My Eternal Curse

Chapter Twenty Five

Quiet Confrontations

Tom stared at the fabric of their sheets, fascinated by the little intricacies and odd subtleties he had never noticed before. His princess slept fitfully, still trying to handle the shock of her brother's fate. While Ginny had often been content to observe the tapestries or walls during their exile here, Tom explored the scope of their other newfound senses, captivated by their power and complexity. He was amazed by how much they could hear and know beyond their room. It was an incredible high, like nothing he had ever experienced before. A high which made normal focusing, much less acting, strangely difficult for him. If his Ginny hadn't kept him grounded through this, he was nearly certain he would never find his way back to self-awareness.

Tom thought again about the letter that Snape had showed them from Ron. All this time, he had believed that they were fighting her half-witted brother, when it was actually Voldemort - Tom's older self, his creator, and now their ultimate nemesis. When they had discovered the truth, his princess had become withdrawn, leaving him to handle things alone. With Voldemort in control of Ron this was a whole new game, a game Tom wasn't sure he could win.

Voldemort was an experienced, seasoned Dark Wizard, with an army of Death Eaters at his beck and call, while they hid out amongst the Light, who couldn't seem to get their act together. To make matters worse, their position with the Light was shaky, at best. Tactically, Voldemort had the advantage. Magically, however, it might end up being a different story if Snape can use Dumbledore to organize the Light. Unfortunately, Hogwarts was Voldemort's greatest target, and, because of their gifts, now so were they. He wasn't sure how this would play out, or if they would be strong enough to defend themselves against the Dark Lord when the time came. For the first time in his life, he was scared.

He pushed it out of his mind. He wouldn't let himself despair, merely because the odds weren't in their favor. He was better than this, better than Voldemort. Tom was sure of it! He knew he had one thing Voldemort did not, one thing Voldemort had never managed to earn - trustworthy allies. With them Tom would fight tooth and nail to protect everything he had come to know, everything he was coming... to care for, and, despite all odds, believe in.

"Tom?" Ginny asked uncertainly.

He realized that Ginny had just awoken.

"What is it, princess?" Tom asked.

"Do you think Ron is still in there?" Ginny thought. "Do you think he can resist the Dark Lord?"

"I don't know," he replied. "But you can't get your hopes up. If Voldemort wants to break him, he'll stop at nothing to do it. You and I both know just how powerful the lure of Darkness is..."

"I do," Ginny thought. Tom wanted to comfort her, but he knew he couldn't lie to her, anymore than he could lie to himself.

*~*~*

Argus Filch slowly traveled up the steps that led to Gryffindor Tower with Mrs. Norris trailing behind him. Minerva had asked him to take a look at the place, and return to her with an estimate of how long it would take to clear the area manually. Argus groaned at the thought. Manually! How long would it take him to dig out the rubble those damn kids made... If they hadn't attacked the younger Weasley, then he wouldn't be stuck with this impossible task. Well, if he had to do this, at least he wouldn't be doing it alone. The three brats who started this would be spending every waking moment helping him, the muggle way. Argus smiled at the thought of punishing them. He was going to get as much fun as possible out of punishing the little monsters.

As Argus reached the top of the stairs, an uneasiness crept into him, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Filch ignored it and continued toward the ruined Gryffindor common room. But with each step he took, his uneasiness grew until it was almost more than he could take. He stopped three-fourths of the way to the entrance. He looked at Mrs. Norris, wondering if she was feeling the same thing. His familiar hissed uneasily, cautiously backing away. He realized that they were feeling the effect of some strange magic. Magic? No, it was impossible... He couldn't sense magic. Then, what was it that disturbed him so? He shook his head, and chided himself for hesitating. Abruptly, Mrs. Norris bolted.

"Where do you think you're going?" Argus yelled after the cat. "Mrs. Norris! Bloody coward..."

He groaned in disgust at his cat's reaction. He turned back to the entrance, quickly walking through the portrait hole, and into the common room. All at once a wave of nausea hit him. Argus' knees buckled. It became impossible to breathe, and he collapsed under the weight of the suddenly oppressive air. Strangely echoed screams rang in his ears as he hopelessly struggled to catch his breath. He felt his mind and body become overwhelmed with pain and terror that was not his own. Caught in the throes of the strange torment, he let out a hoarse cry. He scrambled blindly on his hands and knees for the exit, desperately trying to escape the maddening flood of twisted sensation.

