Unofficial Portkey Archive

Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters and story affiliations mentioned in this fan fiction all belong to JK Rowling and legal associations. I own nothing of it nor am I profiting from it now and planning too in the future in any way. The only exception of profit is to my self for literary improvement.

Author to Reader Note: I really do apologize for the considerable wait on this chapter. I had no intention of talking so long. Someone even posted in a review if I had been Obliviated. Truth is, I am taking college courses and working at the same time. If anyone reading is in high school or taking college your-self than you know how much of a killer finals can be. For me this was fall was the worst semester of it. Once mid-terms were over, it was just insanity after that. I could only write pieces and used the November holiday to correct them. Since finals I have been putting the pieces of this chapter together and have it ready for you all. So I again apologize and I am honored that you are still reading this story.

I think I said it before about the offices, but I'm not sure. I think the offices are both connected to the classrooms in some way and I think they're also the living quarters for the professors. If I'm wrong well then I ask that you let the ignorance slide.

There's going to be a bit of 'bad press' on Germany in this chapter and if there are any Germany readers out there please note I bear no grudge. I actually picked Germany as the place of Rela's original schooling because I took German in high school and it's a wish to visit the country some day.

Lastly I mentioned in a chapter previously that I suffered a major computer crash back during that virus trouble. Since restoring my files and operating system, I was not able to recover my email address books. I know I had like three beta readers but I do not have your email addresses. If you wish to still be my beta reader than please email me again or if a reader now would like to be a beta reader than please feel free to inquire. My email address is itmonster@hotmail.com and please make the subject "HP Beta."

Revised 1/12/04

Harry Potter and the Turmoil Within

Chapter 28

Into Twilight

The moment of nothingness passed, replaced by the late evening light along with the white of a snow covered ground. As their eyes adjusted to the view, they found them-selves near a set of large old gates. Their school, Hogwarts stood in the distance and for once looked more of a haunting nature than welcoming. No light emanated from the windows and the usually bright walls were dimmed in shadow. Few clouds were in the sky but thunder still rumbled faintly in the distance, as if warning of a danger that lay within.

"Well, "spoke Ron, clearing his voice, "Let's go then."

Rushing, they trudged through the snow, the crunch of their shoes and rippling of fabric was the only sound between them. Approaching the gates, the disturbing impressions grew as it made motion to open. Stopping in front of it, waiting but still the gates did nothing.

Surveying the gate, Ron pointed at a set of tracks passing through the gate entrance as well as marks in the snow from the gats swinging open and closed earlier.

"So why won't the gates open now," asked Ron quietly?

"Maybe Harry locked them," answered Rela unsure, "Maybe he knows Daken is after him?"

"Well to open a lock," started Ron, withdrawing his wand and shouting, "Alohomora!"

The latch rattled lightly for a moment but did not unlock.

"The spell must be too strong for that," spoke Rela concerned.

"Fine," snapped Ron, pocketing his wand and taking a tight grip of the bars, "I'll do it the hard way."

Hermione opened her mouth to interject but stopped as a high pitch groan of metal ringed in her ears. Ron was pulling at the gates and the metal was beginning to bend, slowly and loudly but with resistance. Each time Ron tried to readjust his grip to pull further, the metal began to return to its original state. For a few minutes, the two witches just watched as Ron enacted his own private skirmish with the gates to gain entry to Hogwarts. But after awhile, either because of the cold or frustration, Ron let go and said something fierce but inaudible.

He made ready to have another attempt but Hermione intervened grabbing Ron and stepping between him and the gate.

"This is taking too long," declared Hermione, "And we don't have time."

Rather than respond, he just gripped the bars and began to pull again. This time Ron was more determined and the groan the gates gave signaled the intensity involved but it was still taking time.

"Ron we need another way," insisted Hermione harshly, shaking her head, starting to finish with, "There has to be another."

"Well what do you suggest then," shouted Ron, cutting her off, turning, "Ask it nicely! How the hell can you be so calm?"

"What makes you think I'm calm," retorted Hermione fiercely, "I need to get to him just as bad as you!"

Ron's face contorted, something flashed in his eyes and the same occurred with Hermione. Both looked ready to continue on but Rela stepped in.

"Calm down," cut in Rela, looking at both of them, "Neither of you will be able to do anything for Harry by wasting your energy on each other… Ron, she's right, you'll be at it forever just trying to rip it open and it'll let others in… but Hermione we don't have many options either."

Ron just looked away with his fist clenched and Hermione dropped her gaze.

"Then we need help," whispered Hermione in a defeated like tone.

Almost as if acting upon a cue, a loud whining reached their ears and drew their attention to the gate. Following the sound, they looked on to see large, white creature trot up from behind the gates. It neighed again and before them, stood a white horse a magic horn adorning its crown, a creature known to the world as a unicorn. Though they had only see this one once before, Hermione recognized it immediately.

"Nubius," questioned Hermione in surprise, walking up to the gate with Rela in tow?

The unicorn shook its head, letting her mane swish in the cold breeze as she lowered her head. Nubius placed the tip of her horn to the latch. The metal rattled as the handle scraped back and forth against the side. Slowly the latch began to slide, screeching loudly as the spell that held it resisted the unicorn's influence. It only took another moment but the spell gave way and the latch slid freely into release. With the final clang, the gates began to open and Nubius back away beckoning them in with snorts.

As they entered, Nubius sunk to the ground, her legs giving way, her strength drained in battling the lock spell.

"Nubius, "whispered Hermione concerned, approaching the tired unicorn, "Are you alright?"

A hand gripped her arm lightly and Rela came into her side view, stating, "She'll be alright, I think they're here to help her."

Rela pointed towards the forest and Hermione stared to see two more unicorns at the border.

"Thank you," added Hermione to the unicorn as Rela pulled her away.

They ran as fast as they could, using what energy remained since their trip in Diagon Alley and the battle in village. As they approached the door to the main entrance, Ron drew his wand again but surprisingly the large doors opened upon their arrival.

Something bright with colors of red and orange greeted them with a musical chirp. Its presence filled the room with warmth that chased away the cold the winter day had seeped deep into their bones. Entering, Rela had to lean against a wall and Hermione held her sides as they breathed from the long run but Ron stood unaffected by the exerted endurance. Instead he just stared at the phoenix that welcomed them, perched at the base of the stairs by the entrance as its fire magic glowed around its form.

"Now… where," breathed Rela," It's a… big castle."

"The dormitory… or maybe an office,' breathed Hermione in response, "Harry could… just about… be any where."

A bird like screech made them look up to see a snow owl perched on a stairway leading to a section of Hogwarts pass Gryffindor house.

"A snow owl?" question Rela having caught he breath, "Is that one Harry's?"

"Yes… Hedwig is Harry's owl," replied Hermione surprised and added in a hopeful tone, "And she always knows where to find Harry."

Hedwig hooted again and flapped her wings as if impatient to their chatter.

"Alright Hedwig," yelled Hermione, "We're coming."

"Not all of us," added Ron, still looking at the phoenix as the bird had its gaze directed down a different corridor.

"What do you mean," question Rela, a hurt tone to her voice, "Who's not going?"

Ron turned to her and with a forced smile answered, "Me… I'm not going with you."

"Don't be ridiculous," snapped Hermione, "We need you… Harry needs you… what could possibly make you not want to come?"

Ron didn't look at Hermione but kept his gaze on Rela.

"You remember, "said Ron looking to RelaermioneHerm,Hermione but j kept jhishis gaze on RelaHer

, "Our project… the cards haven't been wrong yet… a bird of flame will point the way."

Though Hermione was curious to Ron's odd words, she lost that curiosity to surprise when a fearful look crossed Ron's face and he leaned forward, stealing a quick kiss from Rela's lips. Without another word, he walked off down another corridor away from them and Fawkes flew off after him, following closely.

"Rela," began Hermione, looking past her but stopped, when Hedwig screeched loudly again.

"He's going after Daken," spoke Rela quietly.

"But he's a vampire," inquire Hermione?

"He'll be fine," whispered Rela, her voice breaking slightly as she fought her emotions, "We should go."

Hermione wanted to press the matter and disagreed with Ron going on his own but a certain truth kept her from it. Daken was after Harry and they wouldn't be able to calm Harry if they had to deal with their professor at the same time.

Still she wanted to say something to help Rela but the girl's gray, white eyes were wet with brimming tears and she was right, they couldn't wait.

Hermione looked up to the awaiting owl and stated, "Show us the way."

Hedwig took off without a single hoot, flapping and gliding as the witches rushed up the stairs following.

Up stairs and through corridors, behind paintings and through doors, they followed Hedwig until it seemed as if they had gone the length of the castle twice over.

Hermione didn't voice it but she thought of how it could be possible for Harry to have gotten so far ahead of them. There had to be another reason as to how he moved so far, so fast.

