The Centaur's Shrine

Chapter 25 - Pureblood laws

Hogwarts,

The next days went by in an execrable atmosphere of permanent tension and antagonism among the students. The main reasons were the economic and political situation in London, but the sparking event had been the spectacular falling out between the six. It had started off a number of arguments, as more and more of them took position for one side or another. By itself it shouldn't have lasted longer than a few days, and it was one reason why the professors didn't stamp down firmly at first.

Unfortunately, news of the outside world intervened to complicate matters and prolong the dissentions. First it had been the news that the Goblins were lifting their ban, or at least part of it. Everyone rejoiced in that, and for a time it looked like the Shrummer administration was doing the right thing. Draco immediately took the opportunity to argue once again for the soundness of his and Ginny's decision.

Ginny was relieved to learn that her father had been the one to broker the deal. She and Ron had reached out to each other in reaction to their exclusion by the other Gryffindors. Ron had always been protective of his sister, and she didn't want to know what exactly had happened on the Quidditch pitch. They were often together, especially at mealtimes. There were tears of pride in their eyes when they read the Prophet's description of how Arthur Weasley had walked alone into the Goblin stronghold, to come out with the proclamation that the ban was lifted. He had been carried in triumph by the population of Diagon Alley, all the way back to the Ministry. Everyone was praising him. Despite this, Gryffindor courage or not, neither of them had been able to work up the nerve to write to their parents. They had gone to Percy instead, knowing that if anybody could understand their position, it would be he.

Percy had written back several letters, explaining that he sympathized with them, but that the rest of the family was still under the shock. Molly had not even sent them a Howler, and that was a very bad sign, since a berating would have signaled the beginning of forgiveness. What Percy wasn't telling Ron and Ginny was that their mother was extremely worked up against Draco, and that she wanted Ginny to break up with him. Even Arthur thought that this was excessive. What Fred and George wanted to do was not publishable.

The Quidditch captaincy had been given to Kirke, and the prefect position to Harry. He had refused vehemently at first but McGonagall had been very firm, and even Hermione had argued that it was a good thing for him. She was thinking of their seventh years, and she wanted Harry to have every chance to be Head Boy with her. Ron was furious, and he took this as a confirmation of a cabal against him. He resigned from the team and his animosity against Harry grew to an obsessive loathing. Their friends had to watch out permanently to prevent contact between them. Harry tried to ignore this stoically, but he was badly upset nonetheless. Neville was now his closest remaining male friend, but it was not really the same thing.

Luna was trying to rebuild some bridges. She managed to make Alicia accept Ron's apology for the accident. She didn't remember much in any case. Ron was evidently sincere and he offered to coach her in Quidditch practice along with Richard and Silena. It gave him a chance to play without being on the team. He gave her his best and Alicia promptly forgot any grudge toward him, but she still felt torn between him and Ginny on one side, and Hermione and Harry on the other.

Hermione had been arguing for her own ideas and Bones'. She couldn't easily exploit the events with the Goblins, although she did point out that Arthur had been a candidate against Shrummer. Nevertheless, sympathy for her cause was falling as everybody believed that the crisis was now over, and that the current administration didn't look to be worse than Fudge's. She and some of her supporters spoke of the danger of dictatorships, but few listened.

Ironically, she got her first break when the Ministry announced a series of laws restricting who could apply for official employment. What caused the furor was that for the first time, wizarding ancestry would be taken into account. The law's actual effect was minor. All it said was that only those with both parents, and at least two grand parents, who were wizards, could hold a post equivalent to a head of department. It didn't really affect a lot of people, and in practice it would have never changed anything, but it sounded ominously like a first step.

This revived tensions throughout the school, even among the staff, and also in the global community of wizards. It caused Hermione to coin the term 'Pureblood laws' which she denounced in a fiery letter she posted to the Daily Prophet. She was technically in defiance of the Headmaster's orders, but at that point, she felt that it didn't matter anymore. The letter was published in the same issue where an editorial, signed by Amelia Bones and Arthur Weasley, defended the principles of equality among wizards. Percy had wanted to sign on as well, but Arthur had dissuaded him. The next day, the Prophet announced that both officials had been asked to resign by the Minister of Magic. It caused Ron to accuse Hermione of sowing trouble, to which she replied that they were now seeing the true face of the new Minister.

