The Headmaster

by Chris Robins

Harry and Co. are caught just as they're trying to floo to the DoM and rescue Sirius. Harry doesn't give into Umbridge's demands and in her rage, she curses him. Unwittingly, she sets something much larger into motion [rev3].

7. Nightmare

Disclaimer: I have no control over the weather and the same can be said of the rights to Harry Potter.

A/N: Thank you for all the reviews!

"Doubt is a powerful motivator. It is capable of directing even the most intelligent onto uneven roads."

Chapter 7: Nightmare

6/24/96 - Monday

"So you agree it would be best to wait?"

"…"

"Harry?"

"Yes Minerva?"

"You look terrible. Are you sure you don't need to see Poppy?"

He did look terrible. His hair was more out of control than usual, bloodshot eyes with eyelids struggling to remain open and a rhythmic drooping of his head painted an ugly picture.

"I'm alright," he yawned, "and yes, I agree."

"Well… If you're certain," replied Minerva though she remained skeptical. "Finally, I have a list of things you need to address today as a result of your hiatus since the weekend started. The order at which you perform these tasks is up to you, however I trust you realize certain things should be done in a certain order. Other than that, accomplish what you can."

Harry yawned again and willed his eyes to the parchment in front of him. If this is what a Deputy did on a daily basis then Harry was feeling better already. A personal attendant who told you what needed attending was excellent in his book.

"Oh and don't expect this treatment every morning," she added nonchalantly. "Usually I'll assist you when you're otherwise unable to move by yourself. Beyond this however, you are responsible for this school and you represent Hogwarts as an institution. I recommend not sleeping in late again."

His cheeks flushed, "Sorry, Minerva. It won't affect my performance again."

She nodded to him and left his office. 'I'm sorry Harry. You don't deserve this, but I will not let Hogwarts be tarnished. Not again.'

Harry however was having decidedly different thoughts, '6 A.M. is too late? I may be used to it thanks to the Dursley's but after what happened yesterday, this is ridiculous!'

He sighed, "Dobby?"

poP!

The elf bowed, "How may I be of service, Headmaster?"

"A warm cup of tea I think, with extra sugar, to wake me up would be marvelous."

"Right away, Headmaster!" and Pop! he was gone.

Harry turned to the list, PoP! The tea appeared, but the elf did not. Harry smiled anyway, "Thank you, Dobby."

XX - Dreamscape - XX

"Case #1,247,593: Bodies identified to be Harry James Potter and Hermione Jane Granger… Oh! Would you look at that? Their initials are just a letter off! You know, if they got married, they'd have the same initials! Mr. and Mrs. HJP!"

"Stuff it Piper and ready the wand already! We got a job to do. Its bloody 8 o'clock and I want to get home sometime soon."

The Unspeakable Assistant, at least she was wearing a robe with the words 'Unspeakable Assistant' stitched on it, pouted. "Harper! Don't you realize who these two are? It's Harry Potter and his bookworm girl, Hermione Granger!"

The man named Harper, who had a similar robe but whose stitching read 'Master Unspeakable Coetus Investigator' snorted, "I don't care if it was the bloody Queen of England and Minister of Magic caught with her robe parted and his trousers down, I want to get the hell home. Get to it already!"

"Oh, fine then! Merlin, your knickers are in a knot," she spat and started waving her wand in completely random and utterly ridiculous directions. While she was doing this, Harper was paging through a rather large Muggle binder of what appeared to be a collection of school notes.

"Tsk Tsk," he muttered. "She got this all wrong. The cure for Dragon's Breath requires two and half clockwise turns of the mixing, not counter. And she's adding the grub root before the ice crystal? I thought this girl was supposed to be smart?"

Piper shrugged, "I don't know. She's got a huuuggeeee forehead though and just look at those buckteeth! You sure the records are straight and she wasn't just another toy of the Man-Who-Shagged?"

This time Harper shrugged, "Beats me. I don't care what the records say about her, just so that they're straight on Potter over there. We can turn her blood to mud if it made things easier, but we can't botch him up. I may want to get home but I also don't want the Minister's wrath. Percy can be a royal git when he wants to be."

"Too true," she replied back.

Seconds became minutes and minutes became hours but Piper never stopped with her useless wand waving.

"Got something!" she sang happily as her wand shot sparks.

Writing began to appear above the bodies followed by various 'ribbons' of light that encircled the two.

"Holy Merlin!" gasped Harper, who read the writing as it appeared. "They did what! When she was?!"

