Unofficial Portkey Archive

Ch 31 Catching Snitches and Helping Witches

Saturday morning was bright and crisp. Standing outside the changing rooms, Harry gazed over the field as the breeze tussled his hair.

"Looks like a big crowd today," commented Harry.

"I imagine they added some additional stands for everyone that wanted to attend," explained Hermione.

"Shouldn't you go get a good seat before they're all gone?" asked Harry.

"I have a seat reserved on the second deck right by the rail with an excellent view of the pitch. I must admit, being Head Girl does come with a few perks."

"I didn't know Head Girls got reserved seating at Quidditch matches," observed Ron.

"They do when their boyfriends play on the Quidditch team," laughed Hermione. "Good luck Ron," and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Hey!" protested Harry. "What about mmmmmm…" he struggled to finish as Hermione gave him a slightly friendlier kiss.

"Hem, hem!" grunted Ginny as she emerged from the changing room. "Get a broom closet you two!"

Both Harry and Hermione ignored her as they finished their kiss.

"Good luck Harry," smiled Hermione as she turned and headed for the stands.

Harry raised his hand and gave a half wave as she walked away, his eyes still unfocused.

"Harry. HARRY!" shouted Ron.

"Huh?! What? Oh, hello there Ron. What do you need?"

Rolling his eyes at his giggling sister, Ron continued, "We have a Quidditch match to play today, remember? Against Beauxbatons?"

"Quidditch? Oh yeah, right, right. Let's go then," and Harry started walking towards the field. Ron looked at his sister and with a nod of his head indicated she should follow him. "Try to remind him that he's here to catch the snitch. Tell him that it's the small golden ball with wings. And keep him away from Hermione," he growled. "I need him focusing on the game today."

Ginny bowed sarcastically. "Your wish is my command oh great Quidditch master." She then stuck her tongue out at Ron and turned to follow Harry.

Ron returned to the changing room to make sure the rest of the team was ready, muttering grumpily about girlfriends causing distractions for his team. A few minutes later he led them out to the pitch where the Beauxbatons team and the referee were waiting.

"I want a clean game. Limit the physical contact and there won't be any problems. Now everyone shake hands and we'll get started," instructed the referee.

After the teams had shaken hands, Harry looked at Ron, who appeared somewhat odd. "You OK there mate? You look a little off," asked Harry.

"I'm fine. Let's go."

At the referee's whistle both teams flew into the air and took their respective positions. Harry soared high above the pitch, searching hard for a gleam of gold that would reveal where the Snitch was flying. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the opposing Seeker hovering nearby, marking him. "That's fine. Just sit and watch me catch the Snitch," he thought with amusement.

Forty-five minutes into the match, Hogwarts had a solid ninety point lead. Their Chasers were far superior to those of Beauxbatons and Ron had made over a dozen spectacular saves. But Harry had still not seen one glimpse of the ever elusive Snitch. Suddenly, he noticed one of the Beauxbatons Chasers flying nearby him.

"Potter, you don't really want to make us feel bad by catching the Snitch yourself, do you? Wouldn't it be more honorable to let Noelle over there catch it? Wouldn't that be what a hero like yourself would do?"

Startled that she was talking to him, Harry looked at her more closely. For a moment he even thought she was right. It was awfully boorish of him to always try and win everything, to be the best at everything. Why shouldn't he let Noelle catch the Snitch-she seemed like a very nice girl after all-in fact, maybe he could help her find it. Then he recognized the subtle magic behind those suggestions and he was grateful that Ron had insisted they all take anti-Glamour potions before the match. Ron and Gabrielle were right in predicting that Beauxbatons would try to take advantage of the veela they had on their team.

"Siren Formation!" shouted out Harry as loud as he could to warn the rest of his teammates that they were using their veela powers and to focus on resisting their suggestions.

Several minutes later, still trying to ignore the constant chatter of the Chaser, he spied a glint of gold on the far edge of the field, Harry dove towards it with the Beauxbatons Chaser and Seeker right behind him. The Chaser was talking to him the entire time, urging him to let Noelle catch it first. Harry tried to tune her out, but her voice continued to grate on his nerves as he easily dodged two bludgers that came near him. He was gaining on the Snitch, it was zigzagging about forty feet in front of him and he knew the two behind him would never catch him in time. Thirty, twenty, ten, five-he stretched his hand forward and nearly fell from his broom as a shrill, piercing scream exploded in his ears and sent shivers down his spine, causing his entire body to jerk backward awkwardly. When the scream died away, he opened his eyes, breathing heavily and looked around for the Snitch but it was long gone.

Angrily he turned his broom around and shouted at the veela Chaser behind him. "Knock it off you nasty little harpy! Now keep your mouth shut or…"

"Penalty on the Hogwarts Seeker!" shouted the referee from below Harry.

"What?!" yelled Harry. "Why?!"

"Do not threaten another player or I will eject you from the game. I will not tolerate it!"

"They're cheating! They're using their veela powers to try and gain an advantage!"

"Can you prove they are using veela powers?"

"Uhh, no. But she just used some kind of scream that nearly knocked me from my broom! Surely you heard that?"

"She screamed because she was nearly hit by a bludger. Another word from you and I will award Beauxbaton's another penalty throw. Frankly, I'm shocked-I heard you were an excellent Seeker, not a whiny, overhyped…"

Harry did not hear the rest of the referee's remarks because he flew off in anger to watch the penalty shot. He noticed the Chaser that had been following him chat briefly with the Chaser who had just had her shot blocked by Ron before the whistle blew again indicating that play should continue.

As Harry started searching for the Snitch again, he noticed that only the Seeker was following him now. As he soared over the field, he heard the announcer call out two quick goals for Beauxbatons. He glanced quickly at Ron, but instead of looking angry, he had a dreamy sort of smile on his face. He watched briefly as Ginny and the other Chasers attacked the goals downfield and he flew quickly to Ron's side. The Hogwarts Chasers scored, but then Beauxbaton's Chasers streaked back downfield. Harry watched as Ron drifted lazily in front of the goals, apparently unconcerned by the approaching Chasers. He made a feeble attempt to block the goal, but did not appear too upset about his failure.

Harry swooped down as Ginny recovered the Quaffle and led the charge back downfield. "What's the matter Ron? It's not like you to let in goals that easily. Ron? RON!"

"Oh, hi there Harry? Aren't they beautiful? It would be a shame to watch them lose today. You know, we don't always have to win everything. Besides, it's just a silly game."

"Ron! Wake up! What's the matter with you?!" he shouted uselessly.

"Mione! Something's wrong with Ron. I don't think the anti-Glamour potion is working."

"Are you sure?"

"He doesn't care whether we win or not. He said it was only a silly game."

"Ohh, there's definitely something wrong with him then."

"But why isn't the potion working?"

"Did they alter Ron's potion? Did they factor in the fact that he's a werewolf? You need to add more dogwood root to his potion to compensate for…"

"I doubt it."

"Well, I could brew up another potion if you have any left. It would only take an hour or so."

"We don't have an hour, Mione. Thanks though."

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know. I'll think of something."

"Good luck."

"Thanks."

"Ron! We need to call a time out!"

"Why?"

"We need to replace you as the Keeper. You're not feeling well enough to keep playing."

