An Unlikely Meeting Between Two Unlikely Paths

by Gryffindor1045

Natalie Malkae, unknown daughter of Bellatrix Lestrange, comes to Hogwarts for her 6th year. Little did she know that she would fall for Harry Potter and play a vital role in the fight against her birth mother and Lord Voldemort.

38. A Revealing Conversation

Chapter 38- A Revealing Conversation

A/N: Thanks for all the reviews of the last chapter! All the support is really tremendous and wonderful so thank you!

Here is a summary of the connection between Harry and Voldemort that might help with this chapter:

The Killing curse is described by three Arithmancy equations of which the third one modifies the parameters and limits of the first two. So far, Kalissa believes that the circumstances around Lily's death modified the third equation so that Voldemort's Killing curse on Harry was changed. One of the changes included the formation of the connection between Voldemort and Harry.

This is a rather long chapter but there are some important things that are described. I hope you enjoy it.

There is a small paragraph in this passage that you will notice comes directly from HBP; I just wanted to acknowledge this passage to avoid any plagiarism problems.

Natalie groaned, feeling something nudging her on the side, trying to wrestle her out of her sleep. She just wanted to bask in that pure bliss, succumb to the exhaustion and forget about what faced her when she awoke.

But the person besides her obviously did not care. The pulling on her arm became more forceful and urgent the longer she kept her eyes closed and the clearer and sharper the tugging became to her. Natalie clenched her teeth. This person was bringing her out of that haze between wakefulness and sleep which she had wanted to enjoy. Natalie opened her eyes, ready to snap at whoever was so willing to end her.

But when she opened her eyes, the sight before her shocked her. She was not on the bed in the Hospital wing she vaguely remembered sliding into the previous night. Rather she lay on the slightly damp grass of what appeared to be a Mugle park.

Natalie shook her head. A Muggle park? How could she end in this location?

The grogginess and blurry perception quickly left her to be replaced by an overwhelming confusion. Nothing made sense. It was indeed a Muggle park. She looked around, noticing the two pairs of swings that fluttered in the light wind, a rusted and cracked slide, a very badly maintained basketball court with the nets missing and hoops broken and a rather wild and untamed grassy area that wrapped around all those structures on which Natalie lay. Behind Natalie, a river curved past the park, the current barely visible among the murky waters that shared the same wasted, vile and dirtied look as the structures on its bank.

Looking again at the swings, however, Natalie could not shake off the sensation that they seemed familiar. But she was certain she had never been to this park and certainly not one this poorly maintained.

Natalie tried to find the person who had awoken her and let out a sigh of relief when she finally identified the person. Harry. He was looking at the clusters of trees just behind the slide in front of them. He would know where they were.

Natalie frowned. So they did not return to Hogwarts but where was Kalissa? A terrible wave of panic surged through Natalie. Surely she had not-

"Harry," called out Natalie, walking over to him and grasping his arm.

Harry smiled at her. "How are you doing?"

"Very confused," replied Natalie anxiously. "Where are we and where is Kalissa?"

Harry looked at her in bewilderment. "Kalissa's back at Hogwarts and surely you know where we are? You decided to come here to look for him."

The utter venom in which Harry pronounced "him" startled Natalie. "Surely we can't be looking for Voldemort by ourselves because I don't think Kalissa would-

"No of course not," said Harry, the look of bewilderment becoming more exaggerated on his face. "Why would you think that anyway?"

Natalie grabbed at her hair in frustration. None of this made any sense. She knew Kalissa would not send them by themselves to for someone dangerous. "Well who else would you refer to as-

Harry suddenly gripped her arm, stopping her in mid speech. "I'll tell you later. That fall obviously has left you a little confused but it's dangerous for us here in the open. Let's go to a safer place."

"Ah Potter, your stupidity never ceases to astound me," said a familiar silky and pleased voice.

Natalie's insides froze. All of her confusion immediately cleared. She realized exactly to whom Harry was referring. A combination of shock and anger filled her at hearing that annoying drawl again; she now remembered what he had done. But why would they be searching for him by themselves?

Harry jerked his body around to face the bushes behind them on the bank of the river but no one was there. Natalie tried to raise her wand but she could not move her hand. A jolt of fear raced along her spine; what was happening? She attempted to move from her spot but she again could not move her body. The fear escalated within her rapidly. What had Snape done?

"This is far too easy Potter," drawled Snape, his voice appearing to come from the cluster of trees behind the swings and to the left of them.

Harry swiveled his body and pointed his wand at those trees but again, no person was there.

"Harry, don't do that, he wants you to move," said Natalie, trying to calm herself.

"Very well noted Miss Malkae," enunciated Snape and suddenly Harry was thrown across the ground, his body striking the base of the sliding with a resounding thud. Natalie, with all of her effort, tried to force herself out of this paralyzed position. However, she could not move even a millimeter. She had no idea what Snape had done and immobilized as she was, she could not perform the counter spell. That horrible sense of inevitability started to needle itself into her once again.

Snape appeared by one of the pair of swings, midway between her and Harry. His black cloak imperiously billowed behind him, the leer on his face displayed pure delight at Harry gasping by the slide and most frighteningly for Natalie, his black eyes bore only pure venom for the green eyed boy. Whatever doubts she had about Snape's loyalty to Voldemort were abruptly cast; the man here would have no qualms about witnessing their deaths.

"Are you enjoying my little trick?" drawled Snape, his face contorting in a rather unnatural smile at her. He seemed much more sinister to the point that his entire figure and expression was bordering on the maniacal, contorted nature of Bellatrix and Voldemort.

"What did you do to her?" snarled Harry, lifting himself from the slide.

"Silence," said Snape quietly and Harry again dropped to the ground. He let out a horrible howl of his pain, his scar coming alight.

"Leave him alone!" shouted Natalie, again trying to push herself out of her spot on the ground with no avail.

Snape dropped his spell, returning to gaze at her thoughtfully. "I will for the moment. Potter has how shall I say a rather low tolerance for pain. I daresay if I threw this pebble by my feet at him, the same repulsive sounds would be coming from his mouth."

"Go to hell, you bastard," muttered Harry. He was still breathing heavily, his body crouched over his knees. Natalie so wanted to help him.

"Ah, you should watch your mouth Harry," hissed Snape, a menacing gleam appearing in his eye. Harry suddenly started choking, yellow phlegm spurting from his mouth that looked to be coated with blood.

Natalie could not bear to watch Harry suffer like this. "Why are you doing this? You were a good person!" cried Natalie.

Snape flicked his wand. Harry flew across the park, this time hitting the pole of the swings with a terrifying crunch.

"Was I?" said Snape, slowly walking over to her though his eyes still flickered to Harry's convulsing body.

"Dumbledore trusted you," said Natalie, her voice quivering. She hoped that somehow she could distract him long enough for Harry to figure out something.

Snape cackled, a sound that set the hair on the back of Natalie's neck on edge. She had never heard him cackle, not the crazed sound of sheer delight that often came from Bellatrix and Voldemort.

"Miss Malkae, the old fool does not trust anyone, even his precious Potter over here," said Snape, his eyes flashing.

"Don't you dare talk about him," hissed Harry, pushing himself against the swing. Snape waved his wand and an invisible whip lashed against Harry, striking him with a sharp crack. Harry dropped to the ground but his eyes never wavered from Snape.

"Potter, this is becoming rather tedious," said Snape, yawning. "I would have thought that you of all people would be quite happy to rid yourself of that manipulating fool."

Harry spat on the ground. "Go to hell you-

The whip cracked against Harry again. She saw Harry try to slide out of its way but like her, he seemed fixated to the same spot on the ground. His eyes widened in realization at what Snape had done. And when the whip struck him, Natalie cringed at the way his body trembled underneath it but he remained silent, staring at Snape in cold fury.

"I see that the Gryffindor bravery must always yield its extremely ugly head," commented Snape, lazily twirling his wand.

"At least I'm not a coward," hissed Harry.

And with that phrase, Snape's icy calmness disappeared. His face turned white, his eyes narrowed at Harry and his upper lip curled in fury, revealing an unpleasant set of yellow teeth. He swept his wand over Harry. Natalie waited in bated breath for the inevitable crack but this time, the whip twisted around Harry. To Natalie's horror, she saw smoke emanating from whip. Harry screamed in agony as the whip continued to spiral around him, leaving scorching marks over his jeans and then t shirt.

"No! LEAVE HIM ALONE!" screamed Natalie, tears flowing down her face. "NOOO!"

Snape stopped the spell before the whip reached Harry's neck but enough damage had been done. Harry lay against the pole, his entire body devoid of energy. Natalie knew he wanted to just move to do anything to assuage the pain but he could not because of Snape's immobilization.

"Did you enjoy that Potter?" shouted Snape, a crazed look of fury on his face.

"You're a terrible person," said Natalie, her voice trembling. "Torturing an innocent boy without a wand-

"Am I?" snarled Snape, returning his gaze towards her. "Didn't Potter tell you about what his father and his friends used to do to me?"

"Potter, you surely must remember," continued Snape, the expression on his face becoming even more maniacal. He truly did look like a bat now as he prowled towards Harry. "4 against 1; that was your wonderfully brave father. It must have been a proud moment for you to see your father in his element."

"I was proud of the way my mother defended your sorry arse," muttered Harry.

And Snape halted in his tracks, the furious expression on his face becoming much less crazed. Natalie's throat went dry. She knew exactly why Harry's comment bothered Snape.

Harry stared at Snape in pure anger. "And then to no one's surprise, you just treated her like the filth you thought she was."

"No."

Harry looked at Snape in bafflement. "What?"

"No," repeated Snape. All of his previous anger had dissipated, his voice suddenly devoid of any emotion. Instead, his entire facial expression and stance looked defeated, like a balloon that Harry's words had just pricked.

Harry appeared slightly unnerved by Snape's hollow voice and blank expression.

He looked at Natalie who could not meet his eyes; the guilt that she knew about his mother and Snape and he did not started to chrun within her stomach.

"You are wrong, Potter," said Snape quietly, his eyes focused on Harry who was only becoming even more edgy. "I never believed your mother to be filth."

"What?" said Harry who looked absolutely confused. "What are you saying?"

But Snape's eyes had left Harry to stare at the swings behind Harry. And suddenly Natalie realized exactly where they were. She was correct. She had never been to this park but she had seen it in a photograph, a photograph she now wished she never saw.

The guilt mounted within her, biting and ripping at the insides of her stomach. Harry did not deserve to be this confused, this astounded at what Snape was saying. She knew it was the truth. She had to say something.

"He's speaking the truth," said Natalie quietly, looking at Harry.

The bewildered expression on Harry's face did not waver. "What are you saying Natalie?" asked Harry.

"He and your mother were friends back at Hogwarts," said Natalie, barely believing that she was telling Snape's secret to Harry right in front of Snape. But Harry deserved to know; she was wrong before and anyway, Snape had just partially confessed to Harry.

