My Eternal Curse

Chapter Twenty One

Splendid Isolation: Day One

Ginny awoke feeling frightened, weak, and disoriented. She opened her eyes for a moment, saw that she wasn't in her dorm room, and immediately closed them again. Where the hell were they? Then it all came back to her, her fight with her brother, the incident with Colin, and the attempt on her life... Tom! Merlin, where was he? She frantically searched for a few painfully long moments, until she found him, weak and completely drained, but alive.

Tom felt a wave of happiness sweep through Ginny. Could it be that his princess was relieved to feel that he wasn't dead?

"You're glad I'm not dead?" Tom asked, incredulously. "You actually care whether I live or die? I thought that's what you wanted all along, to rid yourself of me, to kill me, so I would never have the opportunity to ever hurt anyone again."

"At one time, I would have agreed with you, but not anymore," Ginny admitted, tears silently falling. "I've come to... care about you, Tom. When I felt you dying... I realized how important you are to me. I just couldn't lose you... I can't picture my life, my world, without you with me..."

Ginny felt someone drying her eyes, and recoiled slightly at their touch.

Tom felt a flood of conflicting emotions surge through him, as he felt her genuine concern and caring for him. She did care... something he had never even thought possible. Tom never thought anyone would ever want a monster like him... much less risk themselves for his sake. The only thing that shocked him even more was that he found himself feeling the same way.

"Neither can I..." Tom replied. "You risked yourself for me, when you could have let me go. You lived for me... Thank you for that. I don't think I could have continued, if I'd lost you."

Was it possible, those feelings that he had thought of as 'traitorous' before, actually weren't? Merlin, what kind of Dark Lord was he growing up to be, if he actually gave a damn about others? Could it be...? No, that wasn't possible, or was it? Tom thought about the last few months, trying to piece together where he went wrong. He desperately searched for the instant, something - anything that could explain this-this heart, for lack of a better word, that had ambushed him. He was the future Lord Voldemort, the bane of the wizarding world, for Merlin's sake! Not some compassionate, lovesick child! What was he, who was he, if not Voldemort? Voldemort would never have thought like this, much less genuinely cared for someone who wasn't himself. It didn't make any sense...

Ginny felt Tom's revelation, and knew she had to do something to show him, to make him understand that there was nothing wrong with him.

"Why should it matter, if you're not the person you once were?" Ginny thought resolutely. "You don't have to spend your life living in Voldemort's shadow! You're not him..."

"Then who am I?" Tom asked. "What am I, if not the future Dark Lord?"

"You're Tom Marvolo Riddle," Ginny replied. "You've made different choices from Voldemort. You are not the same person! There is nothing wrong with that. I like you, just the way you are. You have your whole life ahead of you... Don't waste it, trying to be something you're not!"

"And just how would you know I'm not evil?" Tom asked defensively, not quite believing her. "How do I know you're not trying to use me, to mold me in your own image? How do I know you're not trying to make the choice for me?"

"I know you, Tom," Ginny thought. "In the end, what matters more to you? Who you were, or who you are? This is who you really are, but have been too afraid to admit it to yourself, until now! You can either pretend to be someone else, and end up becoming a mere shadow of yourself, or... you can continue making whole new choices, and play by your own rules, not the rules of others. You don't have to end up becoming an extreme. You know that. Just be who you are, and to hell with everyone else's expectations of you."

Damn it! The girl was making sense... Tom thought about his original plans to take power, and how Ginny had derailed them. He knew the moment he told her the truth those plans became useless... After all, what good was a secret plot for world domination, if you tell everyone about it? Since then, the only thing that mattered to him was his own, Ginny's, and Ix Chel's well being. Ugh... he was growing soft... At this rate, he'll end up with an annoying twinkle in his eyes, and a penchant for lemon drops.

Ginny mentally laughed, though none her mirth touched her weary, pained features.

"I'm glad one of us can see the humor in this," Tom said sarcastically.

"Sorry," Ginny thought, mentally composing herself again. "Don't worry, Tom. I think it's safe to say, you'll be spared the unbearable torment and horrors of eating lemon drops for the rest of your days."

"Thank Merlin for small favors," Tom replied.

They fell silent for a long time. Ginny refused to open her eyes, afraid that if she opened them, she would discover that they were in a cell somewhere. Ginny thought about what had happened. Her own housemates had tried to kill her, and Ron... he was at the heart of it. Ginny began to cry again as memories of that horrible night played through her mind.

Ginny hated her attackers for doing this to her, for trying to ensure that she would lose everything. She hated the Gryffindors' sickening hypocrisy, hated Parvati and Lavender for wanting to do away with her, and hated Colin for being such a bastard... Merlin, she was sick of it all; sick and tired of being pushed and pulled in every direction. She deserved better than this! She wasn't a pawn, anymore than she was a punching bag. What was the point of fighting, or even getting out of bed in the morning, if that was what they were reducing her to? Ginny had meant it when she told Tom that she wouldn't be used again. She'd rather spend the rest of her life as a vegetable than as a shadow of herself, or as a pathetic pawn in someone else's game.

After awhile, Ginny gave up hiding enough to open her eyes, and winced at brightness of the room. She saw that she was lying on a four poster bed, in a very large, circular room. Across from her was a large oak door, to her left were a closet and a full-length mirror, while to her right were a dresser, and a small desk. The floors were covered with soft looking, Ravenclaw blue carpets, and the cylindrical walls were covered with large, beautiful tapestries, which seemed to have a life of their own. If this was a prison, it was the nicest one she'd ever seen. Ginny noticed Alexis sitting next to her, watching her every move, with a concerned expression on her face. She tried to sit up, but another dizzy spell hit her, as her whole body cried out in protest. She had no choice but to lie back down again.

"Are you alright, Ginny?" Alexis asked. Ginny nodded slightly, not taking her eyes off of an empty spot on the wall.

"What do you think they're going to do to us, Tom?" Ginny thought. "Lock us up and throw away the key? Send us to the Ministry for study, or maybe to Azkaban for attacking the students?"

"I don't know," Tom answered. "At least we're still at Hogwarts... for the moment. Whatever the case, I'm afraid, the next move is up to them."

"So, our lives are in the hands of Dumbledore?" Ginny thought. "Now I know we're screwed... Maybe Professor Snape will convince him we're not a threat."

"Yeah, maybe Voldemort will turn good, and take up residence in a young Seer's mind, oh, wait... that happened," Tom said, laughing at the irony of the situation. "How did I get myself into this mess?"

"By surviving?" supplied Ginny. "Look on the bright side, at least you're in the head of a powerful and beautiful Witch."

"Who's weakened, and currently awaiting expulsion," Tom added. "Got anymore brilliant insights?"

"Not at the moment," Ginny answered. "But if I have any, I'll get back to you."

"So, that would be never?" Tom asked.

"Very funny," Ginny thought sarcastically.

"How are you feeling?" Alexis asked. "Do you need anything?"

"I feel like someone just tried to kill me, then I was almost ripped apart by the tidal forces of my own powers, not to mention almost being cooked alive in a magical fever," Ginny thought. "But, other than that... I'm fine, thanks."

"Definitely, don't tell her that," Tom said, mentally shaking his head.

