Reign O'er Me

Chapter 12 - Smash the Mirror

Do you hear or fear or

Do I smash the mirror.

Do you hear of fear or

Do I smash the mirror? SMASH!

- Smash the Mirror, The Who

(**********)

Harry slowly stood. "Dudley? What...? How...?"

"Harry, I don't have time to explain right now. Listen, see if you can get him to calm down; I almost had to stun him to get him here," Charlie said in a rush as he walked toward the kitchen door. "Dumbledore will be here as soon as he can; right now he has his hands full. I've got to get back; it's a mess. Dad and the twins are all ok. None of our people were seriously hurt, but several houses are on fire, and the memory charm squad is going to be busy for at least a week."

Dudley had drawn back into a corner, trying to make himself as small and inconspicuous as possible, a particularly difficult challenge for him. Harry was the only familiar face; Dudley slowly realized there was nowhere else to turn. "Harry...?"

Harry had stood when Charlie and Dudley arrived, and Ginny had risen shortly after him; they moved slowly toward Harry's cousin, Harry trying to project as much calm and reassurance as he could. "Calm down, Dudley; it's ok. You're safe here. These are my friends; nobody's going to hurt you. Really."

Dudley didn't look convinced; he kept staring at Ginny's red hair. Molly had joined them; she said, "You poor dear; you've had a rough night." She moved next to Dudley and spoke softly, "No one's going to harm you; now, why don't you come sit with us; would you like some hot chocolate? Or perhaps some biscuits?"

Dudley nodded half heartedly; Molly led Dudley to the table, coaxed him into the chair next to where Harry had been sitting, and moments later had a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a tin of biscuits in front of him. Ginny whispered to Harry as they took their seats, "Mum spiked it, most likely with calming potion. I've seen her do it enough times. She keeps a bottle handy."

Harry suspected he'd been on the receiving end of that more than once himself; however, he did his best to continue to look supportive and reassuring. Hermione and Bill had tried to smile comfortingly at Dudley; Ron had at least managed to keep his face non-threatening.

Harry watched as Dudley took a swallow of the hot chocolate; he looked surprised and took several more large sips. "This is really good, Ma'am."

Hoping the calming potion had taken affect, Harry asked, "Dudley, what happened?"

"We were at the shore; Mum tried to call Dad, but he wasn't at the hotel where he was supposed to be. She tried his office next and got really upset after talking to somebody there. Something about the company being sold and Dad was now working for some other company." Dudley paused and finished the cup. Molly had another steaming mug in front of him a few moments later; Harry noticed she and Ginny exchanging winks.

"Mum tried to call Dad at the hotel again and got really weird when they said he wasn't there and wasn't expected. She insisted we go back home, and she drove like mad to get there. It was way after dark before we got back; she ran all through the house, looking for any sign of Dad, and then she found a letter by the mail slot. I think it was from Dad. She started crying and screaming that he couldn't leave her and that she'd kill that hussy."

Harry thought how strange it was to see Dudley sitting here, among wizards, calmly describing these events; there must have been more potion than hot chocolate in those mugs. "Not long after that, the doors blew off, and all the windows broke, and all these guys dressed in black and wearing masks rushed in. One of them did something with one of those things you carry to Mum when she tried to block their way; they didn't even look twice at me. Most of them rushed upstairs. I think they were looking for you. The next things I know, that red haired guy had grabbed me, pulled me outside through a window and we ran to that house where the crazy old cat woman lived. We were there for a minute or two, then suddenly we're here."

Harry asked, "What happened to Aunt Petunia?"

"I don't know. I didn't see her again, but he said they got her out, too."

Dudley finished off his second mug; he looked as if he were about to fall asleep where he sat. Molly said reassuringly, "You've had a pretty rough day, Dudley. Things will look better in the morning after a good night's rest. Bill, will you help Dudley upstairs? Perhaps the second floor room next to Tonks?"

Bill nodded; by this point it was obvious Dudley wasn't going anywhere under his own power. Bill was floating him toward the door a short time later when Albus Dumbledore walked into the kitchen. His beard was singed, and his robes reeked of smoke. He smiled benignly at them and said, "It seems you have things well in hand, Molly. A dreamless sleep potion, I presume?"

"And a large dose of calming potion. He should sleep until at least mid-morning. I feel sorry for the child, though I'm tempted to finish the transfiguration Hagrid started every time I think of how he's treated Harry over the years."

"Dudley Dursley was as cruelly treated as Harry was, Molly. While Harry received almost nothing, Dudley had every wish granted, no whim left unfulfilled. He was given everything except, perhaps, what he needed," Dumbledore said sadly.

"Like a swift kick in the arse," Ron said, a little louder than he'd intended.

"Somewhat colorfully put, Mr. Weasley, but yes, that as well," Dumbledore said as Molly gave Ron a disapproving look. "But do not judge him too harshly; Dudley Dursley has been far more adversely affected by the deficiencies in his upbringing than has Harry. Further, he has been totally abandoned and rejected by his father, and his mother is gravely injured. And now..."

"Professor, can you tell me what happened?" Harry interrupted.

