At the conclusion of the Feast, all the students left for their dormitories, new students following the old, with the prefects leading the new members of their houses. A familiar couple remained behind and waited for the newest professor to leave the front table.
"Eileen, err Professor, I think you that has some explaining to do," Harry opened the conversation, looking less then pleased.
"Hermione, I would have thought you, of all people would have worked it out. Your father never talked about his American relatives, did he?"
"Well, not really," she admitted, "although they did go to visit last year."
"Did you think Britain has a monopoly on magic?" she replied in her educator's voice.
"Well, no," she answered with some confusion.
"And they say you're the clever one. Hermione, I'm just like you and Harry. I'm a witch. I grew up in Salem and attended the Salem Academy of Magic in New England when I was your age."
"You mean I'm not the only witch in our family?" She stared at her cousin in disbelief.
"No sweetheart, you're not. Your side of the family lost the power many years ago. My side was spared, and we retained our craft. However, your side of our family has been deprived of all magic, even to the extent that when a witch or wizard married into your side, they lost their abilities and even their memory of who they were. Our family has a long and old history in the magical world." She cupped Hermione's cheeks with her hands with a touch of affection that could only come from family.
"How long were you going to hide this from me?" Hermione asked her cousin in anger, pushing Eileen's hands aside. The realization that she wasn't a Mudblood was beginning to sink in.
"Your father is a Squib, but your mother truly is non-magical, the first in your side, I believe. Your side lost their magical powers because of some kind of curse, that is, until you were born. You, Hermione Jane Granger, are the first witch born to a lost wizard family in many centuries. Your father does not even know his true heritage, it's been a tradition for my side of our family to watch and protect your side. So, please let him believe things as they are."
"I will, but what curse are you talking about?" she asked. Her thoughts drifted back to a History of Magic lecture from last year.
"I don't know the details, but I remember there was legend about a Great Force born to 'a powerful wizard and a witch lost'. I thought Harry was that force, with all that he's accomplished since he returned. After all, his parents were powerful, and his mother was truly Muggle-born, but the 'witch lost' part didn't fit with him, but it does fit with you, Hermione."
"Hold on, you mean she's not Muggle-born?" Harry asked.
"No, our family history goes back many generations. I wish I knew what happened, but the split happened several hundred years ago. My great-great-grandfather left for the States, and here I am. All my side of the family has various levels of magic."
"So, my father's family is all Purebloods that have lost their magic, and I'm not really Muggle-born after all, is that correct?" she repeated in disbelief, almost a repeat of when she first discovered she was a witch.
"Yes to both, but please keep this confidential. Only a couple others here know, since it's been a family secret. I had to tell Albus when they discovered who I was. Actually, I think the fact that I managed to avoid them all these years is the reason I have this teaching position. I've been watching you since before you received your letter to Hogwarts."
"Why were you watching me?"
" It was more of a family tradition; we've watched and protected your family for generations in secret, and until now I don't think our two sides have been together since we left England. I was only twenty-four when my father was killed, and it became my responsibility to keep you safe… that was seven years ago. A nd don't be angry with me, I was unsure how to tell you any of this ," Eileen tried to explain to her cousin.
"Why did I need protection? Harry's the one to defeat Voldemort."
"Until you and Harry met, and you became involved in his fight against Voldemort, we never gave him much thought. Of course, we always keep an eye on what's going on over here, but like the Muggle politics back home, we don't get involved unless we have too."
"Does Jake know?" Harry asked. His interest was for Jake as the friend he became over the months together.
"No," she sighed, "I never told him, more for his safety the anything else. Things back home are not much different then here with the prejudices between wizards and Muggles. His own life could be endangered if anyone discovers our relationship."
"So you haven't told him about us either?"
"No, he doesn't know. All he really knows is what you've told him, and please, I don't want him hurt."
"Hurt? He's been crazy about you forever; I can speak from experience how much that hurts. He needs to know the truth," Hermione scolded the Professor.
"I know, I know… but, he and I are not your concern, so please don't interfere."
