Across the Borders of Land, Sea and Mind

"Skylier Lantecieraveri, you are hereby banished from Benelentia, Ternatia, and all other Taleian land, forever. You will retreat to the wizarding world." Bruce Dieirun's hard glare fixed itself upon the young woman before him. Her father's stony expression remained as he inclined his head in agreement.

Those words together with her father's nod brought her whole world crashing down around her.

**

She had never run so fast in her life. She pelted down the grassy hillside and along the riverbank. She nearly collided with a young man.

"They're sending me away Gavin!" she exclaimed, throwing herself into his arms.

"They can't!" he cried defiantly, holding her so tightly that it seemed nothing could ever separate them. "I won't let them!"

"There's nothing you can do!" she sobbed. "There's nothing anyone can do. Not even Demorian can overrule them now."

"Skylier, I love you," he murmured shakily. "You can't leave."

"I love you too."

**

He pulled her aside by the arm.

"What do you want, Garret?" she spat furiously.

"I want to tell you a little secret before you go," he sneered in a whisper.

She wrenched her arm from his grasp. "What?"

He moved not even an inch from her and whispered maliciously in her ear.

"I brought the wizard into Benelentia."

**

Skylier held Gavin's gaze until his face faded into the fog. She turned to her brother, whose melancholic eyes were looking straight ahead. This was it; the end of everything she had ever known. She was heading out into her own indefinite future.

Her whole life disappeared with Gavin and Benelentia into the mist.

**

Something tiny and golden whizzed in front of her face. She sighed and raised her eyebrows over at the two boys in the back row, both attempting to suppress snorts of laughter.

"Mr. Potter, please put the snitch away or I will take it away," she said, the corners of her mouth twitching into a dubious smile. "And Mr. Black, I'll have you know that porcupine quills are long over-stewed and your potion is in danger of exploding within the next five minutes."

This got their attention.

"Sorry, Professor Lantiera."

"Sorry, Professor."

**

"Skylier! Skylier!"

"Sirius! What's the matter?"

He grabbed her shoulders, completely out of breath. "Voldemort - Lily and James - Voldemort - " he panted.

"What are you saying?"

"He found them. They're - they're dead." His face contorted oddly and he hung his head.

Skylier stared at him, his words barely penetrating her mind. "No! It - it can't be - what about Harry?"

"He's fine. Dumbledore's taken him to his aunt and uncle's in Surrey." Sirius scowled reprovingly.

"WHAT?!"

**

Dumbledore smiled as three people entered the room. A young man with flaming red hair, undoubtedly a Weasley, a pretty young woman with big brown eyes and soft brown hair, and a young man with unruly black hair and bright green eyes. Skylier recognized him immediately.

"This is Skylier and Cardinal Lantiera," Dumbledore introduced them. "Both accomplished Ministry members and heads of their departments. You two, this is Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter."

"I've always wanted to meet you," Skylier said, shaking the other two's hands and extending hers in turn to Harry. He was an exact replica of James, except for the eyes, Lily's eyes.

'He's the one,' Skylier thought to her brother. 'He's one of the Three.'

Chapter 1

She was walking along the same path she always did. Beside her walked a young man, her friend and ally, his hands behind his back and his black hair blowing in the wind. As they reached the bend in the path, a snake slithered out in front of them and across the path into the wood on the other side. From behind the trees where the snake had appeared, they heard words, followed by a large shadowy green skull with a snake protruding from its mouth rising high above the trees. The two turned and ran back down the path, stopping suddenly to see seven red-haired figures lying on the ground in front of them, their bodies cold and their eyes wide with fear. Suddenly the Dark Lord materialized behind them, killing the young man with a flash of green light. He turned his wand on her, laughing. Red eyes gleaming.

Hermione Granger woke with such a jolt that she nearly fell out of bed. She wiped the cold sweat from her face and looked at the clock on her bedside table. 5:37 AM. She groaned and fell back onto her pillow. She didn't have to be to work until 9:00, but was reluctant to go back to sleep. Those eyes... She shook her head. It was just a dream, nothing more.

She hauled herself out of bed, picking up her wand, which lay beside the alarm clock, and made her way down the stairs to the kitchen. She turned on the coffeemaker she had filled the night before, and turned to the pantry. As she did so, she heard thump above her head. Ginny was awake. Ginny Weasley Potter was one of her best friends, and currently, she and her husband were sharing an apartment with Hermione. Hermione grabbed a can of pineapple, opened it, and dumped it into a bowl on the counter. Then she heard the thumps progress down the stairs.

"What're you doing up this early?" Ginny asked, yawning as she entered the kitchen.

"I should ask the same of you," Hermione replied. "I just couldn't sleep that's all."

"Hmm," was the fuzzy minded reply, as Ginny stuck her head in a cupboard. "Do we have any-?"