Ginny shook her head slightly. Looking around, Ginny noticed that everything seemed different. The world looked brighter, more defined than it was before, and somehow, more aware, as if everything had taken on a life of its own. Every color, shape, sound, and texture seemed to convey more information to Ginny, like a symphony with all of the instruments playing at once. The fabric of the covers became softer and more defined. The simplest sound explained more to her about the tone, taste, and feel of the source, and the sprit which it was conveyed. The carpet became more vivid, and imperceptible impressions from people walking on it became obvious. The walls, ceiling, and floor told Ginny of their strength and vitality, despite the long centuries of steadfast service. The tapestries told her of an odd loneliness, having spent all of these long years without someone there to enjoy them, and happiness at being seen again. Even the air felt different to Ginny. She caught aftertastes of mosses, moods, and subtle hints of magic, drifting in and out of the room through various tiny cracks and gaps, she could suddenly sense.

Ginny clamped her hands over her ears, and tightly shut her eyes, in a desperate attempt to shut out the information overload, but it only muffled everything slightly. Alexis saw Ginny's sudden distress, and tried to help. Tom felt everything Ginny was feeling, and pulled himself further inward to avoid the overload.

"What's wrong?" Alexis asked, touching her shoulder. Ginny felt Alexis' intent, instantly sensing that Alexis' concern for her and desire to help was genuine. Ginny opened her eyes and looked at Alexis, and her sense of the feelings grew a thousand-fold. "Ginny, talk to me. Are you alright?"

Ginny curled up into a ball, and tried to regain control of herself. Tom realized what she was doing, and attempted to help. After a few moments, the intensity that assaulted her diminished and became manageable, but refused to go away. Ginny instinctively knew that it would never truly go away, and, for better or worse, it was now a permanent part of her. Ginny visibly relaxed, and started gazing at the one of the tapestries again, barely acknowledging Alexis' presence.

"If Alexis is here, then maybe this isn't a prison," Ginny thought. "Maybe it's just a spare set of chambers in the Dungeons to keep me isolated for a little while... But is it for their protection, or for mine?"

"Considering the way things are going, probably both," answered Tom.

Ginny thought about the storm again. What had happened to all of those students she hurt? Was Madam Pomfrey able to fix them up? Ginny prayed that they were going to be all right. The last thing she wanted was to kill them, no matter how she felt, or what they did. Ginny knew she had no more right to judge, anymore than they had.

"Did I kill anyone?" Ginny asked in a barely discernible whisper.

"No," Alexis replied quickly, slightly surprised by the question. "A lot of people were hurt, but Madam Pomfrey has been able to care for them. Parvati and Lavender were the most severely wounded in the storm. Madam Pomfrey says they should be able to return to classes in a week or two. Colin, on the other hand, wasn't too badly injured, but his vocal cords were frozen. Madam Pomfrey said that his voice might return in a couple of weeks, if he's really lucky."

"At last... silence," Tom intoned. "If anyone deserved to be silenced, even if only for a little while, it's him. With luck, he'll think twice before harassing someone."

"That's not funny, Tom," Ginny thought.

"It's still true," Tom replied. "What happened was not your fault, no matter what anyone tells you. We are the victims here, not them. Keep in mind, whatever the result, they brought it on themselves. Look at what the storm did to them, and only them. No one was hurt, who didn't deserve it."

"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.

"I saw Neville, Macdonald, and several others untouched by the storm," Tom explained. "In fact, objects intentionally re-directed themselves to hurt the people who wished you harm. The precious people who you injured, the people you are so worried about, are the ones who caused this mess. Don't you want revenge, after everything they've done to you?"

"I... don't know," Ginny thought. "But I do know that, whatever they've done, I shouldn't sink to their level."

"Acting in self-defense is not sinking to their level," Tom maintained.

"No, it's not," Ginny agreed. "However, it is sinking to their level if I continue to return the favor, without further provocation."

"You're a saint," Tom affirmed. "That sort of attitude is going to get us killed one day, if we're not careful."

"Maybe," Ginny thought, wistfully. "Who knows, maybe it will be what saves us."

"Don't count on it," Tom said.

"We'll see," Ginny replied.

They fell silent, each wondering what brought them to this place. A short time later, Ginny and Tom dozed off again.

*~*~*

Alexis sat next to Ginny and Ix Chel. Ginny was in a heavy slumber, while Ix Chel refused to sleep, and just sat at Ginny's feet, watching her. Harry still hadn't gotten back yet and Alexis wondered what was keeping him. She checked the time, and sighed. It was 4:30am, more then two hours since Harry went for a walk. She hoped that he was all right, and hadn't run into Filch or any of the teachers.

Alexis thought about the last few days. If anyone had told her a week ago that she would be caring for a friend who was a Gryffindor, she wouldn't have believed it. But Ginny was anything but an ordinary Gryffindor. Ginny had saved her life, and given her enough hope to keep going, while making sure no one else had found out about her suicide attempt. Alexis would be damned if she let anyone lay a finger on Ginny again. Alexis just wished that she had been there for her when the Gryffindors harmed her. No one had told Alexis or Harry any details about what had happened, but Alexis knew that they must have done something to her for Ginny to be in such a bad state.

Ginny's eyes flickered opened for a moment and she began to cry. Unsure of what else to do, Alexis tried to dry her eyes. Ginny recoiled from Alexis' touch and Alexis stopped, worried that she was making Ginny's fragile emotional state worse.

"Ginny?" Alexis asked.

No response.

After a minute Ginny stopped crying and fell silent. Just when Alexis was sure that Ginny had fallen back to sleep, she started crying again. Alexis tried to comfort her in vain, until Ginny once again fell silent. After a few moments Ginny opened her eyes and surveyed the room with a fearful and desolate expression. Alexis watched her with concern. Ginny looked at her for a moment, not quite seeing her. Alexis realized that Ginny hadn't looked at Ix Chel even once. Ginny tried to sit up for a moment, and gave up when she couldn't. Then she started staring at a blank spot on the wall across from her, with a disturbing, vacant expression on her face.

"Are you alright, Ginny?" Alexis asked. Ginny nodded slightly, not taking her eyes off the wall.

"How are you feeling?" Alexis asked. "Do you need anything?"

Ginny shook her head slightly. Suddenly Ginny started looking frantically around the room, like a trapped animal. She clamped her hands over her ears and closed her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Alexis asked, laying her hand on Ginny's shoulder, in an attempt to calm her. Ginny's eyes fluttered opened again and settled on Alexis. She stared at Alexis with a look of wild-eyed shock and fear. "Ginny, talk to me. Are you alright?"

Ginny curled up into a fetal position, sobbing loudly, as if in pain. After a few moments she visibly relaxed, and started gazing at a tapestry, barely acknowledging Alexis' presence again. Alexis held Ginny's hand, feeling terribly distressed, trying to quietly reassure Ginny with her presence.

Alexis realized that she must still be delirious from the fever. "I hope she's going to be alright..."

They sat there in silence for a long time. Finally Ginny spoke, startling Alexis slightly.

"Did I kill anyone?" Ginny asked in a barely discernible whisper.

"No," Alexis replied quickly, slightly surprised by the question. "A lot of people were hurt, but Madam Pomfrey has been able to care for them. Parvati and Lavender were the most severely wounded in the storm. Madam Pomfrey says they should be able to return to classes in a week or two. Colin, on the other hand, wasn't too badly injured, but his vocal cords were frozen. Madam Pomfrey said that his voice might return in a couple of weeks, if he's really lucky."

She waited for Ginny's reply, but it never came. Ginny just kept staring at the Ravenclaw blue tapestries, as if they were the most interesting things in the world. Time passed and Ginny drifted off into an uneasy slumber. Alexis sighed. The poor girl was obviously traumatized... Ginny had promised to protect her, now it was time to return the favor. Alexis silently vowed to stand by her, no matter what happened next...