"Eileen, Jake IS my concern, ever since you brought us all together," Harry cut in.
"Yes, Harry, I know, but you both had best head to your house; I'll see you two later, and we can talk more if you want."
"Good morning, class. My name is Professor Madison, and as you may have noticed, I'm an American. You may have also noticed that this year, we will be combining certain classes and years partly to help repair the poor quality of teachers you have had in the past. The sixth and seventh year students from both Gryffindor and Slytherin houses will be attending the Monday lessons together, the same years will also be merged for the other two houses on Tuesdays. I've done this because there are many points of overlapping lessons, and it would be better to present this at one time instead of several times.
"Some of the topics we will cover this year are powerful shield charms for general protection, shield charms that can be used to protect someone other than the caster, treating minor wounds with magic, and advanced defensive techniques. These are all practical uses in the event you find yourself in a situation where your life or someone else's life may be in immanent danger." She glanced to two students sitting in the front as she dictated the lessons.
"First off, you must be aware of key rudimentary facts about magic. Who here can tell me the basis of all magic?"
The hush over the entire room was unbroken, not even the brightest witch in the class had that answer. "I see we may need to revert to basic fundamentals. Magic is an energy created by all living things that flows thru you and around you; it surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds all living things. Everyone, even non-magical people, or Muggles as you refer to them, have this energy, the only difference is the potency of that energy within you and your ability to harness that energy from your surroundings. Every child that is known to possess this energy above 'normal' or non-magical levels is known from birth, and all children born into a magical family are naturally assumed to have this energy in abundance. That is why every one of you is here today. Even those born without magical parents are found and offered the chance to learn to use their powers correctly."
"Now, how is that energy focused and used?
Almost every hand in the class shot up. She ignored the renewed interest and newfound knowledge of the class and continued her lecture. "Wands. Why must we use a wand to focus that energy? The simple answer is the dangers that this energy may and will cause, if unfocused, can be dangerous to the caster as well as deadly to those around him or her. You have noticed, I'm sure, many of the older and more skilled witches and wizards perform simple acts without wand, such as," she waved a hand over a candle, and the wick ignited. "This is a simple 'trick' I'm sure some of you have attempted. However, attempting, say, levitation without a wand may have adverse effects. I can tell you from personal experience, I blew the roof off of my house when I tried to levitate a chair without a wand." Subdued giggles broke out among the students. "Yes, it seems funny, but remember, what goes up must come down. When the debris fell, I was lucky to escape with only minor injuries. The ability to focus this energy requires calmness of mind to feel the energy flow through you and then the ability to focus that energy. But, this ability also occurs naturally in times of great stress. Should one experience an extreme emotion, such as anger, the effects to reason for the anger could have lasting results.
"Episodes of wand-less magic could occur should the person in question be physically endangered or threatened, the sub-conscious could take over and protect the core source, thereby protecting the caster. I'm sure many of you have heard of extraordinary actions where a non-magical person was able to perform super-human feats. That individual had managed to channel an amount of this energy to perform whatever task was required.
"Now, as for everyone's personal magic source, this energy is drawn from deep within yourself and also from your surroundings, from the very life around you. It has been said that used correctly, this energy can reach out beyond the limits of space and time, beyond the physical realm that the non-magical people in the world see. Many powerful wizards can draw deep on that source from their surroundings as a 'reserve' in times of stress or need to augment their own personal magical strength. But, should that 'reserve' be another wizard or other magical creature, it would be harmful and extremely painful, and possibly fatal, since the very life force is being drained from those nearby. In the very few documented cases of this, the 'donor' did not survive the event.
"One beneficial side effect of being able to draw and pass this energy is the ability to self-heal or the ability to heal others in times of great need. This, to some degree, is a natural ability that could be brought out by extensive training and only with the aid of a talisman or wand. Many healers can focus this natural ability and use it for the good of others."
Hermione blinked twice and remembered an event from early in the summer. Her hand shot up without thinking the ramifications. "Professor, how can you tell if someone has this ability to self-heal or heal others?"
