The Prophecy of Absconditus

Chapter Two: The Art of the Keeper

"You must be Ron Weasley."

His first impression of his Advanced Prognostics professor was that she was short; Professor Leiss would come up to the middle of his chest if Ron were standing. His second impression was that she had really amazing, large eyes of a startling grey-blue almost reminiscent of Malfoy's (though why Ron knew the exact color of Malfoy's eyes, he couldn't tell you). They were the kind of eyes that Molly Weasley said could stare right into a person's soul, so Ron figured it was only fitting that she was a Seer. Her dark hair was pulled into a sloppy bun, but she looked like she had taken a page out of Gilderoy Lockhart's book of fashion. His third impression was that he really didn't know what to make of her.

"Yeah, that's me," said Ron after a long silence. She laughed the kind of laugh his mother had.

"I'm Rebekah Leiss. I think Dumbledore wants you to call me Professor Leiss, but if you want, Rebekah will do just fine. I'm new to this teaching thing. You're my first student, so I don't know if I'd even respond to Professor. Make things a little easier on the both of us. It's actually quite sad. I can tell the history of a person just by touching them, but I can't remember things for a lick. I should let you know, I have a tendency to talk a lot, so if I get annoying, just tell me to shut up."

"Can I do that? I mean, you're my teacher."

"Oh, right. It's disrespectful or some rot like that. How am I supposed to know? I'm barely out of school myself."

"How old are you?"

"Nineteen."

"And you're already an Auror with the Ministry?"

"Gods, no. Who told you that?"

"Well, Dumbledore said that Prognostics was taught by a certified Seer who worked as an Auror with the Ministry, so I assumed -"

"Oh, right. Well, like I said, I'm new. The woman who used to teach the class retired, so here I am. Actually, I'm new to the wizarding world all together. Please bear with me. I think you'll be teaching me more than I'm teaching you."

"You're new -- but you're a Seer. I'm confused."

"I hear that's not much of a surprise. I also hear I'm supposed to take points away from you without mercy, though that's not the point."

"Who did you hear that from? Snape?"

"Professor Snape, and as a matter of fact, yes. You see, I'm a Keeper."

"A Kee --"

"You do know what a Keeper is, don't you?"

Ron nodded.

"Sure, I do. We had to do a paper on Keepers for Pureblood Ancestry over the summer holiday. Supposed to keep order. Have an incredibly high suicide rate."

"Being a Keeper is stressful. You have no idea. I've been doing this since I was twelve. I'll tell you what, thought I was bloody crazy when the voices first popped into my head. Then I learned it was telepathy."

"I thought Keepers were only supposed to get their powers when they're eighteen."

"We are," she said, arching an eyebrow. "But we get our powers from our guardians, and we have a temperamental guardian who annoys everyone. Because of this, another guardian decided to get back at him and make more work for him, so he gave us our powers too early. Frankly, they can have them back."

"I may be wrong -- Keeper guardians are vampires, aren't they?"

"Yep. Doesn't seem practical, does it? Ah, well. Malachai -- he's our guardian -- does an okay job, and the powers are pretty cool when you think about it. But you get to be a Seer without being a Keeper."

"But you've been a Seer forever, and believe me, I didn't expect the gift of foresight to come to me."

"Yeah," she said, laughing, "I heard all about your antics in Divination from Professor Trelawney. She kept trying to crystal gaze for me. Eventually I told her that I'd crystal gaze for her. That scared her off. I think she was afraid I'd start talking about the grim, too, or something. She kept telling me that I shouldn't expect much from you. You're Inner Eye isn't properly developed, and your invitation must have been a hoax. She sounded jealous to me."

"Okay, so I have a question."

"This doesn't relate to Seeing at all, does it?"

"Does it have to?"

"I'm supposed to be teaching you. Then again, we have the whole year ahead of us. One wasted class won't really hurt, will it?"

"I don't think so."

"Then shoot."

"If you're a Keeper, I thought they were all born to Muggle families and live in Muggle society. I mean --"

"How did I end up teaching you?"

Ron hesitated. "Yeah."

