring a row of razor sharp teeth and growling darkly, before turning back to Mel. It lowered itself down so it was kneeling on the hard stones of the corridor, and began to crawl towards her. Mel was doing all she could to get away, but without the use of her arms, all she could do was push herself backwards by kicking against the stone floor.

Harry watched helplessly as the creature advanced on Mel, seeing the terror in her eyes and hearing her breathing become faster and more panicked. Her eyes were wide with fear and the creature seemed to be enjoying every minute of it.

Harry tore his eyes away, focusing on his wand a few feet behind him. He had no idea what would work against this thing, but he had to try. Pushing with his feet, he began inching his way backwards, now fully understanding why it seemed so hard for Mel. The liquid on the tethers was so thick and sticky; it was slowing his progress greatly. He set his jaw in determination, however, refusing to give up, and using all his strength, he kicked at the floor harshly, closing the gap slowly.

Barely having gone even a foot, Harry looked up as he heard Mel suddenly cry out, the first time she'd done so since this started, only to see the creature fully on top of her now, it's teeth bared menacingly and green ooze trickling down on Mel's face and neck. She was straining desperately to loosen the cords around her and Harry felt his heart literally stop as he watched. It was happening again. She was going to be killed right in front of him, and he could do nothing to stop it.

"Not yet!" a harsh, terrifying voice suddenly rang out. The creature jumped up as if it had been struck, seeming to hunch over, fearfully.

"Your job is done…" the voice spoke again, "you will leave now." Harry watched, barely breathing as the creature lowered its head. It never gave either of them a second glance, before slinking off down the dark corridor. Harry again squinted his eyes, straining to see who had spoken, but he could make nothing out at all, not even a vague shape…nothing. The voice had been deep, but layered. It sounded like many different voices, but at the same time, only one. And something about it was frighteningly familiar.

Struggling slightly, Harry started to force himself back into an upright position, when the cords around him loosened suddenly, and began to slough off, as if they were rotting away. Standing up shakily, trying to calm his breathing, he crossed the hallway and knelt down beside Mel, who was just beginning to sit up.

"Are you alright?" he asked worriedly, his eyes searching her own.

Mel nodded faintly, lifting her hand and wiping absently at a dollop of the green liquid that was on her face.

"What was that?" she whispered fearfully. Harry shook his head slowly.

"I don't know," he replied gently. She nodded again, taking a long shaky breath, and Harry could see she was trembling.

"Hey," he began in a soothing tone. "It's gone now, you're safe." He shifted his position slightly so he was sitting right beside her and wrapped his arms around her in a protective embrace. Mel leant her head down into his chest and held him tightly. She needed to go to the hospital wing, that much he could tell by her breathing, and it probably wouldn't be a bad idea for him to go as well. They sat against the wall of the corridor, Harry rocking Mel gently in his arms, his mind racing with questions.

What had that thing been? How did it get in the school? Where were the Inquisitors? Why had it gone after Mel?

It crawled towards her…
Harry nearly started as he heard the voice of the meticulous crystal. Why hadn't it spoken during the attack? Why didn't it try to help him?

Yes I saw that, Harry thought back.

Well…maybe this is one of the 'crawls' we're looking for…

Crawls, Harry repeated absently. Dobby was so afraid of them…now I know why.

Looking up again, Harry noticed their wands were still lying in the middle of the floor a few feet away. He glanced down at Mel, who was still lying against him, wide-awake.

"C'mon," he said softly. "Let's get out of here, we should go to the hospital wing…"

"Alright," Mel nodded passively. She sat up, allowing Harry to stand, and then he turned to help her to her feet. As soon as she had straightened up, however, she clutched her stomach and doubled over again.

Harry reached out quickly to steady her, holding her arms firmly.

"Take it easy," he murmured as she began breathing rapidly once more, "I've got you…" He felt so horrible for her, wishing there were anything he could do to make her more comfortable. Whatever the creature had thrown at them in the beginning, it was obviously affecting her much worse. He was so very glad he'd decided to walk her down here, shuddering at the thought of what might have happened if she were alone.

"I'm alright," Mel nodded faintly, looking anything but. "I'll be fine."

Harry knew she was lying, but wasn't going to argue with her about it here. He left her side for less than a minute so he could cross the hall and grab their wands, before returning and handing Mel's back to her. She wasn't looking at him as he did so, however, her eyes were focused down the corridor, on the small oddly shaped form that had caught Harry's attention in the first place.

"What do you suppose that is?" she asked, nodding towards the shape.

"No idea," Harry replied quietly. Raising his wand, he quickly lit the corridor. "Lumos."

At once, a brilliant bright light splayed across the walls from the tip of Harry's wand and he aimed it down at the figure. At first, it looked like a sack of some sort, filled with potatoes or fruit, but as he took a tentative step closer, he recognized the form immediately, inhaling sharply.

"What?" Mel asked, her eyes widening once more. "What is it?"

"Dobby," Harry barely whispered, already moving forward towards the small house-elf. He reached Dobby's form in less than a second, and knelt immediately down beside him. Dobby was rolled over on his side, his back facing Harry.

"Dobby?" he asked, hesitantly, leaning over slightly and seeing the house-elf's eyes were closed. He reached out a hand, touching it to Dobby's arm and gave a gentle shake. "Can you hear met?" he asked quietly. He heard Mel's small footsteps coming up beside him just before she knelt down as well.

"Is he alright?" she whispered, her eyes flickering back and forth between Harry and Dobby. Harry shook his head, indicating he didn't know, before shaking the house-elf once more.

"Dobby, please can you hear me?" he asked loudly. This time the momentum of Harry's movement caused Dobby's form to roll onto its back, and Harry felt the color drain out of his face as Mel gave a small gasp.

A strand of the sinewy tether was protruding from a large gash in the house-elf's chest, blood soaking his clothes and forming a puddle on the area just beside him. Dobby was dead.

"It killed him," Mel spoke up in shaky disbelief, turning and staring at Harry. "Why would that creature kill Dobby?"

Harry shook his head sadly, unable to pry his eyes from the dark, gaping wound on the house-elf's chest.

"Dobby knew something about them…" he spoke quietly, "whatever that thing was. I think they wanted to stop him from telling anyone else what he knew."

"I thought that Dobby hasn't been in the school for a while now though," Mel remarked.

"That's right," Harry confirmed with a brief nod. "I've been looking for him for over a month…" he trailed off, reaching down and touching the small house-elf's arm. "He's still warm…this only just happened…"

"Harry I'm so sorry," Mel whispered, looking back down at Dobby's still form before closing her eyes tightly.

"Don't be," he replied gently, putting his arm around her and drawing her into his embrace. He let her rest her head on his shoulder for a brief moment, before taking a deep breath and glancing once more at Dobby.

"We better get going for real this time," Harry spoke up quietly. "I don't like the idea of staying in this hallway any longer and it's already well after curfew…"

"What about…?" Mel began, glancing down at the house-elf.

"I'm taking him with us," Harry replied evenly. "I can't just leave him here."

Mel nodded again, slowly pushing herself up on her knees before standing. She winced in pain as she did so, which caused Harry to look at her sharply.

"Can you walk alright?" Harry asked worriedly.

"I'll be fine, don't worry," Mel spoke quietly. But her breathing wasn't improving and Harry was growing nervous.

Turning away from her for a moment, he raised his wand and lifted Dobby's lifeless form gently into the air. One of the house-elf's small, frail arms swung down at his side, thick blood dripping from his tiny fingers. Mel let out a sickening moan, bringing her hands up to her face and turning away as Harry stepped closer to the small, floating figure.

He gently lifted Dobby's arm, placing it across his chest just above the wound. He felt a small lump begin to rise in his throat as the reality of what had happened truly began setting in, but swallowed it forcefully. Now was not the time, he had to get them out of here quickly.

"C'mon," he spoke softly, tearing his eyes away from Dobby and looking to Mel. "Let's get going." She nodded faintly, shuffling over to where he stood and letting him put an arm around her back as she leant her head against his shoulder. He began leading Mel forward, as she seemed slightly dazed now, her eyes only half open and unfocused as they walked. In his right hand, he kept his wand out in front of him, keeping Dobby's form just a few paces ahead of them, as they made their way towards the hospital wing.

A short while later, the double doors to the hospital wing at last came into view, and Harry breathed an inaudible sigh of relief as he pushed them open fully. He allowed Mel to step in first, before he directed Dobby's form through and entered the room.

Mel sat down in the nearest chair, breathing hard, as Harry glanced anxiously around at the mostly empty ward. After only a moment, he started towards the office, silently praying to find Madam Pomfrey at her desk, when suddenly he heard his name.

"Mr. Harry Potter," Madam Pomfrey called out, coming through a doorway on the opposite side of the room. She crossed the room briskly as she continued. "What can I do for you at this late hour?"

Harry turned around fully as she neared him, directing Dobby's form with him. As soon as Madam Pomfrey caught sight of the house-elf, her eyes widened.

"Set him down quickly, we need to…"

"He's dead," Harry interrupted her flatly.

Madam Pomfrey stared at him, her eyes sad as she raised her wand.

"Let me take him Harry," she said gently. "I'll bring him in the back."

Harry nodded, grateful to not have to look at Dobby like this any longer. As Madam Pomfrey started to turn away, Harry called out to her quickly.

"Mel is hurt," he said hastily, pointing towards where Mel was slouching in one of the chairs near the entrance. "She's not breathing right…"

Madam Pomfrey glanced at Mel and nodded curtly.

"I'll need to look at her straight away then, I'll only be a moment," she said hastily, turning and striding across the room. Harry watched her until she was out of sight, before turning and heading back towards the entrance.

"She'll be here in a minute," he told Mel as he knelt down beside her chair, taking one of her hands in his. He could hear her breathing now, as if she had to force herself to do so, and her other hand was clutching the lower part of her chest.

"That's good," Mel barely whispered in reply. Harry couldn't understand what had happened to her that was causing this. He could certainly still feel the strong ache in his stomach from where he'd been hit by whatever the creature had thrown at them, but it was slowly fading. Mel only seemed to be getting worse.

"Alright Miss Tristen," Madam Pomfrey said firmly as she walked up to the chair. "Let's have a look at you."