"I'm fine Harry," insisted Ron. "Now go help Noelle find the Snitch."

"TIME OUT!" shouted Harry.

"Penalty to the Hogwarts Seeker!"

"What?!"

"Only the captain may call a time out. Take your shot," instructed the referee.

Swearing under his breath, Harry floated over to one of the Hogwarts Beaters. "Give me your club," whispered Harry.

"What?!" came the startled response.

"I said give me your club. You're going to be the Seeker for the next two minutes. Your only job is to make sure that their Seeker does not catch the Snitch. Got it?"

"Uh, yeah Harry. I got it."

"Good. Now give me the club."

A very grim-faced Harry easily followed the other Chasers and Beaters in pursuit of the Quaffle. Harry watched the Bludgers carefully, sending several at the Beauxbatons Chasers when he had the chance. As play returned to the Hogwarts goal, Harry waited patiently for his opportunity. As the Chaser lined up her shot, everyone's attention was focused on the Quaffle she sent soaring towards the right goal. Harry drifted slightly to his right and swung hard. The Bludger shot forward and struck Ron right in the stomach, knocking him backwards off of his broom, and through the hoop before he fell to the ground.

Several of the players looked back at Harry, who simply shrugged and replied, "Whoops."

The referee, too, looked at him oddly before calling out, "Penalty on Hogwarts Seeker, err, Beater, uhh, penalty on Harry Potter!"

"What?!" exclaimed Harry.

"Illegal substitution. I was not properly notified that you would be switching places with…"

"Who cares? That's not a rule!" Harry turned towards his teammates. "Is it?"

Ginny shook her head and replied. "It's not at Hogwarts. But it is in international competition." Then in a louder voice she added, "Though it would have been nice of you to notify us before the match which set of regulations you were going to be using."

"That's enough! I will not have my judgment called into question. Another penalty shot for Beauxbatons!" roared the referee.

"You can't do that!" yelled Harry. Ginny tried to float closer and help calm him down.

"Harry! Calm down before you get yourself tossed out of the…"

"You can't just start deciding what set of rules you're going to use in the middle of a match. You haven't called one penalty on Beauxbatons for the illegal formations they've been using or for the Chaser who was playing Seeker position earlier. Wasn't that an illegal substitution, you lousy, biased, hypocritical…"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" roared the referee. "I will not be treated like this or have my integrity questioned. Potter, you're out!" he screamed, jerking his thumb up and away from his body violently.

The crowd was silent for a moment before a number of cheers erupted from the Beauxbatons section.

Harry snapped his mouth shut in anger and descended to the pitch as the team followed him down. The referee's voice boomed from above. "You have two minutes to revive your Keeper and replace your Seeker. Then Beauxbatons will take their three penalty shots."

Harry opened his mouth to protest when Ginny cut him off. "Shut it Potter. They've already got three free shots. No sense giving them any more."

His eyes smoldering, Harry turned to the bench on the side of the field and yelled. "Stenton! You're in for Weasley. Malfoy! You're in for me." He then turned to the rest of the team as the two jogged in.

"What about Ron?" asked Ginny. "We might be able to wake him up."

"I wouldn't do that unless you want to lose. Because he's a werewolf, the anti-Glamour potion didn't work the way it is supposed to-he doesn't have any defense right now against their charms. The veela convinced him to let those goals go through."

"You hit him on purpose?" asked Ginny.

"Uhh, yeah. And I stunned him right before he hit the ground to make sure he didn't wake up any time soon."

"That's cold Potter," smirked Malfoy. "Tsk, tsk. To do that to your best friend just to win a game."

Harry glared at him and then Malfoy added with a smile. "I wish I could have done that and gotten away with it."

"Like Snape ever punished you for anything you did Ferret boy. Besides, I softened his landing before he hit. And Ron would have done the same to me, I mean for me, if the situation was reversed. He wouldn't want to be the reason we lost the game today."

Malfoy just shook his head and laughed. "Sometimes I wonder if it's more dangerous being your friend than it is being your enemy Potter."

"Enough you two," snapped Ginny. "Fascinating as it is to watch you two swap cutting remarks with each other, we don't have time right now for one of your half-witted verbal battles."

She ignored both glares from the two young men and folded her arms impatiently.

Harry spoke first. "Fine. Ginny, you run the show and call the plays. Stenton, you'll be fine. Don't worry about these penalty shots-we still have a fifty point lead. Just play loose like at practice. Gin, take `em up." Ginny nodded and led the others back up into the air.

"Malfoy!" called Harry. "Just remember that you're not flying against me up there and you should be able to catch the Snitch first."

"Sod off Potter. Is that your idea of a motivational speech? If it is, it needs a lot of work."

"Come here, there's one more thing. This will prevent one of the veela from using their at nasty little scream on you. Don't worry, I'll take it off when you catch the Snitch." Before Malfoy could protest, Harry clapped his hands over his ears and muttered "Sordium."

There was a brief expression of panic on Malfoy's face and then he shouted, "I can't hear anything Potter!"

Harry smiled and replied, "That's the point." Then he jerked his thumb upward, indicating that Malfoy needed to get in the air. After muttering several colorful phrases in Harry's direction, Malfoy mounted his broom and soared upward.

Harry pulled out his wand and levitated Ron's limp body to the sideline by the bench where Hermione was waiting.

"You know, I'm never going to understand why you all take this game so seriously."

"Some things just aren't meant to be understood Mione. Some things just are what they are," explained Harry philosophically as he sat down on the bench.

"What's that supposed to mean? That doesn't make any sense."

"Shush. I'm trying to watch the game."

Harry held back a snicker as he realized Madame Pomfrey was having difficulty removing the stunning spell he had put on Ron and returned his focus to the game. Without the advantage of the veela charms, Beauxbatons struggled to keep pace with Hogwarts. Ginny and the other Chasers were much faster than their opponents, the Hogwarts Beaters were far superior, and though Stenton was not as good as Ron, she was solid and dependable. The only reason the game was still close, in fact, the only reason Beauxbatons was winning was because of the extraordinarily high number of penalty shots they had been awarded. An hour and a half later, down by thirty points, Hogwarts managed to win when Malfoy caught the Snitch after making a spectacular dive in front of the opposing Seeker.

Harry was the first one on the field, cheering for the Hogwarts victory with the rest of the students joining him within moments to congratulate their team.

Sunday afternoon, Harry was relaxing in the Gryffindor common room, listening with amusement as Ron recounted in avid detail every single play of the Hogwarts-Beauxbatons match to a huge crowd of Gryffindors. Even though most of them had been there, had actually seen more of the game than Ron, and the story Ron was telling was slightly more dramatic than the actual game itself, nobody seemed to mind.

A familiar shape plopped down next to him in the couch and whispered, "Wow Harry. I didn't realize that Ron had defeated two Hungarian Horntails and half a dozen Death Eaters while he was guarding the goals yesterday before that freak meteor shower hit and knocked him out of the sky. I must have missed that part."

Chuckling, Harry replied. "He's not exaggerating that much."

"Not yet. By the way, McGonagall told me after lunch that Dumbledore wanted to talk to us sometime this afternoon."

"When?"

"Whenever we felt like stopping by."

"Well, let's go then. I already know how the match ends."