"Like I said, the last woman retired, and didn't want to teach. They needed a certified Seer, and Severus -- that's Professor Snape to you -- recommended me to the headmaster. I did have a little magical training with another girl in my circle at Coeur Noir, so I was accustomed to the atmosphere, and Severus knows me from a very young age. There was this big Death Eater feast in which I was to be the main course, but Sev -- that guy's such an angel -- I'm sure you know he's a spy for our side. He brought me back. I don't why they wanted me. Something to do with one of my past lives. I don't know."

"Oh."

She laughed again at the sight of Ron's face, patted him on the shoulder, and smiled.

"Don't worry. Everything will make sense in due time. Now let's get down to business and talk about Seeing for a moment. That is what this class is all about, and I assure you there will be no crystal balls or tea leaves. I leave things like that to people like Sybil Trelawney, though we may practice a little Alectromancy just for fun. I've always wanted to."

"Alectromancy?"

"Yeah. It's this form of ancient Divination with roosters -- I'll explain later, but it's really humorous. From what I've heard, you'll love it. For now, we'll just start with recognizing visions, listening to your intuition, and dream interpretation. Sounds easy enough, but we've got our work cut out for us. And that text of yours? Throw it out the window. Or use it for a coaster. I'd prefer the latter. I hate water rings."

Ron just stared and nodded as Professor Leiss began discussing intuition and visions.

*

"How was Prognostics?" asked Hermione when Ron walked into the common room. She and Harry were already back, which didn't surprise Ron because Professor Leiss's classroom was on the second floor and on the opposite side of school. Hermione's Arithmancy textbook sat in her lap, and she pursed her lips together as she waited for an answer. Harry almost burst as a large toothy grin set on his face. Ron didn't know who to talk to first, but decided on Hermione since she had asked him a question.

"It was actually really great. I thought my teacher would be someone who was certified Seer for having two or three visions in her time, but that old teacher retired. Professor Leiss is a Keeper."

That perked Hermione's interest.

"Really? An actual Keeper? A Seer Keeper?"

"From what she told me."

"What circle is she from? Maybe I read about her."

"I don't know. I didn't ask. What was I supposed to say? 'Professor Leiss, what circle are you from? My friend Hermione is mad about Keepers and she'll want to research you.' I'm sure she'd take to that real well."

"Didn't she tell you anything?"

"We were having class most of the time. She kept insisting we stick to the lesson. I've heard more about feeling, intuition, and perception than I ever thought I would. And it's only the first day of lessons. But she's smart. Funny, too. Actually, she reminds me of my mum."

"Your mum is the best," said Harry. "Guess what happened in Divination."

"What?"

"Shouldn't you know? You're a Seer."

"Not a good one. Tell me."

"Fine. Trelawney spent half the class killing me off. We're starting to work on Cartomancy. She insists I'm going to die a slow and painful death. Then, she shrieked, and claimed she had seen your death, and the death of your Prognostics teacher. Sorry, mate. You're going to be trampled by hippogriffs, bludgeoned by house elves, and then drowned by the merpeople. Her shine to us from fifth year seems to be wearing off."

"I can hardly wait. When should I look forward to this?"

"Don't know. Probably after I die. So, you know, in the next two hundred years."

"Excellent. Least Firenze isn't telling you that Mars looks bright tonight."

Hermione rolled her eyes, closed her text, and laid it aside. Ron got the feeling that one of her lectures about taking a practical class like Arithmancy was coming on. He made for the portrait hole before she could even get started on it. Prognostics was a practical, worthwhile class. This wasn't a speech that he should have to listen to anymore. In the distance, Ron heard Harry receiving the brunt of Hermione's wrath. It was cruel to do, but Ron was into saving his own arse. Harry did well enough on his own.

*

Second day back at Hogwarts marked a return of Care of Magical Creatures, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, and the first of Pureblood Ancestry. Harry referred to this as the day from Malfoy Hell, because it was when they walked into Pureblood Ancestry that they realized Malfoy graced three-fourths of their classes every Wednesday with his ever-shining presence.