"There are many details I do not know at this point, Harry, but from what I could gather from a letter Petunia was clutching, your uncle has sold his company to an American firm and left your aunt with the intent of divorcing her and marrying his secretary. He has moved to the US to take an executive position with the firm he sold to. His letter lists many reasons, and you certainly figured among them. But that was not the major reason; your uncle discovered the details of the bargain I had made with your aunt years before." Dumbledore hesitated, then decided Harry should know the truth before they discussed Dudley's fate. "Your aunt is not a muggle, Harry; Petunia is magical. She is not quite a squib, however, she is at best marginal in terms of both ability and aptitude. Part of our bargain that was that no one - especially you and your uncle - would ever be told that and that the magical world would not approach her son. By rights, Harry, your cousin should have received a Hogwarts letter the same year you did...."

Dumbledore paused, knowing they would comprehend nothing further until some of the shock had passed.

Hermione recovered first. "But how could you, Professor? The International Confederation... every wizarding child has a fundamental right to his heritage...?"

"Dear girl, there are many things I have done that I am not proud of, but would do again if necessary. Even if Dudley had known, his parents would have never allowed.... In the end, I did not believe it would make any difference."

Harry asked, "And my aunt?"

"She is in a very serious condition, Harry. She has been taken St. Mungo's; the healers there will do all that they can, but it may be some time before we know for certain. Dudley was physically unharmed, but at least for the short term, I could see no other solution than to bring him here. Your uncle has rejected and abandoned him completely. As strange as it may seem, your cousin is in need of your protection, Harry."

"But how... wait. Last year, the Dementors at Privet Drive... Dudley heard them, inside his head. I never realized...." Harry shook his head slowly as he remembered. "And Aunt Petunia knew what the Dementors were... and what Azkaban was."

"There were many other things on your mind that night, as I recall," Dumbledore said. "Under the circumstances, it seemed best to send the boy here. The most optimistic predictions are that your aunt has a long recovery in front of her, and the only other relative I was aware of was Vernon's sister, who seemed unlikely to welcome him given the circumstances. But this is your house, Harry, and your choice. If you wish, his memories could be erased, and I could arrange for him to be handed over to the muggle authorities in the morning."

"No; don't do that. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, even Dudley. He can stay." Harry's face lit. "But Professor, it may not be my house much longer! Sirius IS ALIVE! Hermione talked to him!"

Dumbledore looked startled. "Nicholas said... no matter. Hermione, tell me. What happened?"

Hermione, with an occasional contribution or bit of praise from Ron, recounted the tale for the third time. At the end, Dumbledore asked, "Do I understand correctly, Hermione, that you went forward, while Ron counseled caution?"

As the rest of the room grinned or chuckled at her expense, Hermione met Dumbledore's gaze. "'The meek shall inherit the earth,' Professor, in little plots, six feet by two. Sirius has been - wherever - for almost two weeks. You've talked about choosing between what is easy and what is right. I did what I thought was right. Professor Flamel said time was of the essence." She glanced significantly at Harry. "What would you have done in my place?"

Harry and Ron exchanged glances, Hermione standing up to the Headmaster, albeit nicely?

"I meant no criticism, dear girl. I have no doubt I would done the same, but, having watched all of you as you have grown the past five years, seeing the roles shift as you describe is heartening. In many ways, the four of you have been very good for each other, and both individually and as couples, your strengths complement each other. And you watch out for one another as well; I shall worry less knowing that caution still found a voice, even when its usual advocate turned elsewhere." Dumbledore gave Hermione a penetrating look as he added, "But there is something you have not yet told me."

Hermione felt a sinking feeling; now she was trapped. Their relationship - the trio, though now there were four of them - had been through some rough times the last year; the last thing she wanted now was to give Harry a reason not to trust her. She also could easily see Harry attempting to return to the Ministry once he knew. "That's true. I had wanted to check the library first...." There. Maybe Harry would accept that at face value. "But Sirius said there were other things there where he was; the spell faded just afterwards."

Harry looked concerned, but at least was showing no outward signs of anger, Hermione noted with relief; now, if only Dumbledore would refrain from pushing further. Dumbledore, however, had reached inside his robes for the communicator the members of the Order carried. Those about the table could hear someone - it sounded like Tonks - say to Dumbledore, "You're needed at the Ministry, now. We've just heard - Azkaban in chaos. The Dementors have returned and are attacking our guards. Death Eaters are with them and are freeing the prisoners. Fudge is in a panic."

"I will join you shortly," Dumbledore replied. Returning the communicator to his robes, he remarked to those in the kitchen as he turned toward the door, "I must go; Molly, I will send additional reinforcements here as soon as I can. Be vigilant."

Nothing was said at the table for several moments. "Lucius Malfoy - and the other Death Eaters from the ministry - were they there?" Harry finally asked.

"I think they were still being held at the Ministry," Bill replied. "But I'm not sure. But why don't you lot head on upstairs. There's nothing you can do now, and we may all be very busy in the morning."

Ron started to protest, but Hermione's heel lightly pressing against his toes - with just a hint of additional force behind it - silenced him. Harry nodded tiredly as he said, "I guess that makes sense. Will you wake us if anything important happens?"

Both Bill and Molly agreed, thinking to themselves that only an immediate need to evacuate would qualify as "important," as first Harry stood, then the other three followed his example. Harry and Ginny led the way back up the stairs; on reaching the third floor, Harry stopped and turned, blocking the stairs. "Ok, Hermione, suppose you tell me just what you wanted to search for in the library."

Hermione again felt a sinking feeling; Harry hadn't been fooled; he'd understood as well - or perhaps better - than Dumbledore.