- - -

Gringotts,

Gauldbag was seriously worried. He had hoped that conceding the partial lift of the trading ban would have been the start of a gradual unlocking of the conflict, but he had been wrong. The Ministry had not attacked them, but they had given no indication of being ready to resume true negotiations. At first he had thought that Arthur had been playing him for a fool, but then the Prophet's editorial, and his sacking by the Minister, had made things clearer. There was still a power struggle among the wizards. He didn't know if that was a bad or a good thing, but it was a complication.

Certainly, official contact was broken between the two communities. Arthur Weasley had not been replaced. Law Enforcement had been taken over by a wizard who, his spies told him, was a lackey of Shrummer. It would have been frightening, if he hadn't also gotten reports that moral among the elite Auror forces was dropping fast. The reason being that the two dismissed officials had been very well liked over there. This, combined with the lack of popular support for a costly battle, meant that there was little risk of Gringotts being attacked in the short term.

The long term was something else. He was wondering what to do, when a Goblin knocked and came in his office, holding a piece of parchment in his hand.

"A night bird brought this, Director," he said.

Gauldbag looked at it.

The Ministry won't talk, but we can, at the Dragon's Nest, 9 P.M tonight. Bring no more than one. Arthur Weasley will be with me.

Amelia Bones

The Dragon's Nest was a shabby tavern in Knockturn Alley. The area could be considered a no man's land between magical species territories. It was under no one's authority, except the locals, some of whom were outright criminals, while most others simply wanted to be left alone.

Gauldbag grunted in appreciation. The place was such a mess of wards and other protection spells, that Apparation or magical spying was impossible. It was rumored that there were even some locations where portkeys didn't work reliably. He would be safe there and so would they, from each other and from the Ministry.

He sent for Graskut. He had already decided to accept the invitation. Now he would have to prepare what they would discuss. It might well be his last chance to regain the initiative.

- - -

Hogwarts,

It started as an innocent prank. Judging the gloomy mood of the Slytherin common room to be beyond the acceptable, Richard and Silena decided to lighten things up, using another suggestion from the Marauders' Guide. They had cut off a caricature of Lord Shrummer's portly frame from the Quibbler, enlarged it, drawn a similar one of Draco, and charmed the second to follow the first around the main table. It was actually very funny. The big wizard would move a few inches, the smaller Draco would wait a little, realize its master was not next to it, and then run on miniature legs to catch up while squeaking 'wait for me' in a high pitched voice.

Most students laughed heartily at the joke, particularly Crabbe and Goyle, but Draco didn't find it amusing at all. Humor wasn't his forte these days, especially with Ginny only accepting to be near him when necessary, and sulking in her quarters the rest of the time. He hadn't kissed her in days and the stress, and the abrupt lack of regular intimacy, was making him irritable and impatient. He tiredly pointed his wand to cast a Finite Incantatum, but the spell had no effect other than to make both figures squat and fart loudly. Most of the room redoubled in mirth. He frowned at the grotesque display and then caught his sister's eye.

"Silena, get rid of that!"

"I can't," she said. "I only did the drawing."

Draco turned around to search for Richard. It was no mystery who else could be in on this. The boy's dark hair could be seen showing from behind one of the big chairs.

"Richard! Stop this stupid thing." said Draco.

"Why?" replied Richard. "Don't you like it?"

Draco stood up and walked menacingly toward the boy. He tried to grab him, but Richard jumped nimbly under the table and emerged on the other side, laughing in delight. Draco was too dignified to follow his move, and going around the obstacle would only result in a futile merry go round.

"Richard. I said to stop it!"

"Okay."

The boy took out his wand, but instead of dissipating the animation, he cast an enlargement charm on it. Now, the figure of the Minister was almost a meter tall and the rest of the table roared in laughter.

"Oops!" he said. "I think I made a mistake."

"You sure did," said Draco with clenched teeth. "No more magic for you. Give me that wand!"

"No!" retorted Richard. "It's mine, and you don't have any right to do that!"

"Then I'll take your stupid bowler hat talisman then!" said Draco. "Accio -"

Richard ducked in alarm behind Vincent Crabbe, and he grabbed the miniature hat instinctively. Crabbe's eyes opened in fright at seeing Draco's wand pointed at him. He tried to move clumsily out of the way, falling backward and upsetting the table badly. Richard was running toward the safety of the boys' dormitory, when Draco took aim with his wand. The hat had automatically blown up to normal size in his hand, and he instinctively used it as a shield.