"What's it say?" she asked while bouncing, "I don't have my English degree yet so I can't read it! What's it say, what's it say?"

Harper whistled. "Now I know why we were called in on this one; seems Harry here needed to merge with Hermione in order to get some of her smarts. Based on what I've seen so far, not much smart to be had but who knows? From what I can tell, Book Face was totally messed up in the emotions department. Apparently, she couldn't make heads or tails on how she felt about the Man-Who-Kicked-The-Snot-Out-Of-Snake-Face and they tried Coniungere Sapiunt."

Piper cheered, "OOohhh! Is this one of those cases where emotions buggered up Coetus?"

Harper nodded, "Yeah, it was a nasty one. The second they connected, their cores assimilated, followed by their Minds and then their Souls a split second after! Dead before the spell even completed."

Piper giggled and then waved her wand again. More sparks and another message appeared.

"Oh ho!" laughed Harper. "Look at that! She completely forgot to write the possibility down in her notes. Didn't even mention it to good 'ol Harry over there and look what happened to him? Dead. Poor sod should have kept her as a toy and nothin more."

"Hmmm, looks like it's the Mudblood's fault then?"

"I concur, Piper, I do concur. Case closed so let's celebrate!"

Any equipment that was in the room vanished and where there was one Piper were now two and the same could be said of Harper. They all joined hands and started jumping and circling around the two bodies.

"Hermione killed Harry! Hermione killed Harry! Hermione Killed Harry! The Dark Lord WON!"

The words were sung to the tune 'Ring Around the Rosie.'

"Hermione killed Harry! Hermione killed Harry! Hermione Killed Harry! The Dark Lord WON!"

Hermione bolted upright, gasping and shaking in a sweat laden bed.

"Lav, is Hermione still in bed?"

"I don't know, Pav. Poke your head in and see?"

"No way, you know she likes her privacy and its dorm rule: curtains closed so don't nose. You above all of us should know that, what with you sneaking boys up here."

Hermione let her mouth fall open in surprise and giggled quietly at Lavender's high pitched denial.

"Come on girls," chuckled Fay, "if Hermione's still asleep, best we keep her that way. What tires our Hermione Granger bodes ill for us all." Fay's warning fell on deaf ears as Lavender and Parvati bantered back and forth. She glanced worriedly for a moment at the bed before following the other girls down the stairs.

The voices grew softer as they left the dorm and then finally it was just Hermione still in bed. She moaned, falling back in bed. Her wand was a quick grab away and a Tempus later saw the girl shooting out of bed like a rocket. "Bugger!" she cursed, not knowing until now she'd slept in and was in danger of missing breakfast altogether.

As she quickly went through the motions of getting ready, her mind still had the time to wander and recalled last night with Harry.

Little had been said on their trip to the Tower and she was content with the relative silence. The walk from the Room of Requirement showed Hermione just how tired she was and nearly collapsed on their way. Any conversation would have likely demonstrated what happened when she was deprived of sleep for too long. That was a version of herself she didn't want anyone to see, let alone Harry.

Since he wasn't showing any signs of the recent struggle with Voldemort, the topic would keep until they were better rested. Of course she asked about it, wouldn't be much of a best friend if she didn't, but unlike usual where she pried for answers, the little Harry said was enough to sate her concern for the time being.

With the shower finished and towels wrapped securely in their proper places she went to brush her teeth.

"I don't know. She's got a huuuggeeee forehead though and just look at those buckteeth!"

Hermione's face fell as she stared at her forehead. She spat out the toothpaste and examined her teeth too before turning to examine her figure. For a brief moment, she wondered what Harry would think of her before a heavy weight sat on her shoulders; the same weight that always appeared when she examined herself in the mirror but then she screwed up her nose, thrust the toothbrush back into her mouth and brushed harder.

'It was a stupid dream. Nothing more.'

For the next ten minutes, she was able to push it from her mind as she got ready. Luckily, beyond the necessary steps of grooming and making a passable attempt to getting her hair mop under control, very little stress and concern were needed over the school attire. A dress skirt, buttoned down white collar with Gryffindor tie, sweater vest and finally the customary Hogwarts robes went over top. With summer just around the bend, a liberal application of cooling charms completed the outfit.

She looked at her wristwatch and noted the time, '8:20. Not bad all's considering.'

Hermione grabbed the necessary books for the day and plopped them down on her bed. She went to get her backpack from the bedside and when she opened it, sitting right inside was the parchment with all of her notes on Coetus.