Hedwig gave a hoot and Hermione stopped her thoughts to see the owl perch on to a dusty suit of armor. Beside it there was a door just as dusty as the armor except for the handle. It looked as though someone had touched it recently.

"Hermione," spoke Rela for the first since leaving Ron and the entrance," You don't have a wand do you?"

Hermione looked at her and reached into her robes, realizing the answer. After Harry had pulled her away from Erickson, she had dropped the one from the pub and never picked it back up.

"Take mine," added Rela holding her wand to Hermione, "According to Ron, you know every spell in the books."

Hermione made a reach for the wand when a breeze blew by and stopped at a thought.

Shaking her head, Hermione responded with, "Harry won't hurt me or you, so I won't need it "

Rela readjusted the wand into her hand again and Hermione opened the door. Hedwig remained perched and Hermione took that to mean that the owl had led them to their destination. Inside they found themselves in a room lined with the crystal trophy cases, shields and suits of armor among the various statues and wall hangings. In the room were two doors, one off to the side and the other at the end. They walked in slowly and found that though the outside had been dusty, void of any recent cleanings, this room was just the opposite.

"There's something not right about this," question Rela whispering," It's almost as if this room shouldn't be here."

"Yeah," responded Hermione, "Like it was moved here or something."

The crunch of glass beneath their feet ended their questioning conversation as they looked to find two plaques, one broken in half at their feet along with another one lying amongst shards of glass. With a quick glance, Hermione saw a trophy case next to them smashed into and a place for plaques outlined by a thin layer of dust. Rela bent down, picking up the plaques and almost dropped them gasping. She showed them to Hermione and she could see why Rela reacted. Both plaques were the same except for the names engraved.

Te first plaque read;

For Special Services to Hogwarts

Above and Beyond the Call of Wizardry

Harry James Potter

The one that was broken into two pieces when put together read;

For Special Services to Hogwarts

Above and Beyond the Call of Wizardry

Tom Marvolo Riddle

"Voldemort," whispered Hermione, while remembering some of Erickson's final words.

He's like… the master.

"You're wrong," whispered Hermione with finality.

"Hermione," questioned Rela in curiosity?

"Its nothing," replied Hermione, her tone normal again.

Rela could tell both from Hermione's words and her next action that the statement was not true. Hermione put the plaque with Harry's name back into the trophy case but she dropped the other without any intention of putting it back.

"You take that door," said Hermione pointing to the one off to the side, "And I'll take the one at the end… if either of us sees Harry then we yell for the other."

Rela nodded her head as Hermione turned and headed for the end of the room. Rela stepped over the broken and abandoned plaque, moving to the door to the side.

Hermione reached her door and prepared to turn the handle, stopping briefly. Touching the handle, Hermione found it to be ice cold, more so than the snow outside and that made her certain that this was the right door. Hermione glance over her shoulder and watched Rela walk through the other door. Rather than call out to her, Hermione simply finished turning the handle and let the door swing in. The creaking of the opening door swinging in seemed to resonate everywhere.

At first glance, the room was barren of any furniture. Cobwebs clustered the rafters and dangled from the edges of the walls. There were a few tiny windows, but a thick film covered the panes from years of collected dust and grime. Just a floor and walls of stone, covered in bits of webbing and aged moss was all it was.

-It looks more like a prison cell than anything, - thought Hermione, stepping in, shivering slightly.

Stepping across the threshold was much like the effect of using a port key. The room was just as cold as the handle and she felt it the moment she stepped in, like being ported from one place to other in an instant. Slowly, slightly shivering, Hermione walked into the room, looking in every direction her eyes would allow, just waiting for the slightest movement. Each step seemed to thud loudly against the stone no matter how lightly she stepped. She had gotten to about the center and still no sign of any other presence. Confused, Hermione made to turn around but a quiet hissing followed by a creak of metal froze her in place.

The creaking ended with a loud thud as the door closed had\rd. The click of the handle reached her ears and Hermione turned cautiously around, knowing what would be there but not sure if she was ready for it.

Beside the closed door stood someone in the dim light, a boy with trails of blood along one side of his ashen white face. He had eyes as red as that same blood, bright with fury and cold as hate, staring out from a face expressing untold contempt. His robes, still burned and torn, were stained with patches of blood.

Either by managing to slip around unnoticed or had been there all along, blocked by opening of the door, Harry now stood a short distance from her.

"Harry," whispered Hermione, shivering a little more at his sight.

He said nothing but took a few steps forward, letting him-self be seen.

"Harry," repeated Hermione, a breath of relief following her initial reaction and began to walk towards him adding sporadically, "I wasn't sure if we'd find you… Daken… Ron's trying to distract him… and Rela."

Hermione had to stop, both in motion and speech, as an unexpected wand tip pointed only a few inches away from her face. Just shy of arms reach she had come before Harry had brought his wand into aim. All was quiet except for winds blowing outside the windows and the heavy breathing escaping Harry's lips. Hermione tried not to look at the wand but to stare at Harry while her thoughts formulated something she could say or do.

"Harry… it's me… Hermione," she whispered quietly but no change in stature occurred.

With a thought she tried a different tact and mustered her more authoritive tone, speaking with, "Harry put the wand down."

The only reaction she received was Harry's eyes squinting to a glare and his hand tightening around the hilt of the wand.

Thoughts and questions ran rampant as she formulated a way to subdue Harry. Every idea she considered had little chance of working without a wand and the concept of using magic had little prospect in it-self.

-There has to be something, -thought Hermione frantically, -What else would work… what else would work… if not words?-

Still her thoughts came up with ideas with little chance and even when her mind rifled through memories, there seemed to be little hope.

But then a memory did come, a time in a small storage room, a private moment when something dear was given back to her and in turn Harry revealed a part of him-self to her. A revelation that came when she touched his cheek and Harry became vulnerable. How his face broke into expressions of pain and yearning. How he became lost to everything around. The thought was reinforced as she remembered that even Mrs. Weasley had calmed him just earlier that day with an embrace during his angered state.

The question that remained was what Harry would do if she tried anything but that worry diminished quickly, remembering Dumbledore's words.

The bonds you have formed still remain... he is still Harry…bound by the emotions you each share with him.

Teeth bared and hunger evident when influence by Daken's blood, Harry had not harmed her. In the village, Harry had sent them away and even though his actions were rough, he had pulled her away from the Death spell. Remembering this and more, counter the fear Hermione had and strengthened her resolve.

-Maybe, -questioned Hermione to herself,-All I need to do is move slowly?-

Moving as slowly as possible, Hermione raised her arm and placed a hand on Harry's wand. Waiting for a resistance that did not come, she continued on, gently pushing his wand arm down. She dared a few more steps, each time keeping her hand on his wand arm, still pushing it down, letting it slide across and up his arm, keeping the wand away. With each step she could better hear his breathing, still heavy but now more labored. As the distance between them closed and Harry still remained inactive in response, Hermione felt more assured that he could be settled as before.

Mere inches away, Hermione brought her other hand up and gently but hesitantly placed it against his face. For the first moment, everything seemed to be at a standstill but that changed quickly. Harry's eyes closed and his brow scrunched together. The expression of contempt faded and molded to something of yearning pain. Harry's head tilted into her hand while he slowly rose his own, placing it upon hers and pushed Hermione's touch harder against his cheek.

The tensions loosened and the remaining worries dissolved, Hermione moved forward even more and closed the final bit of space between them, letting the hand that held Harry's wand arm slide onto his shoulder and over onto his back. She pulled him tight against her-self ignoring the discomfort from her hand still pressed against his cheek. Expecting the nightmare to be over, she received a rude awakening as Harry reacted harshly.

A loud hissing noise sounded in Hermione's ear as she was suddenly pushed away. She fell down onto the floor and looked back up, expecting a wand to cast a spell a point blank. Instead he held one arm around his mid section and slouched over slightly.

Hermione felt something wet on her blouse and looked down to see a small patch of fresh blood on her lower side. She knew that she was uninjured but where would the blood come from. Looking back at Harry, preparing to get up again, the answered became clear. Harry was holding his midsection and was hunched over. He acted the same way in the village when she tried to embrace him.

"You're hurt," whispered Hermione in surprise, "Alan was wrong."

Hermione stood up slowly, hoping not to move to fast as to make Harry react. He was beginning to straighten up again but his breathing was even heavier now, clearly taking breath was becoming a labored task for him.

Getting her footing back, Hermione walked towards Harry again, this time sure to avoid doing anything that touched his midsection. Harry didn't raise his wand but he did back away slightly. Every small step Hermione took was met with Harry taking one away. With little distance from the wall, Harry ended with his back against and Hermione reached for his arm holding his midsection. Hermione placed her hand on Harry's arm, gripping it gently began to pull it away. Harry gave no resistance and when his hand moved far enough, she came to she something sticking out creating a point in his shirt, blood was fresh around it. Hermione glanced at Harry's face, seeing no resistance still; she gently pulled his shirt up to see the injury. A piece of curved bone had punctured through the skin, bleeding slowly. Hermione didn't need to be a doctor to guess it was a rib bone and the reason why embraces hurt him along with the heavy breathing.