*~*~*

Severus awoke slowly, feeling like he was on fire. He opened his eyes and the room began to spin so badly that he couldn't tell up from down. After a few agonizingly long minutes, the dizziness lessened enough for him to check his temperature. It was 103. Damn... Severus took some more fever-reducing potion and lay back down. When he checked his temperature again, it was back to 101. This magical fever was going to take longer to dissipate then he thought, but at least it was still treatable, unlike what Miss Weasley's had been. Weasley... She was going to need all the help she could get. Severus couldn't waste time on luxuries like bed-rest, not when the child's future was still at stake.

Severus sat up and turned on the light, wincing at its intensity. Merlin, this was going to be a long day... Scrutinizing his room, Severus noticed that everything appeared strange to him. The world looked somehow clearer, more vivid than it was before. Everything seemed to have taken on a life of its own; every object, sound, color, and sensation seemed to impart additional detail to him, like a band with all of the instruments playing at once. The normal sounds of the room told him a little more about the mood and feel of the owner, and the sprit, which they conveyed it. His covers seemed slightly more supple and intricate. The Slytherin green carpets were more lustrous, and he could see what should have been imperceptible impressions from him walking on it the night before. The walls, ceiling, and floor reassured Severus of their health and stamina, despite the centuries of wear and tear. The furniture told Severus of long nights of sitting alone, with no one but him to keep them company, along with a strange longing to hear the sounds of children and experience the vitality of others. Even the air felt different, as he caught aftertastes of tones, and faint hints of magic drifting in and out of the room.

"Great..." Severus groaned, closing his eyes to shut it all out. "My furniture thinks I should get a girlfriend, and settle down... Now I know I'm delirious."

Severus opened his eyes again, but it didn't go away. He made a mental note to speak with Ix Chel about it later, and went to get ready for another horrible day.

*~*~*

Albus sat in his office, contemplating the situation. He normally trusted Severus' considerable judgement when it came to such things, but now... He was afraid, that in this case, Severus' judgement was clouded. The poor boy couldn't see beyond his hatred of the Gryffindors, and the fact that he sympathized with Miss Weasley, just made things worse for him. Albus knew that every time Severus saw Miss Weasley, he saw himself when he was going to school here. How could he make Severus see reason, that the Gryffindors would never-

Albus heard a knock at the door. With the wave of his hand, the door opened. Miss Granger and Miss Macdonald entered, both looking worried, but determined. Albus offered them seats and they sat down in front of his desk.

"What's wrong, my children?" Albus asked.

"We think what happened to Ginny was provoked, Professor," Hermione replied. "Colin, Parvati, and Lavender somehow made Ginny lose control last night."

"How?" Albus asked.

Miss Macdonald told Albus everything she had witnessed, and also relayed eyewitness reports from several others they'd spoken to who weren't hurt. Then Miss Granger told him of their suspicions. When they were done, any belief that Miss Weasley was lying had all but vanished. Albus smiled kindly at the two students, hiding his own shock and horror at the very possibilities that lay before him. There was no way he could expel the girl, not after hearing this.

"Thank you for coming to me," Albus said. "Rest assured that Miss Weasley won't be expelled for this. After all, that is why Hogwarts was founded; to teach students control, and the proper ways to use their talents."

"Thank you for taking the time to listen to us, Professor," Miss Macdonald said. They said their good-byes and left. Miss Weasley may not have been lying after all, but that didn't mean the story she had relayed to Severus was entirely accurate either. The poor girl might have been confused, or maybe she just didn't realize that they might have been playing a prank on her. That had to be it... His Gryffindors, while they had their flaws, would never do what Miss Weasley accused them of. He would have to speak with her later, and see if he could get the story straight.

If the storm of power was any indication, the powers Miss Weasley currently possesses are staggering. Now that Harry was incapable of stopping Voldemort's power, without the protection he once had, Albus had started to get desperate, knowing that... No, now is not the time, nor the place to think about that. With luck, Miss Weasley will be powerful enough for the task of stopping Voldemort, once and for all. He would have to see her soon, try to gradually smooth things over with her, and start the process of nudging her in the right direction. Albus got another twinkle in his eyes, as he started coming up with a plan.

*~*~*

Ginny and Tom awoke to the sounds of voices. Ginny pretended to be asleep, hoping to hear more about what was going on.

"...where have you been?" Alexis asked someone. "When you didn't return, I thought something had happened to you."

"Nothing happened last night," Harry replied. "I... had a lot on my mind, that's all."

Ginny and Tom instantly sensed that he was lying, and that something was very wrong, but the problem wasn't of immediate consequence to either of them. Tom realized that their senses were still painfully heightened. It was probably a good thing his princess wasn't too keen opening her eyes again, or things would get ugly.

"Of course," Alexis said. "I understand."

"Did you happen to see what the Gryffindor common room looked like?" asked Alexis. There was a knock at the door. Tom listened as Alexis walked over to the door, and opened it. "Good morning, Mark."

"Hi Alexis, Harry," Mark said, the concern he felt obvious in his voice. Ginny heard something she didn't recognize in his voice. "How is she?"

"She's still sleeping," Alexis replied. "We're still not sure what happened last night to make her to lose control..."

"How bad was it?" Mark whispered.

"We almost lost her," Alexis replied softly. "If it wasn't for Professor Snape..."

"Can I see her?" Mark asked. "I promise, I won't stay long."

"Sure," Harry answered.

Both Tom and Ginny felt, as much as heard Mark sit down on a stool beside them. She opened her eyes slowly and looked at him, gasping in horror at what she saw. Ginny saw a terrible darkness growing within Mark, just waiting to get out, and she felt that his motives for seeing her were tainted by it. It was a corruptive darkness she had felt before, a corruptive darkness like Ron's. Mark tried to calm her as the feelings began to intensify, darkening and warping everything around him. Ginny abruptly recoiled in terror, letting out a pained scream. She crawled to the other end of the bed, in a desperate attempt to escape what she saw in him. Ginny started yelling at him to leave, but none of the words that came out of her mouth made any sense.

Professor Snape burst into the room, saw what was happening, and quickly escorted Mark into the hallway. Alexis tried to calm her down, as the horrible feelings gradually eased. Ginny mentally pulled herself inward, and the sound of Alexis' voice faded into the background.

"What was that?" Ginny thought.

"That was Mark, the real Mark," Tom replied. "What you saw... was the darkness that he's been cultivating since day one."

"Mark's been studying the Dark Arts without a guide?" Ginny asked, the truth dawning on her. "Then, was that what he is now, or what he's going to be?"

"I don't know..." Tom said. "I think what we saw, was just glimpse of his true potential."

"He could end up being as Dark as Voldemort, or even worse, given time!" Ginny thought, shaking her head wildly. "What am I going to do? Should I tell someone?"

"There isn't much we can do at the moment," Tom replied. "I think telling anyone would be a mistake, besides... who would believe us, especially after our marvelous little display, just now. No one just decides to become the Dark Lord one day, and it never happens all at once... I ought to know, because I was one. It typically takes a trigger to turn someone, just as it takes finding the right button, for someone else to turn you. Mark could go his whole life without a trigger, or it could happen in the next fifteen minutes, which is unlikely. If you are so hell-bent on protecting him, don't force the issue. Doing that will just make it impossible to help the boy later... Never forget Ginny, you can't save people from themselves!"