Care of Magical Creatures had been somewhat pleasant. Hagrid was working the Ministry for a dragon (for class purposes, of course). In the meantime, he acquired jarveys, ferret-like animals with the ability to speak, though they said little more than insults. This was, without a doubt, Ron's kind of animal, especially since Malfoy's seemed to have the rudest things to say about him. There's nothing quite like watching Malfoy argue with a jarvey and try to make it somewhat intelligent. Ron almost pitied Malfoy. He pitied the jarvey more.

Defense Against the Dark Arts went above and beyond Ron's expectations. This lesson was always frightening to walk into. From first year through sixth, they had seven different teachers. Quirrel died, Lockhart was in St. Mungo's, Lupin resigned, Moody wasn't Moody, Umbridge was from Hell, and in sixth year, Brewer ran off by Halloween, crying. Professor Monroe, who only filled in as a favor and refused to stay for more than a year, replaced her. This year looked a little better than last, especially with the new teacher, who would have been an Auror if not for a Quidditch accident, by the name of Professor Marcositi.

Potions was the same as always, though Ron couldn't help but look at Snape and think of him associating with Professor Leiss. It was hard to believe. Malfoy was in his element once again after his embarrassing quarrel with the jarveys that morning. Being in his element meant he was an insufferable prick. Ron was nauseated just by being in his presence, and welcomed the end of class, especially after Malfoy managed to perfectly brew his potion, which Snape made a point to announce to the class.

The last lesson of that day was the one that Ron had looked most forward to and most dreaded. Pureblood Ancestry and Mythology was taught on the third floor of the castle, and Professor Valmont was already seated at his desk when Ron, Harry, and Hermione arrived. His thin, wire-frame glasses were balanced on the bridge of his nose as his head tilted down, his golden blond hair falling into his eyes. He made a note with his quill in the text he was reading, and snapped the book shut.

Malfoy walked in at that time, sneering at the Gryffindors, and made his way over to them. Crabbe and Goyle loomed behind him like they often did. Pansy Parkinson and two Slytherin girls passed him on their way to sit with Blaise Zabini.

"Granger," said Malfoy, "glad to see you here. It's about time you take a proper subject. Pay attention, you might actually learn something worthwhile. My father says this is the only class worth anything at this school. Finally realized what a disgrace it is to be a Mudblood?"

"Malfoy," said Harry, reaching for his wand. Ron closed his fingers around his own.

"Mister Malfoy," said Professor Valmont. His jaw was set, his lips pressed into a thin line. Ron was reminded of Professor McGonagall. "Language like that will not be permitted in this classroom. You will take your seat and refrain from using such vulgarity in the future. Is that understood?"

Malfoy's pale face brightened to a pale shade of pink. His small lips hung open. Professor Valmont narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Mister Malfoy, we don't have all day. Take your seat. And if I hear you using that word again, you will be removed from this class."

Malfoy muttered something in which the words "my father" were distinguishable. Professor Valmont coughed, covering his mouth with his palm, and Ron suspected he was hiding a smile.

"Idle threats, Mister Malfoy, especially after what happened to your father several years ago. I believe he was in Azkaban, wasn't he? Language like that could get you expelled from this class and that would disappoint your father something dreadful. Wouldn't you agree?" Valmont smirked. "Take your seat."

Ron grinned as Malfoy slunk to his seat. Ahead, Crabbe and Goyle sat several moments ago when Professor Valmont first instructed them to do so. This class might be better than anticipated. After shuffling through papers and stacking them into an organized disorder, Professor Valmont took role. It pleased Ron that he barely batted an eye when reading Harry's name.

"To start things off," said Professor Valmont, "I want you to hand in your summer assignment. Just bring them up here and set them in a pile."

There was a minor frenzy at the request. Ron wound through the students toward the front. He placed his essay on top of Harry's, which looked like little more than chicken scratch. It amused Ron, and he hoped that Hermione hadn't seen that mess of a paper. She'd never let Harry hear the end of it.

