The Teachings of Naga Sadow

Nobody was still abed when Edelweiss returned to Gryffindor Tower. Hermione tried to badger her about why her bed had been empty, but her words went ignored. Edelweiss's mind was still abuzz with what she had spoken about with Lord Salazar. The most important point was the clear-cut evidence of her connection with Voldemort. Ever since her second year when Dumbledore suggested some of Voldemort's powers transferred to her, a small, ignored voice in the back of her mind questioned how that transference occurred.

Now she had her answer; it was one that disturbed her.

She entered the small bathroom they shared. The showers were empty except for the ridiculous pile of soaps, shampoos, creams, and perfumes Lavender and Parvati used. Edelweiss glanced at a few, wondering when either girl used them. Maybe if there were a dozen witches sharing that pile of products, it would be enough.

But for only two witches?

She shook her head fondly and started a shower. It was only as steaming hot water seeped through her robe did she notice she had failed to disrobe before stepping in. She shucked off her damp clothes, left to molder just beyond the curtain, and settled under the warmth beating down on her shoulders and head.

As she showered, Edelweiss considered the question of souls and essence. If Tom Riddle's diary and her strange connection to Voldemort were both of his essence—what they called a soul—then was it possible there were more connections? If there were more objects like the diary, then she would have to hunt them down and destroy them before she could kill him. Her jaw clenched at the thought of crossing the span of Britain because Tom Riddle was too cowardly to live and die like a mortal man.

To mollify her poor mood, she worked one of Lavender's shampoos through her black hair. Her mind focused on Sith alchemy and how it might solve her conundrum. The strange technology in Ziost Hangar had detected Voldemort's essence within her scar with ease. If that could be done, then certainly Sith alchemy could destroy the taint. More so, if his soul was split and stored elsewhere—as it was in her case—then perhaps she could destroy the other objects keeping him immortal while cleansing herself.

Edelweiss pursed her lips. She wished she could trust Hermione with the truth; she would be useful for trying to solve this mystery of Voldemort's essence and how Sith alchemy could destroy it. Yet there was too much between them now. The dissonance between being Sith and Hermione's unwavering moral core. Their opposing opinions concerning Headmaster Dumbledore. The fact that Edelweiss had accepted she would commit abhorrent acts; something her friend could never do.

"Shite," she hissed, washing away shampoo. "Must I walk this path alone?"

Deep down, she knew the answer was yes. She might hate that the path before her was lonely, but it was the only path forward. Until Voldemort and Dumbledore ere dead, she could trust only her Sith masters. She had friends, yes. Allies, even. But trusting any with the truth would undo her. All of her promises to Lord Salazar to become a great Sith Lord would be naught but empty, faithless words.

Edelweiss had known her fifth year at Hogwarts would be serious, but she had not expected the severity each professor expressed in their speeches during their first week back at Hogwarts. Of their core instructors, only cheerful Professor Sprout and mysterious Professor Sinestra failed to deliver a speech about how difficult and strenuous the OWL examinations would be, come the end of May. Professor McGonagall had doubled down on her very first warning about the dangers of Transfiguration and her willingness to send away any student that did not take her subject seriously. Snape all but celebrated that he would no longer teach most of them, for his NEWT Potions class was comprised purely of those who managed to earn an Outstanding on their OWL. Flitwick, despite his jovial nature, reminded them of the importance of the exam and of how far they had come in the past four years.

Thursday came around, and thus came the time to attend Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Umbridge. There was plenty of gossip, rumors, and hearsay going about that she was concerned about the class. Few knew anything concrete about Professor Umbridge beyond that she had been Minister Fudge's Undersecretary until her reassignment at the end of August. The woman had then been quietly inserted into Hogwarts. It was clear to anyone with eyes to see and a mind to think that her main purpose did not concern education.

Already they heard grumbling about Umbridge's curriculum. Those who had attended her class, for some odd reason, had yet to admit why they were disappointed, as if they'd be punished merely for not liking a class. That left Edelweiss filled with unwanted nerves, especially after having to sit through Hermione lecture about the textbook's failings.