"Yep," Hermione interrupted, handing her the bowl of pineapple. Ginny had been craving pineapple every morning for the past couple of weeks.

"Thanks, I'm starved! I'm eating for two now, you know," Ginny said, patting her stomach. She was 3 months pregnant with the couple's first child. She looked up at her friend. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Hermione replied, looking up from the empty pineapple can she had been absently staring at.

"That's a lie."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because you're chewing your lip. You only do that when you're upset. And your hands are turning white."

Hermione released her lip and looked down at her hands. She was clenching her fists into tight balls without noticing. "I had that dream again," she explained, quite reluctantly.

"That's the seventh time in 3 months!" Ginny exclaimed.

"I know."

"So-,"

"So what? It's just a dream. But still," she said as an after thought. "I can't help but wonder if it's normal to dream the same dream so many times."

"Well, you're not normal, you know," Ginny said matter-of-factly. "I mean you're a magical genius! You're 24 with a top position at the Ministry of Magic. You're on the verge of becoming Minister of Magic for Merlin's sake! Maybe there's something wrong with you."

"Oh thanks, Gin. Now I'm mental as well as paranoid." Ginny had jokingly told her she was paranoid the last time she had had the dream.

"Well not necessarily mental," Ginny said, spooning the last of the pineapple into her mouth. "Ah, hell, I don't know. I'm getting in the shower."

"But it's not even six o'clock yet!"

"Longer shower then!" She smiled and ran up the stairs.

"Sssshhhh!" Hermione hissed after her. "Or you'll wake Skylier!"

"Never fear!" Ginny whispered loudly. "Quiet Woman is here!"

Skylier Lantiera was Hermione's other roommate and close friend, though they had only known each other for 4 years. Her blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and wonderful sense of humor were identical to those of her twin brother, Godric. Bearing the same name of the famous Gryffindor, which he hated (the name, not the man), he preferred to have people call him Cardinal, a name that had been dubbed to him by Skylier when he had once dyed his hair bright red.

Hermione sighed, and returned to her coffee, which she had poured into a mug. She then unlocked to door to the balcony (they lived on the fourth floor of their London apartment building). Stepping outside, she turned to make sure the door didn't shut completely. The cool October breeze lifted her auburn hair, which had tamed itself into long curls that spilled lightly over her shoulders. She had successfully grown out of her awkward teenage stage and into a beautiful young woman. She breathed in the fresh morning air and looked out across the road to the nearest clock tower. 6:03 AM.

She looked down at the gardens, but looked straight back up again. Something had hit the wall of the apartment from the hallway outside, and she heard a muffled "OW!"

She set down the remainder of her coffee, and went to the door. When she cautiously opened it, she came face to face with the black haired young man from her dream, carrying a broomstick in one hand and rubbing his foot with the other.

"Harry Potter," she scolded. "What are you doing? You don't want to wake up the whole building, do you?"

"Sorry," Harry said. "I didn't see this. Tripped over it and hit the wall with my broom." He pointed at a package lying in front of the door. "I think it's for Skylier. It's bloody heavy!"

"Come on," Hermione said, holding the door open for him. "Coffee?"

"Thanks," Harry replied, putting his Firebolt 5000 back in its case.

"Harry, what are you doing, it's 6 AM!"

"Well, I woke up early and decided to go for a ride down at the pitch," he said. "It's really been a while. Gin gets mad at me when I go out by myself at odd hours of the day like that."

After his four years as an English national team Seeker immediately following school, Harry had trained to be an Auror, like Ron, but was still in love with his broomstick. He sighed. "I suppose she's right. No telling what'll happen these days, what with the War and everything..."

The War had started in their sixth year. Voldemort had been moving from country to country, destroying, torturing, and controlling with unrelenting fervour. Great Britain had not yet fallen to him, and he now concentrated on France and Spain. England had so far been protected by the Aurors, Dumbledore, and the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter.

"Anyways, I figured I'd just come back and see if anyone was awake," he added.

"Gin's up too. She's in the shower now. She wanted some pineapple at 5:30."

Harry rolled his eyes, but the mention of his wife had made him smile.

"Is Ron awake?" Hermione asked.

"Wasn't when I snuck in to eat his glazed doughnuts at 4:30." He paused. "He's getting serious, Mione. He was talking about the "M" word the other day. Even went to a jewelry store."

Now it was Hermione's turn to roll her eyes and smile. "How long do you reckon it will take him to work up the courage to propose to me?" she giggled. She and Ron had been together since 6th year.

"Hmm, got my money on 2 weeks," Harry said smiling. "That is, if he hasn't died of a nervous breakdown by then."

Hermione stared at him. "Don't say that," she said shuddering, vividly remembering the dream of Ron and his family lying dead on the ground.