He crawled through the portrait hole, got shakily to his feet, and ran for his life, unable to handle another second of it. He didn't stop running until he left Gryffindor Tower far behind. Argus leaned against the wall of the corridor to catch his breath and center himself. What was that? Whatever it was, he prayed he would never encounter it again.

"That place is cursed..." Argus muttered to himself as he headed back to Minerva's office. "There ain't no way I'm going back there. No way in hell..."

*~*~*

Zach ran into the Potions master at the entrance to the Dungeons. Severus watched his every move, and gazed at him as if he was trying to look through him. He felt mental tendrils tentatively probe his defenses, looking for signs of weakness, and realized they were coming from Severus. He heightened his defenses slightly, and noticed that Severus' walls were also up. Zach could feel that he was still quite sick, and was only hurting himself further by stubbornly refusing to rest.

"You've taken the week off, but you're still not resting," Zach said. "You won't do anyone any good if you fall over. The Weasley girl is in good hands. Remus, or one of the others would be more than happy to supervise for you. Take a nap, and come see me for tea tomorrow. We'll talk again then."

"Why do you care?" Severus snapped.

"Because it won't help the Weasley girl if she watches you fall over dead before the week is out," Zach replied. "She is the reason I was called out of hiding. Therefore, the well being of her master is now part of that responsibility. Go rest - I'll ask Remus to watch over her for you."

Severus opened his mouth to protest, but changed his mind.

"Very well, Montgomery," he answered. "I will see you in my office, tomorrow. I trust you know where that is."

"Of course," Zach replied. He watched as Severus returned to the Dungeons. He wondered how Severus could have probed his mind. He would have known instantly if it were an ordinary enchantment. Did he have the gift, or was it something else? It was an enigma; one Zach couldn't wait to solve!

*~*~*

Ginny and Tom felt Draco's presence entering the corridor to their room, as they mentally prepared themselves for the confrontation. Ginny projected a quiet aura of strength and intelligence, but she couldn't still her slight nervousness and anticipation at his arrival. With luck, they would be able to take control of the situation, and use Draco's own Slytherin nature against him. Alexis entered the room with Draco close behind. Harry saw the other Slytherin and tensed, taking a slightly more protective stance near her bed. Draco regarded him with minor disgust and irritation, then observed the room smirking approvingly at the complete lack of Gryffindor colors.

She felt time slow as they observed Draco, delving through the layers of motivation, trying to see what was hidden behind his powerful Slytherin barriers. He had come to them hoping for an alliance, which could improve his standing with both his father and the other Slytherins, but that wasn't all. Draco held no fondness for the Light, but also cared very little for the affairs of the Dark. How... refreshing. Not at all what she'd come to expect from a Malfoy, but what else was new? Deep down he hungered to be free of his father's binding influence. He also wanted little to do with the Dark Lord, preferring to shape his own destiny, on his terms, not bowing to anyone for any reason. She could relate to that. He was reluctant to take the Dark Mark, but would do it if he couldn't find another way around it... and a part of Draco hoped that Ginny would be able to help him, without losing his birthright in the process. He was a very dynamic person, definitely someone they wanted on their side in the fight ahead. Now it was up to her to ensure that he would be... They regained their sync with time.

"Malfoy," Harry said, tightly controlling his tone.

"Hello, Potter," Draco drawled lazily, sounding almost bored. "I see Snape's relegated you to nursemaid for his apprentice. I'm surprised you're not out there with Weasley, trying to destroy anything that doesn't fit your backward notions of good."

Against all odds, Harry held his tongue. Ginny realized that this would never work in Harry's presence.

"Please wait outside, Harry," she requested, silencing any protest he had with a look. "I need to speak with Draco, alone."

Harry hesitantly nodded.

"I'll be right outside if you need me," Harry murmured, and left the room.

"I guess I should-" Alexis started.

"No, Alexis." Ginny shook her head slightly. "Stay. You need to hear this."

"It looks like you've got Potter on a pretty tight leash," Draco drawled.

"He's a friend and ally," Ginny replied.

"One who's helping you spread those rumors around the school, along with his pet Mudblood, Granger," probed Draco.

