My Eternal Curse

My Eternal Curse

By Mara456

Latin Note:

Conspicio: to catch sight of, perceive, behold, understand.

Absconditus: hidden, concealed.

Prudentia: foresight, wisdom, discretion.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Redefining Allegiances: Part Three - The Changing of the Guard

Zach entered the Potions master's office the next morning, just as Severus finished checking his temperature. The other man's expression lightened at the results.

"How is it?" he asked.

"99 degrees, Zachary," Severus answered. "With luck, I should be able to return to work tomorrow."

"That's good," he said. "You can just call me Zach. I never liked being called Zachary that much."

"I prefer to use a person's proper name," Severus replied, practically smirking at the idea of annoying him.

"Very well," said Zach.

At least it beats him calling me by my last name... he silently added.

"Take this," Severus offered, handing him an old, but very well preserved scroll.

"What's in it?" he asked.

"The current tomes on the Divinus will never tell you anything you need to know," Severus replied. "This is a scroll on the Divinus Animus. It has been in my family for three generations, and should answer one or two of your questions. Keep in mind that meeting them is the only way you are ever going to understand them."

"Thank you," Zach said, holding the scroll like it was something incredibly fragile. Severus turned to leave. "Where are you going?"

"Miss Weasley's confounding brothers are giving me what they're referring to as, a demonstration of their talents," Severus explained. "This shouldn't take too long."

"I'm coming with you," he replied.

"My nursemaid won't be necessary on this little fieldtrip," Severus objected cuttingly. "Don't worry, Zachary, I won't exert myself. The last thing I want is to end up back in your dubious care."

"Alright," he reluctantly agreed. "But if you-"

"Yes, I know," Severus cut in. "I'll keep that in mind."

After Severus left, Zach took a seat and started reading the scroll.

*~*~*

Severus followed George out into a currently deserted part of Hogwarts' grounds, which the twins had placed concealment and repellent charms on, so they wouldn't be disturbed. He saw Fred and a teenage Gryffindor boy wearing a blindfold, standing near the edge of the area. They stopped in front of them. Severus finally recognized the Gryffindor as Colin Creevy, and observed that the boy's hands were bound. He opened his mouth to ask why they felt it necessary to abduct one of Minerva's students, but Fred stopped him.

"No need to speak, sir," Fred said. "We decided to collect a volunteer from the audience for your viewing pleasure. Don't worry, when we're done he'll still be in one piece... more or less."

At Fred's words Creevy tried to scream but, since Virginia's little spell was still working perfectly, nothing came out. He shot them a surprised, yet approving glance at their choice of test subjects, silently bidding them to continue. As long as this didn't permanently harm the boy, and he wasn't implicated, Severus was going to sit back and enjoy himself. It's the least the little bastard deserved for everything he's done...

The Weasley twins led them into the middle of their little testing range. George pulled out a strange plastic box with buttons on it, which looked like some sort of muggle remote control. He felt the complex, interwoven magics coming from the object, and knew that it was anything but a muggle device.

"We've learned a few things from our dad over the years," Fred began.

"Like the principles and theories behind muggle-wizard hybrid technologies," George continued. "Muggles really are more intelligent than we give them credit for. In a funny way, Dad's a visionary..."

"Welcome to the wave of the future, sir," George finished, hitting a combination on the remote. Six strange patches of mist appeared around them, each differently colored to mark off the different trial areas, Severus presumed. "With the press of a button, you'll be able to arm a defense network the likes of which the wizarding world has never seen! The remote itself can be keyed only to you, or anyone else you deem trustworthy. Also, the remote system has several built-in safeguards to stop tampering, including one that prevents someone from forcing anyone to use or disable the system when under duress."

"Of course, there is a manual way to arm the network, but it's still difficult to use," Fred picked up. "We're still working out some of the bugs in the system, but we should have them fixed before long."

"See this green mist over here?" George said, pointing to the mist before them. "This marks off our first little experiment. In this field we've set up a little something we like to call tanglers. Ready our volunteer," he told Fred.

Fred whispered something in Creevy's ear and the boy nodded. Then Fred pushed Creevy into the green mist. The Gryffindor stood in the mist, too afraid to move.

"We've programmed each of the traps to break down once the test is over," Fred explained. "I think our test subject needs a little encouragement."

George pulled out his wand and whispered an incantation. The roar of an explosion flew out of his wand, causing Creevy to bolt. The Gryffindor ran for his life through the green field. Without warning, giant vines sprung up from beneath Creevy, covering him. The boy fell face-first onto the ground, pointlessly struggling to escape. The vines tightened their grip in response. After a momentary hesitation, George ended the experiment before the vines crushed the life out of Creevy. Fred went to retrieve their Gryffindor captive.

