Prosapia Aenigmatis - The Family Riddle

Chapter 18

Aislinn whirled around and saw Harry standing at the edge of the woods. She felt like she would collapse with relief at the site of him. Yet he was alone. Dumbledore wouldn't let Harry come alone, would he?

"I flatter myself in thinking you have come to witness my rise to power Harry, but I know you merely came to save your friend." Voldemort paused and gestured to Ginny. "Gallantry is an endearing trait Mr. Potter, truly it is. However, I am afraid you have not chosen the best time to exhibit it." The Death Eaters chuckled.

"You don't think so?" Potter asked heatedly. There was a fury in his eyes Aislinn had never seen before. She had always been skeptical that this boy was to be the "savior" of their world, now she believed it. "How about...Now!"

Wizards in white hooded cloaks came rushing in from every angle. They began aiming at the Death Eaters and casting hexes left and right. Mad Eye Moody made a rush toward Aislinn, but everyone was distracted by one more arrival. Harry Potter ran into the clearing to Ginny's side. All the wizards in white stopped, clearly in shock at the two Harry's that stood next to one another.

Aislinn's father took advantage of the distraction and pulled the book out of his pocket. "Grab it!" he hissed and she obeyed. Lucius grabbed it next, causing the eagle to jump off his shoulder and fly toward Ginny who was now slumped on the ground next to Wormtail. Draco grabbed hold and finally Voldemort himself.

"Abitio," her father cried.

* * *

Moody cast a stunning spell toward Voldemort but he was already gone. Quinn flew to a secluded patch of forest. She felt the charm wear off and she was overcome with fear and pain. She couldn't hold her Animagus form any longer.

Quinn felt her body take back its usual form and she collapsed on the grass with a thud. Her legs and back shuddered furiously. She tried to catch her breath, to catch up. Quinn couldn't move.

Quinn watched the scene play out before her. One Harry Potter was crouched over Ginny who appeared to be moving just a bit. He wore an intense look of concern. The other was in the midst of the chaos, wand outstretched, cursing Death Eaters that attempted to flee the ritual site.

Quinn watched as the green robed men ran around the clearing and into the woods. The forest was so thick that they were hardly able to move through the trees. White-robed wizards shot stunning spells left and right. A few of the Death Eaters chose to fight rather than flee and several duels erupted around the circle.

Quinn watched, amazed, as jets of red and green light flew back and forth. She gasped as one of the white-hooded wizards was hit with a red stream of light and fell backwards. Another wizard jumped up immediately to take his place in the duel and soon the Death Eater was stunned and had fallen to the floor.

Quinn was startled to see that one of the wizards in white was Professor Lupin. He wore a determined look on his somber face as he dueled with a tall Death Eater. The two were circling the edge of the forest as they furiously set hexes upon each other. It was almost like some sort of sick fireworks display and Quinn sat transfixed. She had never seen anyone cast that quickly and precisely. Yet the Death Eater continued to block and dodge Lupin's spells.

Quinn was distracted momentarily by a large thud not far from her. She looked to her right and saw Professor Figg dueling with a very large Death Eater. His hex had hit a tree when Professor Figg ducked out of the way, and a large branch had fallen to the ground. She righted herself again and looked furiously at the man.

"This one's for you, Mr. Tibbles!" she cried angrily. A second later the Death Eater hit the ground with a massive impact. Quinn watched as Professor Figg ran after another fleeing dark wizard.

Quinn tried not to panic, not thinking about what she would do if anyone found her there on the forest floor. She could barely move. She shifted her gaze back to Professor Lupin. He was still dodging spells from the tall Death Eater and they had started to move their way into the dense forest. Finally, Quinn saw him duck around a tree and send a stunning spell straight at the dark wizard, who fell backwards. He landed on a thick tree branch and Quinn's stomach turned at the sickening crack. She hoped it was merely the branch.