"Let's dispense with the pleasantries and useless banter, and get down to business," Ginny responded. "You've come here today, hoping to gain an alliance with us to improve your standing among the others. After all, what better ally than the apprentice to your head of house, who also appears to be a force to be reckoned with? But you and I both know that's not why you're really here. That's not what you really want from me, is it? That's not what you burn for, deep down. What you want is real freedom, freedom from your father, from Voldemort, from the endless ravings of others, trying to sway you to their cause. I'm not going to go on about how you should become blindly devoted to the Light. I don't hold much more faith in them than you do, these days. Nor am I going to go on about the Dark...

"I'm offering you a choice. You can work with us, and we'll do everything in our power to help you avoid the Dark Mark, while keeping you from being disowned in the process. With us, you can play the game by your own rules, helping the Light keep Voldemort at bay. Or you can leave here now, and end up a twisted pawn in someone else's game, like your father. You've seen your father's path; you know where it leads. You are not one to bow, or kiss the hem of another's robes, Draco. That is not a befitting place for any Slytherin! You know that, just as Alexis does. I know you don't want to side with the Light, but you are out of time, and the war will come to Hogwarts. You need to decide whose side you're on. Now, before it is too late. Your future is in your hands, choose wisely."

"Ginny helped me avoid the Dark Mark," Alexis added softly. "She can help you too. Think about it. With our combined cunning, talents, and intelligence, we can do anything. Your father will never give you a better choice."

"How am I supposed to know I can trust you?" Draco asked. "How do I know that Dumbledore won't use me, then dispose of me at the first opportunity?"

"I am not Albus Dumbledore," Tom replied aloud with Ginny's voice. "Nor does he have any hand in our deal. You want proof that we are powerful enough to protect you, proof that we aren't stringing you along... Tell me, Draco, have you seen the ruins of the Gryffindor common room?"

"Yes," he answered. "Any fool could tell that you unleashed your full potential against them."

"That is where you are wrong," Tom corrected him. "I was holding back. If I wanted them all dead that night, no one would have made it out of there alive. The reason why no one was killed, was because we didn't want them dead."

"Why?" Draco asked. Ginny knew that he believed them. "What made you stay your hand against those fools?"

"Because I don't have the right to judge, no matter what they've done," Ginny replied. "I hate them for turning on me, but if I killed them, it wouldn't solve anything. Nothing would change, with one important difference. I would be no better then they are, and they would have won. They would have beaten me by destroying my integrity, and turning me into what they claim I was all along. What will it be, Draco? Do you want to work with us as an equal, or do you want to take your place with your father, at Voldemort's feet?"

"You want me to work with Potter, and the Mudblood, Granger?" Draco asked, repelled by the very concept.

"Are those your beliefs I'm hearing, or your father's?" Ginny asked. "If you're going to work with us, you're going have to get over your childish prejudice against muggleborns, and people who are different. Or are you no better than the narrow-minded Gryffindors, who tried to kill me because I was different?"

She saw Draco's expression falter slightly at that. That cut him, deeply. Now the next move was up to him.

"You are definitely not a Gryffindor," Draco replied, sizing her up as if for the first time. "And you don't sound like much of a Weasley either... Why?"

"I've learned to play by my own rules," she answered. "I've... grown up some since this started."

"Obviously," he drawled. "It appears we have more in common, than I ever would've thought... I will take your offer, and I'll put up with Potter and the mud- Granger, for now."

Ginny and Tom felt complete honesty in his words. Tom held out her hand, and Draco hesitantly took it.

"Welcome into the fold, Draco Malfoy," said Tom. After a moment, he let go of their hand.

"You might find that, with Harry and Hermione, not everything is as it seems," she added.

"How do you know I'm not lying to you?" Draco inquired, softly. "How do you know you can trust me?"

"I would know instantly if you were lying," Tom answered simply. "As for trust... that is something you will have to earn."

"I knew we could do it," Ginny thought triumphantly, allowing a small smile to touch her lips.

"This time," Tom thought. "But what about the next?"

*~*~*

Minerva sat in her office grading papers, reflecting on what Argus had told her about Gryffindor Tower. If even a squib couldn't stand the magical toxic waste up there, then there was no way they could reclaim the tower. Sadly, it looked like they would have no choice but to abandon it entirely. She heard a soft knock at the door, and answered it. Miss Levine stood in the corridor looking uncomfortable, and slightly distressed. She invited Miss Levine into her office and took a seat. Miss Levine sat across from her refusing to look her in the eye. Minerva had the feeling that something was very wrong.

"What is it, Miss Levine?" she asked.