"You're telling me, all I can do is sit around and hope this doesn't blow up in my face?" Ginny thought. "Thanks Tom, that's a great help!"

"I'm telling you to be there for him," Tom asserted. "Sometimes that's all you can do for someone, and sometimes, that's enough."

They fell silent, neither aware that Professor Snape was watching them.

*~*~*

Severus did his best to ignore the strange impressions he kept receiving from his surroundings, as he made his way to Miss Weasley's chambers. Just as he arrived at the door, he heard a petrifying, pained scream. Severus burst through the doors, and saw Miss Weasley shouting incoherently, as she desperately crawled away from Mr. Dippet, who sat on a stool, by her side. The Ravenclaw stared at her with a shocked look on his face, as he tried to calm her. Severus recognized only two words through Miss Weasley's crazed shouting, 'Ron' and 'Dark.' He realized that the girl was panicking over Mr. Dippet's presence, quickly put his hand on the boy's shoulder, and dragged him out of the room. Severus felt a flicker of something Dark as he let go of the boy. Potter followed them out the door, as Levine stayed to soothe the girl.

"What happened in there to cause Miss Weasley to panic like that?" Severus demanded.

"I don't know, Professor!" Mr. Dippet exclaimed, looking disturbed. "She just woke up screaming at me, shouting something about Ron."

"Maybe she was dreaming about Ron?" Potter suggested. Severus got the feeling that there was something Potter wasn't telling him, and pushed the thought aside. Severus thought back to his own nightmares, and suppressed a shudder.

"For once, Mr. Potter, I'm trapped in the unfortunate position of agreeing with you," Severus sneered. "In fact, those sort of nightmares are only to be expected after all of the trauma the girl's been through. Mr. Dippet, I suggest you stay out of the way for the next few days. As you can see, Weasley isn't completely in her right mind at the moment."

Dippet looked like he wanted to object, but thought better of it, and nodded his head in assent.

"Now... You two have to report to class soon," Severus said. "I suggest you get going."

Potter and Dippet left. Severus walked back into Miss Weasley's chambers. She laid motionless on the bed, with the covers tucked in over her. Levine sat on a stool by her side, and Ix Chel sat at her feet. Severus observed the otherworldly, catatonic stare Miss Weasley had, broken only by the occasional blink. He suppressed a sigh, hoping that little episode with Mr. Dippet wasn't the full extent of her reactions so far.

"How is she?" he asked, not taking his eyes off Miss Weasley.

"I managed to calm her again, but she keeps reverting to this state," Miss Levine answered.

"Reverting?" Severus asked.

"Ginny woke up earlier and panicked," Levine explained. "After she quieted down, she became catatonic, but there was a moment where Ginny seemed almost lucid. She asked me a question... she asked me if she had killed anyone. I'm worried, Professor! It's almost like she's not even in there..."

So, the girl was still aware enough of what happened for that? Severus thought. She is in there...

"Don't worry too much, Levine," Severus replied. "Weasley is, as you put it, 'in there,' she just needs some time to return to us. All we can do right now is be here to help her when she is ready to come out."

"What happened to her, Professor?" Levine asked, pleadingly. "When I spoke to her at lunch yesterday, she was fine, and now..."

"I'm afraid only Weasley can tell you that," Severus answered.

"But you know what happened to her, don't you?" Levine persisted. She looked into his eyes and understood. Levine stood as Severus turned to leave.

"Tell me one thing," Levine pleaded. "Was she attacked by the Gryffindors?"

"Yes..." Severus whispered as he left.

*~*~*

Minerva sat alone in her office, trying hopelessly to ignore the disturbing, sickening leftover Gray magic. Thankfully, much of the magical energy had dissipated since last night, but some of it remained, permeating everything. Everything Minerva touched still carried traces of the strange and unsettling magic, even the air itself wasn't left untouched. Minerva stared out of what was left of the window, gazing at the huge crater left in the grounds, near the Forbidden Forest. The crater was at least twenty feet long, seven feet across, and fifteen feet deep. Minerva wondered faintly what Hagrid was going to do with it. Would he fill it in, or find some other use for it?

Severus walked in unannounced, again. Minerva wondered, as she turned to face him, when was the last time he knocked. An idea occurred to her. Was there was a way he could help her with this Gray magic?

"Severus... How is Miss Weasley?" Minerva inquired gently.

"She's... not herself," Severus replied. "However, I believe given time, she will recover."

"Good," Minerva said. "I need to ask... a favor from you."

"What?" Severus sneered slightly.

"This Gray magic is still permeating my office, and I was hoping you might be able to remove it," Minerva requested. Severus regarded her for several moments, apparently thinking it over. Then Severus closed his eyes for a moment.

"I hadn't even noticed it was still here..." Severus intoned vaguely, his features showing absolute concentration. A moment later the temperature dropped slightly, and the irritation that had been bothering her all morning ceased. Severus opened his eyes, looking more relaxed and lighter on his feet than when he walked in. Minerva decided to test her theory on the effects of Gray magic by repairing her window. She stood, pulled out her wand, and used a repairing spell on the smashed window. To her surprise, it worked. Perhaps, Severus could be persuaded to help her with Gryffindor Tower...

"Thank you, Severus," Minerva said.

"Your welcome," Severus replied. "Now that is out of the way, I came to talk you about Levine's Transfiguration grades. How is she doing in her studies?"

"She's doing very well, in fact she's one of my best students," Minerva answered, taken a little off guard by the change of subject. "Why?"

"Levine has been studying a little outside of the curriculum," Severus informed her. He explained what he had seen Miss Levine do for Miss Weasley last night.

"The spells she used are only taught to seventh years, and are highly advanced," Minerva said. "I'm surprised she was able to use such spells at her level. Did she seem drained afterward?"

"Not at all, if anything, she seemed completely at ease with it," Severus replied. "If I'm not mistaken, her scores are even better then yours were, when you went here... Levine's talents in Transfiguration appear to be considerable. Would you be willing to consider taking her on as an Apprentice?"

"You never cease to surprise me, Severus," Minerva remarked. "I had originally planned to take young Miss Weasley under my wing, then you snatch her right from under my nose. The next day, you waltz in here and request I take on one of your students. One who has the same potential in Transfiguration as Miss Weasley, or even greater, if you're right about her talents... When the situation with Miss Weasley is resolved, I will test Miss Levine, and find out where she stands. If the girl is the talent you say she is, I will consider offering Miss Levine the Apprenticeship. I wish I could test her right away, but I doubt she could handle anything extra at the moment, with Miss Weasley still ill... Thank you for bringing her to my attention, Severus."

They fell into an uneasy silence, neither willing to start the conversation they knew was coming; the conversation that very well might shape poor Miss Weasley's future. Minerva knew that Severus didn't want to settle for less then the expulsion of her attackers, but they both knew that wasn't likely at this point. If word of all this were to get out, the results could be disastrous for everyone, especially Miss Weasley, who's bound to be the one to face the brunt of the storm.

"As Miss Weasley's Head of House, I feel I should inform you further on her current condition," Severus began. "I've managed to break Miss Weasley's fever, but she will need time to recover from the severe trauma her housemates inflicted on her. According to Levine, she's almost completely withdrawn, but that's only to be expected at this point. I'm afraid only time will tell how long it will be before she decides to return to us."

"I see," Minerva replied.