Quinn finally felt the dull ache in her body recede and she struggled back to her feet. It seemed that around ten Death Eaters had been captured. The wizards in white cloaks were tending to the injured and levitating their stunned prisoners back to the middle of the clearing. Quinn saw that one Harry was among them.

Quinn walked over to where the other Harry was helping Ginny to her feet. Quinn observed her friend carefully, remembering the horrific vision of Ginny chanting in a hollow voice, blood dripping down her yellow robes. They looked more brownish red now than yellow.

"Ginny, are you ok?" she asked, looking into Ginny's unfocused eyes. She looked so pale and Harry seemed to be supporting her, forcing her to remain standing. Harry was observing Quinn with a bit of suspicion.

"Who are you?" a sharp voice cried, and Quinn spun around. The other Harry stood mere feet away, glaring maliciously at her. Quinn backed away in fear.

"Dung!" another voice cried out. "She's okay." Quinn looked over at Professor Lupin as he levitated a robed figure and dropped him in the middle of the circle. She looked back at 'Dung.' It must have been Polyjuice Potion. They had sent him in as Harry to distract Voldemort. Clearly they hadn't counted on the real Harry showing up.

'Dung' nodded briskly to her before walking back to his colleagues. Quinn turned once again to face Ginny. Her bloodstained robes made Quinn feel ill. She looked at her friend who was clearly close to falling out of consciousness.

Quinn pulled her wand from her robe pocket and approached Ginny. Harry looked unsure about Quinn's intentions but he didn't try to stop her. First, Quinn ran her wand tip along the thick cut on Ginny's palm. Quinn wasn't great at healing charms, having only practiced them a few times. The cut healed but Ginny would probably end up with a scar.

"Instauro," Quinn said, pointing her wand directly at Ginny's heart. After a moment, color seemed to return to Ginny's face. She stood up straighter and looked around, bewildered. Quinn pocketed her wand once more. Harry smiled at her, looking a bit relieved. They both surveyed the scene before them and Harry's happiness seemed to fade away.

"They wouldn't tell me what was going on," Harry said angrily. "I've been having dreams." Ginny looked up at Harry, and to Quinn's surprise -and clearly Ginny's as well, he hugged her tightly. "I'm so glad you're okay Ginny." When he pulled back, he laid a soft kiss on her cheek. Ginny blushed deep crimson and Quinn wondered if she would need to perform another revival charm. Hopefully Ginny could control herself.

Harry was now staring blankly over Quinn's shoulder. She turned and saw what had captured his attention. She recognized him from the attack on The Burrow. Sirius Black was on his knees, silently hovering over a figure on the ground. Quinn glanced briefly at the man lying there. He was a Death Eater shroud in black robes, but his mask was off. He was balding and very plain looking. Quinn saw a strange silver glove half encased in black robes. She turned back to Sirius' face.

She had never seen anyone look so haunted and so sad. Quinn took a step closer, just watching him. His dark eyes were an indescribable mix of emotions. He seemed to be struggling not to be overcome with the sensation he felt. Anger built upon confusion, wrapped around sadness. It all showed in his face. He clenched his fists, his knuckles white, and never took his eyes off the unconscious man's face.

Harry strode over to him; Quinn watched curiously. Harry put his hand on Sirius' shoulder. Sirius looked up, surprised at first. A bewildered and euphoric expression lit his face as he looked up at Harry.

"James?" he said softly, his lower lip trembling slightly. Quinn felt her heart collapse with the crushing realization that Sirius was mistaking Harry for his father. Harry looked taken aback, unsure what to say. Sirius shook himself a bit as he stood up.

"Harry," he said and pulled the boy into a massive hug. Harry looked as though he might be crushed. Quinn watched the scene in awe, wondering what the story between them was. Both of them turned and looked at the crumpled body on the ground. Quinn watched as Professor Lupin joined them. Silence seemed to fill the clearing as the three men just stared. Quinn watched Sirius.