Mel looked up drowsily, nodding once as she pushed herself to the edge of the chair. Harry put an arm around her to keep her steady when she started to rise as he saw the pained expression return once more, and looked anxiously to Madam Pomfrey.

"Hurt's right here does it?" Madam Pomfrey asked, moving Mel's hand aside gently and touching the spot she'd been holding.

"Yes," Mel winced as Pomfrey's fingers pressed against her chest.

Madam Pomfrey nodded, a hint of recognition in her eyes as she took Mel gently by the arm.

"Come right over here, dear. I'll need a closer look."

Harry watched as the two of them crossed the room to the nearest examination table. Madam Pomfrey pulled the curtains and Harry lowered himself into the chair to wait.

Several minutes later, Harry heard the curtains move again, and looked up to see Madam Pomfrey striding towards him.

"Mr. Potter, this way please," she said briskly, before turning abruptly and moving towards another examination table.

"Is Mel alright?" Harry asked, trotting to catch up with Pomfrey.

"She'll be fine, now let me see your stomach."

"My…but…she's really alright then?" Harry stammered.

"Mr. Potter, Miss Tristen is going to recuperate just fine. She told me that you were hit in the same way she was however, and I need for you to lift your shirt so I can see the spot."

Harry shook his head, wanting to see with his own eyes that Mel truly was fine, but knew that standing here and arguing would only make it longer until he could do so. Grabbing the bottom of his shirt quickly, Harry lifted the material in his hands so his stomach was exposed, and felt his jaw drop. There was a very large, black bruise across his entire midsection, where he'd been hit.

"Yours is much lower, thankfully," Madam Pomfrey commented absently as she inspected the bruise closer.

"What do you mean, lower?" Harry asked. "Where was Mel hit?"

Madam Pomfrey straightened up quickly and met Harry's gaze.

"She was hit on her upper chest, by something very large and heavy apparently. It cracked several of her ribs and I still need to check her lungs."

"She's going to be okay, right?" Harry asked anxiously, looking towards the curtains that Mel was behind.

"I see no reason why not, this is something I can fix easily. And I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation for both of you showing up here so late with these horrible injuries, yes?" she asked with one eyebrow raised.

Harry nodded; relieved to hear Mel would be alright.

"I need to speak with Professor Dumbledore," he said quietly.

"I thought you might say that," Pomfrey replied with a nod. "You're both spending the night here, however. I'll take you both to your room first. Then I'll get the headmaster."

Harry nodded, feeling in no mood to argue after the night he'd just been through. He had to find out what that creature was, feeling quiet confident it had to be one of the crawls Dobby had been so scared of. Why had it gone after Mel instead of him? Who had stopped it? And most of all, what did Dobby know about them that ended up getting him killed?

A short while later, Madam Pomfrey had Harry and Mel both settled into beds in one of the upper levels of the hospital wing. She drew the curtains around Mel's bed, making Harry promise to just let her get some rest for the time being, before heading back downstairs to summon the headmaster.

Harry looked again at the bruise on his stomach. Madam Pomfrey had applied a glossy orange cream to it only moments ago, and already it was beginning to heal. He could actually see his skin changing back to its normal color. Lowering his shirt once more, he leant back against the headboard, and waited for Dumbledore to arrive.

A short while later, the door to the room opened and Madam Pomfrey walked in, followed by the headmaster, Sirius, Remus and Cole. Dumbledore whispered something to Pomfrey who replied with a nod, before exiting the room silently.

Sirius and Remus were already at Harry's bedside, asking him if he were alright, looking him over to see for themselves. He lifted up his shirt to show them the bruise, which was now a deep shade of blue.

"Who did that to you?" Sirius asked darkly.

"I'm not sure what it was," Harry replied. "But I think it might be one of the crawls Dobby was so afraid of…" he trailed off, the house-elf's lifeless image flashing through his mind. Closing his eyes tightly, he tried to shake the picture from his head.

"Madam Pomfrey told us you brought Dobby in with you," Dumbledore spoke up then, gravely. "She also told us about yours and Miss Tristen's injuries. What we need now is to know how this came about."

Harry nodded, recognizing his cue to start explaining, and as quickly as he could, told them of that evening's events. He started from where he and Mel had heard the growling, and finished with making it to the hospital wing.

"Madam Pomfrey took Dobby…and after looking at Mel and I, went to get you…" Harry finished, trailing off and looking up at the headmaster.

"That thing that attacked you," Remus began in puzzlement. "I've never heard of anything like it before."

"Neither had I," Harry replied. "And I wish it'd stayed that way," he paused, now looking towards Cole who had yet to speak since he'd arrived. "Do you know what it was? Could that be one of the crawls Dobby was trying to tell us about?"

Cole looked up to meet his gaze, before nodding slowly.

"It's called a Fleshcrawler. Another of the many creatures of Faerun."

Interesting, isn't it? We told him of Dobby being afraid of 'crawls' and the term Fleshcrawler never entered his mind?

Harry listened to the voice of the crystal but didn't reply. The tone wasn't exactly one of suspicion, but of bewilderment.

"The meticulous crystal," Harry started. "It never said anything the whole time Mel and I were in trouble. But then afterwards it did…why did it wait so long?"

"Fleshcrawlers have the ability to hinder or block off other magic," Cole explained. "They can make you as powerless as a muggle in their presence, unless you're a wizard. They seem to have no effect against human witches and wizards. Your powers as a Psion, however, can be affected. The crystal, most likely, was trying to talk to you. You just wouldn't have been able to hear it."

"So, I can never use the crystals against them then?" Harry asked.

"When you are fully trained, you should have no trouble using your powers against a Fleshcrawler, should you need to. It's only while your powers aren't fully developed that these creatures will pose a problem."

"Then that must be why Dobby was so afraid of them," Harry said quietly. "He couldn't use his magic to defend himself. Though I still want to know what Cho has to do with any of this…"

"I'm betting one of these things took her to Voldemort that night," Sirius said grimly.

"Dobby may have even tried to help her…only to discover he couldn't," Remus added.

Harry nodded slowly, before looking back at Cole with another question.

"The Inquisitors…is their magic affected by the Fleshcrawlers too?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Cole nodded. "As I said, the only beings that have full use of their magic when in range of a Fleshcrawler, are human wizards and witches."

Harry shook his head, feeling the frustration building within. Just when things seemed to be going well…

"Why, do you think, did it go after Mel instead of me?" he asked evenly.

"I don't know," Cole replied.

"If it hadn't been interrupted…what would it have done to her?"

"I don't know that you really want to hear what Fleshcrawlers do…" Cole spoke, uncertainly.

"You're right," Harry nodded. "But I don't want to be unprepared if this thing ever shows up again."

Cole shook his head and sighed, but began to explain in a low voice.

"I warn you, this isn't pleasant," Cole said seriously. "You remember the green substance that was trickling from the Fleshcrawler's ears and mouth?"

"Yes," Harry nodded.

"That used to be its flesh," Cole explained, "its skin. It is constantly rotting away, becoming a dark green gelatinous ooze, and slowly releasing itself from the creature's body. The Fleshcrawler would die very quickly, if it didn't replenish itself on a regular basis."

"It was…going to take Mel's skin?" Harry asked, feeling suddenly sick.

"Yes, that is exactly what it would have done," Cole replied evenly. "It would have consumed her flesh and used it to regenerate its own, if it hadn't been stopped…"

"Who do you think it was?" Harry asked. "Who called the creature off?"

"Judging by the way you described the voice that called out, and the fact that the creature was a Fleshcrawler. It was most likely the entity known as Draam."

Harry felt his head begin to ache upon hearing this.

"So…there are two entities in the school then." Sirius spoke quietly.

"That we know of at least," Remus added darkly.

"The voice…" Harry began, "it sounded like it was more than one person speaking, but all at the same time. Only, it was all the same voice. I know I recognized it, I just can't place it."

He sat back once more, leaning against the headboard, and trying to keep his thoughts straight.

"So what do I do now?" he asked, staring up at Cole. "Should we speed up the sessions with each crystal?"

"Absolutely not," Cole said firmly. "If we do that, it could cause disastrous repercussions. No it's best we keep things as they are."

"But these things can get into the school without anyone knowing!"

"True, but from what you've told us, the one that was here tonight was here for a specific reason and that's it. It doesn't sound as if Draam is going to let them loose in the school."

"Well not yet anyway," Harry quipped. "Those were his exact words when it was going to attack Mel…not yet. They're gonna be back."

"Then we just have to hope that it isn't before we've completed your training," Cole said curtly. "There's at least a month's time before you're ready to take the test."

Harry shook his head faintly, wishing he could come up with some way to convince Cole they really did need to speed things up. He didn't know what he'd do if one of the Fleshcrawlers were to hurt one of his friends.

"How do we defend ourselves against these things?" Remus asked suddenly. "In the event one of us happens to see one…"

"Oh, trust me you won't," Cole replied gravely. "You'll never catch sight of them until they allow it, and that only happens when they have you trapped. If they don't kill you straight off, they tie you up and take your skin."

"How?" Harry asked, looking up at Cole's words.

"What do you…?"

"Where did the ropes…or whatever they were, come from?" Harry asked. "We were both hit hard with something…and then the next thing we knew…"

Fleshcrawlers shoot the sinew tethers from their mouths and their hands," Cole explained. "The tip of each is solid, and the Fleshcrawler can control whether it is sharp or blunt. Basically, it uses the tethers to kill when it isn't going to consume your flesh, or blunt when it is, to immobilize you. Their aim is extremely precise, and they can see no matter how bright or dim the area around them happens to be."

"I still want to know why it went after Mel first," Harry said quietly. "She was hurt so much worse than I was…"

"As I said before," Cole began, "I don't know why the Fleshcrawler chose to go for Mel first. In all probability, it was a coincidence. The creature hit and immobilized both of you; the fact that it started with her doesn't mean anything. You would most certainly have been next had it not been called off."

Harry nodded faintly but didn't reply. The entire evening had tired him out, and all he wanted at this point was to lay back and get some sleep. Dumbledore, who had been uncharacteristically silent throughout most of the discussion, seemed to notice this and spoke up.

"I think it is time we let Harry get some rest. He has had a most trying day."