"Something must be done about her attackers, and soon," Severus continued. "I still believe that drastic action must be taken. If they get away with this, anything we do for Miss Weasley will be in vain. Her attackers will strike again, as revenge for what happened in Gryffindor Tower. I can nearly guarantee it! If that happens, Weasley may snap, or worse yet, turn Dark as her only means of escape. I will not let that happen! No one should have to go through what she has endured over the last few days. We must do something, now, while we still can!"

"I agree, but expulsion is not the answer," Minerva maintained.

"Nor is a slap on the wrist," Severus countered.

"If we were to expel her attackers, then we would lose any hope we have of containing this," Minerva reasoned. "Unfortunately, Miss Weasley is a public figure now. You know what will happen if this gets out. It will be a media circus and, as things stand, we will have more than enough trouble controlling the situation."

"The term 'utter disaster' is more like it," Severus reluctantly agreed. "Then what do you think we should do with them? Just let them go, and allow them to harm her again?"

"No," Minerva replied. "An example must be made... We could give them Detention with Filch and myself for the rest of the year, and if they step one toe out of line, then we'll consider expulsion. It's not Azkaban, but it isn't a slap on the wrist either. I believe we can get Albus to agree to it, if you work with me on this and support the idea from the start."

"It is better than what Albus will do..." Severus intoned, considering it. "I will agree to it, under one condition. I tell Filch the full truth on the matter. He should know what he's really punishing them for."

"Agreed," she said, wondering about what the consequences of letting Severus explain things to Filch would be. She knew that they were old friends, and if Filch knew the full extent of those children's crimes... Minerva suppressed a shudder at the thought of what inventive forms of punishment Filch would come up with as a result. Those students may wish they were expelled, before all this is over. "There is one more thing I wish to ask of you... Gryffindor Tower suffered severe damage last night, and because of the nature of the damage, we can't repair it using magical means. I would be grateful for any assistance you can render," requesting Minerva.

Severus regarded her for several minutes. Then, just when she thought he wouldn't answer, he spoke.

"I will... take a look at it, but I can't promise you anything," Severus replied. "Lead the way..."

A little surprised by the answer, Minerva led him out of her office and up to Gryffindor Tower in silence. Why was he being so cooperative, especially so soon after his apprentice was attacked by her students...? Minerva supposed that only time would tell what Severus' true motives were.

*~*~*

Ginny sat propped up by several pillows against the headboard, staring at a tapestry again. Since the incident with Mark, she had been too exhausted to attempt reaching out again. A thought that had been plaguing her all morning resurfaced, and she mentally sighed.

"What is it?" Tom asked.

"We're missing someone..." Ginny thought uncomfortably. "Where's Ix Chel? We haven't seen her since before the storm, and I can't feel her. I'm worried! Why isn't she here? Why haven't they brought Ix Chel to see us yet? I miss her... we've never been separated like this since bonding with her."

"I haven't felt her, either," Tom replied. "You don't think..."

"I don't know, Tom," Ginny thought, wearily. "I just don't... What are we going to do?"

"All we can do is wait until they tell us where she is," Tom reminded her. "Don't worry, she's fine."

"I hope so..." Ginny thought. A short time later Ginny began to doze off again, leaving Tom alone in his thoughts.

*~*~*

Meanwhile, Ix Chel sat at the foot of the bed, watching her charges despondently. Part of her desperately desired for them to see her, just once, and forgive her for not being there for them. While another part of her wanted nothing more than to hide, afraid that when they awoke from their waking slumber they would blame her, reject her for not being there for them at the critical moment. She couldn't bear to lose them, not now, not when she'd just found them, found her other half. Ix Chel felt desolate and incomplete without their reassuring presence in her mind. She was nothing without Ginny and Tom at her side.

A thought haunted her, more terrible and painful to her than any of her doubts. What if they were trapped like that forever? What if they weren't able to truly reach out to her once more, to anyone? Ix Chel knew she couldn't go on without them... Why had young one decided to separate from her to attempt whatever she planned? Why didn't Ix Chel object more strongly? Feelings of guilt and remorse tortured Ix Chel as she continued her silent vigil on her charges, hoping against hope that they would come out.

*~*~*

Severus felt the powerful remnants of Gray magic permeating the very stone itself as they approached the entrance to Gryffindor Tower. He could feel the echoes of Miss Weasley's distress and pain from here. Severus wondered again if attempting this was a good move. The reason why he had agreed to help Minerva was because he needed her. After seeing Albus' initial reaction to the sheer power Miss Weasley possesses, he knew that he would need all the help he could get to protect her, not only from the Dark, but from the Light as well. Severus had no doubt left in his mind that Albus would see Miss Weasley as a weapon, which he either use or discard depending on how things go. He knew that the only way to stop Albus completely was to take the girl out of school, and abandon everything. As Miss Weasley's master, Severus was her guardian, and had a power of attorney over her; thus he had a responsibility to protect her, by any means necessary. He just hoped it wouldn't come to that.

Severus entered the ruined Gryffindor common room, and stood in the center of it. He opened his mind, trying to get a sense of what had taken place last night. His heightened senses were immediately assailed by a powerful torrent of images, feelings, sounds, and other sensations, unlike anything he had ever experienced before. Severus could feel the agony and terror Miss Weasley experienced as she ran through the room. He could hear her screams, which had an odd echo reminiscent of a second voice, overwhelming the distant cries of fear. Cries that Severus knew were the other children who were present that night. Jumbled images of the storm obscured his vision, blocking out almost everything. After a few seconds, the sudden sensory overload became almost too much for him to bear, and Severus was driven to his knees by the sheer weight of it all. He was vaguely aware of Minerva kneeling besides him, trying to help.

"Severus, should I get you someone?" Minerva asked, genuine concern filling her voice. "Poppy-"

"No..." Severus replied, his voice thick with emotion. "Just give me a moment to understand..."

Severus quickly pulled himself together, and tried to focus. He watched as the events unfolded in the common room, before his very eyes. Severus experienced the common room plunge into freezing darkness, while the storm of power Miss Weasley unleashed consumed all the magical energy in the area and left a wave of destruction in its wake. Screams filled his ears as Miss Weasley ran though the room, blind with panic, fear, and growing agony from the uncontrolled power coursing through her. In the confusion, Severus spotted Mr. Longbottom, and some others, left completely untouched in the chaos. A penknife heading for Longbottom abruptly changed course, aiming for the person standing next to him. The other Gryffindor boy cried out in pain, as the knife impaled his hand, pinning him to the wall. A girl near Macdonald was hit in the head with a small statue and knocked unconscious, leaving Macdonald untouched. He watched as the portrait of The Fat Lady flew off its hinges and hit a nearby wall. Miss Weasley climbed through the portrait hole and ran for her life away from Gryffindor Tower, with the storm of power following closely behind.

The Gray magic imprinted vision ended, leaving Severus shaken, kneeling on the ruined floor. He slowly got back to his feet, and composed himself. There was no way just anyone could fix this...

"I can't remove the energy clinging to this place," Severus said, his resolve to protect Miss Weasley strengthening a thousand-fold. "Much more than Gray magic clings to this place," he continued. "Miss Weasley's pain and terror fills these walls... Only she can undo this, and I doubt she will ever be able to face coming back here again."

"Are you sure?" Minerva asked.

"If Miss Weasley tries to fix this and holds one doubt in her mind, one unconscious resentment, the disturbance will remain, and perhaps, even worsen," Severus replied. "If you still wish to fix this place, you can't employ magical means."

"We have to use muggles?" asked Minerva, with a look of astonishment.