Harry looked at her. Sometimes it seemed like he could read her mind. "That dream again?" he asked softly.

Hermione nodded and looked away. She didn't want him to know what she was thinking now. "It was so vivid... so real," she said quietly.

Harry looked at her for a second, and then stepped out onto the balcony. Hermione followed. He looked out across the city. "Herm, you've really got to get you're mind off that dream. Why don't you come up to Edinburgh with Gin and me for the weekend? You need a vacation." Hermione could see the concern in his green eyes.

"No, Harry, I've-"

"Herm, in all the years I've known you, I've never seen you like this. Every time you have that dream, you're jumpy and weird the next day."

"Well, you would be too if you saw what I saw," Hermione snapped. "Sorry," she added, shaking her head. "It just scares me to see you, and Ginny, and Ron, like that."

"Oh, Mione," Harry comforted, giving her a hug. "You don't have to be scared. It's just a dream."

"I know," she said when he released her. "Thanks."

"How touching," said Skylier, coming down the stairs in her yellow robe and bright pink fuzzy slippers.

"Morning to you too," Harry greeted her smiling. "Gin out of the shower yet?"

"Yep, just got out. If you hurry, you can catch her before she's even out of her towel!"

Harry wiggled his eyebrows and ran up the stairs. Hermione and Skylier giggled.

"Had to get rid of him somehow. What do we have to eat, I'm starving!" Skylier said, stretching.

"Well, we've got pineapple, pineapple, coffee, cereal, and pineapple."

"Hmm, what a choice," Skylier said in mock thoughtfulness. She poured herself a cup of coffee, and took a plum out of the fruit bowl.

"Oh," said Hermione remembering suddenly. "You've got a package; arrived this morning." She pointed to the large box on the floor.

Skylier shook it gently. "Oh, excellent! My size 6 cauldron! Been waiting days for this!"

"Harry tripped over it this morning in the well-lit hallway," Hermione giggled.

"Stupid git," Skylier said smiling. "What's he doing out there anyways? I thought he was going to sleep in today."

"He wanted a ride before Ginny woke up. Codicious told her not to let him out there," Hermione explained. Then she dropped her voice a little. "I happen to know, that the Aurors don't like anybody down at the pitch at all. They say it's too much of a target. Especially when Harry goes." Skylier, of course, knew all about Harry's prophetical future and the trio's school day escapades.

"I think Harry can fend for himself. I mean he's been doing it for the last 13 years right? And Voldemort's all the way in Corsica now," Skylier said.

"Corsica's not that far away," Hermione reminded her. "Besides, we don't want to take any chances."

"You sound just like a Ministry representative," Skylier said.

"Well, I am one," Hermione replied. "And so are you," she added pointedly.

Skylier was head of the Department of Experimental Potions. She was a genius at concocting, mixing, and cooking. She was the best cook in London in the opinion of her housemates. Her worst fear was that one of them would get an ulcer.

"What are you two on about?" asked Harry as he came back down the stairs, Ginny behind him.

"Oh, nothing," Skylier chimed. "Just Ministry business. And as your not part of the Ministry, you wouldn't know." She smiled; Ginny giggled.

"Yeah, you're just a ruddy old Auror like me," said Ron, as he walked through the door. "Morning Mione," he said, and kissed her.

"Mmm, morning to you too," she replied smiling. He smiled back. "Hey," he said turning to Harry. "Did you go out flying this morning?"

"Yeah but don't tell Gin," Harry whispered loudly, a mock annoyed look on his face.

"You told me you wouldn't!" Ginny protested, frowning indignantly. "Anything could happen, and Moody told you not to!"

Ron ran his fingers through his red hair. "Yeah, no telling. Codicious's has got his hands full with those stupid goblins. Furious about wand rights again. Honestly, if the Gringotts goblins could do wizard magic, we'd all be bankrupt and seriously injured. He doesn't literally have the time to look after you, mate."

Codicious Moody, the nephew of Alastor Moody, had been appointed commander of the L.A.D. (London Auror Department), when the need for more Aurors and a trained army had become so great, that the Aurors had had to set up their own office and separate from the Ministry. Ron and Harry were under him.

"Hey, Ron," Skylier asked. "Is my brother up yet?"

"You know Cardinal," Ron chuckled. "Never gets up on his day off. And I mean, who in their right mind would."

"Good point," said Harry.

"Oh, Ron!" said Ginny. "I've just remembered. Mum wants you to go home and fix the kitchen sink. It's leaking again and she doesn't know what's wrong with it."

"Ugh," Ron groaned. "Suppose I'd better do that today."