The two left the Common Room and walked to Dumbledore's office. Hermione let Harry make a few wild guesses about the password before saying "Toscane."

Harry turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow as the spiral staircase appeared as Hermione explained.

"It's a delicious French chocolate with a raspberry filling. Expensive but sooo worth it."

Harry complained, "If you already knew the password, why didn't you just say it?"

"Now Harry, where's the fun in that?"

Harry snorted as he followed her up the stairs towards Dumbledore's office.

"Sit down Harry, Hermione. Please, make yourselves at home. Would you care for a lemon drop or a biscuit perhaps?" asked Dumbledore good naturedly. Harry snatched several biscuits as Dumbledore continued. "I have heard you had a most interesting visit to France. I hope it was informational as well."

"So you heard about Chenalt, huh. What a total…"

"Yes, yes," chuckled Dumbledore lightly, cutting off Harry. Then his face turned more serious. "I am afraid that there are ignorant bigots everywhere you go in the magical world, even at our universities. Perhaps your little demonstration will help open some minds."

"I doubt it made much of an impression on his sir," added Hermione darkly.

"You are probably correct Hermione. But perhaps it will help some of his students. But I did not invite you here to discuss narrow minded professors. I hope your research has provided some new information or perhaps some new leads.

But first I wanted to tell you what I have discovered about Mr. Weasley's condition. I have searched through all of the recorded cases of werewolves in Great Britain, and none of them were ever listed as Animagi. I have several friends in Europe and the United State looking in their respective countries, but so far they have not discovered any werewolves who were also Anamagi."

"Are you certain Professor?" asked Harry.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he replied. "Well, Mr. Potter, I have done a bit of research on my own occasionally. Though I am still waiting to hear back from a few of my colleagues, I am fairly certain that Ron will be the first recorded case."

"I couldn't find any records of any in France."

Hermione looked at Harry in shock. "I thought you were helping me with the research on Atlantis?"

"I was. But when you insisted on reading through everything three times I had plenty of time to do some additional research."

"OK, so Ron has set a new record. He's the first Animagi who is also a werewolf. I'm not sure why that is important," stated Hermione.

Harry turned towards her. "What it means is that Ron might be able to control his lycanthropy-without a potion…"

"What?! Harry! How could that…" exclaimed Hermione.

"Now, Harry, we cannot make that assumption just yet. We still have to…" protested Dumbledore.

"Think about it Hermione. What is an Animagus?"

Hermionery looked at him oddly for a moment before replying in student mode. "An Animagus is a wizard or witch who can transform themselves into an animal form."

"And what is a werewolf?"

"Well, it is a human that transforms into a wolf…" started Hermione and then continued excitedly as she realized what Harry was hoping. "And the main difference is that an Animagus retains control. They don't become animal-like or irrational. They retain their humanity even while in animal form. The major difference between an Animagus and a werewolf is the ability to retain rational, human control. A werewolf loses that control when he or she transforms. There are other differences of course: duration, strength, transformation triggers, and so forth, but the biggest difference is the presence or lack of the human will."

"Well done Hermione, as usual," complimented Dumbledore while Harry looked on eagerly, "however, as I was trying to explain to Harry I am not certain Ron would be able to go without the potion. This is all strictly conjecture at this point. We don't know if Ron would be able to control the transformation without additional aid. It could prove extremely dangerous to attempt without…"

"He can control it sir. I know he can," insisted Harry. "When I found him, he listened to me. He didn't attack me. He could have killed me very easily, but he transformed back when I asked him."

"I do not doubt you Harry, but there could be some other explanation for it-something we are not aware of yet. It could be fatal to simply assume…"

"Then how do we explain the physical changes in Ron already? His tiger form was easily a hundred pounds heavier than the last time he transformed. And he left claw marks like a werewolf, not like a tiger. And even in his human form, he is a couple of inches taller and about fifty pounds heavier. And somehow the Wolfsbane potion already affected him like it would a werewolf even though it should have taken much longer for the transformation to occur. Doesn't that mean he's already a werewolf, even if he doesn't look like a werewolf?"

"That makes a lot of sense Harry," added Hermione. "Maybe the fact that Ron was already an Animagus when he got bit not only allowed him to control the transformation somewhat, but also caused the werewolf form to merge with his Animagus form…"

"I believe you are both correct. However, we cannot simply assume that is what happened without additional proof. There have been various attempts to cure lycanthropy by performing the Animagus rituals. None of them have ever been successful."

"But that could be for a variety of reasons sir. First, Animagi are rare. There were only seven registered Animagi this century…"

"Though there have been a few unregistered Animagi," added Harry with a wry grin.

"Right, but they're still extremely rare. If none of the subjects had the potential to become Animagi, then they would have failed. Besides, the form chooses you, you don't choose the form. The odds that one of the test subjects was not only an Animagi but whose natural form was that of a werewolf must be more than a billion to one. If they tried to perform the ritual by visualizing themselves as a werewolf when that wasn't their natural form, the attempt would likely kill them."

"As a matter of fact, several have died in the attempt, Miss Granger. That is one of the reasons no werewolf has made the attempt in over a century. Nobody believes it will work, though the theory seemed promising."

"But now, with Ron, maybe it would work," suggested Harry hopefully. "Maybe we could even help Remus…"

"Perhaps Harry, but we should not get our hopes up too high. Even if Ron is able to control his lyncanthropy, it does not mean that others like Remus will be able to do so as well."

"What?!" exclaimed Harry.

"Ron was already an Animagus when he was bitten. Remus and every other werewolf you and Dumbledore have studied were not. It may simply not be possible Harry," explained Hermione.

"I do not want you to give up all hope-things may work out in the end. However, we need to be patient and work carefully. Now Ron has been doing much better in the past week, I believe due in large part to the support of his family and the constant visits of a certain witch from Ravenclaw." Dumbledore smiled and his eyes twinkled. "However, there remains much research and work to do before we know for sure how much more we can do to help him. Speaking of which, how did your own research in France go?"

Hermione glanced quickly at Harry, realizing he too was not very happy about the change of topic. "Well, we were able to eliminate most of the wilder theories and myths about Atlantis. We still don't know for sure what happened, but we have a better idea. There was a civil war fought between two very powerful groups. I believe one of the sides invoked very powerful magic, more powerful than they could control. I think the magical backlash that occurred as the powers of magic tried to rebalance themselves destroyed the island itself," explained Hermione.

"Hmm. Do you believe these artifacts from Atlantis were somehow involved?"

"We do. We think they may be related to one of the three Unforgivable curses."

"Really? How interesting. Please continue."

"Well, the Cruciatus curse has only been around since the ninth century. But the Avada Kedavra and the Imperius have been around a lot longer."

"You believe that one of these sides developed their use?"

"I don't know about that, those curses may have been discovered even before their time. But I think that some of the Atlanteans were tampering with those spells. I think they were trying to make artifacts that would increase the power of those spells."

"That would certainly explain how an entire island could be destroyed. Two of the most powerful forces in the world are the power of life and death, and the force of the human will. Nearly every human culture has some sort of religion or set of myths that attempts to set guidelines for the use of powers like these. There are numerous stories involving the misuse of these powers, and the terrible consequences that have resulted. These are forces that not even mages should ever tamper with or treat lightly. That is one of the reasons why both the Avada Kedavra and the Imperius curses are considered extremely dark magic and their use is forbidden."