Suddenly hands gripped her arms and swung her around. In that instant, she felt her back slam hard against the stone wall. The speed of which all had occurred and the shock of such an unexpected change left Hermione momentarily stunned. Pinned, her arms held tight, all she could do was look into Harry's face. His breathing was harder now and he seemed to be having trouble focusing his eyes as the lids seemed to droop.

Wondering what next to do, it was then she saw it, a wand protruding from within Harry's robes near lower part of his side. Harry still held her arms but having no ideas, she relented to take a chance and use force to subdue him. With a quick shake, she wriggled in Harry's grip to get enough freedom to seize the wand. Harry suddenly released one of her arms and Hermione looked at him in surprise, wondering what had brought on his sudden behavior.

Harry put his hand inside a pocket and withdrew something in a closed fist. Hermione wondered about going for the wand until Harry opened his hand in front of her.

Something small and metal lay in his palm. It was bent and the small pin was broken off but her initials were still on it along with the capitol p for Prefect. Hermione remembered, while her leg was broken, Harry had taken something from the wizard nearly buried in stone, the same who had ripped her badge away in the first place.

With her arm freed, Hermione disregarded her thoughts of the wand and reached for the badge Harry presented.

Harry's breathing worsened to a high pitched wheeze and he staggered back a few steps and Hermione looked to see what Harry was going to do now.

"Harry," inquired Hermione?

Harry gave a gasp and fell to his knees, putting is hand around his midsection again. Hermione rushed towards and lowered her-self to the floor placing one hand gently on his chest. Harry did nothing to respond, instead he just slumped forward and made no more motion of movement. Hermione caught him before hitting the floor face first but she had to wrestle him onto his back. Harry was a lot heavier than he looked she had c0me to realize.

Finally positioned onto the floor, Hermione pulled off her robe and bunched it under Harry's head. His breathing was slow and a slight gurgling sound could be heard. Hermione decided to check his broken rib again and took hold of one the tears in his shirt. Slowly and gently still she pulled until it ripped his shirt completely open.

Hermione clamped her hands around her mouth, gasping at the sight that greeted her. Areas all over his chest were deeply bruised and cuts litter the spaces between.

"They were wrong," whispered Hermione, "You were being hurt by the spells… the effects just weren't taking."

And she remembered Daken had commented that Harry seemed to be building a high endurance for pain, but this time that tolerance was reached and he couldn't resist it anymore.

"I have to get you to the hospital wing," spoke Hermione frantically to no one, looking into his robes for the wand she had seen.

"Miss," said something behind her?

Hermione turned to find an elf wearing mismatched socks staring back with its ears dropping.

"Dobby," inquired Hermione in surprise?

"Dobby help miss get sirs away from here," stated the elf.

With a snap of its fingers, Harry's injured frame was levitated into the air. Another snap and Harry's form began to move into the air but away from the door.

Hermione stood up quickly to see Dobby leading Harry to another door in the room but she was sure there had been none other.

Before voicing her thoughts, Dobby spoke up, "Hurry miss, we must not linger."

Hermione forgo her questioning and followed. The door opened and they found them-selves in a plush room, lined with shelves laden with potions, blankets and all kinds of things she had seen in the hospital wing before.

Hermione stayed as close as she could to Harry as Dobby guided them through another door on the other side, stopping only for Dobby to grab a blanket and put it over Harry. The door before them opened and Hermione found her-self being led into the corridor of the hospital wing.

As Dobby led them to the hospital wing, Hermione turned back to see where they had come out but there was only stone where there should have been a door.

"Where did the door go," questioned Hermione as they moved down the corridor?

"School has many secrets," answered Dobby simply without explanation.

Too concerned with Harry's condition, Hermione let the answer quell her curiosity.

Walking into the hospital wing became a moment Hermione was sure she would never forget. At first, Madam Pomfrey rushed up to them with a cart laden with various potions and in near hysterics, directed Harry onto a bed nearby. She pushed Hermione away and pulled the curtain around. Immediately, Hermione could hear spells be cast and the pooping of corks from potions bottles. She too could also hear Madam Pomfrey in a quiet voice speak out with very definite opinions of the situation and of those who caused it.

Dobby stood by Hermione and pulled at her robe calling for her attention.

"No need for worry miss," spoke the elf encouragingly with an elfish smile, "Sirs is badly hurt but he okay, just very tired."

Dobby's words and that Pomfrey was putting all her effort on Harry, alleviated Hermione for the moment.

Professor McGonagall stood on the other side of the room, quietly wringing her hands, her lips pursed as tight has her face would allow but her eyes gave away her disapproving thoughts. Hermione began to cross the room while Dobby stayed behind to assist Pomfrey, disappearing under the curtain.

Crossing the room Hermione found Daken sitting hunched over, clearly in pain. Burn marks spotted his exposed right hand and face in large black blotches. His good hand kept him steady on a bed while the burned one loosely held a set of parchments with a recently opened envelop. Rather than acknowledge their arrival, he just stared at the floor.

Ron sat on the opposite side glaring ahead silently. Rela stood by him looking very nervous. Ron didn't have a mark on him, aside from his skin being very red with heat and considering Daken's injuries, Hermione found that puzzling. There were singed edges and scorch marks on Ron's robes. Thankfully Rela appeared to only be tired and otherwise unharmed from the trying day.

Hermione prepared to tell Ron what had occurred between Harry and her-self but was stopped at the glimpse of silver, blonde hair. Approaching Ron, she found what he was glaring at and why Rela was unable to get his attention. On the other side of Daken stood a boy about their age, glaring straight back at Ron, his demeanor no better than usual and not very receptive to her presence. Hermione decided not to interrupt Ron's stare down with Draco Malfoy.

Maylen was on the farthest side of the room as well with McGonagall examining Ginny. Maylen had her hands on the underside of Ginny's jaw and seemed to be checking the girl for something, since she was paying attention to the mouth and throat.

"Looks like there are no after affects," stated Maylen plainly, bringing her hands to rest on Ginny's shoulders.

At that point, Maylen turned to Hermione and pointed to the bed nearest McGonagall.

"Have a seat," spoke Maylen in a fashion that suggested that she was not asking, "And lets have a look at that leg. Professor McGonagall says it had a nasty break earlier."

Hermione did as asked but responded with, "Yes but the Professor mended it."

Maylen pulled the curtain around and Ginny remained inside to help Hermione to shift position, so as to be able to comfortably put her leg up. Maylen pulled back the skirt and placed her hands on Hermione's thigh. Squeezing gently in spots, she worked her way down Hermione's leg towards her ankle.

"True," replied Maylen, "But just because it was mended doesn't mean its back to normal. It can break again if there's too much strain."

"Don't you need a spell for that," inquired Ginny puzzled at Maylen's technique?

Maylen gave her a small smirk and replied, "You may learn in your own time that a female vampire's touch is extremely sensitive. So I don't need magic to tell me the condition of a bone."

Ginny looked on in surprise and curiosity.

"That was a brave thing you did," spoke Maylen seriously to Hermione, "Taking Harry on alone… from what McGonagall told me, he could have been… quite nasty… towards you in his state."

Ginny gave a blank stare and Hermione simply answered, "He did get a little rough… but he never hurt me."

Maylen chuckled and responded with, "If you say so."

Hermione reached into her pocket and pulled out the badge that Harry had again returned to her. Maylen paused in her examination and glanced at Hermione's hand with curiosity.

Hermione closed her fingers around the badge, gave Maylen a stern look and explained with a tone void of doubt," I don't have any reason to be afraid of him… none of us need to be… not Ron… not Rela… not Ginny… if what happened today is any proof… than those who do need to be afraid of him… are those who try to hurt him… or us, apparently."

Maylen just looked at Hermione a moment longer then continued her examination, looking away as she did.

Seemingly changing the subject, Maylen added humorously," By the way I wanted to say it earlier but I think your Head of House would not approve… but I like that skirt. It seems a bit shorter than what witches usually wear. Mind telling me where you got it?"

Hermione turned her head, looking and realized suddenly that Ginny was wearing the skirt she had purchased at the Muggle store. All Ginny could do was blush a shade of red that almost matched her hair. Though Ginny answered quietly to Maylen's inquiry, Hermione could only wonder why Ginny was wearing it. She was sure that Mrs. Weasley would not approve of it but then Hermione remembered that Mrs. Weasley hadn't been home when they arrived back at the Burrow and when they left it as well.

There came a loud thud and the voice of an irate but worried woman followed.

Ginny sign quietly in both relief but also a soon-to-be-caught like tone "Mum."

Maylen gave a slight giggle and responded with, "Come stand over here with me, there are dressing gowns in a cupboard in the office. We'll sneak you in, get you changed and tell her that we sent your clothes off to be cleaned."