He seemed one step away from insanity. His whole body shook and a manic smile played upon his lips for a moment. Suddenly he let out a long exhale and furiously kicked the body at his feet. It wobbled and rolled halfway over. The man's robes caught on a stick and ripped at the elbow. Quinn looked down at his now exposed left arm. A great black tattoo stood out against the pale skin. It was a mighty skull with a snake protruding from its mouth.

Sirius looked ready to kick the man again. Anger seemed to be boiling up inside him and he trembled with rage. Just as he lunged forward Professor Lupin reached out and grabbed him. Quinn watched Sirius struggle madly to get away but Lupin wouldn't let him budge.

"Get off me, Remus!" Sirius yelled. "He took them away. He took them away from all of us!" He was still struggling and Quinn was amazed Professor Lupin could hold him. After a moment his anger seemed to fade into despair. "He took them away," Sirius said once more before breaking down into great growling sobs. He seemed to lose his composure completely and collapsed against Lupin. The two men embraced tightly. Quinn looked away, embarrassed to witness such a personal moment. She went back to stand by Ginny, who now looked much better.

"Ginny, how did you get here? Are you okay?" Quinn asked, her voice full of worry. Ginny simply nodded.

"Why are you here?" Ginny asked, with a sideways glance at where Harry stood. Quinn bit her lip.

"Well, I," Quinn opened her mouth and closed it again. The truth was she had no idea how to answer. Quinn hadn't been prepared for questions. She certainly couldn't tell anyone she had come to visit Aislinn.

"You're all alright then?" asked someone in a very gruff voice. Quinn turned and looked at Professor Moody, who nodded curtly to her. His right shoulder was singed and he bore a few reddish curse marks. His large blue eye swirled in all directions and Quinn avoided looking at it.

"Ginny's still weak," Quinn said, grateful to avoid any questions about her presence. Moody took a step closer, examining Ginny. Then he turned and looked at the pile of unconscious Death Eaters in the middle of the clearing.

"We've got a portkey for ya," he said, pulling an old and rumpled quill from his pocket. Harry, Ginny, and Quinn all grabbed hold of the quill. "Three...two...one," Moody growled and they all felt a jolt as the world began to tug them away. Quinn's knees buckled as she felt ground beneath her feet. She stumbled, nearly falling, and reached out for the nearest solid mass. She grabbed a handful of robes and flesh and steadied herself. Big pale hands grabbed Quinn and pulled her back to her full height, holding each shoulder.

"Than-," Quinn looked up into the pale sneering face of Professor Snape and felt her eyes widen. Quinn stepped backward and felt her face flush. Professor Snape stood leaning against the desk. Professor Dumbledore sat in a cushy chair, smiling at them.

"Miss Weasley, are you alright?" Professor Snape asked, looking down at the bloodstained robes. Quinn interjected.

"I did some healing charms but I'm not nearly as good at them as Madam Pomfrey," she said nervously.

"Few of us are," Professor Dumbledore said, standing up. He smiled and walked around the desk toward them. "Harry if you could take Miss Weasley to the hospital wing. I'll be along shortly to see you. Miss Finnigan and I need to have a chat."

Quinn gulped. Harry gave her a strange look as he helped Ginny out of the room. Quinn was sure he suspected her of some wrong doing, and she couldn't blame him. Quinn looked up at Professors Dumbledore and Snape and felt panic start to rise inside her. How would she explain this to them? What did they know about Aislinn? Quinn cursed herself for not asking more of Aislinn when she had had the chance. She tried to look confident as she took a seat before them and waited.

* * *

They landed at Dunvegan Castle and the three men exchanged angry glances and immediately left the room. Aislinn was silent as she watched them leave. She was confused at the whole situation that had just taken place. She glanced over at Draco, who was staring at her instead of the door.

"What just happened?" Aislinn said in no more than a whisper.

"I'm not sure. What I want to know is who was the other Potter? And how did they know about what was happening?" replied Draco, still staring.

