The Muggle

Chapter 10

The Crystal Cave

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Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting.

Edgar Allan Poe.

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Darkness had no sound - she knew that, but she could swear she heard it moving around her, surrounding her, just as if it would swallow her completely.

She unconsciously extended her hands forward, and then a blinding light enveloped her, causing her eyes to close in protection. The light quickly faded, and she opened her eyes fearing the worst.

It was a Grand Hall. The walls, the ceiling and even the floors seemed to be made from solid silver. It was like entering an infinite mirrored box.

There was something on the opposite wall, which resembled a painting; and that wall was the only one which did not seem to be plated with silver.

As her feet moved forward, the substance that covered the floors moved and swirled around her as though she were walking over thick water; but before she reached the opposite wall, the floor began to rattle as if a great wind had struck. The material began to rise, forming a shape in front of her, then the liquid substance drained away revealing the most astonishing creature she had ever seen.

She was a history teacher -- she knew what it was, but her rational brain screamed that it was not real; fear took over as she froze in front of it.

A sphinx.

Of all the creatures of antiquity, this was the only one she wished never to encounter.

Morgan turned on her heel ready to flee, but the door had been covered up by the same silvery substance. She saw her startled reflexion looking back at her; and right behind her, the sphinx blinking, staring at her.

She turned and boldly faced the creature.

The sphinx seemed oblivious to everything passing through Morgan's frightened brain; it sat motionless regarding her with large womanly eyes, for the creature possessed a kind woman's face, which brightened with a warm smile as she spoke.

"I am the all-powerful, all-knowing Sphinx; try my riddle if you dare, for you shall perish if you do not care."

Morgan wondered what to do: was this the test she was supposed to pass? She knew there was something she had to do, so she might as well perform at her best.

"I'll take the riddle."

The sphinx smiled again; it was like a mother smiling at a small child.

"With potent flowery words speak I

Of something common, vulgar, dry

I weave webs of pedantic prose

In effort to befuddle those

Who think I wile time away

In lofty things, above all day

The common kind that linger where

Monadic beings live and fare

Practical I may not be, but life,

It seems, full of me."

Morgan stared blankly at the creature; her mind was empty. Her lips locked in fear; she hadn't even heard the thing speak!

Then suddenly with all certainty she knew what it was, it was as if there was a voice whispering the answer to her ear.

"Riddle."

The lovely face grinned and moved aside -- her voice boomed around the hall.

"You may enter noble being, welcome back to us, the magic you carry Draconigenus, shall conquer all evil, and it will destroy anyone who stands in your way. Do not extinguish my light, for I bow to thee."

The great creature bowed low to her and waited.

Morgan laughed out of pure fear, "I don't think I could harm you."

The Sphinx raised its huge head, "But of course, you hold the power inside."

"What power?"

"You do not know?" the Sphinx asked, bemused.

"No. Can you tell me?"

"Your wish is my command," said the Sphinx bowing again, and began one of the most fantastic explanations Morgan had ever heard since Dumbledore had spoken to her a few days ago.

"There are forces at work that protect men kind from destruction. These devices come at into play whenever evil spreads over the land. There are spirits in the otherworld, who have incarnated so many times that they pass to another state, a golden bliss. These spirits return only when needed. They travel together and they are mighty in force; the Goddess protects them and enforces them."

"One of them is the Son of the Thousand Kings; the one humans call The Sacred King. He has been called several times to this plane, and has defended goodness and righteousness for centuries. The other is the Draconigenus; the strength of the dragon, the power of the Goddess unleashed. She comes to this world and shows us the meaning of justice and destruction. The last one is the wisest, the Merlin; a powerful spirit full of wisdom and the power of the Horned one, a pristine soul who will aid the other two with his great knowledge."

"The last time The Sacred King wore flesh, was many centuries ago. In those times, his host was too young and naïve; his flesh was destroyed. When The Sacred King fell in battle, he was taken to the Isle and Caliburn was returned to the protection of the Draconigenus."