"I thought that's what I just informed you," Severus sneered slightly. "I must go... Classes will be starting soon, and I still have much to attend to. But there is one thing you must know, before I go... Only the people who wished Miss Weasley harm were injured in the storm. Their own dark intent was reflected back to them. They, in essence, did it to themselves. You are very lucky she didn't want them dead, or none of the injured would have made it out of here."

"How can you be so certain that's true, Severus?" Minerva asked as he turned to leave.

"Because, I just witnessed it," he answered in a low voice. Severus left Minerva and the Gryffindor common room behind him.

*~*~*

Zach Montgomery sat alone in his darkened living room. Time was running out... The week of peaceful travel by muggle means he had planned was no longer a feasible option, not if what he sensed last night was true. Zach sighed. It would have been easy to slip by muggles unnoticed. Zach had a talent for not being seen when it suited his purposes, and muggles were so wrapped up in their own issues that they weren't so tiring to be among. Wizards and Witches, on the other hand, were another story. Many of them recognized him on sight, all of them always asked him questions, or worse yet, wanted a reading. As if a reading was something one could just give freely, without consequence. If they only knew, perhaps they wouldn't be so eager...

Zach had thought he was free of that forever, until this Weasley girl caught his attention. He couldn't leave another like him to the vultures... He had a job to do, and Merlin help any fool who got in his way. Zach knew his first priority was to get to know the players better, before he could risk making any waves. What better place to start his investigation than where this all started for the Weasley girl, Hogsmeade.

Zach stood, straightening his immaculate, black robes. He put on his blue cloak, then raised the hood to conceal his face, put on a pair of leather gloves, and picked up his large black knapsack, which had everything he would need. Then he pulled out his wand, starting a small flame in the fireplace, and cast a repellent charm, so that no one would be able to get too close. He pulled some flow powder out of a pouch in his pocket, threw it into the flames, and watched as the flames turned emerald green. He took one last look at the place that had been his sanctuary and home for the past fifteen years, silently bidding it farewell, and walked into the flames.

"Hogsmeade!" Zach shouted. He was whisked through the flow network. Without someone to care for the fire, it burnt itself out a few minutes later.

*~*~*

Alexis sat reading the living Potions tome which, to her surprise, sat still for her quite easily. She looked up at Ginny and Ix Chel, who sat motionless. Ginny continued her never-ending staring contest with one of the tapestries, while Ix Chel continued her own silent vigil over her mistress. Alexis had barely managed to get Ginny to stomach anything this morning, much less Ix Chel, who wouldn't even look at the breakfast the house-elves had made for her. She was afraid that if this dragged on for too long, Ix Chel would wither away. She heard a knock at the door and answered it. To her surprise it was Professor Hagrid with their orders for lunch. Alexis let him in and closed the door behind him.

"Hello, Professor," Alexis said.

"Hi, Levine," Professor Hagrid said, keeping his voice down. "One of the Slytherin second years, David Morrows, expressed his concerns on how Ix Chel is faring, so I thought I would come down and check on you. How are they?"

"Ginny's still out of it," Alexis replied softly.

"And Ix?" Professor Hagrid asked, watching the snake intently. Alexis wondered vaguely if he could read creatures' minds.

"Almost worse than Ginny at this point," Alexis whispered. "I'm concerned, Ix Chel hasn't eaten or slept since Ginny was brought down here. All she keeps doing is watching Ginny, hoping she'll respond."

"I'm afraid that's the natural way with bonded beings," Professor Hagrid explained. "When the other is sick or injured, the uninjured one starts losing the ability to function, and needs to be looked after constantly. When one dies... Let's just say it's not pretty."

"That's horrible!" Alexis exclaimed.

"An unfortunate reality of the bond," said Professor Hagrid. "Why don't you take care of yourself and Virginia, and I'll see what I can do for Ix Chel."

"Thank you, Professor," Alexis said.

Alexis transfigured the second chair to accommodate for Professor Hagrid's size, and rolled up the cart with their food next to the bed. Hagrid expertly coaxed Ix Chel into eating a few bits of food, by reminding Ix Chel that her mistress needed her to remain strong for when she came out, while Alexis got Ginny to drink some broth. When they had finished helping Ginny and Ix Chel, Alexis and Professor Hagrid had lunch quietly, discussing the new set of rumors and problems they were having with the Gryffindor students' temporary relocation. Alexis was happy to hear that they would have temporary quarters set up by tonight for the uninjured Gryffindors, where they would be able to stay until the tower was fixed. When they were done eating, lunchtime was almost over.

"We'll, I've got to get going now," Professor Hagrid said. "I've got to get to my next class soon. We should do this again, sometime."

"Agreed, sir," Alexis replied.

"Call me Hagrid," Professor Hagrid said.

"Alright, Hagrid," Alexis answered. They said their good-byes, and Hagrid left, leaving her alone with Ginny and Ix Chel again.

*~*~*

Severus sat behind the desk in his office, grateful for a few moments to himself. He'd spent the whole day on his feet, snarling at students who dared to so much as sneeze out of turn in class, and trying unsuccessfully to ignore his strangely heightened senses. Whatever was happening to him had something to do with the magical fever, but what- Severus heard a knock at the door, and silently groaned. Couldn't they leave him alone for five minutes?

"What are you waiting for, a written invitation?" Severus barked. "Come in!"

Potter walked into Severus' office, looking slightly nervous and uncomfortable. Severus sneered at Potter, hoping to get this over with quickly, so he could spend the rest of his break in peace.

"Why, if it isn't Hogwarts' resident boy wonder," Severus sneered. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

"My last class today is Potions..." Harry started. "I was wondering if I could be excused today, so I could give Alexis an early break. She stayed up most of the night watching Ginny and I thought-"

"You thought you could take over for her, so she could get some rest," Severus finished for him, surprised that a Gryffindor would be concerned for the well being of a Slytherin. Once again, Potter was showing a remarkable amount of brains. Perhaps, young Miss Weasley was a good influence on the boy. "Very well, I will excuse you from today's class, but you will still bring in the essay I'm assigning the class, on time, with everyone else on Monday, and no excuses, understood?"

"Yes, sir," Harry said, obviously surprised.

Severus waited for him to leave, but the boy stared at him like there was something else he wanted to speak to him about. Severus got the same feeling he had this morning, the feeling that there was something Potter wasn't telling him. He studied Potter for a long moment, and knew he should choose his next words very carefully.

"Was there something else you needed to speak to me about?" Severus asked, his voice lacking its usual barbs.

"Well, I..." Harry stammered, nearly at a loss for words. Severus could feel the fear and concern radiating from Potter, but it wasn't fear for himself. It was fear for another, someone close to him. He had the feeling that the boy would clamp up if he didn't do something to get the conversation moving again.

"What's wrong?" Severus inquired. "Does it have something to do with Miss Weasley, something I need to know to help her?"

Potter reached into his robes and pulled out a sheet of paper, his hand trembling slightly, despite himself. He slowly handed it to Severus.

"Ron sort of gave it to me..." Potter said, the tone of his voice sounding alarmingly vulnerable. "I think it's meant as a farewell..."

Curious and a little perplexed, Severus read the small letter, which looked like it had been written in a hurry, and suppressed a gasp. He reread the letter, searching for clues, or possible evidence of deception. He looked up from the letter and met the boy's gaze. Potter's eyes held a mix of painful emotions that told him the boy believed it completely. If this was a deception, it was not one of Potter's design. Severus returned his gaze to the sheet of paper in his hand, and the paper told him of the fear and desperation of the person who wrote on it, terrified that they would be cut off mid-sentence.