"You asked me earlier, how I came to know Ginny," Miss Levine answered, so softly that Minerva had to strain to hear her. "I feel you should know the full truth, before we go any further... My parents are Death Eaters, loyal servants to the Dark Lord. I have been rigorously trained, and tested, in the Dark Arts since I was five. When I came to Hogwarts, I knew more curses than most Ravenclaw third years. It has always been assumed I would follow in my parent's footsteps, that I would become a Dark Witch. But I have never wanted that for myself. I have never wanted to be subjugated to the will of another, especially to one as soulless and maniacal as Lord Voldemort."

Minerva flinched slightly at the name, and at the horribly bitter sound in the child's voice when she spoke it.

"After Voldemort returned, my parents started pressuring me to take the Dark Mark," Miss Levine continued. "To willingly give my absolute devotion to the Dark Lord, and their cause. I resisted them for as long as I could, coming up with every excuse I could think of to put it off, until I could find a permanent way around it. But nothing ever presented itself. Finally, I ran out of time. My parents sent me a letter, informing me that they were taking me out of school, and that there would be no escaping my fate. With no options left, I decided to take my own life, to die, rather than lose what little good I had left." Miss Levine wiped away a tear, struggling to compose herself before continuing.

"I bumped into Ginny on the steps to the Astronomy Tower last week, and she had a vision. She saw me kill myself. Sight unseen, she saw me as someone worth protecting, someone worth her time, when no one else ever really had before. Ginny vowed to protect me, no matter what, and talked me out of it. She took me to the Headmaster's office, and made sure that I would be all right, before leaving me with him. As a result, I've turned my parents in to the Ministry of Magic, and have been taken in by one of my aunts. My parents have escaped capture thus far, and I fear that they are after me. I would... understand if you don't want a person bred to be a creature of the Dark, a teenager marked for death by her own parents, as your apprentice."

Minerva was shocked, and deeply disturbed by the girl's story. Miss Levine confessed to being trained to be a Dark Witch, knowing full well that it could be used as grounds for terminating her apprenticeship. Miss Levine was surprisingly brave in coming to her with this news... Why didn't Severus tell her about this? He must have also believed that Minerva wouldn't want her as an apprentice after hearing that. The girl was planning to commit suicide... It was a terrible tragedy when their best and brightest no longer trusted them enough to ask for help, especially with something as serious as this. How much have they been missing of their students' plight? Minerva would never turn her back on the girl, not when what she needed most was her understanding and guidance.

"Thank you for informing me, Miss Levine," she said, supportively. "I understand that telling me the truth was difficult for you, and I won't hold this against you. Sometimes... we teachers forget that this war affects the students too. Rest assured that I will use any and all means at my disposal to safeguard you, just as Miss Weasley has vowed to. I won't-"

Professor Montgomery stormed into her office without knocking. He opened his mouth to speak, saw her apprentice, and stopped. He tried again, but only succeeded in doing a passable imitation of a fish. Minerva wondered where Albus dug up some of these Professors. First Trelawney, then Lockhart, Mad-Eye Moody, and now this... Was it just her, or did Albus have a strange knack for hiring dangerous, nearly unhinged teachers?

"Good question," Montgomery muttered, never taking his eyes from Miss Levine, for even a second. "Albus' choice of staff never did make much sense to me either... You're alive! When I saw the reflection of Weasley's vision I thought you were already dead. But here you are, doing better than you would have ever believed possible. It was no fluke. Weasley changed the future again. I hear you're friends with the girl now. That's how she plans to keep you with us! Interesting..."

"What?" Miss Levine asked, confused.

"This is our new Divination teacher," said Minerva. "Professor Montgomery will be working closely with Miss Weasley when she's recovered."

"Another Seer?" Miss Levine said. "Ix Chel is just going to love this..."

"What do you mean 'another'?" Montgomery asked. "Who is this Ix Chel?"

"Miss Weasley's familiar," Minerva answered. "I think we're done here, Miss Levine. Don't forget your appointment with me tonight."

"Yes, master," Miss Levine nodded, seeming almost relieved to be dismissed, and then she left.

"Do you know what she meant by 'another'? Montgomery asked her. Minerva shook her head in reply. He groaned, looking slightly flustered. Then he shook his head to clear it. "I've come to discuss the arrangements for the new placement of the Divination classroom. I was wandering around, and I think I've found the perfect place! Now, it's in a completely disused tower of the castle, in a bit of disrepair, but I think with a little work it'll be good as new. Come with me, and I'll show you what I mean."