Ever since Mr. Weasley had died shortly after Ginny graduated, Ron and Ginny had been looking after their mother, as they were the nearest to home. Though their joke shop business was still highly successful, Fred was the only one who remained there full time. George, ironically, now taught Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts, where Dumbledore was still Headmaster. Bill was engaged and still in Egypt, and Charlie had married not too long ago and moved to America. Percy was rather unaccounted for. He hadn't been seen much for the past few months, but they figured her was still somewhere in London, wandering about in freakish bewilderment.

"Well," Ginny said. "I'd better get going. I've got a lot of stuff to do before our meeting. We've got a lot of stuff to move." Ginny also worked for the Ministry as a Transportation Officer. She moved supplies to wherever they were needed in the current war. It was more military than Ministry.

"Okay, bye," said Harry, kissing her. "I'll see you at dinner. I take it we're eating here?"

"Yep, shepherd's pie," Skylier answered.

"Bye," Ginny said. "I love you."

"I love you too," Harry answered.

"I'm getting in the shower," Skylier announced when Ginny had shut the door.

"Okay," Hermione said. "Don't be long. I need one too."

After she had left, Ron looked at Harry, about to say something, but stopped. He prodded Hermione, and she looked up. They stared at each other, and then back at Harry. Harry stood with his hands in his pockets and staring wistfully at the door from which Ginny had left, and smiling to himself.

Ron started to laugh. "What are you doing, Harry? You look like a complete git!" He was almost howling with laughter, but was forced to calm down after a poke from Hermione.

"Just thinking," said Harry.

"About what?" Hermione inquired.

"Ginny." He looked at the pair of them. "I'm going to be a dad, you guys. A father. Can you believe it?" He grinned.

Hermione smiled. Ron looked startled. "Oh my gosh! I'm going to be an uncle! Does that make me seem old?" he asked Hermione.

"Not a bit," she said laughing and kissing his cheek.

"Looks like I might be an uncle too before long," Harry said, smiling slyly. "You are my brother-in-law, Ron. And if you and Mione..."

"What?!" Ron said, turning red.

"You never know. It is possible," Hermione agreed, smiling. She looked up at Ron with a mischievous grin.

"What?" said Ron again, and the other two laughed.

"Oh come on, Ron. Don't act so surprised," Hermione teased.

"Yeah, Ron, Mione even said it was possible. That's a good sign," Harry added.

Ron merely stared at the two of them, and Hermione burst out laughing.

"Hermione!" Skylier called from upstairs. "You can have the shower now!"

"Thanks!" Hermione called back, and stumbled up the stairs, doubled over with laughter.

"Blimey," Ron said. "Saved by the Skylier."

"Yeah," Harry chuckled. "But you've got to admit, Mione's right. It is possible."

"Damn, you're annoying," Ron said, shaking his head.

"I know. Don't you like kids?"

"It's not that. It's just... I don't know."

"Well, get used to it. I plan on taking advantage of your babysitting abilities." Harry lowered his voice a bit. "By the way, when are you going to propose to Hermione? I've got a bet going with Skylier."

"Damn, you're annoying," Ron said shaking his head.

"I know. Don't you like kids?"

"It's not that. It's just... I don't know."

"Well, get used to it. I plan on taking advantage of your babysitting abilities." Harry lowered his voice a bit. "By the way, when are you going to propose to Hermione? I've got a bet going with Skylier."

"You stupid prat! You're supposed to be my friend! I don't think I'll ever tell you anything again."

"Okay, sorry. So, when are you going to propose? You still are, aren't you? Haven't changed your mind?"

Ron put his hands in his pockets; his ears turned pink. "Yeah, I suppose..."

"What does that mean? You either are, or you aren't."

"All right! I am! I just don't know when yet."

Hermione leaned away from her hiding spot on the landing, smiling.

*~*~*

"Lucas! What have you found out about our law-breaking friend Mr. Calebrecht?" Hermione demanded as Lucas Regham entered her office. Hermione held the respected position in the Ministry of Magic that Mr. Bartemius Crouch had held before his breakdown, and wasn't far away from becoming the youngest Minister of Magic that England had ever had. If this trial went well, she was almost guaranteed promotion.

"Well, here's his record from the archives. I just got it. Haven't even opened it yet." The young man dropped a large envelope file on her desk.

"The case follows as such," Hermione stated, folding her hands in front of her. "Garret Calebrecht of Devonshire was convicted of bringing a Muggle into Diagon Alley, the Ministry and Gringotts. Everyone knows that it is strictly forbidden to bring Muggles into our world unless blood or law relates them. We can't jeopardize our community like that. If we started bringing them in here, they'd tell everyone they know, and soon they'd all be in here, and that's the end of the magical secret that has been kept for thousands of years."

Lucas nodded. "He's being held in the Ministry secure center until his trial of course, and we're sending someone by to interrogate him today or tomorrow."

"Good; and I'll get the security recordings from the stores and Ministry building."