"It's as if they don't think witches and wizards should defend themselves!" Hermione had hissed. "There's an entire chapter about how to summon aurors and the various ways to get their attention regardless of any obstacles between them and the reader!"

"Fudge must really think Dumbledore is truly up to no good," Edelweiss had replied, almost amused by the idea. "Strange that barely two years ago, Fudge was ready to hand his post over to Dumbledore. Maybe being Minister for so long has caused his power to go to his head."

Hermione had glowered at her then, unamused by Edelweiss's attempt at comedy. A glance at her friend as they climbed up to the fourth floor revealed Hermione was openly concerned about what awaited them this year in Defense Against the Dark Arts. It was a shame they were being taught by an incompetent instructor.

The classroom they entered was nearly barren. Professor Umbridge sat behind her desk, smiling primly. She was dressed in the same pink cardigan she wore for the Welcoming Ceremony, though the bow in her brown hair was black and not a matching pink. A few Ravenclaws had already arrived, taking seats on the left side of the classroom—incidentally farthest away from the new professor. Thus the Gryffindors sat down on the right side, before Umbridge. Edelweiss allowed herself to be boxed in by Hermione and Ron, with Neville filling the last seat in their row.

Several minutes later when the class was filled, Professor Umbridge rose from her chair and came around her desk. "Good afternoon, class."

A few said "Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge" loudly, but most of the class muttered or grumbled. Edelweiss said nothing, watching the professor warily.

"Oh, I am afraid that is not good enough," she said before repeating: "Good afternoon, class."

"Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge," they all replied like stupid children. Edelweiss had mouthed the words, though it appeared the professor had not noticed. She smiled, clearly pleased with her infantile ability to control them.

Let us see how long that lasts.

"Welcome to the beginning of your OWL year. I am quite afraid to admit that your education in the Defense Against the Dark Arts has been impeded and hampered by the poor selection of professors in the past, and their inconsistent methods of instruction. However, I am confident we can undo the errors of the past four years and prepare every one of you for your examinations. Every aspect of this course is approved by qualified individuals within the Ministry of Magic, which I hope comes as a relief to you all."

Edelweiss raised her hand. She nearly smirked at the look of surprise in Professor Umbridge's brown eyes. "Yes, Miss Potter?"

"I was wondering: which of our professors did you find least adequate?"

Hermione hissed at her while Umbridge's wide, toad-like mouth stretched into a devious smirk. "I am quite afraid to state that Remus Lupin was the worst of the lot, though Alastor Moody—or should I say, Barty Crouch, Junior—was a poor choice on the Headmaster's part."

"I remember Lupin being quite competent," replied Edelweiss. She glanced around the room, holding back a smile as several nodded in agreement. Merlin knew how they'd react to her approval of a Death Eater. "I would assume that your animosity is because he's a werewolf, and not from any academic failure on his part."

There was a flash of malice in Professor Umbridge's eyes before her smile twisted upward, sickly sweet and completely false. Edelweiss could feel the professor's feelings through the Force; she was dearly tempted to respond to hatred with more hatred.

"I am quite afraid that his nature of a dark beast is not as important to judging his ability as a professor as you may think, Miss Potter." The professor took a step toward her. "Perhaps if you stop thinking so highly of yourself, others will take you seriously."

Edelweiss returned the smile as she crossed her fingers. She said nothing. She would allow Umbridge to believe herself victorious. Before the end, though, she would have her vengeance. She would enjoy the woman's impending downfall, and she would be there to witness Fudge's little toady became nothing but meat and gore.

Professor Umbridge waddled back to her post at the front of the classroom. "Now class, put wands away and get out ink and parchment."