"Impedimenta!" yelled Draco.

A ray of light struck the hat squarely and it suddenly glowed white and enlarged even more, deflecting smartly the force of the spell with the characteristic sound of a ricocheting bullet. Richard panicked completely, and thought that Draco was attacking him with a deadly spell. He didn't stop to think and used the first hex he knew in response.

"Expelliarmus!"

"Protego!"

Draco parried the hex smartly, but this time the spell glanced off his magical shield, to hit the overhead crystal candelabra which exploded in a thousand pieces, including a dozen lighted candles. One of them rolled under a chair and set fire to some silk strands. Another one did the same to a wall drape. Students rushed to stop the flames, and everything was very confused for a few moments. Then a door opened brutally, and the stern figure of professor Snape surveyed the room. Everyone was either crouched in protection, getting up from the floor or busy putting out fires, except Richard who was still standing stupefied in the center of the room, with his wand in his hand. The air was thick with smoke, there were debris everywhere, and there didn't seem to be much doubt as to who was responsible for the disaster.

"Mister Parker, in my office now," said Snape in an icy voice.

No one moved for a second. Richard threw a vague look at Draco who didn't say anything. No one else, not even Silena was taking his defense. That sort of thing was not done in Slytherin House. The guilty party would denounce itself, or it would not.

"I said, now," repeated Snape.

Richard shook himself and passed in front of the professor toward his private quarters and office space. He was numb with apprehension. Snape gave the room a last disgusted glance and closed the door behind them.

Richard marched mechanically up to the potion master's desk. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the white shape of the discipline stick and felt despair. Snape passed him by, took the stick and stood next to the boy.

"Mister Parker, I feel compelled to ask. Do you have a valid explanation for the disgraceful mess I have just witnessed?" he hissed.

"No, sir," replied Richard.

He knew that the operative word was valid, and there was nothing that he could say in that respect. He felt his legs begin to tremble, and he only hoped that whatever was going to happen would be over with quickly.

"I remember explaining to you, not so long ago, the principles of Slytherin discipline, Mister Parker. Perhaps I was not clear enough?"

"You we- were very cl- clear, sir!" stammered Richard.

Severus could see that the boy was terrified. Young Muggle borns didn't have the same relationship to pain that came from intimate contact with magic. It was harder for them to accept the fact that the two things were frequently associated.

Well, that is what education is for, Severus.

He applied a short burst of Legimency to make sure. He was skilled enough not to need the incantation against such a young target. It gave him a sufficient grasp of what had effectively happened.

Damn it Draco! What is happening with you?

The situation with these kids was approaching a point when he would have to do something about it. In contrast, the case before him was trivial beyond words.

"I think a precision is needed," he said. He advanced his foot to a mark on the floor. "Stand there and place your hands on the desk."

Richard tried to think of something else while he obeyed. Doing what he was told resulted in him bending over the desk, his rear end sticking out clearly. He heard a swish and a line of fire exploded across his buttocks. He clenched his teeth and stayed silent for the first blow, but he couldn't help a yelp on the second, which was mercifully the last.

"Stand up."

He did so, shaking with reaction. He made an effort to look the professor in the eye. His own were bright with yet unshed tears. Snape didn't feel any remorse. He had not struck the boy very hard, and he was a firm believer in enforced discipline.

"That will be all, Mister Parker."

There was no loss of points, nor any indication of detention. The crime had been private, and the punishment would be so as well. Richard nodded quickly and moved out of the room. His bum was smarting furiously, and all he wanted was to reach the comfort of his room. Once he got to the common room he started running without looking at anyone.

Draco watched him pass by with an embarrassed grimace. He felt guilty of having let the youth be punished for what, at the very least, was a shared responsibility. He took his wand and prepared to repair the broken candelabra, it would take much more than one Reparo to do it, when his sight crossed Silena's. She was shaking with rage.

"Are you happy with what you did?" she hissed. "He didn't deserve that! You and your friends, all you do is cause pain to others."

"Silena-"

"Don't talk to me. I hate you!"

He tried to hold her, to say that he was sorry for Richard, but that the boy had played his part too. She stepped back and spit at him. He wasn't so far gone as to hurt his own sister, so he let her go immediately, and she ran off toward the dormitories.