Ron raised his hand as well. "Yeah, she did a brilliant job on me two years ago, was that this ability?"
"First, Mr. Weasley, is it? No from what I heard, Miss Granger had studied basic healing spells and charms, and that was how she was able to aid you last September. And to answer your question, Miss Granger, there is no way to tell this ability unless it is witnessed. There were tales from long ago, more then a thousand years ago, of a group of wizards that possessed this ability to draw and transfer other's power freely, and healers today can pass very small amounts using a wand, but that's all."
"But, I'm afraid we've gotten sidetracked again. Every one of you has a different base for your personal magic source. That base is influenced by what you value the most. I want everyone to list the four traits that you value over all others. Be honest with yourself, as the only one you are lying to is yourself."
Everyone picked up their quills and began scratching on their parchments. For Harry, the first two values were the easiest, 'Family' and 'Loyalty'. Hermione listed hers with ease. After a few minutes, Professor Madison continued the lesson. "Now, I want you to order them from the most important to lest important."
The class revised and listed the words on their parchments for several minutes, and when the last completed, the Professor continued the lesson.
"Mr. Potter, please read your first value."
"Family"
"And what's your second?"
'Loyalty"
"Miss Granger, your first two?"
"Perfection and family."
"Interesting. Miss Weasley."
"Trust and family"
"Mr. Malfoy?"
"I would rather not."
"Please do, this is not an optional exercise."
"Trust and fairness."
The hush was deafening.
Ginny leaned over to her brother and whispered, "But he's a Slytherin, how can he value trust and fairness over anything else?"
"Class, to continue, let me explain some of the meanings. For those that valued 'family', that is a powerful form of magic. Your particular powers, if you were truthful to yourself, run deep into your family's past. The stronger your personal powers are, the deeper your family's past runs. As for Miss Granger, you seek perfection within your family; as that implies your powers will help to unlock what you are seeking." Hermione swore that the professor winked at her.
"Knowing the root of your power will aid you to unlock your full potential. Also knowing what an opponent values could help in a conflict."
"Now, there is more. Each of you has been taught basic spells. Knowing your core values, you can modify those spells to suit your needs, and once you master these basic abilities, creating new spells is within your grasp. That, however, is fairly difficult, and only the most skilled wizards and witches can accomplish that. Knowing this fact, you can experiment with mild variations of certain spells, almost like the way a water faucet can control water flow.
"Are there any questions?" The class was silent, "Ok, two rolls of parchment detailing the values you chose due next class."
At the end of the lecture, all the students left the room, while one remained in his seat.
Malfoy waited for the class to clear before he addressed her, "Professor, can you explain exactly what my values mean?"
"Certainly, you value trust and fairness, now. But if I'm not mistaken, you have recently experienced a life altering change, and your life and your values have been shaken to your core. Deep down, you know why they have changed, and you will discover that a change from within will change your personal abilities as a wizard. Trust is not easily earned, and fairness is not easily learned. Think on this, and if you need more help, my door will be open."
"Thank you, Professor, I think I understand." He stood and left the classroom, passing three students returning back.
Ron returned, dragging his two friends with him, and opened with a question that itched at his brain since the class lecture. "Professor, I'm confused. You said that if one values 'family' then that person's magic runs deep into their family's past. But Hermione's not from a magical family. She's Muggle-born."
"Mr. Weasley," Eileen stared the young man down with resentment, "that kind of bigotry is as wrong as it is painful to others. Hermione is not 'a Muggle-born' as you put it. Before I take house points for that remark, I expect you to…"
"Eileen, wait he doesn't know," Hermione interrupted, "Ron, Eileen is my cousin. We stayed with her over the summer."
"Hermione's right, Dumbledore…" Harry added.
"Ahem…" Eileen cleared her throat.
"Sorry, Professor Dumblerdore sent us away for safety, that's why we couldn't come to the Burrow this summer. We stayed with Eileen, err, Professor Madison, and hid there as Muggles for the holiday, but we had no idea she was a witch, she hid it from us."
"Harry? I take it Mr. Weasley's a friend?"