"Before the battle, The Merlin had been imprisoned into the white oak, because he had been poisoned by one of the Dark One's helpers beyond recuperation. Unfortunately there was no way he could heal himself; The Merlin, in order to keep the power of the Goddess pure on the blade, had bestowed all of his healing power upon the silver scabbard; so he was helpless to this attack. The Draconigenus placed him inside the sacred white oak to keep his host safe and decided to end the life of the Dark One otherwise the land would have been covered in darkness for many centuries."

"To keep the power of the blade from the Dark soul, the Draconigenus did only what she could: she took the power of Caliburn and bestowed it upon her newborn daughter. After placing the child into the care of the Darken family, she tricked the Dark One into a battle and perished before him, destroying the blade and saving our world from evil."

"The Merlin is a powerful spirit which cannot be destroyed. This the Draconigenus did not know; he released himself from the oak completely restored, but it was too late to save the Draconigenus, she perished."

"How did she destroy the Dark One? What was his name?" Morgan asked quickly, fearing the Sphinx would not answer.

"The Goddess returned him to her cauldron. The Merlin raised his daughter alone; and since the blade was gone and the scabbard was all that was left of the great Caliburn, he decided to bestow the power of the scabbard into the girl, as well. Many years later the host died and The Merlin returned to his resting place. He will soon return, just as you have returned, as the Sacred King will and as the Dark One already has..."

"What do you mean, as in reincarnation? And who is the Sacred King? Is it Arthur?"

"The Merlin is neither man, nor you, nor them."

"Then what is he - or, what are we?"

"He is as you are, and as your brother, and as him, and as them..."

"What do you...?"

The silvery liquid flowed around and moved covering the sphinx's paws.

"I am sorry, Draconigenus, to have spoken to you in such haste, but my time is limited once you answer the riddle; be well."

The substance had covered it completely now, and Morgan watched as it sank into the floor and vanished. The floor stilled, again.

She was alone in the hall. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. If the Merlin, as the Sphinx had called him was Merlin the Enchanter, then the Sacred King had to be Arthur, and the Dark One, well, there was no other but Mordred, the son of Arthur. Morgan shook her head. She would consider it later, but for now, she must continue forward.

The wall before her was covered in what appeared to be some sort of writing. She placed her fingertips over the surface, and suddenly she could not pull away. If was as if her hand were stuck.

The liquid surface of the floors began to move as if a thunderstorm were inside the Hall, a strong wind bellowed around her, and the wall shone with a blinding light and a booming voice - one Morgan found so familiar, as it began to speak.

"Behold the sword of power, Caliburn! Before Uther, it belonged to Lud, before Lud, to Beowulf, before Beowulf to Baldur the Good, before Baldur to Thor, himself, and that was when the world was young and there were more than seven colours in the rainbow."

Morgan closed her eyes trying to pull her hand free with all her strength, Snape's cloak swirled around her tangling around her legs.

"Promise!"

"What?"

"Promise!"

Morgan did not understand -- promise what?

"I demand it in the name of the Gods..."

The light was nearly blinding her and the wind swirled even more wildly around her as she closed her eyes tightly.

"Who are you?"

"Do you not remember -Isarin?"

A shudder shook her thin frame already being struck by the strong wind as she heard the name. Hearing it, she glimpsed brief, yet vivid fragments of a dream - of lives in which she had been linked, in each one striving to carry the light a little farther.

"Myrddin!" Her lips opened, and the name came out. It was as though her mind remembered it, even though she did not know why she said it.

"It is not the union of the flesh but of the spirit that is of importance now. And so I ask you again: Daughter of the Light - will you give meaning to all the suffering you have seen, and accept your destiny?"

Morgan knelt, unable to stand anymore. Why was this happening? Who was she, and who was he?

"Promise!"

She pinched her eyes tightly, and felt a fire burning in her chest.

"I promise by the Gods, I will sever the power, as it will serve me!"

The wind ceased. Morgan managed to open her eyes and saw a beautiful face in front of her, a face she knew, yet had never seen. The vision smiled, and then it was gone, like a dream in the waking hours, but its voice remained.

"I have walked my way since the beginning of time. Sometimes I give, sometimes I take. It is mine to know which, and when. It will come to pass. The future has found root in the present."

Then, as quickly as it started, it stopped and she was free. She glanced at her hand and found a gold ring on her forefinger bearing a carved dragon.