"Who are you talking about?" said Harry, his face paling. "Him and my mother, are you taking the mickey out of me?"

Natalie took a deep breath, trying to quell the panic building within her. "Yes. I saw a picture of them earlier this year in Snape's office. They seemed er very close in the picture. Snape told me himself that they were friends-apparently they grew up in the same area- in fact, I believe it is the neighbourhood around this park."

"What?" cried Harry, the confusion on his face slowly disappearing. His face was starting to pale, the first vestiges of shock appearing. "You can't be serious. Not him. He' s a murderer and why would he grow up in a Muggle neighbourhood? My mother would never have-

"Harry, why would I lying be to you? And anyway, it makes sense- Snape could very well have been a half blood- has he ever called himself a pureblood? It's true. You heard him."

Harry shuddered. "No I don't think so. It can't be." He pointed his finger at her. "You would have told me before anyway."

And the guilt surged through Natalie with painful force, seemingly cutting through her entire conscience. Her gaze averted from Harry.

"Ask him Harry," said Natalie, her voice very soft and starting to tremble again. "He's right here."

Harry shook his head at her in a combination of disbelief and exasperation.

He turned his head towards Snape and to Natalie's surprise, Harry was able to walk to Snape. She tried moving her feet and also found that she could walk but she chose to stay where she was, ready for the reaction from Harry she had feared for months.

Natalie noticed with a jolt of shock that the scorch marks on Harry's clothing and body had almost disappeared. And his walk showed no signs of pain or discomfort. Something was indeed very odd but her mind could not dwell for so long on this absurdity as she prepared herself for Harry's question.

Harry stood directly in front of the black haired man. "Is what Natalie saying true? Were you and my mother f-friends?"

Snape remained silent. Harry never took his eyes off Snape, waiting for the answer with a tormented expression on his face. It was almost as if he could not believe he was asking Snape this very question. For a few seconds, it seemed as if Harry would not get an answer but then Snape slowly lifted his eyes to meet Harry's anguished gaze.

He tilted his head to the ground..

"What?" said Harry, his eyes wide and bright.

"Yes, she is right," croaked Snape hoarsely in a barely loud enough voice for Natalie to hear.

Harry swallowed. He stepped backwards from Snape. His eyes closed.

When he opened his eyes, they matched Snape in their hollowness and lack of depth. Before, even when he was interrogating Snape, the lines on his face were taut, the expression clear and well defined like a coiled rope twisted and shaped into a series of images.

But now, upon learning the truth, the object tightening the rope and creating the tension had disappeared. None of the lines remained with any of the characteristic features Natalie had come to associate with Harry; the furious clenching of the draw and gritting of the teeth, the resolved knitting of his eyebrows and the frustrated curving of the lips into a barely perceptible frown. Instead, a flaccid impression stood in front of her. His eyes sunk into their pockets, barely able to watch his nose and mouth seemingly blend together and fall into one obscure, vague mass.

So enraptured in watching Harry unfold before her eyes, Natalie barely recognized that Snape, Dumbledore's murderer, stood beside them.

Before she could raise her wand though, Snape walked away from them. With one last cryptic glance at Harry, he twisted on the spot and vanished.

And with the resounding crack of Snape's apparition, Natalie and Harry were cast into a horrible silence. Natalie wanted to comfort him but her guilt held her back. She was partially responsible for whatever Harry was experiencing at the moment; he should have known earlier. How could she have rationalized to herself that it was right to keep something so intimate about his mother from him?

The silence extended between them. It seemed to be its own creature, rearing its head and spreading its claws with every word Natalie failed to utter, every step she could not take towards Harry. And as the moments stretched out between them, Natalie felt even more paralyzed and useless. The sense of futility accentuated with every second so that up to a certain point, she felt merely like another object in the park along with the four swings, the slide, the grass, the overextended branches and the eroded basketball nets. They all observed Harry, waiting for him to come alive again.

And then, a gust of wind rushed through the park. It whistled along the slide, shook the swings, swished the basketball nets and swept across the grass. The whistling sound of its approach startled Natalie, breaking her monotonous reverie. She shook her head. Harry needed her. That was most important, not her own selfish fears and guilt. She moved over to Harry, wanting to comfort him as much as she could. Despite her own guilt, he needed her now.

"Harry," whispered Natalie. She placed an arm on his shoulder.

Harry lifted his eyes to meet her gaze. The blankness in his usual penetrating, bright green orbs pained Natalie.

"Were you ever going to tell me?" said Harry quietly.

Natalie swallowed. She had no idea how to respond. Her mind almost seemed to go blank.

"Were you?" repeated Harry in equally as a hollow voice.

Natalie wanted to say something, even no but she could not. Not to the crestfallen, defeated person in front of her; he deserved much more from her.

"I thought as much," said Harry, the first trace of bitterness creeping into his voice.

"I would have liked to believe that you had more respect for me," said Harry, the sarcasm in his voice now so horribly biting. "But really, you never told me about your mother so why would I expect anything different about my mother? It's not like I should have known that she was friends with him."

Natalie could not help the tears flowing along her face. Harry was absolutely right. The guilt punctured her heart, one deadly blow after another. She was the reason he was like this now. He should never have had to learn about Snape and his mother in this situation, not when she knew. He deserved more from the person closest to him.

"So let me ask you Natalie, were they best friends?" asked Harry, stepping towards her.

Natalie tore her gaze from Harry. She could not bear to look at him.

She needed to answer him or he would be lost to her; a conviction filled her that this was the endpoint. But Natalie could not reply. She was just so numb, so horrified at herself, at what Harry must be feeling.

"Why should I expect anything more?" hissed Harry and with one last disdainful shake of the head, he turned on the spot and disappeared with a devastating crack.

Natalie awoke with a rush of terror.

"No, no, no, no, please, no, I'm sorry. Don't go," whispered Natalie frantically. She thrust whatever is covering her and swung her legs over the object she was on, ready to rush after Harry.

"Natalie, what's wrong?" said a familiar, worried voice. She felt a strong hand grip her shoulders.

Natalie gasped, realizing who was holding her. "Harry?"

She blinked her eyes, finally noticing her surroundings. She was in the hospital wing and evidently had been lying on one of the beds before she awoke. Natalie exhaled in relief. It was just a dream. Nothing actually happened. There was no grain of truth to it; she was here. With Harry.

Natalie let out another breath as she felt Harry's arms envelop her from behind.

"A nightmare?" he said from behind her.

Natalie nodded, allowing herself to slide into his reassuring hold.

"I know- it's terrible," said Harry soothingly. "But Natalie, none of it is real."

Natalie nodded again though an uneasiness sensation began to prickle her. Harry was right. It was not real. She swallowed. But it could be real.

Harry's grip tightened around her. "What was the nightmare about?"

Natalie swallowed, the uneasiness now cutting at her insides. "Just about what happened last night." She closed her eyes, not enjoying lying to Harry.

"Well it was indeed terrible, especially for you," said Harry softly. Natalie could almost feel him grimace behind her. The uneasiness had now turned into a very familiar feeling. And she hated the way the guilt filled her chest, tearing at her from the insides, pressing her mind onto the dream and what she had yet to tell Harry.

Harry kissed her on the cheek before he released her from the embrace. Natalie sighed, wanting to stay longer in his arms.

"So besides the nightmare, how are you feeling?" said Harry with a worried smile.

Natalie noticed that the searing pain affecting her joints had disappeared. She vaguely remembered Madam Pomfrey forcing her to swallow a multitude of unpleasant emotions, but clearly, those potions were very effective. She still felt tired but none of the scorching pain that seemed to shoot through her with every flicker of movement remained.

"Much better," answered Natalie as confidently as she could. "Madam Pomfrey can definitely do wonders."

"I know," said Harry with a smile.

Natalie nodded. "And Bellatrix didn't really use any Dark Magic on me," muttered Natalie. "So I don't imagine there would have been any complications."

Harry's face darkened. "Well whatever she did still caused you a lot of pain."

Natalie cringed. She really did not want to talk about that encounter again, but she knew Harry and Kalissa both would want a full description as would surely Hermione and Ron.

"Harry, I know you want to know what Bellatrix did to me, but can we wait for Kalissa, Hermione and Ron to come? I really don't want to describe the encounter more than once."

Harry nodded in understanding. "Of course. I know- I wouldn't talk about something like that after it happened so soon and you don't have to talk if it's really bothering you."

Natalie smiled at him. Despite the brewing storm of emotions within her, she could not help but be comforted by his words. It was nice to have someone like him there for her.

She touched her hand to his cheek. "Thank you Harry but I'd rather get over with it now. And of course, I have a lot of questions to ask the others."

Harry smiled at her. "Yes and you probably have a lot of questions for me as well. So I'll go tell the others? Everyone's been quite worried about what happened to you. They're all at supper now- you must be quite hungry. Shall I fetch you something to eat?"

Natalie frowned. She realized her sense of time was rather vague at the moment; she hoped that she had not been sleeping for a long time. "Harry, how long was I sleep for?"

"About twelve hours. The attack on Hogwarts was last night," answered Harry. "Don't worry, you haven't missed anything important."

Natalie breathed in relief. "Ok good, and yeah I am rather hungry- whatever you can find I imagine will be quite delicious for me at the moment."

"Yes, I'll be back in about fifteen minutes or so," said Harry with another gentle smile. "And Natalie, you should lie down on the bed; I know you want to think about last night but we'll have plenty of time for that. Right now, you're probably still tired."

Natalie smiled at him. "Thank you Harry. I really do appreciate you." His cheeks reddened. He gave her a crooked smile and walked away the doors leading into the wing.

"You're awake. Potter should have informed me!"exclaimed a sharp voice from her left.

Natalie turned her head to see Madam Pomfrey suddenly appear at her side.

"How are you feeling?" said the Healer, her eyes scrutinizing Natalie's body.

"No pain," said Natalie, smiling warmly at the matron. "Those potions worked."

"No, the pain will only go away if you continue to take those potions, " replied Madam Pomfrey briskly. "But other than that, you have improved quite a bit my dear. No bruises or rashes, you can obviously move without any pain and it does not look like you're suffering from an infection."

Natalie sighed. "How long do I have to take those potions?" She looked distastefully at the green and brown vials Madam Pomfrey had somehow placed by her bedside.

"Three days should be sufficient," answered Madam Pomfrey, waving her wand over Natalie's body to check for any other ailing conditions.

Natalie raised her eyebrows."Three days?"

Madam Pomfrey glared at her in disapproval. "Unless you want to walk around wincing, you will have to take those potions for 3 days. You should be grateful for them; I have no idea why you students find the potions so unpleasant. It is a small price to pay."

"I am grateful for them," answered Natalie. "I will take them for three days."

Madam Pomfrey nodded. She pointed at the vials on Natalie's bedside table."Please drink those."