"Or," he said, no sign of fatigue whatsoever in his bearing; his tone serious; "we can cut to the chase, and you can tell me the rest of it now. Don't try to hold back on me, Hermione. Even Dumbledore doesn't get away with that any more. You'd best not even try."

"Harry..." Hermione looked at him helplessly. "There was one thing I didn't tell Dumbledore. There just wasn't time, before he left for the Ministry." Harry just stood there, Ginny beside him; neither spoke as they waited. "If I tell you, you have to promise me you won't take off, just the two of you and leave us behind."

"That bad, eh?" Harry grinned wryly and then looked at Ginny, "Guess it'd be kind of hard to go running off by myself wouldn't it. Ok, I won't do anything without the two of you at least knowing. But if I decide to do something, you won't stop me."

"We know," Ron said. "Hermione already told Mum if you decided to go, there isn't anything we could do, except maybe tag along."

"Go? Where?" Harry demanded.

"Harry, let's go upstairs to your sitting room; I'll tell you everything then, as long as I have your promise."

"I said I'd tell you."

"Before you... do something?"

"Yes. As long as you understand there'll only be three choices - this goes for you, too, Ron," Harry said. "And those are lead, follow, and get the hell out of my way."

"Ok, Harry," Hermione agreed resignedly. This was about as good as she was going to get from him.

"We've already ruled out the last one, so I guess that only leaves two choices, mate," Ron told Harry. "Whatever you decide, the two of you won't be going anywhere alone."

They continued up the last flight in silence; Harry and Ginny claimed one couch; Ron and Hermione the other. Harry looked expectant as Hermione began recounting the conversation almost word for word. She then told him of Flamel's concern.

"Not only that," Ginny said. "I heard Mum and Dad talk, the day we got back from Hogwarts. He said Fudge was barely hanging by a thread. Anything else like our last trip there - and Fudge could be gone, then chaos. There's a lot of internal Ministry finger pointing over what we did. It could get very ugly; there's even some chance that Voldemort's followers could end up in control."

"She's right, Harry. Fudge may be a lousy minister, but at least he's paying some attention to Dumbledore now. A new Minister would have to come up to speed, make appointments, bring in his people; it could end up being someone who'd start ignore Dumbledore and blocking the Order even if they weren't openly supporting Voldemort," Hermione added.

"Great. Just bloody great. Fudge has problems. Dumbledore has problems. I've got problems. We've all got problems. My problem is that Sirius is in trouble; if there are things in there that are dangerous, or evil, we've got to find a way to get him out of there, now. I really don't give a damn if Fudge keeps his job or how much trouble Dumbledore has pulling the Minister's strings." Harry's voice took on an intensity his friends had heard only once before. "I will not loose Sirius again, even if I have to go in and get him out myself."

Harry waited for a moment before continuing in a calmer voice. "Hermione, you're the brains of this outfit. I may be stuck with kicking Tom Riddle's arse, but we've all got a pretty good idea who'll have to figure out how I can do it. You've got an idea. What is it?"

"No, Harry, I won't. It's too... danger..." Hermione's voice trailed off, realizing what she'd just admitted.

"More dangerous than me going through with a portkey? Because right now that's the only idea I've got."

"Than us going through with a portkey," Ginny amended.

Ron looked at Hermione, pleading for her to have a better answer; he knew Ginny would follow Harry through the arch if that were what he decided.... if she didn't lead the way in herself. She wouldn't let Harry even try to leave her behind.

Hermione finally nodded; it was better to share her wild speculations than to leave Harry with just that one bad option. "I have an idea, but so far, it's just that; I don't even know one of the key spells that'd we'd have to use. It came from the thaumaturgy book, where it talked about combining a charm with a portkey that would transport someone to a loved one - or a blood relation, anyway - when triggered. Unlike a standard portkey that's tied to one or two locations this one uses the blood tie to connect where ever the target might be."

She looked to each of their faces; they all seemed to be following so far. "Ok, these mirrors seem to work by creating an affinity for the other mirrors; they are not bound to a particular person, but to each other. You might say that they are magically parts of a single thing when activated. When you say a name, it doesn't go to that person; it goes to a particular mirror. Harry, if Sirius had tried to reach you, he would have said, 'James,' not 'Harry.' Anyway, it's possible that the spells are similar enough that if a portkey were enchanted on the mirror and triggered while the two were connected, while they were linked, perhaps combined with something that would enhance the affinity like summing spells - one of those caused a reaction when Professor Lupin cast it - it might... possibly... pull the other mirror and anything holding to it through, especially since it is looks like it's already somewhere 'between' in a trans-dimensional space."

"And let me guess," Harry said. "The key spell you don't know..."

"Is the portkey," Hermione finished.

"That seems like a show stopper." Harry said. "Word is the Ministry keeps that one pretty close to the vest. And after the Tri-wizard Tournament, I can sure see why. Any other ideas?"

"Both Professor Dumbledore and Professor Flamel know the portkey spell," Hermione said. "I've seen both of them use it."

"But can we be sure they would go along? And who knows how long they are going to be tied up with this crisis. If there's something dangerous there, and by contacting Sirius we've caused it to take notice of him - we can't afford to wait. Maybe using the portkey we already have is the best choice. If Ginny and I went through, Hermione, do you think it would bring us back here - or to Hogwarts?"