It was the same ring the woman in her vision wore. Morgan rose from the liquid floor and her knees nearly failed her, again. The wall had changed, yet again.

It was no longer chipped and faded, but shone with magnificent colours. Two huge dragons on either side of the wall looked very much alive as they beat their enormous bat- like wings.

It was a family tree.

Similar to Sirius' tapestry, but the wall was much larger. She took a few steps back and read:

Intra Magicus Bellipotens Penitus conctipotens.

445 A.C. - 1972 B.C.

Myrddin Emrys *-* Niniane Dyonas.

A line of purple fluid that resembled blood joined the names to one another.

Morgan Emrys

And then other names were beside it:

Areth Darken

Moravik Llyd

They must have been the ones that took care of the girl. She was amazed that she had been actually named after that girl.

There were so many names, spreading all over the wall, all of them connected to each other. She found Lupin's name, Black's, Dumbledore's, and Moody. Some of them were connected to her family by double lines, which she reasoned might mean that they were direct descendants of the girl.

What she did not see was Voldemort's name anywhere. Morgan did not know if that was his actual name. She would have to ask Dumbledore and make another trip to the cave.

Some of the names were connected with a line so thick it must mean they were deeply related somehow. Dumbledore was one of them, and a Harry Potter whom she did not know.

She gazed lower, looking for her family and she found them listed near the bottom.

Erwan Darken *-* Adamina Longbottom

Seward Darken

Seward Darken *-* Silver Lestrange.

Solomon Cheldric Darken

Agnetha Epiphany Darken

Brenna Drusilla Darken

Then the names spread to show their marriages and children.

Solomon Cheldric Darken *-* Bettis Guinevere Flewelling

Oberon Ambrosius Darken

Agnetha Epiphany Darken *-* Absalom Morris

Ravenna Aspasia Morris

Brenna Drusilla Darken *-* Raen Gael Stone.

Sevarin Emrys Stone

Morgan Emrys Stone

Morgan caressed the names with her fingertips, they were her family. She hadn't realized she had been crying until she felt her wet tears over her face.

She decided she had to go outside and consult with Dumbledore -- he should know everything the Sphinx had told her. She wiped her tears and straightened her back.

As she moved away from the wall, she saw the liquid surface moving once again, so she braced herself for another fabulous beast, but what the liquid revealed took her breath away.

It was a coffin - a massive coffin made of heavy black marble; there was an inscription on it in a foreign language.

She bent closer and gasped. It resembled ancient Egyptian. It was a strange calligraphy, but not carved into the stone; it was as all the writings had been - painted in white, bold strokes.

She feared to touch it; she reasoned it might be dangerous. It was not for her to open, but for her brother.

How did she know that? She did not know, just as she didn't know how she had answered to the sphinx's riddle.

She rounded the coffin and approached the opposite wall. The substance moved and revealed the door, and before she even touched it, it swung open revealing the lighted corridor.

She turned over her shoulder to have one last look to the opposite wall. The substance was already covering it and the coffin was sinking into the ground. She left and the door closed behind her.

Snape waited for her outside, his pale skin strained over his gaunt face.

"Did you succeed in passing the test? Tell me," he demanded.

Morgan felt completely drained; she lazily raised her eyes to him. "Don't you think I should tell Dumbledore, as well?"

"Was it inside?" Snape persisted towering over her, his dark eyes shinning violet in the unnatural blue light.

Morgan shook her head and saw his face fall. She nearly smiled, but she contained herself, as he didn't have any sense of humour.

"There is nothing inside the cave - it is inside of me."

Snape blinked in disbelief, regarding her as if she had sprouted horns. "Inside of you?"

Morgan nodded and walked towards Dumbledore, Black and Lupin.

"Where did everyone go?" Morgan asked.

"I'm afraid it is nearly time for breakfast, and Professor McGonagall had to return to the castle. The rest of Order left as well, since it would look...suspicious if we were to be found in the Forbidden Forest in plain daylight."

Morgan was about to open her mouth, but Dumbledore raised his hand and smiled. "We shall discuss whatever you experienced in the privacy of Severus' office."

"Dumbledore, I believe..."

"It is not your place to question the headmaster's decisions, Black," Snape said, sneering at him.