Groans rippled throughout the classroom, though few dared to openly protest the professor's direction. Edelweiss had left her holly wand in a pocket, so all she had to do was pull out the parchment and ink Umbridge demanded. Professor Umbridge drew her own wand, a short stubby thing, and tapped the blackboard directly before the Ravenclaws. Words swirled onto the board, beginning with:

DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS

A RETURN TO PRINCIPLES

Beneath it were three bulleted sentences, blurred for effect. Edelweiss frowned as she drew upon the Force, yet that power failed to pierce the magical veil upon the board. A moment later, she felt a touch embarrassed; she should have been unaware of that text, for Professor Umbridge only meant to reveal the first two lines.

"Once you have this copied down, please look at me. I want all of you to have a written note about this year's intentions for Defense beyond the task of passing your OWL."

Edelweiss scratched down the two lines before staring at Umbridge. The class took their time, for when the final pair of eyes settled upon the professor, her lips were pressed tightly—as if she held back a scream.

"Good," simpered Professor Umbridge in that annoying, girlish voice of hers. "Next will be the course aims. These are the broad principles that will guide us throughout the year, both with correcting the errors in your education and preparing you for your examination."

She tapped the blackboard with her wand again. Edelweiss watched as the blurred words became clear. She read as she wrote, and found herself frowning deeper with every line:

1. Understanding the principles underlying defensive magic.

2. Learning to recognize situations in which defensive magic can legally be used.

3. Placing the use of defensive magic in a context for practical use.

Professor Umbridge watched patiently as scratching quills filled the classroom. Edelweiss flexed her right hand once she finished. Something told her Umbridge would insist on them taking notes instead of learning practical magic the entire year. Frustration welled up within her at that realization. She could stand one of Fudge's goons if she were being taught magic. But this? This was a waste of her time. It was for the best to skip in favor of her Sith studies than bother with this farce.

"Now," the professor continued. "Does everyone have a copy of Defensive Magical Theory? It was on your booklist, so I will be most displeased if anyone does not."

There was a rumble of responses, only a few enthusiastic. Umbridge would soon reach the bottom of the list for their Defense professors—assuming she wasn't already there.

"Oh, that will not do," she said, as if their dull response insulted her. "When I ask a question, your answers will either be 'Yes, Professor Umbridge' or 'No, Professor Umbridge'.

"Now, do all of you have a copy of Defensive Magical Theory?"

"Yes, Professor Umbridge," the class said.

"Good." Professor Umbridge smiled at her victory. "For today, you will read the first chapter of Defensive Magical Theory, entitled 'Basics for Beginners'. You will take notes, always keeping our course aims in mind. They are very clear, so I do not expect questions. There will be no need for talking."

And with that, she returned to her desk. She stared at them long enough that one by one, their heads dipped. Bags shuffled as books were taken out. Soon the room was filled with naught but the scratching of quills and the turning of parchment pages.

Edelweiss removed her copy from her bag and flipped it open to page five where the first chapter began. With a quill in one hand and the other to rest her head upon, she struggled and trudged her way through page after page of dull nonsense and idiocy. Most felt written for the a witch or wizard who had barely scrapped a few OWLs. Perhaps it was meant for the multitude of witless fools who allowed a halfblood madman to nearly seize control of their island nation.

As she was setting down her quill to stretch, Edelweiss noticed the oddest thing: Hermione had not taken notes. In fact, her copy of Defensive Magical Theory remained firmly closed. Her right hand hovered high, still and solid as if she had just raised it.

Edelweiss glanced at a rickety clock, grimaced at how they had been there for only twenty minutes, and then glanced back and forth between her friend and the professor. Umbridge was watching the classroom, yet she made a point of not acknowledging Hermione's hand.

Several minutes passed as others noticed what was happening. By the time class was halfway over, everyone but Umbridge was watching Hermione, waiting to hear what question she might have about the dreadfully droll chapter they were being forced to read instead of learning proper magic.

It appeared having everyone more interested in staring at Hermione compared to the first chapter of Defensive Magical Theory was enough to warrant Professor Umbridge finally granting the raised hand due courtesy.