"Apparently, she couldn't make heads or tails on how she felt about the Man-Who-Kicked-The-Snot-Out-Of-Snake-Face and they tried Coniungere Sapiunt. Hoooolllllyyyyyyy Hell! Bad move, my man."

Her breathing hitched.

Piper cheered, "OOohhh! Is this one of those cases where emotions buggered up Coetus?"

Now that was something she couldn't let go. As she swapped notes for books, she turned the possibilities over in her head.

'Was it just the dream? Or did I actually read and chose not to write it down?'

This bothered Hermione on so many levels. For one, she couldn't remember if she saw the information or if her mind was playing tricks. Another was that if she didn't write it down and it was actual information, she unwittingly risked their lives, all because of a little slip up on her part. She stared at the parchment for a moment before grabbing it and scribbled under the 'Dangers' heading, "Can Coetus alter the personalities of those who are connected together?" She also wrote a short reminder to look more into the emotional influence on the spell. Hermione bit her lip before clicking her pen and rolling the notes back up.

'We don't have enough time. There's no way we'll know everything we need to in order to do this safely.'

She checked her watch again and seeing that she'd lost another five minutes, quickly slung the backpack over her shoulder and dashed down the stairs.

'What can we do?' she thought again as she left the common room. 'Can we risk this? Can I risk this?'

As she started down the Grand Staircase, she felt a presence come up behind her.

"Good morning, Hermione. Sleep well?"

Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes, "I got a few hours, which is better than none. How are you, Mai?"

"Pretty good, or as good as a spirit can be anyway. You seem troubled, everything all right?"

'She is definitely Luna's friend - perspective like no other.' Hermione pushed a renegade strand of hair back behind her ear. "I've just been thinking about this spell. I'm not sure we can do this, or rather, I'm not sure I can do this."

Mai looked stunned, "What do you mean?"

Hermione worried her lip, "That's just it. I don't know enough about this branch of magic and I don't have the time to figure it all out. I'm fairly certain Harry doesn't have the time either. There are just so many things to consider and the magic is so sensitive to the users it'd take weeks to calculate the Arithmancy formulas and verify our compatibility."

"But that's why you have Luna and me, no need to worry."

Hermione got defensive, "Even with you and Luna, I just don't feel comfortable about this. Luna said it was our choice, remember? While I'm speaking on his behalf, I'm almost certain Harry will agree with me on this. There are far too many variables for this to be feasible in under three days."

Mai frowned, "I understand that Hermione, but you must trust us. Harry has to be able to control Hogwarts as he's meant to or otherwise we're all in danger."

"What makes you think we're not in danger already? Even if we discount the Coetus, You-Know-Who is actively seeking Harry along with any and all relations to him. If you want my honest opinion, Harry and I linking together without fully understanding what we're doing is more dangerous right now than You-Know-Who."

Mai bristled, "Why can't you trust us? Luna and I have only your best interests in mind and isn't enough? What else must we do?" Hermione became acutely aware that the 1st floor stairwell they were traveling down became cooler and the lights dimmed a little. "I understand you're worried and I can definitely see why you'd want to know everything for Harry's sake but sometimes that doesn't work! You have to trust your friends have your back and go forward!"

Brown eyes lit with anger. "Who do you think you are, spouting on about friendship and trust?! Just four days ago I didn't even know you existed and yet here you are claiming I should hurry up and place Harry's and my life in your hands! Friend of Luna you may be, but you are no friend of mine and I will not trust your word alone even if Luna assures me it can be. I trust her, not you!"

When they reached the ground floor, Mai stunned Hermione by grabbing her and forcing her back against the wall, the two of them now eye to eye.

"You have no idea of what you speak and no understanding of the experiences Luna and I have. Have you and Harry even talked about things thoroughly or are you just going off on one of your hunches?"

Hermione's anger flared but was tempered against the accusation. Mai however was just getting started, "Fine! Be that way if you must and go research as much as your little bookworm heart desires! Hesitation will not help Harry and if anything it will kill him. I thought you would understand that better than anyone."

Hermione shrunk back as if struck.

"And for your consideration, Hermione, the absolute latest at which you and he can perform Coetus is Wednesday night. I think you'll still have enough time but it's up to you if you want to add it to your supposed list of concerns. Harry can always link with Luna if it comes down to it but I think he'd much rather do it with you."

Mai turned on the spot and vanished leaving a gaping Hermione in her wake by the doors to the Great Hall.