Hermione shook her head. "I don't know, Harry, there are too many unknowns... you and Ginny could end up stuck there too. And Sirius said whatever it was left him alone as Padfoot. You and Ginny don't have that option."

"Even so," Harry said slowly, "I'm concerned about having to rely completely on the teachers. It's not just the delay. Yeah, things are a lot better between Dumbledore and me - I think - ... but he's spent the last five years making decisions in my 'best interests.' Sirius is too important for me to take a chance that he's not finished playing games... and I like Flamel, but he's been Dumbledore's partner for a long time."

"Wait." Ron looked hesitant a moment, then decided. "I think I know where we can find what we need to know about making a portkey. But we'll have to figure out how to get one of us to The Burrow."

"Dad's book!" Ginny said, nodding in agreement. "All the Ministry department heads have them; it's a big black leather book that contains all of the restricted spells. They're really not supposed to leave the Ministry at all, but Dad brought his home last summer when he wanted to try some things on some muggle stuff. I bet it's still there."

"How do we get to The Burrow?" Harry asked. "It's close enough that we could go by broom if we had to. But I still don't have my Firebolt, and it would take even longer..."

"I think the fireplace here is like the one at Mrs. Figg's," Hermione said. "When they hooked my parents up, Headquarters and The Burrow and Mrs. Figg's were three of only a very few places I could connect to."

"But Mum closed the house." Ron shook his head. "I'm not sure one of us could get through now."

"If only we could apparate," Hermione said. "I don't suppose you'd even consider asking Mrs. Weasley?"

"I don't want to tip our hand, Hermione. Maybe we can't apparate." Harry recalled Dobby's abilities worked even at Hogwarts. "But maybe Dobby can. Dobby!"

Dobby appeared moments later. "May Dobby be of service, Harry Potter? Should Dobby bring snacks from the kitchen?"

"No, Dobby. But we need a book very badly from The Burrow. Can you apparate?"

"House elves do not apparate, Harry Potter. But we can travel. But Dobby does not know The Burrow."

"The Burrow is where the Weasleys live, Dobby. Or are supposed to live. Or would...."

Dobby interrupted, "Where Harry Potter's Wheezy family lives? Dobby will find that, if Harry Potter's Wheezy and Milady think about it very clearly. What book does Harry Potter need?"

Ron described the thick leather volume and told Dobby where he thought it could be found; Dobby disappeared with a bang, and a few minutes later reappeared holding a thick leather book. He held it out to Harry, who took it and handed it to Hermione.

Hermione opened it and then held it where they all could see. The pages were blank.

Ron and Ginny snickered. Ron drew his wand, and touched it to the page. "Minister Fudge - leadership, vision, courage." Text immediately became visible on the pages.

"Guess we know who picked the passwords to the ministry books. Wasn't that on his posters?" Hermione snickered.

"Well, it's a bloody good password if you ask me." Ron laughed. "I can't imagine ANYONE accidentally stringing those five words together."

Hermione had found the index and was flipping to the portkey charm. She read quickly, one finger skimming along the page; she went back and forth a few times and then looked up. "This is pretty complex stuff, and if you add triggers, or toggling between locations, it gets really complicated."

"Can you do it?" Harry asked.

"Let me read it all from the start," she replied, paging back.

They waited as she read; Hermione read it all at least three times; when she finally looked up, she nodded. "Maybe. What we need in terms of a portkey isn't difficult; we don't need it to go very far, all we need is a one shot, and we can trigger it by touch, which seems to be the easiest to do."

She reached into the pockets of her jeans and pulled out a Galleon and set it on the low table in front of the couch. Drawing her wand, she said, "Portus!" Nothing happened. Hermione picked up the book again; traced her finger over half the page, then tried again. "Portus!"

This time, the coin glowed blue and vibrated briefly. "I think I got it," Hermione said.

"Where's it go?" Harry asked.

"Just to the other side of the room."

"Ok, then, I guess that means that it's my job to test it," Ron said. "What do I do?"

"I'll test it, Ron. I made it," Hermione said.

"Look, you figured out the mirror, and if something goes wrong, you need to be here to figure out what to do about it. Harry and my sister are joined at the... well, something. That leaves me."

"Just touch it," Hermione told him, touched by his gallantry and willingness to risk her handiwork.

Ron stood and touched a finger to the coin. He disappeared, the reappeared almost instantly across the room; he stumbled and would have fallen if he hadn't caught himself on a chair. "Landing was kind of rough, but I'm in one piece."

"Hey, Ron, you know any landing that you can walk away from is a good landing." Harry reminded his friend of a Quidditch saying. "Any landing you can walk away from and use the broom again is a really good landing."

Ron grinned as he picked up the coin from where it had fallen, and brought it back to Hermione. "Well, the Galleon looks fine. Now what?" he asked.

"Harry... I'm really not sure about this. This spell is complex enough by itself, when you start mixing other spells, and other sorts of magic, things get complicated. I know a bit of the theory, but I've never attempted anything remotely close to this. We should really wait for Professor Flamel...." Hermione looked at Harry worriedly. "It wasn't too hard making a simple portkey like that; I'm really uncomfortable with trying to mix all this together. We're still not even completely sure how the mirrors work."

"She's right, mate." Ron backed Hermione. "Everyone's with us on this, and the mirrors are our only link to Sirius. We can't afford to be wrong."