"Yes, dear? Is there something confusing about the reading?"

"No. My question is about the course aims, not the reading. I already read—"

Professor Umbridge held out a hand, stopping Hermione from spiraling into a rant. "I'm sorry. Did you say you had questions about the course aims?"

"Yes, I did, Professor."

"What is your name?"

"Hermione Granger."

Edelweiss leaned back in her seat as Professor Umbridge's frog-esque mouth twisted. "Well, Miss Granger. I believe you will find the course aims quite clear if you read them carefully."

"I have read them carefully, Professor. They say nothing about actually using defensive spells."

"Using defensive spells?" Professor Umbridge sounded greatly offended, as if Hermione just announced that the Ministry was filled with fools dumber than muggles and the Minister himself was a worthless clown. "Why would you need to use defensive spells in my classroom?"

"We aren't going to use magic?" asked Ron, saying what many were thinking.

"Students raise their hands in class, Mister…"

"Weasley." A moment later, he raised his hand. Edelweiss had to bite down on her tongue, else she burst out laughing.

Professor Umbridge stared at him for a few seconds, then turned her attention back to Hermione. Her hand was raised, though Edelweiss didn't doubt for a second the professor would have returned to her friend regardless.

"Yes, Miss Granger? What else do you wish to ask?"

"Isn't the purpose of Defense Against the Dark Arts to practice defensive spells in a safe, controlled environment?"

"Are you a Ministry-trained expert in either education or Defense Against the Dark Arts?" Professor Umbridge's smile was twisted where her voice was sweet. Edelweiss hid her hands, clenching them tightly.

"No, but—"

"Then I am quite afraid you do not have the qualifications to question the way I instruct my course. Wizards older and cleverer than you have devised the new standards for Defense instruction. These standards are the ones I am following to improve upon the faulty, troubling four years you have experienced."

Edelweiss was surprised her hand shot up, but she was in no mood to retract it. Umbridge appeared surprised as well, for she stared at the hand for a few seconds before finally saying, "Yes, Miss Potter?"

"Will there be any practice sessions for any spells we may learn about during this class or will we be expected to engage in self-study to prepare for our OWLs?"

Mentally, she was more concerned with the underground war beyond the castle walls. After that, it was Lord Salazar's offer of a method that could potentially bring about the destruction of her most hated foe. She would not speak of Voldemort here, assuming her—and Hermione's—suspicion Umbridge was only at Hogwarts to impede Dumbledore was true. For now, she would bide her time. Certainly, Umbridge would make enough people angry that the student body could be used against her. Maybe she'd find a Sith apprentice of her own. She doubted more than a few possessed the potential to learn the Force; magic would remain available to them.

Professor Umbridge blinked slowly. had she never considered that particular question could be raised? She must have prepared for protests over not practicing magic. Edelweiss was curious how the professor would handle the challenge. Already she had tried to suggest they should listen to the opinions of no-name wizards employed by a government unable to successfully combat a single dark lord.

"If you follow the methods instructed in this class and covered in the text assigned for this course, then you will have no trouble performing all of the spells required for your OWLs."

Edelweiss glanced at her classmates. Several had waxen expressions. She sighed slowly, drudging up that Gryffindor courage as she said, "I'm speaking for my—"

"Hand, Miss Potter."

She raised her hand. Umbridge scowled, and scanned the room for others raising their hands. She nodded to Dean.

"Mr…?"

"Thomas, Professor. Dean Thomas."

"Yes. Your question?"

"I was wondering if we might be able to get some tutoring with any spells we struggle with. Professor Lupin was really good about—"

"I am afraid that Professor Lupin is a werewolf, and thus his educational methods suffer from the same tainted ills that affect him. That Professor Dumbledore allowed him to instruct magical children is deeply concerning, given that werewolves are such vicious beasts."

"Does that mean…?"

"There will be no practicing magic in this—Miss Potter? What are you doing?"