Severus pulled out his wand, and used a powerful revealing charm on the letter to confirm it. There could be no mistake. It was true; everything written on it was absolutely true from the author's perception. Which meant Mr. Weasley was now a tool of the Dark Lord; a fact confessed by the boy himself. A confession of which, Severus realized, would probably be his last. He knew from the letter that this had to be something more potent than the Imperious Curse, which meant that Voldemort would have a way of terminating Mr. Weasley if something were to go wrong.

Why hadn't Potter gone to Albus in the first place? Why come to him, of all people? Of course, Potter had figured out enough of it himself to know that going to Dumbledore would have been a death sentence for his friend. Which meant that going to the others was also out, because it would still get back to the Headmaster. The reason Potter was before him now was, simply, because he had no where else to go... Severus was amazed that the boy had used his brains on this, and had gone to someone who could possibly help him, instead of trying to deal with things himself. Two Gryffindors showing actual intelligence and faith in his talents in one month? This had to be some sort of record.

"How many people know about this?" Severus asked, indicating the paper.

"I found it outside of the entrance to Gryffindor Tower last night," Harry answered. "No one else knows about it."

"Not even the know-it-all, Miss Granger?" Severus inquired.

"I came to you first," Harry replied, shaking his head.

"Then perhaps, there may be hope for you yet, Mr. Potter," Severus said. "You were right to come to me. Though I am doubtful we can save Mr. Weasley-"

"What?" Harry protested. "But I thought you said-"

"If this letter is any indication, we may already be too late for him," Severus interrupted. "According to it, Voldemort has been chipping away at his humanity. It's a wonder he's lasted this long against him. Read between the lines, Potter, and listen to the tone beneath it. The Ronald Weasley you knew is dying! He is losing himself, losing not only his body to Voldemort's power, but also his essence. What he wrote you was a suicide note... he wrote to say goodbye."

"It can't be true!" Potter whispered desperately, his eyes glazing over with tears, and a strange mix of despair and denial on his face. "You're wrong, Ron... If we can find some way to get him back... If we could, he would be okay, given some time to recover, right?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Potter, but that isn't likely," Severus replied, feeling sorry for the boy for the fourth time since Potter had first come to Hogwarts. "Even if, by some wild miracle, we were to retrieve Mr. Weasley, there may not be much left of his essence, of his mind, to make any difference. The person whom you befriended would be gone, leaving only an empty shell."

"But you could be wrong, right?" Potter whispered. "There's still a chance he will survive?"

"There is a remote chance," Severus replied. "Don't get your hopes up. You, better than anyone, understand the power Voldemort is wielding against him."

"I do," Harry agreed.

"Do you have this necklace of which Mr. Weasley spoke?" Severus asked.

Potter reached into his robes and pulled out a beautiful necklace that looked all too familiar to Severus. He saw what Potter was wearing and gasped. Could that be the Necklace of Umbra? Could the boy have had it all this time?

"My mother left it to me," Potter said. "She called it the 'Necklace of Umbra,' and told me, whatever I did, to never take it off... I've only been able to use it once, but that was an accident. Could this be what Voldemort's after?"

Severus gazed at the necklace around Potter's neck, which looked just like his... and Miss Weasley's. Merlin, if both Potter and Weasley could use theirs... Then things just got a lot more complicated.

"I must give this some thought, and get back to you, Potter," Severus replied. "Tell no one about this, there are ears all over Hogwarts. Does anyone else know about the necklace?"

"Only Professor Dumbledore and Hermione," said Potter.

"Good," Severus declared. "Whatever you do, don't use the necklace for any reason, and don't take it off. If Voldemort is aware of its existence, he may be able to track its use. Be careful what you say and do in front of Mr. Weasley; he is an extension of Voldemort now. You must act as if nothing has changed. Mr. Weasley's life, as well as the lives of others, may depend on it. Do you have any questions?"

"No, Professor," Potter answered.

"Then run along, Mr. Potter," Severus said.

"Thank you, Professor... for not turning me away," Potter said softly. Without waiting for a response, Potter turned and left. Severus stared after the closed door, considering his next move.

*~*~*

Zach checked to make sure his hood was secure, as he entered the Three Broomsticks. It had been almost twenty years since he'd seen the place, and it hadn't changed a bit. He wondered if Madam Rosmerta was still working here. Zach spotted Rosmerta behind the bar and chuckled quietly. Some things never change... He always liked her because she treated him like a person, and not as a tool, something to be used. Zach walked up to the bar and ordered a butterbeer. As anticipated, Rosmerta recognized him on sight, but remained discreet. Zach got his butterbeer, made his way to the back of the room, and took a seat at a table where he wouldn't be disturbed too much. His head ached slightly from being so close to so many at once. Zach looked up and surveyed the room, still feeling the cacophony of emotions from everyone in the place.

He took a sip of his butterbeer, pulled his muggle journal and a ballpoint pen out of his bag, and took off his gloves. Zach hated working with parchment and quill, and avoided it whenever he could. He quickly wrote down everything he could remember of the vision he had seen of the Weasley girl protecting Mr. Potter. So far, his investigation of the game players had been somewhat successful, though time-consuming. Zach's senses told him that time was running out, and he had to have this wrapped up sometime over the next two days if he were going to make any difference at Hogwarts. Zach put down the pen and it rolled off the table, and under it. He ducked under the table to get it, and accidentally touched one of the legs of the table with his hand. The world faded into the background...

Suddenly Zach wasn't alone anymore. There was a boy sitting next to him under the table, and two others sitting at it. Damn it, couldn't he go just one bloody hour without some sort of vision? Zach observed his surroundings, watching the boy's every move, and recognized him. It was the boy he'd seen with Weasley earlier, Harry Potter. What was he doing under a table? Then he heard voices coming from the table next to them, and understood. Zach listened intently to the conversation taking place between McGonagall, Hagrid, his old head of house Flitwick, Madam Rosmerta, and Cornelius Fudge, never taking his eyes off the boy's face.

His ears perked up when heard the Minister of Magic mention Sirius Black. Zach listened to him and Hagrid tell the story of Sirius Black's betrayal, unwittingly telling the 'so-called' Boy-Who-Lived, who hid beneath a table right beside them. He saw the shocked, horrified look on the boy's face, and felt sorry for him. What a terrible way to find out something like this... They should have told the boy right from the start, instead of letting him find out on his own. When the conversation was over, the teachers and Fudge left.

"Harry?" a voice said.

The two kids who were with Potter peered under the table at the boy, completely at a loss for words.

The vision was over, and Zach was sitting under the table alone again. He shook his head to clear it, ignoring the headache, which abruptly gained in intensity. Zach picked up his pen and returned to his seat, only to be greeted by Madam Rosmerta.

"Find anything interesting under there?" she asked, sitting down across from him.

"In a manner of speaking," Zach replied curtly.

"I heard you went into seclusion fifteen years back," Madam Rosmerta said. "What got you to come out of hiding?"

"I'm taking the job as the new Divination teacher up at Hogwarts," Zach answered. "Tell me, what do you know about the Potters and Sirius Black?"