Aislinn shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. She didn't want him to know that she knew anything about what happened. "I'm sure the ministry has ways of finding out about things. Anyhow, where do we go now? I'm sure I don't want to go anywhere near our fathers, or...Him," Aislinn said apprehensively. She was imagining the rage that Voldemort probably had and she certainly didn't want to see any part of it.

"Er, we could go to bed I guess. I'm sure we'll be leaving in the morning now," Draco said.

Aislinn didn't feel like sleeping. She was thinking about what was going on at the ritual site. She wondered if they had caught anyone but Wormtail, and if Ginny would be ok. Aislinn rubbed her head a little roughly and sighed. "All right, bed it is then. Good night, Malfoy."

"Good night, Aislinn."

She left the parlor and slowly made her way up to her bedroom. Aislinn thought about the two Potter's the whole way there. Perhaps that had been part of Dumbledore's plan. Whatever it was, she was relieved that it had worked. Voldemort didn't drink the potion and now that he didn't have the other three ingredients, he couldn't try to drink it again until the next Beltane moon. She entered her room and shrugged off the purple robes, pulling on a long green gown.

As she lay down in her bed she began thinking of Ginny and the whole Weasley family. It seemed to be one thing after another for them, and it was terribly unfair. Aislinn felt horrible that she wasn't able to stop any of it. She was practically useless as a spy, the few times she had attempted it she had been caught shamelessly. She thought about Ginny again, she didn't quite understand why she had even been there. Aislinn remembered hearing her say something about love during her ritual chant, but love for whom? Was this about Potter?

She pulled the covers up to her neck and snuggled down into her pillow. Outside of her window was a crescent moon and Aislinn wondered what Quinn was doing. "I wish I were back at school," she said to Quinn, even though she wasn't there to hear her.

"Talking to one's self is a sign of insanity, Macnair."

Aislinn jumped at the voice and rolled over to see Draco standing next to her bed, looking down at her. Half of his face was illuminated in the moonlight, the other half in a shadow, shielding his expression.

"Why are you in my room Malfoy?" asked Aislinn. Her voice was shaking a bit as her heartbeat slowly returned to normal.

"I'm not tired and I figured we could entertain ourselves somehow," he said. He stepped closer to the side of her bed and the moon lit up his whole face now. He was smirking, but behind that was a strange look in his eyes. Aislinn was a bit frightened by it, but a bit intrigued as well.

"Go to bed Malfoy, I'm tired and not in the mood to entertain you. There are plenty of house elves here for that," she said in a sleepy tone. She even tried to yawn unsuccessfully. Draco laughed.

"Nice try. Move over." He plopped down on her bed and Aislinn groaned as she pulled the covers up even higher so that they practically covered her chin.

"What do you want me to do then, sing? Dance? Play the flute? How do I entertain the great Draco Malfoy?" she asked in her most sarcastic tone. She had to fight the urge to kick his conceited arse off the bed.

"Oh no, those things don't entertain me much. Unless you count the time Greg and Vince did that lovely little dance number while wearing a couple of Bulstrode's negligees," Draco smirked.

"Er..." Aislinn knew he was serious, and this disturbed her. She didn't want to think about why Millicent even owned lingerie like that.

He scooted closer to her. "Don't worry about doing anything to entertain me Macnair; I am here to entertain you for a while."

Aislinn felt her body tense and prepare for the inevitable feeling of weakness as he moved toward her and carefully placed his hand on her cheek. She closed her eyes and waited, but nothing happened. She was confused but she felt him coming closer to her still. As soon as she felt his lips on hers, she flinched but didn't pull away. She merely stayed completely still, noticing for the first time since they arrived at Dunvegan, that she hadn't felt the presence of his power that she usually felt. Something wasn't right. Ever since the first time he brushed her arm four years ago she had felt it, the wonderful rush of emotion and weakness toward him, but now she didn't feel anything. Thoughts were swimming through her head. She was wondering why she couldn't feel anything and also, if he knew. Something warm and wet slid across her lips and Aislinn jumped. She opened her eyes and realized that she had never broken the kiss. She pulled her head back and watched him for a minute as he opened his eyes and stared back at her. He seemed slightly less sure of himself than normal.