Harry smiled gratefully as he laid back against the headboard once more.

"In the meantime, I would like to speak with you three," the headmaster continued, looking at the other men. "There is much we need to discuss."

Cole nodded once, standing up from his chair and heading for the door. Remus gave Harry a gentle pat on the shoulder and Sirius gave him a fatherly hug, before they both said good night and stood to leave. Dumbledore told Harry to get sleep, and not to worry, they would figure this out soon enough.

When Harry was alone in the hospital room at last, hearing only the sound of Mel's deep breathing from the bed a few feet away, he sighed lightly. Pushing himself further under the covers, he stared blankly up at the ceiling, going over the events of the evening once more in his head.

Something had been off with Cole, Harry didn't know what it was, but he felt it just the same. He hadn't acted any different…but still…

It's almost as if he's hiding something.

But why? Harry thought back. What good would come of keeping things from me now?

We don't know why. All we know, is that what was told to us tonight doesn't make sense. For one thing, Cole said the Fleshcrawlers have precise aim and can see now matter how dark or light it is. If that's so, then it meant to hurt Mel worse than it did you. He should have known that. Instead he told us that what happened to Mel was just a coincidence. A case of bad luck. That doesn't seem like it fits.

Well maybe the Fleshcrawlers really don't care where they hit a person, so long as they hit them…

Maybe. The crystal paused, before continuing. Then we have the fact that it truly seems the best course of action would be to speed up our training. Cole refused us, however. We'll need to be able to defend ourselves should a Fleshcrawler show up again, and we can only do that when we're fully trained.

Yes but a human witch or wizard will be able to defend themselves because Cole said…

But he never said how.

What?

Cole never answered Remus' question. He conveniently skipped over telling us how to defend against the Fleshcrawlers.

There must be a reason why he did that…

Yes. I believe there is.

Harry turned over on his side as what the meticulous crystal had just said kept repeating in his head. He didn't like how things were looking right now, and could only hope there would be some explanation. The crystal seemed to sense he no longer wanted to talk, and did not speak again.

After what felt like a very long time, Harry finally was able to drift off into a restless sleep.

When Harry woke some time later, his head was throbbing dully, and he felt as if he'd slept only a short while. He started to turn onto his other side, hoping to make himself more comfortable, when he felt his legs bump into something through the covers. Lifting his head partially, he could barely make out the shape of someone sitting on the end of his bed, but couldn't make out who it was.

"Good morning Harry," Mel's voice drifted towards him as he began to sit up.

"Mel!" Harry said, suddenly awake, reaching for his glasses and slipping them on. She was perched on the left corner of his bed, her legs crossed in front of her, leaning her elbows on her knees. "How are you feeling? Are you alright? Madam Pomfrey told me that…"

"I'm fine," she cut him off gently, a faint grin on her face. Madam Pomfrey gave me some medicine, and this orange cream for the bruise."

"It doesn't hurt to breathe then?" Harry asked, wanting to be certain.

"No, not in the least," Mel replied. "Whatever the medicine was, it did the trick. I'm fine."

"Good," Harry said, breathing a silent sigh of relief.

"And you?" Mel asked, expectantly. "Are you alright?"

"Oh, yes…I wasn't hurt the same way you were. The bruise is gone now," he answered.

"Good," Mel replied with a nod. She straightened her back, seeming to be thinking hard on something for a moment, before she spoke again. "Madam Pomfrey couldn't give me a sleeping potion last night…she said it might interfere with the effects of the medicine."

"Oh," Harry replied. "Well then I'm glad she didn't. Healing you was definitely more important."

"Yes, well, even without the potion I was still very tired after what had happened," Mel said slowly.

"So was I," Harry replied, getting the distinct feeling she had more to tell him, but she was obviously hesitant to say it. He pushed the covers away from him and shifted his position to be closer to where she sat, an uncertain expression on her face.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, reaching out his hands and gently taking one of hers. "You can tell me if there's…"

She didn't take the sleeping potion, the crystal's voice cut in.

Yes I heard her, what does that have to do with…

She said she was tired, but she never said she fell straight to sleep.

Harry closed his eyes briefly upon hearing what the crystal said. Mel must've heard the discussion he'd had the night before, that had to be what she wanted to ask him about.

No sooner had the thought crossed his mind then Mel spoke up softly.

"Harry…could you tell me…what a Psion is, and why Cole was calling you one last night?"

Harry stared at Mel blankly, taken aback by her question and completely unsure how to answer. He didn't think Cole would be very pleased with him if he told Mel about his powers. He also wasn't sure if it was a good idea for her to know.

Cole wants this to be kept secret, the crystal spoke up curtly.

Thank you…you're ever so helpful, Iknowwhat Cole wants, Harry thought back sardonically.

"Is something wrong?" Mel asked, seeing the hesitant expression on his face.

"No," Harry said immediately. "I mean…you see it's just that…I don't know if it's a good idea to tell you about…anything…" he trailed off, thinking how stupid that answer must've sounded.

"Why wouldn't it be a good idea?" Mel asked, her eyes narrowing in confusion.

Harry took a deep breath, trying to think. If he refused to answer her questions, she might be insulted or angry…but if he told her everything…

"I just don't want you to get hurt," he spoke up softly. "If you know too much it might be dangerous for you."

"I'd never even heard the term Psion last night and look what happened," Mel quipped. "How much worse could it be?"

Harry paused a moment, considering. She did have a point, but still…

"No, you don't understand," he said, shaking his head. "Last night, what happened…Cole said it was just a coincidence that the Fleshcrawler picked you first…"

"Yes, I heard him," Mel interrupted. "But you didn't believe him, did you? I heard it in your voice."

"Yeah, I didn't…I don't, believe him. Not about that, anyway."

Harry sat back, torn between not wanting to keep anything from Mel, and what could happen if he were to tell her about his powers. The crystal was being silent, obviously having made its suggestion and leaving the rest up to him.

"Look if you don't want to tell me, it's alright," Mel spoke up after a brief silence. "I don't want you to feel like I'm trying to…"

"It's not that I don't want to tell you," Harry cut her off gently, looking up and meeting her eyes. "But I don't want anything to happen to you…" he trailed off. In all honesty, he wasn't sure why exactly Cole wanted this to be kept secret. It wasn't as if anyone that did know had been in any danger because of their knowledge. Dobby had been killed for something having to do with the Fleshcrawlers…and Cho.

"She died because neither of us knew the truth," Harry murmured under his breath.

"Excuse me?" Mel asked politely, looking curiously at him.

"Sorry," Harry replied. "I was…thinking out loud…"

But he'd made his decision. There would certainly have been a better chance that Cho would have lived had either of them known the truth about Harry's powers. He wasn't going to take the chance that the same thing might happen with Mel.

"Alright," he began. "Just listen to all I have to say…before you ask any questions."

"Okay," Mel said quietly, meeting his gaze intently. "I'm listening."

Harry took a deep breath, not having the slightest clue where to begin. His eyes fell on the shimmering green mist that the crystal was forming around him, and called on it without hesitation.

The haze began to swirl in front of him, pulling back into itself, and the tinkling of glass could be heard in the air, as the crystal quickly reformed in his hand.

When the perfectly sculpted stone lie still in his palm, he glanced back up to see Mel staring at it, eyes wide.

"What…what just happened?" she asked cautiously, not taking her eyes off the crystal. "What is that?"

"That," Harry began, "is what I'm about to explain."

Some time later, when Harry had finished his story, he sat back against the bed and waited. Mel seemed to still be processing the new information, and he couldn't tell by the expression on her face what her reaction would be.

Shifting the meticulous crystal to his left hand, he took his right hand and let it hover over the stone, when the light green glow returned, he called upon it once more, and the crystal shattered, forming the familiar mist around him.

Mel watched his action with interest, before finally looking up to meet his gaze.

"Are you mad?" she asked, seriously.

"What?" Harry replied, uncertainly. "Why would I be mad?"

"Well," she began, "if I'd been born with the power you have and nobody ever told me about it, I'd be a bit upset to say the least. Not to mention it sounds like they're cutting it pretty close, Cole and Gazten. Shouldn't they have started you on all this when she arrived, rather than waiting for him?"

"I was upset, more than upset, when I was first told," Harry admitted. "But all I want now is to just get this training done with so I can use the crystals."

"Yeah," Mel nodded. "I would want that too…especially after last night…" she trailed off, shivering involuntarily at the memory of the creature that had tried to kill her. Harry could see what she was thinking by the look in her eyes, and slid across the bed, until he was just beside her.

"That won't happen again," he said firmly, reaching over gently and, drawing her towards him. She too slid along the covers, until she was in front of him, lying back against his chest with his arms around her from behind.

"You don't know that," she replied, a hint of fear in her tone. "That voice last night said not yet…"

"I know, I know," he replied in a soothing voice. "Don't think about that now…I'm sure Dumbledore will already have found out how we defend ourselves against them."

"I hope so…"

Harry didn't reply to this. He was just as worried as she, if not more so. If Cole was right, and they'd truly never be able to hear a Fleshcrawler coming, knowing a defensive hex or curse would do little good. Even when it had growled at them the night before, they couldn't tell where it was coming from; they'd have no idea which way to aim.

But what worried Harry more than any of that, was his inability to shake the feeling that the Fleshcrawler had hurt Mel and gone after her first for a reason. She would be walking down that same hallway every night for the remainder of the school year, and all Harry could do was hope she would be alright.

A short while later, Madam Pomfrey had stopped in to their room to check on them, and after a quick examination, announced they could leave the hospital wing.

They changed back into their clothes from the night before, and went downstairs, going through the large double doors and into the hall.

Mel was glancing warily at the corridor that would take them to the dungeon area, before looking back up at Harry.

"I'm starving," she said suddenly. "Want to get some breakfast with me?"

"Absolutely," Harry grinned, but realized she was only trying to put off going back into that hallway. He reached out and took one of her hands in his, as the two of them set off for the great hall.

Neither one spoke much for a few moments, and as they neared their destination they started passing small groups of students who were either chatting or walking by, but all of them would glance quizzically in Harry and Mel's direction, before quickly averting their eyes.

At one point, a tall boy who Harry barely recognized as a Hufflepuff came right up in front of them and stopped.