Draco wiped the stuff from his face and looked around him. The rest of the room was studiously going on with their business as if nothing had happened. No one was looking at him. Crimson with embarrassment, he continued working on the broken fixture, and when that was done, he went to his private room and slammed the door shut.

- - -

In the sleeping quarters, Silena walked carefully with the beaker of precious liquid. She came up to the door of the room Richard shared with the other first years, and knocked twice.

"It's me, Silena. Can I come in?"

"What do you want?" came the muffled reply.

"Let me in."

A few seconds passed and then a tired 'Okay' came back. He sounded as if he didn't really care. She came in. He was lying on his side on his bed, curled up with his knees against his chest. He saw the recipient she was carrying and the towel on her arm.

"What is it?"

"Essence of Murtlap," she replied. "It'll make the pain go away."

She soaked part of the towel with it and indicated where he should place it.

"Turn around," he growled.

She rolled her eyes but complied. He raised his robes and gingerly placed the wet cloth against the injured body part and let out a sigh of pleasure as the burning sensation disappeared.

"Is it working?" she asked.

"Yeah! Er, thanks."

She turned back and smiled at him.

"Don't mention it. I had my share of beatings. In the Malfoy family, that's one of the first potion we learn to make."

"That's barbaric," he said with disgust.

She shrugged and placed the beaker on his bed table, and then she sat on the bed.

"Still, it was a good prank," she said, grinning. "I can't wait to tell Moony about it."

He looked dubious at first, and then he recalled Draco's furious face. He grinned too. Yeah, it was a good one. He suddenly realized something else.

"Hey! We found out what the hat's magical property was. It's got a permanent shield charm on it. That's just too cool!"

"You bet."

"I hate it that they fight with each other like that." He sighed. "They get all grumpy and nothing's funny with them. I hope it doesn't last much longer."

She shrugged again and played with the bed covers, twisting them absently. She didn't really understand why their older friends hadn't made up yet. Having a fight was normal. Making it last so long was not. But they were almost grown ups. She supposed that things must be different for them.

They stayed silent for a moment, and then he felt some feeling return to his backside. He moved a little and winced.

"Er..." he said, gesturing toward the beaker. He needed to renew the compress.

Silena stood up. She knew he would prefer to be alone when he did that. It was stupid. She could help him do it much more efficiently.

"I'll be going," she said. "See you at dinner."

"Right, and thanks again."

- - -

Draco was still in his room, trying to make some progress on his Transfiguration essay, when someone knocked on the door.

"Yes?"

The door opened and Millicent Bulstrode came in. He grimaced and laid down his quill.

"Draco, I think we ought to talk," she said.

He moved his chair impatiently and rectified a fold of his robe. Impatience showed on his face. He could guess what she wanted to talk about, and he wasn't looking forward to it.

"I know," he said with annoyance. "I know that I overreacted with that bloody kid ..."

The desk was facing the wall. Instead of sitting on the bed, she leaned on the doorframe to watch him better.

"It's not just that. You worry me. For years you were a stupid git like the other boys, and then six month ago, you came back another man. I doubted it at first, but you pulled the whole House into shape. You showed us how to act like Slytherins should. Everybody was proud. You were our leader, and we would have followed you anywhere. And now today, you can't even handle a first year making a joke."

She looked at him with attention. His face had closed up immediately when she started talking, but she was looking for deeper signs. She had learned a few Legimency tricks herself.

"You've got problems, that's clear, and it's not just that political crap. You're not defending the Ministry, you're defending yourself and Ginny. And don't tell me a Weasley will ever buy the stuff Shrummer is selling. Is that the problem? That you and Ginny disagree, but that you don't want to break up? I'm not even sure that's the full story."

He avoided looking back. He didn't want to discuss these things with her. They'd never been close, and he wasn't one to confide easily. It was hard enough to do it with a friend like Harry. Former friend, Draco. I think you can safely forget about talking it out with Harry.

"Leave me alone," he finally said, with a cold voice. "Like you said, they're my problems and I'll handle them."

"Well you better," she shot back, "because if you keep going like this, some of us are not going to look up to you anymore." She moved away from the wall and put her hand on the door knob. "And when that happens, it only goes one way. You have been warned."

Draco ignored her. He turned back toward his work and heard the door close. Of course she was right. He had to pull himself together. He knew it, but he couldn't do it alone. He realized that now. He had never been better, more alive and more powerful, than when he had been part of Harry's group. Even if Ginny came out of her funk, it would not be the same. Maybe together with Luna and Ron, they might be able to rebuild something, but he doubted it.