Ginny gave Maylen a puzzled and hopeful look.

"I was once a girl your age too," answered Maylen to Ginny's puzzlement.

Ginny moved around the bed and Maylen pulled Hermione skirt back down.

"You're fine but no more running around for a few days," stated Maylen as reached for the curtain, "Don't get down, Pomfrey may want a look at you."

Maylen pulled the curtain around, pausing a moment as she looked out then finished and then pulled Ginny along her side, hurriedly into the nurse's office. It was good timing as Mrs. Weasley had her back turned to them talking to Pomfrey, who stood outside the curtains, apparently telling Mrs. Weasley of Harry's condition. Maylen closed the door to the office with Ginny inside. McGonagall must have been too bothered by recent events as she never seemed to notice Ginny and her sudden departure from the room.

A minute later, Pomfrey disappeared behind the curtain again and Mrs. Weasley walked towards. A very upset look in her eyes but a relieved expression as well.

Hermione had moved to sit on the edge of her bed and Ron managed to finally break up his glaring contest with Draco to look at his mother.

Timing at Hogwarts was remarkable as the doors to the hospital wing opened again. Pomfrey popped her head out but just as quickly popped it back behind the curtain. Dumbledore and Snape entered into the room. Dumbledore was reading from a parchment and Snape was opening an envelope, giving the letter a quick glance.

"St. Mungo's confirms it," spoke Snape to the Headmaster, "No chance of recovery."

Dumbledore just gave him a glance, looked back to the letter in hand before giving it to Snape.

"Please take this and the others to my office," replied Dumbledore sullenly," And await me there in case any try to contact me through the fireplace… I must direct my attentions here first and then I'll see to the replies."

Snape said nothing but took the letter from Dumbledore. He started to turn around but pause at seeing Draco then continued on, saying nothing.

Before saying anything even a greeting, Dumbledore stepped behind the curtain hiding Harry with Pomfrey and Dobby. Everyone just waited, there were a few times that Pomfrey could be heard raising her voice while her shadow moved around Harry, responding to Dumbledore's inquiries. After a few minutes, he stepped back out and began to cross the room.

Dumbledore started to pass by Daken but stopped when the burned vampire spoke.

"You must think this is really funny," growled Daken still staring at the floor?

Rather than acknowledge Daken's insulting tone, Dumbledore responded quietly with, "Not At all, I would rather have resolved this sooner… you had a right to be upset… but you acted without knowing all that could have been known."

Daken just growled at the floor and Dumbledore continued walking on.

He paused again in front of Rela and Ron, asking, "No injuries I assume?"

Rela just shook her head and Ron replied, slightly nasty, with, "I'm fine, thank you."

Mrs. Weasley had come to stand by Hermione but had not yet said anything because of Dumbledore's arrival but she looked appalled to Ron's response.

"Just remember one thing for me Ronald," spoke Dumbledore un-phased by Ron," Its not just humans that make mistakes… or act rash… times like today are often full of those who do just that."

Ron's features lighten and started to respond to Rela.

Dumbledore looked over to Draco, raising his brow in question and simply stated, "Thank you… wasn't that hard now was it?"

Draco just glared at the Headmaster and said nothing.

He continued on until reaching McGonagall and asked, "All is well with our students?"

"It is most certainly not," snapped McGonagall, surprising those nearby, stammering with," The danger… the destruction… first Hermione… then Harry… plus Ronald… even Rela and Ginny… its enough to make someone go mad."

"Calm your-self," replied Dumbledore in an encouraging tone, "Yes much has happened… bad and good… but we need only worry of their care now."

"But Harry," protested McGonagall but Dumbledore cut her off?

"Injuries are not severe," interrupted Dumbledore, "With some time will recover… just like as with the museum."

McGonagall seemed to be eased slightly but she still was bothered by thoughts that remained un-voiced. Finally Dumbledore walked over to Mrs. Weasley and Hermione, a tired but hopeful smile on his face.

"Ginny is with Maylen at the moment," stated Dumbledore to Mrs. Weasley and looked back to Hermione, asking" I hope the events upstairs were not to stressing for you?"

Hermione was puzzled at Dumbledore knowing where Ginny was, since he had not been in the room at the time but answered with, "Not really… I wasn't sure what to do but… you said he was still Harry."

"And so you reached out to him," responded Dumbledore, his smile brighter, hinting that he understood, "And Harry responded as only our Harry would."

Hermione nodded her head and Mrs. Weasley looked to have a question but again the timing of Hogwarts was unique to say the least.

The doors burst open slamming hard and loudly against the walls. A wizard enter, his wand already drawn. His face bore no respect for those around or for the place he was in while storming in. He looked towards the headmaster with eyes void of care and a demeanor about him that rivaled Draco.

Madam Pomfrey pulled the curtain back, revealing their friend covered in blankets and asleep.

With a mixture of insult and weariness, Pomfrey snapped," Do you mind, I have patients."

The wizard just glanced at her, not breaking his stride and responded viciously with, "Quiet woman."

Dumbledore greeted the wizard with a questioned look.

"Where is she," snapped the wizard, "Where is my daughter, Rela?"

Looking over at Ron, Hermione could see Rela slightly hiding her-self beside him.

"Mr. Minet, do show some consideration for where you are," replied Dumbledore plainly.

"I have no concern for anything but my daughter," snapped the Mr. Minet, "And I won't ask again."

Rela cleared her throat and stepped out from beside Ron at the same time Ginny came out of the nurse's office dressed in a gown.

"I'm right here," quietly answered Rela.

Mr. Minet walk straight up to his daughter and gave a threatening glare to Ron.

"When you asked to stay with a friend for part of the holiday," inquired Mr. Minet angrily, "I was under the impression that it was young lady you would be staying with and not that boy."

Rela swallowed hard and Mrs. Weasley was about to something but Ginny spoke first.

"She was… she is," interjected Ginny, rushing up to Rela's side," She's been staying with me… I'm Ginny Weasley."

"Really?" replied Mr. Minet unconvinced, looking to Ron, asking, "Then who are you boy?"

"Ron… Ron Weasley," answered Ron, surprisingly without being rude, "I'm her brother."

"Weasley," questioned Mr. Minet, looking from Ron to Ginny and back, adding, "You're Arthur Weasley's youngest children."

Ron just nodded his head and Mr. Minet looked past them to Mrs. Weasley. After that he looked back at his daughter, less menacing but not unresolved either.

"Gather your things here," stated Mr. Minet," You'll be coming home with me."

Rela opened her mouth but Ron cut in.

"Why?" snapped Ron, "Because of today? That wasn't our fault."

Mr. Minet was untouched by Ron's words and replied with," Believe me, you wouldn't understand why and no doubt the attempt would be lost on the likes of you."

Ron didn't take to kindly to his words but he did nothing.

"Rela," began Mr. Minet but she cut him off.

"Daddy… he… he already knows," admittedly Rela worriedly, "Everyone in this room knows… even Harry."

"He knows? Knows what," question Mr. Minet in a suspicious manner?

Rela swallowed hard and Ron cut in now, "Yeah I know about her mother and her being half and all that."

"And why we left Germany," added Rela.

"What kind of school are you running?" snapped Mr. Minet looking at Dumbledore, "You said that information would be kept amongst only the professors."

"That policy has not been broken," answered Dumbledore calmly," It is not of our control as to whom your daughter reveals her secrets to."

"And you're not bother by this," questioned Mr. Minet, looking from Ron to Ginny to their mother as well?

"Should we be," answered Mrs. Weasley, her tone not very warm?

Mr. Minet hard look became confused and Dumbledore added, "Just because her lineage was not welcomed by her peers in Germany is no reason to assume there would be no acceptance here."

"We're still be leaving," stated Mr. Minet to his daughter, then turned and began to walk away, "I expect you at the entrance in no less than fifteen minutes."

"Daddy," began Rela but stopped and she began to walk forward without another word.

"Mr. Minet," spoke Dumbledore suddenly, "You may find it interesting to know that Macnair was present in the village as well."

Mr. Minet stopped in mid-step and his hands clenched to fists.

"Oh," replied Mr. Minet viciously," What makes that interesting?"

"Harry had an encounter with him," answered Dumbledore.

Mr. Minet took a deep breath and snapped back angrily, "So what?"

"In that encounter," stated Dumbledore simply, "Macnair was not fortunate."

At this Mr. Minet turned around, giving Dumbledore a questioning look with glaring eyes.

"My understanding is that he is at St. Mungo's under critical condition," continued Dumbledore, "And that even though some of the most advance techniques have been used… they are unable… to restore… his mind."

Mr. Minet's eyes went wide as he stared at the Headmaster.

"It would seem that Harry has done something to Macnair that has destroyed his mind," yet again continued Dumbledore, "The current verdict as I understand is that there is no hope for Macnair to recover."