"Sorry," he said with a smug grin, looking only at Harry, "just a quick question…isn't she in Slytherin?" he asked, nodding faintly at Mel.

Harry glared back at the boy's cocky expression evenly.

"As a matter of fact, yes," he replied stiffly.

"Well, then why are you holding hands? I mean, you of all people…and she's probably only…"

"Excuse me," Harry cut him off loudly, forcing his anger down. "You're in our way." Without waiting for the boy to respond in any way, Harry held tightly to Mel's small hand, and led her around the Hufflepuff. As they moved along, they heard loud laughter break out behind them, but Harry didn't turn. He kept his eyes in front of him, trying to block out the sound.

"Maybe we shouldn't…" Mel began, "you know…let anyone see us…"

"No," Harry replied quickly, his tone slightly sharper than he'd intended. He shook his head, sighing inaudibly, and brought them both to a stop in the middle of the hall.

"I'm not going to let what a few idiots say make me not want to be seen with you. It's not as if we've never been seen together before, and we did go to the dance together after all…"

"Yes but friends do go to dances together," Mel replied, "and walk side by side too…but when two people are walking, holding hands…even though it's small, people see that as meaning more."

"Well, then they're right, aren't then?" Harry asked. "Unless…unless you don't…" he trailed off. He hadn't thought about Mel possibly feeling differently towards him after last night. She hadn't seemed that way in the hospital wing, but just the same…"

"No, that's not what I was saying," Mel spoke hastily, seeing the doubt in his eyes. "Not at all. I just don't want to make things hard for you. Especially after what you told me this morning, you don't need another stress in your life, no matter how small it may seem in comparison."

Harry smiled at her concerned expression, before pulling her close to him.

"Mel," he spoke gently, "I don't care if every person in this school reacts the way that one back there did. All I care about is that I know what I feel for you…and I hope you feel the same."

Harry looked into her eyes as he spoke, and saw Mel nod back at him faintly.

"I do," she replied quietly, lifting her face towards his. He leant down, kissing her softly, feeling her body pressed against his. He felt her hands move up his arms as he moved his own around her back, when suddenly they both pulled apart, as another group of chattering students had just turned into the hall.

They looked from the kids, back to each other, both smiling warmly, before she slipped her hand into his once more, and they continued their walk to the great hall.

When they walked through the double doors, Harry led Mel towards the very end of the Gryffindor table, closest to the exit. He didn't want to be in the middle of everyone at that moment. Mel made no argument, and they took seats across from one another as their plates filled up in front of them.

"What happened last night?" Ron's voice spoke up as he, Hermione and Ginny neared the end of the table. They'd seen Harry and Mel enter, and immediately came over to join them.

"Why didn't you come back last night?" Hermione asked. "We were worried.

"Yeah we were about to go out and look for you," Ginny added, "when Sirius stopped in to tell us you were safe, but you wouldn't be returning until today. He wouldn't tell us anything else."

Harry and Mel exchanged reluctant glances, neither one in the mood to get into the events of the previous night again.

"Do you think we could talk about it later?" Harry asked, looking back at his friends, hopefully.

"Okay," Ron replied slowly, looking back and forth from Harry to Mel.

"Are you alright at least?" Hermione asked. "You weren't hurt or anything…?"

"Luckily, no," Harry replied. "Neither of us was hurt."

"You guys can sit down if you want," Mel spoke up, noticing the three of them were still standing at Harry's side.

Harry nodded his agreement and Ron walked around to Mel's side, taking the seat next to her, while Ginny and Hermione sat beside Harry. An awkward silence followed for only a few moments, when Hermione cleared her throat softly.

"So, any word on Dobby? I figured you might check with the house-elves in the kitchen…" she trailed off, seeing the pained expression on Harry's face. "What?" she asked apprehensively, "What is it?"

Harry dropped the fork he'd been holding on his plate and folded his hands tightly in front of him, resting his forehead against his knuckles.

"Did you find him?" Ron asked eagerly.

"Yes, actually," Harry replied looking across to his friend. He noticed Mel had stopped eating as well. She was sitting back in her seat, her eyes focused on the table. "Mel and I found him last night…"

"That's great!" Ginny exclaimed. "We can ask him about the crawls then!"

"No…no we can't," Harry said, stifling a bitter laugh before continuing quietly. "We found him…dead."

The shocked silence that followed was heavy, and Harry didn't look up at any of his friends. He hadn't wanted to talk about any of this now, but it looked like that wasn't going to be the way it was. Giving Mel a sincerely apologetic look, he waited for her to nod back, coming to the same conclusion as him, before turning back to his friends and beginning to explain what had happened.

When Harry finished re-telling the previous nights events for the second time, the reaction was just what he'd expected it would be. His friends stared at him in stunned silence, not sure what to make of what they'd been told.

"I'm going up to see Dumbledore today," Harry said quietly, rather than wait for one of them to speak. "Hopefully he can tell us how to defend ourselves against the Fleshcrawlers."

"Why didn't Cole tell us about these things?" Hermione asked, sounding suddenly angry. "Or Gazten even…they're both from Faerun! Dobby may not always get names right…but still, crawls and Fleshcrawlers…how could the possible connection not have crossed either of their minds?"

"I was thinking the same thing last night," Harry nodded stiffly. "A few things that Cole told me didn't make much sense to say the least."

"Such as?" Ron asked.

Harry quickly went over the same points the crystal had brought to his attention the previous night. Cole's answers from their discussion were giving him a strong feeling that the older man was keeping something from him, but Harry didn't know what or why. He just hoped whatever it was he'd come out with it soon.

"I'm gonna go see Dumbledore now," Harry said when he'd finished. "I want to know if he found out anything more about the Fleshcrawlers."

"I'll come too," Mel said quickly, standing up with him. "If there's any way to stop one of those things I want to know about it."

"Yes, let's all go," Hermione added.

"Right," Harry nodded, thinking it would be best that way, rather than him having to re-tell whatever Dumbledore might have found.

The five students walked away from the Gryffindor table and exited into the hall, starting for the headmaster's office.

Harry pushed open the door to the office as his friends stood in a line behind him on the stairs, when he heard Dumbledore's voice grant them entrance.

"Sorry to disturb you professor," Harry said as the five of them entered.

"No it's quite alright," the headmaster replied gently from his desk. "Please have a seat, I can certainly spare a few moments. I assume you're here to ask about last night?" he asked with a knowing grin.

"I don't want to take up much of your time," Harry spoke hastily, "but anything you could tell us about the Fleshcrawlers would be helpful…"

"Cole did tell us most everything he knew about the creatures last night," Dumbledore said seriously.

"Except how to defend against them," Mel spoke up suddenly but looking away as the headmaster turned his gaze on her. "Sorry," she murmured. "Didn't mean to interrupt." Harry grinned at her as she spoke, thinking if she ended up coming with them more often she'd realize he and his friends did that all the time.

"Correct," Dumbledore smiled. "Though when we spoke later in the evening, he did tell us that Fleshcrawlers would be affected by any of the spells we normally use. The problem only arises when it comes to hitting them."

"Because you can't tell where they are until they have you," Harry spoke in a frustrated tone.

"So, then there's nothing we can do…nothing to fight them?" Ron asked. "There's got to be something…"

"For the time being," Dumbledore began, "the best thing that all of you can do is to make sure you do not go off on your own. Stay only in the areas of the school you know and try to stay near each other."

Harry looked at the headmaster as he spoke, realizing for the first time how tired the older man seemed. The twinkle in his eye wasn't there even when he smiled and Harry felt a twinge of worry at seeing Dumbledore like this. He wanted to ask him more, but felt it would be best to just let things go for the moment. When they'd come in it was obvious the headmaster had been in the middle of something, and Harry wanted to let him get back to it.

They thanked Dumbledore and exited the office, back down into the hallway.

"Did he seem…worried, do you think?" Hermione asked as they began walking.

"Very much so," Ginny replied nervously. "I didn't like it…"

"With everything that's going on can you blame him?" Harry asked. "I'm worried too…"

"We all are," a voice spoke up from behind them. The five students turned to see Sirius walking towards them from down the corridor.

"Sirius," Harry smiled as his godfather came up to the small group.

"Do you know more about what happened last night?" Ron asked hastily.

"Yeah what happened during your meeting?" Mel asked anxiously.

"What did Cole say? Was he acting strange?" Hermione asked.

"Hang on, hang on," Sirius laughed. "One at a time."

"Sorry," Hermione grinned.

"We just want to know what happened last night," Harry explained. "Professor Dumbledore seemed so worried just now…"

"And for good reason," Sirius replied solemnly. "C'mon, let's take a walk."

"Professor Dumbledore is worried, as we all are, about the Fleshcrawlers," Sirius began as the small group set off down the hall. "When we first realized intruders were easily able to gain access into the school we began patrolling regularly, every member of the staff helping out. After several months of that, Cole arrived, and with him came the Inquisitors. For the most part that seemed to solve our problems. Even though they didn't alert us when Lucius had gotten in, there have been no similar incidents since that time. Now, however, our problem is much bigger. The Inquisitors' powers are ineffective against the Fleshcrawlers; they can't even sense their presence. The fact that these creatures are highly dangerous combined with the fact that it seems we will never know they're near until it's too late, is far too hazardous to all of the students in this school. Dumbledore will have to contact all the parents that have their kids here. It's up to them if they want their child exposed to a potentially dangerous situation. And if there's another incident like last night's, more drastic measures may need to be taken."

Harry listened intently as his godfather spoke, and had to force himself to ask his next question, one to which he was certain he already knew the answer, but didn't want to hear it.

"What measures, exactly?" he spoke somberly.

"The school could be closed, Harry," Sirius replied. "Without any sure way of fighting back against the Fleshcrawlers, we can't guarantee everyone's safety."

"Well we have to find a way then," Harry spoke up stubbornly. "We can't let them win…they can't have Hogwart's."

"Not a chance," Ron added, adopting Harry's set jaw. "They can't take this place, it's ours!"

Sirius smiled proudly at the two of them, before replying.

"I couldn't agree with you more," he began, "but the truth of the matter is, I won't let any of you…or anyone in this school for that matter, lose their life to one of these creatures. If that means leaving, we go, and come back prepared to fight."

