They had been expecting Dumbledore that afternoon, but an owl came relatively early after Frisk had gotten home that brought with it a change of plans. "Dumbledore has been delayed, and will be here this evening instead," Toriel told them, as the owl departed with a snail shell in its mouth. "That will give you some time to clean up."

So there was a bit of baking, and a great deal of cleaning put into motion. Toriel wanted everything to be ready for Dumbledore's visit. Frisk would really have preferred to take a nap, but had to help the others in putting away the things of everyday life.

Asgore got home first, emerging though the fireplace hearth. "Well, that was interesting," Asgore said, as they went to clean up for dinner. "Everyone in the ministry is spreading rumors about the Potter kid, saying he somehow 'got off'. What happened today, Toriel?"

Toriel's eyes were narrowed as she finished distributing salad. "That is not how I would describe it. From the people we talked to, Asgore, it sounded like there was evidence that dementors really did assault him. I would have thought the ministry would have accepted that."

Asgore was about to respond when there was a rhythmic rapping at the door. "That will be the headmaster, I suspect," he said, and headed to the door. He opened the door to find Headmaster Dumbledore standing on their porch, whistling tunelessly. "Good evening, sir," Asgore said. "Please come in."

"Please," Headmaster Dumbledore said. "If we're not at school, Albus will be fine. Unless you want me calling you your highness," he said, smiling.

"Not at all. I prefer to be called Asgore anyway," Frisk's father rumbled. "Come. Toriel's grilling hamburgers. What do you put on yours?"

"Ketchup and mustard. Grilled onions, if you have them, please. And I thank you, Asgore," the headmaster said, following him into the dining room, where Asriel was setting the table. "Good evening, young Asriel," he said. "I hope you are well."

Asriel just nodded as Frisk and Chara emerged from the kitchen, bringing plates of food and glasses. Dumbledore produced a brown bottle of liquid from nowhere, and put it on the table. "I don't remember if you take alcohol, but brandy has always been my drink of choice."

"Thank you, Albus," Toriel said, smiling as they sat. It really felt odd to have the headmaster sitting next to her at a meal.

It felt odd, sitting next to Dumbledore with hamburgers on the table. The small setting was a far cry to where he would normally sit up at the staff table at Hogwarts. "My pardon Frisk," he said, smiling at her. "But would you pass the mustard?"

Frisk blinked out of her musings, reached to her left for the small brown bottle, and handed it to her right. Dumbledore took took it from her politely, opened it, and took a gob of brown mustard from the jar with his knife. Instead of spreading it on the burger, he put it toward the edge of his plate. Finally, to Frisk's surprise, he picked up a french fry, dipped it in the mustard, and popped it in his mouth.

"You put mustard on your fries?" Asgore asked in surprise. "I thought only Sans put mustard on fries."

"My frites, you mean?" Dumbledore said. "I suppose you picked up some of your words from American television. I like mustard, it gives just a bit of tang on the frites. What do you prefer?"

"Ketchup," Asriel and Chara said in unison. "Though dad likes mayonnaise."

"Except with fried fish, with the larger chips," Asgore said, nodding. "With chips, there's only one proper thing to put on it."

"Malt vinegar," agreed Dumbledore, smiling.

They made other small talk, like discussing the surface settlement of monsters, over dinner, but nobody mentioned the events of that morning. It was only when the butterscotch and cinnamon pie was sliced and served that Dumbledore began to talk about what had actually brought him there.

"This is quite delicious," the headmaster said. "But I suppose I must delve into the reasons I am here this evening," he paused for a moment. "Though if you ever wanted to have me back for more pie, I would be hard pressed to say no. I would have to think of a reason..." He waved his hand, "I apologize for the digression. During the trial, Ms. Toriel said that she drove off the attacking dementors with soul magic. I was hoping that you might give a demonstration."

"Why now?" Asgore asked. "We've been on the surface for nearly two years now. You've known about soul magic, haven't you? What has changed?"

"My free time," was the answer. "The first year, I did not learn about soul magic until you came to give your guest lectures, then you had Chara and Asriel returned to you. The second year, I was trying to determine exactly who was trying to sabotage the Tri-Wizard tournament."