Sirius' gaunt cheeks blushed with rage, and he turned to look at Dumbledore. "Are we going to remain in the dark about all of this?"

"Certainly not, Sirius. We shall have a meeting with the rest of the members of the Order; but right now, I believe it is of great importance for Morgan to read the manuscripts as soon as possible, so she can comprehend what has just happened."

Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled. "Remus, I think it is much too perilous for you to leave now that is morning. It might be better to go to the castle. Sirius, you know you cannot come with us, so I shall request that you wait for Lupin at the gates, and I will see you tonight."

Sirius was not about to leave without properly saying goodbye to Morgan so he approached her and kissed her lightly on the lips. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Snape's ugly glare.

He transformed into Padfoot and scampered away.

"Well, Severus, I think we are ready to see what you have discovered."

Snape gave him a small jerky nod. He was still resentful, but it would pass, as always, Dumbledore thought.

They emerged from the cave, and Snape directed them towards the fourth cave. Over the hard stone wall was a green serpent that glowed over a coat of arms. The coiled snake had its mouth open ready to strike.

Snape waved his wand and the snake vanished. "This way."

They followed Snape for a few minutes until they found themselves another huge cavern, but this one was filled with a series of stone walls, forming a maze.

As they entered, they saw a number of green, glowing snakes that Snape vanished by waiving his wand.

Morgan stared at the solid wall in front of her, "So, where are we?"

Snape folded his arms, which was a telltale sign of impending disaster. Dumbledore dreaded the gesture, for every time Snape posed in that fashion, it meant he was preparing himself to attack.

It was his self-defence mechanism, something that could never be changed. He'd learned it as a small boy and now, as a grown man, it was his weapon, designed to destroy verbally whomever dared assail him. Dumbledore wondered if Morgan had any idea.

"I will try to explain it, Ms. Stone -- in words of one syllable," he sneered.

Dumbledore saw Morgan blush, but there was no trace of fear in her eyes; in fact -- she was glaring at him. Perhaps she did have an idea.

She raised one dark brow with contempt, "I am willing to humour you Severus; but let's get started on some reasonable time scale -- minutes, not centuries."

Snape took a threatening step forward; Dumbledore quickly placed his hand on his rigid shoulder. "Severus, we must be patient -- Morgan's just undergone a profound experience."

"She is no more traumatized than a blazing snake." He snarled under his breath, relenting. However, he was not a forgiving man; there would be a time to make her pay.

Lupin took Morgan's arm and pulled her close to him, his hand inside his cloak clutching his wand. His feelings were of a caring nature. Lupin was not sure when it began, but he had taken Morgan under his personal protection; and he would defend her, even if it meant fighting Snape.

Dumbledore shook his head, and decided to proceed with his explanation before Snape started something that he would have to finish.

"This is an entrance recently discovered by Severus. You see, when the Chamber of Secrets was left opened, Severus decided to explore it and found himself outside this system of caves."

"He explored them for more than two years until he found this maze. Naturally, he never entered the cave you were in, as it was impossible for him to do so. The other two were barren. This was the only one left to explore."

"You mean that when Harry opened the Chamber, there were other ways to go inside the Chamber of Secrets?" Lupin asked, flabbergasted.

"Yes, aside from the one Salazar Slytherin built," Snape answered.

"So this is the actual entrance?"

"No."

Lupin stared at Snape, "Well, then, whose entrance is this?"

"Gryffindor's."

Lupin fixed his blue eyes on Snape. Was he joking?

"Are you serious? Gryffindor knew about the Chamber of Secrets?"

Snape narrowed his eyes and then turned his gaze to Dumbledore waiting for his approval. He hated giving any information to anyone, but especially to a Gryffindor.

"I believe that what happened was that this series of caves was used by some of the four founders," explained Dumbledore, "we do not know if either Rowena or Helga used them as well, but this one was designed for Gryffindor."

"How do you know?" Lupin asked.

"Because only a Gryffindor can open it. Severus could not open, so he asked me to try. When I arrived, all I did was...." He waved his wand and the massive wall slid to reveal the Dungeons.

They walked inside, and the wall slid behind them.

"But Dumbledore, we are in the Dungeons," Lupin said looking around at the cold, musty corridors.