Dumbledore leaned back thoughtfully in his chair. "So you believe they created artifacts that somehow increased their power over life and death and gave them greater control over the people?"

"Well, the translations I had only spoke of one artifact being used. And I think it had something to do with the power over life and death, something like the Philosopher's stone, but much more powerful."

"But the Philosopher's stone that Nicholas Flammel created didn't set off a magical catastrophe or anything," countered Harry.

"Only because you kept it out of Voldemort's hands, Harry. Who knows what damage it might have done then if Voldemort had come back to full strength when you were only eleven. Besides, I think the artifact that was created was much more powerful than the Philosopher's Stone. And I think the artifact they created had something to do with the power of life and death. That's the artifact I would work on first. Once I had created it and achieved power over death, then I would have all the time in the world to create an artifact to dominate other people."

Dumbledore smiled grimly. "You are probably correct, Hermione."

"I wish I was more sure Professor. The texts I examined in France were all translations. The real sources, the first hand accounts, if they still exist, would be found…"

"…in the Great Library of Alexandria," finished Dumbledore.

"You knew?" accused Harry. "We've spent weeks looking and you knew all along that the answers were in Egypt?"

"No, though I did suspect that eventually you might have to go to Alexandria for your answers."

"What do you mean Professor? Wasn't the Great Library nearly completely burnt down by the Romans in 48 BC when Caesar was nearly trapped in Alexandria by the Egyptian navy of Cleopatra? And didn't the Christian mobs of Theophilus in the fourth century and the invading army of Caliph Omar in the seventh century finish destroying whatever records may have survived?" asked Hermione.

"Well, that is exactly what the wizards of the time wanted the whole world to believe."

"So you mean it survived? It still exists? I have always wondered if it might, I have always hoped that it might…is it true Professor? Is the Great Library really still there in Alexandria?" asked Hermione, her voice slowly rising as she began speaking faster and faster.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily as he nodded.

Hermione grabbed Harry's arm enthusiastically. "Do you have any idea what this means Harry? Do you?"

"Hundreds, maybe thousands of additional dusty old scrolls for us to read?" sighed Harry heavily.

"YES! Isn't that exciting?! Just think about what we might learn, just think of all the accumulated knowledge that must be there! Can you imagine how many books and scrolls and papers there must be? After all, they have been collecting things for centuries! I can't believe this! I can't believe it! Oh, Professor, you have to let us go. I'm sure we'll find the answers we need there, especially if they have the original sources. I'm sure I'd be able to translate them and then…"

"Calm down for a moment, Miss Granger. There is a reason why I did not mention the Great Library before. There is a reason why so very few even know of its existence. In fact, here at Hogwarts, only Minerva, Severus, and myself know that it survives besides the two of you now. And I am the only one who has visited it." His face became very grave. "The Great Library is one of the best guarded secrets of the wizarding world and for good reason. It contains knowledge and secrets that, in the wrong hands, could destroy the world."

"Did Voldemort know of it?" asked Harry.

"I believe he did-but he could never gain access to it. I believe he was afraid to try."

"What could he have been afraid of Professor?"

"Well, not only is knowledge of its existence kept as secret as possible, there are also powerful protections that guard the Library itself. Only those with a clear purpose, one that is deemed beneficial to the world, are allowed to enter its halls. There is indeed much knowledge there, Miss Granger, but it is limited to those with a great need and who have exhausted every other resource."

"And who gets to decide? Some group of ministers or something?"

"No Harry. There is a single guardian, one with terrible power and incredible perception. It decides who will enter…and who will not," explained Dumbledore in a low voice.

Looking sharply at Dumbledore, Harry spoke. "You went there to find out how to defeat Grindelwald, didn't you?"

A look of pain crossed Dumbledore's face and his face sagged with weariness. "Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me about this before? Maybe we could have gone there and found a way to defeat Voldemort earlier, before he killed so many people."

"I did visit it again when Voldemort first emerged as a threat. But the Great Library contained no knowledge that would have been of use to you. You always had the power to defeat Voldemort within you, you simply had to discover it for yourself. There was nothing anyone could do to hasten that process Harry. I am truly sorry."

Harry stared off angrily into space as Hermione reached over and grasped his arm comfortingly and turned towards Dumbledore. "Professor…"

"I know what you want to ask Miss Granger. But I want you and Harry to take a few days and think about it first. This is not a decision one makes lightly. I will, of course, support whatever decision you make, but take some time to discuss it first. You need to be sure that the knowledge you seek there is worth the price of your lives. Many have lost their lives pursuing knowledge at the Great Library for the wrong reasons. Are you sure this quest is worth pursuing based on the fears of this mysterious figure?"

"There is one other thing Professor. Some of the translations tell of a prophecy about a new dark ruler rising, one who will seek the artifacts of Atlantis and finish the work they began."

"Hermione, we've discussed this already. Prophecies are difficult enough to figure out when they're given in the original language, let alone when they've been translated who knows how many times."

"I know Harry, but it lends support to the idea that we need to find these things before anyone else. And the attack yesterday only reinforces the need to find these things before anyone else does."

"The two of you were attacked yesterday? Are you…"

"We're fine," answered Harry, waving his hand dismissively. "We're not even sure exactly who or what attacked us. Hermione believes it was a house-elf that somehow caused dozens of university students to try and kill us while maintaining wards that prevented us from either Apparating or teleporting away from the restaurant. He asked us to stop looking for Atlantis and then tried to kill us when Hermione refused. I chased him outside and then he muttered something about bringing back a dark queen."

"Did you say dark queen, Harry?" asked Dumbledore.

"Yeah, why?" and then glanced at Hermione as comprehension slowly dawned on her features.

"Didn't one of the members of that secret council mention a prophecy about a dark queen?" asked Hermione.

Dumbledore simply nodded as Hermione continued. "Could there be some relation between the two?"

"I do not know Miss Granger. It is possible I suppose…" he replied thoughtfully.

"We tried talking to Dobby about it, to see if house-elves were really capable of this type of magic but he wasn't much help. He insisted that house-elves could never kill a human, that they lived only to serve wizards and help them, but he's walking proof that their ideas of helping aren't always the same as ours."

"Harry! How could you say something like that? After all he's done for…"

"Easy, Hermione. You know I love Dobby but he nearly killed me during my second year here and got me into all sorts of trouble by helping me and trying to protect me."

"Well, it's not his fault that he's been treated like a…"

"I really don't want to get into a discussion of SPEW right now, Mione. But I think we should seriously think about whether or not to continue pursuing this whole Atlantis project…"

"You want to stop looking just because of some cryptic mention of a prophecy we know nothing about?"

"And you want to continue looking to prevent the possibility of some cryptic prophecy-that we know very little about-from coming to pass?"

When she didn't respond, Harry continued, "Look Mione, there's nowhere left to look for information about Atlantis besides this Great Library in Egypt. And if Voldemort was afraid to go there, how is some other dark wizard going to go there to try and find the information they need to find these lost artifacts that might not even exist? Besides, if you can't figure it out, who can?"

"Don't try to flatter me, Potter. There are loads of witches and wizards smarter than me. And we have to track down every clue to make sure those artifacts don't fall into the wrong hands."

"But we don't even know if they exist."