- - -

Dragon's nest, Knockturn Alley,

Amelia Bones was sipping a small glass of fuming liquid when Arthur Weasley came in.

"Good evening, Amelia."

"Same to you, Arthur." She replaced the glass on the table, and gestured for him to take a seat. "How are you doing?"

They hadn't seen each other since being convoked by Shrummer. He had raged at them like a madman that day, calling their conduct criminally disloyal, telling them that they were sapping the very authority of the Ministry, and doing it at a time of quasi war. It had gone on for almost an hour.

Amelia had been ready for it, but she'd been surprised at how Arthur had reacted, or rather not reacted. She knew he wasn't used to this and she had expected him to blow his stack, or at least to justify himself passionately. He had done neither, calmly waiting for the storm to pass. When Shrummer had asked for their resignation, both had signed without hesitation.

"I've been resting, and that was good. Repairing stuff around the house, that kind of things." He shrugged. "What about you?"

"I have been thinking." She looked at him shrewdly. "You don't seem surprised by my invitation. Were you expecting it?"

"I knew it wouldn't stop there, but our Goblin friends should be here soon. Tell me quickly. What are you planning? Rebellion?"

She shook her head and recovered her glass.

"Resistance."

He nodded. It was what he had expected. It was the obvious thing to do for her, and FOM provided the perfect justification for going against the establishment. A moral stand that would have nothing to do with resentment over a lost election.

"Why me?"

She took a sip of drink, and a discrete smile softened her normally solemn face.

"I believe that you have some experience in that domain," she said quietly.

"Oh."

The existence of the Order of the Phoenix had been kept secret, but of course Amelia's department had people skilled in espionage. She probably also knew that Kingsley had been working for Dumbledore, and of course, the fact that he, and other loyal people, were still in the Ministry's employ, could be used for good effect.

Arthur wondered how candid he should be with her. Their eyes locked and he saw the passion and determination in hers.

"We had the Headmaster," he said in the same quiet voice. "And we had Harry and his friends. What do we have this time?"

She noted the use of the plural. He was with her, and that alone was worth much. She was getting ready to reply when Gauldbag and his assistant arrived. They exchanged greetings and in a short while they were all seated around the table. A waiter came for their drinks. The Goblins were brought some dark red liquid and several bottles of spice and herbs which they added and mixed. Arthur knew that the drink was called a Bloody Hag, and he suspected that it wasn't made with tomato juice. He ordered some Firewhiskey and said nothing.

"Thank you for coming," said Bones, "First of all, I hope you understand that we distance ourselves from the Ministry. We wanted to do things honorably but it was not possible."

"I know that, witch Bones," said Gauldbag. He looked at her and then at Arthur. "There is no quarrel between us. I propose that we pledge to be truthful with each other. Some things must be kept secret, but we will do that with silence, not with lies."

He placed his hand, palm up on the table, waiting for them to do the same. Arthur glanced at Bones, acknowledging her as the leader. She hesitated for a fraction of an instant and then placed her hand as well. Arthur and Graskut did the same. A soft glow rose from their skin, diffused over the wooden surface, and gradually disappeared. As long as they were seated at that table, they could speak no lies.

"Good," said Gauldbag. "I am listening."

"Shrummer wants a showdown with you," she said. "I have no proof, and I do not know why, but everything points to that. He also has some unhealthy plans for our community. Arthur and I plan to resist him."

The Goblin digested this. He didn't look surprised.

"What is the position of wizard Dumbledore?" he asked. Both Arthur and Bones looked unsure.

"We do not know. He is working in the Department of Mysteries, and you know very well what Shrummer wants him to do."

"Why does he help the Minister?" asked Gauldbag.

Bones' face was closed. She didn't feel the need to defend the man who had thwarted her plans. She expected nothing from the Headmaster. It was Arthur who answered.

"It seems that Shrummer has convinced him that it is the only alternative to war," he said. He saw the disbelief on the three faces. "He will not take any chances of that happening, and I believe that he feels guilt over what happened," he added to Bones.

He didn't know what else to say. Guessing at the intentions of the Headmaster was a difficult task. The man rarely acted directly, and he was often prepared to forego an immediate solution in favor of a complex long term plan. He tried to explain some of that to his interlocutors, but he could see that they were far from convinced.