No one was there to see the exchange and even if they wanted to, it would have been a strange sight with Hermione backed against the wall for no apparent reason. Despite this, it wasn't any easier for Hermione to sort through it.

'Is… is she right? No, no of course not! I hardly know her!'

Hermione bit on her lip.

'But… but she has a point. If we hesitate, it could end badly and Harry and I haven't talked about this nor have we with Luna yet either… but… but… I… we just don't know enough! I can't risk our lives, let alone Harry's life without knowing for sure!'

Tears started to appear in her eyes and she bit down harder on her lip.

"She's got a huuuggeeee forehead too though just look at those buckteeth!"

She whimpered, "No, no I don't…"

"Seems Harry here needed to merge with Hermione in order to get some of her smarts. Based on what I've seen so far, not much smart to be had…"

Her biting started to draw blood, "That's not true, I can be useful!"

'It's Harry Potter and his bookworm girl, Hermione Granger!'

'bookworm girl'

'It's the Mudblood's fault then?'

'Mudblood's fault'

'fault'

'Hermione killed Harry! Hermione killed Harry! Hermione Killed Harry! The Dark Lord WON!'

The room started to spin and she felt herself get sick. She leaned against the wall in an effort to steady herself.

"Stop it."

She shook her head and furiously wiped her eyes. When the room stopped spinning and her stomach a little less queasy, she picked herself off the wall. Hermione glanced at the handle on the door to the Great Hall and could hear the muffled sound of students' laughter. So happy and yet so oblivious to what was going on around them.

What if Mai was right?

Hermione let out a sad sigh and checked her wristwatch.

'8:30… If I run, I can check out several books and look them over before first period…'

The Gryffindor's eyes hardened as her shoulders fell and she hurried off to the library.

As Hermione ran away, Luna looked up from her plate in the direction of the doors. A sadness pulled at her heart and she was confused for why this was so. Studying the door for a moment and then deciding nothing would come of it, she went back to poking the food on her plate.

Luna was a spirited youth, open to many wonderful and vastly different things life had to offer. Despite her apparent 'Loony-ness' her mind was always sharp and her heart open to the emotions the world might instill within it.

Why then had she felt so angry and then so, so wrong just a few moments ago? Like a blackness had completely encased her and she would have been capable of any deed no matter how Dark it might have been.

There was no reason for it! Nothing within her immediate vicinity would cause such a thing and yet here she was, doing her best to hide the trembling. The emotions she felt had been powerful, particularly so for not having any logical point of origin and this concerned her greatly.

'What is happening?' she wondered.

Never before could she recall feeling so strongly about nothing and worse, never before were any of her emotions so aligned with the Dark.

"May I have your attention please?"

Luna glanced toward the podium and saw McGonagall looking around, waiting patiently for the students to heed her call. Absentmindedly she looked over her favorite table of Lions and her face furrowed into concern.

'Where are you Hermione?'

She locked eyes with Fay, knowing she and Hermione were the closest among her roommates. The girl read Luna's silent message and shrugged in understanding.

'I don't know.'

"As all of you are aware, Hogwarts has experienced a change in leadership since we last convened here for scholastic activities. While I'm sure academics was the most significant concern on your mind, I do not fault you if the current events managed to consume your mindset over the weekend."

Some of the older students chuckled and Luna noticed Harry wasn't in the Hall either.

"In an effort to quell such issues, particularly before the start of Final Examinations, I wish to make you aware of certain proceedings which have occurred. The Hogwarts Administration, along with the Academic Board of Governors as well as other necessary parties, convened this past Friday to settle matters as quickly as possible. Despite the faculty's sincerest efforts to keep rumors at their minimum, I'm well aware of some of the more… lavish theories concerning our new Headmaster."

This time, some of the younger students chuckled and each one of them was met with the infamous 'MG Death Glare.' Once the offending students were silenced, she continued.

"To settle this matter indefinitely, I personally endorse the following announcements as do the rest of the Hogwarts Faculty and Board of Governors."

The Great Hall doors opened, causing a bit of a disruption as everyone turned to see the intruder. Harry strode in casually, his robes billowing softly behind him in a way that gave most onlookers pause. It wasn't a Snape entrance, one of arrogance and malice yet a confidence was still clearly present. Harry wore what looked like a student uniform except it was brand new with a slightly longer robe and the tie wasn't the red of Gryffindor but a darker shade. The other difference lay in the breast pocket where the symbol of a Lion use to be, now resided the crest of Hogwarts.

All in all different, but still familiar, still Hogwarts.