Natalie groaned. "Yes I will."

Madam Pomfrey continued to stare at her. "Now."

Natalie nodded, trying to hide her irritation at being told so emphatically what to do. She sat on the bed and one by one, drained each of the vials into her mouth, doing her best to ignore the extremely pungent and bitter tastes of each one.

Upon checking the vials to ensure they were completely emptied, Madam Pomfrey gave a satisfied nod. "Shall I bring you your supper now?"

"Harry has gone to bring it for me," answered Natalie with a yawn, realizing how tired she was.

"Oh yes," said Madam Pomfrey, her lips twitching. "Potter was very worried about you; he spent the entire day here. He has an annoying habit of getting in my way."

Natalie smiled in spite of the sharp pangs of guilt the comment arose within her. She sensed that the woman had not missed Harry's conversation with her earlier. "I'm very lucky to have him."

"Very well then, Miss Malkae. I will be in my office if you require any assistance. I will keep you here for tonight and you can leave tomorrow although I would prefer you stay for another day. Please have some rest and remember no more than two guests."

Natalie nodded. "Thank you for your help."

The Healer gave her a small smile before heading in the direction of her office.

Once she left, Natalie let out a huge breath, unable to contain the storm of emotions within her. The unease, disappointment and guilt consumed her, ingratiating itself with her every thought. Harry cared so much for her; she imagined if he could, he would have taken all of those Cruciatus curses for her, driving himself to the point of madness. She was extremely lucky to have someone like that as a boyfriend.

And he did not deserve all of her lies, not about his mother of all people. It just was not right that she knew something so immense about his mother and that she was deciding whether he should know. How had she come to that decision? She was essentially playing with his life and psyche by not telling him. Whatever the dream may have represented, it was correct about at least one fact. The knowledge of his mother and Snape would tear apart his perspective. But he deserved to know.

A small voice in her head reminded her that her feelings were never this strong before the dream. Natalie shook her head, trying to rid herself of the voice.

Her guilt and own reservations was building within her for months. Every time Harry would talk wistfully about his mother, she remembered the transient spells of emotion that overcame her. Ever since she decided with Kalissa not to tell Harry, the guilt had never gone away but just grew and festered, pushing at whatever walls she created to contain it.

She was certain that the dream had not changed her opinion. Rather it had made the guilt much sharper and real for her; this was not some secret she could rationalize and justify to herself and keep hidden because it was not her secret. This was completely different than hiding her identity

And most importantly, this was not about her. Her feelings would not dictate her actions. She remembered why she had decided not to tell Harry. Because the secret did not belong to her. Yet how did that mean should Harry not know? Natalie wanted to know everything about her mother's past and even though she hated delving into Bellatrix's mind, she was happy at seeing those memories of her parents. Her obligation to Snape, in spite of the fact that he saved her life, should have meant less to her than her obligation to Harry. And that was her mistake.

Natalie inhaled deeply. She would tell Harry very soon. Her resolve and arrival at this decision somehow calmed her, lessening the torment within her and at least assuaging the stinging edge of her guilt.

She turned her attention away from that dream. There were other important subjects she needed to consider.

Dumbledore's death.

Natalie shuddered, pulling the blankets over her. How could he have died? An unsettling weightlessness overcame her at the thought that he had left them. She clutched at her sheets. It just could not be. She would never see those twinkling blue eyes, hear the cheery and reassuring voice and feel the full sweeping, comprehensive strength of his presence. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself. After a few seconds, she finally felt like she had landed from that horrible falling sensation. A pit formed in her stomach. She would miss the Headmaster so much; she knew they lost an important ally but he was a great friend to all of them, someone they loved and cherished immensely.

The Headmaster had turned into one of the most important people in her life. When Kalissa had left last summer, she spent so much time with him alone in his office. She was extremely grateful for his presence and the kindness and warmth he showed her.

As manipulative and cryptic as he may have been, Natalie knew that all of his efforts and plans were orchestrated for others; there never seemed to be any regard for himself. It seemed almost like a long time ago, he had decided on his sacrifice and never strayed from this mission. Natalie sighed. For that selflessness and even not considering the tremendous knowledge and power he possessed, he was truly a brilliant person.

She could not fathom the impact his death must have on Harry and Kalissa; Dumbledore was a father figure for Harry and even Kalissa to a certain extent. Both had grown under his supervision and guidance and used him as a beacon to orient themselves. And now for him to be lost forever, Natalie swallowed. It would indeed be a loss they could not replace.

Natalie closed her eyes. The knowledge that Albus Dumbledore was now a dead man remained almost impossible to grasp. He always appeared so impenetrable and immune to all of Voldemort's evil and then to be killed by one of his closest allies…Natalie clenched her fists. He never deserved such a death. She shook her head. She could not believe it was Snape who had committed the murder. Even though the man loathed Harry, she was certain, especially after what she saw about Lily and how he saved her at Christmas, that he was firmly on their side. None of this mess made any sense. And she could not see Snape turning into the man she saw in her dream.

The sound of doors opening in the Hospital wing and a multitude of footsteps broke Natalie's reverie. She looked towards the door and noticed Harry, two plates of food in his hands, walking to her along with Kalissa, Ron, Hermione and Minerva anxiously following him.

Natalie smiled at the approaching group. At that moment, a wave of contentment rolled through her at the knowledge that so many people cared for her.

Not surprisingly, Kalissa managed to overtake Harry and reached Natalie first. And she flung her arms around Natalie, bringing her into one of those fierce hugs that almost bordered on suffocation. Natalie smiled into the woman's hair, relishing the familiar cinnamon scent and those soft, long locks..

"Oh Natalie," whispered Kalissa into her ears. "You gave me such a fright. Never do that again."

Natalie chuckled as Kalissa pulled back to stare into Natalie's face. "I don't think I had a choice."

Kalissa's grip, if possible, tightened on Natalie's shoulders. She embraced Natalie once again, this time taking Natalie by surprise.

"And thank you for jumping in front of me for hisKilling Curse, but please never do that again. If the curse had struck you, I honestly would not have been able to go on. You are far too important to me."

This time, Natalie pulled back with a small smile. "What would you have done in the same situation? "

Kalissa shot her a disapproving glance before smiling at her and releasing her. Natalie sighed. They would evidently have a conversation about Natalie's decision. She did not regret it at all. Coming so close to death unnerved her but she would do anything to save Kalissa's life.

Hermione came forward to hug Natalie who returned the hug fervently. She felt Ron give her a rather enthusiastic pat on the back and exchanged a reassuring smile with a worried Minerva. She had no idea how much she had missed her friends; when she flew off with Bellatrix, she had assumed that she would never see any of them again.

Natalie smiled and mouthed "thank you" at Harry who placed the two plates of food on a tray in front of her. Ron placed a glass of pumpkin juice on the tray for which she was grateful to quench her thirst.

"How are you doing Natalie?" said Hermione when she too released herself from the hug.

"Much better than yesterday," answered Natalie happily. "No pain and having you all here is very nice though I hope Madam Pomfrey will not become too annoyed."

"Poppy will understand," said Kalissa with a nonchalant wave in the direction of her office.

"When can you come out?" asked Ron, sitting in a chair by the bed. Natalie wanted to laugh at the way he was eying the chocolate cake on her tray.

"She says tomorrow morning but I'll have to take those potions for a few more days," replied Natalie, taking a bite of the shepherd's pie. She closed her eyes in bliss at the hot and delicious taste of the food.

"So the potions are helping?" asked Hermione, sitting on the bed on Natalie's left side. She noticed Harry do the same on Natalie's right side.

"Yes, very much so," said Natalie. "Though the taste isn't the best."

Ron snorted. "The potions she's given me aren't so delightful anyway."

Natalie smiled at the glare Hermione shot Ron. She really wanted to find out about what happened yesterday.

"How are you lot doing anyway? The castle isn't too damaged I hope? And is everyone ok? Oh, how is Tonks and those Ravenclaws and Professor Flitwick?"

Harry raised his hand to stop her. She saw the others smile at her in amusement too."We'll have enough time for those questions but at the moment, you should eat."

"Yes, yes I will," said Natalie impatiently. She took a few large forkfuls of the shepherd pie, enjoying the food but she needed to know, especially about Tonks and the others Bellatrix had tortured within Hogwarts. She shuddered at all of the blood she had seen splayed over Professor Flitwick's body.

After another a few mouthfuls of food, she looked toward Harry and Kalissa. "So is Tonks fine and Professor Flitwick and the Ravenclaws?"

"Yes everyone is doing well," answered Minerva who had taken a seat on the bed next to Natalie. "Professor Flitwick and the students who Bellatrix attacked were admitted to St. Mungo's. They all are doing fine at the moment; Professor Flitwick suffered particularly severe injuries but through the great efforts and expertise of the Healers at St. Mungo's , he is recovering. Nymphadora only suffered minor injuries and she was released from St. Mungo's yesterday at lunch time. As you may surmise, it has been difficult to keep her at rest."

"Oh good," said Natalie in relief. She remembered how terrible and damaged those bodies appeared in the tower. "And everyone else is alright?"

Minerva frowned at her. "I do not know what you mean by everyone else Natalie. I believe you heard about Albus. The Aurors suffered a number of casualties as well as there were a few deaths in Hogsmeade. As far as I am aware, I am happy to say that none of the students have been killed nor any members of the Order."

Natalie's throat went very dry. Even though she did not know these people, she could only imagine the shock and devastation their families must have experienced when they heard of the deaths. "I'm very sorry."

"As are all of us," said Kalissa this time with a sad smile. "It is a horrible inevitability of war though those Hogsmeade villagers never should have become caught in the crossfire."

"You know how some of them are Kalissa, " Minerva replied with a small smile. "They would not let Death Eaters come into their village."

"Pride can be a reckless attribute," muttered Kalissa, running a hand through her hair. They all remained silent for a moment. Natalie could not help but wonder at the sensations and emotions she would experience if she suddenly heard of Kalissa's death from a complete stranger.

"So Natalie," Kalissa said, breaking the silence and arousing them all out of their contemplations. "We are all very curious about what happened to you last night."

Ron and Hermione both looked at her with rather intent and concerned gazes. Seeing the worry on their faces warmed Natalie's insides.

Natalie smiled. "Can I finish my food first? You did say I need the energy."

"Oh yes very well," said Kalissa with an amused smile. Her expression turned more serious. "If you don't want to talk about it-

"Then you don't have to," finished Hermione. She looked apologetically at Kalissa who merely winked at her.

Natalie laughed. "Harry already had this conversation with me. I'm not going to enjoy talking about it but I do believe you need to know."

"Thank you Natalie," said Hermione, exchanging a smile with Natalie.