"This one is a mutated form of the Devil's Snare," George said. "When active, they hide underground until someone disturbs it. It kind of started out as a gag, but we decided that it was too dangerous to sell to the general public."

"This will only slow the Death Eaters down," Severus whispered, while Creevy was still out of earshot. "You're going to need to show me something more formidable with which to defend Hogwarts."

"Don't worry, Professor," George whispered back. "It only gets better from here."

"It had better," he hissed. Despite his doubts, he let them continue with the presentation.

"The second one will stop trespassers dead in their tracks," Fred said, dragging Creevy along. "Although, not literally."

This time George whispered something in the teenager's ear. Creevy walked into the orange mist.

"Inside the orange mist to your left, we've set up a revolutionary magical energy net," George said. "It's the perfect perimeter defense when you want the intruders alive for interrogation. Don't be alarmed by what happens next. I assure you, he won't be harmed."

"The last thing we would want is to get in trouble with McGonagall," Fred added.

Without warning the Gryffindor appeared to be electrocuted. As soon as it was safe to enter the testing range, Severus checked on Creevy's condition. The boy was stunned, but unharmed. Interesting... The problem with previous versions of the stun net was that their effects were almost always fatal. In the end, George kept his word. Each defense they showed him was more formidable and impressive than the last. They didn't use Creevy for the last three tests, since they wanted to keep him in one piece, instead of scattered all over the landscape. Once the tests were over, they took down the concealment and repellent charms, put a memory charm on Creevy, untied him, and left the young Gryffindor there. Severus headed back to the castle with Fred and George.

"What do you think, sir?" Fred asked. "Do we get the job?"

"What you've shown me is a good start," Severus replied, still feeling reluctantly impressed. "I think with some work, we'll be able to weave your little inventions into Hogwarts' current wards... When can you two start?"

"We'll return in a week or two and run our assessment, then we can let you know how much work it's going to take to bring Hogwarts up to spec," Fred answered.

"Good," he replied. "Let's hope that we won't need the updated defense network for awhile yet."

Severus felt his spirits lift at thought of the surprises awaiting any Death Eater who tried to step one foot on Hogwarts grounds, once they were ready.

*~*~*

Ginny sat on her bed while Fred, George, and Harry sat on the couch talking. Her brothers recounted endless stories about what Harry and Ginny had been missing in the outside world, while they were at Hogwarts. Then Ginny and Harry told the twins about their misadventures, which had begun just before Halloween. All through their conversation, she sensed that something else was on their minds, something disturbing that only she could help them with. When her brothers finally fell silent once more, Ginny decided to get the problem out in the open.

"What's wrong, you two?" she asked. "I don't need to be a Seer to know that you're preoccupied by something."

Fred and George shared a mutual glance of discomfort, and remained silent. Ginny mentally groaned.

"Tell me," she demanded. "I know I can help."

They looked to each other again, then peered at Harry for a moment, before turning their gazes on her.

"This is going to sound a little strange, but..." Fred started. Gradually, the twins recounted what had happened when they tried to investigate the disaster at Gryffindor Tower. Ginny and Tom listened closely, focusing on what her brothers said and felt. Ginny inwardly winced at the thought of their pain emblazoned in the walls of the tower, for the entire world to see. The very concept of others being able to experience their turmoil that night, sickened Tom beyond words. That others had shared something so intensely personal made Tom feel unsettlingly... vulnerable.

"Do you understand what this means, my princess?" Tom questioned. "It means that with one act, we've rendered the Gryffindor students truly homeless... We've done to them exactly what they've done to us."

"What have I done?" Ginny whispered, thoroughly appalled.

She put her head in her hands, grimacing at the realization of what they had done. She had foolishly believed that her Professors would be able to repair the tower, but now... Now she knew what the real cost had been to the students. Not only were Ginny and Tom destroying Gryffindor's false reputation, but they were taking away their home, their place in the school as well. Neville, Harry, and so many others didn't deserve that... This wasn't what she wanted. She knew in that moment, she had to do something to help the ones caught in the crossfire, no matter the consequences.

"Don't feel sorry for them, Gin, they did this to themselves," Fred said, trying to make her feel better. "You've said so yourself; you didn't do this - they did!"

"Hermione and Macdonald didn't," Ginny countered. "Neither did Harry... I can't leave the tower like that! I can't..."

"We don't blame you," Harry assured her. "The those of us who believe the truth know that you had no choice."

"There's nothing you can do, sis," George replied. "The tower's a wasteland now. No one person is going to be able to clean out that place."

"You're right," said Ginny, conviction filling her tone. "No one person can... Ix Chel, is there a way to do it with other peoples' help?"

*~*~*

Sometime later Zach wandered through the halls, searching for the Potions master. Severus hadn't returned to his office since leaving for those Weasleys demonstration. He wondered what Severus was up to now. He turned a corner and was hit by another vision. Zach watched Peter, Black, and Remus arguing about the Shrieking Shack incident, until he was mercifully released. Merlin, he hated random visions... When he came to again, Minerva barred his path.