"Let's start with introductions and a few simple rules before I move on to what you should expect this year. I'm Professor Valmont. I'll do my best to remember your names as well. I attended school here seven years ago, and then went on to achieve my Masters in Potions and Herbology. Ministry work is boring, so I'm back here to teach. Any further questions you have can be directed to me after class, or you can ask around. You'll be sure to find that I have quite a reputation at this school. Peeves would probably be your best shot.

"Now, for the really important stuff. I'm a fairly amiable person. This means I am not difficult to get along with, just don't make me be your babysitter. Follow my rules, and we'll have no problems. I don't ask for much. The first, and most important, is that you respect me and each other." Professor Valmont's eyes fell to Malfoy, and he arched his eyebrow. "I want you to treat your peers just as you would want to be treated. Trite, I know, but necessary for a pleasant year. I have very little tolerance for fighting and disrespect.

"Second, come prepared to every class. This means mentally and physically. If you show up without parchment and quill on a day when I specifically tell you that we'll be taking notes, I am not going to be in a great mood. Most of our classes will be discussions, so I want you to come prepared to participate. Never walk in this classroom thinking about anything other than what is going on in here today. If you think your robes are last season or you forgot to do you Transfiguration work, worry about it somewhere else."

Hermione's eyes brightened and she propped her chin up by her palm. A dreamy look drifted into her eyes. This was the kind of teacher she appreciated. Ron would be worried but he already knew a lot of the course material.

The class watched in silence, listening to his every word as he detailed what they would cover in lessons this year. Like Snape and McGonagall, Professor Valmont held them captive without trying. Ron supposed this had a lot to do with his charming looks for the girls. The male population admired him for first telling off Malfoy in the most polite way possible, then for talking to them on the level of an equal. Even after six years, McGonagall still acted like she was teaching eleven-year-old children. It was refreshing to be treated like the adults they almost were.

"Since your essays over the summer holiday were on Keepers, I propose we start there. Like I said, most of these classes are going to be discussions. I'd like you to take notes on these discussions, but it isn't a requirement. So -- let's open up discussion. The Keeper. We'll cover the basics. How many people in a Keeper circle?"

Hermione raised her hand among several others. Professor Valmont chuckled, shaking his head.

"I said this was a discussion. Just blurt it out."

"Thirteen," said various voices around the room. Professor Valmont nodded.

"Right. Thirteen in a circle. You may have remembered reading these circles were called Arcanas. A Keeper Arcana is created when troubles in the world -- muggle and magical alike -- increase. Each individual pattern varies, but the base is always the same. There are seven powers a Keeper specializes in. Can anyone name them?"

"I can," said Hermione. She looked very small without her arm waving in the air. Professor Valmont motioned for her to continue. "There's shape-shifting, time, pyrokinesis, precognition, telekinesis, healing, and switching."

"Exactly. For six of the seven powers, telekinesis being the solitary power, two of the Arcana specialize. This, in more laymen terms, means that a male and a female from the Arcana will have precognition or time or any of the other powers but telekinesis.

"Let's discuss powers individually. Switching. This goes by several names, but for the purpose of our class, we'll be referring to the simple term of switching. Astral projection and possession are included in this category. It's the power to swap souls with bodies. Let's say, for example, I was a Keeper specialized in switching. By simply the power of my mind, I could switch with any one of you. I would be in your body, and you would be in mine. Are we on the same page so far?"

A sea of heads bobbed in collective nods. Professor Valmont grinned.

"Right, then. The only power against a Switcher is Occlumancy, the power to shut off your mind from such an attack. Very powerful Keepers who practice this for a long time may be able to break down a weak protective barrier, but a strong practitioner should be safe. It's all dependent on the power of wills.

"Second power, healing, is basic. It's their equivalent of our Healers. The biggest difference is that they don't need wands and potions to do what they do. It's born into them. That's the biggest difference between a Keeper and a wizard. We need wands to control our magic. Wandless magic is possible, but it's difficult to do at all, much less to control. Keepers are born with the ability to control it.