"We should be thanking Harry," said Kalissa though her eyes were fixated on Natalie and studying her intently. Natalie tried to focus on eating her meal; as much as she appreciated Kalissa's concern and recognition that the encounter with Bellatrix was very important and difficult for her, the intense scrutiny nevertheless unnerved her.

"Why don't you lot tell me about what happened after Bellatrix took me away while I eat?" said Natalie as she took a swig of her pumpkin juice. "And you too Harry. I want to hear what happened with Dumbledore."

Kalissa relaxed, a smile spreading across her features. "Very well then- I think Harry-

"Kalissa, we are in the Hospital wing," interjected Minerva sternly. "Poppy is in her office and not to mention the other students that are here."

Kalissa waved her off. "No need to fret Minerva. I have already cast the Silencing charms around us; we can all shout at each other and no one will hear a single sound. And from what I can see, there are only about 3 other students here and they have all been conveniently placed at the opposite end of the wing from Natalie. I will have to thank Poppy for her discretion."

"Still, this is not the opportune time to discuss such matters," retorted Minerva sharply. "I am certain Poppy has limits on the number of visitors Natalie can have at a time and I think we are already exceeding her time limit."

"I have already taken care of that particular possibility, " Kalissa said with a rather embarrassed flush of her cheeks.

"What?" Minerva exclaimed, glaring furiously at Kalissa. "Please tell me, you did not cast a Befuddling charm on Poppy."

Hermione stared at Kalissa with a slightly reproachful look while Ron and Harry merely gawked at her in a combination of wonder and admiration. Natalie had to contain a smile. Watchin Minerva and Kalissa argue like schoolgirls was always a pleasant experience.

Kalissa shrugged her shoulders at Minerva. "I did not want to cast the charm and you should not worry Minerva. It will only cause her to believe Natalie is fast asleep with none of us here; she can still attend to the other students who cannot see us anyway past the curtains. I feel like we have enough time this evening to discuss certain important matters-

"Do you even know how many school rules you have broken-

"I am perfectly aware Minerva. You seem to forget a bit too easily that I was once a teacher here as well."

"Well obviously you have forgotten too!"

Kalissa drew a deep breath, raising a hand to stop Minerva. "As much as I enjoy these passionate arguments, we are not accomplishing anything. Now I want to hear about Natalie's experience and she must want to hear about our ventures last night and this might be the only time in which we can have such a conversation. If that entails breaking a few rules, then I apologize for the actions but not the intention."

Minerva shook her head at Kalissa, crossing her arms and tearing her gaze from the black haired woman. Natalie knew who would win the argument. "We may have other times to do so."

"Then when is that time?" said Kalissa. "I appreciate your concern and caution Minerva but with everything going on at the school right now, we may not have another opportunity to hear Natalie's story or for them to learn about what I think I may have happened between Tom and Harry last night."

Harry, Natalie, Hermione and Ron turned their heads towards Kalissa in unison.

Minerva sighed. "Kalissa-

"Minerva, you know how busy both of us will be in the next few days," said Kalissa firmly. "I am sorry if I am being forceful but this might be the only time we can have a proper discussion about such secret matters. I hardly doubt that any Death Eater spies are in the Hospital wing with us. And again I am sorry for casting that charm on Poppy."

Minerva scowled at her, crossing her arms against her chest but did not object.

Kalissa nodded at her. "Thank you Minerva."

She turned her gaze to Natalie. "I will try to give my best account of what happened at Hogwarts based on my own observations the rest of you can add anything that I am missing. So starting when I was in my 'home, I had and still have an object that allowed me to communicate with Albus but we both decided to only employ it in the most dire and emergent situations. As you can imagine, the night when he arrived at Hogsmeade and saw the Dark Mark over the castle represented such a situation- he alerted me. I quickly appparated into Hogsmeade, made my way to Hogwarts and encountered the battle you were all fighting. From then, I helped with apprehending and driving out the Death Eaters. I think first with your siblings Ron and your father and then with Minerva and Kingsley. I never saw Ron or Hermione although now, I wish I would have gone to help them with the Death Eathers you three were fighting. We were generally ver successful with the Death Eaters in that region of the castle. However, we were too slow to find the ones accompany Malfoy and Snape and who you must have seen Harry. Minerva, Kingsley and I came across Snape, Malfoy and the Carrows after they had left you Harry. I managed to kill one of the Carrows and capture the other but although both Harry and I were pursuing them, Snape and Malfoy managed to escape." Her voice became much thicker, her eyes glistening. " And of course, it was then that we came across Albus' body." Kalissa took a moment to compose herself. "It was indeed a terrible sight. After that, Harry and I returned to the Hospital Wing. A few moments after arriving there, we came across Bilius and a few of his Ravenclaws; they looked much worse than they are now. And then Nymphadora arrived in a stretcher." Kalissa exchanged a significant glance with her. Natalie gulped. She knew why Kalissa had paused to look at her, remembering exactly what Bellatrix had said to Tonks. The Auror was aware of Natalie's identity and must have told Kalissa. But this knowledge did not bother Natalie as much she would have expected. Perhaps because she believed Tonks to be very trustworthy and also because as Bellatrix so obnoxiously noted, they were family; in a horribly distorted sense but nonetheless still connected and that fact somehow assured Natalie that Tonks would not judge her.

"Nymphadora told us about Bellatrix," continued Kalissa. "I decided to set off to look for you by myself but Harry managed to catch me and force me to let him join me. We started apparating to various locations around the country where I believed Bellatrix may have brought you. The first location was your father's village and we actually stopped in front of his house, but it seemed exactly as I had left it in the past and there were no signs of magic. Of course, I now realize that Tom changed the wards I cast on the house; one of those wards prevented me, the original caster, from detecting any magical activity. We then looked at other locations before I realized that your father's house was just a bit different than the one I set charms around. The outline around the house was not the same blue as I remembered. We returned to David's home and I began examining the equations and runes that underlined the wards I had set around the house. And they had all been changed; I am still surprised that Tom was able to manipulate those equations as it takes many years of practice and experience to have that power and skill. I was not able to reverse all that Tom changed but I managed to use a few of his changes to determine where you and Bellatrix were. And that led us to the graveyard and the whole fiasco there. Would you like to add anything Ron, Hermione or Harry?"

"I think Kalissa pretty much covered everything," said Hermione, looking at Ron who nodded too. "After Bill was attacked and you left with Tonks, Ron and I went to the Hospital wing with the others to make sure Bill, Fleur and Ron were treated."

Natalie nodded when Hermione finished."Thank you," said Natalie to all of them. She was grateful most of her confusion had been cleared. "I don't know what would have happened if you two had not come there in time."

"We were both pretty much at wit's end," said Kalissa with a wry smile at Harry. "I imagine Harry was rather irritated with my harsh tone."

"I'd rather not think about what would have happened," said Harry quietly. "But you said you wanted to hear about the Horcrux."

Natalie finished her last spoonful of Shephard's pie as she nodded a bit too enthusiastically at Harry. "Oh yes please."

"It was not as successful as you may think," said Harry with a distant look in his eyes. "Well, Dumbledore found the cave in which he thought the locket was located. We apparated there, entered the cave but as you might expect, there were quite a few things guarding the Horcrux. The locket was actually in a basin in a middle of a lake in the cave. There was a boat anchored to the wall that would guide us to the basin; Voldemort likely intended the boat to be used by himself to check on the locket. So we stepped into the boat and it set off ; as the boat took us to the basin, we noticed bodies in the lake." Harry swallowed. "Inferi."

"Oh," said Natalie quietly. "That's horrible." She could not fathom how cruel a person could be to take advantage of someone's dead body in such a way.

"Yes," agreed Harry, the look in his eyes becoming even more distant. "When we arrived at the crop of rock with the basin containing the locket, we found that the basin was filled with a liquid and a goblet by its side-

"What liquid?" interjected Natalie. She saw the pained looks on Ron and Hermione's faces. Evidently they had already heard the story and the liquid was not pleasant.

"I do not know. I never tasted it," replied Harry bitterly. "Dumbledore decided that the only way to get the locket from the bottom of the basin was to drink it; all of his spells did not work and obviously the basin was guarded by charms that prevented any physical emptying. So he decided to be the one to drink the liquid- I tried to do it myself but he would not let me. Before he started to drink the liquid, he told me to keep giving him the goblet no matter what he said." Harry closed his eyes, shaking his head. Natalie wanted to hold his hand but she was too far away.

"Harry," said Natalie gently. "You don't have to tell me if it's causing you this much distress."

Harry opened his eyes. "No. You should know what happened. So as he drank the liquid, he started to change. He became very desperate, pleading and begging for me not to give him the liquid; it must have been terrible but I knew what he had told me. And I kept giving him the goblet." Harry shook his head. "It must have been poision; it was exhausting and weakening him so much."

Natalie moved her tray to the side, pushed over her covers and slid over next to Harry. She grasped his hand in her hand, squeezing it.

"Harry, Albus would have wanted you to keep giving him the goblet," Kalissa said softly.

"You did the right thing mate," said Ron earnestly. "I mean, it would have been much easier to not give him the liquid."

Harry nodded at all of them. He smiled at Natalie.

"When he finally finished, we took the locket and left in the boat. And that's when the Inferi came out; they were really a horrible sight to behold. Dumbledore could barely move let alone cast a spell. I somehow carried him onto the boat and managed to just keep the Inferi off before we reached the shore. And once we were out of the cave, I don't know how I did it but I just did those three D's and apparated both of us to Hogsmeade. When we arrived there, we saw the Dark Mark and that's when he must have contacted you, Kalissa."

"Yes I do believe so," said Kalissa, also with a slightly wistful expression. "Thank you Harry- Albus would have been very proud of you, of that I am certain. Natalie, you look to be finished-

"No, I'll continue," said Harry rather forcefully, his voice becoming stronger. All of them except Natalie stared at him in a combination of alarm, fear and wonder.

"H-harry," spluttered Kalissa, surprising Natalie with how soft her voice had become. "Really, if you're not comfortable-

"I think I should talk about what happened," said Harry with a grim smile. "All of you deserve to know exactly how he died."

"Thank you Harry," Natalie whispered, placing her other hand over his. Harry caught her eyes for a moment and her heart dropped at how vivid and bright his eyes were. Re living this experience was obviously causing him tremendous pain but as was typical for Harry, he was willing to endure the agony for others.

"Yes, Harry, thank you. It means a lot to all of us," said Hermione, her voice quivering. Ron and Minerva nodded along, both smiling at Harry.

Harry swallowed. "Once we saw the Dark Mark, Dumbledore asked Madam Rosmerta for her brooms. He told me to put my Invisibility cloak over myself. And we flew to the Astronomy Tower." Harry ran a hand through his hair, turning his gaze through the window to the setting sun.

Natalie wrapped her arm around Harry, waiting for him to continue.