"Have you started working with Miss Weasley yet?" asked Minerva.

"No, I've been trying to understand the situation a bit more before I meet her," he answered.

"Understand the situation?" Minerva repeated. "What is there left to understand? The child can't control what's happening to her and needs your help!"

"But there is so much I still don't-" he started, only to be cut off by a glare from her.

"I don't want to hear your excuses, Montgomery!" she argued. "The only way you're going to truly comprehend things is to spend time with her. All of the books and scrolls in the world won't change that! Now, you said you came out of hiding to help her. My advice is to start doing it. You're useless to her, and to us, if you insist on continuing to hide behind excuses and unfounded fears. Please, Zachary, Virginia needs your guidance now - not later!"

"Something happened between you two, didn't it?" he asked, reading her. "What did she see?"

Minerva bristled at his words.

"Nothing that concerns you!" she snapped.

"Have you seen Severus?" he asked, quickly changing the subject.

"Yes," she replied. "For some reason, he took his apprentice out to visit Hagrid."

"Not again," he groaned in exasperation. "Those two always seem to be up to something."

"There are no easy shortcuts with them," Minerva advised him. "You will find that both Miss Weasley and Severus are very willful, but capable individuals. Neither of them will walk where they do not wish to go. I suggest that if you want to get through to them, you must allow them to get to know you, and learn to trust you at their own pace."

"You're absolutely right, Minerva," said Zach, new directions and ideas already occurring to him. "And I think I know just where to start."

*~*~*

Ginny, with Ix Chel on her shoulders, and master Snape walked to Professor Hagrid's hut in comfortable silence. She thought about earlier when master Snape came to her chamber and sent away Harry, Fred, and George. Once they were gone, he showed her what he had decided would be a fitting House crest for her. Master Snape transfigured the Gryffindor crest on each of her school robes into the Hogwarts school crest done in different shades of gray, and changed the other Gryffindor colors in her uniform to gray and black. Afterward, he gave her some privacy so she could change into her new uniform.

When she had looked in the mirror, for reasons she couldn't understand, the new visage had felt right to her, like she was finally home. That didn't make sense. How could it feel right to be an outsider? To be divorced from everything she knew? But it just was and, for now, that would have to be enough. After master Snape had returned, and they had a chance to talk about their experiences in the Forbidden Forest, they knew they needed to visit the wolf again.

Ginny's mind returned to the present, as they arrived in front of Professor Hagrid's hut. She automatically sensed that he was in the paddock behind his hut, tending to the wolf. They walked to the paddock and entered. Professor Hagrid was adding water to a large metal bowl as the wolf studied them intently. After Professor Hagrid finished his task and stood. He walked over to greet them.

"Hello, Professor," she said.

"Hi, Ginny, Professor Snape, Ix Chel," Professor Hagrid welcomed them.

"Hagrid," acknowledged master Snape.

"How is the Emineo?" she asked. "Can we see him?"

"He's recovering right on schedule," Professor Hagrid answered. "He's been wanting to see you two again for awhile now. He should be more than happy to spend some time with you."

"Great," Ginny said. She watched as Professor Hagrid looked to the wolf, sensing that it wanted to see them privately.

"I best be going now," said Professor Hagrid. "Holler if you four need anything."

"Alright," she replied.

After Professor Hagrid left, she sat next to the wolf on the mat, heedless of any danger. Master Snape watched them closely, obviously uncomfortable about something.

"Hello, young Emineo," Ix Chel said. "My rightful name is Ix Chel. This is my bonded-one, Virginia. The other is a Professor of Hogwarts and her master, Severus Snape. Have you received your human name yet?"

"You've bonded to this bizarre one?" the wolf growled, stunned.

"Yes," Ix Chel answered. "Virginia is my wizarding half, and rightful choice. I am content."

"You two understand this beast?" master Snape asked.

"Yeah," Ginny said. "Although, I still don't understand why."

"What I understand, she understands," Ix Chel explained simply.

"So you've made your final choice, child Divinus," the wolf growled. "The bizarre one has chosen a good name for you... I don't have a human name yet."

Ginny began translating the wolf's side of the conversation for master Snape.

"Why not?" Ginny asked the wolf. "And why do you keep calling me 'the bizarre one'?"

"I have stayed away from the humans, so I haven't needed one," the wolf answered. "You are the bizarre one because you carry the old magic like no other known. How did you two rediscover the old magic?"

"I have been guiding them," Ix Chel said, sounding certain of her decision, but also strangely defensive. They felt Ix Chel steel herself. Tom wondered what rules Ix Chel had broken to teach them Gray magic.