Montgomery practically dragged Minerva out of her office when she hesitated. She decided that the next time they hire a Professor, she was going to interview them personally, before she let them step one foot in Hogwarts.

*~*~*

Severus entered his office. As much as he hated to admit it, Montgomery had been right. After taking some more fever-reducing potion, along with getting some real rest, his fever had lowered, and was much less irritating then before. He let the living tome out of confinement, and barely managed to duck in time when it tried to hit him, chattering angrily at being kept away from its mistress for so long. Severus realized he could understand some of its incessant babble, if he listened closely enough. He told himself for the thousandth time since his perceptions had been altered, that he was not losing his mind. It occurred to him that's exactly what psychotic people always insist.

"Why me?" he asked. Thankfully, nothing in the room had an answer for him. Severus pulled the floating book out of the air. It tried to wrench itself out of his grasp, without much success. "I believe your mistress is feeling well enough for you two to be properly introduced. Now, if you refuse to behave, I will have no choice but to keep you locked away until she is fully recovered, understand?"

The tome immediately calmed down, and allowed him to hold it properly. They returned to Miss Weasley's chamber. She and Granger sat on the sofa discussing Arithmancy, while Potter sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes glazing over.

"Potter, Granger, visiting hours are over," Severus said, curtly. "Please leave, now."

They said goodnight to Miss Weasley and left.

"You should be in bed," Severus chided.

"I've been in bed for four days, master," she replied, getting shakily to a standing position, and allowing him to help her back to bed. "I wanted to rest elsewhere for a little while."

She sat down, looking none worse for wear. That was an encouraging sign.

"There is something I wanted to show you," he said, handing her the living tome.

"My potions tome...?" she trailed off as the book gave an excited chatter. "I gave you life? How?" The book chattered, and Miss Weasley drew in an uneasy breath. "I see..."

As Severus and Ix Chel watched the exchange in silence, Miss Weasley seemed to forget that they were even there. After a long interval, Ix Chel broke the silence between them.

"Her strength is returning," she hissed, nodding towards Miss Weasley. "Very soon, young one will need to return to the outside world."

"Do you think she will be able to handle it?" he asked.

"In time," Ix Chel answered. "There is something that must be done, as soon as she is capable. I had planned this for much later, but our time grows short. Young one is still a child, but I do not want to lose her, not after all of this. No more than I want her to go through the pain of losing you... We must go with Hagrid into the Forbidden Forest."

"What are you talking about?" he asked. "Why do we need to go into the Forbidden Forest? Do you know how dangerous that would be?"

"It is far more dangerous for both of you not to," she replied, with unsettling certainty. "We need supplies... willingly given. I'm sorry, but I cannot tell you more, not now. All will be made clear to you, in time. I have not led you astray before, and I will not now. Trust me."

He stared at the snake and understood. Ix Chel was planning something, something potentially dangerous in order to protect them. So far, most of Ix Chel's plans had gotten him into trouble, and those were supposedly harmless. He got the feeling that she didn't come to this decision lightly. He would just have to go along with her in order to find out.

"Very well," Severus agreed.

A short time later, Miss Weasley and the tome tired of their strange conversation and fell silent. Severus caught her wandering attention, and worked on her focusing exercises again. He stopped when she began showing signs of strain. Based on her recovery time, he gauged that she was recovering much faster than first anticipated. It was time to arm her again. He wasn't certain how well she would be able to cast spells after suffering such a great magical strain. There was every chance she wouldn't be able to use normal spells until she was recovered, but he had to test her to be sure. He picked up the girl's wand, which lay on the coffee table, and handed it to her. Miss Weasley gazed at the wand peculiarly.

"Yes, I can hear you..." she whispered. "How old are you?"

She smiled, and returned her attention to Severus.

"Have you tried to use your wand yet?" he inquired.

"No," she replied. "I've been afraid of... losing control."

"Try a simple spell," he commanded.

"Lumos," Miss Weasley whispered.

Blinding light erupted from the wand. Severus shielded his eyes.

"Nox!" she yelled. The whole room was plunged into darkness. Severus got the feeling that much more than the lights in Miss Weasley's chamber had just gone out.

"Sorry, master," Miss Weasley said softly. "I'll try to be more careful next time."

If this were any indication, it would be a long time till she was capable of working with conventional spells. He would have his work cut out for him. He pushed the idea out of his mind, and continued his work with Miss Weasley.