"When we landed on the Astronomy Tower, we heard footsteps coming up the staircase. Dumbledore cast an Immobilizing spell on me but the casting of that spell kept him distracted from whoever was coming up the stairs. And that person who was Malfoy was able to disarm Dumbledore." Harry closed and opened his eyes again. "I have no idea why he immobilized me. Anyway, I should not have let him."

"Harry, you could have never prepared for that," said Natalie softly.

Harry nodded. "Well then Malfoy started talking with Dumbledore- he could not see me because I was under the cloak. And he told Dumbledore about how he had been branded with the Dark Mark and the assignment Voldemort gave him to kill Dumbledore."

"You were right Harry all along," stated Minerva, frowning. "I was foolish not to listen to you."

"We all should have listened to Harry," said Natalie emphatically. She hated herself for refusing to believe Harry's assertion that Malfoy was a Death Eater. If only she listened just once. "You saw it and none of us believed you."

"Harry, I'm so sorry," whispered Hermione, her eyes sparkling. "Natalie is absolutely right. Everything was pointing towards Malfoy and none of us wanted to believe it."

Ron stood up and clapped Harry on the back. "Mate, we were the ones who were the nutters. You saw through him all along.

Harry gave them a sad smile. "I don't blame any of you; what I saying at the time did sound rather absurd and he hoodwinked all of us."

Natalie saw Kalissa frown at Harry, almost as if she doubted what he just said before she spoke. "Then I suppose he was responsible for the two attacks on that Gryffindor girl and Ron."

Harry gritted his teeth. "Yes. In his words, the necklace and the mead were both intended for Dumbledore."

Hermione clicked her fingers. "What a bloody scoundrel," hissed Hermione, surprising all of them with her language. "When I see him next, he's-

"Not going to be very happy," said Natalie, chuckling.

"I should be the one that's pissed," commented Ron, smiling at Hermione and looking rather pleased at her reaction. "And trust me I am. When I find him, 'Stupefy 'will be the last spell rolling off my tongue."

"Well Dumbledore knew about the assignment from Snape- he told Malfoy," said Harry bitterly. "Said he did not want to confront Malfoy because he feared Voldemort would kill Malfoy if he found out Dumbledore knew."

"What?" cried Hermione jumping off the bed. "How could he let Malfoy almost kill Ron and Katie?"

"Miss Granger, please calm down," said Minerva though she herself looked rather taken aback.

"Ron and Katie almost died Professor!" exclaimed Hermione indignantly. "And all because he wanted to keep that idiot safe. What if a student did die?"

"I agree with Hermione," stated Natalie. "It's just so reckless for him to risk something like that. Why not turn Malfoy to the Aurors if he knew he was a Death Eater? Too many people could have been hurt."

Ron looked rather sick. "What was going on in that nut's head?"

"Mr. Weasley, language!" reprimanded Minerva.

"I honestly don't know," said Harry with a shrug. "Dumbledore just saw the good in too many people. I don't think Malfoy deserved the benefit of the doubt either."

"I have to admit," said Kalissa, speaking on the subject for the first time. "that I can't fathom what Albus was thinking. Maybe he could have taken his chances at the beginning but after the first attack, why not take more action?"

"Is there more that we do not know?" posed Natalie, trying to scramble for an answer to explain Dumbledore's reasoning.

Kalissa smiled at her. "There must be- I hope at the very least…"

"It would not be out of character," said Harry disdainfully with a shake of his head.

"What Malfoy did was terrible and he should be in Azkhaban," said Kalissa emphatically. "And when we find him, he will receive his appropriate punishment. But Harry can you please continue and the rest of you, let's calm down and allow him to finish the story."

Harry took a deep breath as everyone else quieted and returned to their positions. "I could tell after a few minues that Malfoy was not going to kill Dumbledore- he did not have it in him to murder someone in cold blood. A few of the Death Eaters joined him- the Carrows and Greyback I believe and they wanted Malfoy to do the job but he could not. At that point, I figured Dumbledore was delaying till maybe some help could come- I was unable to do anything because of his spell. But then Snape arrived."

Everyone seemed to shudder or swallow in unison, all acutely aware of what approached. Natalie squeezed Harry even more tightly, her throat again becoming very dry and her stomach taking a steep lurch.

Harrry breathed again. "And when Snape came, you could tell right away that he wasn't go to help us. He just seemed so cold- it wasn't like he was angry but like this was the moment he was looking forward to for a long time. He didn't care what Dumbledore did for him, how much Dumbledore protected him; he was ready to commit murder. And I think Dumbledore saw it too- he started pleading for his life- I've never heard him beg. But Snape wouldn't have any of it." Harry closed his eyes, his face contorted in anguish. Natalie felt his body begin to shake under her grasp. "He cast the Killing curse on Dumbledore."

A silence passed over them. Harry's explanation made Dumbledore's death much more real. Before, it was a devastating and brutal occurrence that resonated throughout all of them but Harry's story gave his death a certain sharpness, clarity and individuality with which they could all identify. Sensations, feelings and thoughts they could all experience with Dumbledore. Natalie too shuddered. She could not imagine the horrible helplessness and desperation he must have felt when he saw Snape raise his wand. Natalie never wanted to place herself in that position but knowing Dumbledore's experience helped, stroking a resolved, finished air around his death as if she knew all she need to know and could move on. She imagined the sensation was very similar for the others.

Yet Natalie could not help but picture the Snape in her dream pointing his wand at a weakened and disarmed Dumbledore and whispering, "Avada Kedavra!" Her chest tightened at the image of Dumbledore flying off the astronomy tower, her heart pounded and ached at the helpless look on his face. It was horrible. But a smaller voice in her head said why? What was there to gain and why would he support the man now of all times? And the thoughts about Lily continued to bother Natalie. Voldemort killed his best friend. Natalie remembered the photograph very well; the devotion and love for Lily on his face was clear to anyone. It was definitely not a felling that could leave him. Yet then what would cause him to turn to Voldemort's cause?

Natalie closed her eyelids. She also remembered overhearing Snape telling Malfoy about his Unbreakable Vow. Could that have something to do with his murderous betrayal? But how? She could not understand how such a vow would lead Snape to kill Dumbledore. Unless, Natalie pondered, if the original vow was for him to kill Dumbledore. But that seemed so unlikely since Voldemort gave Malfoy that assignment. Of course, as Natalie's mind continued to run over all the possibilities, he could be working for neither Dumbledore and Voldemort and just for himself. But then why place himself in so danger by killing Dumbledore? He essentially guaranteed himself a death, a Dementor's kiss or at the least, an extremely long imprisonment in Azkhaban if the Aurors or Order found him.

She saw Kalissa's frown, recognizing that she was probably thinking along the same lines as Natalie. It looked like Snape was a cold blooded murderer working for Voldemort but not everything confirmed that statement as complete truth.

After a few more long seconds of the reflective, somber silence, Natalie cleared her throat. Despite the heaviness in her chest Harry's story, created, her curiosity was piquing. She wanted to know about the locket.

"Harry, if you do not mind, what have you done with the locket?"

And then abruptly, everyone in the room seemed to sigh in exhaustion. She saw Kalissa cross her arms and shake her head, Minerva purse her lips and Ron and Hermione exchange worried glances with one another. Harry's expression darkened, his eyes downcast to the floor.

Natalie gulped. She hoped her words did not appear rash or insensitive but she gathered that it was not her question spurring the reaction.

Harry took a deep breath. He released himself from Natalie's hold, clenching his fists.

"It was not Slytherin's locket- a fake. It was not the Horcrux," said Harry, running a hand through his hair. "The entire trip was useless."

"What?" exclaimed Natalie, completely bewildered. "He planted a fake one there?"

Harry shook his head. "No, the Horcrux, which was Slytherin's locket, was hidden in that basin but somebody else already stole that locket from the basin and replaced the basin with another locket which is the one we found. That person left a message with the locket we took- here it is."

Harry took out a small piece of parchment from a pocket in his trousers and handed it over to Natalie. She read over the message on the parchment.

To the Dark Lord

I know I will be dead long before you read this but I want to know that it was I who discovered your secret. I have stoen the real Horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as I can. I face death in the hope that when you meet your match, you will be mortal once more.

R.A.B.

Natalie could not keep the shock from appearing on her face. As unbelievable as it sounded, someone, who appeared to be acting against Voldemort, apparently had found the Horcrux's location and perhaps even learned of the existence of the Horcurxes before Dumbledore.

"You would not know who this R.A.B. is, woulrd you Natalie?" asked Kalissa, walking over to her to also read the message.

"No I cannot think of anyone with those initials," said Natalie, her head running over everyone she knew having a surname starting with a "B". Naturally, she started with the Blacks but she did not know enough about the family to find someone with a first name starting with a "R". And other families she could think that may have those initials were either from Durmstrang or people she barely knew within Hogwarts.

"It might not even be a name," said Minerva. "A nickname this person has for him or herself may be very likely, especially given the rather brash nature of the message he or she left for You know who."

"Or it could be just be there to lead You know who in the wrong direction," added Ron, looking expectantly at Kalissa.

"I agree," noted Kalissa with a smile at Ron whose cheeks reddened. "Those initials are not very reliable information-

"But is the only clues we have at the moment," said Harry bitterly.

Kalissa frowned at him. "Yes that is the problem we face."

"Harry you shouldn't be so disappointed. Your trip was useful," said Natalie earnestly, believing fully in her words. "I mean we now know someone else is working against Voldemort and has maybe thwarted him already. Looking for this person will be frustrating but we know that Voldemort is not in control of at least one of his Horcruxes."

"But look at the price we paid for this information," retorted Harry, his voice trembling. "Dumbledore….."

Natalie gripped his wrist. "The Death Eaters were going to attack Hogwarts that night regardless of whether you and Dumbledore had gone searching for that Horcrux. They attacked because Malfoy found a way to allow the Death Eaters into Hogwarts, not because Professor Dumbledore was gone. Snape would have looked for Professor Dumbledore to kill him anyway."

"Natalie's right," said Kalissa assuredly. "The invasion fooled everybody; the fact that you and Albus were not at the castle was an unfortunate coincidence. And do not think Harry that Albus would not have been as defenseless if Severus had approached him in his office."

"Malfoy could not have possibly known Dumbledore and you were not at the castle that night," said Hermione forcefully, placing a hand on his back.

Harry released another breath. The cloudiness in his eyes and dark expression on his face cleared slightly. "Yes, alright. And I suppose it's not such a bad thing that of the two Horcruxes we do not know the location, one of them is not in Voldemort's hands." Though Natalie sensed, judging by his tense expression and posture and his lack of eye contact with anybody, that the pain and torment was still simmering within him.

"Bloody brilliant I reckon," said Ron, clapping his hands.

"Language Weasley," admonished Minerva, shooting Ron a stern glare.

A small smile appeared on Harry's face at Ron's reaction. He then looked towards Natalie, his expression softening. "I think that's all I can tell you about what happened."