"Are you mad?" the wolf scolded loudly. "You know the price your people will pay when the fanatics discover the truth! It will be the end of your noble race. You are an adolescent, Ix Chel! You have no right to make a decision of such grand and terrible magnitude. Your people are the last refuge of the Grays' legacy, and of what once was. Bonding with the bizarre one I understand, but risking the lost knowledge I do not!"

"Lost is what our knowledge will become if we do not act!" Ix Chel argued. "It has been far too long since one of us risked what we must to find our wizarding half. How can we enrich our bloodlines, our race, if we do not take on the greater burden, and devote ourselves to its expansion, no matter the cost? I know I am right. Virginia has been charged with restoring the Gray magicians' legacy. And together, they may become the first of many!"

"How dare you sit in judgement of Ix Chel when you are only a child yourself!" Ginny fumed. "You have no idea what you are talking about. Everything Ix Chel has done has been for our sake, and for the sake of what was lost. You're far too quick to judge, and if you don't learn to be more open-minded that's going to get you killed one day! I'm beginning to think that the forest made a mistake in sending you here."

"Perhaps they should have sent us an old one," Tom said aloud, using Ginny's voice. "Not a foolish child, who will get himself killed before his time by making dangerous snap judgments!"

Ginny felt a wave of embarrassment emanate from the wolf, and knew that they had hit a nerve.

"You shame me," the wolf replied, after a long period of silence. "You speak openly, as only one who wishes exchange and comprehension would. You entrust me with your truths, and I judge when I should wait and learn. I ask your forgiveness."

"You are forgiven," Ginny replied. "This time..."

"Thank you..." the wolf growled, studying Ginny. He noticed her necklace and tensed. "You think she may be the one?" His stare shifted from her to master Snape and back again. "You may be right... if they are the true bearers."

"The true bearers?" Tom asked aloud.

"They don't know?" the wolf growled in question. "Do you, young Ix Chel? Or did your Elders choose not to tell the bloodlines who were hidden first?"

"I do not," Ix Chel admitted uneasily.

"I see," the wolf replied. "It was the same with the Divinus of our forest too, before they left for parts unknown to all, but those are now long gone."

"What do you know?" Tom inquired aloud.

"I do not know all," the wolf answered. "Only the Keepers of the Forest can tell you that, and they share their secrets only with those they choose. There is an old legend of a human gifted with the old magic, like none before or since, who will appear. One who will bring about either restoration or absolute destruction, when the time comes for the bearers to reunite."

Ginny and Tom sensed a flicker of recognition from master Snape and turned to him.

"What is it, master?" she asked.

Tom could almost see the wheels turning in Snape's mind, as the Potions master labored to make some sort of decision. At last, when they had all but given up on a reply, he spoke.

"I wasn't sure before, but... I believe I have something you must see," master Snape said in a low voice. "It may provide an answer to some of your questions."

Ginny wanted to ask Snape to elaborate, but Tom stopped her, recognizing the subtle Slytherin hints which told him that their questions would be answered, but not near the prying ears of others. After a second, his princess caught on, and nodded slightly. Snape didn't bother to acknowledge their recognition, and turned his calculating gaze back to the wolf.

"What I want to know is, what wounded you in the forest that night?" master Snape inquired. "The place where we found you reeked of powerful Dark magic. What attacked you?"

"Servants of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named came, seeking to despoil the forest," the wolf explained. "We drove them off, but I was injured in the process."

"Death Eaters," master Snape whispered, absorbing the disturbing news. "Has this happened before?"

"I am unsure," the wolf replied. "We have been threatened by much for the last six years. This was the only attack from the Dark Lord's Servants that I am sure of."

Everyone lapsed into silence, as they considered what this new development meant for them. Ginny wondered what would happen to them, to Hogwarts, when the Death Eaters attacked. Would they be able to defend themselves, or would Hogwarts truly fall, very likely destroying any chance the Light had of defeating Lord Voldemort? She couldn't let that happen. They had gone through too much to back out now, and let everything fall apart. She wasn't Gryffindor any longer, but that didn't mean that she had become a coward either. They could do this... she hoped.

Tom added this new, unsettling, but not wholly unexpected variable to the equation, and mentally blanched at the results. Their position was feeling more and more tenuous by the minute. In the old days, he would have proposed that they join Voldemort or go underground, instead of risking death or worse... But these weren't the old days, and he knew their hearts better than that. In the end, any such move would spell total disaster for everyone, especially them. There was no way they could live with themselves if they took the easy way out. Tom Marvolo Riddle was many things but a coward was never one of them, and he wasn't about to start now just because he didn't like their chances. This war was still far from over.

Ix Chel listened to her charges' private doubts and decisions, mentally smiling. They were so different, and yet, so much alike. Although, at times, they seemed to be complete opposites, like fire and ice, their viewpoints and gifts allowed them to see the world in a rare light. She had learned long ago to trust in such things. She would follow wherever they lead, and, as long as they were together, Ix Chel knew that they could face anything.