Harry's piercing forest green eyes clashed against the uniform and a sense of calm strength existed all around him.

"My apologies Professor McGonagall, Diagon was busier than I expected."

Hushed whispers broke out; Harry had left and already returned to the grounds.

"I didn't interrupt, did I?"

McGonagall gave a small bow with her reply, "Not at all Headmaster. I was just about to announce your position as well as the events our students can expect this week. Do you wish to take the podium, sir?"

It was a shame the Weasley Twins weren't there. Without even meaning to, the student body was jarred once again. Any non-believers who remained from Friday's showing were getting a heavy dose of reality: Harry was the Headmaster.

He smiled, "It would be my pleasure," and he moved to stand behind it. McGonagall gave another small bow and sat down.

In the few steps it took for Harry to get into place, Luna risked a quick glance over the entire Head Table. She smiled at seeing not one professor at odds with what was going on. Harry had their support so that battle was won. Snape concerned her though; his expression was expertly guarded.

"I would love to say 'Welcome to another Year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!'" and as Harry spoke, he spread his arms out and open. A short pause later and he drew them back in, "As much fun as that was, ill placed but good practice I think."

A few students among the tables chuckled and Luna's smile grew brighter, 'Wonderful tribute, Harry.'

"It unfortunate we find ourselves in such trying times and thus why I have come to this position but I shall save that speech for a later date. Instead, I wish to inform all of you on what can be expected before this week is over. As you are all no doubt aware, examinations start tomorrow. The schedules have been posted in your respective common rooms and the entrance foyer just outside the Great Hall. I do hope you took my advice on Friday and used the free day to your advantage.

If you find yourself in conflict with the posted schedule, please see the appropriate faculty member or myself and we will work to resolve it with you. Now, perhaps what you really want to hear about is my appointment as Headmaster." He held up his wand, "I, Harry James Potter, do swear on my life that should my title of Headmaster be untrue, then so my dying breath be taken."

A majority of the witnesses gasped in surprise as an invisible wall of magic swept through the room. It encased Harry for a moment, billowing his robes, before swelling up and dissipating above their heads. They couldn't see it, but they certainly felt it and all the while Harry stood calm and still, waiting for the Oath to perform its duty.

After several tense seconds, he dropped the wand to his side, "Looks like I'm still alive." If he didn't before, he had everyone's attention now.

"With that settled, the last issue is of my examination. To better prove my skills and abilities are sufficient to this appointment, Professor Snape saw fit to take it upon himself to verify my credentials."

Many students held their breath.

"And I agreed. This is quite the event, having happened just once before in all of Hogwarts' history so it's not something to be missed. For all our sakes, my examinations will be held in the Quidditch Pitch this Thursday, starting at 1 o'clock in the afternoon and to be officiated by Professor Snape along with the acting Head of the Wizengamot. The event has been declared public and you are all welcome to attend should you choose. The final day of classes and the end of the year feast will be this Friday, regardless on the outcome of my exams. Due to this year's circumstances, we will be shipping you home on Saturday and your parents have already been notified."

The bell tower sounded the five minute warning.

"Right on time!" Harry said happily. "Should anyone have any questions please do not hesitate to talk to the Perfects or any of the faculty. I hope you all enjoy your last day before exams!"

As he watched the students quickly get up and exit the Hall, something whispered in his ear.

'…'

Harry looked around him but there wasn't anything or anyone trying to get his attention. He shrugged it off and followed the students out, starting up a conversation with Minerva on the way.

XX

- (done) Appear at either breakfast or lunch to dissuade rumors

- (done) Visit Gringotts and key yourself to the Hogwarts accounts

- Contact DMLE, determine emancipation status

- (done) Visit Madam Malkin's for an official outfit for use in public

- See Rubeus on CMC issue; relocation of Bowtruckles

- See Pomona on potential expansion to Greenhouses for summer projects

- Meet with Argus to discuss summer cleaning procedures

"Unbelievable," Harry said to himself as he sipped on another sugar laced cup of tea. He was really starting to understand why Hermione had one whenever she could during her study periods. "I had no idea these things could take so much time."

It was well after lunch and despite sincerest efforts, only half the items on his to-do list were complete. It was expected these things would take time, but how much time was something he admittedly had no comprehension of, at least for the tasks of a Headmaster.