"What about the Muggle?" Lucas asked. "Will she be required to sit at his trial?"

"Unfortunately, yes. She is required by law to be questioned and then her memory will be wiped whether he is guilty or not. If he's convicted, he'll get probably between 5 and 10 years in Azkaban," Hermione explained.

"Right, well I'm going on lunch break. See you later."

"Bye," Hermione said, thinking that she'd better go too, as she was meeting Ron for lunch at Martin's Deli, one of London's best-kept secrets. She put on her cloak, grabbed her keys, and headed out the door. When she Apparated to the outside of Martin's, Ron was already there, waiting and reading the menu, which Hermione knew was only to occupy him, as he always ordered a BLT with cheese.

"Hi," she said when she sat down opposite him. He leaned across the table and kissed her lightly. "How's your trial coming?" he asked.

"Really well, actually. It should be pretty easy if the security recordings show what we want them to, and since the woman's blood test results came up non-magic. This guy has been apprehended before, and his record's not rumored to be too great. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm going to get it this afternoon." She smiled. "How's your day, so far?"

"Oh, pretty good," he said. "A little of this, a little of that. Moody wants Harry and I to go up to Dublin next weekend with a couple others to check out some risky business. Something about Death Eaters congregating and plotting to retake the city. You know, the norm." He smiled. The waitress came, and Hermione ordered the Ruben and Ron, the BLT. They chatted and ate quickly, for both had to get back to work. They said their goodbyes and left.

***

Skylier decided that since it was after noon, she should check to see if Cardinal was awake yet. She opened the door and pounded gently on the one across the hall. No answer. She went back to her room and grabbed her spare key. She unlocked his door silently and crept up the stairs to his room. Then, without warning, she pounced on his bed, and he jumped about a foot.

"It's your darling baby sister!" Skylier greeted him.

"Oh great," was his muffled reply, as he untangled himself from his bed sheet. "What do you want this early in the morning?"

"Early! It's a quarter past noon! Get up you ninny!" Skylier said, climbing off his bed and opening his door. "If you're not up and dressed in 15 minutes, I'm coming back with a bucket of water!"

Cardinal groaned as she left the room and went back to her own. Skylier decided that she'd better get ready too, as she had to go down to the apothecary. She was completely out of cobra scales, parsley, and lemon pepper.

She walked downtown to Diagon Alley. Most wizards would have just Apparated, but it was such a nice day outside that Skylier figured that it would have been a shame to waste it. She thought abstractly about Cardinal as she walked. That wasn't his real name, of course, but he hated the name Godric. When Skylier was little, she couldn't pronounce his name, so she had called him Cardric. Then he once dyed his hair bright red, earning him the name Cardinal. Ever since, everyone but his parents referred to him as Cardinal.

Cardinal also worked for the Ministry as Head of the Department of Magical Transportation and Communication. He had recently helped invent devices such as reflecting, which allowed you to look into a mirror and see person you are talking to. It was very handy.

Skylier decided to walk through Hyde Park. She loved that park, and all the multicolored leaves that fluttered to the ground. She loved it because it reminded her of a forest near her home. She had been born on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, for which she was named, and raised in various places around Scotland and Ireland with her family of 15. They had not gotten along and Skylier and Cardinal had moved to London in the end.

***

Upon reaching her office, Hermione took off her cloak, sat down at her desk and immediately opened Calebrecht's file. It was full of flying ticket copies and court orders. There were 6 ID changes and 23 address changes. He really got around, didn't he, she thought, and as she did, she turned to his original identification page. She stared at it in bewilderment.

Original name: Garret Bran Queran Candrecia

Age: Unknown Current Occupation: Unknown

Birthplace: Unknown Last Known Address: 163 Narcis

Parents: Unknown Blvd, London, GL8

Spouse: None Name Origin: Unknown

Children: None Security Number: 602-82188-9203

Country of Citizenship: UK

Description: Curly blonde hair, green eyes, 6ft. 3in., medium build, dragon tattoo on right shoulder, vertical scar near right ear, scar on left side of upper lip.

And that was it. Hermione stared at the paper in utter confusion; it made no sense. How could the Ministry know so little about a wizard? Tabs were kept on all of them. She had never seen or heard of a file like this. As she continued to read through it, one thing caught her eye. It was a temporary court restraining order:

Garret Ceridin is hereby forbidden by the Ministry of Magic of Great Britain to go near, enter the living premises of, or make contact with Skyler Lantecritia. In the case of a violation against this order, the offender will temporarily sent to Azkaban.

Date Issued: 11/18/1941

Hermione read the paper again. Who was Skyler Lantecritia? She knew where she could find out. She grabbed her cloak and went out the door.

She headed straight for the Ministry Libraries, where one could find information on every subject imaginable and records on every witch and wizard ever born, though one needed Ministry identification or clearance to access them. She climbed the granite steps, and pushed open one of the heavy oak doors. She approached the woman at the front desk.