"We cannot count upon him to help us," summarized Gauldbag. "And therefore, he must be stopped from helping our enemies," he added. Graskut nodded vigorously.

"Do you think he can succeed?" asked Arthur. He was curious at the answer he would get.

"I will not answer that question," said Gauldbag with a hint of warning in his voice.

Both Goblins stared at him with hard faces, their small pointed teeth gleaming in the tavern light. The conversation was touching at the core of the Goblin power. The word secret did not even begin to cover how sensible such information was. Bones intervened quickly to affirm that they didn't want the Headmaster to break the power of Gringotts. Arthur assured them as of that as well.

"Your action will only delay the Ministry," continued Gauldbag, addressing Bones. "And Shrummer now has the support of those six young ones you call the Founders. We are fortunate that they are still confined to the school, but surely you know that public sentiment will follow them against you." He saw Arthur wince, and he knew why. After all, two of them were his children.

"They are not together in this," corrected Bones, shaking her head. "Granger and Potter have split from the group, and Hermione Granger was the true inspiration for our candidacy platform." She had received detailed reports from her niece.

"Then why did you not ask her to assist you in the Wizengamot?" asked Gauldbag with surprise. "It would have been her word against a written note."

"I could not. The Headmaster has forbidden her to help me."

Even Arthur was surprised and puzzled at the affirmation. Pressed for details, Bones explained about the letter she had received. The Goblins listened attentively. One could almost hear the wheels turning in their minds. Gauldbag was becoming more and more convinced that Albus Dumbledore was the source of most of their problems. It was a sobering thought, because no enemy could be more dangerous.

"There were some rumors about him having manipulated Fudge," added Bones absently. "The way all this started was incredible enough, not to mention the killing of Umbridge."

"We didn't do that," said Gauldbag immediately. "A human did."

Arthur had been thinking about the Headmaster, and he hadn't paid full attention to the conversation.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"We have heard the rumor attributing her death to our people," said Graskut. "And we did our own investigation. I followed it closely myself. No Goblin could be proven guilty and we found a witness who testified that two humans carried her body in the alley on Friday morning. The witness says one human cut a lock of hair and cast a spell on the body before leaving."

"What kind of spell?" asked Bones.

The Goblin produced a note with some misspelled Latin words. Both Arthur and Bones examined it.

"It could be a form of aging charm," said Bones. "It would explain why the report said that the time of death was before the publication of the law." She looked up. "This could change everything. There was no pollyjuice and it was really her."

"But it doesn't explain everything," objected Arthur. "It only means that she was used to try and frame the Goblins, but we didn't advertise the circumstances of her death. Only a few people knew of it."

"Yes," added Bones. "Rita Skeeters knew, but we stopped her from publishing it. She had enough to write about as it was," she added with disgust.

"We will think about that information ourselves," said Gauldbag. "In the meantime, I am worried about what wizard Dumbledore is doing."

"I will not condone any action against Albus Dumbledore," said Arthur firmly. "And I will not help you against him."

"Arthur," said Bones in a calming voice. "There is no reason that it should come to that, but the man may be unbalanced or manipulated by Shrummer, or someone else."

"I defy anyone to manipulate Dumbledore mentally!" he said with force.

"Then maybe there is something else, blackmail perhaps, but you have to admit that he is acting very strangely."

"Wizard Weasley," said Gauldbag. "Let us not talk of action here, but please consider. The most powerful of wizards is spending day and night on an assignment which is aimed at ruining the Goblin power structure. The least we should be allowed to know is what progress he is making."

Arthur hesitated. He wanted to ask the Goblin to assure him that no measures would be taken against his friend, but he knew that this could not be given. He looked at Bones who looked inclined to access to the Goblins' demands. He nodded to her.

"We will try to do that," she said. "For the moment, all that I can say is that he spends a lot of time with one of the Unspeakables of the Ministry. A wizard named Alan Boocrat."

Gauldbag nodded his thanks, and Graskut took on a pensive expression. That name meant something to him. He would have to check what he had on the human when they returned.

There was not much more to say so they separated shortly afterwards. Arthur thought that it wasn't very conclusive, but then again it was only their first meeting.

- - -

Hogwarts,

At that same time Harry and Hermione were in Hagrid's hut, finishing the brewing of a special potion project, when the perimeter alarm warned them that someone was coming close. It had happened before, but each time the potential visitor had passed the house by without trying to look or get inside.