'Nothing like learning on the fly,' he thought dryly as he reviewed some notes from an earlier meeting at Gringotts. Surprisingly, the trip to the Goblin bank managed to be the most informative in regards to his own duties. The Goblins appeared most pleased he was the new Headmaster and in a rare display of kindness, Ragnok the Head Goblin, took time out of his day to explain some of the inner-workings and proceedings dealing with Hogwarts' financial accounts. The fact it was Ragnok doing the explaining was not lost on Harry.

There were three vaults under the Hogwarts name and each had a specific purpose. Two of the three were established by the Founders and whose utilization had never deviated from their listed expectations. One was only to be used as a scholarship fund for students and the second was under the complete control of the Headmaster for necessary funding of school projects, wages, etc. The third vault was created at the same time as the Board of Governors and Harry had the impression Ragnok did not agree with its existence, let alone use.

He glanced over the ledger, wondering how in Merlin's name he was going to manage it all. By no means was the school rich but it wasn't slunking through the marshes either. Based on Ragnok's descriptions of past transactions, at least he'd have an idea of what vault to use when. Harry shook his head, setting aside the parchment and making a mental note to ask Minerva for advice on how to organize everything. A word with Dumbledore probably wouldn't hurt either.

'Speaking of…' he thought as he took a piece of parchment and a quill. He began to write 'Headmaster' when he stopped and chuckled to himself. After ripping the top off he went to write 'Professor' but stopped again.

'Just how do I address him now?'

After a few minutes of debate, he decided.

Albus –

My apologies if I offend you for not using a proper title. In all honesty, I'm not really sure what to call you and figured being on a first name basis wasn't too far off the mark.

When you get an opportunity, I was hoping we might have a chance to sit down and talk over a few things. The sooner the better, as I'm sure you're aware I have a test or two this coming Thursday.

Sincerely,

Harry

He shook his head with a smile, 'Certainly feels weird enough.' After sealing the note he stood up and held out his arm, "Fawkes!"

In a burst of fire the creature appeared and landed gracefully on his outstretched arm.

"Hello my friend. All is well I hope?"

Fawkes trilled happily and Harry realized he missed the sound of the phoenix.

"Take this to Albus will you? No rush on the reply."

The bird trilled again and held out its claw. Harry held it up and Fawkes snatched it before jumping off his arm and disappearing in a ball of flame. He had so much he wanted to ask the old wizard but for now the quaffle was in Albus' possession and Harry could do little more than wait.

That task done, he sat back down and picked up his list.

'Hagrid should be done with classes shortly and I might be able to catch Sprout and Filch on my way back.'

He had just got up from his seat when he remembered about Hermione which also made him remember about the magic she wanted to talk about. What was it, Coetus or something?

"Bugger," and he sat back down to pen another quick note. "Dobby?" he called upon finishing.

Pop!

"Yes Headmaster?"

"Could you see to it that Hermione gets this?"

Dobby bowed, "Right away, sir!"

XX

Students moved out of the way in surprise as a young Ravenclaw parted anyone in front of her. Normally this was her favorite part of the library and she always took the time to enjoy it but this time, Luna spared no such expense.

She was beginning to understand a mystery recently presented. One concerning a brown bushy haired Gryffindor whom Luna considered a very dear friend and this made her current endeavor all the more pertinent.

Luna had few good friends to her name and cherished the ones she did. No one did them wrong under her watch and got away with it, especially someone who should have known better. As she moved quickly from row to row, she reexamined her conclusion.

Mai was manipulating them.

The changes had been subtle. A slight difference in her persona triggered another and then another, to the point of spiraling out of control to whatever Mai was doing now. Luna, and so Mai, was never quick to anger or action until adequate thought had been given on the matter at hand.

When Mai reacted quickly and angrily to Snape's stupidity, Luna passed it off as 'feelings' from the castle manifesting in Mai. In this regard, Mai had a disadvantage due to her origins; a story only Luna knew. That alone should have guaranteed radical changes were impossible, yet clearly this wasn't the case.

The most disturbing facet of this whole fiasco was how fast Mia changed. What in Merlin's name could possibly have the power to corrode so quickly? Perhaps just as disturbing was how did Mai come into contact with this power?

Once she neared the final row, Luna took out her wand and began to discreetly section off this corner of the library with an assortment of privacy spells. The slight pull at her heart and the sadness she felt at breakfast had been confusing. Yet another emotion with no point of origin or root cause. These were the same concerns as the 'Darkness' she had felt too, although that particular feeling was far more potent and eye opening.

Luna ground her teeth as she neared a slumped over figure, obscured by shadows in Hermione's study nook.

Emotion. That had been the key.