*~*~*

Ginny and Tom, with Ix Chel coiled around her arm, sat on the sofa, reading the newly aware Potions tome in silence. Master Snape sat across from her on the sofa, working on something in a small leather-bound notebook.

"What are you doing?" she asked master Snape.

"Research," he replied, annoyed at the interruption. There was a knock at the door. Ginny wondered who it was, as master Snape hid the book in his robes, and answered it. For a moment, she thought no one was there, until she looked down. It was Professor Flitwick. They spoke for a few moments, too softly for her to hear, then left the room.

"What do you suppose that's all about?" Ginny asked Tom.

"Perhaps a secret plot to assassinate Dumbledore?" he suggested in a tone of mock seriousness.

"Nah, we're never that lucky," she disagreed, mirroring him. Master Snape and Professor Flitwick reentered the room. "Hello, Professor Flitwick."

"How are you feeling, Miss Weasley?" Professor Flitwick asked, happy that she seemed to be doing so well.

"Focusing is still difficult, but other than that I'm feeling much better," she answered.

"Focusing?" Professor Flitwick asked, looking confused.

"The storm forced a major shift in Miss Weasley's equilibrium," master Snape explained. "Her mind is still adapting."

"I see," Professor Flitwick said. "I heard about some of your magical difficulties. I've come to teach you some charms I think may help, when you reenter school life."

"I'm afraid Miss Weasley can't perform complex charms until she is fully recovered," master Snape said.

"The charms I'm going to show her are quite simple, and easy to perform," Professor Flitwick reassured them. "Professor Montgomery will be the one showing her the more difficult charms for this purpose."

"Professor Montgomery?" she asked.

"He's the new Divination teacher," said master Snape. "He has a vested interest in your case."

"Don't worry, my dear, he is nothing like poor Professor Trelawney," Professor Flitwick averred. "I've known him since he went to school here, and he is one of the most powerful Seers I have ever met."

"Not another Seer..." Tom groaned. "What are we, some sort of magnet for people with The Sight? What power is this one going to have? The power to channel frauds?"

"No, I think that was Trelawney's power," Ginny thought.

"That would certainly explain a few things," Tom concurred.

"Young one?" Ix Chel interjected.

"Yes," she thought.

"You may want to answer them," Ix Chel said. Ginny fought to regain her focus.

"...lost her focus again," master Snape explained. "Her attention span is still incredibly short, but should return to normal as she gets used to it."

"Are you alright, Miss Weasley?" Professor Flitwick asked, looking worried.

"Sorry, Professor," she said, slightly embarrassed. "My mind wandered for a moment."

"That is alright, my dear," Professor Flitwick said, kindly. "Why don't we get started, if that is alright with you, Severus?"

"Proceed," master Snape answered. With some assistance, Ginny got her quill and some parchment. Professor Flitwick began instructing her under master Snape's watchful gaze. Time passed as Ginny and Tom completely lost themselves in the lesson, committing every sound, word, and movement to memory. The moment finally came when Professor Flitwick wanted her to try out the first one.

"Perhaps, that's not such a good idea," master Snape cautioned. "Miss Weasley-"

"I'll be fine, master," she said. "It's just a simple repellent charm."

"But what about them?" Tom asked.

Ginny ignored him and pulled out her wand.

"Do it," said master Snape, reluctantly.

She cast the spell and a lime green light flew out of her wand, enveloping her. Suddenly master Snape and Professor Flitwick were thrown across the room, and pinned to the circular walls at odd angles. With obvious effort, master Snape lifted his head slightly.

"Finite Incantatum!" he roared. They collapsed onto the floor, gasping for air. "Let's not try that again..."

"I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed. "I didn't mean to pour that much power into the spell! Are you both alright?"

"I'll live," master Snape answered softly, getting to his feet. Professor Flitwick clambered to his feet, still breathless.

"My word, what was that?" Professor Flitwick asked, once he got his breath back. "It should have kept us three feet away from you, not do - whatever that was!"

"I don't know," said Ginny. "I guess I overdid it."

"Weasley understatement number 2,066 and counting," Tom commented. "You can't say I didn't at least try to warn you."

She sighed.

"Don't worry, Miss Weasley," Professor Flitwick said, trying to make her feel better. "You'll get it. You just need a little practice, that's all."

"Your right," she said, feeling downcast. "I just need some time... I've got to look on the bright side; neither of you could come near me with the charm up."

Tom and Professor Flitwick chuckled.