"You said before that you don't have a human name yet," Ginny said, addressing the wolf. "Would you like one? It would probably be better than being called 'wolf' by everyone."

"I bestow the honor of my naming to you, Virginia, the bizarre one," the wolf replied. "The human title you give me, I will honor and accept."

She thought for a long time, their minds wandering into depths of memory that held more than her own. In a flash of insight, she made her decision.

"I name thee Elric," Ginny decreed in an otherworldly tone. "May only those of trust and truth utter it, and may it be a plague to thy enemies, unworthy or unseen."

"I give my thanks, bizarre one," Elric growled.

"We should return to the castle now, Virginia," master Snape cut in. "You can see Elric again later."

"Yes, master," she said, standing. She turned to the wolf, Elric. "Do you need anything?"

"No," Elric replied. "I look forward to our next encounter."

"So do I," Ginny agreed. "Goodbye."

Then she followed master Snape out of the paddock.

*~*~*

Meanwhile, Voldemort-Ron stealthily watched Granger and Longbottom from a distance, as they walked near the edge of the Forbidden Forest. He listened closely to their conversation, hoping to discover more of what was going on. The two vaunted Gryffindors discussed trivial matters, completely oblivious to his presence. Voldemort-Ron was about to leave, when they finally started to say something that captured his interest.

Before Voldemort-Ron could hear anything useful, he felt a presence behind him. He turned around, coming face to face with the high-strung brothers of his pathetic little puppet, Ron. How could they have caught the infamous, dauntingly powerful Dark Lord unawares? He saw that the twin's wands were drawn and made a run for it, rather than risk blowing his cover in a firefight. He barely managed to dodge the Weasley twins attempts to stop him.

"You can't run forever, little brother!" Fred shouted, as they strove to catch up.

"You've got a lot to answer for, Ron!" George shouted. "You're going to listen to reason, even if we have to knock some sense into you!"

As Voldemort-Ron fled, he felt Ron's consciousness surface from its hiding place, taking in what was happening to them. A wave of happiness and hope filled Ron. He knew, in that moment that his family would look out for Ginny, along with Harry and Hermione. His little sister wasn't alone, and they would never leave her, no matter what she was becoming. Ron also knew that his family still loved him, and wanted him back. Otherwise, they wouldn't bother to discipline him; they would just take their revenge, and move on.

"They still love me..." Ron thought, a tear of joy rolling down his cheek, as he gained strength at the thought.

The partial essence of the Dark Lord felt confounded by the fool's reaction to the obvious danger they were in. How could this child possibly gain strength from the knowledge, that they were five steps away from being pummeled senseless? A spell flew by, missing him by mere inches. He entered the Forbidden Forest, trying to lose the incensed twins. Voldemort-Ron used a hovering charm to ascend to the thick branches of a large tree, far beyond his pursuers' reach. Then he used a concealment charm on himself, hoping to hide his presence.

Fred and George Weasley stopped where they had lost sight of Ron, looking for any sign of him. Voldemort-Ron observed the obvious power held between the twins, tempered only by their current goal and a silent consensus between them. If these two were anything like their mother, he was in trouble. Suddenly one of the twins spotted him.

"He's up there!" George said, pointing.

"I'll get him down," Fred replied, readying a spell.

"What're you two doing here?" Hagrid asked, coming out of nowhere. Fred and George spun around, startled.

"Nothing, Hagrid," Fred answered.

The Groundskeeper didn't look convinced, but chose not to comment.

"Come with me," Hagrid ordered. "This place ain't safe for ya, even in the daytime."

Hagrid escorted the two men out of the forest. Voldemort-Ron breathed a sigh of relief. He never thought he would ever actually be happy to see the brainless oaf... Voldemort-Ron waited until he was certain that the coast was clear, before heading back to Hogwarts. He would have to watch his step, if he stood any chance of avoiding a similar incident.

Ron doubted that was possible where his brothers were concerned, but he wasn't going to tell You-Know-Who that. It was far better to let the parasite find out the hard way what it really meant to mess with the Weasleys.

*~*~*

Zach sat with a picnic basket containing lunch on a large, bronze and Ravenclaw blue gingham blanket, in a small clearing between Hagrid's hut and the school. He waited patiently for the Potions master and the Weasley girl to return from their visit to the beast the girl had found a few days ago. He had decided that, if he had to give them some time to adjust to him, and they weren't going to follow his orders anyway, this was as good a place as any to begin. He heard voices conversing in the distance, and strained to hear what was being said.

"...do you keep using those strange formal addresses, when speaking to creatures of the forest?" Severus asked.

