Chapter 65 – Further Plans

Two days later there was an unprecedented meeting in Godric Gryffindor's chambers. The three portraits of the Founders met with every person on the Hogwarts staff and everyone there was introduced to Vika. While there was some doubt about the spirit of Hogwarts, the fact that most of the staff found themselves disarmed and floating frozen a foot above the floor did much to convince the unbelievers. When Vika told him about the meeting later, Harry just wished he could have seen the expression on Professor Snape's face.

There were additional security measures announced at breakfast the next day to all the students. Students were restricted from travelling alone anywhere and staff that were not busy teaching or holding office hours were going to be patrolling the halls. Even Hagrid and Binns were pressed into service to help guard the halls, even at night. Additionally Quidditch practices were all conducted under the watchful eyes of each houses prefects.

There was a lot of speculation as to the cause of the extra vigilance, but all Dumbledore said during the breakfast announcement was that an ongoing dilemma had been partially identified and that the staff and Hogwarts were looking into the solution to the problem. While the students grumbled a bit at the additional restrictions, the changes were quickly adjusted to by all.

Two day later from their meeting with Lady Ravenclaw, Harry and Hermione were occasionally still blushing at each other and a number of their friends began to quietly ask questions as to what their problems were. It took an especially strong berating in potions class by Professor Snape for Harry and Hermione to put their awkwardness behind them and to resume their normal behavior again.

The twosome spent some time that evening talking in the Room of Requirement and mutually decided that while the oral delights were absolutely wonderful, they were still a little too intense. They didn't rule out any future occurrences if classwork and other factors allowed them some really free time but it shouldn't be a focus for their romance yet. Hermione didn't regret the incident but was content to just continue on with hugs and an occasional good snogging session and that was perfect fine with Harry. Anything further in the way of intimacies would just have to wait.

Xxxx xxx

Harry's next visit to Zemdelza's jewelry store did not result in any further work on the gems and crystals that he was planning on putting on his new staff. Master Cafzod instead questioned Harry closely about the selection and placement of Runes he was planning on adding to it. Harry sketched out the approximate size of the staff he wanted and placed the runes he thought he would try to scribe on it. The goblin jeweler looked at the picture and then had Harry draw out those Runes on a separate piece of paper. Harry quickly discovered his knowledge of Runes was either inaccurate or his drawings were atrocious.

Cafzod assigned him to do some homework on Runes and Harry said that he would correct his drawings and bring them back in the next week for approval. The next thing Cafzod wanted to talk about was what Harry had thought about as the core element or elements for the Everwood staff.

Harry listed the usual wand cores that he knew about: unicorn hairs, dragon heartstrings, phoenix feathers, hippogriff feathers, and the like. Cafzod had grown more and more upset the further Harry went on with the cores he knew about. The goblin finally held up his hand to stop Harry's lecture. "You have listened but you have not learned. Have you considered the balance at all?"

Harry threw a confused look at his instructor. "You have told me about the balance and alignment of the gems I want to use. There's more to a staff then that, isn't there?'

Cafzod nodded his head and beckoned for Harry to carry on with what he was thinking. Harry thought about the words the goblin had just said and then sat down in the nearest chair. "I had thought that the balance was just among the gems and the staff. It has to be much more complicated than that. The runes have to be placed to balance the gems and the core and the staff, don't they?"

"That's a start. Continue."

Harry's thoughts sped as he considered the way he felt with the magical staff he had used before Quirrell/Voldemort had broken it. He thought for a minute and then smiled at Cafzod. "The whole staff has to be balanced together to work. The material, the gems, the runes, the core all must complement each other for it to be effective in gathering and focusing magic."

"And…?"

Harry's face fell as he thought he had all of the solution. He looked at Cafzod's somber face and then shook his own head. "Of course; they all have to be in balance with me. That's why it takes so long to shape and craft the gems and the material of the staff itself."

"Very good Bajek. A little wisdom appears in that thin human skull of yours. Your time of choosing is very close. Let us return to the matter of cores for the moment though. What other cores are possible for the Everwood staff you wish to create?"