"Thank you Harry. It must have been terrible for you to go through everything again- we are all very grateful," said Natalie, stroking her arm and trying her best to send as positive energy, warmth and comfort to him through her gaze and touch.

"Yes, Harry, that was very admirable for you," Kalissa agreed, her voice also soft and soothing. "I think I speak for all of us when I say learning how Albus died has helped immensely with the grieving process. So thank you."

Every one else nodded in assent to Kalissa's words, smiling at Harry.

Kaliss turned to Natalie with an intent expression. "Now Natalie, I see that your supper looks to be finished. Would you be willing to share your encounter with Bellatrix with us?"

Natalie groaned. "What about Harry and Voldemort's exchanges with the phoenix?"

Kalissa smiled. "That can wait after your story."

Natalie sighed. "Oh fine, just let me compose myself before I satisfy all of your curiosities."

Minerva cleared her throat. "Natalie, if you do not want to share with all of us, we will understand." She saw Ron and Hermione nod.

"She is your mother," added Harry softly. "It must be terrible talking about all she put you through."

Natalie smiled at all of them, warmed and touched by their concern and consideration. "Like Harry said before, all of you deserve to know and I know Kalissa is not going to let me out of this hospital wing before I tell her exactly what happened."

Kalissa's face reddened. "Natalie, you know I would never force you-

Natalie raised her hand. "Of course I know Kalissa."

She breathed again and then relayed her story to the others, starting from when she and Tonks arrived at the entrance to the Ravenclaw common room. She described Bellatrix's flight and apparition with her to her father's house and then the stream of memories that Bellatrix showed her. Natalie let Harry clasp and squeeze her hand when she explained those memories though she chose not to tell them her own interpretation of the memories: the realization that Bellatrix and her father were sincerely in love and that Bellatrix may have loved her at some point too. For some reason she could not explain, she wanted those revelations to remain to herself. She needed to mull over and appreciate those feeling for some time before she could consider telling others. She then described Bellatrix's torture of her, trying not to go into too specific detail as she was unable to bear the pained and devastated looks on all of their faces, especially those of Kalissa and Harry.

When she told them of how Bellatrix took her to her father's gravestone with the dagger in hand, Natalie had to stop to let everyone calm themselves. Ron looked absolutely outraged while Hermione held her head in her hands. Minerva looked sadly through the window behind Natalie's head. Kalissa continued to watch Natalie intently though with a reassuring warmth that kept Natalie from losing control of her emotions. And Harry gazed at her with a compassion that energized Natalie and kept her motivated to tell her story despite the fatigue and sadness overcoming her.

Relaying her encounter with Bellatrix was much more tiring than she expected. She knew she would relive the experience, but now in retrospect, all of the danger and suffering she endured seemed so much more real and then horrifying than the actual experience. Bellatrix would have killed her if Kalissa and Harry had not come so soon.

Once she finished, Natalie exhaled in relief. Harry rubbed his thumb along her hand, a reassuring smile on his face.

"Thank you- I can't image how difficult it must have been for you," murmured Harry to her.

Natalie smiled at him. "Yes it was," she replied in an equally as soft murmur. And in a much louder voice, she said, "I hope that's enough information for all of you."

"Thank you Natalie," said Minerva, rubbing her eyes and leaning back on the bed.

"We will get her," stated Ron rather valiantly. "What type of woman hurts her daughter like that? The Cruciatus curse!"

Natalie chuckled. "She's not really human but I think all of you know that as well."

"I don't know how Ron plans to catch her," said Hermione with a wry smile. "But I daresay you did not give her any satisfaction. That was very brave of you."

"I hope I did not," said Natalie with an embarrassed shrug.

"You made us all proud," said Kalissa, running a hand through Natalie's hair. "And scared us all terribly at the same time but not many people could endure and keep fighting through such pain and fear.

Natalie shivered, remembering the way the pain exploded within her. "Yes, well trust me, it's not something that I want to go through again. So then shall we continue with what happened between Harry and Voldemort?"

Kalissa laughed. "That was a rather abrupt change of topic. But yes, I think while we have some time, we should talk about those two exchanges. I have to say I have never seen something as powerful as the phoenix."

Harry blushed. "I honestly can only remember casting "Expelliarmus" the first time and "Stupefy" the second time. And with that "Stupefy", the golden thread between us formed and then of course, the phoenix."

"Well that explains the blaze of red I saw both times," said Natalie, nodding. She turned to the others. "I suppose you all know what happened between Harry and Voldemort when they dueled."

Despite Minerva and Ron's inevitable cringes, all of them nodded.

"It's really fascinating," said Hermione, her voice gathering an excited tone like this was some very difficult problem she was waiting to tackle. "I mean Kalissa has found out so much about the Arithmancy behind the connection between Harry and Voldemort but what happened here is quite strange."

"I do not think it is the Priori Incantatem which occurred in your fourth year," said Minerva, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"It was definitely different than the Priori Incantatem," acknowledged Harry. "Though I don't know why that did not occur; I was half expecting images of his victims to come out of the golden thread connecting us."

"Well, if Tom was using the exact same wand as he used in the graveyard in your fourth year, then the Priori Incantatem should have occurred," explained Kalissa, clasping her fingers. "However, when I battled him, I sensed that his magic was slightly different than in previous instances we have dueled; of course this may be because of how long it has been since I fought him but I do believe it was different. He has either changed his wand or has modified his wand in a way that makes it just slightly different than the previous wand so the same effect would not occur when he met you again."

"Modify his wand?" asked Natalie, raising her eyebrows.

Kalissa nodded. "It is possible to alter the intrinsic properties of your wand, which in this case would have entailed the removal or replacement of the phoenix feather that came from Fawkes. My guess is that he replaced the phoenix feather with a feather from another phoenix other than Fawkes which would have severed the brotherly connection between the two wands. However to perform such an alteration, he would have needed to enlist the aid of a wandmaker-

"And Ollivander disappeared last summer," interjected Hermione. "Which explains why-

"He is able to alter his wand," finished Ron.

Kalissa nodded at them. "Indeed. Or it may simply that he is using someone else's wand. But I believe Priori Incantatem is something which will not occur again."

"So the first duel between you two was a red explosion?" commented Ron, looking at Harry who confirmed with a nod. "And the second one was with the phoenix."

"Yes," said Harry, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Though they were obviously different, they seemed quite familiar, almost like the second one was building on whatever happened the first time."

"How so Harry?" asked Kalissa, her intent gaze now fixated upon the raven haired boy.

"To me, it seemed like the sensations for the two spells were the same sensation, just much stronger and longer for the second spell," said Harry slowly, evidently trying to pick his words. "You know how normally when you say the incantation and cast the spell, you feel the spell's energy leave your body, enter the wand and then leave the wand?"

Everyone else nodded or said "yes", all of their gazes resting squarely on Harry.

"Well, both of these spells felt completely different," continued Harry, pausing to gather his words. "When I cast "Expelliarmus" in the graveyard, I felt the energy go from by body to my wand but the energy never seemed to 'separate' from body. It was almost as if it was connected to the wand and then to the spell; I thought I had made a mess of the spell but obviously not when the red light shot out. And even more strangely, when my spell reached his Killing curse, whatever was holding me to my spell really tightened and tugged and pulled me in for the briefest second before the explosion occurred and then after the explosion I felt normal again. "

Natalie exchanged a quizzical glance with Hermione; from Arithmancy, they knew magical energy could not be connected between a wand and a person or even a spell or a person.

Kalissa narrowed her eyes. "When you say normal, you mean-

"That I did not feel like I was tied to my spell, like my energy could only be used for that means alone and nothing else," finished Harry, closing his eyes.

Natalie looked at Hermione again. The way Harry depicted the sensation indicated that some underlying entity was holding him into the spell and manipulating his energy. Could it be the connection between Harry and Voldemort that they had discussed in so much detail before?

"Ah, well that is indeed a very unique sensation," commented Kalissa, her mind clearly running at a rapid pace. "So then to cliary, you felt this connection first between your body and your wand as you cast the spell and then when the red light came out of your wand, the connection was between you and the actual spell. And finally when your two spells met, this link became much stronger, as if it were funneling your magic into both of the spells."

"Yes," said Harry, looking very relieved at Kalissa's phrasing. "That's much better than I described but like you said, whatever was pulling me in changed as I cast the spell."

Kalissa smiled at him. "I am certain you have several theories as to what caused you to be bound to that spell."

Harry nodded, an eager expression appearing on his face. "I think it has something to do with the link between him and I. How else do you explain such a thing; it literally felt like someone was using my magic? But why would that link just appear when our spells collided?"

"And then if that is true," noted Minerva with a frown. "Then why would the second time be so different?"

Kalissa smiled. "I have a similar idea as the two of you and similar questions as well. It is very puzzling though."

"Would you care to elaborate?" pressed Natalie.

"I will," enunciated Kalissa, winking at her. "But first, I think we need to hear about Harry's account of the second exchange."

Harry nodded. "When I cast 'Stupefy', it was pretty much the same feeling; I felt my energy connected to the wand and then bound to the spell and when our spells met again, the pull and hold on me was extremely strong. Except this time, obviously, the spells did not break off into an explosion. Rather, it just kept gaining strength, tightening and pulling me in with the golden thread forming between us; I felt like my energy could not break off from the spell. And also, it was different than the first time in that I could feel myself not only connected to the spell I cast but also to something else. " Harry shuddered. "I think it may have been his spell, the golden thread or quite possibly the phoenix forming but it was definitely something extremely powerful, more so than even Voldemort. And as the phoenix started to develop out of that thread, it was a very strange sensation for me. My energy started to leave me but then it came back and just cycled through me while the phoenix grew. I really did not know what to do- I don't know Ron and Hermione if you guys remember but in fourth year, I needed to hold onto the wand to maintain whatever was between us. Here I felt like I had no choice, that the phoenix would form and that my energy would cycle through me regardless of what I did. So when the phoenix took its full shape, the connection was probably at its strongest. And then once it wrapped its wings around us, I could almost feel that creature or thing that bound me and I think Voldemort could feel it too as that's when he started to scream. I was convinced it was going to take both of us away or channel all of our energy into itself. But then suddenly, my link to my spell and to that thing just completely broke off and I was pretty much able to leave from underneath its wings to see you two. After that point, my energy seemed to feel completely free."

Harry drew a deep breath after the long description. He accepted the glass of pumpkin juice Natalie offered him, taking in a large gulp.

"Thank you Harry," said Kalissa, scratching her chin.

"That seemed even more amazing than what we saw," noted Natalie with a smile.

Kalissa folded her her hands on her lap and looked at all of them. "Thank you Harry- that was very helpful and I believe it confirmed or a the very least gave strength to many of my ideas. Now, I think I should explain my theories about those two exchanges. So let me begin by stating that these ideas are only based on what I saw last night, what I have thought over and researched in the past day and what Harry told us. They may change in the future but right now, I feel the theories summarizes and explains the situation to the best of my abilities and to the best of what we know."