Edelweiss stretched as she packed her school bag. Everyone stared at her as she shouldered the bag, stepped into the aisle between the rows of desks, and gave the Professor a curt nod. "I'm afraid I am wasting my time in your class, Professor Umbridge. It'd be for the best should I leave now. I have no worries about whether or not I will pass my Defense OWL."

"Why, how can you—?"

"I have done more to safeguard this castle—and this nation—than anyone but the Headmaster these past four years. I would list my accomplishments, but I doubt you'd believe a single thing I say. You would deny that the Philosopher's Stone was hidden in this castle, and that I stopped a dark wizard from stealing it. You would deny that when the Chamber of Secrets was opened, I entered it and slew the beast within. You would even deny that I made it through the three tasks of the Triwizard Tournament using only my ability and wits."

Professor Umbridge's face had slowly turned a bright, furious red with every accomplishment Edelweiss listed. For a moment, she considered letting the woman know the truth about Voldemort and even Sirius Black, for that would certainly turn her face the same puce shade that often consumed Uncle Vernon's face when furious. But that risked punishment. She had caused enough trouble, especially when she was about to leave this class and turn Defense into self-study.

"While that is quite impressive, Miss Potter, assuming all you said is true," the professor hissed. "I am quite afraid you are still required to attend my class."

"I am?" She tilted her head. "I guess that was why I've put up with Binns droning on and on—and with the incompetence we've experienced with past Defense professors. Because I am required to be present."

For a moment, Professor Umbridge appeared pleased. Edelweiss gave the seat she had occupied a brief, almost considering look, and then smiled derisively. She turned on a heel and glided from the classroom, ignoring Umbridge's furious shouts. There was no doubt the professor was assigning detentions. Edelweiss didn't care. Scrubbing cauldrons or cleaning trophies might be tedious, but there was a meditative trait to them she could use.

It wasn't like Professor Umbridge might have something worse in mind.

Hours later, Edelweiss appeared before the school at dinner. Already whispers buzzed about her, spawned by her defiant departure from Defense. She had descended to the Chamber of Secrets, hurling curses and hexes at the snake motifs. Magic burned in her mouth and veins, a torrent seeking release. It was only once she began to tire that she went to Lord Salazar.

He had mockingly told her, when questioned about Sith alchemy, that she would be ready for more than the basics had she taken the Study of Ancient Runes and Arithmancy instead of Care of Magical Creatures and Divination. She hated that he was right. She would go about patching holes in her knowledge soon.

Hermione puffed up like a furious cat as Edelweiss settled onto a bench at the Gryffindor table. Ron glanced between them, too worried to eat like normal.

"Where have you been? We tried looking for you! We even used the Marauder's Map! But you appeared nowhere! Professor Umbridge—"

"Can whine and scream all she likes. I will not return to her class," growled Edelweiss. "As to where I was, you two should know by now where I go when I wish to be alone."

They exchanged a look that nearly drew a groan from Edelweiss. For whatever reason, neither approved of her appropriating the Chamber of Secrets. She had argued with them several times about the matter, but her words always fell upon deaf ears.

"Edie, I wish you would stop using that place."

"Why shouldn't I? Nobody else in the castle can access it."

Instead of responding, Hermione and Ron blanched. Their gazes were fixed just behind Edelweiss, so she glanced back.

"Hem hem." Professor Umbridge stood there, a vilely pleased smile stretching her face. "Where have you been, Miss Potter? You left my class early, and you did not attend History of Magic."

"Around."

"Oh? If I were to ask Miss Granger or Mister Weasley, would they give me the same answer?"

Edelweiss knew they wouldn't. They shouldn't tell the truth, yet she was better at remaining silent than them. Morgana's tits, she had used her silence against them. Ron had been furious when she ignored him the previous year; Hermione had bawled in the bathrooms several times during those weeks in their third year when they weren't on speaking terms.

And yet fury roiled in her gut, a serpent seeking escape.