"It just seems like the right thing to do," Miss Weasley answered, cryptically. "Like whispers on the wind..."

It figured that the girl would inherit the Seers' capacity to give wholly honest non-answers. Her pet snake let out a low hiss.

"I see," Severus replied to some seemingly unspoken question. Zach caught sight of them in the distance, and waved broadly in the air with both hands to get their attention. The Potions master and the girl spotted him and stopped. From the emotions he could sense, the girl was intensely curious, while Severus felt irritated. Zach could just picture the Potions master's trademark sneer. Severus whispered something in Miss Weasley's ear, and then they came over to greet him.

He studied the teenage girl and her pet as they came closer, taking notice of her unusual Hogwarts robes. Everything about Virginia Weasley bespoke intelligence, strength, and innocence, inextricably coupled with strange, palpable, wild power, and the will to wield it. So much pure, unsullied power in one package... He could see why both Albus and the Dark Lord would be so interested in her. Properly tamed and molded, her gifts would be an invaluable weapon for either side. In that moment, Zach truly comprehended the responsibility he was accepting in becoming one of her mentors. Because, in teaching her to tame that power, she would leave herself vulnerable to his influence.

"Hello, Severus," he said, standing. Zach saw Severus raise an eyebrow, noticing that he wasn't wearing his gloves. "I thought it might be better if I meet Miss Weasley in a less formal environment. Since it's such a nice day, I thought it would be a good idea to spend lunch outdoors..."

He turned to Miss Weasley and held out his hand. The girl took it and a thousand images, sensations, and impressions flashed through his mind in an instant, shocking him. His breath caught in his throat, as he was struck speechless by the breathtaking stream of complex, intermingling emotions and power. Looking into her eyes, he knew she felt something as well, but what it was he could only guess.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor Montgomery," she whispered. "It's good to know that Divination class will finally have a real Seer teaching it."

She let go of his hand and what he had sensed vanished. Zach struggled to keep his composure.

"It's nice to meet you too, Miss Weasley," he replied, his voice slightly unsteady. "I hope we will be able to work well together." He remembered the warnings he'd received from the others, and turned to her pet. "It is good to meet you as well, Ix Chel."

The snake hissed and the girl smiled.

"She says she's happy to meet such a talented past Seer," Miss Weasley translated.

"How do you understand each other?" Zach asked, curiously.

"The bond," she answered.

"I see," he said. "Why don't you... three take a seat and get comfortable, while I erect wards for our comfort and security."

Miss Weasley listened without hesitation and sat down on the comfortable blanket. Severus eyed him with a calculating countenance, before reluctantly joining his apprentice. The girl asked questions about the wards as Zach erected them. He explained their purposes, and the principles behind them. He had briefly considered casting a strong concealment charm, with the repellent charm. But the idea of watching students and Professors walk into, what they perceived as invisible brick walls, throughout lunch stopped him. As much fun as that might be the first dozen times, it would become a little disconcerting. When he was done, people would be able to see them, but not hear or read their lips, while they would be able to see and hear everything around them perfectly.

Zach took a seat across from Severus and his apprentice, as she pet the odd snake in her lap with a vacant expression on her face. At first Zach thought it was a vision, but then he realized it was the strange Gray magic at work.

"Does she do this often?" he asked.

"On occasion," Severus replied, tersely.

They managed to catch her focus after four minutes.

"Sorry," Miss Weasley apologized, sheepishly.

"Listening to your gifts is nothing to be sorry for," Zach said. "However, there are moments when it is best not to give into such tendencies."

"Yes, Professor," she replied.

"I've been wondering Miss Weasley, other than becoming a Potions master, what are your goals in life?" he inquired. "What do you envision doing in the future?"

"Personally, my main goal these days is making it through the school year in one piece," she replied, downcast. "Surviving my OWLs is going to be hard enough without worrying about... other obstacles. As for my future... I just don't know anymore. I don't really think considering such things are good for me, at this juncture..."

In case I never get the chance to do any of it, Zach mentally added to himself. Zach knew that he couldn't peer into the maze that was her mind, but he could feel fear in the mysterious plethora of emotions broadcasting from her.

Ix Chel hissed.

"Ix Chel asks, if you've started teaching the other students yet," Virginia translated.

"No, not yet," he replied. "My first concern has been ensuring your welfare."

Ix Chel let out several long, soft, hissing sounds.

"Ix Chel tells me that she knows a lost charm which can help you," said Virginia. "It called 'Conspicio Absconditus Prudentia,' also known in days long passed as 'The Sight's Inner View.' It is a difficult charm, but ultimately effective, allowing the caster to summon another's gift in The Sight for a short interval, and experience it for themselves. It was used to ascertain who had The Sight in wizards, witches, some magical species, and... muggles." She looked down at the snake. "Muggles, Ix? The Sight is a magical talent. I thought muggles couldn't use The Sight." Ix Chel hissed a reply and the girl looked back up. "She says that there were rare cases where muggles had The Sight, but nothing else. As far as she knows, a few muggles still do..."