"You didn't feel it, did you?" asked Draco in a quiet voice.

Aislinn shook her head, still watching him. "No."

Draco studied her now. "But you didn't pull away, you must have liked it," he said as he adopted a smug expression.

"No, I....I was just wondering why I couldn't feel it. And I haven't felt it at all since we came here."

"Are you really so dense, Macnair? And what do you mean 'No'? Are you saying you didn't enjoy my kissing you?" Draco crossed his arms and leaned back against the pillows. He turned his face away from her but Aislinn knew he was pouting.

"Damn Malfoy, don't be such a baby. I didn't mean that I didn't like it, I meant that I didn't pull away because I was thinking about how strange it was to touch you and not feel the...well, the weakness."

Draco turned his head slowly back around and when he faced her, Aislinn saw that he was smirking again.

"So you did like it then?"

"No, I didn't say that either, I-" Aislinn began, but before she could continue, his finger was over her lips and his lips were trailing gentle kisses down her neck. Veela powers or no, this sent tingles down her spine. But it was still wrong. Aislinn removed the finger covering her lips and pushed him away from her.

"Stop Draco, I-" but once again she was interrupted; this time by his lips as he used the weight of his body to ease her back against her pillow. He ran his fingers through her hair and dragged his tongue slowly across her bottom lip. She pushed him off her again and crawled off the bed.

"Draco you have got to stop this. What if my father comes in here? He will kill you," she said in a voice that she prayed would sound firm and convincing.

Draco let out a throaty chuckle. "Neither of our fathers will be coming anywhere near this room and you know it. They are likely very busy plotting Potter's demise," he said as he crawled off the bed and headed toward her. "And let's not talk about Potter please. That topic is the ultimate mood killer."

Aislinn sniggered. "I wasn't talking about Potter, you brought him up. Besides, I heard that talking about Potter always put you in the mood."

"Funny, Macnair," he replied with a sneer. He was still heading toward her with the look of a predator and she backed away until she hit the wall. Aislinn glanced over at the bedside table where her ring lay. It didn't work off her finger so she couldn't know what his intentions were. But she had learned the hard way how Malfoy's treated people who were backed against walls. Aislinn shuddered at the memory. She looked back at Draco, who was mere inches from her face and she held his gaze. He is powerless, she thought. He can't get to me now, he has no advantage.

How very wrong she was. He leaned in for another kiss and Aislinn felt her eyes close before she could stop him. His lips were soft and warm and perfectly pressed against hers. She didn't feel the swoon, but it was still fantastic. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her roughly to him. Aislinn complied and when he slid his tongue against her lips, she opened up to him, inviting him in. He ran his tongue across hers and she moaned slightly. She could feel him smiling into the kiss and this seemed to give him what he needed to deepen it. He tasted like chocolate and cinnamon and everything rich and sweet and wonderful, but she knew it was wrong.

She struggled with herself as his tongue stroked her own. He had one of his hands curled against the back of her head now, the other resting on her hip. He was rubbing his finger against her hipbone and slowly letting it roam away from its original spot. He trailed his hand down the side of her leg, and as it went across the front of her thigh she opened her eyes. Aislinn pulled her head back a bit and broke the kiss. Draco opened his eyes and then narrowed them as he looked at her.

He seemed slightly angry and maybe even a little exasperated.

"Err...So, what do you think happened down there?" she asked and slid along the wall to freedom. She grabbed a blanket off her bed and took a seat in a chair by the fireplace. She watched Draco's shoulders fall in a small sigh and he took the seat across from her.