"The healing powers of a Keeper are fairly basic, and very limited. They are unable to heal themselves, or anything that wasn't once human. Neither can they bring the dead back to life. Resurrection is a power still unattainable by most means of magic, no matter who you are. Life threatening illnesses, such as poisons and cancers, a disease more commonly found in Muggles, are often incurable. It all depends on the severity.

"Shape-shifting is like Transfiguration, once again with wandless magic. The exact principles of this power are gender-based. The male can change objects, while the female can change herself. This act of magic is called Glamour. The features don't actually change, but to the untrained eye, they appear as if they have. Glamours used to be a trick used by murderers and wanted men trying to escape prosecution. It's still used sometimes, but not as often anymore. A convincing shape-shift is very difficult, and few people can do it without being born a Keeper. A case of this in our community is animagi or metamorphmagi."

"Because that's a difficult task to perform," said Pansy. Professor Valmont nodded. "So is it different for us, then? Because we aren't Keepers, we aren't gender-based?"

"That's right. Powers are only gender-based for Keepers. The male and female of a specific power complete each other. It's part of what ties the circle together. The other half isn't needed, but it's ideal.

"Moving on to time. This is a very rare gift even in the wizarding world, which is part of what makes the Keeper so unique. They have the power to affect time by speeding it up, slowing it down, or stopping it all together. A talented person with this gift can learn to go so far as stopping all time around them, but channel their energy to unfreeze something as small as an insect.

"Pyrokinesis, or the ability to conjure fire, is one the deadliest powers when misused or misdirected. This power is essentially the same for the male as it is for the female with the exception of the ability to hold specific fires. Like the many flame charms we have, there are many different kinds of fires and explosions that can be created by the Keepers.

"Precognition would be better known to most of you as Seers. This is the one power where the biggest difference between males and females arise. A male Keeper will rely stronger on his sense of sight, while the female will rely on feeling and intuition. This is also the only Keeper power that has no base with the physical body. There's also two more traits unique to a Keeper Seer. Can anyone name one?"

"Occlumancy," said Harry. Ron grinned as did Valmont. "Keeper Seers are born with a natural shield around their minds. Switchers can't get in all the way even when the Seer is completely open."

"Very good. Five points to Gryffindor. Can anyone name the other?"

"Control," said Hermione. Harry glanced to her, brows knit. He looked as confused as Ron felt. A smile formed on Professor Valmont's face, and he nodded.

"Excellent." He glanced to his seating chart. "Miss Granger, isn't it?" Hermione nodded. "Well done. Take five points for Gryffindor. Why don't you explain further?"

"Because Seers have no root to the physical body, they're highly in tuned with the mind. They have a dormant ability that can be tapped into -- though it rarely happens -- that enables them to control souls, spirits, basically anything that isn't a physical being."

"Can you explain what you mean when you say control? Pretend as if I'm a five-year-old. I don't understand what you mean by that word. What does it mean?"

"Well, it can con -" Hermione blushed, tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "It can make souls do whatever it wants them to. Usually, when a Seer does obtain this power, they obtain permission before they do anything to a soul. Sometimes, however, they don't."

"What kind of things?" asked Harry.

"That's a very good question. Anyone other than Miss Granger know the answer?" Professor Valmont grinned. "Mister Malfoy?"

"The possibilities are endless," said Malfoy. "Torture, kill, heal, bind . . ."

Ron stared, but the colors swarmed. He heard a sort of clicking in the back of his head that turned into a nagging buzz. It was trying to tell him something, but Ron tried to swat it away. Still, there remained the eerie sense that this was all too familiar. Probably something Hermione told me, he thought. She must have read something about it years ago, and now I'm just remembering it.

A discussion started on the most interesting and little known facts of the Keepers, one in which he could often hear Hermione's voice sounding above the others. Ron remained silent. He noticed that he wasn't the only one; Harry, Malfoy, and Blaise Zabini weren't paying much attention to the lecture, either. Considering Malfoy's earlier incident, he really should be. Harry rubbed at his eyes, fighting back an annoyance similar to Ron's. Maybe something was going around the school already. Ron hoped not. It was too soon to be getting sick.