"What does matter is it to you? Shouldn't you be happy that 'Dumbledore's little pawn', as the paper loved to call me, is no longer in your class, ready to interrupt and derail your effort to mold the school into a hive of Ministry-loving zealots?"

Professor Umbridge's face bloomed with strained fury. Edelweiss was impressed, for she had assumed all the woman could do was smirk and glower. She watched as the professor grappled with her fury, knowing should she use it improperly, she might embarrass herself. Unlike Umbridge, though, fury and hatred empowered Edelweiss.

The moment that thought sprung to mind, she reached out with her senses and drew the dark side of the Force to her. She wrapped herself in its power, luxuriating in whispers and promises of the violence she could unleash with its power.

For a moment, candles flickered and goblets shivered. For a moment, Edelweiss was on the verge of wielding the ball of furious power gathered around them and within her. For a moment, Umbridge's wide eyes reflected a hint of sulfuric yellow amid deadly green.

And then the moment passed. She released that terrible power, for it was not the appropriate time. Edelweiss struggled with letting her anger fade; something cold—the dark side, she knew—whispered tantalizing promises of power once more. All it wanted from her was to destroy all who stood against her.

"Is that all, Professor? We are interrupting dinner."

Astonishingly and wonderfully, Professor Umbridge noticed the students staring at them. Their gazes pierced her with curiosity. In the wake of their pressure, she huffed and returned to the Head Table. Edelweiss smirked at the professor's back before glancing at the rest at the Head Table. She made a point of ignoring Dumbledore.

"Well, that was quite fascinating," she said, almost mockingly. Edelweiss sat back down. "So, what happened after I left?"

Hermione sighed and shook her head, even as Ron began to regale her with how furious Professor Umbridge had been in the wake of her departure, and the many, many detentions promised yet unassigned.

A week after her now infamous departure from Defense Against the Dark Arts, Edelweiss went down to the Chamber of Secrets instead of joining her peers. She had made the foolish error of suffering a second Defense class, and only after suffering Hermione's displeasure. It followed the same course as the first: monotonous, quiet time spent taking notes from the pathetic drivel Umbridge thought was appropriate for students months away from the Defense OWL. She had gone quietly from class that day, regardless of the detentions she would be forced to serve.

Instead of packing her Defense text, Edelweiss's bag was weighed down with Runes and Arithmancy books she "borrowed" from Hermione, along with a few more checked out from the library. Half she read went over her head, but she hoped Naga Sadow would tutor her through the gaping gaps in her knowledge. She had waved off questions about why she wanted them; Edelweiss could not tell her friends yet why she was changing.

When she reached Ziost Hangar, she found Naga Sadow's holocron not among those on the shelves, but resting on Lord Salazar's desk. He appeared upon her arrival, gesturing toward the holocron. "Take Naga Sadow's holocron to a meditation chamber. He knows to expect you." His gaze traveled to her unwieldy bag, straining against the strap. "You have brought reference materials. You are learning."

"I need them if I am to fully understand all Naga Sadow has to teach me, Lord Salazar. Perhaps it will not be enough, but it is more than when I was last here."

"I am impressed by your dedication."

"From all you have told me, Sith alchemy could be the key to destroying Voldemort for good. If it can do what I desire, then I would be a fool to not pursue that potential."

"And what potential do you foresee?"

"That I may destroy every trace of essence keeping him alive. If it is possible, I will curse him so that he can no longer split apart his essence. Once he is permanently mortal, all I must do is finish him off."

"Are you powerful enough to kill him?"

Edelweiss remembered their graveyard duel, how she had been at Voldemort's mercy. Were it not for the shared core of their wands, she would have been struck down that night. What it would mean for her with that trace of his essence in her cursed scar was unknown. Yet the thought of allowing a Killing Curse to strike her down was unbearable and unthinkable.

"I am not, Lord Salazar. Not yet."

"But you will be. I am sure of this, apprentice."