"That's fair enough," Asgore said. "Perhaps we should head outside. I am good at control, my wife is better, but we are still literally playing with fire. If you wish to see a demonstration, let us go to a place we can act more free."

It was Chara's turn to clear the table, though Frisk would have to do the dishes later. Once everything was cleaned up, they headed out to the back yard. They didn't have a big yard, as they were confined to the area protected by 'anti-muggle' charms, but there was room enough for a game of a catch.

"The easiest, and most common, soul magic," Toriel said as they stepped on to the back porch, "is the calling. It focuses both your soul, another person's soul, causing them to fully manifest in one spot. This doesn't do any damage to the soul, or a human's body." Frisk felt the echos of Toriel's soul magic, and allowed her own soul up to the surface. Around her, Asgore's silver soul, Chara's red soul, and Asriel's rainbow soul all sprung to life. Probably speaking to Toriel's strength, even Dumbledore's soul blinked into view, a dark red color. It wasn't bright as Frisk's or Chara's, but a deep, darker color, maybe even a blood red.

"It can be possible for people with enough willpower to resist a calling," Toriel explained, as the souls vanished again. "But I've had a lot of practice. The other primary thing Asgore and I can do with soul magic is create fire." Toriel held up one paw, and a moment later, a small ball of swirling red fire blossomed to life in her hand.

"While it is physical fire, capable of setting other things on fire, it is still soul magic, and we have some control of it in flight." With that said, Toriel threw the fire toward a tree on the far side of the yard. At the last moment, the fire curved downward, and splashed against the sidewalk. At least the grass didn't catch alight..

"While we do not use it often," Asgore said. He lifted his hand, and a silvery, red tinted barrier sprung around him. "I have also used soul magic to create a shield. It is not strong against physical force, but defends against other magic. Soul magic at least, I haven't seen it tested against wand magic, probably for clear enough reasons."

The headmaster of Hogwarts appeared thoughtful. "If I remember your lecture correctly, you said that other monsters have other uses for soul magic? What are some of those?"

"Monster soul magic takes different forms based on the monster that uses it, usually something they identify with. Sans, who you've met, and Papyrus his brother, both have magic that take the form of bones. Undyne throws spears of pure force, she's also a lot better at the shields then I am."

"My last question," the professor concluded. "Do you believe that you could teach these skills to humans? Would you want to?"

"I was able to learn 'The Calling', just by having it done to me enough times, and I taught others," Frisk said.

Toriel's eyes had grown wide. "I would have no objection to teaching soul magic to human students!" she said, trying to contain her excitement.

"There is no reason to keep it to monsters, not if humans can use it effectively. Humanity has shared wand magic with us, share and share alike," Asgore agreed.

"Well," the headmaster said, scratching his chin absently. "I was considering the idea of introducing monster soul magic as an elective at Hogwarts, if there was enough to make a full term's work of it. I am still not sure. It would also take a good deal of political capital with the Board of Governors, and with the ministry, neither of which I am sure I have any more. Toriel, would you consider, please, how you would instruct students, and what you would instruct them, in case I can successfully make such a pitch?"

Toriel clasped her paws together, and gave a slight, but excited, bow. "Yes, I will."

Asriel opened the door to let everyone back in the house, and away from the hot summer evening. "Does your lack of political capital," Asgore asked, "Having anything to do with Harry Potter's trial earlier today?"

"Yes," the headmaster confirmed. "For whatever reason, Fudge has gotten it into his head that I am somehow a rival for his position. He doesn't believe what happened at the end of last year. He is conducting an informational war against me through the Daily Prophet, and other publications. Maddening, but not unexpected. Fudge has grown very comfortable as minister. He has even been a good minister in a time of comfort, but slow to react to a crisis."

"What about the dementors?" Chara asked. "Why did they come for us?"

Professor Dumbledore looked from Chara and Frisk over to Asriel, still standing on the porch. "I do not know who targeted you, your siblings, or Harry Potter. It might have been Voldemort, it might have been someone inside the ministry. Someone with power over, or perhaps the respect of, the dementors. I do not know which option makes me more nervous."