"I know, I know; but with everything else happening right now..." Harry thought hard for a minute, and then said, "Could we make contact again? Perhaps get a little more information, see if he can hold on a bit longer? And then decide?"

"That seems like a reasonable compromise if we have to wait for them," Hermione conceded. "I'd feel much better if I could talk this through with Professor Flamel or Dumbledore before trying to pull all this together."

Harry reluctantly nodded. "All right. But we can't let them know we might be able to pull this off without them until we're sure they aren't going to try and stop us. Can we at least try and make contact with Sirius first?"

"Both mirrors are still at Hogwarts," Hermione replied. "We have the portkey to Dumbledore's office; but it's already after midnight... and going there now would certainly tip them off that something is going on. If we return first thing in the morning, we can all be rested and hopefully Flamel or Dumbledore will have returned.

Harry chaffed at this further delay, but Ginny whispered something too him; Harry said, "You're right, I guess. Ok, tomorrow morning. Meet here about seven? That will give you two six hours."

"You promise? You'll both go through that door, climb into bed, stay there all night, and meet us in the morning?" Hermione tried to make sure she left no loopholes.

"Ok, ok, I promise." Harry resigned himself to more waiting.

Ron and Hermione left for their rooms; Harry called Dobby and asked him to wake them and to have a light breakfast in the dining room the next morning, ideally without Mrs. Weasley's knowledge. He stressed something quick and light, knowing that Dobby, left to his own devices, would prepare a huge spread. Harry and Ginny then retired again.

"Gin, am I pushing too hard? Is Hermione right, this is time where we need help and will get it? Or am I making another mistake by waiting this time because I should have asked last time?"

"I think you're making the right choice, Harry. Asking for help doesn't come very easily for you, and waiting isn't easy, not for either of us. But Sirius knows we're coming. He'll hang in there. And like I reminded you earlier, Hermione hasn't stopped. For something like this, she needs to be at her very best."

"We were both out of it at Hogwarts for awhile, I guess, and I slept pretty soundly until Bill came up for the portkey." He paused for a moment as old habits tried to assert themselves, and rejecting them, he said, "You don't know what a difference its made being with you, Gin. You've become my anchor."

Ginny wasn't going to let him get serious; she'd seen that degrade into brooding too many times over the previous four years. "Well, it can't be all bad; everybody telling you how much better you're looking. But we've still got work to do. I will get your hair to lie flat eventually, and I meant what I said about disposing of most of your old clothes - or maybe you could give them back to your cousin."

"Oh, Merlin, Dudley. I'd forgotten.... What are we going to do with him?"

"Let Mum worry about him for now, Harry. She might eventually get him straightened out, and it'll give her something to worry about besides us."

"You think she's worried about us?"

"Of course she's worried about all of us; she lost two brothers in the last war; that's just Mum. Percy has really torn her up inside. I hope Bill or Charlie or the twins don't end up alone with him any time soon; it'd be ugly."

"I still can't believe he'd do that to your parents."

"I hope he'll come to his senses soon. I miss him, Harry. I mean, he was a stuffed shirt and a prat and all that, but I used to think he really cared about me. He... he was different sometimes, when it was just the two of us. While he was in school, before he started working, he'd always take the time to listen to me. Then he got that horrible job...."

"Things will work out, Gin. I hope he comes to his senses soon."

"And here I was trying to keep you from getting too wound up. I'm not doing a very good job, am I?"

"Well, everybody, including you, keeps telling me how much better I am, so somebody must be doing something right. But sometimes I feel a little guilty; you're giving up a lot for my benefit, and I've not given much thought to how you're feeling. And you've backed me, even when I've planned to do dangerous and risky stuff like going through the arch."

"Mrs. Flamel said we'd gone too far to be whole apart, Harry. I know how much this means to you, and you didn't give up on me when everyone else did my first year. By your side, Harry, I've never said anything I've meant more." She smiled at him, then made another attempt to move to less weighty topics. "But there are going to be times I want you at my side, you know. Like when we go shopping. Every girl needs a bloke to carry her packages and wait patiently while she tries on everything in her size in the store."

"Wouldn't it be easier just to buy everything in your size and be done with it?" Harry asked, amused.

Ginny looked at him in horror. "Where's the fun in that? Next, you'll be wanting me to send orders via owl, or order out of a book like a muggle."

"That's a thought. Still, I'd hope picking a new broom wouldn't involve looking at more than one model."

"Well, ok, I'll give you that one; how about the rest of it? The servicing kit, a case, some gloves?"

"I don't even have a case. I thought you were simplifying my life. Shopping with you sounds complicated."

"I'll handle the complicated stuff, you know, like making choices, picking things out. All you have to do is count out the right number of Galleons and carry the packages. Think the great Harry Potter can handle that?"

"I'll try, Gin, I can try. You think we'll even get to Diagon Alley this year?"

"I hope so; you know, it's not that I want to go on a shopping spree or any of that rot; I just want to do normal things together without..."

"Without everything hanging over us?" Harry finished.

"Yes," she said, softly. "Harry, Roll over on your side, toward me. I want to try something."

He did as she asked, unquestioning. As he did, she switched sides and spooned back against him. "Mmmm," she purred, "I like this."