She clenched a hand, wishing she were the powerful Sith Lord Salazar foresaw. Too long had she been weak Edelweiss Potter. The sooner she shed her weakness, the sooner she could ruin her enemies. She would set the world to right by destroying the men who wished to use her and pacify the mercurial people of magical Britain.

She took Naga Sadow's holocron and bowed to Lord Salazar. He dismissed her, and she left his solar.

The meditation chambers were on the lower level, which she accessed via a strange tube. It was like a muggle elevator, but swifter and quieter, moving without shift or rattle. Edelweiss entered the first one she found. It was small, perhaps six feet in each direction. She kneeled in the room's center and held the holocron in one hand. She thought of Umbridge, of how worthless her Defense class was now, and her fury from that activated the holocron.

"Ah, Salazar's little apprentice," sneered Naga Sadow. He wore a large, angular headpiece. "You came as Salazar said. I questioned him about your education, and I find you wanting. You are either more skilled than he suspects, or so deluded to believe yourself prepared for what I have to teach."

She frowned slightly, wondering what she had gotten herself into. Naga Sadow was a strange man, and appeared to be born of two species. Unlike Hagrid or Flitwick, he was vicious and exacting, drawing more from his non-human heritage. Pointed tendrils descended from his cheeks, a known trait of the Sith. Edelweiss had been surprised to learn there had once been a Sith race, being the first inhabitants of Korriban, her order's ancestral world. Their knowledge and power in the dark side must have been enough for those who abandoned the Jedi to adopt their name for their new order. She knew little else of those early centuries, so long ago. Before the Sith Empire, and the Great Hyperspace War—events her master Lady Bastila thought important.

"Through your teachings can I finally destroy my foe," Edelweiss stated. She removed her bag, filled with many tomes. "My studies can only go so far without guidance."

"Clearly. Do not think I shall hold your hand through these lessons, little apprentice. I am the greatest Sith alchemist who has ever lived or will ever live. Through me, you will be greater than the pathetic worms you share this backwater world with."

Edelweiss nodded, already accepting that her world was a backwater. By the standard of the galaxy beyond, they were not wrong. The furthest any Earth human had traveled was their moon, and that happened because of petty planetary politics and not to establish a settlement upon the natural satellite.

"I understand, Lord Sadow. I have no desire to disappoint you, nor shall I give in to any temptations to take my lessons lightly. My life could depend upon what you have to teach me."

"I will hold you to your word, apprentice. Now, I wish to hear what you have learned of the skills Lord Salazar said would be vital to learning my alchemical secrets. He has told me little, but I am greater in alchemy than him"

"The first is known on my world as runes. We use characters from a variety of ancient scripts, each imbued with a particular meaning, to affect and influence the world around us. While I suspect the basic principle can mesh with any runic form you could teach me, it will need to go beyond the written. I must know how to speak the language."

Naga Sadow hummed thoughtfully. "For what reason would you need to know how to speak the old Sith language?"

"Because for what I seek to accomplish with Sith alchemy, I believe it must be enacted as a ritual. From what I have read in the past week, speaking aloud runes used as part of a ritual will ensure all of its powers are seen to fruition." She smiled darkly. "If I succeed, my foe will be mortal. If I can, I will make it so his pathway to immortality is forever cut off."

Naga Sadow hummed as a wry smirk crossed his face. "How curious. An immortal foe. How has he achieved this?"

"According to Lord Salazar, Voldemort split his essence and placed portions into vessels. We discovered his method because he destabilized his essence before the night when he first attacked me. With his essence fractured, a portion broke away. It resides within me now, and I seek to use its destruction against him."

"Fascinating. That could be done," the ancient Sith Lord said. "It will be tricky, determining what should and should not be done, but together we will accomplish this great feat."

Edelweiss beamed as the dead Sith Lord cackled. She had known all she might accomplish with Sith alchemy would be due to Naga Sadow's instruction, but to potentially work with him? As close to equals as possible? She had not considered he would make the offer with her so ignorant of the magical principles more important for learning his discipline.