*~*~*

Severus sat in his office sipping a cup of soothing herbal tea, waiting for Montgomery to arrive. Five minutes later Montgomery entered, without knocking, and took a seat across from him. He studied the other man, still unable to get past his considerable mental barriers. He would just have to settle for sensing his intent. Montgomery smiled slightly, and shook his head.

"You know, all you have to do is ask," Montgomery said. "There is no need play games with me, Severus. You know why I'm here."

"To train Miss Weasley," Severus sneered slightly. "How do I know I can trust you?"

"As long as your work with the Weasley girl is in her best interests, you have nothing to fear from me," Montgomery said. "Although I still don't understand why such a great Seer would wish to be a Potions master."

"I assume you've already spoken with the other Professors," Severus said.

"Yes," Montgomery said, as he poured himself a cup of tea, and put four lumps of sugar into his cup. "More than half of them see her as one of the cleverest children in their class, while the rest of them see the girl as some sort of Slytherin wannabe. Reintegration will not be easy, if it's still possible."

"She will reintegrate, in time," he declared. "The girl is my apprentice because she is very gifted, and wishes to cultivate those gifts. Miss Weasley's visions may be a part of her, but they do not have to rule her life."

"You don't know what you're saying," replied Montgomery, shaking his head.

"I know more than you might think," Severus countered.

"Like your hidden gifts," Montgomery probed. "Do you have The Sight?"

"No," Severus answered. "My perceptions were enhanced-"

"When you saved Weasley," Montgomery finished for him. "Don't ask my how I know, I just do... Let's face it, we are going to have to coordinate our efforts when it comes to Miss Weasley. I will need you to earn the child's trust, just as you will need my help to teach the girl the self-protective habits that she requires. Now, what gifts has she displayed to date?"

"The situation is a little more complex than that," Severus explained what he felt the Divination Professor needed to know about Gray magic, and her new senses. Montgomery stared at him, disbelieving.

"Every fiber of my being tells me you are not lying, but I have trouble seeing that," Montgomery answered.

"Then ask Miss Weasley when you speak with her," he suggested.

"I will," Montgomery muttered.

"Why were you called here, exactly?" he asked. "Why does Dumbledore feel he can entrust you with this... responsibility?"

"When I saw her in the Daily Prophet, I just knew I was needed," Montgomery tried to explain. "I knew I couldn't leave her to the wolves... From that moment on, I knew I had to come back."

"I see," Severus intoned. "If we will be... working together, I need to understand how you intend to help her. What do you mean by 'self-protective habits'?"

*~*~*

The next two days passed relatively smoothly for Tom and Ginny. Professor Hagrid and their friends came to visit them after classes. Today Professor Hagrid even got her a small potted plant as a get-well gift. After she thanked him, they spent hours with the plant, completely fascinated by it. Professor Hagrid had spent some time visiting with Ix Chel, before leaving.

Later, that afternoon Ginny slowly changed into muggle clothing, before putting on robes devoid of the Gryffindor house crest. After what happened in Gryffindor Tower a week ago, she didn't feel right wearing anything with the Gryffindor symbol anymore.

As Ginny put on a comfortable black cloak, master Snape returned carrying a small black bag with specimen collection containers in it. Ix Chel took her place on Ginny's arm, and she raised her hood.

"I haven't been outside in a week," Ginny said.

"Are you sure you can handle this expedition, young one?" Ix Chel asked.

"I'm sure," she replied. "Where's Professor Hagrid?"

"We're meeting him at his hut," master Snape answered. He cast a powerful repellent charm around them and they left the room. Ginny had to stop for a moment to adjust to the noise level. The corridor felt different from her room. Tom realized that the extra Gray magic in their room must have been helping to block out some of the background noise that now assaulted them.

"Let's go," she said once they were ready. Master Snape led them through the Dungeons and into the thankfully empty entrance hall. He hesitated, for a moment, then took her hand.

"Being outside is going to be difficult for you, at first," he said softly. "Are you ready?"

She nodded, and they walked outside together. A flood of brand new sensations overwhelmed Ginny and Tom, and she stopped just outside the doorway. The wondrous scene laid out before her sung to them with a beauty and vigor that was like nothing they had ever beheld in their lives. Natural sounds and smells became the melody in their private song, as they struggled to take it all in. Trees, grasses, and flowers sung to them of their health and experiences. Each looked amazingly vivid; each tried to tell them, all at once, of their resilience and awareness as they carried on in the cycle of things. The majestic blue sky was oddly much brighter than they remembered, and the clouds floated peacefully above them, telling them where they had been and what it felt like to be utterly weightless. A flock of birds flew by. Both Ginny and Tom could sense their power and freedom, as they soared in perfect harmony with each other through the air, without restraints or fears, simply content to be together.