"Of course, my dear boy, there is no other way to get here. But don't be so surprised. The Dungeons are not forbidden, well, at least not every inch of them," he said winking at Snape, who had a distasteful look on his face.

As Dumbledore lead them to Snape's office, he nearly collided with a small, squat witch. Her fat, trembling fingers rearranged her Alice band, and she stretched her ugly mouth into a smile that made her look like a hungry toad.

"Good Morning, Headmaster. I was just looking for Professor Snape." As she spoke, she craned her short neck, trying to peek behind Dumbledore's high frame, but Snape had stepped forward trying to conceal Lupin and Morgan.

"Good Morning, Professor Umbridge. Would you care to join me for tea in my office?" Dumbledore asked, trying to lead her away, but she had already seen Lupin.

"Professor Dumbledore, you must introduce me to your guests."

Snape moved aside and Umbridge's eyebrows went as high as her Alice band as she lay eyes on Morgan.

"And who is this young man - your son I presume?" she said turning to Lupin without showing any signs of recognition; Lupin was at a loss for words.

Morgan stared at the ugly woman in front of her; did she just call her young man?

Lupin recuperated fast, "My cousin from America," he explained, indicating Morgan.

Snape fixed his unblinking eyes on them. Had they all gone mad? Couldn't that stupid woman tell that Morgan was a girl? And why would the headmaster have that idiotic smile on his lips?

"Oh I see. Charmed," she said, extending her chubby hand adorned with hideous rings.

Morgan extended hers, but it was filthy, "I am sorry, Professor Umbridge, but I am afraid I should wash before taking your hand."

The woman blushed as she did every time Snape spoke to her.

"Well yes, I hope you enjoy your visit to the castle. Professor Snape, I will speak with you later, Good day."

As soon as she was gone, Morgan and Lupin exhaled in relief.

"Quick, Severus, where is your office?" asked Morgan, expecting the horrible hag to return.

"I believe we will find more privacy in my office," said Dumbledore, guiding them through a series of dark passages that were hidden behind various tapestries and paintings, until they found themselves in a corridor where a huge gargoyle stood guarding a massive stone wall.

"Freezing Wheezes," Dumbledore said to the gargoyle, which sprang to life and moved aside. They climbed onto curving steps, which took them up to a large oak door with a Griffin's head as a knocker.

"I still maintain that your passwords become more nauseating as the years go by, Headmaster, and I dearly hope I shall never have to use one of your ridiculous Portkeys ever again...." Snape muttered beside him.

"I expect you will manage to survive the torture when the time comes, Severus," Dumbledore answered, smiling.

They entered a beautiful round office, with tall arched windows looking over the grounds. Morgan approached them, marvelling at the inscriptions painted on the mouldings.

Walking about the castle, she had seen so many of those ghostly golden writings, but here in Dumbledore's office, they were red and gloriously written, like ancient calligraphy.

There were many portraits on the walls, and they all seemed to be trying to get a look at the newcomers. Beside the windows, many spindle-legged tables stood filled with strange puffing silvery contraptions. There was also a massive fireplace with two Griffin heads carved at either side, their magnificent claws poised, waiting to tear and rip.

Dumbledore moved to his desk, nearly flopping onto his chair, but he reminded himself he was the headmaster, and despite his weariness, he maintained his dignified demeanour, entwining his long fingers in front of him.

He was about to open his mouth when Snape interrupted him.

"Headmaster, dare I ask what that inexcusable display in front of Umbridge was all about?"

Dumbledore raised one bushy eyebrow. Snape was like a hound sniffing blood. He would not be put off.

"I have learned over the years that it is best to let people continue deceiving themselves, rather than to actually deceive them."

Snape narrowed his eyes with one thought in his head; he only wished he could say it. But then again....

"So you'd rather manipulate her than deceive her." He let it slip.

Dumbledore hated that word. He knew people might think he loved to manipulate, but he merely reverted to using those stratagems when there were no other ways of accomplishing an end. He was not perfect, far from it, but at least he tried to do his best.

"Severus, I was out of ideas. Did you, by any chance, know what to say to Professor Umbridge?"

Dumbledore saw Snape's pale cheeks flush slightly red, as he had expected.