"And we don't know that they don't which is why we have to try and find them."

"What?! That doesn't make any sense!"

"I thought you wanted to find out who was behind this and prevent them from finding the artifacts?!" stated Hermione.

"I do. It's just that…err…"

"You don't think I can do it! You think it's too dangerous for me!" shouted Hermione.

Harry looked helplessly at Dumbledore for help before turning back to Hermione.

"Don't look at him! You think this is involves the Death Eaters somehow, don't you Harry!"

"So what if I think it does!" shouted Harry in response. "We already know that Voldemort had at least one secret research project going on. We know that he had allied himself with the vampires. We know that some crazed house-elf is running around out there trying to kill you, probably under the orders of his Death Eater master. We know what Death Eaters like Bellatrix and Lucius are capable of, having learned from the master of torture and murder himself. And who else do we know that was more obsessed with gaining power over life and death besides Voldemort?! If this artifact does have the power of life and death, who would want it more than one of Voldemort's followers? And why would they want it? SO THEY COULD BRING HIM BACK TO LIFE!!!"

"We don't know for sure Harry! There could be someone else involved. But even if it is another Death Eater plan, the only way to stop them is to find it first."

"I know that!"

"So how are you going to do that without me?! You can't keep me safe by hiding me Harry. You can't always protect me by leaving me behind, like you did when you went after Draco's dad. I'm a big girl and I can take care of myself!"

"I never said you couldn't!" protested Harry. "I just don't want to see you get hurt."

"I know Harry, but you're smothering me. You have to trust me. You have to let me help and do what I can. Do you have any idea how to get to the Great Library?"

"Not really."

"Can you go the Great Library and translate the texts?"

"No."

"Then you're going to have to stop being so overprotective and let me help."

Looking somewhat abashed, Harry nodded and started to apologize. "I'm sorry Mione. I don't mean to…It's just that…I get so worried…Voldemort and his followers have killed or tried to kill nearly everyone that has ever gotten close to me…and I just can't bear the thought of losing you…"

Hermione stepped closer, the anger quickly draining from her as she wrapped her arms tightly around him, trying to soothe him. "I know, I know Harry. But I promise, nothing's going to happen. We'll sort this out together, OK? We're a team, remember? Besides, you're always there to protect me, right?"

Harry grinned slightly and nodded.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and spoke softly. "As I was saying, I would like the two of you to take a few more days before deciding whether you want to go to Egypt." Sheepishly, both Harry and Hermione looked over at Dumbledore, who had been watching them silently, his eyes twinkling slightly.

"We'll let you know in a few days."

"Sorry about that Professor…"

"It's quite alright. Is there anything else?" Harry and Hermione shook their heads and stood to leave.

As they walked out, Hermione muttered, "Listen Harry, I'm sure that…"

Dumbledore smothered a chuckle before turning towards his fireplace.

--

As they walked back towards the Gryffindor common room, they saw Ron coming down the stairs. "There you are!" he exclaimed. "I've been looking for you."

"What did you need Ron?" asked Harry.

"Actually, there was something I wanted to ask Hermione."

"Ron, if this is about McGonagall's essay that is due tomorrow, I told you at least a dozen times that you should have started it last week. I am not going to help you…"

"That's due tomorrow? Oh, bloody hell. Look, Hermione, it's not about that essay. There's something else I need to talk to you about. It's about a girl I know…"

Harry started chuckling.

"Shut up Potter. It's not what you think. Look, we need to go somewhere else to talk."

"There should be an empty classroom or two downstairs. Follow me Ron. And if you're going to keep laughing Harry, go on back to the common room."

"No, no, I'm fine," gasped Harry as he tried to catch his breath. "I'm sorry mate, I promise, no more jokes."

"Fine. Come on then."

Hermione led them to a classroom and opened the door. Once inside, Ron looked around before he started explaining. "I'm not sure exactly where to start. It's about Luna. I was wondering if you could help her."

"Help her? What do you mean?"

"Well you know what she's like…"

"Yes, Ron, but I'm not sure what you want me to do."

"Well, the way she acts most of the time is not really the way she is. I know this doesn't make much sense, but Luna is much smarter than she appears."

Hermione and Harry just looked at Ron.

"Think about it for a minute. Haven't you ever wondered why she's in Ravenclaw? Do you really think she'd be there if she were really as goofy as she usually acts?"

"Well, lots of intelligent people, even geniuses have often exhibited abnormal habits, serious quirks, sometimes very compulsive behaviors…What are you two looking at?"

Harry and Ron quickly looked away from each other and managed to keep straight faces before replying at the same time, "Nothing."

Ron then glanced back at Hermione. "Listen Hermione. There's something else going on here. I've talked to her when she seemed very normal, just like one of us. There's something wrong with her, but nobody at St. Mungo's or anywhere else has been able to help her."

"So what makes you think I can do anything Ron?" asked Hermione.

"Because you're the only telepath that I know. Maybe you can find something or help her somehow or…"

"Ron, it doesn't work like that. I can't just…"

"You've helped Harry, haven't you?"

"Well, yes, but that's different. I know Harry better than anyone else-I don't know Luna that well at all…"

"Will you at least try? Please? Just talk to her."

"Have you said anything about this to her?"

"No. I wanted to talk to you first. I want to help her if I can. She…she's been a lot of help since I was bitten. Please, Hermione. Just talk to her."

Hermione looked at Ron and nodded. "I'll talk to her, Ron. But I may not be able to help her at all. But I promise I'll try."

"Thanks, Hermione. That's all I'm asking." Ron gave her a big hug and then walked out of the room.

Harry and Hermione looked at each other for a moment after he left. Hermione gave him a peck on the cheek and whispered, "I guess I'll go find her now and talk to her."

Harry watched her go and replied, "Good luck. If there's anything I can do…"

Hermione smiled. "I'll let you know."

***

"Ron! Wait up!" called Harry as they walked through the portrait door into the Gryffindor common room. "Follow me," he whispered and led Ron upstairs to their room.

Making sure that they were both alone, Harry closed the door before turning towards Ron. "Look, Hermione and I were talking with Dumbledore and we have some ideas about helping your lycanthropy. We may even be able to help Remus. Come with me now to visit Remus and I'll explain it to both of you at the same time."

Nodding in assent, Ron replied, "Let's go."

Harry grabbed his shoulder and in the blink of an eye, they were standing in the corner of Lupin's office at the Ministry of Magic. If Harry's lips could have moved, he would have sworn.

Lupin's laugh boomed through the room. "Dumbledore told me to expect you Harry. If I'd known you were going to bring a friend, I would have brought more biscuits."

Concentrating briefly, Harry caused a light wind to erase part of the chalk circle that had trapped Ron and himself when they teleported to Lupin's office. "That's funny, Remus."

Lupin smiled broadly. "Very good Harry. I am impressed."

"I've seen it before."

Remus stopped and looked at him. "And you got trapped by it again? Maybe I should inform Samuel…"

"No reason to get mean and nasty Remus just because I evaded all of the other protections here at the Ministry. Don't worry, I'll be doing some research and figuring out a way to detect it and avoid it in the future. You forget, I have the world's smartest witch to help me figure these sorts of things out."