Emotions were supposed to come from within not outside and few things could make Luna feel the way she did. Upon realizing this she had bolted from her dorm to find the owner of the sadness. Once she stepped close enough to see through the darkness, her fears were confirmed.

Hermione was a wreck, poring over old tomes and scribbling furiously on sheets of muggle paper, parchment, almost anything she could get her hands on. Yards of already filled parchment littered the far end of the table as inches were added at an alarming rate. Sweat poured down her face and her eyes were vacant yet at the same time focused on her single-minded obsession: help Harry at all costs.

Luna stopped several paces from the troubled girl and centered herself, allowing her eyes to lose their haziness and the currents of the world came into focus. If Mai was pulling the strings, she had to be sure it was through suggestion only and not more active means.

The currents surrounded Hermione fully, as they did with any magical creature; each bend and shift of the current was unique to the individual who caused it. Hermione's were different than usual: stressed and twisted in odd places while swirling around her in a loop.

Luna let out a breath of relief as her normal vision returned; she was stuck in a recurring nightmare and nothing more.

The Ravenclaw approached her friend carefully, "Hermione?"

Only the sound of a quill scratching was the response.

Luna placed a hand on her shoulder, "Hermione, can you hear me?" Upon receiving no reply, her frown darkened. This was a deep trance, one that could only be obtained by a skilled manipulator. Mai certainly didn't get this from her and it was doubtful it came from Hermione, so that left them with Harry, but how?

She raised her wand to the girl's back, "Stupefy!"

Fortunately, trances of this nature were easily broken. You only need to disrupt the victim's consciousness.

"Rennervate!"

Hermione moaned as she sat up, "What, what happened?"

"Are you alright?"

She nodded, "I think so. Why are you here, Luna?"

"To save you."

Hermione blinked, "I wasn't aware I needed saving."

Luna smiled somewhat, "Neither was I until a little while ago. Do you realize what you were doing?"

The Gryffindor looked over the table and Luna could see she was slightly afraid, "I was… researching again, about Coetus but it got out of hand. I couldn't bring myself to stop."

"Because you needed to make sure this was safe to use for yours and Harry's sake?"

Hermione's eyes widened, "How did you know?"

"I talked with Fay earlier. She said you got back late and from the sounds of it, had a nightmare too." After a nod confirmed this, she continued. "Hermione, we need to talk. It pains me to say so, but Mai cannot be trusted right now."

Upon hearing the name, Hermione tried to stand, "Ohhh Luna! You won't believe what she said to oh!" and she slumped back into her chair, panting. "Wha, why am I so weak?"

Luna sighed while shaking her head sadly, "Hermione. You were in a trance for the better part of the day. I checked earlier with Fay and she said you stopped coming to classes after lunch and it's nearly dinner time now."

Confusion lit her face like a torch, "But how? I thought trances required some sort of incantation or contact? Like a touch or eye…" Fear ran up the back of her spine.

"I thought it was from the link you established when you first met Mai, but I don't believe that would have been sufficient."

Hermione's face went white, "We… we had a fight earlier today. Outside the Hall before breakfast, she forced me to look her in the eyes."

Luna inhaled, "That… that shouldn't have been enough. You would have needed something more."

"We used Coetus too. Yesterday, it was just her and I. She wanted... she wanted to show me what it was like."

This time Luna's mouth dropped, "Merlin, what's happened to her?"

Hermione grabbed the sides of the table, crumpling papers and tried to stand again. She got about halfway up when her hands slipped, throwing papers everywhere and she fell back into the seat. Tears burst from her eyes. She felt violated, "I don't like this Luna and I don't understand how you could possibly be friends with someone like her."

The Ravenclaw quietly picked up the few scattered papers on the floor, "It's not as simple as what we first told you, I'm afraid. I… I was ashamed to tell you the whole story but I see it cost us far more otherwise."

She shuffled the papers together without looking at her friend, "Mai is a completely magical being. She's tied to both me and Hogwarts but more so Hogwarts due to our circumstances. We have a rather complicated history."

Luna turned around and bravely met the eyes of her friend. Instead of brown glassy orbs filled with hurt, she found eyelids instead. Luna blinked in surprise before a small grin appeared at seeing the drool slowly escape her mouth.

'Poor Hermione, she was pushing so hard.'

Luna started to gather all the notes together and sort them. As she did, she found a message sitting on the desk less than an arm's length from the sleeping Gryffindor.

Hermione –

Sorry I'm so busy but I won't be able to meet up with you until later. I'll come find you when I can.