(**********)

The next thing Harry knew, Dobby was calling them; they quickly got ready, though Ginny spent a few moments sorting through her shirts, grumbling that Hermione had either picked shirts she'd outgrown, didn't like or couldn't wear around her mother, at least without altering the lettering. She finally settled on a light green shirt that read, "Veni! Vidi! Vicci!" in large letters, then under it, in smaller type, "(I came! I saw! I kicked its arse!)."

Harry smiled when she turned around and allowed him to read the words. "I can agree with that one hundred percent. But if you're wearing that, I want to see the others you were talking about."

"All in good time, if you're good," she replied with a mysterious smile. "I picked this one for luck. I'm not sure I'll wear it home this way." They walked out of the bedroom together; Hermione was just entering the suite. They entered the small dining room; if this was Dobby's idea of quick and light, Harry would have hated to see an all out effort. The table was set with china and linens for four; bacon, eggs, fruit, sweet rolls and a variety of other dishes covered the table.

"Ron's on his way," Hermione said. "I had a little trouble getting him going this morning."

They served themselves and began eating; Ron entered a few minutes later, still looking a bit bleary-eyed, but, seeing the spread Dobby had prepared, he quickly sat down and tucked in. "Before coming up, I went down to the kitchen this morning," Hermione told them. "Mrs. Weasley and Charlie were there; Bill had been called into Gringotts, and the twins got back a couple of hours ago. They're downstairs asleep. Charlie said things had settled down around Privet Drive, but the house your relatives had is gone. The muggles believe it was a fire from a gas explosion. He said he'd heard things were pretty confused at the ministry, but that was all second hand."

"Any idea where Flamel and Dumbledore are?" Harry asked.

"Charlie didn't know. I did ask."

They finished their meal, chatting casually. Harry called Dobby again and told him that if anyone should come looking for them, to let them know they had used the portkey to return to Hogwarts. Ron then produced the key ring from his pocket; they each placed a finger, and Ron triggered it; moments later they stood in Dumbledore's office. There was no sign of the old wizard; the door to his sleeping chamber was ajar; Harry called for him, but there was no response. As several of the portraits watched curiously, the four teens left the Headmaster's office and rode the stairs to the second floor corridor.

As they approached Flamel's office, they saw someone approaching from the direction of the Great Hall. As they drew closer, they recognized Perenelle Flamel. All of them came together outside the Defense Professor's office; Perenelle gave them an appraising look and asked, "We seem to share a destination this morning. What brings the four of you here?"

"Professor Flamel worked with Ron and I last night on the mirrors. We'd hoped to continue this morning," Hermione said.

"Unfortunately, Nicholas has not yet returned, though he did send a message via Minerva that both he and Brian were well. From what I gathered, things at the ministry are in a state of disarray."

Harry's face fell, but Hermione pressed on. "Perhaps you might help us, Professor. Professor Dumbledore said that you would be teaching Spell Construction...."

"Yes, Spell and Ritual Construction. All the details are not decided as of yet, but it's likely it will be offered by invitation only to seventh years."

"That's what we need right now - Spell Construction," Harry said, feeling a surge of hope. Perhaps Perenelle Flamel was exactly who they needed; he'd forgotten Dumbledore's announcement. "Will you help us, Professor?"

She looked at Harry with concern, but opened the door to the Defense office without comment and motioned for them to follow. She settled behind the desk and said, "Nicholas felt it likely that you would return this morning. I presume you are still seeking a solution to the mirrors...."

"No, Professor. While we still do not know exactly how they were made, we do know how to duplicate the effect Harry stumbled across. And we know that Sirius is alive; I talked to him last night." Hermione proceed to recount the conversation again, this time leaving nothing out.

Harry took over. "We've left Sirius hanging too long already, Professor, and when he's resumed human form, he's noticed. Hermione had an idea, but it's over our heads. It requires use of the portkey spell, and combining spells at a level above anything we've ever attempted."

"And doubtless, you need someone who can cast the Portus spell," Perenelle added. She looked again at Harry.

Harry remembered the few minutes he and Ginny had spent with this gentle old lady and the concern she had shown for them; he couldn't bring himself to deceive her; somewhere, somehow, trust had to begin. "No, Professor. Hermione can make the portkey. But she wasn't comfortable with trying to combine it with the other things. We agreed to at least try to get help before making the attempt by ourselves." He paused for a moment before meeting her eyes and said, "But we've either got to find a solution, or I'm going to go through the arch with a portkey. I won't leave him there."

"You intended to conceal you could attempt this on your own, did you not?" Perenelle returned his gaze. "You thought to keep your options open if we would not help. But in the end, you risked trusting me. Fear not, Harry, your trust was not misplaced. I will help you in any way I can, even if that leads us all to the arch. And do not think that in the end you would have passed that veil alone, regardless of your intent. Do not underestimate your bond-mate so."

She turned to Hermione. "And you can construct a portkey? Child, I don't mean to question... but the ministry has closely held that spell for the last four hundred years. And the magic is complex; indeed, it's beyond the NEWT level. How did you gain such knowledge at such a tender age?"

"Our father is a ministry department head," Ginny said. "He left his Ministry book at home."

Perenelle looked at Hermione with new respect. "And you learned this spell... without instruction... from the ministry book? And you've successfully constructed a portkey? That worked?"

"Yes, Professor. My second attempt worked. It was a very simple one; a touch trigger and only across the room, but it did work."