"I wonder what Zachary will have to trade for this little miracle?" Severus' thought came through clearly. Zach felt unnerved by the thought and undertone behind it, as if it came from experience. He would have to ask Severus what he meant by that later.

"What's the catch?" he asked, before he could stop himself.

"Nothing," she replied, after listening to the snake. "Ix Chel just wants to make sure you focus on the right students, children who will probably need your help."

"What will happen if I try this charm of yours on someone without The Sight?" Zach asked Ix Chel.

"You'll both feel a minor tingling sensation, but that's all," Virginia interpreted. "The only time you will get any real reaction, is when someone has a latent or mature talent. It may take you a little practice to decipher more specific information from the spell, but once you have it down, it shouldn't be too hard to work with."

Feeling a little skeptical, he pulled his muggle journal and a ballpoint pen out from his robes, and took down notes on the mysterious charm Ix Chel knew. It was complex, but with his gift for charms, it shouldn't be a problem. He wondered if Filius knew of this charm. He made a mental note to discuss it with him later, if this actually worked.

"Who should we test it on?" Zach asked.

"How about them?" Virginia suggested, pointing to two Hufflepuff second years and a Hufflepuff seventh year, who gawked at them in the distance.

"What's the range of this charm?" he asked Ix Chel.

"Twenty feet," Virginia answered.

"I'll be right back," said Zach. He stood, leaving the relative comfort of the wards, and retrieved the three students. He and the Hufflepuffs stood just outside of the wards and tested each of them, only looking to Virginia to see if he got it right. Other than the telltale tingling sensations, there were no reactions. All three times she signaled that it had worked.

"I suggest you three never go into Divination," Zach said, also not sensing even a hint of sensitivity between them. "Run along."

They obeyed and he reentered the wards.

"You might as well try it on me since you already know I've got The Sight," she said.

"Good idea," Zach said. Severus and Virginia stood. She picked up her familiar and rested Ix Chel on her shoulders.

"Go ahead," said Virginia.

"Conspicio Absconditus Prudentia!" he cried, drawing a complex symbol in the air between them.

Virginia, with Ix Chel still on her shoulders, stood with him in the Quidditch field. They watched the red-haired boy, Ron, try to knock Mr. Potter off his broom several times but fail, before they were thrown back into the present.

"That Ron boy really has got it in for Potter," he muttered to himself.

"What did you see?" Severus asked. He could feel a glimmer of concern from the Potions master.

"Bludger practice," Virginia said, sitting down. "Ron was trying knock Harry off his broom."

"Let's test this one more time to make sure I've got it right," Zach said, turning on Severus.

"Zachary, doing that would be a waste of-" Severus started.

"Conspicio Absconditus Prudentia!" he shouted again.

Suddenly, Zach and Severus saw a Ravenclaw sixth year boy and a Slytherin fifth year girl in the distance. The teenagers caught sight of them, then went back the way they came.

"What did you just do to me, Zachary?" Severus asked, with an ominous edge in his voice. Before he could answer, they saw a Ravenclaw sixth year boy and a Slytherin fifth year girl in the distance. The teenagers caught sight of them, then went back the way they came. Severus and Zach gazed at each other, equally astonished.

"What just happened?" Virginia asked.

"You're precognitive!" Zach gasped. "Why did you lie to me last week, when I asked if you had The Sight?"

"I wasn't lying!" Severus growled, pacing back and forth. "You're wrong... That bloody charm of yours malfunctioned when you tried it on me. There is no way in hell that I could have The Sight!"

Ix Chel hissed something, and Severus stopped in his tracks, looking at the snake as if she had just signed his death warrant.

"What did she say?" Zach asked Virginia.

"That there was no mistake," she translated slowly, as if unsure of how to explain. "Master Snape is gifted with the talent of seeing things just before they happen..."

"Then why didn't I know about it?" Severus asked Ix Chel, in a dangerous whisper.

"It's always been there," Virginia translated. "For you, master, it has just been channeled differently. Think about it. All those times it made you run, before you were even aware that something was wrong. The times it made you draw your wand, before you knew why you needed it. The times it warned you away from a seemingly harmless street. It was always there - guiding you, protecting you... now you just know what it is, that's all. This changes nothing. Concentrate - feel for it, and you will know the truth. You will know I am right."

Severus stared at them for a moment, then closed his eyes, exhaling unsteadily. He felt a wave of recognition from the other man, and knew Severus now believed her.

"Have you ever attempted to ignore your gift?" Zach asked.

"Once," Severus said, opening his eyes again. "When I went to the Whomping Willow on Christmas Eve..."