Harry cast a look around the workroom as he considered the properties of Everwood. "Since there is a large concentration of iron in the wood itself, some metals should augment the power of the staff. Gold, silver, copper, and perhaps quicksilver would be appropriate while lead, tin, or similar metals might serve as a detractor or a ground."

"Very good. What else could you use in conjunction with the Everwood?"

"Everwood is predominantly an earth endowment so corresponding magical cores could be used. Things like hair from a giant or skin from a troll. I will not bother to even guess what someone who was an enemy of the goblins would try to use."

Cafzod grumbled a little laugh. "It is very uncommon but a claw from a goblin has been used in a power staff before."

"I would never use such an item" Harry stated. "I count myself a friend of the goblin nation."

Cafzod nodded. "What about a fang from an acromantula or the skin from an ashwinder or a basilisk?"

Harry started at the mention of a basilisk. He wondered if Cafzod somehow knew about the monster that guarded the Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts. "I do not know enough of the properties of those rare substances to even hazard a guess at their suitability or compatibility with an Everwood staff."

"I have a small booklet on the uncommon cores that have been used throughout the years. I will lend it to you to read before you leave today. Could you hazard a guess as to what my next question will be about cores Bajek?"

Harry went over the information that he had been frantically been putting together since Cafzod started questioning him. He had thought he had a pretty clear idea of his plans for the core of the staff but he had obviously been overconfident and ill-informed. Harry had one bright hope for not totally bollixing this whole thing up or delaying completion of his staff. Between Dumbledore and Rowena Ravenclaw, Harry thought he might have some other important sources of knowledge to question or investigate.

To answer Cafzod's question Harry smiled. "It probably would have something to do with the compatibility of different substances working together in the core. That is another area I will have to investigate thoroughly. I am sorry I have not been better prepared for this stage. Could you answer the question of whether there is a limit to the number of cores that may be placed in a staff?"

"The most common number is three but depending on the age and experience of the magic wielder the number may vary from one to seven. The higher the number the more complex the spells that are needed to balance and align the staff. And the fact that you acknowledge that you aren't aware of all things is just honesty and to your credit. I would you rather be aware and admit your faults than you being overconfident and hurrying forward to a possible catastrophe."

"Thank you Master Cafzod. The lesson is learned. May I enquire what sort of trial I am to undergo in choosing my staff?"

"Only that it is a twenty four hour trial of wisdom, endurance and bonding with your selection. The choice is yours to make of a staff; whether it is a wise choice or not is entirely up to you. You may not have any assistance once the course is started and the failure to choose will result in a delay of a year until the stars and tides come around again."

"You have given me much to think about today Master Cafzod. If the choosing is close, what will I need to prepare to take with me?"

"You'll be told when the time is right but I don't think you will be allowed to take much. I don't make the rules of the trial."

Harry was momentarily puzzled about Cafzod's statement but he had more than enough to think about for one afternoon. He made sure that Cafzod had no other items to discuss with him before he left and flooed back to Hogwarts.

Xxxx xxxx

After supper that night, Hermione was wading through the small book that Cafzod had given Harry about wand cores. She was beginning to be able to read gobbledygook but occasionally had to ask Harry for a translation. She could read it perfectly if she was linked up with Harry but she wanted to get the skill down by herself just in case. She had just finished her fourth revision of an emergency kit for Harry to take with him when he went to choose his staff. The last time Harry looked at the list he wondered if would have room in his Boundless bag for everything that his girlfriend wanted him to take.

Harry had been very upset about the talk that Cafzod had given him; no matter what he said to the goblin sorcerer, Harry was impatient and wanted to complete the task as soon as possible. He just couldn't forget about the prophecy about him or the danger that everyone in the school was facing. Harry was at the moment struggling with writing Runes down and checking their accuracy against the couple of runes books he had available. He had been unsuccessful in finding the learning rune that automatically generated new runes as he learned a skill. He was just about to give up and suggest to Hermione that maybe they should consult Lady Rowena's library when they became aware that they had been silently surrounded.