A snort came from Daken and he interjected with, "I guess the saying is true… payback is hell."

Mr. Minet's color went white and a lost expression replaced his callous look. With a quick look to Rela, Hermione could see a strange expression on the girl, a mixture of hurt and relief.

"Why… why are you telling me this," inquired Mr. Minet quietly?

Dumbledore hesitated a moment before he answered with," Because I need you to make a choice… one I cannot ask you to make."

"A choice," inquired Mr. Minet again, his cold voice lost, replaced by a more human tone?

"Macnair's life is finished… his own destructiveness has seen to that," answered Dumbledore, his tone light but direct," In self defense, Harry has enacted upon Macnair a similar fate… once suffered by another close to you I understand."

Mr. Minet turned his eyes away from the Headmaster and looked at Harry's sleeping form. His expression was still lost but thought was evident in his furrowed brow.

"Harry has had things hard enough to this point and it will not be any easier now… only worse if the Ministry is involved… unless," spoke Dumbledore sternly and finished with, "Someone steps in."

Mr. Minet took a few steps and stood at the foot of Harry's bed.

Dumbledore gave a thin smile and questioned, "Does it matter how or by whom?"

"You know," replied Mr. Minet turning back to Dumbledore, not meeting the Headmaster gaze, his tone wasn't steady," I waited… I waited almost… fifteen years to get him."

Mr. Minet looked back at Harry and slowly reached into robes. He pulled out a piece of parchment, old and folded. Holding it out in front of him, Mr. Minet looked from Harry to the parchment a few times. He seemed to be coming to a decision on something that he didn't voice out but Hermione could see that Dumbledore was looking hard at Mr. Minet, waiting and hoping for something.

"No," stated Mr. Minet, his tone darkening as he finished with," It doesn't matter… just so long as he's been finished off."

The room was so silent, that the ticking of a clock could be easily heard but not for long. Mr. Minet raised his wand and touched the tip of it to the parchment.

"Incendio," quietly stated Mr. Minet and the parchment burst into flames.

He left it drop from his hand and flutter as ashes to the floor.

"Mrs. Weasley," spoke Mr. Minet next, taking in a deep breath and looking suddenly relieved, like a weight lifted, "I apologize in advance but… could my daughter impose upon your family for the rest of holiday… it seems… I'm going to be quite busy."

Dumbledore's face relaxed and the hard look he had turned to a tired smile.

"There's no imposition," quickly replied Mrs. Weasley, "She's more than welcomed."

"Thank you," responded Mr. Minet and he turned without another word, walking out of the hospital wing.

Rela said nothing but rushed after her father. Hermione found her-self leaning to the side slightly, just enough to see Rela and her father just outside in the corridor. She was surprised by what she saw next, Rela was saying something to her father but she didn't seem to finish before he suddenly pulled his daughter into his arms, hugging her tightly. A very pained look filled his expression before he buried his face in her hair and Rela encircled her arms around him as well.

Hermione thought it strange for Mr. Minet to have so such a vulnerable expression when he seemed like such a hard man. As if sensing Hermione's curiosity, Professor McGonagall answered.

"It was never proven with hard evidence," stated McGonagall quietly to Hermione, "But Macnair was the one who… supposedly killed… his wife, Rela's mother, Lauren Minet."

Hermione turned and stared at her Head of house in stunned silence.

"Because Rela's mother was a pure Whasperor," continued McGonagall, "To those that Macnair was a part of, she was seen as an invaluable resource… or a dangerous threat… and Macnair supposedly gave her that choice… she made it… which left a wizard a widower and a child without a mother… a dark spell that destroyed her mind… there was no hope of restoring her and since a Whasperor is considered a magic creature… Belmus was given the choice to let her continue… or end it."

"What… what was," stammered Hermione trying to absorb McGonagall's words" Was that parchment?"

McGonagall shook her head, the answer unknown to her.

Rela came walking slowly back in and Dumbledore decided enough had been done.

"I need to attend to owls and I'm sure we could all use a little rest," said Dumbledore.

With that the lights began to dim and Pomfrey stepped quietly into her office. Ron got up and helped Rela as Mrs. Weasley helped both her daughter and Hermione. Draco on the other hand left with Daken, as he staggered out, still injured. Dobby came out of the nurse's office with an armful blankets and Mrs. Weasley took them a few of them. Hermione leaned back, barely able to resist the exhaustion that was suddenly overcoming her as Mrs. Weasley put blanket over her. Ron climbed into a spot next to Harry, suddenly weary and fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow. Mrs. Weasley went into the office with Pomfrey and Maylen as the lights went out completely. Hermione felt her eye lids droop to a close and then drift into asleep.

Dumbledore waited in the corridor while McGonagall closed the hospital wing as quietly as possible. Daken and Draco had already left around the corner.

As the professor and headmaster walked quietly down the corridor, nothing was said at first.

"I feel that you do not approve," spoke Dumbledore breaking the silence, "You would rather I had seen to things personally?"

"Yes Albus," responded McGonagall quietly, "Those children should never have been in that kind of danger… he shouldn't have had to suffer like that… and Hermione and Ronald... to see Harry like that… no I do not approve."

"So you think I should have kept Harry here away from everyone?" questioned Dumbledore, "Leave Ronald, Hermione and everyone else to sit home and worry about him?"

"I'm sorry," sniffled McGonagall slightly, "I know you're helping him and I shouldn't question."

"On the contrary… you have every right to question," spoke Dumbledore correcting her opinion, "You know that we both, like many of our fellow professors here, feel the same about the children that come here… if you feel I am doing something wrong then do question it."

McGonagall nodded her head.

"You are right also in that they should not have had to face that danger," admitted Dumbledore, "I had hoped that Harry leaving quietly with Molly would have delayed the others and given all them the chance to help him finally."

"So everything failed," whispered McGonagall, "Will we lose him?"

Dumbledore took a moment before answering but a then smile adorned his face.

"No," replied Dumbledore, "Everything did not go as hoped for, that is true… however, he did not harm them… if you were to read some of the owls… then you would know that only those baring a dark mark were harmed… none of the villagers gave a statement of any magic from Harry harming them… in fact a few spoke of Harry knocking away debris and the Patronuses chasing off dementors."

"That is still amazing to hear," said McGonagall, "Patronuses powerful enough to injure Dementors… and I thought those things were suppose to be dead already."

"Maybe more than injure," answered Dumbledore, "Seven are still unaccounted for and four were unable to return to Azkaban under their own ability."

"Can a Dementor be destroyed," inquire McGonagall?

"From the information I was given, three were in that building with Harry and Macnair," answered Dumbledore, "You your-self saw Macnair's state but no evidence of the three Dementors has been found as of yet… if Macnair's mind is now an unsalvageable jumbled void… then what happened to those Dementors?"

McGonagall brow furrowed in thought.

"I would say that we have seen that the bond between them is strong and growing," said Dumbledore redirecting the subject, "Ronald faced his second challenge as said by his tarot cards… to stray the hunter… Rela was willing to help a boy she barely knew… and Hermione trusted Harry even in his most dangerous state… those are strong emotions between them, more than simple friendship, different for each of them… and I have no doubt that these events before and of today will have their effect on Harry."

They stopped at McGonagall's office

"What were you hoping for from Mr. Minet," asked McGonagall?

"I am hoping Belmus was will choose to be the shield between Harry and the Ministry," answered Dumbledore, "You know very well that they shall want answers to how a young wizard can do as he has done."

"What do we do now then," inquired McGonagall opening her door?

"There is not much more we here can do… we have given most of what we can," answered Dumbledore, "Now I must ask all for patience… with his hidden rage most likely burned out… Harry will be very vulnerable now that his other emotions won't be hidden much longer… his friends… no… his family… they are the only ones who can heal his wounds."

"This won't be easy," stated McGonagall walking into her office.

"The right path is not always the easy path," replied Dumbledore, "But what is not easily can make one even stronger."

With that McGonagall closed her door and Dumbledore traveled on. Pausing at a musical chirp sounded above him.

"Am I wrong about him old friend," asked Dumbledore to the phoenix perched in a window above him?

Fawkes gave a light musical chirp and Dumbledore smiled, stating, "That is good… we'll have the Lost One back soon…now shall we see about those owls."

However much time passed was unknown but Hermione found herself being awoken by Mrs. Weasley. Sitting up slowly, Hermione brushed the hair from her eyes, she saw Ron getting up as well with Ginny and Rela arising just as slowly as her-self.

"I brought some fresh clothes for you all," whispered Mrs. Weasley, "Now lets get cleaned up…Dumbledore wants a word before we take Harry home."

After stretching a bit, they made their way to Gryffindor house and were about to walk in when Rela realized something.

"Wait," stated Rela, slightly embarrassed, "I'm… I'm not a Gryffindor."

"Oh that's okay dear," responded the Fat Lady as she started to swing open, "We'll let the rules slide for today."