Naga Sadow stopped cackling soon after. "There was a second skill Salazar spoke of, one that would make up for your lacking knowledge of mathematics."

"Oh, yes. Arithmancy. That's been trickier, though I have some grasp on the basics of standard arithmetic thanks to my upbringing. I did consider asking a friend for aid in studying arithmancy—especially its more esoteric aspects—but she's too inquisitive by half. Any slip about my special studies would create unnecessary trouble. She has a strong love of authority and a rigid view of right and wrong."

"Learn how you can use her without revealing what must be kept secret," commanded Naga Sadow. "Valuable resources should be used wherever possible. Deceit and deception are weapons for even the simplest Sith Lord."

Edelweiss was surprised by a twinge of guilt while thinking of abusing Hermione's mind. Yet she and Ron had done just that most of the past four years. How many of her past essays, especially those assigned over the summer hols, had she completed on her own? How many of Ron's had been the product of his own intellect?

How ridiculous she was being, having to rely upon someone else to realize a long-practiced habit. There was no reason to feel guilt over something Edelweiss had done for years. Naga Sadow was right. She would use her friends whenever possible. Her justification would be simple: an olive branch, offered because she "felt terrible" about the widening gap between them. After the summer, they would be quick to accept her word—hook, line, and sinker.

"Of course, Lord Sadow. I have nearly allowed this bond to slip through my fingers. I should cultivate more useful relations and connections, and not allow them to fray and drift apart."

He smirked with a slight showing of sharp teeth. "That is the core of manipulation: creating usable connections. I shall leave developing your ability to manipulate to another of your masters, should you not learn it on your own time. The primary purpose of this holocron is to teach Sith alchemy, not to hold your hand through social engagements."

Edelweiss felt a faint burn in her cheeks. She remembered how the Sorting Hat considered sorting her into Slytherin. She wondered if that had come to pass, would she be as capable as Naga Sadow desired? She was certain he only saw value in her abilities as a Sith apprentice, though whether that was a product of the holocron's development compared to his personal preferences was up in the air.

"There is something else, a topic I will need to study before we move forward with the ritual," said Edelweiss, all but fabricating the topic out of hand. "There is a language—a magical one—that only myself and my foe can speak. Another of my enemies believes I gained the ability to use this language thanks to the powers transferred to me when his essence transferred over. This other foe is something of an ally against the first, though I cannot allow one to live long after I destroy the other."

"You wish to retain this power, despite how you acquired it."

"Indeed. If I incorporate that language into this ritual, I think it might be more effective. It may even gain the ability to continue speaking it, even after the taint of his essence has been cleansed. Retaining that ability is essential to ensuring I can access Lord Salazar's collection of holocrons. If not, perhaps I can find other ways around the language-based locks Lord Salazar has put into place."

"Your idea has merit, though I will need to commune with Lord Salazar, so we may determine how you can retain this language. I believe it is possible, but nothing is certain until attempts have been made." Naga Sadow glanced away, a distant, ponderous look upon his face. He appeared almost calm, and certainly focused. "Yes… Yes! I believe it can be done! It shall be difficult, but it can be done." He turned back to her. "You will bring what you have of this language to me, and we shall work together to decipher what is needed to craft the alchemical creations and rituals necessary to achieve your goals, apprentice." He grinned, a maniacal look that nearly frightened her. "Oh yes, yes indeed! That, more than your world's study of languages and arithmetic, shall open the way to what you need."

"They will still be necessary, yes?"

"Of course, fool girl! Do not question me! It was always known to me that those lessons would be necessary, though the inclusion of this third element will guide us forward toward victory over your foes.

"But for now, we shall begin your first lesson in Sith alchemy. I will learn from today where your lessons will need to be oriented so you can destroy your foes."

And with that, Edelweiss spent hours before the holocron, absorbing the lesson Naga Sadow had for her. By the time she came up for dinner, her mind was stuffed with the possibilities of Sith alchemy.

She barely noticed when Umbridge waddled up to her and publically issued two weeks of detentions.