Harry didn't want to agree with his godfather, and wouldn't reply. He could never leave Hogwart's to those vile creatures, and in his mind he'd already decided…he never would.

"What about Cole?" Mel spoke up, shifting away from the dismal topic. "How long did you speak with him last night? How did he seem to you?"

"Yes…Cole," Sirius mused quietly. "He didn't seem very anxious to participate in our discussion last night, but he did answer all of our questions."

"Did he say why he never brought up the Fleshcrawlers before?" Harry asked.

"I asked him about that," Sirius nodded. "His excuse was that with all of the creatures of Faerun he had no way of knowing for certain that the Fleshcrawlers were the 'crawls' Dobby had been scared of."

"So there are lots of creatures there with the word crawl as part of their name?" Mel asked, curiously.

"Apparently so," Sirius replied wryly, rolling his eyes. "Though Cole didn't bother to name any of them…"

"I really don't like this," Ginny spoke up, warily. "Why is Cole acting so strangely? I'd think he would want to help us fight these things, instead of trying to keep information from us…"

"One would think, yes," Sirius replied. "All we can do, unfortunately, is watch him. "Even Dumbledore is becoming wary of his behavior. We just have to find out what the reason for it is."

"Dumbledore doesn't trust him?" Harry asked incredulously.

"It's not so much that he doesn't trust him," Sirius replied. "Only that after the way Cole acted last night, he's aware that something is…off…"

Sirius stopped in the middle of the hall they were now in, turning to face his godson, a grave expression on his face.

"I, however, don't trust him. I never have. Now I know you still have much time to spend with him during your training, just make sure you're very careful. If you notice anything strange about his behavior I want to know about it first thing, alright?"

"I promise," Harry replied nodding. "If I notice anything I'll tell you."

"Good," Sirius said with a faint grin.

They walked on a short while longer, coming into view of the portrait of the fat lady. Sirius told them it was time he got going, still having much to do that day. He waved as they called out good-bye to him, and they watched until he turned the corner, before Mel looked to Harry.

"I should probably head back to my dorm," she said reluctantly, "I haven't started any of the homework for this weekend yet."

"Yeah neither have I," Harry laughed. "Though we do have a pretty good excuse I'd say."

"Well just the same I'm sure Professor McGonagall would be quite displeased if our papers weren't done. So I guess I'll see you…later," she finished with a grin.

"Let me walk you back down," Harry replied with a small grin. He took her hand once more, telling his friends he'd be back in a little bit, before the two of them started down towards the Slytherin dorm.

Harry and Mel walked side by side, making their way slowly downstairs. At first neither of them spoke, so much had happened in the last twenty-four hours that they were both still thinking deeply on the new information. As they passed by the entrance to the library, Mel looked up at Harry.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Anything," Harry replied with a nod, looking down at her.

"It's about Cole…why do you think he's acting so strangely? You must spend so much time with him during your training…"

"Actually, I barely see him at all," Harry replied. "He checks in with me once or twice a week to make sure I'm not having any problems, and to tell me which crystal I'll be using next, but other than that I don't see him."

"Really?" Mel replied, a puzzled expression on her face.

"Really," Harry confirmed. "And to tell you the truth…this isn't the first time he's acted…somewhat suspiciously."

"What do you mean?" Mel asked. "What else has he done?"

"A few months ago," Harry began, "I was in Madam Pomfrey's office to speak with the Changs…" Harry trailed off, remembering that day, and how they'd seemed to blame him for what had happened to their daughter.

"You don't have to tell me," Mel said hastily, seeing the look in Harry's eyes. "If you can't talk about it then…"

"No, I want to tell you," Harry replied, trying to smile. He cleared his throat and waited a moment, before continuing on, quickly. "The three of us were in the office, with the door closed and the blinds drawn. We'd only been there a short while when I noticed black smoke slipping in through the crack under the door. Mr. Chang and I both tried to stop it, but it wasn't affected by any of our spells. I ended up stuck in one of the corners, surrounded by the smoke, while it went after the Changs. I found out right away that touching it was a bad idea, so I lit my wand just to be able to see in the blackness…and I noticed the smoke was keeping it's distance from the wand. I don't think it was because of the light, because the light was on in the office and that didn't seem to bother it, but I don't know what else could have done it. When I asked Cole about it later…he just brushed the question off, wouldn't give me a clear answer."

"So your wand is somehow able to defend against the smoke…but Cole wouldn't tell you exactly how?" Mel asked, incredulously. "Why would he want to keep that from you?"

"I don't know," Harry replied, shaking his head. "Maybe he didn't know the answer…but didn't want me to know that…so he made something up…" he suggested feebly.

"Did you tell Dumbledore or Sirius about that?" Mel asked.

"No," Harry answered, "I didn't see any need to…I mean Cole's only here to help me learn how to use the crystals, right? He's been helping me this entire time…and if he were really against me then I don't see how walking me through all this training is going to help him in the end."

"Is he really helping you though?" Mel asked suddenly. "What are you really learning here? From what you've told me, all each crystal does is make suggestions here and there. Sometimes they bring a certain point to your attention…now I know there's more to it than that. There has to be, but Cole isn't showing you any of it, is he? This big training he and Gazten are going to give you is going to be hard if you're not prepared…"

Harry looked down at her for a long moment, before nodding slowly.

"I know," he replied quietly. "I've thought about that…a lot actually. Each time I tell myself Cole is the one who's been doing this for his entire life, and I've only just started learning about it. I can't do it on my own, Mel. I don't know how. The one time I called on all the crystals together…well, let's just say it could have ended very badly if Cole hadn't helped me through it."

Mel opened her mouth as if she wanted to comment on Harry's statement, but shut it quickly and looked away, nodding faintly.

"I just hope that's what he's really here for," she said softly.

Harry felt her give his hand a gentle squeeze and he pulled her closer to him as the moved, wrapping his arm around her back. They were at the end of their walk now as the Slytherin portrait hole was in view. Less than a minute later, they came to a slow stop in front of it.

"Thank you for coming down here with me," Mel said as she turned to look up at Harry. "I was still a bit worried about coming by myself," she admitted, her cheeks blushing slightly.

"I wish I could come with you every time," Harry told her softly. "I don't like the idea of you walking down her by yourself anymore."

"Well I don't want you to worry about me," Mel said with a slight smile. "I'll get over this soon enough, it'll be fine, you'll see."

Harry nodded, not wanting to argue her statement at all, but unable to help feeling nervous about her situation. He still couldn't shake the feeling that the Fleshcrawler had gone after her first for a reason, but pushed the thoughts out of his head for the time being.

"You better get going," Mel said, nodding back the way they'd come. "I'm sure your friends will worry if you're gone too long…"

"Oh trying to get rid of me now?" Harry joked, arching one eyebrow wryly as he firmed his grip on her waist and pulled her closer.

"Never," Mel smiled as he leant down towards her gently, kissing her softly. He pulled away from her slowly and she gave the password to the portrait behind her, before saying good-bye and stepping inside.

Harry looked after her, feeling almost full again, despite all the problems that were presenting themselves to him daily. He waited until the portrait was entirely shut, before beginning his walk back upstairs.

The week went on, without further incident. Cole had stopped checking in on Harry, and instead sent Allison to make sure he was doing alright with the crystals. According to her, Cole was now devoting a great deal more of his time into preparing the test, and she would most likely be the one to check in on him from now on.

Ron and Hermione thought it a little too coincidental that all of a sudden Cole, who had been very adamant about being present and working with Harry personally during his training was now too busy for even his short ten-minute visits. Harry didn't have an explanation besides the one he'd been given, and while part of him agreed with his friends, what Allison had told him did make sense. They'd been telling him from the start this test would be hard. Now that the time to take it was nearing, they'd need to spend more time on setting it up.

When Saturday arrived at last, Harry was pleasantly surprised to find the quidditch practice that had been scheduled for them had not been cancelled. He had his team out on the pitch and practicing diligently for the four hours they had allotted to them, before it was Ravenclaw's turn. In just three weeks Gryffindor had it's second match of the season against Hufflepuff, and Harry wanted to be sure they'd be completely prepared.

As the team made their way back up the hill and into the school, Harry, Ron and Ginny spotted Allison, standing off to the side expectantly, as if waiting for them to arrive. She moved towards them as soon as they'd entered.

"Don't want to keep you long," she grinned as Harry and his friends slowed to a stop. "Just wanted to let you know you're starting with the Liar crystal tomorrow morning."

"Great," Harry nodded with a small grin. Allison returned the smile and with a wave to the three of them, headed off in down the hall, back towards the dungeon area.

"Well that was certainly quick," Ron commented as he watched her go. "Not even a hello…"

"And she didn't ask about how you were doing with this crystal," Ginny added.

"Yes, well that's because she's checked with me on it every other day this week" Harry replied as they began walking again, "and I know enough by now not to wait for either her or Cole to ask me if something's wrong. I'd just go straight downstairs and tell them."

"I'm just glad you're back to working with her…instead of Cole," Ron commented.

"Oh me too," Ginny added, nodding. "Cole had such a temper…"

"Not always," Harry replied. "The first time you really saw him helping me with the crystals was quite different than any of the other times, trust me. Though to tell you the truth, I'm glad too. Allison is much easier to be around and talk to."

"Cole makes you nervous?" Ron asked, a small teasing grin on his face.

"Shut up Ron," Harry laughed, "you'd know what I meant if you'd been around him as much as I have."

"Hey, nothing to be ashamed of," Ron continued, his smile widening. "We all have our fears, you know…"

"And if you don't stop right now I'm going to leave you a nice eight-legged surprise on your pillow tonight,' Harry shot back smugly.

"You wouldn't," Ron said, looking suddenly horrified.

"You think so?" Harry asked, tauntingly. He glanced towards Ginny who had her hands over her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter. But when he looked again at his best friend's terrified face, he couldn't keep it going. Shaking his head and chuckling to himself, he began talking quickly.

"Okay you know I would never do that, so just calm down, will you?" he asked, smiling widely at Ron.

"Well…just for the record," Ron began, lowering his voice and leaning forward. "Cole makes me nervous too. I wouldn't blame you at all if that really was the reason you like working with Gazten better."