"I have no idea. Somehow Potter found out about it and told Dumbledore I suppose." Draco rubbed his eyes and leaned back in the chair looking extremely exhausted. Aislinn yawned and looked at the clock. It was nearly 4 a.m. She desperately wanted to go to sleep herself, but she didn't want to waste this opportunity to get information out of him.

"So, have you decided when you are going to get your mark?" Aislinn asked. She didn't really know where the question came from, only it was something she had wondered about for a long time. Draco looked taken aback by her question, but the emotionless mask soon took over and he looked back into the fire.

"I'm not really sure if I am going to get it. My father would be furious if he knew. Now, don't get me wrong, I agree whole-heartedly with the Dark Lord. The Muggles and Mudbloods have to go; they are contaminating our world and leaving us to clean up the mess. I just don't know if I am ready to commit myself to a life of servitude. I don't take orders well, and I don't want to be anyone's slave. And I don't really know why I am telling you these things. Let me start over, I will be happy to get it whenever my father and the Dark Lord think me worthy and ready," he said with a smirk. "How about you Macnair, when will you be getting yours?"

Aislinn froze; she should have known he would ask her the same thing. "Actually, I'm not sure when I'm supposed to get it. My father hasn't told me anything."

"So, you want it then?" Draco asked as he studied her, apparently trying to decide if she was lying or not.

"Well," she began; she had no clue how to answer this without condemning herself to a horrible fate. If she lied, Draco might go and tell his father that she is ready for it, and Lucius would in turn tell her father and so on until she found herself with the damned thing on her arm. No, she couldn't lie and tell him yes, she wanted it. "Well, I wasn't really sure, until I met-" Aislinn stopped mid-sentence as she heard a knock on her door. She turned back and looked at Draco, whose eyes were as wide as saucers. They stared at each other for a minute before they both leapt out of their chairs and Draco ran to the wardrobe to hide. Aislinn shoved him in and made sure the door would shut properly before walking to the door and pulling it open. She squinted her eyes as she looked at the person standing on the opposite side. "Marsali?"

"Hello Aislinn. Sorry if I interrupted anything. I just thought you two would like to know that Lucius is about to go to Draco's room for a chat. He should get back as soon as he can," Marsali said with a grin.

"I don't know what you mean. Draco isn't-"

Marsali grinned again. "Don't worry dear, I won't tell your father. And I don't blame you at all; I remember when Lucius and I were your age...Well, anyhow, just make sure that he is back in a few minutes. Good night Aislinn," she said and as she turned to leave, she added, "Good night Draco."

"Good night," a muffled voice from within Aislinn's room called out.

She shut her door quietly and groaned. Draco opened the door and tumbled out of the wardrobe, immediately standing up and smoothing his robes. "Well, I guess I should be getting back before my father gets there. Not that he would be angry for me being here, but I should get back all the same, in case your father comes and talks to you." They stood there for a moment looking away from one another. Finally Aislinn spoke up.

"Goodnight Draco."

"Goodnight Aislinn."

He leaned over and kissed her cheek and then left the room, shutting the door behind him. She stared at it for a moment and then sank back in her chair, wrapping the blanket around her and staring into the fire. She wondered if Voldemort was still in the castle. Aislinn shuddered as she thought of him and quickly glanced around her room to make sure she was alone. She knew he wouldn't be in her room with her; that would be absurd. Aislinn looked back into the fire, desperately wanting the next day to come. She wanted to be back at school, to talk to Quinn. She wasn't sure what she was going to do about Draco now. Aislinn pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on top of them. She glanced at the clock. It was now 5:30 a.m. There was no point in sleeping, so Aislinn decided to get dressed and go down to the kitchens.

* * *

"Quinn, relax," Professor Dumbledore said with a slight smile. "Neither you or Aislinn are in any sort of trouble." Quinn breathed a sigh of immense relief. "I would however like to know why you felt the need to spend the evening 300 miles from school, and how you knew where to locate your friend in the first place." Quinn looked down at her feet.