Remus chuckled and sat back down at his desk. He pushed a tray of biscuits towards the two boys as he motioned them towards a pair of seats. Ron dropped into a seat, grabbed a couple, and bit down. Harry stepped towards a chair and then paused when the door opened and in stepped a young witch.

"Remus? I thought I heard voices…Who are you? How did you get in?" she demanded as she whipped out her wand in the flash of an eye. Harry was quicker however. His wand was already out as he saw her move her wrist for her wand. He summoned her wand even as she began aiming it at him, catching it easily in his left hand. Surprise and then anger flashed across her face as she quickly launched a flying front kick at Harry just as Remus shouted out, "Megan, stand down. It's fine-they're friends!"

Harry smoothly side-stepped her kicking attack as Ron leaped out of his chair and grabbed her ankle in midair and altered her trajectory to the side of the room. She crashed to the floor and then rolled away, quickly regaining her feet.

"Stop! All of you stop before you completely destroy my office!" roared Remus.

"Are you all right Remus? Who are these two and how did they get in here?"

"Well, this is Ronald Weasley. You've probably heard of his father, the Minister of Magic. And this is…"

"Harry Potter!" exclaimed Megan, glancing at the dark hair, the glasses, and the faint scar on his forehead.

Holding out her wand, Harry spoke softly, "If you promise not to use it on me, I'll give it back to you."

She grinned and he tossed her wand back to her. She looked at Remus when he spoke. "As for how they got in here without setting off all the alarms-well, that is something I intend to discuss with Mr. Potter here in a few minutes. And Megan, if you could keep their presence here a secret-I don't see any need for either of them getting detention for being away from Hogwarts without permission."

Megan laughed and walked back out the door. "Just try to let me know when they're coming next time Remus. There's a reason they have me help you manage your personal appointments."

Remus then turned to the two teen-aged boys. "Are you two quite through harassing my assistant?"

"Sorry," they both muttered as they took their seats.

"Now what is so important that you both felt the urgent need to visit me today without notice?"

"It's about your…your lycanthropy…" started Harry.

"Yes, yes, Dumbledore already told me about his discussion with you and Miss Granger. And I know you mean well, but you need to be careful and cautious Harry. And especially you Ron. Don't do anything stupid in the hopes of finding some miracle cure."

"What?! How can you say that?!" roared Ron. "You've been waiting your whole life for a cure! And if they think they've found one then…"

"That's all that they have Ron. Some thoughts and some theories. I'm just telling you to avoid getting your hopes too high in case it doesn't work out. It will take time to thoroughly study and investigate the ideas that Dumbledore and Harry have come up with. And I want you both to be patient as well. If there is a cure, we'll find it. But it will take time."

Harry and Ron exchanged a quick look and then glanced back at Remus. Harry stood up and looked directly at Remus. "Is that the advice you gave my father and his friends when they risked their lives on their Animagus transformations? Did you know they were going to attempt it? I would risk anything to help my friends, Remus. Wouldn't you?"

"You know I would Harry. But you're not risking anything here. Only Ron is, and he would be risking his life if you do anything rash or foolish."

"And it's my life to risk Remus. Think of what it could mean to be able to control the werewolf transformation, think of all those who could benefit if Dumbledore and Harry are right."

"I do, Ron. I think about a cure everyday. But it's not worth risking your life over. Be patient. There's no need to rush things."

His knuckles cracking, Ron fought to keep his voice level. "I thought you would understand Remus. I thought you would be supportive. I guess I was wrong. Come on Harry, let's go. He's not going to help us."

"Ron, Harry, wait. Please promise me you won't go and do anything on your own."

Both boys glared at Remus. Ron spoke softly, "We'll do whatever we think is right."

Remus nodded sadly. "I know you will. And I'll respect your privacy and your decision-I won't say a word to Dumbledore. But please be careful, whatever you decide to do." As they turned to leave, he whispered, "Good luck." Then they disappeared.

***

"Intelligence illuminates all," announced Hermione. "Typical self-important password for the Ravenclaws," she thought to herself. When the red-robed witch opened the portrait door to Ravenclaw tower for her, Hermione entered quickly. Looking around the elegant common room decorated in blue and gold she scanned the students' faces looking for Luna. Ignoring the whispers protesting her presence she looked for a familiar face. "Justin! Have you seen Luna around?"

Justin walked up to her shaking his head. "She comes and goes a lot. Why don't you ask one of her roommates? Beth! Have you seen Luna?"

A short, thin blonde stood up from she had been working at a long table and walked over. "I think she said something about taking a walk by the lake. But then again, with her you never know. Now if you don't mind, I have several essays to finish." And she turned right around and walked back to her books.

"Thanks Beth, Justin. I'll go look for her there." As Hermione turned back towards the door, she noticed that nearly everyone in the room was working on an essay or reading a book despite the beautiful day outside. "I'm definitely not in Gryffindor Tower anymore," she observed to herself with amusement.

As she walked back downstairs she took a passage that would lead her to the front doors. Once outside, she faced Gryffindor Tower, raised her wand and said quietly, "Accio Marauder's Map."

A small, folded pamphlet came flying out and she grabbed it easily. Opening it up, she quickly found Luna wandering down by the edge of the Forbidden Forest behind Hagrid's hut. Refolding the map quickly and placing it in her pocket, she headed over to find Luna. A few minutes later she spotted the blonde headed girl sitting down humming softly to herself as she watched the Forest as if she were waiting for someone.

Hermione walked over quietly, rubbing her arms slightly in the chilly afternoon air. "Umm, Luna?"

"Oh hi Hermione. Have you come looking for a gold-winged pholoneter as well? They're very rare, but they are supposed to be attracted to music. It is said that holding one of their feathers will give you the most beautiful of singing voices. I thought maybe Ron could do with some more cheering up. He's been awfully down lately, but I expect you know all about that. Come here, you can help me-do you know `God Save the Queen?'"

Struggling to follow the entire one-sided conversation, Hermione finally managed to break in with a word. "Luna. Ron asked me to come and talk to you."

"Oh, that's very sweet of him. But why you? He should know that you and I don't really get along all that well, much as I would like to have a friend that…"

Hermione looked at her strangely before continuing. "Yes, Luna, and I'm sorry about that. I haven't been very helpful or friendly towards you and I'm very sorry. But Ron thought I might be able to help you with something and I promised I'd come talk to you about it."

"But how did he know I was looking for a gold-winged pholoneter? I haven't told anyone…"

"It's not about a bird, Luna. It's about you. Ron mentioned something about…er, I'm not sure exactly how to say this…"

"Just tell me straight out. That would probably be for the best Hermione," suggested Luna.

"Well, he said you had seen lots of specialists since…since the death of your mother and that none of them have been able to figure out…"

Luna stood up, her face white and her pale blue eyes flashing with anger. "So I'm just another puzzle for you to solve, am I? Another intellectual challenge to be figured out? I can't believe Ron said anything about this to you." She turned to walk off but Hermione grabbed her arm gently.

"Wait Luna. Ron was very concerned about you. He was only trying to help. Please don't be mad at him because you dislike me."

"I don't dislike you Hermione. It is you who dislikes me. Now if you'll let go of me I won't waste any more of your precious time."

"Luna, please listen for a minute before you storm off." Luna had pulled her arm free and began marching off.

"Luna! Please wait."