They were nearing the portrait hole now, and went through one at a time, making their way towards the corner, where Hermione was waiting for them.

The next morning when Harry awoke after a very restful slumber, he hopped out of bed and headed to his trunk. Finding the stone that turned black, he called on the liar crystal, before locking the chest and changing quickly.

Making his way down towards the great hall, Harry's eyes were focused on the black haze surrounding him, reminding him very much of a swarm of tiny bugs. He hadn't liked the liar crystal on the day they'd been introduced, and was thankful that, for the moment, at least, it was remaining quiet.

When Harry entered the large room, he went over to the Gryffindor table and took a seat midway down it. He had heard Ron snoring away when he'd left the dorm earlier, and hadn't seen Hermione or Ginny in the common room, so presumably they too were still asleep. Eating slowly, he glanced around at the few people in the room with him. It wasn't exactly early, but for a Sunday, it was normal not to find many people downstairs in time for breakfast.

As he polished off the last strip of bacon, Harry stood and decided to just head back upstairs for the time being. Hopefully by now one of his friends would be awake at least. Crossing the room once more, he exited through the double doors and out into the hallway, just in time to see Cole striding past, down towards the dungeon area. Harry saw him glance towards him briefly, before averting his eyes without so much as a nod, and continuing past him down the corridor. Staring after him for a moment, Harry's mind again began the now incredibly familiar debate, on what the cause for Cole's strange behavior was. He fought the urge to follow him down to the dungeon area, turning his back on the hallway and heading up towards his tower.

When he stepped through into the common room a short while later, Harry made his way over to the corner of the room where he usually sat with his friends. Either they were still asleep or he'd somehow missed them in the halls on his way back to the tower, but they were nowhere that he could see. Lowering himself into the farthest chair, he again began to think Cole's behavior, when a thought suddenly sprang into mind. He remembered the day just before he first began his sessions with the crystals, and going to Remus' office only to find him in an intense argument with Cole. Harry still didn't know what had been said, but he knew Remus seemed furious about something Cole had seemingly requested of him.

Deciding to try and ask again what the fight had been about, Harry once again set off into the halls, heading for Remus' office, only to find it empty when he arrived. Heading back towards his tower once more, not willing to give up, he stepped through the portrait hole and went straight up to his dorm. Opening his regular chest, Harry pulled out the Marauder's Map and activated it quickly, scanning for Remus' name. When at last he was able to spot it, he saw it was in a part of the school that he'd never visited, at least that he could remember. It was quite far up in one of the thin towers that no classes were held in and Harry had always assumed no one ever bothered to go up into them any more.

There was another name on the map, however, just beside Remus'.

That name was Lucius Malfoy.

Harry stared at the map for a moment, not sure what to do.

"That must be where they're keeping Lucius," he said under his breath. He didn't know if Remus would be please with him for showing up while he was keeping watch over Lucius, as Harry assumed must be the case. But he also didn't see the harm in it. Lucius would surely be locked up in some way, and Harry wouldn't stay for long. Making his decision and standing quickly, Harry pushed the lid to his trunk shut, and crossed the room, exiting the dorm with the map in his hand.

Not bothering to take more than a quick glance around the common room, Harry stepped through the portrait hole for the third time that morning, and began his trek up to the tower. He passed several classrooms, the professor's lounge, the headmaster's office, further and further into an area he'd never been to before. When he reached a door at the end of a long hall, with no other direction to choose, he opened it slowly and stepped through.

"Lumos," he whispered as he pulled out his wand. Their were no lights in this corridor at all, and after a quick glance around Harry found himself at the base of a very long, winding, rickety staircase. Checking the map to make sure he was still on the correct path, Harry began climbing the stairs. He noticed no doors or windows as he ascended, and an incredibly thick layer of grime on just about everything, except the middle of each step, where it was slightly less dusty because of all the people Dumbledore had watching over Lucius going up and down each day.

After what felt like well over an hour, Harry at last reached the top step, his legs aching with every movement. He half-shuffled his way to the very out of place large steel door a few feet in front of him. Glancing down at the map yet again, he saw both of the men should be directly on the opposite side of this door, and slowly reached out for the clunky latch. He pressed down on it, using all of his strength as it was resistant to move, and with a loud squealing noise, the lock finally sprang, and the door swung open freely.

Harry cautiously stepped through into the rather brightly lit room beyond. He wasn't sure what he'd expected, but it hadn't been this. Their were candles lit everywhere, casting a warm glow across the walls. Lucius was on one side of the room, lying on a very plush looking couch, his back side facing out, and his breathing slow and steady, as if he were sleeping. However, what was worrying Harry was that there seemed to be no barrier of any kind that would keep Lucius from walking to the door and leaving should the mood strike him. There were no bars, nothing to unlock. Lucius was just sleeping in a room at the top of a very tall tower.

"Harry, what do you think you're doing?" Remus' voice cut through his thoughts, exasperatedly. Harry turned towards the voice, to find Lupin leaning over a large book and several stacks of paper at a heavy wooden desk. He had looked up from his work, however, and was staring expectantly at the younger man.

"Sorry," Harry replied quietly. "I know I probably shouldn't have come…"

"That's right, you shouldn't have," Remus replied curtly. "This is not the place for any student especially you."

"I know, I know," Harry said hastily. "I should have waited…but I didn't. There's just something I need to ask you about…something important."

Remus' expression became one of intrigue and concern, and he leant forward in his seat.

"Is everything alright? What happened?"

"No, nothing's wrong…" Harry said quickly. "Everyone's fine. I want to ask a question about something that happened a few months ago…"

"Which was?" Remus prompted.

"What happened that day in your office that made you so mad at Cole? What did say to you?"

Remus stared back at Harry for a moment, an unreadable expression on his face. After a moment, he lowered his gaze and shook his head faintly.

"Harry this isn't the time to talk about that. Cole and I had an argument, and it's over now."

"Remus, I know you don't want to tell me what happened that day," Harry began quickly, "but Cole is just acting so strange lately and I want to know why. Now I don't know if what he said to you that made you so mad will help at all but I'd really like to hear it just the same."

Another brief silence followed, and by the dark expression that came across Remus' face Harry was sure he was just going to send him away. But when Remus looked up again, he nodded once, faintly, and began speaking.

"Cole wanted me to help with your training…your final test."

"He wanted you to help…how?" Harry asked, his eyes narrowed in confusion.

"Cole asked me if I would be willing, during the first full moon of your training with all the stones, to not take the wolfsbane potion and allow myself to transform…"

"What?" Harry asked loudly. "How would you becoming a werewolf help…?"

"He wanted me to attack you…or try to at least," Remus cut him off. "Cole of course tried to assure me you wouldn't be harmed…that by that time you'd be far enough into your training so I wouldn't be considered much of a danger to you…but I couldn't do that. I could never agree to anything so reckless."

"But I don't understand," Harry spoke quietly. "Why did he want you to become a werewolf when we're surrounded by a forest with so many creatures he could probably use any one he wanted?"

Remus met Harry's gaze intently for a brief moment, before he turned away, glancing warily at Lucius' still form.

"Let's go out into the hall," he spoke quietly. "I think he's asleep…but I'd feel better saying this where he can't hear."

Harry followed the professor's eyes to where Mr. Malfoy lay, and nodded slowly.

"Alright," he said uncertainly.

"Don't worry," Remus grinned. "If he tried to follow us he'd regret it. I know it doesn't look like anything's keeping him there, but trust me there is."

Harry nodded again, and together they crossed the room and stepped through the large steel door and shutting it firmly behind them.

Remus motioned for Harry to cross with him to the stairs. They both lowered themselves onto the top step, sitting next to each other, before Remus began speaking again.

"Harry, how much has Cole actually told you about this test you're going to have to take?"

"Barely anything," Harry shrugged. "I don't know what he's going to have me do…or if I'll be able to do it."

"All this work you've been doing with the crystals," Remus began, "have you really used any of them yet? Or has it all been just listening?"

"Just listening mostly," Harry replied. "I have no idea how what I'm doing now is going to make me ready for this test…I just hope Cole knows. He's done this a lot, right? I'm sure he wouldn't have me doing this for nothing…" he trailed off, looking at the uncertain expression on Lupin's face. "What is it? Why are you asking me all of this?"

Remus cleared his throat gently, before taking a deep breath and beginning to talk.

"Harry, Cole wanted me to attack you as a werewolf, for you to use one of your powers against me, to stop me."

"I could never do that!" Harry exclaimed angrily. "He must know I wouldn't do anything to hurt you…and besides that I don't even know any of my powers yet…I'd have no idea how to…"

"No he had one in mind, one that he assured me you'd be prepared to use well before he would need my participation in this test. I did get a very strong impression, however, that he was only saying that to make me feel comfortable about doing this, because he also told me you'd be learning everything as you went along, and the crystals would help you. So why would he need me to do this after you'd already learned? I think he was lying, but that's besides the point, the argument is over now and I'm not going to participate in his plans."

"Did he say what it was he was going to have me do…to stop you?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Remus replied slowly. "He told me what he wanted you to do…"

Harry waited for a moment, but Remus made no attempt to continue. Clearing his throat softly, he began to speak.

"Will you tell me?" he asked. "He didn't want me to…to hurt you, right? He couldn't believe I'd do anything that would…"

"No he wasn't asking for that," Remus interrupted quietly. "I'm not even sure I entirely understand exactly what it is he was going to have you do, because in all honesty I have to admit while he was explaining it I was more interested in getting him out of my office…"

"I understand," Harry nodded faintly. "And if you really can't tell me…"

"No, it's probably better if I do," Remus spoke up. "I mean after all, they're your powers…you have a right to know about them."

Harry waited silently as Remus seemed to collect his thoughts, several long minutes passed while the two of them sat side by side in the darkness of the atrium. When finally Remus took a deep breath, and began speaking.

"From what I was able to understand, Cole wanted me to come after you as a werewolf. Instead of using defensive magic or a weapon against me, you would have performed a spell using the crystals that would allow you to switch places with me…"

"Wait, switch places?" Harry interrupted. "What do you mean?"