"Well, not really," he snickered. "He's my brother, step-brother actually. His mum and dad filed the legal paperwork to adopt me last Christmas."
"And you two kept this a secret all summer?"
"Talk about secrets, you're her cousin and she's not Muggle-born?" Ron added, again pointing to Hermione and then his new professor.
"Yes to both, Mr. Weasley, and we would like you to keep this confidential. The Headmaster and only one or two others know, but no one else."
Ron whistled though his teeth at the two revelations, her background and her cousin.
"But for now, I believe you three need to get ready for Potions."
"Good afternoon, class. I trust you are ready to begin your last year of N.E.W.T.s Potions training. Good. Now, since there is an imbalance in the pairings… Granger and Weasley, remain where you are. Potter, join Malfoy. Good. Now, let's begin."
He couldn't believe his ears; he's being forced to work with Malfoy. Grumbling, he collected his books and cauldron and took the seat that used to be occupied by Crabbe.
"Look Malfoy, I'm as angry about this arrangement as you are---"
"Harry, wait," Malfoy spoke gently.
'He's never called me 'Harry' before,' Harry thought.
"Harry," he continued, "I know things between us in the past were… not terribly cordial. I want to make amends. I also want to help with the DA in any way you can use me."
"WHAT??"
"Five points from Gryffindor for talking, Potter, would you like to try for 10?" Snape cut at Harry.
"Sorry Professor, it was my fault, I was merely trying to build a working relationship with Potter."
"Mr. Malfoy; that will be 5 points from Slytherin as well."
'WHAT? Snape just took points from his own house. What's happening?' Harry wondered to himself.
In a light whisper, "Look, Malfoy, I trust you as much as I trust Voldemort himself. After what your cronies did to Cho last year, I'm surprised you had the nerve to show up here."
"You're wrong; I didn't know they were going to do that. I would have stopped it if I knew. Let's get through this class, and, if you wish, we can talk."
"Fine. Just don't cross me."
The entire class watched as the pair tensely worked together for the duration of the lesson. Amazingly, Draco was as skilled at Potions as Hermione, and the work he performed was flawless. Even Professor Snape was impressed with to co-operation between the two.
As they left the dungeon classroom, Draco asked Harry again to talk to him in private.
"Harry, I've changed. Since I lost my family, I'm beginning to see things from your perspective."
"No, you haven't 'lost' your family, they threw you out. As far as I know, it could be some trick."
"Tell me, please, what can I do to earn your trust?" the blond haired wizard pleaded.
"Tell me where your father and your two murderous friends are hiding, for a start." His words bit hard into Draco.
"I-I really don't know."
"There is a way, but trust me. If I learn you are attempting to deceive me, I'll know instantly and your life will be hell for the rest of the year. You know I've become skilled at both Legilimency and Occlumency. I don't use it except when I absolutely need to. Allow me to test you, to read your thoughts; I'll know if you are hiding anything."
"If that's what it will take, then, please. I want to earn your trust."
"Look at me…" he held his wand to Draco's head, even though he really didn't need it anymore. "Legilimens!" Draco stared into the deep green pools and found that he was not alone in his mind. The intrusion began sifting random thoughts.
'MY GOD… He'll see my feelings for her. Got to hide my feelings for her… got to mask…' Draco thought.
"MALFOY!!! What are you trying to hide? Tell me NOW; this is your last chance."
"Harry, I can't. You won't believe me anyway."
"Then you'd best get out of my sight, or go join your coward friends in the dungeon."
"No, Harry, please... I think I have feelings for Ron's sister, Ginny. I was afraid you'd see. Please, one more chance, now you know, I won't hide anything."
He began again, looking at the recent pain. He saw Draco's regret for the years he spent ridiculing those he thought were beneath him. He could feel Draco's new feelings and respect for those in the non-magical world.
"I believe you. I'm going to think about it, and we'll talk again. You've a lot to make up with a lot of people."
"I know. Harry, let me start now with you. I'm truly sorry for my past. Please forgive me and try to think of me as an ally. And please, don't say a word to Ginny or Weasley."