Hermione immediately moved the cauldron under the table and cleared the fumes with a quick spell. Harry closed the books shut and stored them into a nondescript cloth sac. They were often doing that kind of work these days. Hermione had been researching a number of spells, charms and potions which she felt might be useful to them, in case things went from bad to worse. Harry thought that she was been paranoid, but it gave them something to do together, and some of her ideas were actually intelligence tools which followed the spirit of the Weasley twins' Extensible Ears.

They put out the lights and waited in dark silence for the intruder to go away. That didn't happen, instead there was a firm knock on the door.

"Harry, Hermione. I know you're in there. It's Luna."

They looked at each other. Harry made a face and Hermione shrugged, then with a wave of her wand, she restored the lights and unlocked the door. Luna Lovegood, wrapped in an enormous cream colored fur coat, entered and closed it against the chilly exterior.

"Er, Hi," said Harry.

"How did you know we were there?" said Hermione frowning.

"Come on, it wasn't difficult to guess. You disappear every evening and you're never in the Bubble or in the Room of Requirement. I asked Dobby a few questions. He did his best to hide the fact that were not hiding somewhere in the school, but he couldn't fool me." She shivered. "It's freezing in here. Can't you build a fire or anything?"

Hermione looked up to check that the drapes they had placed over the windows would be enough to hide the light, and then she conjured a small fire in the central hearth.

"Who else knows?" she asked. "Ron I suppose?"

"I haven't told anybody," replied Luna calmly.

"Why?" asked Harry. He thought he knew the answer, but he wanted her to say it for Hermione to hear.

"Because I want you to trust me."

She looked back at Harry with her big silvery eyes. Her expression was serious but calm. He was glad to see her. Maybe it would lead to something positive. Hermione still looked dubious and on her guard, even though she knew that Luna would never act against them.

"We're listening Luna," said Harry gently.

"All right. I don't know what we can salvage of the situation but I aim to try, and maybe we can tone down the hatred a little."

She paused and looked into the flames. Hermione did the same.

"I don't even want to think about the issues, you'll have to solve that yourselves, but Ginny's a wreck and Draco, well he's holding out but he's going to snap one of these days." She turned toward Hermione. "That was a cheap shot that you took by the way. You two have this place, and Ron and I can still get together, but Ginny really freaked out when she realized what you did."

"What are you talking about?" asked Harry. He looked at Hermione who wouldn't meet his gaze.

"You didn't know?" asked Luna. She looked at Hermione. "I think you should tell him."

"What did you do, Mione?" asked Harry.

"I, hum, I took them off the Fidelus charm," Hermione confessed in a small voice.

Harry considered her for a moment. He said nothing because he knew from first hand experience how badly Hermione had taken the termination of FOM, first by the Headmaster, and then at the Wizengamot election. He also knew that she sometimes showed a vicious streak. Marietta and Rita Skeeters could testify of that. The saying that hell had no fury like a woman's scorn fitted perfectly with her.

"I talked with Draco this evening," continued Luna. "He didn't ask for anything, but he was desperate for some company. He didn't even tell me about the Bubble. I got it by deduction and by listening to Ginny."

She paused again and continued to watch the flames.

"I think you should know that they don't want to hurt you. They regret that you were, but not what they did. They really believe that they are doing the right thing." She looked up toward Harry. "I think Draco misses you terribly Harry."

"What about Ron?" he replied.

Luna lowered her head and bit her lips.

"I- I can't say the same about Ron," she stammered. "You know the answer. I love you both. Don't make me think about it."

She closed her eyes and froze. He reached out to touch her arm, and he could sense her pain in his mind. He tried to soothe it, has she done for him before. Maybe if he concentrated on happy thoughts, she could read them from his mind and it would help. It was not unlike Occlumency training and it seemed to work. He felt her relaxing.

I Love you Luna. I miss Ron too.

I know you do. Please don't give up. Tell me you'll never give up.

I won't.

They stayed silent for a moment. Hermione took out a piece of paper and scribbled a phrase on it. When Harry released Luna, she gave it to her. It was the keyword for the Bubble. Draco and Ginny had only to read it to get back access to the place.

"Thanks," said Luna, wiping her eyes. "Thanks a lot."

"You're welcome," replied Hermione.