"Our minds…and our souls," Remus replied darkly. Harry stared blankly at him, trying to understand what he was being told. "Cole said that if you were successful, you would be able to possess my body in the form of a werewolf, while I would be in your body…"

"But your mind would still be telling you you're a werewolf?" Harry asked.

"Right," Remus replied. Though I couldn't do the same type of damage in human form that I could as the wolf. So you'd be able to defend yourself…"

"Wait though," Harry interrupted again. "Did he mean for me to attack you as a werewolf then? Wouldn't that just be hurting myself as you'd be in my body?"

"No, Cole didn't say he wanted you to attack me, and I actually asked that same question. Any damage you inflict upon your body while I'd be inhabiting it, would transfer back with me when you decided it was time for us to switch again. You could slit your own throat and when you came back you'd be fine."

"So what would the point of that be?" Harry asked. "I mean I wouldn't do anything to hurt you anyway and I don't see how us switching places for any length of time would help…unless he means for me to stay as a werewolf until the sun rises and you transform back…"

"Cole actually did mean for you to stay as a werewolf until the transformation back into a human," Remus explained, "but he wanted you to make that happen, long before the sun would rise. You would have the ability somehow, through the crystals, to make that happen. Then when we switched back I would stay as a human, and neither of us would be hurt." Remus looked down at his feet as he finished speaking, and Harry put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I'm glad you told him no," he said solemnly. "Because I don't think I could have done what he wanted…if I messed up…if I'd hurt you in any way…" Harry trailed off, shuddering at the thought.

"I was thinking the same," Remus said, "If I'd managed to get to you before you made the switch…Harry I couldn't live with myself if anything had happened to you and I was to blame. I can't take that risk…ever," he finished sharply, looking back up and meeting Harry's eyes. The two looked at each other in silence for a brief moment, before both leaned forward, hugging each other fiercely. Harry couldn't believe Cole had the nerve to have made such a request of his friend, but was filled with relief that Remus had told him no, and would stay firm in his decision.

After another moment, they each sat back, and Remus started to pull himself up.

"I have to get back in there," he said quickly, nodding towards the door. "He's not supposed to be alone for too long…even with the barrier."

"I understand," Harry nodded, standing up as well. "Thank you Remus."

"You just get yourself back downstairs and enjoy the rest of your day," Remus replied with a wink. "You're seventeen…go act it!"

Harry smiled widely, and waited until Lupin had gone back through the door, shutting it firmly behind him, before heading back down the long, winding staircase.

Another week passed by without incident and Harry was starting to feel at ease again. Mel was spending more and more time with him and his friends, which he had no complaints about, but Cole had become almost invisible. Whenever Harry tried to find Cole no one seemed to know where he was. Allison was there and ready to help him if ever he might need it, but she couldn't…or wouldn't, tell him where her uncle was. While Harry preferred Allison's help, he thought it was quite odd that Cole was completely removing himself from this early stage in his training. He was supposed to be the expert, and he couldn't even be bothered to look in on Harry let alone come up and talk to him anymore.

The liar crystal barely made a noise the entire time Harry had been using it, which surprised him. It had been the only one of the crystals to insult him when he'd been introduced to it, and he'd assumed that would carry on into this training, but it hadn't. He told Allison of this but she didn't seem too worried about it, when the next weekend arrived Harry moved on to the next stone. The resolve crystal.

At first Harry had been very wary of using this crystal, after how it hade made him feel the first time he'd touched it, but much like the liar crystal, this one was not speaking much either. Harry began to wonder why this was suddenly happening, most of the others had at least spoken once or twice a day, in some cases more, but now, if it weren't for the hazy mist that surrounded him he wouldn't even be aware of each crystal's presence.

By the time the middle of the week arrived, Harry began to get worried again, and even his friends could see something was up.

"Alright, are you gonna tell us what's going on or should we try to read your mind?" Ron asked during Care of Magical Creatures.

"Hmmm?" Harry murmured absently, looking up to see both of his friends looking back at him, concerned.

"What's wrong Harry?" Hermione asked. You're not concentrating…I doubt you've heard one thing Hagrid's said all during class…and your if you bite that fingernail down any lower you won't have one left!" she said exasperatedly.

"Sorry," he said, dropping his hand into his lap. "It's just…well the crystals. They're not speaking again. I don't know where Cole is and he's the one I really want to ask about this…because Allison doesn't seem very concerned about it…only that I'm moving ahead with the stones."

"Do you have any idea why they wouldn't be saying anything?" Ron asked.

"Not really," Harry shook his head slowly. "But to be honest I can't stop thinking about the Fleshcrawlers. Cole said they could block the crystals…and that night Mel and I were attacked…well the crystal didn't speak until after the Fleshcrawler had gone."

"You think there's one nearby?" Hermione asked fearfully.

"See I don't know," Harry replied. "That night that we were attacked I heard the crystal again relatively soon after the Fleshcrawler had left. I assumed it had to be close by to block the power…but I'm not sure. That's why I want to talk with Cole."

"Has Draco or Neville seen him, do you think?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah aren't they still training with him?" Ron added.

"Neville isn't, no," Harry replied. "Malfoy I'm not sure about…" he trailed off, looking across Hagrid's yard to where Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle sat packing up their things and closing their Jarvey's cage as Hagrid dismissed the class. "But I'm going to ask him right now." The three friends packed up their things as well, bringing the Jarvey back to the pen where Hagrid had instructed they be kept while class was not in session, before turning and starting after Malfoy.

"Draco," Harry called as soon as he and his friends were close enough, "I need to talk to you."

Malfoy slowed to a halt and turned slowly, crossing his arms over his chest and glowering at Harry while Crabbe and Goyle followed suit, predictably cracking their knuckles and grinning stupidly.

"What do you want?" he asked quietly, sticking his nose in the air haughtily.

"To ask you about Cole," Harry replied evenly, unsure if Malfoy were really trying to come across impatiently or if he was acting this way because the rest of his housemates were nearby and watching.

"What about him?" Draco snapped.

Harry met Malfoy's gaze, not wanting to talk about this where anyone could hear and feeling he might have a better chance of getting a straight answer if Draco weren't so busy trying to look annoyed by his presence.

"Allison asked me to come get you," Harry lied. "We're supposed to go down and meet her in her office after class."

"What does that have to do with Cole?" Draco asked. "What was your question?"

"Look I'll tell you on the way…" Harry replied quickly, "we're gonna be late, alright?"

Draco looked back at him skeptically and gave a dramatic sigh, as if this was a great inconvenience for him, before turning to Crabbe and Goyle.

"I'll meet you both later on," he said with a wave of his hand, as if dismissing them. The two oversized students nodded, still glaring wickedly at Harry and his friends, before turning and lumbering off towards the school.

"Alright Potter," Malfoy said, facing Harry once more, eyes narrowed, "what's this all about anyway?"

Harry glanced around at all the students still throwing them curious glances, the Slytherins especially.

"I tell you inside," Harry replied, not waiting for Malfoy to answer before he started moving up the hill, closely followed by Ron and Hermione. Neville had been standing nearby, waiting for something to happen and he looked at Harry questioningly as their eyes finally met. Harry shook his head, giving a faint smile to indicate everything was fine, and Neville nodded back once.

"I want you to tell me what's going on now!" Draco said loudly as he caught up to Harry.

"Malfoy will you get a clue?" Ron hissed angrily. "We're trying to make this conversation private and you keep attracting attention!"

"And why are they coming anyway?" Draco continued, ignoring Ron entirely. "I thought you said Allison wanted to see you and I…so why…?"

"Malfoy," Harry said, his voice strained. "Stop for two minutes, will you? Just wait until we're inside."

Draco looked very much as if he wanted to argue, but kept his mouth shut, glowering darkly at Harry the entire walk back.

Once inside the school, Draco started towards the dungeon area, but Harry grabbed his arm.

"Let's go this way," he said, nodding in opposite direction. Too many Slytherins were coming in with them; he didn't want them to be around during this discussion.

"I thought you said Allison wanted to see us in her office," Draco spoke in a low voice, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. "We both know there's only one way to get there."

"Allison doesn't want to see us," Harry replied, hastily. "I just said that to get you to come with us, now will you…please? It's important."

Draco looked as if he didn't know whether to be angry or amused, but nodded grudgingly and began to walk with the three Gryffindors away from the hall that led to the dungeons.

"Are you going to tell me what this is about at any point during this horrid little stroll?" Draco finally asked testily.

Harry glanced around for the umpteenth time during the walk, before nodding faintly.

"I need to know about Cole," Harry began quietly. "You're still training with him, right?"

"Right," Draco replied uncertainly. "Why…aren't you?"

"No, I haven't seen him in a while," Harry said quietly. "I wasn't being given the same type of training as you…but Cole would always show up anyway, until a few weeks ago. I knew Neville wasn't working with him, and wondered if you still were. Has he been acting strange? Has he said anything?"

"He's acting the way he always acts," Draco replied flatly. "Ill-tempered and impatient. There's really only one difference in my sessions now…"

"What's that?" Hermione cut in, anxiously.

"Allison's always there too," Draco answered. "She never really says anything, and when she does talk it's only to Cole where I can't hear them…but she's there from start to finish at each session."

"When did that start?" Harry asked.

"A few weeks ago," Draco shrugged.

"You know," Hermione began thoughtfully, "I'd be willing to bet it was around the same time she started taking over for Cole during your training Harry."

"But that doesn't make any sense," Ron said confusedly. "If Cole still has the time to train Malfoy…why can't he stop by for a few minutes and see how you're doing with the crystals? Why is Gazten suddenly looking over his shoulder…or doing his job altogether?"

"I don't know," Harry said faintly, trying to think of any excuse that would make sense.

"What are you all getting at?" Draco asked slowly, glancing at each one in turn. "You sound like you don't trust Cole and Allison all of a sudden…"

Harry exchanged worried glances with his friends before looking back at Draco and speaking seriously.

"I don't know that we do anymore."

Draco stared at the three friends, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"You…you don't trust…" he began unsteadily. "You don't trust either of the people we've been working with…who've been helping us learn our powers to…to stay alive? I've been spending all this time with people who we suddenly don't feel safe with?"

"Oh get over it Malfoy this isn't about you," Ron said harshly.