After waiting for them to mull over her statement, Kalissa continued, "I agree with Harry in his hypothesis that his connection with Tom was responsible for both of the exchanges. The phoenix I believe is a physical manifestation of the connection between Tom and Harry. And the entity bounding Harry and Tom's energy is the the connection itself. The tug and pull Harry felt was the connection linking him and Tom to its magic and energy. Now those two facts I am pretty certain are true as the equations that govern the connection allow for it to be conveyed through human sensations and also for a tangible representation to occur under the right circumstances. "

Natalie raised her eyebrows at the emphasis on the last two words. "What do you mean the 'right circumstances'?"

"And why would the phoenix appear in one exchange and not the other?" added Hermione, frowning.

Kalissa smiled. "I believe the two questions are intertwined. The reason for the phoenix appearing in the latter exchange lies in the differences between the two situations and specifically what was different when Tom cast his Killing curse." Kalissa looked at Natalie with the same fierce persistence she hugged her earlier.

Natalie's mouth opened in realization.

Kalissa nodded her head. "Tom's second Kiling curse was directed towards me but Natalie at the moment chose to dive in front of me; had Harry not stopped the curse with his spell, Natalie would have been dead."

Hermione and Ron's faces paled. Minerva sniffed loudly, her eyes glistening. Harry looked absolutely sick as if another horrible, crushing realization had struck him.

"None of them knew," said Kalissa to Natalie. "But you see the difference and why it is significant."

"It was like a sacrifice I suppose," said Natalie thoughtfully. "But I never sacrificed myself so there should be no effect."

"But the intention was there," stated Hermione excitedly. "And if you were able to stop time at the moment at which Natalie dove in front of Kalissa and before Harry 's spell blocked Voldemort's curse, it would appear as if Natalie sacrificed herself. And that's the circumstance that would have been used for Harry and Voldemort's exchange."

"Precisely," enunciated Kalissa. "The significance of such a sacrifice cannot be stated; while not the same as Harry's situation with his mother, it was still very similar to the very situation that initiated the connection. And so such symmetry allows the equations of the sacrifice and the equations governing the connection to interact with one another, keeping the connection within reality for a long enough period of time for it to strengthen, gain energy and form the phoenix."

"The way the phoenix is formed is rather unique," continued Kalissa with a smile. "Harry I do not think you were ever exhausted at any point in which the phoenix was developing?

"No I was not," said Harry with surprise. "I should have been though since it was using my energy?"

Kalissa shook her head. "It's not using your energy as how to say it, a source of fuel, but rather as a conducting medium."

Harry looked at her in confusion. "Sorry, I'm not following you."

"What's a medium?" asked Ron, a blank look on his face.

Natalie frowned. "When you say it, what are you exactly referring to?"

A bewildered look passed over Kalissa's face before she mouthed "oh" in realization. "Oh, I am very sorry- I was not clear when I was describing the use of the energy. The "it" I am referring to is not the phoenix but the connection between Harry and Tom; its energy I believe was used to drive the formation of the phoenix. However to clarify for Ron and Harry Harry, this energy cannot exist in our world because the equations underlying the connection do not have the same parameters and limits as the ones governing our natural and magical world. I do not believe I told any of you that I believe the magic forming the connection between Harry and Tom to come from another magical system, one you may call an alternate universe?"

"No you have not," said Minerva, a frown appearing on her face. "Was this the 'project' occupying your attention since the last time we met?"

Natalie looked at Kalissa in bewilderment. "Another project?"

Kalissa shrugged her shoulders in embarrassment. "I wanted to have a good idea of what exactly is forming this link between Harry and Tom."

"Is this alternate universe the same one responsible for the magic of the Killing Curse?" asked Harry, his face paling.

Kalissa gave a satisfied nod. "I believe it is the most likely option, since it was the modification of the Killing curse that allowed for the connection to occur."

"Bloody scary that there are 'alternate universes,' " muttered Ron.

Kalissa raised her hand before Minerva could chastise Ron. "It is a bit unnerving but I think reassuring that there is no human presence controlling this magic, just a world of magic I believe. "

Ron still looked rather dazed and unsettled at the notion though he smiled crookedly at Kalissa.

Minerva narrowed her eyes. "Kalissa, from my understanding of your explanation, then normally the connection between Harry and You know who should not exist in this world."

"You are absolutely correct," said Kalissa with a flourish.

Natalie and Hermione exchanged bewildered glances. Harry stared disbelieving in Kalissa while Ron just opened and close his mouth several times. She was relieved that she was not the only one whose mind was spinning in circles with Kalissa's words.

"I'm still not following you," exclaimed Harry in frustration. "Then how does the phoenix form if that magic cannot exist in our world? And what about my scar and the way we can see into each other' minds- are not those 'manifestations' of the connection?"

"Ah, those are excellent questions," said Kalissa excitedly. "Remember, Harry, that this magic and its energy cannot operate in our world because the equations describing such magic do not match or align under the same boundaries that ones underlying our magic use. But and there is a significant exception, magic from the alternate universe can exist in this world when the parameters and boundaries of the equations in our world change to just allow those equations to operate; these changes can occur in certain moments of time with the appropriate circumstance and context."

"Such as whenever the Kiling curse is used," noted Natalie, starting to realize what Kalissa meant.

"Yes," said Kalissa, winking at her. "In that case, it is the hatred of the caster which is able to change the parameters of our equations, allowing for the magic of the alternate universe to exist and result in devastating consequences in this world."

Hermione snapped her fingers in understanding. "And the the moment in which Natalie dove in front of you and Harry cast his spell at Voldemort also altered the parameters?"

"Yes. But in that instance, as I noted and did not explain very well, the equations describing those circumstances were similar to the ones that gave rise to the connection; namely Lily's sacrifice and Natalie's 'transient' sacrifice. This symmetry allowed for the equations from the alternate universe to interact and change the parameters and limits of the equations governing magic for Tom and Harry at that moment in time at that specific location in the forest. Hence, Harry and Tom's physical and magical energies were able to be used as a medium for the magical energy of their connection to drive the formation of the phoenix. Your energy cycled through you Harry, not because it was a reservoir but rather to provide a pathway for the connection's magic as the limits of your magic had been changed at that moment."

"Would our magic had been changed too since we were part of that situation?" posed Natalie, looking at Kalissa. She was starting to grasp Kalissa's explanation but a few gaps still existed in her understanding.

Kalissa sighed. "I do not know; we know at the very least that Harry and Tom's magic and energies must have changed because of the phoenix's presence, but it may or may not have been the same for us. It is impossible to prove or disprove."

"Alright," said Harry slowly. "I still have some questions but I want to make sure I understand what you are saying. So the link between Voldemort and I can only appear in this world if in certain situations, the equations or whatever is describing the magic is similar to the equations for the connection. But the problem I'm having is that I can think of many other instances in which he and I have felt linked."

"I think Harry is about to ask this but what about his ability to see Voldemort's thoughts and feel his emotions and the other way?" asked Hermione.

"Yes I was Hermione," said Harry dryly.

Kallissa's brow furrowed, "That caused me a great deal of trouble and I am still not sure how I understand fully how such a thing can occur. It clearly is associated with Harry's scar as I believe every time your minds and bodies link in such a way Harry, your scar hurts?"

"Yes, every time," agreed Harry, flinching.

"Then I think and I have to say I am pretty certain of this theory that instead of merely a temporary moment in time which modified the parameters and boundaries of the magic in our world, the circumstances and context around your mother's sacrifice not only contributed to the creation of this connection between you and Tom, with its magic and energy rooted in an alternate system, but also led to the formation of a medium or 'pathway' linking you and Tom which has parameters and limits similar to the alternate universe. Hence the magic of the connection can exist in this medium. And I think this medium is-

"My scar," concluded Harry, looking rather unnerved.

Kalissa smiled at him. "Yes, the existence of the medium effectively allows the magic of the connection between the two of you to exist in our world permanently. And I am convinced the blood that the two of you share from the graveyard has also contributed to this medium as it is Lily's blood and contains her sacrifice."

"So I have magic from some other universe always existing in me," muttered Harry, becoming increasingly more distressed. "And Voldemort and I are always connected because of it."

"Harry, the magic does not change you," said Natalie, picking up on his fear. "And it exists in the medium between you and Voldemort and not within the two of you."

Kalissa laid her hand on Harry's shoulder. "It's a burden you should not have to bear and to be connected to someone like Tom is horrible. But such are the circumstances of your mother's sacrifice."

Natalie's mind flashed to Snape. A pang of uneasiness twitched at her insides, causing her to swallow nervously and direct her gaze away from Harry.

Harry exhaled, closing his eyes for a few seconds before opening them. "The link has been useful in certain situations and I know I will have to just endure it."

Kalissa eyed him wearily. "I am very sorry Harry. But please remember, as Natalie was astute enough to notice, that this link is not a part of you nor is it a part of Voldemort. It allows you to be very close to him but at the same time it is separate from both of you."

The distress clouding Harry's face cleared as he drew another deep breath. "I understand though I still don't like the fact that we're always connnected."

He smiled sincerely at Kalissa "Thank you for doing all this work to find about the link. It's very complicated and I still probably do not understand the connection as well as I should but it helps, knowing so much."

An exhilirating warmth washed over Natalie at Harry's words and the pure authenticity of his gratitude.

"We all really appreciate it Kalissa," said Hermione earnestly.

"Brilliant," said Ron. "Though I reckon I'm in the same group as Harry."

"I have to say I am not surprised at how obsessive you have become with this connection," quipped Minerva, her eyes twinkling in amusement.

Kalissa's cheeks reddened uncharacteristically. "Well, I find it very, very interesting. You never see anything quite like this connection."

"Er," said Natalie nervously. Another point was needling her, but she was reluctant to ask the question for she did not want to see Kalissa's reaction.

"Yes Natalie?" said Kalissa curiously.

"Um," said Natalie, still struggling for words but then just deciding to phrase the question. "Do you remember what Professor Dumbledore said about er the circumstantial magic forming the connection- he said it was unlikely because Harry could feel the depth of Voldemort's emotion?"

"Ah," replied Kalissa, her voice becoming quieter. "I do remember." She looked out of the window, an unreadable expression on her face. She clasped her hands, her eyebrows knitted in concentration and her lips unusually pursed. Natalie knew how Dumbledore's reluctance to talk about the connection and then his disagreement without much of an explanation disappointed and hurt her.

Natalie's stomach churned anxiously as she waited for Kalissa to break the awkward silence that was starting to unravel and stretch itself across them. Ron and Hermione were looking at each other in surprise while Harry looked thoughtfully at Kalissa, almost as if he identified with her feelings. Minerva glanced uneasily at her friend and then at Natalie, as if she was wondering whether they should try to approach her.