Luna paused and slowly turned around. "How? How did you do that? Are you a menvark?"

"A what? No. I'm a telepath Luna. Ron thought that I might be able to help you somehow."

"How?"

"I'm not exactly sure. I've been able to help Harry several times through our telepathic link, so I guess Ron thought I would be able to do the same for you."

"And this was all Ron's idea?"

"Yes."

"Well, what do we do then?"

"Look. I don't want you to get your hopes up. I think the only reason that I was able to help Harry was because of our very close relationship. I'm not sure I'll be able to do anything more than the specialists you have already seen, but I promised Ron I would try. So here is what I suggest. I will enter your mind and with your help we will try to find what is troubling you."

Luna sat back down and looked at Hermione with a strange look on her face. "What do I need to do?"

"Just close your eyes and try to relax." Hermione sat down in front of Luna, reached out with her right hand to touch Luna lightly on the forehead and concentrated.

***

Hermione opened her eyes and found herself in a large hall covered with mirrors. Everywhere she turned, she saw her image reflected a hundred times. It was a little disconcerting. "Luna!" she called out.

An image of the thin girl with long blonde hair appeared beside her. As Hermione turned, she noticed something different about her eyes. Instead of misty and unfocused, they appeared sharp and penetrating.

"Hello Hermione. Do you have any ideas about how to proceed?"

Hermione just stared at her oddly for a moment.

Luna chuckled for a moment. "Ron was the same way at first. Like I explained to him, this is the real Luna Lovegood you see before you, not the strange girl most people know. Something happened when I witnessed my mother's death, something that still causes me to act very strange most of the time. But this is the real me you see before you, the Luna that belongs in Ravenclaw."

Hermione simply nodded and then said softly. "Luna, I want to apologize again for the dismissive way I have treated you before. It was unfair and unkind of me to treat you that way. I am truly sorry."

"Apology accepted Hermione. What do we do now?"

"I'm not sure, I have to think for a minute." Hermione slowly turned around, looking carefully at all the different mirrors and images. She saw hundreds of images of herself and Luna looking back at her thoughtfully. Suddenly she stopped, staring intently at one of the images and walked closer to it. "Tell me Luna, do you see anything odd about this mirror image?"

Luna looked at it closely. "Well, I look just like I always do. And so do you. It looks like I'm looking right at you."

"Yeah, that's the problem. My image in this mirror is backwards. It should be a reflection of me, but instead it looks just like me in real life. But yours is a reflection. Why would that be?"

Luna and Hermione stared thoughtfully at the mirror for several moments before Hermione spoke again. "Every person's mind is different. Harry's has a huge labyrinth with a castle in the middle, mine looks like an enormous library, and Ron's is a forest, and yours is a hall of mirrors. I have a theory that the different images reveal something about each person's personality. The question is, what do the mirrors represent about you Luna?"

Luna looked around, deep in thought. "All the mirrors seem to reflect to one point, perhaps they all represent the same event or idea. But one of the mirrors is slightly different from the others, it creates a real image instead of a reflection, at least for you. But why it's different for you than for me I'm not sure."

"Well, there's only one way to find out. Follow me," replied Hermione as she reached out to touch the surface of the mirror. Luna reached out her hand and they touched it together and both were immediately thrown backwards across the room.

Sitting up, Luna looked at Hermione. Hermione frowned thoughtfully. "For some reason, we are not supposed to see what is behind that mirror." She turned towards Luna. "It may be that you are trying to hide something from yourself behind that mirror-maybe protect yourself from some painful memory or event. Or maybe someone else doesn't want you to see behind it. It's impossible to tell for sure right now. Luna, you have to decide if you really want to know what is there. Do you?"

Luna stood up and helped Hermione to her feet. "I do," she replied in a grim voice.

Hermione nodded and drew out her wand. "Stand back. Alohomora." She tried it a few more times with more power. Nothing happened. Hermione tried a few more powerful spells with seemingly no effect. Eyebrows furrowed in thought, she stepped closer to the mirror and examined it from all angles. Her eyes widened and she whispered "Aura Revelo."

Both Hermione and Luna gasped as tendrils of blue and gold light pulsed faintly around the mirror. They then watched in astonishment as the strands of light wove their away around the room and touched every other mirror in the expansive hall.

"What does this mean Hermione? Why are their two different…"

"I think there is something you saw or learned that someone else wants you to forget. This blue light does not belong to your magical aura. It represents the magic of someone else."

"But if someone had cast a memory charm or something similar, somebody at St. Mungo's would have discovered it."

"Unless it is an entirely different spell. Or a different type of magic. I'm sorry Luna, but I don't have any answers right now." Hermione stood thoughtfully for a moment. "Before we try that mirror again, I think we should try looking in one of the other mirrors first. They're all connected somehow and it might give us a clue about how to break through the barrier on this particular mirror. We'll touch this mirror together."

They both reached their hands towards the mirror on the right and immediately the surface shimmered, rippled, and then disappeared to reveal a well lit room filled with bubbling cauldrons and lightly smoking flames. They could see the back of a woman with long blond hair working at a table, humming softly to herself.

"Mum!" shouted Luna, but the woman continued stirring, oblivious to her cry.

"She can't hear us, this is your memory," whispered Hermione. "Do you recognize it?"

"Yes," sighed Luna sadly. "This is my memory of her death."

A moment later there was a powerful explosion. Hermione heard Luna shrieking beside her and reached out and put an arm around her shoulders as she started to sob. Hermione looked back towards the mirror and watched as a door seemed to open before her and she ran out into the smoking room. She saw the woman, lying in a crumpled heap on the floor, bleeding and burnt from the explosion. But she did not move.

"Mum!" she heard a high pitched voice wail. "Mum! What's wrong! Why aren't you moving?! MUM!" Hermione watched two thin little arms reach out towards the still body, trying to rub away the blood on the cheek and patting the woman's shoulder cautiously. Then the view faded to a gray mist and once again Hermione and Luna found themselves in front of their reflected images.

Luna let Hermione hug her as she finished crying and then stepped back to wipe her eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"You have nothing to apologize for Luna. I'm sorry about your mother. I didn't know."

The two girls stood there quietly for a moment while Luna collected herself. Hermione looked at the mirror again intently.

"Do you still want to know what's behind this mirror Luna?"

"Yes," came the fierce reply.

"Okay. Here's what we're going to try. We don't want to destroy the spell-we don't know what kind of effect that might have on your mind. We just want to weaken it enough so that we can see what's behind the mirror. I will cast a variation of a shield charm to try and block the spell's hold on the mirror while you cast a force diffusion spell to weaken the repelling force. Now spells work slightly differently here than outside someone's mind, but this should work. But you need to focus Luna. You really have to want the spell to succeed or we'll never break through. Can you do that?"

"Yes. I'm ready." She drew her wand and said very calmly, "Fuerza diffusa."

"Isolito."

They focused on their spells for several moments and then at Hermione's nod, they both stretched a hand forwards the mirror's surface. This time, their hands touched it briefly before the view shimmered and changed.

Once again, the vision of the well lit room filled with bubbling cauldrons and lightly smoking flames appeared before them. They could see the back of Luna's mother again through the small decorative cracks in the door as she worked at a table, humming softly.

A man in soft blue robes walked into the picture. "Lindy. Are you about finished with the Veritaserum potion?"