Tom started trying to regain his focus, realizing he was losing himself to the wonders before him. Ginny instantly understood and began to help. Slowly, they managed to return to themselves. She realized that she was crying just outside the entrance to the school, and that master Snape was struggling to get their attention.

"...Please answer me, Virginia!" master Snape all but yelled, standing right in front of her. "Wake up!"

She blinked, and took in a shaky breath.

"Sorry, master," she said. "That was... unexpected."

"Are you alright?" Ix Chel asked them.

"Yes," Tom answered aloud. "We should get going. We don't want to keep Professor Hagrid waiting."

They walked up to Professor Hagrid's Hut. Professor Hagrid stood just outside, holding his large crossbow, with Fang. He greeted them warmly, and they headed out into the Forbidden Forest. Ginny and Tom could feel the eyes of the forest watching them, and knew that Professor Hagrid was the only one among them the forest accepted. Ginny stopped, feeling compelled to respond to the unspoken challenge. The others halted their advance, watching her.

"Keepers of the forest, we humbly implore you to allow us to harvest that which we so gravely need," Ginny requested. "We promise not to disturb more than is necessary for our task."

Ginny and Tom felt a curious sort of acceptance at her words, and the other feelings eased. She turned to Professor Hagrid.

"The forest likes you," she said, vaguely. "We should go."

"The forest accepts you now," Professor Hagrid agreed, feeling it on the wind. "But how do you know the forest trusts me?"

"I just do," she shrugged.

Professor Hagrid peered at her, as if noticing something for the first time, and nodded. Master Snape gazed at her with a searching expression, as they entered the forest. Ginny searched for the ingredients Ix Chel said they needed, as Tom kept an eye out for trouble. From time to time Tom mentioned aloud the various creatures that watched them, and the general directions they were in.

"You don't normally see this many on one visit," Professor Hagrid commented, impressed. "It looks like you've made an impression on them."

"I believe they wish to ensure your pledge to them is genuine," Ix Chel said.

"Are we at risk?" master Snape asked, cautiously.

"Nah, we should be fine," Professor Hagrid answered. Master Snape didn't look convinced, but didn't press the issue.

Their time-consuming search was nearly complete as the forest began to darken, closing in around them. Ginny sensed the last of what they needed nearby. Placing the two containers with live beetles in Professor Hagrid's hands, she started walking in the direction they needed to go, at a brisk pace. Tom spotted a beautiful unicorn some distance away, and Ginny slowly walked up to it, careful not to spook it.

"May I...?" she asked in a soft whisper. The unicorn seemed to read her for a moment, and relaxed. She pulled out a pair of scissors, and the unicorn allowed her to remove six long, silvery hairs from her head. She carefully placed them in a specimen container, and thanked the unicorn for its contribution. Then she ran back to Professor Hagrid and master Snape. Finally finished, they started back to Hogwarts in silence, as the day came to a close. Abruptly, Ginny and Tom felt something call out to them in the distance. Without thinking, Ginny ran towards the source of the call, ignoring the others' cries to stop.

"What are you two doing?" Ix Chel asked, alarmed.

Tom answered her with a shrug. A short time later they stopped in the middle of nowhere. She fell to her knees, and started digging through the moist ground with her bare hands, sure something was down there, something important.

"Bingo," Tom said, as they unearthed something. It looked like an old, worn, gold locket.

"Why would this call us?" Ginny asked.

"Why don't we open it, and find out," Tom advised.

She lit her wand, careful not to blind them this time, and cleaned the locket off using the sleeve of her robes. Then she carefully opened it and saw an old wizarding photo of a gorgeous teenage girl with long, curly, raven black hair, strange black eyes, pale skin, and a kind and gentle-looking face smiling at them. Tom gasped, refusing to believe it. This was impossible, completely and utterly impossible. It couldn't be her, but there was no mistake, and he knew it.

"What's wrong, Tom?" Ginny asked, confused by his reaction. "Do you know who she is?"

"In a manner of speaking," Tom stated, sounding like he had just seen a ghost. "That teenage girl's name was Rachel... my mother."

____________

TBC