"It certainly is!" Draco shouted suddenly livid, his eyes flashing. "My life is in danger because it's linked to his," he said disgustedly jerking a thumb at Harry. "If he gets hurt I feel it and I've been working with two people you all suddenly don't trust! I think it concerns me more than any of you!"

"Okay, okay…calm down for a second," Harry said firmly, putting a hand on Draco's arm, which was shaking furiously as he glared daggers at Ron. "We need to think this out. Maybe there's a good reason for what's happening with Cole and Gazten."

"You mean there's a good reason why they're spending time with Draco and barely glancing at you?" Ron asked, sardonically. "Well I just can't wait to hear this one…you're the Psion aren't you? Don't you think…?"

"Ron," Harry interrupted sharply, throwing his friend a warning look. He could feel Draco getting ready to lunge and the last thing they needed right now was to be fighting with each other.
"Harry's right," Hermione said quickly, before either Ron or Malfoy could utter another word. "There may be a good reason…but there's only one way to find out."

"And that is?" Draco asked, shrugging Harry's hand off his arm and looking piercingly at Hermione.

"Well we would have to ask them," Hermione replied matter-of-factly.

"How exactly do you propose we do that?" Draco asked, rolling his eyes. "I don't think they'll take kindly to the four of us walking in there and asking them why they're acting so suspicious…they might be just the slightest bit offended…" he trailed off sardonically.

"I agree," Hermione said dryly. "You've heard of tact, yes? Am I assuming too much here or…"

"I know what tact is!" Draco snapped, cutting her off mid-sentence.

"Well good," Hermione replied curtly. "Saves me that explanation. We go down to see Allison…and hopefully we find Cole too."

"And then?" Ron asked.

"We just talk," Hermione shrugged. "See what they'll tell us…maybe Cole will be alright with giving us some idea of what he's been up to, maybe not. If he is then great, if not…well then he's hiding something."

"Yes but hiding what?" Harry spoke absently.

"Let's take it one step at a time," Hermione said. "First we go talk to them, then we'll go from there."

Harry nodded quickly and the four students started off back in the direction they'd come from, towards the dungeon area. They walked in silence, each drawn up in their own thoughts. It wasn't until they'd crossed back past the entrance to the school and started down into the dark cold halls that led to Allison's office that Harry suddenly felt something was wrong. At first he couldn't tell what it was, and began looking around almost nervously, as if expecting to find someone following them, but no one was there. He tried to shake the thought from his head, but it wouldn't go…something was wrong, and after only a moment more, Harry realized what it was.

The copper haze of the resolve crystal, that normally surrounded him in its glow, was gone.

Harry came to an abrupt halt, searching the air around him, praying his eyes were playing tricks with him.

"What's wrong?" Ron and Draco asked in unison as the three students slowed a few steps past Harry and began moving back towards him.

"The crystal is gone," Harry whispered, now looking up and down the dark corridor. "I think it might be…" he trailed off as a low growl filled the air around them. Harry swallowed hard, recognizing the sound to be exactly what he'd been afraid of…

"What was that?" Hermione whispered, her eyes wide as she tried to look everywhere at once. It was impossible to tell where the sound had come from.

"Fleshcrawler," Harry barely replied as he pulled out his wand.

"Where is it?" Draco asked fearfully, clutching his wand tightly. "I don't see anything!"

"Shhh!" Harry hissed, straining to listen. "You won't see them until they want you to…and that'll only happen when they've caught us. We have to listen; if we can tell where they're coming from we can…"

But Draco wasn't listening, he was turning furiously on the spot, his wand outstretched in front of him, ready to curse the first thing that moved.

"Malfoy!" Ron hissed, "Will you just…" but he was cut off by the sound of yet another growl, and another…there was more than one this time.

The three friends exchanged nervous glances. Harry knew they couldn't have much time left before the Fleshcrawlers attacked, but he still couldn't see anything. He was tempted to just start firing curses in any direction, but knew from what Dumbledore had told him, it would do no good. The Fleshcrawlers were too fast; they'd avoid anything thrown at them with ease. Deciding there was no other choice, Harry opened his mouth to tell his friends they would just have to pick a direction and make a run for it, when Hermione's voice rang out loudly.

"Tholus aegis!"

Harry watched as a bright green light spurted from the tip of her wand, forming a shield dome around the four students, and not a moment too soon. The instant in which the light connected with the stone floor of the corridor, four sinew tethers slammed against its surface, clanging to the floor loudly.

Harry stared down at them, his eyes wide with horror. The two that lay in front of he and Draco were blunt…meant to capture them most likely. But the two in front of Ron and Hermione, were formed into deadly spikes…meant to kill.

Harry glanced to his left as Hermione gasped. Her eyes were fixed on the spikes in front of both she and Ron, wide with shock and fear.

"They were…they were going to…to…" she stammered, her wand arm trembling slightly. She and Ron exchanged frightened glances, both of their faces drained of color.

"Don't think about it right now," Harry said firmly but kindly, coming up beside Hermione and steadying her arm. "Just concentrate on…"

"Look!" Draco shouted suddenly, causing the other three to jump. They all turned to stare in the direction he was frantically pointing, to see several dark figures moving towards them. As they neared the shield, Harry recognized what he already knew would be Fleshcrawlers, seven of them, gliding silently in the damp, dark hall, encircling the shield and glaring in at the four students.

Harry felt Ron brush against him, as he instinctively stepped back away from the horrid creatures, his expression frozen in terror.

"Hermione," Harry whispered, not taking his eyes off the Fleshcrawlers, "Are you okay? Can you hold this shield up or do you need help?"

"I'm fine," she barely managed to reply, her voice shaking as she spoke.

"What are we going to do?" Draco asked suddenly, spinning around and moving closer to the others. "They're gonna kill us!" he spoke fiercely, "They'll take us and…"

"Draco, calm down!" Harry said sharply, cutting him off. "We won't get out of this if we panic now either stop yelling and help us or shut up!"

Draco closed his mouth with a snap almost reflexively and remained silent. Harry knew under normal circumstances Malfoy never would have let him get away with speaking like that, but at the moment, he seemed too scared to argue.

"So what's the plan?" Ron whispered, crossing his arms over his chest to hide the fact that his hands were shaking. Harry pretended not to notice and met his friend's gaze.

"The only thing I can think of is…wait them out," he replied, glancing again at the creatures who were still slowly moving around them, leaving a dark trail of slimy green liquid in their wake. "They outnumber us, so I doubt we'd stand much of a chance if we lifted the shield and tried to attack…or run…"

"You're sure you can hold it Hermione?" Ron asked quickly, turning to look at her.

"I said I was fine," she replied stiffly, her wand gripped so tightly in her hand that her fingertips were white.

"And we believe you," Harry assured her, "just please don't hesitate to let us know if you need help."

"I won't," she said, her eyes fixed firmly in front of her.

Harry nodded, and glanced away again; trying to see up and down the corridor they were in the middle of. He prayed fervently that no one happened to come along at this moment; they would be in terrible danger if the did. He shifted his gaze once more to the shield, and the Fleshcrawlers beyond. They'd stopped moving now, and one of them happened to be standing directly in front of him. Its eyes were boring into his own, and he swallowed hard, as it took one measured step towards the dome.

"What's it doing?" Draco asked, stepping up slightly behind where Harry stood.

"I don't know," Harry replied, watching as the creature took another step. When it was barely an inch from the shield, it lifted its scaly hand and held it above the dome, allowing a clump of the green ooze to drip from its fingers.

The barrier began to crackle and hiss upon contact with the gelatinous liquid, and a tendril of smoke slowly trickled upwards, filling the air with a burnt stench.

"Its coming through…they'll get us, they'll…"

"Malfoy stop!" Harry tried to shush him, but it was no good. Draco's eyes were fixed on the Fleshcrawler in terror and he was starting to fully panic.

"We have to get out of here! We're gonna die!" he yelled.

"We will get out of here," Harry said, straining to remain calm and turning to face Malfoy. "I need you to…"

"Look out!" Draco yelled suddenly, pulling out his wand. Harry spun around to see the lead Fleshcrawler had taken a few steps back and lunged at the barrier, as if intending to run through it. Harry raised his own wand as the creature hit the shield…

"Incendia!" Malfoy yelled as the creature hit the dome. Harry had barely enough time to register relief as the Fleshcrawler rebounded off the shield; unsuccessful in its attempt to break through, when he realized Draco's spell had done the same. The large fireball that had spurt from his wand hit the barrier wall, and immediately bounced back at them.

"Duck!" Harry yelled out, hitting the floor as the fireball sped by above him. He felt Ron land next to him less than a second later, but before either of them had a chance to think they heard Hermione cry out in pain.

Forcing himself up immediately, Harry looked to see Hermione, crouching in the same spot she'd been standing, but the sleeve of her robes was badly singed. The fireball had hit her, but it hadn't stopped it, as Harry felt Draco land nearby. The air was very stale in the dome as the fire ate away at the oxygen, and Harry knew they had to get rid of it fast.

Pulling up his wand as the ball of fire rebounded off the ceiling, speeding down at them, Harry took his aim.

"Stinguo!" he yelled out, as a stream of water flew from the tip of his wand. The flames were doused in an instant, and the corridor went dark once more.

"What were you thinking?!" Ron screamed as he jumped to his feet. He leant down quickly and snatched Draco's wand from his grasp.

"Hey!" Malfoy cried indignantly, standing up and glaring at Ron hatefully. "Give it back, Weasley!"

"You could have killed us all!" Ron yelled. "You don't think much, do you? I can't believe…"

"Ron," Harry cut in, stepping in between the two boys. "Just give him back his wand, now's not the time…" he trailed off, looking to Hermione. Ron followed his friend's gaze and barely glanced at Draco, tossing the wand at him and rushing to his girlfriend's side.

"Are you alright?" he asked, clearly concerned. Harry looked once more at Draco who was muttering under his breath, before turning and crossing to his friends.

Hermione's arm was burnt quite badly, the flesh was seared red, and the wound was bleeding quite badly. She looked up at her friends, tears of pain running down her face, but her jaw was set in determination.

"Where did they go?" she whispered. Harry and Ron exchanged confused glances, and Hermione nodded faintly at the shield. Both boys turned around to see the hallway was completely empty.

The Fleshcrawlers had vanished.