"I must commend you for trying to conceal Morgan from her, but it is better this way, since she shall not ask too many questions if Morgan passes as a young man." He said, winking at her.

"And Remus, your response was quite convincing, so we will leave it at that. She shall pass as your cousin from America, Morgan Lupin."

"Headmaster?"

He turned his eyes to Snape, who was restlessly pulling the lower buttons on his frockcoat. Dumbledore had learned to dread almost every gesture Snape made. Not that he actually feared them, but mostly what they represented. He knew that Snape playing with his buttons or any other object, meant that he was about to say something nasty. He only hoped this time it was merely something discouraging.

"How can we explain Miss Stone coming every day to read the manuscripts? She cannot be a constant guest at the castle. It would promote suspicion."

Snape's inquiry had not been as troubling as Dumbledore had anticipated, but he was relieved he had an answer.

"Ah, yes. Excellent question, Severus. Actually, I was hoping to have Morgan here not only reading the manuscripts, but also, if the event arises, arranging for her to master the little magic she possesses."

"I'm sorry, Albus," interrupted Morgan, "I think I should tell you what happened in the cave before you go any further."

Dumbledore smiled at her. "Very well." He waived his wand and was about to perform an incantation when Snape interrupted him, yet again.

"Headmaster..."

"Yes, Severus, I know how jealously you guard the knowledge of the manuscripts. Remus, I am truly sorry to ask you this, but you will have to wait until tonight to learn the outcome."

If Lupin was offended, he did not show it. He patted Morgan on the shoulder, and exited.

"Now, we may speak freely. Conticesco."

The spell had the same effect as before; the portraits sighed with resignation and continued talking among themselves.

Morgan related the events inside the cave, and she recalled every detail and the words inscribed on the wall to the best of her ability. As she recounted the conversation with the Sphinx, Snape nearly fell out of his chair. He fixed his eyes on her as if she were some sort of laboratory rat, upon which he were testing a potion.

Dumbledore remained silent for a few seconds, his fingers resting on the desk. Morgan continued recounting the events inside the cave, when she finished Dumbledore merely tapped his long finger on his lips thinking. Snape continued staring at her.

As Morgan was about to tell Snape off, Dumbledore began laughing. The look on Snape face was of utter shock. It was as though he were trying to decide between readying his wand and slapping the headmaster.

Dumbledore's laughter was so contagious that Morgan began to smile, which won her the same look form Snape.

"Oh, my, my, how things always come full circle." He chuckled, "do you know how many times your grandfather told me just that, in his very own words, and I did not listen."

"You knew?" Snape hissed.

"Not as much as that, but he said a great deal for me to understand. Too bad, at the time I had other major things on my mind." He spoke this time looking directly at Snape.

"Well, with the power of Caliburn bestowed on you, I wonder what the power is your brother might possess. Perhaps you both share the same power."

Morgan found herself shaking her head; somehow she knew what he was. "He is the Scabbard."

Dumbledore and Snape fell silent, staring at her in disbelief; Morgan covered her mouth as if she had said a bad word.

"The Scabbard," Snape murmured almost greedily.

"Merlin! That... well, that is astounding." Dumbledore said smiling, "This is great news, positively great news."

Snape nodded, thinking about how the power might help him finish what he had begun. The war might be over even before starting.

"Do you know where your brother is, Morgan?" Dumbledore asked hopefully.

She shook her head, "I'm sorry, I thought I would but...I don't"

"Do not concern yourself with it dear. This is wonderful news, so you must stay; you must learn to master the power."

Snape's face crumbled. Did he say learn? That word on the headmaster's lips usually involved him doing the teaching.

"Excuse me, Headmaster, but what is the meaning of this? She does not know how to use it?"

"I believe Morgan needs to learn how to use it, Severus. She has lived all of her life among Muggles, and she does not know how to perform any kind of magic, only unconscious magic."

Snape saw the blow coming. He began rising from his chair to escape, but it was already too late.

"I believe I can entrust you to instruct her in Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts."

Snape's features had strained over his high cheekbones giving him the true look of a vampire.

"Headmaster, I cannot become involved with any training. My time is rather occupied."

"Shall I send her to Professor Umbridge, then?"

Snape's sneered. "No. I don't suppose that would do for our newest hero, would it? Although," he smiled vindictively, "if I agree, then she will bow to do everything I bid her to do - no questions asked."