Mrs. Weasley waited in the common room as they went up the stairs to the dormitories. Ginny led Rela to the girls' dormitory while Ron went to the boys'. A short while later, the girls had showered and dressing as Hermione brushed her hair and Rela button her blouse.

Ginny was drying her hair in front of a mirror when she asked in humor, "Quite a holiday so far?"

Ignoring Ginny's attempt at breaking the silence with humor, Rela looked at Hermione and asked, "Do you think he'll be alright?"

"Harry's had bumps and bruises in the past," spoke up Ginny, "Boys like to get hurt… he'll be fine"

Rela continued to look at Hermione.

"I want to say yes," answered Hermione quietly, "But from I what saw, it was more than bumps and bruises."

"I wasn't talking about his body," corrected Rela.

Hermione paused at combing her hair and looked at Rela.

"I don't know," answered Hermione, still in a quiet tone, "I've never seen him so mad… it was worse than he took on Krum… or Sirius… at least then he could speak."

"I see," replied Rela, turning and pulling a sweater out of a bag from Mrs. Weasley.

"But I think we'll get it all sorted," finished Hermione.

Hermione put down her brush and they left the dormitory to meet Ron in the common room with his mother. Checking to see if everything was set, they set out for Dumbledore's office encountering McGonagall along the way. The professor looked tired but pleased to see her students rested and well.

Together they traveled the final distance and one by one traversed the stairs into Dumbledore's office. Snape was already present and sitting off to the side. A pair of silver eyes gave away Daken in the far corner shadow and Draco's silver, blonde hair could be seen in the edge of it

Dumbledore stood by the large fireplace near his desk, staring into the flames while they sat patiently. McGonagall cleared her throat and made ready to speak but Dumbledore spoke first.

"I wish to begin by telling a story, "started Dumbledore, "One that some of you know while others do not… I won't go into full details, just skip to the parts that are most important… however I must stress that a story should be kept as that… do not see it as some explanation of fact… take it metaphorically and see the deeper meanings."

Dumbledore waited a few minutes and while still staring at the flames began the condensed story.

Ages upon ages ago, before time came to be measured, a time when humans were not of this world and only beasts were the population. There were only times of the moon and times of the sun. That was how the passing of time was seen.

The beasts were as they are today, magical only in one form. Fire, Earth, Wind and Water, their only opposition was that of Shadow.

Creatures of a kind tended to stay with their kind, never to stray but there did come a day when that changed.

Roaming the edges of a great forest near a stream, Natalis the unicorn heard a strange sound nearby that beckoned her. She came to find a small thing, shivering while sheltering it-self under a tiny ledge. It was so very small, covered in black scales and with four stubby wings on its back. She had never seen a thing like it before but could sense it was not of her realm of Earth.

She called to it but the thing did not respond. Seeing it shiver, she laid next it, feeling its scales to be cold. In time it did stop shivering and came to nestle into her side.

As she wondered what this thing may be and where it could be from, she came to learn that she was not the only one to have sensed it. From the stream, Weldromor the water serpent arose to see what it had heard and what drew the unicorn to stay near.

Seeing it, Weldromor knew not what it was either and clarified that it could not be of the water realm but of Wind with its wings. The unicorn remained with the odd creature and Weldromor left to return with another.

Oulamin the winged hawk descended from the skies when Weldromor returned. To the odd thing's misfortunate, Oulamin did not recognize its kind either even though it bore wings.

Two possibilities remained but hopefully only the first would be the answer. Oulamin left to get another and Weldromor brought fish from the stream. The young creature awoke but coward back under its ledge upon seeing the larger beasts near it.

With time they coaxed it out and offered the fish. The young ate heartily, seemingly hungered for some time.

The sun lowered in the sky and their young stranger lay under its ledge. Still neither Weldromor nor Natalis were able to communicate with it. Either it what was too young to understand or its language was of another realm that could be understood.

Oulamin returned with Ferradon, the fire bird but alas the fiery one spoke ill news that this young creature was not of the Fire realm. This meant its only place could be that of Shadow, those beast that were enemies to all other realms. They brought death and destruction to all that they touched.

They need not say it amongst each other but the fact was known between them. To return the creature its kind was certain death for any who would dare it.

The question came to be then would they leave it in hope one of its kind would seek it or would it be left to die alone. Nothing was known of the Shadows and their young, so the answer was not known.

Shadows attacked at night and their attacks were not every night nor always in the same place. So it seemed that most likely that a life would end whether in the return of the young one or it left on its own.

Ferradon and Weldromor agreed it best to just leave it where it was found and if it should that fate meant for it to live then one of its own would find it. Oulamin affirmed that it was best for one to be with its own kind. Natalis disagreed with them, raising the question that they were all there and not of the same kind but were able to exist together without problems.

With no answer to counter, Natalis degreed she would remain with the young thing and should her choice lead to her own demise, then that was her choice but she would not leave a helpless thing to die alone. Ferradon implied her desires, though good in intentions, were foolish. Oulamin said that she would not stop Natalis but watch from afar to see how events played out. Weldromor decided to follow Oulamin's way but Ferradon would not resign to such foolishness and left them.

Suns and moons rose and fell many times, but slowly the young one had come to trust them and followed the unicorn to wherever she led. Oulamin and Weldromor, aided in food for the creature but Ferradon had no involvement. Any others who question of the thing were told only of its name… which came to be Lost One. It was not a name of Shadow or of any that they knew.

With the rise and falls of sun and moon, many times, Lost One had grown. Its four wings remained small and so flight could not be attain. Its scales were as black as night and jaw boar many sharp teeth. There was no hiding what it was to others anymore but thankfully with all the rise and falls none had come to see this creature as a threat. Weldromor and Oulamin had become more involved but Ferradon still affirmed that shadow was shadow and it would bring them harm. Flight was not the only gift Lost One was held from; they still could not speak with him.

One night when the moon was high, the forest was attacked as Shadows swarmed in from the borders. Those of Earth defended and even those of Water and Wind came to their defense. Natalis was injured and brought to the ground. Ferradon had come with aid and saw Natalis fall. Shadows surrounded her for the kill and Ferradon tried but he would not reach her in time. Others were too far away but there was one hidden by the night that could reach. Before the Shadows could make their kill, a creature came to stand before them. It was then they could see how much Lost One had grown. He rivaled them in size and now apparently in fierceness as he bared his teeth, growling viciously.

Ferradon watched from the skies as the creature he claimed would be bring harm now stood in Natalis's defense. Many of the shadows around Natalis's back away but one, it met the challenge Lost One offered. Ferradon watched on as the two scuffled in battle. Teeth tearing at flesh, claws swinging forth and no mercy expected. Many of the Shadows had been driven off now but their quarrel continued. Out of the forest, near a ravine they raged on. As with any battle free of mercy there can be only one victor to remain and with a final cry, one fell.

Lost One stood by the edge of the ravine, the Shadow dead at its feet. None saw what Ferradon did as the rock crumbled and Lost One fell. Changed by its actions, Ferradon raced to Lost One's aid but the many roots that protruded the walls of the ravine tangled Ferradon's wings, holding him back and all he could do was watch Lost One fall into the pit below. Natalis had reached her feet and came to the ravine to see others help Ferradon from his entanglement. He told Natalis of Lost One's bravery but also the events that led Lost One to be lost to now even them.

For many rise and falls of sun and moon, they search. Oulamin, Weldromor, Natalis and even Ferradon search near and around the ravine even into its deepest depths. Ferradon search on so much that his life became endangered from no rest or nourishment. Bu their hoped faded as no trace was ever found and their Shadow friend was lost again. They never forgot their friend but nothing but hey could search no more.

Many upon many suns and moons came to pass and the attacks from shadows became few to even sparse. It almost seemed that they were non existent. That was until the sun came to set but the moon did not rise. No stars were visible for their tiny lights to twinkle. Instead their world became near darkness it self and that was when the nightmare started.

From the distant hills and mountains, shadows swarmed in hordes and soon every beast in every realm was locked in battle. This was unlike the skirmishes they had known before, it was terminable as war. Beasts and shadow fell alike. The enemy showed no mercy in their onslaught and the beasts could spare none for them.

Who the victor could be was not known but the chances for the shadows to claim that rose very quickly. Something large, its form hidden in the darkness of a moonless night traversed distance from the mountains to their battle. In one fell swoop, it unleashed a wave of death that brought many beasts down. Its power and size made it different than any shadow beast; rather it was more of a demon shadow. Any beast that dared an offense to it was defeated without effort. Unable to concentrate their power on the demon alone with so many shadows around, there was little chance of defeating both. Another wave of its power and more beasts were laid to waste.

Knowing not what to do and seeing how couldn't be worse the terror continued as a thunderous roar filled the sky. Looking up into what light remain another monster came, descending from the skies and landing with such force the ground cracked and shook all around it.