Asgore had made eye contact with Toriel. She looked at the headmaster for a moment, then nodded. "Madam Bones," Asgore said, "has asked me to investigate exactly that. She seems to suspect someone in the ministry. The minister himself has told her not to waste the resources of her office, so we will be doing it off the clock, so to speak."

"I am glad to hear it," was the reply. They took a moment to settle in the living room, the Dreemurrs split between two couches, the headmaster in an old beat up armchair that had made the trip from Toriel's house in the underground.

"As much as I would like to help you, I think it will be more useful if I kept my distance, I have too many eyes focused on me at the moment." He tapped his chin, "Ah yes, there was one last thing I would ask of you. But I would like to ask it of you in private." He looked over at the Dreemurr children.

"No," Asgore said, firmly. "Anything you might ask of me, you might as well ask to my family. Frisk has already saved the monster race, and if anything should happen to me and Toriel, they will look to Asriel for guidance, whether he wants it or not. And I trust Chara as a daughter."

Headmaster Dumbledore was thoughtful for a moment, then his face grew serious. "Very well. Asgore, Toriel? Have your children told you what happened the night of the third Tri-Wizard tournament task last term?"

Asgore nodded. "That young Potter was kidnapped by Barty Crouch Jr, who had taken the place of one of the teachers. That he witnessed the rebirth of Voldemort." Frisk had gotten so used to hearing other people call him by anything but his name, that her father's use of it took Frisk somewhat by surprise. "As I understand it, the minister doesn't believe him, or you for that matter."

"But I believe it," Frisk said quietly. The loops, and her failure to save Cedric, she could still feel the weight crawling on her soul. "I don't know why people would think Harry, or anyone, would lie about that."

"Because the truth is terrifying," He explained. "You are much too young Frisk, and your parents were still on the other side of the barrier during the first Wizard War of the UK. A lot of people were killed, ministry aurors, those who dared to speak up against it, even muggles caught in the crossfire. Do you remember the death's head symbol at the world cup?"

"We were with that muggle family," Asgore remembered. "It had the snakes in the eyes."

"Indeed. That was not just the symbol for Voldemort," The headmaster continued, "It was also the calling card of him and his servants. Any time any of them killed in the name of the death eaters, they would mark the location with this symbol. And I saw it a frequently, we all did. And nobody wants those days to return. But they have." He sighed, studying his shoes for a long moment. He looked back up a moment later. "And we must prepare. On that day, Asriel asked what monsters could do. Helping the fight against Voldemort is not something I can ask anybody."

"We are not really fighters," Toriel said. "Soul magic is based around intent, and after what we went through with the six who fell underground, I do not believe Asgore or I could have the intent to hurt anyone, ever again."

"And I will not ask you to do anything you could not do," agreed the professor. "But I think this is uniquely within your capabilities. One of the things the Death Eaters were known to do was hunt down wizards without parentage, 'Muggleborns'. We can create small safehouses, or it is possible to flee to Ireland or the continent. But these are dangerous and not always feasible. There is a unique place that you might lead them, safe from apparition, and very defensible."

"The underground," Asgore said. "Behind the remnant of the barrier."

"And capable of hiding, and housing, a large number of people," Dumbledore finished. "Yes, in the underground. It has the advantage of having quarters already set up over a very large space. All that I think is needed are supplies. Food and such. I do not know how long this war would last, but I believe it will last more than a day or two. It is possible that you may even be besieged." He met Asgore in the eyes, then Toriel. "Do you believe this could be something you could help with?" he asked.

"Is it something that needs to be done?" Toriel asked.

"Needs might be a strong term," the headmaster admitted. "But I think it would be a good idea. Monsters might need to have a place to retreat to as well. I do not know how Voldemort will react to them. He is not completely human-centric, and counts dementors, among other dark creatures, as his allies."

"Then we can do it," Asgore said firmly.