*~*~*

Severus headed down to Miss Weasley's chambers from Albus' office. Fortunately, he and Minerva had managed to get Albus to agree to the punishment they had come up with for Patil and Brown, along with the separate punishment they had come up with for Creevy. Unfortunately, Albus was taking the 'book attack' reports seriously, and was searching for the rogue tome. Severus knew now that he couldn't leave the book unattended in Miss Weasley's chambers, while she was unable to control it. While he was certain that the book wouldn't harm Potter or Levine, he wasn't so sure about Albus, or other people who were bound to visit Miss Weasley during her recovery.

Severus entered Miss Weasley's chambers, and explained to Potter and the tome that he was removing the tome for its own safety, and he would bring it back to visit Weasley later, when he would take over watching her for the night. Then Severus left with the book. They unwittingly avoided Minerva, who was on her way to visit Miss Weasley for herself.

*~*~*

Ginny watched Professor Snape leave. Tom slept on peacefully in the deeper recesses of her mind, so she was left alone in her thoughts. A minute later there was another knock on the door.

"What is this place, King's Cross station?" Ginny thought. "At this rate, if I started charging admission, I could make a fortune... 'Come one and all, to see Ginny! The amazing catatonic freak!' Yeah, that will be the day..."

Harry left the room, leaving her alone. A moment later, Professor McGonagall walked into the room, and approached her bedside. Ginny whimpered and recoiled in terror, unable to sense her teacher's true intentions. Ginny had harmed so many of her house, she knew Professor McGonagall had to be furious with her. Ginny recoiled further, afraid of what she might do. Then she saw her Head of House stop in her tracks, and shook her head, looking shocked and mortified. Without a word, McGonagall turned and left. A few seconds later Harry came back in, and tried to calm her down.

What had Professor McGonagall seen when she looked her? A monster? A freak? Something so horrible that she couldn't remain in its presence for another moment? Ginny had no idea, and for the first time in her life, that scared her...

*~*~*

Minerva fled the Dungeons, unable to get out of her mind the image of fear she saw in Virginia's eyes when she approached her bedside. Merlin, Miss Weasley obviously was afraid of her... The girl had reacted like Minerva was going to hurt her... identifying her with the Gryffindors who did this to her, when the girl's guard was down. This had to stop! Severus' words echoed in her head. He was right. There was no way Miss Weasley can return to Gryffindor Tower when she's recovered. Minerva sighed heavily. It was going to be a long road for Virginia, a long road for them all...

*~*~*

Severus stopped by his office after dinner, and picked up Miss Weasley's living Potions tome on his way to her chambers. The book was ecstatic that it was returning to its Mistress, and didn't give him any trouble. He entered the chambers and saw Potter and Levine talking. Miss Weasley sat, propped up by several pillows, completely vacant and Ix Chel still sat by her feet, watching her. He noticed that Miss Weasley's things had been brought in.

"Potter, Levine, I'll take over from here," Severus said.

They said their good-byes to Miss Weasley and left, leaving him alone with them. Severus watched them, as he contemplated their situation.

Why didn't the girl take revenge when she had the chance? Severus wondered silently. When any other person would have killed them without a second thought. What made her stay her hand, when I would have ripped them apart?

Severus didn't know, and made a mental note to ask her, when she was ready to talk about it. An hour passed and no one spoke, even Ix Chel didn't bother to acknowledge his presence. He grew tired of the silence and spoke.

"You shouldn't blame yourself, Ix," Severus hissed softly. "You didn't do this."

"She blames me," Ix Chel said. "Young one hasn't looked at me once since I first arrived."

"Have you sat there all day at the girl's feet, or have you been trying to get her attention, and she just hasn't responded?" Severus asked.

"Young one has shut me out," Ix Chel said mournfully. "She doesn't want me in her way..."

"So, you're going to sit by her feet, and waste away?" he asked. "So when she finally does come out, you will be gone, and you won't have to chance facing the rejection, you've deluded yourself into believing will happen?"

"I should have been there for her," she said in a whispered hiss. "I should have been there with her, not visiting Hagrid with Harry..."

"Stop being so foolish," Severus scolded her. "I saw the storm which Miss Weasley unleashed in the common room. I felt how high her temperature was by the time she reached McGonagall's office. If you had been at the center of that with her, you wouldn't have survived. You would have been dead long before she reached aid. What matters is that you're here for her now, when she needs you most. What's more important to you, her life... or your wounded pride?"

They fell silent for a long moment, as Severus waited to see if he was getting through to her.

"Her life..." Ix Chel whispered. "But I'm helpless to aid her now... What can I possibly do to help?"

"This," he answered, scooping Ix Chel up, and carefully placing the snake in Miss Weasley's lap. To Severus' surprise, she began to stroke Ix Chel's scales. He looked at Miss Weasley and saw that she was still staring at one of the tapestries with an otherworldly expression on her face. Severus decided to try using her unconscious acceptance of Ix Chel to his advantage.

"Think, Ix Chel," Severus continued. "Miss Weasley doesn't hate you, she never has. Just because she is withdrawn, doesn't mean there isn't hope."

"Ix Chel?" Miss Weasley asked in a small voice. She slowly turned to face him, still unconsciously petting the snake. "Where is she? No one's brought her to see me all day. I'm worried... We've never been apart for so long..."

"You're holding her," Severus answered, amazed that she hadn't even noticed the snake's presence. Miss Weasley looked down to her lap, saw Ix Chel, and smiled.

"I don't blame you, Ix..." she whispered. "I've missed you. It's just, I've been so tired. The world is much larger and more complex now..."

"Larger?" Severus asked. She didn't answer. Damn, she was losing her focus again... Maybe she was having the same problem he was? "Miss Weasley? Can you hear me?"

No response.

"Miss Weasley?" He shook her slightly to get her attention.

Still nothing.

He needed to do something to catch her attention...

"Virginia? Listen to me, Virginia... listen to the sound of my voice and focus on it," he said.

Miss Weasley looked at the tapestries like they held the secrets of the universe, and he mentally groaned. He had lost her attention again.

"The tapestries are happy," Miss Weasley finally replied in a strange tone of voice. "Am I insane?"

Severus looked at the tapestries, bewildered by her response. The tapestries told him of an odd loneliness, from having spent all of these long years without someone there to enjoy them, and happiness at being seen again. Miss Weasley was right, the tapestries were happy...

"Not unless we both are," Severus responded quickly. "I am ... seeing the same things you are. Ix Chel, how is this possible?"

"I don't believe it!" Ix Chel exclaimed. "That shouldn't be possible..."

"What shouldn't?" he asked.

"The magical fever mutated both of your magical equilibriums," Ix Chel explained. "You're both set high... too high! Wizards have gone mad, or even died, trying to reach these levels, and yet here you are, shaken, but still sane..."

"You've never seen anything like this?" Miss Weasley asked vaguely.

"No one's ever seen anything like it from a human," Ix Chel replied.

Suddenly Severus understood everything that had been happening to him. The problems he had casting spells, this strange new awareness, everything. Which meant that Miss Weasley was having the same difficulties, only to a much greater extent because she was the source of the storm. That's why she was having so much trouble focusing, her mind has been receiving more information than it knows how to process. An idea hit him and he smiled. He knew exactly how to help her. It would take time to rebuild her mental connections but, with Ix Chel's help, it was possible.

"I can help you, Miss Weasley, if you will let me," Severus said, his voice filled with determination. He held out his hand, and after some hesitation, Miss Weasley took it. Severus and Ix Chel spent the rest of the night working with her, teaching her to focus again. As they worked, Severus began to feel confident that, although the road still was long, this was only a new beginning.

____________

TBC