Two demon shadows now before them, the beasts readied to resign to their fate and leave their world for the next. They watched as this demon arose and reared upon its hind legs, spreading its four wings wide.

With a roar it unleashed power with brightness so blinding that only the screaming of death could be heard. Natalis opened her eyes along with Ferradon to see that shadows littered the ground but no beast was harmed. It reared, roaring again and unleashed death upon the shadows in a large numbers.

Its demon brother called out to it in question but no answer came and it took flight again. Rushing forward, it seized the demon shadow its claws and dragged it away. It pulled the demon in to a mountain range far and the darkness alighted from their exchange

With so many more shadows killed, the beasts rage forth and finished the war, driving the shadows back to their depths but the battle between the demons continued. It was long but when most of the mountains were destroyed and the battle appeared to have ended.

Wounded and drained the remaining beast that could, traveled to the mountains to learn of the mysterious defender. Amongst the rubble they found two extremely large creatures. The darkness parted like clouds and the moon appeared in the sky with its starry brethren. In the return of the light lay the carcass of a dead creature they had never seen before. Half buried in mountainous rubble lay another creature, monstrously huge, its jaw laced with sharp teeth, covered in scales as black as night but protruding from the rubble were four battered and torn wings. It took her a moment but Natalis could recognize their lost friend… the Lost One… now a creature known to us as a dragon.

How he had ever survived the ravine didn't matter but his wounds were severe and none of them had the strength to try and restore him. That didn't stop Ferradon from using his remaining power to try and heal what he could. They all did but again they were far too drained. So a promise was made, they would placed Lost One into slumber and let their power be restored. Once done they would return and heal what remained of his wounds.

Lost One was then put to sleep and buried by the rest of the mountains to be his chamber until they could return. The trouble was that their world had been devastated in the battle. The ground and waters were soaked in blood. The skies were darkened from burning forests. They would return with their strength restored but for that to happen their world must heal first.

And that is what began, Ferradon, Natalis Weldromor and Oulamin awaited. Asleep in their own realms for their world to heal and one day give to them renewed strength.

Over time, the blood soaked waters and littered grounds cleared to be fresh again for new life. The skies became bright again, letting the sun and moon alight their world. Unfortunately much of life's power was used to restore what destruction had brought and in that drain the beasts were not able to regain their population and the four who awaiting their own restoration would also have to wait. To solve the dilemma, life found a way to bring forth a new creature that would not draw its power from the elements but from within themselves.

These creatures would become to be known as humans. Their creation allowed for their emotions to be the source of their power. When one died that source would go into the earth, filtering eventually in to wind and water, feeding fire as well. While alive they could release their powers, the result of that release would also add to void created in the drain.

Humans had one commonality with beasts and that was they could utilize one form of magic but the commonality ended in that it was not one element for all humans. Where beasts could only use magic of the element of their kind, some humans could use Fire or Water or Wind or even Earth but not another in combination.

However since humans could wield any of the elements of magic, so to were they able to harness magic of the powers of the enemies to the beasts, the shadows. Human magic was sourced from their own emotions and those emotions like greed and desire flourished shadow magic best. In time some humans developed their shadow magic, seeing that it brought dominion and riches. As humans went that way with magic so did those who opposed them, like beast and shadow.

With the growth of humans, the drained magic of elements had begun to return and the beasts began to regain their strength. Though humans bickered amongst them-selves with their magic, peace reigned for the beasts.

That was until the threat to a promise came. In their materialistic desire for riches and dominion, humans had begun tearing away at the soil and rock to gratify them-selves. And while they dug into rock of a mountain they found a chamber, hosting a great black beast, slumbering away undisturbed.

Seeing the greatest treasure of all before them, a beast of great size and power, they sought to awaken and tame it. The most powerful of humans in the region came together and utilized their magic to awaken the beast, unaware of just what they were truly awakening and what it could do.

Breaking the spell that kept the beast asleep and using their magic to restrain, Lost One awoke but rather than see his awaited friends before him, instead strange creatures using magic that restrained him most painfully. For you see, Lost One's wounds were not healed yet and the restraining caused him great pain. Lost One had only one response for pain, destroy its source.

Rearing on its legs, Lost One spread his wings unleashed his fury, destroying the chamber and burying most of the humans with it. The more powerful ones escaped the rock to see Lost One in his full form in the light of the day. Seeing him not as the beast they thought but as the shadow he was. To escape his wrath, they used more of their magic to try and restrain him but the fools did not realize to what extent of pain they were causing. They escaped but their restraints remained and Lost One sought to destroy the source. Since humans were the ones awoke him, caused this pain and now seemed to be everywhere in the world he had known to be of beasts, Lost One would destroy every human.

Humans that opposed the ones of this nature sought to find an answer as no human could seem to find the power to stop the shadow. Region after region began to fall under his rage. Learning from those with the gift of Sight, the humans were told of what brought on the shadow's rage and to turn to the beasts for answers.

Awakened from her slumber, deep inside a forest, protected by a wall of thorns and vines, Natalis arose to the humans' call. Hearing what had been done, she told them of the battle that led Lost One to be where he had been. Natalis with her connection to the magic of Earth could sense the differences in humans and understood that if the humans were destroyed, magic may never recover and the beasts would not be able to keep their promise.

Natalis called out to awaken Oulamin, Weldromor and Ferradon from slumber within their realms. Knowing the risks to all, human and beast alike, they agreed to hold off Lost One while the humans that were trustworthy would stop those who had awoken Lost One early.

The four beasts confronted Lost One, calling to him but his wounds burned from shadow magic and his rage deafened his ears. So while those few humans sought the dark ones, they used their partly restored strength to keep Lost One at bay, trying not to hurt him further. Their fight shook the world and magic became unstable, and what had come to be began to fall apart. The waters froze and air went stale. The ground shook cracking and drying of life. All around became cold, more so than any winter. But the four beasts stood against their friend and humans sought out the dark ones to end their magical hold on the shadow. Unfortunately greed and desire were too strong for the dark ones to listen to reason and the cowardice of the shadow's wrath made it none the easier. Battle became the only answer and human stood against fellow human. In the end the dark ones had fallen and the pain they caused Lost One stopped.

Having been victorious, the humans returned to the battle of beasts and shadow in hopes to see all resolved. Instead they found grief and coming death. Ferradon, Oulamin, Weldromor and Natalis lay on the ground, gravely injured. Like a child, Lost One was confused from his doing once freed of the painful restraint and knew not why his friends lay doomed beyond saving. The humans returned but Lost One did not welcome them for he still did not understand them. Before he could strike, Ferradon used the remaining of his body's strength to arise, calling out to Lost One.

Ferradon told him that these had been the ones who had stopped the pain that held Lost One from hearing and knowing his friends. Ferradon pleaded with the young one to give them his trust even though that had not yet been earned. To not make the mistake he had done so long ago. If he had been willing to look past the link to shadow and give a chance of trust, then maybe he could have escaped the ravine by knowing how to fly, a skill that he, Ferradon, should have helped him to learn. Lost One did not destroy the humans that had come but he refused to let them near his friends.

Natalis spoke of the promise they had made and she would not wait so long to keep it again. Sensing what she meant, the others agreed but their bodies were too wounded and weak to do it. However the humans' bodies were not but their powers were not strong enough to have an effect on their shadow friend. So to solve the problem, the four beasts used the last of their power to transform their wounded bodies to pure magical essence. Flesh and bone became magic along with blood and all. Lost One watched his friends go from solid creatures to magical essence and join with four humans deemed worthy of them. These humans, with fresh and unharmed bodies, could wield new found power. With that new strength, they kept the promise of their beast allies and combined their power to heal Lost One of his wounds.

Broken scales healed, torn wings became whole scars faded and Lost One's full strength returned. However the cost had come to be the lives of those he had saved by them merging with humans, surrendering their individual existence to the humans to fulfill an old promise. With a roar of rage, Lost One took flight and disappeared.

Humans had come to mark time in years and many passed. Until the day more humans of greed and materialistic desire brought threats again. Those humans merged with the essence of beasts chose to fight and their battles grew. A new ally joined them and easily ended the evil of the dark ones with his powerful magic, rivaling their own. This new human was named Degarus in human tongue but in beast it meant Lost One. The shadow beast, the dragon buried in a chamber to rest, awakened early by greed and saved at the cost of his friends' lives had chosen to find his own human, merge with it and so forever be able to remain with his friends.

It is said that Degarus is chained for all eternity, to rise every so often and find his friends and will destroy any threat to them.

Dumbledore turned from the fireplace and pulled a book out from within his robes. He showed them the front cover of an old book. The cover bore a bronze image of dragon with chains encircling it and going out indifferent directs.

"Harry has not read the book to the end," spoke Dumbledore, turning the book over and showing the back cover, "He will not understand the front image because until he does finish it, this will not appear."