"So what's going on here?" Harry asked carefully. With the exception of Ginny Weasley, Harry and Hermione saw that all the first and second year Gryffindors had come up to the table that he and Hermione had been working on. He saw that Fred and George Weasley were at the back of the pack and wondered if he was about to get pranked or receive some more bad news. A bunch of shuffling amongst everyone led to Neville Longbottom being suddenly thrust to the front of the group. "We were wondering if we all could impose on both of you?"

"I guess so Nev. Was there a question about a certain spell or homework?"

"No, nothing exactly like that. We've all been working hard at our classes and study groups and we're frankly amazed some days that you and Hermione can get up in the morning with all the long hours you keep putting in. We'd like you to take a break with us; even if it is for one night. Hang out and talk and have a few laughs before we all get buried in the end of year swamping."

"You know Neville that sounds like a great idea." Harry put all the books and research papers away into his bookbag and Hermione grinned and followed his example. Everyone moved down to one end of the common room and moved a number of chairs and sofas together so that everyone could be comfortable. Fred and George started telling stories about some of the professors and everyone relaxed and started talking about their own adventures. It was about an hour later when Harry got up and told everyone he was just going to stretch his legs for a bit but he would be right back. He had 'informed' Hermione about what he was off for besides a bathroom break and she was looking forward to the surprise.

When Harry came back down from his dorm room, everyone was happy to see that his mandolin was carried over his shoulder. A lot of the other Gryffindors put their books and notes away and followed Harry over to where he politely kicked Lavender out of the chair she was sitting on. Noting the look everyone gave her when she stood up, Lavender just stepped three places sideways and sat in Seamus's lap. The round of laughter at his surprised look was topped when Lavender played with his hair for a second and said that she was comfortable and would stay there unless Seamus had any objections. Seamus was absolutely speechless at having the blonde on his lap and just nodded wordlessly.

Hermione rose out of her seat and settled down next to Harry's chair on the floor. She looked up at him as he was tuning up the instrument and Harry asked her if she had any requests Hermione just shook her head and said anything would be nice "as long as it's clean."

'You'd prefer the dirty songs just when we're alone Nonnie?'

Harry watched Hermione blush before he raised his voice and asked everyone around for requests. Considering that almost everyone wanted something different Harry just threw up his hands and said he would play something that he thought all his friends would enjoy.

The group became quiet and Harry looked around at all the expectant face. He played a few chords to lead into the song and then stopped for a second. "Seeing as we have more than a few people here who have or are maybe getting girlfriends or boyfriends, I thought this would be nice. Seamus, are you paying attention to anything besides having Miss Brown in your lap?"

The laughter of everyone at the second year Irishman just caused Seamus and Lavender to blush but neither moved from where they were. Harry smiled and began singing.

Don't go changing to try and please me
You never let me down before
Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore

I would not leave you in times of trouble
We never could have gone this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are

Don't go trying some new fashion
Don't change the color of your hair
You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care

I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are

I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew
What will it take till you believe in me
The way that I believe in you?

I said I love you and that's forever
And this I promise from the heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are

I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are,
whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh (Billy Joel – 1977)

Harry played a few more songs and even got most of the first and second years singing the chorus to a Rolling Stones song. All in all it was a pretty relaxing night for the students who were beginning to experience the rush for school finals.

Xxxx xxx

Classes, homework and the sunrise kept occurring and before Harry or Hermione had become aware of it, April had passed and the first couple of days of May had already disappeared. Harry had been making good on his promise to sit down and talk with all the members of the DA. A Thursday lunch found Hermione and him sitting at the Slytherin table with Daphne Greengrass and Blaise Zambini. They were discussing the presentation that Cho Chang had nervously given the evening before on befuddlement spells. Blaise was arguing that most of the different types of confusion spells were a weak form of an Imperius spell and Hermione was arguing that the Ministry wouldn't allow any form of an Unforgivable Curse to be taught at Hogwarts. Daphne and Harry were privately wondering which one would break first and start laughing. Hermione had found someone that liked to argue just for arguments sake and they had developed a good natured rivalry about taking opposite sides just for the fun of it.

The discussion was stopped when a very heavy hand fell on Harry's shoulder. Harry looked up and hid a smile when he saw the stony face of Professor Snape. "What type of trouble are you trying to cause today Mr. Potter? And what are you doing sitting at the Slytherin table?"