Morgan flushed furiously, wondering if his words held a double meaning she could not comprehend, for his face wore a frightful expression.

"Severus, if you do accept, I will be most appreciative."

Snape shrugged. One way or the other he would be saddled with the Squib, but he wouldn't give in easily. If he had to take on the responsibility, he would drag her through Hell before he was satisfied with her performance.

"I agree."

Dumbledore knew he had just manipulated Snape, because he desperately did not want him to do what he thought his nature was inevitably going to lead him to do. He knew Snape would try -- by any means possible -- to use Morgan to his own satisfaction, which was something he could not allow.

But there was still another matter.

"Thank you, Severus. Now, as I was saying, I've given some thought to an excuse for Morgan to remain here as long as necessary. I came to the realization that the Ministry of Magic, itself, had the answer."

Snape longed for this conversation to conclude. He was tired of this meaninglessly game of polite babble. Why can't he just spit out the ruddy idea?

Morgan moved restlessly on her chair. The old man had just fixed her up with the Nosferatu, and now he was going to propose something she would find even more unwelcome - she was certain of it.

"The Ministry of Magic has been nagging me for years, through the Muggle Relations Office, to fins a suitable candidate to fill the position as Muggle counsellor for our Muggle-born students." Dumbledore began smiling warmly at Snape, who glared back at him in return.

Do old men have no sense of the depth of their own stupidity? Snape wondered. Was the Headmaster that feeble-minded? Or was he getting old? Was this why, even after knowing him since his student days, he had to consciously lock his jaws to keep his mouth from sagging open at the headmaster's witless remarks?

Morgan gaped openly.

But the headmaster was not finished. He smiled even wider at the young people sitting in front of him, thinking how much alike they were. Morgan lacked Snape's strong will; otherwise he'd be gaping at Dumbledore just as she was.

"I know this might sound...ridiculous," Dumbledore admitted, smiling again. "Lemon drop?"

Morgan unconsciously accepted the sweet; Snape recoiled from the small bag of confection as if it were a poisonous snake.

"But, Albus..."

"Headmaster..."

Dumbledore raised his hands to placate them both. "I understand, believe me, how ridiculous this might seem, but unless you have a better plan, it is the only way we can keep Morgan here. I know this is not your field of study, my dear, but I believe you are a very sensible, intelligent young woman, and that you will excel in the position."

His warm smile and compliments softened her -- the man was a true devil.

Snape was unimpressed and quite angry. Every inane remark that came out of the old man's mouth, always, always turned out to be a brilliant idea after a few moments of questionable reflection.

"I believe I can manage. I've lived with...Muggles all my life, and your world is very new to me as well, but I think I can pass for a counsellor."

"Excellent!" Dumbledore smiled brightly at them both, causing Snape to fold his arms across his chest. He rose from his chair and took Morgan's hand.

"Albus, may I ask you a question?"

"Why, of course, my dear."

"Why did that woman think I was a man?"

Dumbledore chuckled and waived his wand, directing a large bronze mirror hiding in a corner to come forward. What Morgan saw made her wince.

She was covered in mud. Snape's cloak was in need of a good washing, and her face was nearly as filthy as its hem. No wonder the woman thought she looked like a boy!

"It worked to our advantage," said Dumbledore, guiding her to the door. "Now, I will find you an office and private chambers. And Severus, you might like to have a word with Morgan regarding the instruction she will be receiving from you."

Snape nodded stiffly and opened the door for her. The moving stairs descended gently. As she walked through the corridors and re-entered the dark passages, Morgan thought back to what the Sphinx had told her.

Welcome back to us.

Had she been here before? Was she merely returning to do something she had already done?

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O Merlin in your crystal cave

Deep in the diamond of the day,

Will there ever be a singer whose music will smooth away

The furrow drawn by Adam's finger

Across the meadow and the leave?

Or a runner who'll outrun

Man's long shadow driving on,

Burst through the gates of history,

And hang the apple on the tree?

Will your sorcery ever show

The sleeping bride shut in her bower,

The day weathered in its mound of snow,

And time locked in its tower?

Poem by Edwin Muir featured in The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart.

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