Opening the back cover, a blank parchment filled with an image. A bird encased in an outline of fire, a unicorn, a hawk and serpent appeared with chains encircling them, binding them.

"These chains you see do not mean the bond of restraint but the bond of union," finished Dumbledore, closing the book, "Do not ask me questions of this until you have pondered this story on your own. Remember I said not to take it as literal fact… but metaphorical similarity."

Dumbledore walked towards his desk and silence took the room. He placed the book on his desk and took his seat behind it.

"Nearly twenty years ago… a couple left this school and join a battle with me and many others," spoke Dumbledore plainly, "In the trials that came their love grew and in time a marriage came."

The new subject drew everyone from their thoughts to hear what Dumbledore wanted to tell them next.

"As with many unions… a young one soon came… I along with many convinced them to go into hiding… and though they wanted to stand out to show that fear would not drive them away," continued Dumbledore, his placid tone giving way to a sullen note, "They did as asked."

Dumbledore closed his hands together in front of his face and stared out amongst his audience.

"Almost a year after the child was born… an evil found them and sought to end everything they were… two fell but the fruit of their union… the child… one none had seen… defeated this evil... and in that defeat the child took from that evil a part of its power."

Dumbledore took a deep breath, pausing yet again and closed his eyes.

"But not without paying a price at the same time… since power does not come to one completely free."

"Harry's scar," whispered Hermione, suddenly realizing she had spoke," And being able to speak Parseltongue."

Hermione shaded white and blushed next, realizing she had interrupted. Dumbledore smiled weakly and nodded slightly.

"The scar is merely a mark… a brand in a way that signifies… something that is not ready to be revealed, " responded Dumbledore, "And yes the Parseltongue is something he took from Voldemort that night… but had you seen much of what we saw in the village… then you would know that was only the beginning."

Hermione stared back at Dumbledore as did everyone else.

"A wizard… not yet a man… but not a boy anymore either," spoke Dumbledore quietly, "Demonstrates the ability to apparate others from one place to another…hence his friends sent to the Dungeons… able to discern those bearing the dark mark and those who do not… hence why only certain wizards and witches were harmed… the ability to repel multiple spells at once... hence the numerous wizards knocked away from their spells repelled… and among other things, the ability to resist the effects of magic."

Dumbledore stopped speaking and let a moment of silence pass to allow what he had said so far to takes its place in their minds.

"So I was right," snorted Daken nastily, "He is another Voldemort."

Ron stood up abruptly, knocking his chair over but Dumbledore's words came again, freezing Ron in place.

"Yes those actions are the same as Voldemort once demonstrated," replied Dumbledore, still quietly, "Voldemort could sense those who bore the dark mark… easily repel spells… and simple spells had little to no effect on him also."

Ron, frozen in mid stride, stared out blankly as a look of horror and defeat began to cross his face. Hermione felt her own hurt at thought of the comparison and she felt her own refusal to those thoughts swell as well.

"But Albus," began McGonagall before Dumbledore cut her off.

"However," continued Dumbledore, his voice more pleasant suddenly," Other actions show that the two are also not alike."

Ron turned to stare back at the Headmaster and Hermione forego her thoughts to listen without distraction.

"Voldemort never and I doubt could ever, produce three Patronuses that are powerful enough to cause severe damage to Dementors," spoke Dumbledore, his weak smile showing again, "The fact that even though Macnair is in such a terrible state, neither he nor any of the dark wizards and witches in this malicious attack were killed by Harry…and that he released that young girl from the binding spell, sending her and his closest friends away from danger."

Dumbledore placed his hands down upon the desk and finished with a much happier tone, "And those are not the actions… or characteristics that ever defined Voldemort."

Hermione stared at the Headmaster and let the events replay in her mind. She remembered how the child was able to move. The Patronuses that appeared, large and physical to the touch, unleashed against the Dementors. Fainting and awakening in at the Dungeons and being told that Harry had sent them off. That thought Erickson tried to kill them, Harry had held back when Ron and she asked him not to. Remembering how Harry reacted when Ron was knocked away by Daken's spell.

Hermione placed her hand upon her Prefect badge, thinking that even though he was hurt and tired, he still had retrieved it again and returned it.

-No that's not the way of a dark wizard, -thought Hermione, a sense of joy filling her, - Just someone that's.-

At her last thought, Hermione couldn't hold back the question that surfaced fro it.

Standing suddenly, Hermione asked loudly and quickly, "Then why do Harry's eyes turn red and how can he act like Voldemort at all?"

Dumbledore gave her a hard look, seemingly impressed by her drive for more answers but wary of the questions as well.

"I said earlier that the child that defeated Voldemort took from him part of his powers," answered Dumbledore directly, "But I also said it came at a price because no power is given completely free."

Hermione sat back down and waited on Dumbledore as he gazed to the side for a moment before turning back to her.

"Magic comes from within you… it's a part of you in every way… your tears, blood, hair even the very fluid in your mouth," continued Dumbledore, "And in every bit of magic from spells and potions to flying on brooms is a part of your-self… a part of your very essence is in that magic."

Hermione nodded her head in understanding but confused to what Dumbledore was explaining.

"Harry as a child took from Voldemort a part of his power… his magic," spoke Dumbledore, his tone a strange eeriness, "And because Voldemort was so enveloped with evil maybe even into the core of his soul… so was his magic."

Not a single breath was taken in the room as they waited for what was to come next.

"So taking magic from Voldemort… such as the ability to speak Parseltongue… also meant taking from Voldemort and incorporating a part of that wizard's evil," finished Dumbledore, "And though I will not give you all the details for other reasons… when the creature calling it-self Voldemort arose… his eyes also glowed red in hate."

Deep and shocked breaths sounded loudly in the room, even Daken was taken back by Dumbledore's words.

"You once questioned Hermione… what would ten years with the Dursleys and the time since spawn?" stated Dumbledore, "That evil Harry took in… I believe merged with a part of Harry… a part that has been dormant for some time… but the effects of the Colossus orb and the resurrection of the source of that evil have respectively empowered and awakened it… hence nearly fourteen years of buried rage has surfaced to counter the pain he holds… that is largely what has spawned."

At that last bit of words Hermione remembered at the Weasley home before they had left for Diagon Alley. The way Harry became suddenly enraged and he revealed a part of his past, never told before.

"Well he's got a right to be," snapped Ron fiercely, fighting to keep his words mature, "Some idiot left my best friend with those… those… those Muggles."

McGonagall cleared her throat worriedly and Dumbledore just looked on at Ron.

"That," replied Dumbledore plainly, "Would be this idiot before you."

Ron stared at Dumbledore, words vacant from his lips as well as thoughts of expression in his face and he was not alone in that reaction.

"You must understand," spoke McGonagall calmly.

Ron didn't listen to her but instead shouted angrily, the heat of the room responded as well, "Why!"

Dumbledore looked on unaffected and answered calmly," Because of Lily's sister and I can go no further on that."

Ron's fist clenched but Dumbledore continued on.

"You may have read books but the facts are not nearly as detailed as the truth," continued Dumbledore, "With Voldemort's fall… those under his influence were released from the Dark Touch… and his forces became lost in confusion… but that was nothing of the repercussions that followed."

Dumbledore stopped to take a breath and McGonagall continued for him.

"Yes there were celebrations and the weight of that fear was gone but it didn't end there," explained McGonagall hurriedly," For nearly the year that followed, the Aurors went on a blood hunt for every person with so much as remote connection to a dark witch or wizard… children were taken from families as parents were split up and questioned for days on end… some even tortured to give information they mostly likely didn't have… trial after trial… the punishments… were not light… it took mandates from other countries to demand that we stop the madness that was consuming us."

McGonagall now had to take a breath. Ron looked to his mother as did Ginny and Rela along with Hermione. Mrs. Weasley merely nodded her head in affirmation.

"Our world became ensnared by rage," finished Dumbledore quietly, "What was I to do? Leave him to grow up in a world that celebrated his miraculous actions with senseless violence and hate? My only defense is that I was seeking to find a sanctuary that Harry could be where Death eaters could not seek him out and no magic near to signal his presence… even I could not predict that his relatives would be as they are… my concern was for him to be safe… and so I may be largely responsible for this… but I will answer to that when the time comes."

McGonagall gave Dumbledore a curious look but he said nothing to her.

"Its very late Albus," spoke Mrs. Weasley.

"Yes and I would rather Harry awoke someplace better," agreed Dumbledore, "I don't think he would like to wake up in the hospital wing again."

Mrs. Weasley ushered the younger wizard and witches out of the room and Draco remained with Daken in the dark corner. McGonagall escorted Mrs. Weasley and company out of the office and Snape began together some parchments in his lap.

"Do you think your plan will succeed," inquired Snape?

"I would like it to... so that Harry would not go Riddle's lonely path," answered Dumbledore, "But Harry must travel the final league of his journey in this dark time, the time where he will be most vulnerable, where everything will be grey… a time… Into Twilight."

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