Harry tried not letting the tone of voice discourage him and make him do anything rash. "For the latter question sir, there is no rule that prohibits anyone from sitting anywhere in the Great Hall. For the other question, we were simply having a discussion about whether a befuddlement spell was a type of Unforgiveable or a form of random Legilimancy."

Snape shook his head. "Obviously since you have no idea of either Legilimancy or Occlumency, you have no basis to be even in a discussion of that nature." Professor Snape made an effort to break into Harry's mind and Harry closed his eyes as he successfully held him out.

"It would my pleasure to teach you something more about Befuddlement spells that Mister Lockhart hasn't bothered to instruct you about but you are required to report to the headmaster's office Mr. Potter. The headmaster wants to see Mr. Potter alone Miss Granger so don't bother packing up and going with him."

Hermione seemed a little put out that Professor Snape automatically assumed that she was going to leave with Harry. She placed her hand on Harry's briefly before he stood up and asked him to keep her informed. Harry waited until Snape had left the immediate area before he gave her a kiss on the cheek and whispered that he hoped he would be right back.

The gargoyle moved aside at the entrance to Dumbledore's office but the door at the top of the staircase remained closed for a change. When Harry knocked, the door swung open and Harry entered the office. He was surprised to see the visitor inside and wasn't sure if he should be happy, relieved, or just nervous.

The goblin sorcerer Wrotkill was standing next to the fireplace and Harry just knew he was going to be leaving Hogwarts. Harry bowed to the goblin magician. "It is an honor to see you again Master Wrotkill."

Wrotkill stared at Harry for a couple of seconds and then bowed his head in return. "It is the time to choose your staff. We shall be leaving in a matter of minutes."

'Hermione, Wrotkill is here. It's time for me to go.'

'Harry, what about your kit?'

'I'll ask.'

"Master Wrotkill, am I allowed to bring provisions or some any other items for this task?"

"Nothing but what have on your person at this moment. But not your wands; either of them."

'No kit Hermione; I'm not even allowed to bring my wands.'

'Blast, and after all that preparing we did. Keep me informed then.'

Harry produced both his wands and handed them over to Dumbledore. "If this truly is a 24 hour test Headmaster, I will not be present for my Astronomy class this evening."

Dumbledore smiled at Harry. "I will explain to Professor Sinistra that you are on school business. I will give your wands to Miss Granger and ask her to take notes for you. Good luck on your enterprise Harry."

Harry looked around the office and then asked Wrotkill where they were flooing to. The goblin replied that they would be taking a walk down to the Hogwarts stables for the first part of their trip. Harry was a little surprised that Wrotkill would walk through the school but since he had no idea where this trip was leading he had no choice but to follow along. He let Hermione know where they were headed and followed Wrotkill out of the office. A number of students and Professor Lockhart stopped and stared at the sight of the goblin sorcerer in full regalia talking to Harry Potter as they passed through the hallways. Harry and his escort had just left the school and were headed for Hagrid's hut when a voice called out for them. Harry turned and saw that Hermione had rushed up to catch them but had stopped when she had caught sight of Wrotkill.

That she at least wanted to hug him and say goodbye led Harry to asking Wrotkill if he could have a moment or two alone. Wrotkill grunted his assent. "You may say goodbye to your mate but the two of you may not contact each other in any manner until you return here."

Harry nodded and then rushed over to be enveloped in a huge hug by Hermione. They held each other for a full minute before Harry broke the news that he wasn't allowed to contact her even mentally until he finished the test and came back. Hermione's eyes began to tear up almost immediately. "I'll miss you Harry but I just know you'll find what you are looking for. You're a great wizard and very resourceful but please keep yourself in one piece. I'll be waiting."

"I know Hermione. I love you too." Mindful of the crowd that was watching from the doorway, Harry gave a careful kiss to Hermione's forehead and gave her a wink. She gave him what she hoped was an encouraging smile and watched as he turned to rejoin Wrotkill. They continued down the hill and took a side trail that led off from one side of Hagrid's hut. Hermione waited until Harry and Wrotkill had disappeared from view before she turned and hurried back to her room to start worrying.