And then just when Natalie decided to speak, Kalissa returned her gaze to her and resumed talking as if the silence had not occurred.

"If you recall correctly, Albus suggested that Tom's work with the Horcruxes corrupted and darkened his magic to the point that it was possible for his own magic to be the reason for the connection between him and Harry. I would have desired a more thorough explanation but following our meeting, I also looked into ways that Tom's magic could acquire the power and energy to forge such a connection and alter the Killing curse. Taking into account the Horcruxes, an estimation of all of the murders he has committed which I ensured was larger than it likely is and an appraisal of how much he has contorted and distorted his own personality and body through experimentation, the energy associated with his magic would still be woefully short of altering the Killing curse."

"Really?" said Natalie, her eyebrows.

Kalissa looked at her solemnly. "I never joke about Arithmancy Natalie. And as I have said before, the energy required to alter the Killing Curse is immense. Circumstantial magic still offers the only way in my estimation of modifying this curse."

"That makes sense," Hermione agreed. "I mean the curse can just kill a person with two words- something like that must have quite a bit of power driving it."

"Oh ok, I never really believed in his explanation," said Harry though Natalie noticed he chose not to say the next logical implication that his statement carried. "But what about the way I can sense how strong Voldemort's feelings were?"

Kalissa rubbed her forehead with her hand. "That is indeed very unusual. Albus was correct in that Arithmancy cannot usually describe the depth of human emotions and so it would appear contradictory that the connection, found upon the equations describing the circumstances surrounding your mother's death, would be able to communicate strength of emotion. Yet this type of connection between two people has never been seen before and so there is not a precedent for us to know whether emotional depth can be communicated. I have a hunch that because your mother's sacrifice was a modifying factor of the same Killing curse that gave rise to this connection, then that sacrifice, which relies on the authenticity and pure depth of one's love for another, gave the connection the ability to communicate the nature of feelings and not just the feelings itself."

Harry considered her explanation for a few seconds before slowly nodding. "I see what you are saying. I don't agree with Dumbledore- it just doesn't seem like Voldemort is solely responsible for the link. If he was, I think he would have been much better at controlling it."

"You were pretty much able for a couple of years to have easy access into his mind," noted Hermione. "I don't think he would allow something like that to occur if he was the reason for the connection. Kallissa's explanation makes sense."

"There's no evidence backing my hunch behind Lily's sacrifice," Kalissa warned. "For all intents and purposes, I may be completely wrong about why Harry can feel the strength of Tom's emotions. There's much more that we need to learn."

"Of course but your hunches usually turn out correct," said Minerva with a smile.

"As do those of Albus," said Kalissa though her lips twitched.

"Er," said Harry again, an intent gaze coming upon his face. His eyes had become much brighter. "There's something else that has been bothering me."

Kalissa looked at him in surprise. "Of course Harry, there's no need to be shy with me."

Harry nodded, giving her a small smile. "It's hard to believe this actually occurred," said Harry, shaking his head. His eyes started to become more lucid. "When I was under the wings of the phoenix, I could feel what was holding us- the connection as you have said, Kalissa. It was very powerful and imposing but at the same time, in those few seconds I could feel its presence, I felt oddly comfortable like it was very familiar to me-

"You said like you felt like you were at home," commented Natalie apprehensively, remembering those words very clearly. She had an inkling as to where Harry was heading.

Harry nodded at her, a distant expression on his face. "You know what I am going to say, don't you Natalie?" He caught Natalie's eye, sharing a relieved but scared look with her. She could almost feel the fear radiating off Harry; she wanted desperately to pull him into an embrace. Harry smiled at her shakily before continuing. "I really do not want to sound like a madman but there's something I cannot help thinking. The phoenix had green eyes and when it spoke, the voice was definitely female," stated Harry, looking toward Kalissa. Minerva and Hermione's eyes widened while Ron's mouth opened slightly in awe. Harry's words led to a single, reverberating conclusion. A very unnerving yet inspiring possibility that hovered over all of them, ready to unsheathe itself.

"You think the phoenix was your mother," stated Kalissa matter of factly. "Or the magic of the connection holding the two of you together and manipulating your energy was your mother." Her words unsheathed the possibility for them, exposing the sheer power of its potential. Hermione released a small gasp. Ron and Minerva shifted in their seats. Natalie's throat constricted.

"Yes," said Harry in a very hoarse voice.

Natalie placed Harry's hand over her own hand. She did not know what to say to him. The shock that there was actually a grain of truth to what he suggested was so thunderous and sweeping that it seemed to thrust them all into a daze. But a familiar conviction pushed itself through the shock. Harry needed her.

"You're not a madman Harry," stated Kalissa quietly with a wry smile.

"I think it would be better," Kalissa continued. "for me to explain what I think happened with the phoenix and then when I am finished you can ask me any questions."

Harry nodded, his expression unreadable. "That would be fine. Thank you." Natalie was alarmed by the lack of emotion to his voice; she feared he was dangerously bottling all of his feelings.

She caught Harry's eye and tried to give him her warmest, most encouraging smile. She could not fathom how terrifying and yet enthralling this moment must be for him.

Kalissa cleared her throat. "You see the unusual aspect of the phoenix was that it spoke and seemed to act of its own accord, suggesting the presence of a conscience within the connection between Harry and Tom. This fact has shocked me; I never expected the phoenix to speak or to specifically act against Tom while protecting Harry. I was under the impression that the link between Harry and Tom was purely magic from this alternate system but evidently some sort of conscience with thought, emotion and the capability to act exists."

"How though?" asked Natalie, anxiously wringing her hands.

Kalissa took a deep breath before shrugging her shoulders. "I do not know how this conscience formed nor what it is…..I have another guess as to what it is and how it came to be a part of the connection but it is purely conjecture."

"What is this guess?" said Harry, his eyes sparkling with intensity.

Kalissa met her gaze, her brown eyes equally as intense and bright. "Harry, again, I hate to sound repetitive and tedious but you have to remember this is purely speculation. I believe that the magic imbibing the connection between you and Tom contains a part of your mother's magical energy and perhaps even a part of her conscience. And this part of her along with the circumstantial magic around her death is forming the conscience we saw manifested in the phoenix."

A collective gasp spread across all of them. An unnerving sharpness and clarity permeated all of them. As if a truth intrinsic to their own knowledge of life had become unearthed and shattered into a thousand pieces before their eyes. Except Natalie thought, closing her eyes, no 'as if' existed. Something changed and she could sense it in that moment. The sheer frightening yet wonderful and exhilarating nature of Kalissa's words suddenly struck her with full force. Could it possibly be that Harry's mother was helping them, acting against Voldemort too?

Kalissa appraised them all, an uneasy expression on her face. "Please do not get carried away with what I have said; remember this is only my speculation. It can be an immense piece of knowledge to handle, especially for you Harry."

Harry nodded, his hands clasping and unclasping. He stood up from the bed and stepped towards Kalissa. For Harry, the possibility that he may have met his mother in that duel was overwhelming. The shock and thrill would have been very grand but most importantly the hope would be tantalizing. Something he undoubtedly wished to occur for seventeen years was now so tangible, just there for him to see.

Beads of sweat dripped down his forehead, his eyes alight and bursting with emotion, a scared, tentative expression on his face ass he looked into Kalissa's eyes. Natalie trembled. He looked so vulnerable, the hope blanketing him, ready to satisfy or crush him. Since the phoenix appeared last night, that possibility must have dominated his mind.

Kalissa gripped Harry's hands, holding them in her own. The warmth and sadness in her eyes and face was so clear.

Harry touched his scar with his hand. "You said a part of her conscience may be in the connection between Voldemort and I. It may lie within this scar."

Natalie stared numbly at the lightening bolt. Harry's mother may be in it. Here in this room with all of them. Natalie swallowed. This was something she could not comprehend.

Kalissa for the first time that entire evening looked anxious. "I do not know Harry."

"Is it possible?" said Harry quietly. His voice became even softer, quieting into a whisper. "For the d-dead to come back like that?"

Kalissa squeezed his hands. "Although the magic we saw last night is extremely unique and powerful, it remains impossible for the dead to come back to our world in the form they left us. And that is a truth which no one can dispute and has never been disproven. And I think you can agree with me that whatever you felt in those few seconds with Voldemort was not your mother in the form you knew as a baby."

"Yes, it was not human," whispered Harry with a distant expression that made Natalie's insides churn in dread at the hope he was holding. "Is she trapped in his connection?"

Kalissa breathed heavily, beads of sweat starting to appear on her forehead. "Her entire soul is not in this connection so I do not believe so. But you must know Harry that Lily is dead no matter what we do; her soul left this world the second Tom's curse struck her. I know what you are thinking. You cannot communicate with her even if a part of her lies in this connection between you and Tom. Then she may be with you but not in the same form you or we all knew her; she is still separate from all of us, just in a different way."

Harry held her gaze, an expression of pure torment on his face before he nodded. "I understand- she is still dead even if a part of her is in my scar."

Kalissa pressed her hands on his cheeks. "Harry, you have to be aware of this important notion; we cannot bring the dead back to life. They may come to us at times but it is wrong , unnatural and most importantly, impossible for us to seek them. The laws and systems that govern this world were never intended to harness those who have passed on. Do you understand?"

Harry looked into her eyes for a few moments before he spoke. "Yes."

Kalissa appraised him for a few seconds before continuing. "And Harry, I hate to sound repetitive but these are only my guesses and that is all. You need to understand that the phoenix may have not been your mother or had nothing to do with her at all. Or it may have been a representation of her, as you saw in your fourth year with the Priori Incantatem. I cannot pretend to know how frightening the hope must be for you, but please do not let it consume you. You need to keep an open mind; you cannot submerge yourself in an expectation that can never be fulfilled. "

Harry stared at her again for an extended moment before taking a deep breath. "Yes, I've been struggling with it since last night but I understand what you're talking about."

Kalissa smiled at him. "We are all here for you Harry. I understand this is not something that you can accept in an hour long conversation." She released his hands and Harry sat next to her.

Natalie lifted herself off the bed and pulled Harry into the tightest embrace she could muster. She felt Harry smile into her hair, whispering "Thanks."

"Harry, I am rather shocked at what we have discovered," said Minerva, warmth lacing her voice. "However, Kalissa is absolutely correct in what she has said. We will do our very best to help you."

"Harry, whatever we can do to help, just tell us," said Hermione very forcefully from behind them. She stood and hugged Harry after Natalie released him.

"Mate, we'll get through this," said Ron, his voice uncharacteristically soft before it returned to its louder tone. "But blimey eh, that's bloody amazing, isn't it?"

A/N: So the passage (or paragraph) directly from HBP was the message in the locket.

How did you like this chapter? Very long (and I am sorry) but some important details are revealed (the part about Lily, I have to explain a bit more).

And how did you like Natalie's dream at the beginning?