Luna's mother turned to reply as Luna muttered in shock. "Dad? What's going on here?"

"Shhh," hissed Hermione.

"…told you. I'm not making it for you. You know that it's illegal to create without specific permission from the Ministry."

"But I need to know. He's keeping something hidden and I fully intend to discover what it is. There is something wrong about the way he continues to avoid telling me the truth. There's some sinister plot and I plan on finding out what it is and exposing it. People have a right to know and nobody is going to care if we use veritaserum on a…"

"Stop it Elric. I've told you that I'm not making it and that's that. Now if you don't mind, this potion is very dangerous and if I don't pay close attention…"

Luna's father marched away angrily. "Fine then. Have it your way. If you won't help me, then I'll simply find another way."

There was a shout from where Luna's father had walked out of their line of sight and Luna's mother turned toward the sound. "Elric! No!" she cried in horror. She took a step forward and then was knocked backwards by an invisible force into her worktable. The cauldron tipped over and exploded when it touched the flames, throwing Lindy Lovegood forward again into the smoking workroom. Once again Hermione and Luna listened and watched as a younger Luna screamed for her mother and ran towards her, trying to understand what had happened. Then their view of the room spun wildly and they were left staring at the ceiling as their view slowly faded away again.

Hermione felt Luna slump against her muttering, "MUM! What did he do? What did he do? MUM!" Hermione kneeled down beside her and wrapped her arms around her again, trying to soothe her again. Her attention snapped forward as all of a sudden the blue and gold lights flared brilliantly for a moment and then a series of explosions wracked the hall. Instinctively, Hermione pushed Luna over on the floor and covered her face and head as best as she could. When the explosions stopped, Hermione looked up cautiously and realized every single one of the mirrors in the room had been shattered. Except for the one. She then heard a low wailing that slowly built in intensity until it threatened to bore right into her own skull. She closed her eyes and suddenly the sound went away to be replaced by a loud sobbing. When Hermione opened her eyes again, she realized the chilly afternoon breeze had picked up and that she was shivering. Luna had collapsed beside her and was crying very hard. Hermione tried to help her get up but she seemed unaware of Hermione.

"What have I done? What have I done?" thought Hermione. "I have to get her inside."

"Mobilicorpus." She then directed Luna's floating, crying body in front of her towards the castle with her wand. "Madame Pomfrey, I'm bringing Luna Lovegood to see you in the infirmary." She then sent out messages to Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore asking them to meet her at the infirmary as well. She tried to reach Harry, but he wasn't anywhere on the castle grounds. Though that confused her and slightly alarmed her, she realized she needed to try and help Luna first.

When she arrived at the infirmary, Madame Pomfrey quickly helped lay her in a bed and forced a sleeping potion down her throat. As Luna relaxed and fell asleep she turned towards Hermione just as McGonagall and Dumbledore arrived.

"Do you know what happened to put her in such a state, Miss Granger?

"I'm afraid it's all my fault. Ron asked me to help her so I went to talk to her and…"

"Help her with what Miss Granger?" asked Dumbledore kindly.

"With her strange behavior…" started Hermione.

"With her what? I'm afraid I don't understand Miss Granger," huffed Madame Pomfrey.

"Neither did I at first. But Ron told me that Luna had told him that she has only behaved oddly since she witnessed her mother's death. He thought that maybe I could help her somehow telepathically, like I have helped Harry in the past. Apparently none of the healers at St. Mungos have been able to help."

"And you thought that you could help where they had failed? How…"

"Now Poppy, I am sure Miss Granger was only trying to help…" insisted Dumbledore.

"I didn't think there was anything I could do to help. But I promised Ron I would try. And I asked Luna if she wanted to go on, if she wanted to know the truth. And she did."

"You are both too young to know what is best for you or to make such decisions about…" replied Madame Pomfrey.

"We were old enough to risk our lives fighting against Voldemort and his army last year. I think we are old enough to make our own decisions about our own health…" snapped Hermione angrily.

"Miss Granger, you mentioned that you and Miss Lovegood were searching for the truth. What truth were you seeking?"

"We found the memory of her mother's death."

"Oh my…you did what?!" shrieked Madame Pomfrey.

"But there were two versions."

"What?!" exploded McGonagall.

Looking steadily at Dumbledore, Hermione repeated. "There were two sets of memories. One memory was the one in which her mother died in an accident. That's the one she has always remembered. The other one, a memory which was guarded and protected, revealed an argument between her mother and her father, and then it looked like her mother was hit by a spell that knocked over her cauldron and caused the explosion that killed her. When we were done viewing that memory, I think her mind destroyed the false memories and she started crying. I think she's still in shock and grief, so I thought I'd bring her here."

"Well, that was a good idea Miss Granger," said McGonagall.

"I'll see what I can do, although…" sighed Madame Pomfrey.

"What is done is done, there is no sense trying to place blame. We need to focus on helping Miss Lovegood."

"Of course Professor Dumbledore," replied Pomfrey as she headed back to her office. "And somebody should notify her Head of House…"

"I will take care of that," replied Dumbledore, watching with concern as Hermione bent her head and wiped a cheek with her hand and then headed quickly for the door. Dumbledore glanced quickly and nodded slightly at McGonagall who quickly followed Hermione out. Then Dumbledore turned back towards Luna with a concerned look on his face.

---

Several days later, the Trio was sitting around the bed of Luna Lovegood while she lay resting in the infirmary.

"She's doing loads better, though she's still sad and tired," explained Ron who was seated close to her bedside.

"I hope so," offered Hermione. "I still feel like this is all my fault."

"It is not, Miss Granger," said Dumbledore softly. "You have merely helped her face the truth, and that can be a very difficult thing to do sometimes. But I trust that her friends will help see her through it."

When Dumbledore turned to leave, Hermione flashed a glance at Harry who simply nodded.

She followed him quietly outside into the hall.

"Yes Miss Granger?" he asked, a twinkle in his eye.

Looking around to make sure nobody could overhear them. "Harry and I have decided we would like to go to the Library."

Dumbledore looked at her for a moment and she added, "Well, I decided to go to the Library and Harry decided I needed some company."

Dumbledore chuckled. "I thought as much. Will three weeks be enough time?"

Hermione's smile answered his question better than any mere words could.

"You may go the week before the holiday vacation begins in December. That will give you over three weeks to research at the library before classes begin again in January, should you require it, though I hope you come home to spend at least Christmas day with your friends and family. I will notify your professors and make the necessary arrangements…"

"Professor, if you don't mind, we would like to keep this just between ourselves. Harry is convinced that whoever launched the attack on us at the University knew we were coming beforehand. He doesn't want anybody else but you knowing we'll be leaving. And he insists on making the arrangements himself. Personally, I think he's been spending too much time with Samuel."

Dumbledore chuckled again. "I will leave all the arrangements in the more than capable hands of yourself and Mr. Potter. I must insist however that you notify Professor McGonagall before you leave, even if it is only the night before. She is your Head of House, after all."

It was Hermione's turn to smile. "Why Professor Dumbledore, you wouldn't be anxious about having another discussion with Professor McGonagall about students off on their own again would you?"

"Of course not Miss Granger. Good afternoon."

*-*-*

Next Chapter: The Great Library

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