Madam Pretin met her at the desk. "Something else I can do for you, my dear?" she asked kindly.

"Yes, actually," Hermione replied. "I just need the file for Skyler Lantecritia." She wrote the name down.

"Hmm, there's no one of that name in here, dear," said Madam Pretin, studying the piece of paper Hermione handed her.

"Are you sure? There must be," Hermione persisted.

"Hermione, I know every name catalogued in this Library, and that's not one of them, but I'll check if you like." Madam Pretin left her desk and headed to the back room, where all the files were kept.

"Thank you." Hermione was puzzled. She didn't see how it was possible not to even have a file on a wizard. She had seen the back room before. There must have been at least 6000 shelves and 500 drawers of neatly arranged folders cataloged alphabetically and color-coded. Madam Pretin returned after a few minutes, shaking her head.

"No, I'm sorry dear, she doesn't exist. I've got a Skylier Lantiera, but no Skyler Lantecritia."

"Hmm, well, could I have Skylier Lantiera then, please?" Hermione requested.

***

Skylier walked down the hall, and upon reaching her door, slid her key into its lock and opened it. The smell of the shepherd's pie that she had left in the oven wafted over her. She set her bag of groceries down on the kitchen counter and began to unpack them. She checked on her pie, and was just was about to prepare a salad when Cardinal walked through the door. He was holding a letter and looking disturbed.

"What's the matter?" Skylier asked, looking curiously at the letter.

"Read this," Cardinal said frowning, handing it to her.

She gave him a funny look, and opened the letter. It was short and had been typed:

I know who you are. I know what you are. I know where you came from. I know that no one else knows. I know what you do everyday. I know everything about both of you. Go back where you came from. Go back to Benelentia.

Skylier lowered the letter and looked at Cardinal. His expression was solemn and troubled. "Do you think it's serious?" he asked.

"I don't know. What does this mean, 'Go back where you came from'?"

"I think we both know."

--------------------

Hermione leaned back in her chair. So far, she had learned that Calebrecht had been living in London for 3 months, been charged with murder but was never convicted, and brought a Muggle by the name of Ali Herton into Diagon Alley. The security records from the bookstore clearly showed Calebrecht entering the store with the woman to the area where the books containing dangerous spells and potions were kept. These were closely watched by a witch at the front desk. Calebrecht picked up one book, Dark and Deadly Secrets of the Ancient World, and showed the woman something in it. The page number was 214. The woman nodded and he shut the book. They were arrested shortly afterwards. They had not been tried just yet, only thrown into prison when the woman proved not to be magical. In 3 days time, they would be tried, and, in Hermione's opinion, convicted.

Hermione's only annoyance was that she hadn't found out who that Skyler person was. Her eyes fell upon Skylier Lantiera's file on her desk, and, hesitantly, she opened it. It wasn't as thick as Calebrecht's but to Hermione's surprise and horror, it contained almost the same information as Calebrecht's -nothing except address, security number, country of citizenship, occupation, and original name, which read Skylier Murin Rhiannon Tasmin Lantecieraveri. Hermione stared at it. Why would Skylier have changed her name? She turned the pages, finding 4 name changes, one of which was Skyler Lantecritia. All of them seemed to a variation of her real name. There were no tickets of any kind or court summons. She did find, however, the same restraining order that she had found in Calebrecht's file.

Hermione put her head in her hands. What was going on? Skylier wasn't even alive in 1941. She was only 26, but why didn't her file state that? Why didn't it state that her birthday was April 26? None of it made any sense, and then a thought struck her. Was Cardinal's file like this too? They were twins, after all. She checked her watch. 5:26 PM. Time to go home. She picked up the two files and put them in her bag. She put on her cloak, and locked her office door, then turned to head home.

When she threw open the apartment door, the smell of shepherd's pie met her nose. She had decided on her way home not to say anything to Skylier and Cardinal. It would only make Skylier mad and Cardinal uneasy, accomplishing nothing.

"Hey," Skylier greeted her cheerfully.

Hermione hesitated. "Hey."

"You'd better be hungry," Skylier warned. "Because I have so much food, I don't know what to do with it all. We'll be eating shepherd's pie for a month!"

"Well, it smells great," Hermione reassured her.

"Thanks, I've had nothing to do all day."

"I thought you liked you day off," Hermione smiled.

"Well I do, but I just get bored." Skylier paused and cocked her head, listening. "Card's coming, and I think Ron's with him."

Sure enough, a few seconds later, in came both of them, each carrying a single rose.

"For you, my dear," Ron said when he kissed Hermione.

"All right, what do you guys want?" Skylier asked, pulling a small vase out from a cupboard.