Her voice didn't carry a lot of warmth, and Luna knew that she still hadn't forgiven her former friends, but she had taken a first step toward that, and that was important. She looked at the folded note and hesitated. It would be so much better if Harry or Hermione gave it to them, but she could sense that it would be premature to ask for that.

"How are you two doing?" she asked instead. Her eyes went from one to the other. She immediately sensed the deceptive thoughts lurking in their minds, and the blocks coming up against any prying. "I don't care about your secrets!" she added with passion. "Don't you understand? It's what you are that's important, not what you do, or what others see you doing."

"We're all right Luna," said Harry gently. "It's not the same as before, but we've got each other, and we're all right."

"Good!" she said. She stood up, pulled her coat around herself. "Good," she repeated. "I know we'll be together again one day. I don't know when or how, but it will happen." She looked at Harry. "You'll do it Harry. You did it once and you'll do it again. I trust you." He gave her an uneasy smile, but the words warmed his heart. She went to the door and blew them a kiss. They watched her leave into the darkness.

"Thank you, Mione," said Harry.

She turned against him and lowered her head against his shoulder.

"It was petty, I know," she tried to explain. "But I was so angry, and-"

"It's all right," he shushed her and pulled her in closer against him.

They stayed together a moment. Harry thought about Ron, sadness filling his mind, alternating with flashes of anger at the unfairness of his reaction. Hermione reviewed some of the things Luna said.

... It's what you are that's important, not what you do, or what others see you doing...

Something in those words made them stay in her mind. She was tired, and she didn't want to analyze it in depth, but she made a mental note to think about it later.

- - -

Luna returned to the main school building, and she wondered about a way to get the note to Ginny and Draco. It could wait until morning of course, but she also didn't want to be the obvious messenger. An inspiration came to her, and she found a perfect solution to that problem. Changing directions, she headed straight for the kitchens. The Elves were still working to clean up after the last meal. She spotted Dobby who saw her as well and rushed toward her.

"Missy Luna. Dobby is pleased to meet you. Is Missy Luna hungry? We still have cake or fruit and-"

"Thank you Dobby. I'm not hungry, but I have a favor to ask of you."

"Dobby is glad to be of service for Missy Luna. What must Dobby do?"

She explained what she wanted and the Elf immediately frowned. He might be funny looking and funny talking, but he was intelligent enough to understand what had happened. Luna pointed out that Hermione had written the note, and she let him think that Harry was too busy to ask the favor himself. The Elf finally relented, took the note and disappeared with a snap of his fingers.

Ginny was sleeping and she sat up with a frightened start upon feeling the unusual weight on her bed covers. She almost let out a squeal when she saw two big luminous eyes in the darkness.

"Lumos! Dobby! What are you doing here?"

"Missy Hermione says Missy Ginny is to read this," he said briskly, thrusting the folded paper in her hand. The Elf made a grimace and added. "When Missy Ginny has read, then Dobby will bring this to the young master."

Guessing at what it had to be, Ginny unfolded the piece of paper. As she read the text, her heart lifted. She knew that she was once again part of the Fidelus spell. Before she could even say a word, the Elf had taken the paper from her hand and disappeared. She was still unfocused in the aftermath of sleep, but she remembered the rest of his words. Quickly, she got up and started to dress.

- - -

Draco was lying on his bed, still dressed and thinking sullen thoughts, when the Elf materialized in the middle of the room. He looked up in surprise. Dobby barely gave him a glance, and his expression was anything but friendly. He placed something on the table and immediately disappeared. Intrigued, Draco stood up and saw that it was a folded sheet of paper. He opened it, and his eyes opened wide at what was written.

At first, his suspicious mind wondered if he was the victim of another cruel joke. He dismissed the thought as paranoid. Conceivably, Dobby could have written this himself, but Draco didn't think the Elf could have imitated Hermione's handwriting so well. Whatever this was, he couldn't afford not to check it out, and then, if it was what it seemed, he would find a way to wake Ginny up, even if it meant flying over to her window on a broom.

A few minutes later, he was in the proper place. He replayed the words in his mind, and this time it showed him what he hoped for. He voiced a silent and sincere word of thanks to Hermione. He was getting ready to go back and search for Ginny, when another thought came to his mind. Dobby hadn't said anything, but it was possible that ...

He opened the door and looked inside, and he knew he had guessed right. Ginny was standing there and looking back at him with bright eyes.

He stepped in and closed the door.

Pureblood laws Ch25 - 15