"Impressive, to say the least, Miss Granger. It often takes several days for a new ministry trainee to achieve his first success after a week of intensive instruction and coaching. So tell me, what is your concern?"

Hermione then began describing what she had proposed; not long thereafter, she and Perenelle Flamel had left the others behind, occasionally taking quill to parchment to make diagrams which Harry had a vague idea were somehow related to Arithmancy.

After a long exchange that had resulted in several lines and arrows drawn on the parchment, Perenelle studied the diagram silently for several minutes. She then said, "I can find no fault in your logic, Hermione. Of course, there are many unknowns, but I cannot see a great deal of risk in the attempt, beyond the inherent risk in any undertaking of this nature; at worst, things should remain as they now are. However, of one thing I am sure. You will receive an invitation to my course, regardless of any other considerations. To have come this far all on your own having only completed your OWL year is nothing short of remarkable."

"I would be most honored, Professor. Thank you." Hermione couldn't have been happier if an extra day of classes had been added to the weekly schedule.

"I do have two thoughts. First, that we use more than a single drop of blood. It will take a great deal more power to maintain the connection through the intra-dimensional transit. It would not do for the connection to falter while that is in progress. Secondly, we should make sure there is ample room; the target for the portkey should be at least a few dozen yards from the origin, for whatever is pulled from the other side may not arrive exactly on target. Perhaps the best place would be on the grounds."

Ginny asked, "Do you think it will work, Professor?"

Perenelle looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. "I believe it has a chance. There are many unknowns, and with only the two mirrors, it is difficult to think of an adequate means of testing the effects across the sort of boundaries where your friend appears to be trapped. But even should we fail and were the mirrors to be destroyed in the attempt, we may gain some insight into how Harry's final option might work. My hope is that it will not come to that."

Ron looked troubled as Perenelle made reference to Harry attempting to pass the arch. She looked at him, waiting, until he pleaded, "How? How can you even think about that? Ginny's my sister; Harry's my friend... my brother; I know there'd be no stopping either of..."

Perenelle nodded in understanding. "I know, my child, I know. But part of what makes your friend Harry what he is is that which will not allow him to turn away. Indeed, though none of you will truly understand this now, both Nicholas and I agree attempting to stop Harry now would be far worse than allowing him to try and fail. Sometimes, the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many. Trust that I do not act lightly in this. All any of us may do is hope that what should be, shall be."

Nothing more was said; Harry looked between Perenelle and Hermione expectantly; the venerable Professor smiled and then picked up one of the mirrors. "Let us go forward, then." Standing, she led the way down the stairs and into the entry hall, then outside the doors; it was a lovely summer morning; other than a few fluffy clouds, the sky was blue and clear.

"Does one of you have something suitable for a test portkey?" Perenelle asked.

Hermione produced the Galleon coin she had used last night and placed it on the low wall at the bottom of the steps. Perenelle instructed, "Cast your portkey, Hermione. Give it perhaps two hundred feet; that should be more than adequate."

Hermione cast the Portus spell on the coin and stood back, allowing Perenelle to inspect her work. When she nodded, Ron stepped forward. "I guess I'm still the guinea pig." He touched the coin, vanished, and appeared about 200 feet away. He trotted back to them and said, "The landing isn't perfect, but you're getting better, Hermione."

Perenelle then placed one of the mirrors on the low wall; Hermione was pretty sure this one had been the one Harry had been given. Perenelle nodded for her to proceed, and Hermione cast the shattering spell on the mirror; a spider web of cracks appeared throughout the glass. She and Perenelle exchanged a look; Hermione asked, "Wouldn't it be better if you cast the portkey and other spells for real? I'm still awful new at this."

Perenelle looked thoughtful for a moment, then answered. "I have known how to craft a portkey since I was not much older than you are now, my child; even so, it is a spell I have only seldom used. However... not everything in magic is skill, or experience, or knowledge, or even power, Hermione. Sometimes, there is that which transcends all of them. There can be elements that are hard to describe, really; of being in the right place at the right time; of having a pure heart; indeed, even muggles understand that necessity is the mother of invention. No, Hermione, I shall not presume to take your place. You have found the way here; this is your place, your time, your need, and above all, your right. I shall assist you, my child. Trust your heart, not your head."

Harry stepped forward, holding out his free left hand. "Use my blood, Hermione. As much you need."

Ginny put her right hand forward, "Mine as well, Hermione."

"Yes!" Perenelle said. "Their bond; their joined strength will quicken the spell; indeed, this should have occurred to us earlier. Nicholas, telling me what Minerva had told him, said that, while Harry might fall short on the theory, his innate ability for the applied more than compensated for it. Ah, I do understand that now. I shall find some way to instruct all of you next year." She and Hermione then discussed something to do with Arithmancy as Harry and Ginny stood waiting. Finally, Hermione muttered a spell, then sliced her wand along first Harry's, then Ginny's fingertip.

"Now, Harry, Ginny, hold your fingers over the mirror, and let your blood mix, and then fall on the mirror," the elderly professor instructed.

As the first mingled drop of blood hit the mirror, they could all see the broken class change; they continued until many drops had fallen to the broken glass. Finally, Perenelle said, "That should be more than sufficient; see, it barely absorbed the last few drops. Repair the glass!"

Hermione again flicked her wand. The network of cracks disappeared, and again, the mirror reflected nothing; the glass was again a solid, flat black. "Now, the portkey!" Perenelle commanded.