"Nothing!" Cardinal cried indignantly. "Can't we be nice when we want to?"

"I suppose," Skylier said, turning back to the oven.

"Would you believe that they have flowers at Boots now?" Cardinal said disbelievingly. Hermione laughed.

"You're behind with the times, mate," Ron informed him, smiling.

When they had finished eating, Hermione and Skylier cleared the table and did the dishes. Hermione turned to Skylier.

"Do you know the name Garret Calebrecht?"

"I don't think so," Skylier replied. "Why?"

"Oh, he's the guy who brought the Muggle into Diagon Alley. I'm doing his case day after tomorrow. What about Candrecia? Sound familiar?"

Skylier dropped her scrub brush and Cardinal looked up from the TV. "Nope. Why?"

"Oh, that's his original name, but he's changed it about 6 times. I guess he's been in trouble before."

"Hey aren't you supposed to get a Minister's nomination soon?"

"Well, if I get voted in, yeah." Hermione wondered about Skylier's quick change of subject.

"Well," Skylier said, drawing herself up in mock-pride. "As a Ministry Representative, and the Head of my department, I will vote for you."

Hermione laughed. "Thanks."

Chapter 2

The day of the trial arrived, and Hermione felt ready. She knew exactly what questions she wanted to ask, and what answers she would get. When she walked into the circular courtroom, she noticed Skylier, Cardinal and Ron sitting in the audience.

"We just wanted to come and watch," Cardinal explained. His eyes widened in disbelief. "Holy crap, is that the guy?"

A man had just walked into the room, led by two prison guards, one on either side of him. He was tall and had blonde hair like Cardinal's. He was seated in the chair next in the center of the dungeon-like room, where he would remain for the next hour.

Hermione approached him. Looking directly at him she asked, "You're current name is Garret Calebrecht, correct?"

"Correct," he replied looking right back at her.

"And you were caught bringing a Muggle by the name of Ali Herton through Diagon Alley, Gringotts and the Ministry of Magic, all of which is specifically prohibited by law. Do you deny it?"

"No."

"Would you please explain to the court why you did this?"

"Certainly." He looked around the courtroom and smirked evilly in Skylier's direction. "I wanted to prove to her that it was real. She wanted pictures, hard evidence to show to her kind. She works for the London Daily, you know. Besides, it was always said that the Dark Lord's rise and taking of power would be swifter and easier if the Muggles had knowledge of us."

"Do you work for the Dark Lord?" Hermione asked calmly.

The man nodded. "I have before. Just simple things like collecting books, supplies. People."

"Indeed," Hermione said, thoughtfully. This was unexpected. "You took the Muggle into a section of Mardune and Barks book store in Knockturn Alley dedicated to the darker forms of magic." She took the book offered to her by the bailiff, and turned to page 214. "It seems that you were interested in the mythical Taleian Wars. Interesting subject.

"This man has admitted to his crime. I would now like to question the Muggle." Hermione looked around.

She snapped her fingers and two more guards issued in a woman, whom they seated next to Candrecia. She looked Middle Eastern.

"Your name is Ali Herton, correct?"

"Yes," replied the woman, turning her strange black eyes toward Hermione.

"You were discovered in Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley in the company of Garret Calebrecht. Do you know that that is strictly forbidden?"

"Yes."

"May I ask why you were here then?"

"Just as Garret has doubtless told you, I wanted pictures to prove to my compatriots that you were real. It would have been quite the story."

"They have both admitted to the crime as charged. I rest my case. Jury reading?" Hermione asked.

A man from the jury stood up. "Guilty as charged."

"Very well," Hermione said, looking around the room. "Any argument?"

"Proceed as fit, Miss Granger," said Dumbledore, speaking for the Wizengamot.

The rest of the crowd was silent.

"Very well," she said again. "Punishment is as follows: 20 years in Azkaban for Mr. Garret Calebrecht." She slammed her mallet. She loved doing that.

"That was just about the easiest case I've ever had!" Hermione exclaimed as Ron and the others reached her. The crowd started to disperse through the door.

"Yeah, really short, too," Ron said, giving her a hug. "Good job."

"Thanks. Hey, Sky-," Hermione started, but noticed that Skylier was standing rigid next to her seat. She stared at Calebrecht with a mixture of shock and hatred on her face. Cardinal was nervously trying to get her to move.

"Come on Sky," he coaxed. "You can kill Garret some other time. We've got to get back to work."

"Not yet I don't," Skylier said through gritted teeth, still staring hatefully at Calebrecht.

"Ron, help me," Cardinal begged, beckoning Ron over to help him. They each grabbed one of Skylier's arms and began to drag her over to Hermione, but she broke free, and started walking up toward Calebrecht. Cardinal made to follow her, but Ron grabbed his arm.

"She's dangerous," he said. "Don't even try."