"I...Aislinn left me a note," Quinn quailed under the gaze of her headmaster and Professor Snape. She avoided their eyes and looked around the fascinating office. "She said she would be at Dunvegan, her family's castle. I was worried, so I went to find her."

"That, Miss Finnigan, is the most irresponsible thing I have ever heard. You had no idea what sort of danger you were putting yourself in, yet you still felt the need to go flying off into the night to find your friend, who was in no real danger at all," Snape said suddenly. His eyes were black as night and he was shaking with anger.

"Yes, sir but-" Quinn tried to interrupt, but he kept on going without so much as a breath in between.

"The worst of possible scenarios is right where you landed. Did you ever think about what might have happened had you been discovered? Lucius Malfoy is not a forgiving or understanding man. You would have likely been tortured if not killed."

"I know, but I-" Quinn tried once again to force herself into the conversation. Snape raised his voice and steam-rolled over her meek attempt to control this conversation. Quinn clenched her teeth with anger, staring up at Professor Snape. He was really ranting now, making hand gestures and barely breathing as he continued to berate her.

"You were sorted into Ravenclaw, Miss Finnigan," Snape said, swelling with his anger. "I suggest you use your brain a little more often. Acting like this may force us to re-sort you into Gryffindor. If you were in my house, I would expel you this instant for breaking school rules so blatantly and endangering yourself over such a trivial matter."

"Trivial? Professor Snape she was in danger!" Quinn said angrily, determined to get a word in. Professor Snape looked quite unimpressed. "Aislinn wrote me a note and she said she was afraid. I was not going to just sit around and wait for something bad to happen to her." Now it was Snape's turn to try to interrupt. As soon as he opened his mouth, Quinn felt her temper rise up even further and she stood abruptly. "Just because you have never had friends, maybe you don't know what it is like to lose one," Quinn said with more malice than she intended.

Quinn sat back down as a furious silence filled the office. She wanted to hit herself. Why had she said that? Quinn wondered what horrid detentions awaited her now. She chanced a look up at Professor Snape and he seemed remarkably calm.

"If you had attempted to contact the headmaster or myself," Snape said in an icy and quiet voice, which made Quinn nervous. "You would have known that Miss Macnair was in no real danger, and therefore, your entire rescue mission would not have taken place. Do you realize how rare your particular species of eagle is, Finnigan?" Quinn opened her mouth to say something but he continued to talk. He leaned closer to her, his black eyes glaring into her own with a cruel satisfaction in them.

"I seriously doubt the Dark Lord would have been able to find a suitable specimen had you not tried to interfere. What would you have done if he had been successful, knowing that you were partially to blame?" Snape leaned back now, letting the full meaning of his words sink in. Quinn's eyes widened at his implication.

"That is enough, Severus," Dumbledore said, standing and letting his gaze rest on the Potions Master.

"Thank you, Severus. I will no longer require your assistance. I appreciate what you have done for us this evening." Snape nodded and gave Quinn a horrible glare before he quickly swept from the room.

Professor Dumbledore sat down next to Quinn, his face softening into a tired smile. Quinn bit her lip and tried to hold it together. If she had helped take part in anything to do with the dark side-Quinn shook her head, trying not to think of it. She looked up at Professor Dumbledore and felt a rush of guilt.

"Miss Finnigan, Lord Voldemort is very determined," he said with a sigh. Quinn watched him curiously. Dumbledore always took his time when speaking; giving Quinn the impression that he was telling a wonderful story. She was certain she could listen to him read assembly instructions for a Wizard's Wireless and be enthralled. "Nothing you could have done would have thwarted his plans, and I am certain that he would have found another eagle had you not been there." Quinn breathed a small sigh of relief.

"Although the White-Tailed Sea-Eagle is nearly extinct in this area, the magical atmosphere around Dunvegan castle often draws members of the species back there. He would have found another eagle to take your place," Quinn smiled slightly, happy to know that she hadn't made anything worse. "Dunvegan is an amazing place. It's been a center of magic for centuries. The Fairy Flag, the numerous animals that reside there, the climate, all of it is related to the magical properties of the island." Dumbledore, who had been looking off into space, slightly lost in his own thoughts, returned his gaze to her. Quinn bit her lip.