Concentrating carefully, Hermione cast the spell. As she stepped back, Harry moved forward and called, "Sirius! Can you hear me? Sirius!"

A moment passed, then they heard Sirius's voice; again, it was distant, as if he were standing at the bottom of a well. "Harry! Is that really you, Harry? Are you ok?"

"Sirius, we're going to try and get you out. Hold to the mirror, Sirius. Hold on to it for your life; we're going to try and bring you through."

"Hurry, Harry. I can't keep this form much longer...."

Perenelle and Hermione both cast summoning spells for the mirror Sirius held; Harry and Ginny together said, unplanned and wandless, "Accio Sirius!" as they seized the mirror together and disappeared; a moment later there was a bright flash about half way between the point where Ron, Hermione and Perenelle stood and where Hermione's earlier port key had delivered Ron. The flash was followed almost instantly by a thunderous sound and shockwave that knocked them to the ground. Ron was the first to regain his feet; looking across the grounds, there was a swirling mist obscuring the view of where Harry and Ginny should have landed. He helped Hermione and Perenelle to their feet, and then he and Hermione moved to flank the misty area, trying to catch sight of Harry and his sister, Perenelle following more slowly.

The air was suddenly rent by a harrowing screech. Ron could see something moving inside the swirling mist; it was difficult to make out details, but one side of it seemed to be ink black and the other bone white. Whatever it was, it had started moving toward where Harry and Ginny should be.

Ron pulled his wand. "What in the bloody hell is that?"

Ron could see Hermione beside him; she didn't answer, but he saw her pull her wand as well. As they moved to where the misty area was no longer between them and the destination point, they could now make Harry and Ginny, lying on the ground... and yes, a third form as well. Harry was moving; the others were still. The creature - Hermione was equally at a loss for what it might be - screeched again and continued to move toward the three on the ground.

Ron heard shouting behind him; he could hear McGonagall demanding that they stop at once and Snape yelling something as well. He didn't like where that creature was heading at all; he fired off a stunning spell; a flash of light came from his right; Hermione had launched a spell as well. More flashes from further behind them struck the creature, Ron looked back and saw Snape running toward them; Perenelle also had her wand out. The creature, however, ignored them; it continued toward the three lying on the ground.

Hermione cast a Reductor curse; when this hit, the creature seemed to take notice. Ron and at least one of the professors behind him followed with the same curse; the creature then turned toward them. As it's gaze struck them, Ron and Hermione felt waves of cold and despair flood through them.

After grasping the portkey, Harry and Ginny had felt the usual sharp yank behind their navel, but the trip seemed to take far longer than they were accustomed. When they finally emerged, they hit the ground quite hard; Harry had almost blacked out; as he struggled to hold his consciousness, he could see another crumpled body lying next to Ginny; it was covered in some sort of semi-liquid goop. Had they succeeded? He struggled to sit up, trying to get a better look, and then he realized something was bearing down on them.

He and Ginny had fallen out of the portkey still clutching hands; she seemed to be out cold, but he kept his grip on her as he fished for his wand. What in the hell was this thing, he thought, as he felt waves of cold and dread and then screaming; this was worse than a nest of dementors. He could see Ron and Hermione casting spells at the thing; it turned, and the coldness lifted. He watched for a moment as it advanced on his friends, then he fired off a reductor curse. It turned its head toward him; he again felt the cold and despair.

Harry thought perhaps if it was this much like a Dementor; perhaps a Patronus would affect it. "Expecto Patronum!" and a silver mist flared from his wand. This seemed to infuriate the creature; it began moving rapidly toward Harry. This wasn't good at all. He tried to shake off the cobwebs, looked at Ginny lying by his side, and thought of their bonding... and beside her! Yes! It was Sirius!

"EXPECTO PATRONUM!!!"

Something flared out of the tip of Harry's wand. It wasn't silver, and what happened next was little more than a blur to Harry. The creature stopped its advance; it then fled, away from the castle, and over the lake, with what ever had sprung from his wand in pursuit.

Harry sat shakily as he saw Ron and Hermione running toward them. Ron knelt beside Ginny, Hermione by Sirius. He could hear Snape shouting for them to come away, McGonagall calling for Madam Pomfrey, Dumbledore saying something about wards. Then Ron saying, "She's breathing...."

And Hermione saying, "Ugh! So is he."

Harry slumped back to elbow and closed his eyes. He heard more people arriving beside them; Madam Pomfrey was urging Hermione to move aside; then he felt Ginny's hand move in his. Hermione was suddenly behind him, supporting him; McGonagall was holding chocolate to his lips. Harry opened his mouth; chewed and swallowed; his head began to clear. McGonagall offered him another piece; he took it and, with Hermione's help, sat up. Dumbledore, both Flamels, and Snape were standing nearby; Ron was helping Ginny sit upright as McGonagall gave her chocolate.

Harry looked toward Sirius; he was gaunt, mostly covered in some sort of slime, but moving. He was shielding his eyes with one hand; Madam Pomfrey had cleared some of the sludge from his face. He looked back to Hermione, still supporting him, and softly said, "You did it, Hermione!" before looking back to Sirius.

Sirius was becoming more aware of his surrounding; he and Snape had locked eyes. A irrepressible grin swept across Sirius's face, and he dryly rasped, "Severus... Never thought... I'd say it... but it's even good to... see you...."