"She's madder than hell," Cardinal corrected. "And that's dangerous." He looked worriedly at Skylier.

The three of them watched as Skylier neared Calebrecht, who was looking at her intensely as she was, a shrewdly pleased expression on his face. The three inched up closer to them so as not to be seen, and listened.

"Garret, what are you doing here?" Skylier hissed.

"I could ask the same of you, Skylier."

"You know quite well that I live here, as you've been following me. I've been here for years."

"Interesting friend you've got there. Is she always that bitchy, or is there just something stuck up her ass today?"

Hermione opened her mouth in indignation, but Ron covered it with his hand.

Skylier slapped him across the face. "Don't you dare! I've taken enough crap from you already; just leave us alone. Just go home."

"I'm not going back there. They wouldn't be too glad to see me."

"Well, I have to go. Just get out of here. Stay in Azkaban where you belong."

"That's right, you work for the Ministry of Magic now, don't you. Won't Daddy be happy to hear that?"

Skylier's face went slightly pale.

"And wouldn't Adair be disappointed that you've gone and joined the enemy?" Garret continued sarcastically. "And poor Gavin..."

"All right, just go," Skylier said angrily. Her hand wandered down to her wand, which she kept at her side as if it were a sword.

Two guards came and hauled Garret away.

"Come on, let's move," Ron whispered, and he, Hermione and Cardinal walked quickly back to their previous spot, pretending to be in conversation about what time Harry and Ginny would return.

Skylier turned on her heel and came quickly back to them.

"Sorry about that," she said in an attempt to sound cheerful. "Shall we go?"

Cardinal was looking at her with a strange expression on his face. "Later," she mouthed.

*~*~*

Skylier banged her fist on the table. "He has no right to come here and torment us again," she said indignantly. "None at all."

"Why did he leave Benelentia in the first place?" Cardinal asked.

They had returned to the Ministry, Hermione and Ron going back to their respective offices, leaving Skylier to tell Cardinal what had happened. They were in her deserted laboratory. Cardinal paced agitatedly in front of a row of 16 standard size 5 cauldrons.

"He didn't say. He just said that they wouldn't be too glad to see him back. What he meant by that is beyond me, as is why he left, but he's been following us, Card. I saw him a few months back in Piccadilly Circus, and then down Oxford Road. I thought it was my imagination, but now I'm not so sure."

"He's tried this before," Cardinal said, stopping to look at her. "What do you think he's up to now?"

"Oh, I don't know what runs through that twisted mind of his, and frankly, I don't want to. What I want to know is why they let him leave. They never let me leave before they chucked us out." She said this rather resentfully and her brother scowled at her.

"Skylier, don't start," he warned, and she relented.

"What was he playing at bringing a Muggle into Diagon Alley? What was he doing there? He's not even a wizard!"

Cardinal looked over at his sister. He had to be careful what he said, because anything could set her off. She was beautiful, but underneath her blonde hair, sky blue eyes and humorous nature, there was a fiery temper that could flare up at any time. "I'm not so sure that she was a Muggle, either."

"What do you mean?" Skylier gave him a searching look. "She wasn't a witch."

"No." Cardinal hesitated.

Skylier's eyes widened. "She wasn't - one of us, was she?"

"I don't think so, but I don't know. Her blood test didn't register magical or Muggle. Or Taleian," he added almost reluctantly. "It was kind of all three, but I don't think the others registered that."

"How do you know all this, Card?

"Uh, well see, they left the mirror uncovered in the room where they tested her, and I was kind of watching. Accidentally, of course!" he added seeing the look on Skylier's face. Then to his relief, she started laughing.

"You nit!" she cried. "Whom else do you check up on during the day?" Her expression became more serious, and she cleared her throat. "Well, I guess I'd better get back to work. The others will be back from lunch any minute."

"Guess so," Cardinal said. "But Sky, you've got to promise me that you won't do anything to Garret, okay? Because you know we'd get in trouble for that."

"I promise. Besides, I've already tried that and it didn't work anyway." Skylier forced a smile.

Cardinal left the lab feeling worried. Worried about Skylier, worried about Garret, worried about what Garret could do to Skylier, but more worried about what Skylier could do to Garret. Whenever they ran into each other it resulted in some sort of catastrophe. Skylier had a tendency to act without thinking, and Cardinal wondered what she might "accidentally" do. Her "accidents" had often gotten her, Cardinal, and their band of wild hooligan friends into trouble when they were young. He knew that Skylier's hatred for Garret Candrecia ran deeper than the Marianas Trench. The look on her face when he had entered the courtroom was one so horrible that she reserved it especially for Garret. He knew she would hang on this all day and when she came home she would cook like a madman. That's what she did when she was upset: she cooked.

He walked back to his own office hoping for the best and expecting the worst.