"The most important thing is that you're alright Miss Finnigan. Did they do anything to you at all? Did any of them see you come out of your form?" Professor Dumbledore asked with concern. Quinn thought back to her experience.

"Mr. Malfoy, he used the Vocarius charm on me, in my bird form," she said, blushing slightly. She had heard that this charm could have other, much less noble uses than for mental patients. Quinn hated to think what the combination of the charm and his Veela powers would do to a person.

"The Vocarius charm? What was the exact incantation?" Professor Dumbledore asked, a bit of concern in his normally calm voice.

"Vocario Otiosus," Quinn said quietly. Professor Dumbledore sighed.

"That is most unfortunate. Miss Finnigan, I'm sorry, but that charm is very old magic. It cannot be removed by anyone but the original caster." Quinn stared at him. Surely Dumbledore could fix it. He was the most powerful sorcerer in the world. Quinn started to say so when he interrupted. "I'm sorry Miss Finnigan, there's nothing I can do about it. We just have to make sure that Mr. Malfoy never knows. Don't tell anyone." Professor Dumbledore let his words sink in, staring intently into Quinn's eyes.

"Aislinn would never-," Quinn started to say.

"The Death Eaters have ways of persuasion that Aislinn cannot overcome. Don't tell anyone." Quinn nodded this time, biting her lip.

"Now, why don't you tell me what you saw? Then we'll figure out what you're going to tell everyone else." Professor Dumbledore leaned back, looking at Quinn expectantly. She stuttered slightly, but launched into the entire story. It took a while to explain the ritual and Quinn couldn't remember most of the chants they had uttered. Dumbledore seemed most concerned with whom she had seen and where those who had escaped had gone. Quinn told him the truth; she wasn't sure what else to do. She described Aislinn and her evil brethren using a portkey to escape, and the fighting that ensued once they were gone. When she was done he looked satisfied though Quinn had no idea if she'd been the least bit helpful.

"The Death Eaters must never discover that you were that eagle, or indeed that you saw the ceremony at all." Quinn nodded, slightly taken aback by the serious face Dumbledore wore. "So this is what you're going to tell everyone." He leaned in and spoke in a low voice, "You noticed that Ginny was missing and you were worried. You decided to try a locating charm to find her, but you didn't tell anyone because technically it uses some dark magic."

"But professor, most people have Unlocatable charms placed on them. I have one," Quinn interrupted.

"You stayed with the Weasleys at Christmas time, Miss Finnigan?" Quinn nodded. "Do you remember a large grandfather clock in their home?" Quinn nodded again, remembering the faces of the Weasley family on the clock. "That clock uses a form of locating charm, and for that reason, the Weasleys have not had Unlocatable charms placed on them." Quinn marveled at Dumbledore's quick thinking.

"You used a locating charm to find Ginny, and were shocked to find that it read mortal danger. You used a broom from the Quidditch supply shed to fly toward her. You arrived moments after the members of the Order, and were not seen by the Death Eaters. Is that clear?" Quinn bit her lip.

"Am I going to have to lie to everyone sir, even members of the ministry?" Quinn wasn't sure she liked this idea.

"I'm afraid so Miss Finnigan, for your sake and for Aislinn's," Dumbledore said, peering over his half-

moon spectacles at her. This was all the incentive Quinn needed. "Now, if you're ready we will go to the hospital wing and sort this entire mess out." Professor Dumbledore stood up easily and extended his hand to help her. Quinn slowly got out of the chair, realizing for the first time how sore she was from the many hours she had spent in her Animagus form.

"Perhaps Madam Pomfrey needs to take a look at you as well," Professor Dumbledore said. Quinn nodded in agreement as they began their descent down a beautiful moving staircase.