"I thank you. I just ask that you keep this quiet," Prof. Dumbledore said. "There is no use to having a safe, hidden, place if people are prepared to find it, and have discovered a way to penetrate it. I will make sure certain people, such as Minerva, are ready to spread the word when the time comes."
Toriel nodded, and turned to the three children. "That includes you all. Please do not spread it around Hogwarts," she told them.

"I'm just glad that we do have a way to help," Asriel said. "They have let me learn wand magic, I just want to help in return." Frisk and Chara both nodded their agreement.

"If there's anything else we can do, Albus," Asgore rumbled. "You will be sure to ask us, right?"

"I will," the headmaster promised, holding out a hand. Asgore reached out a large furry paw to shake it. "But I should be off for the night. Thank you both for the lovely dinner, and for indulging in my requests."

"Headmaster," Frisk said as he turned to leave, "Do you have time for one more question, while you're here?"

"Certainly, Frisk, what can I help you with?" Dumbledore asked, turning toward her.

"Why does Mr. Filch," Frisk looked up at her parents, "He's the caretaker, stay at Hogwarts?" she asked. "He hates the place. I think he's jealous of the students. Because he can't use magic, can he?"

"No," Dumbledore replied, and Frisk could see the hint of regret on his face. "He is a squib, born from wizards, but not one of them. He never took it well. He's been the caretaker at Hogwarts for over twenty five years now. As for why he stays, it is so he can continue to live live in the magical community. Not many wizard businesses would hire a squib. There are some, like Miss Figg, who breed magical pets, but they can still find themselves shunned."

"Wouldn't he be happier living in muggle society?" Toriel asked.

"I don't think he was any happier with muggles," the headmaster said, "I think, growing up, he was treated liked an afterthought, compared to his brother who was actually a wizard. He took this rejection and bad temper through muggle schooling, and never made any friends there, either. He's been left without a home, so to speak. Which is why he still works at Hogwarts, because I truly do not know where he would go. I know how he treats students, but I cannot bear to think of what would happen otherwise."

"Is there anything we can do for him?" Frisk asked. "That sounds horrible."

"I am open to suggestions," Prof. Dumbledore told her. "But I've tried more than once, and I have gotten nowhere. If you do have an idea, let me know an I will assist you in any way possible. My door is always open," He smiled. "But for now, I must be off. It is getting late and I do have another appointment."

There was a chorus of good nights, as Toriel led the headmaster to the front door, and closed it behind him.

The next day was the last day of their of their martial arts training, and the day Opal, Frisk, and Chara were due have their first tests, and prove mastery over the basics of Taekwando. Ms. Oxtoby had brought along a video camera, and was being allowed to film the three of them, as Toriel couldn't be there.

Each of them, individually, was supposed to demonstrate proficiency in strikes, kicks, throws, and controlled falling. As the newest students, Opal and Chara went first. They did well, as far as Frisk could tell, and were presented with a white belt, the first step in a long list of belts and stripes. "I hope you decide to continue this in your next break," their instructor told them. "You have been great students."

Frisk, on the other hand, still had a hard time putting her heart it into it. "You have been a good student as well, Frisk," the Sensei told her, presenting her with her white belt. "But I do not know if continued practice with Tae Kwan Do is for you. If you really want to continue with martial arts, I think I would suggest aikido, it's a much more defensive style, with an emphasis on incapacitating, rather than hurting an attacker. But I can think of a number of gymnastics groups who would love to get your hands on you."

Frisk gave a bow. "Thank you, sensei," she said, taking the belt, and tying it around her waist. "I'm probably more here for my sister and friend than for myself. But thank you for the advice."

After the older students had their promotional tests, they got back into the Oxtoby's silver sedan. "I got a call from Toriel during the program," Ms. Oxtoby told them. "We finally got your book lists for Hogwarts. I'm going to take you into Diagon Alley, and we'll meet up at Flourish & Blots. One last night out before term starts next week."

Author's Discussion question: So, what other things could soul magic do? Telekenesis, if anyone asked Sans, but what else?

A/N: Aaaand I forgot to have the Filch discussion in the initial posting of the chapter. Apologies.