– Harry

Luna glanced at the girl and realized she was in a bind. Going straight to Harry would be best but that would leave Hermione unattended and potentially open to Mai. On the other hand taking her to Harry, thus showing everyone on their route something was wrong, would blow open the whole issue. That wouldn't be good for anyone in the short term, let alone Harry in the long run.

'If anyone outside of Hogwarts who meant to do harm found out what Mai was...'

Luna sighed, "How did it come to this, Mummy?"

She continued cleaning up the various papers and shrinking everything so it would fit into Hermione's backpack. As she put away the last piece of parchment, a dangerous thought entered her mind.

'Mai was able to manipulate Hermione using her dreams and there's no doubt she used part of her memories to twist those dreams into the direction she wanted. That goes far beyond her capabilities so how did she know what to do? Mai said she only wanted to help Harry but destroying Hermione in the process wouldn't have done that, the opposite actually, so she's...'

Her eyes snapped open, "Oh, Merlin! Someone knows!"

All desire to wait and see what happened in a few hours left her. Some unknown entity was influencing Mai and the results were already terrifying. Harry needed to know and he needed to know now.

Luna rushed towards Hermione and was just about to cast a levitation charm when she felt a presence appear behind her.

"Tell me, what exactly does someone know?"

XX

The materials he had been carrying grew heavy and he rushed over to his desk and set them down. Harry was amazed at how he managed to collect so many files, notices and forms for what were originally three, simple little tasks. With much trepidation, he picked up a quill and grabbed 'the list.'

'So much for shrinking it,' he thought bitterly.

- Approve/Verify list of Forbidden Items (need by mid-July)

- Contact the DRCMC. Need list of procedures/requirements for transporting Bowtruckles(BTs) - the sooner the better

- Approve/Verify Greenhouse #6 expansion (by next week)

He looked it over before remembering one more:

- Talk with Snippy to see if any house elves can be spared to help Hagrid control the BTs (A.S.A.P.)

The last thing Harry needed was another 3+ hours spent working on his accuracy and speed of stunners. While admittedly good practice, it was also an excellent means of distraction and he probably could have gotten back at least two hours ago.

He glanced at the grandfather clock that was hiding in the corner of his office, '10 already? Where did the bloody day go?' After a weary sigh, Harry got up and set his sights on the door to his personal quarters and ultimately, a bed.

Just as he reached for the handle to glorious unconsciousness, someone whispered in his ear.

'… … …'

Harry frowned. This feeling had appeared multiple times today, like someone was trying to get his attention but he couldn't quite hear them. As he glanced behind him, his eyes opened in surprise.

"Oh, hello Mai," and he turned to face her, "Seems I'm getting used to you sneaking up on me."

She smiled, "Getting better, I'd say. I have news from Hermione she asked me to bring you."

His eyes bugged out, "Shite, I told her I'd come find her when I could! She isn't upset, is she?"

Mai chuckled, "No and she figured you might have forgotten, what with your first day and all. Actually, it works out because she's nowhere near ready and wants to do a bit more work before you both sit down to talk things over with Luna and me."

Harry let out a sigh of relief, "I take it she got my message?"

Mai smiled, "Yes, she did. Like I said, she figured you'd be busy but it worked out. She also said that when you manage to find a free moment tomorrow you should come over to Gryffindor Tower or the library and chat for a bit."

Harry grimaced, "At the rate I'm going there won't be many of those any time soon."

Mai nodded in understanding, "Remember Harry, you need to do this. The link must take place no later than Wednesday night. At least, that's what Hermione was able to figure out so far what with the Arithmancy work she's been doing. Tomorrow would be a good day to talk about it."

Harry thought for a moment before yawning and scratched his head, "Maybe it would be best if I go see her now. It might be late but I bet she's still in the library."

Mai shook her head, "She's actually getting ready for bed herself and I was told to say this only if necessary: 'Harry James Potter, get yourself in bed or so help me you'll come to regret it.'"

He managed another laugh, "That's Hermione. Well, if she's all right and getting ready for bed too, I'll just leave her be until tomorrow. Ron's right in that she can be scary when she wants to be."

"So I've seen. Get a good night's rest Harry. Hermione said 'Sweet dreams.'"

"Thanks, Mai. Tell her I said the same."

"Will do."

As Harry shut the door, Mai's smile twisted itself into a satisfied smirk. She turned around and started humming a tune while fading from sight, "Ashes, Ashes, we all fall down."

XX