For a long time no one spoke. Eventually, Zach and Severus took their seats again. He unpacked the sandwiches and other provisions the house-elves had made for them. They ate in silence. Oddly enough, Severus and Virginia acted as if their meal were the best things they had ever tasted. Zach watched people gawking at them as they passed by. One couple in particular who passed by caught his eye. He watched Mr. Potter and Minerva's apprentice stroll by, with eyes only for each other, all but oblivious to the world around them. He smiled at the sight. Those two would make a good match, thanks to Virginia...

Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, and Pansy Parkinson strolled through Hogwarts grounds, heading back to the castle. Draco saw the new Divination Professor, Professor Snape, and Ginny Weasley having a picnic in the distance, and stopped dead in his tracks. Crabbe and Goyle, who were always slow on the uptake, bumped into him. Pansy halted, followed his line of sight, and gasped.

"Why'd you stop?" Crabbe asked.

"Look!" Goyle yelled, pointing out the obvious. "That Weasley chick is out of isolation!"

"Is that our Head of House?" Pansy asked, shocked. "Is it me, or is he having a picnic with his apprentice and the new Professor? He's actually enjoying himself!"

"Scary sight..." Crabbe said, watching Professor Snape genuinely smile. Merlin, the man's smile was even more alarming than his sneer! Only Professor Snape could make a smile as frightening as that.

"Agreed," Draco drawled. "Let's go before we're caught gaping like a bunch of Hufflepuffs..."

They left Professor Snape's weird little gathering behind.

"What's gotten into him?" Pansy wondered. "First, he treats Weasley like she's one of us. Then he starts rallying the support of the other Professors, when she gives Dumbledore's spoiled brats what they deserve. Now, that freaky display... Just what is going on between them? I somehow doubt this has anything to do with their master/apprentice relationship."

"They are definitely not snogging," Draco concluded. "Professor Snape would be far more discreet than this if they were... He's seems to be treating her more like his kid, than his lover."

"Our Head of House has a paternal side?" Pansy replied. "What is it about the little Gryffindor outcast, that would inspire Snape to care about her?"

"I don't know," Draco drawled. "But it's obvious that Ginny's anything but another Gryffindor Weasley."

"I guess we'll just have to wait, and see what they do next," Pansy said.

Zach savored a glass of pumpkin juice, while listening to Severus and the girl debate about the potential of hybrid magics. He watched people pass as their discussion heated up, quietly enjoying their company. Except for a few bumps along the way, this lunch was turning out to be a good idea.

"I'm sorry, Miss Weasley, but Potions/Transfiguration hybridization on that level simply isn't possible," insisted Severus. "As interesting as your theories are, they have almost no ground to stand on."

"I disagree," she countered. "Look at the two applications. Look at their similarities. I'm telling you, they're all connected. One just needs to look deeply enough to see it."

"And all you have to go on is a gut feeling, and circumstantial evidence," Severus argued. "Yes, there are several potions that can be of assistance in Transfiguration, particularly when it comes to Animagus development, but direct interconnection is impossible. You will learn that there are very few true overlaps on those levels in the world of magic, with the minor exceptions you see in Potions."

"And we're all going to end up at a fancy dress dinner at Malfoy Manor, hosted by Lucius," Virginia quipped.

At her words Zach spat out his drink, thankfully only spraying it on the grass, and not on the others. Merlin help them, she did not just say that. If it was true, then it meant only one thing!

"What's wrong, Professor?" she asked him as he coughed, having trouble breathing because some of the juice had gone down the wrong way.

"Don't ever say things like that!" he snapped. "Don't you know what havoc jests like that can wreak?"

"What are you babbling about, Zachary?" Severus asked.

"Offhanded comments from a Seer almost always come true!" he explained. "Haven't you ever wondered why Seers don't talk like that? It's because they know that what they're saying are unconscious predictions. In my experience, predictions like those are some of the best, because they are shaped by unconscious truth, and aren't cluttered by interpretation, the way others are."

"I can predict the future, just by joking about it?" Virginia asked. "I thought Seers can't make things happen like that."

"They can't," Zach confirmed.

"Then, what's the harm in saying them, if they're going to happen anyway?" she asked. "Like the muggles always say. 'Forewarned is forearmed,' right?"

"She's has a point," Severus agreed, thoughtfully.

"They just aren't, alright?" he answered, as if that was the only answer they needed.

"So, we're all going to end up dining with Lucius Malfoy?" Virginia groaned. "Can this get any worse?"

"I might as well tell you two, before you find out the hard way..." Zach reluctantly confessed, seeing no better way out of this. "My father was a Malfoy. Lucius and I are cousins, only third-cousins to be exact, but family nevertheless."

"I just had to ask..." she grumbled under her breath.

"You're a Malfoy?" Severus asked, disdain filling his voice. "Why then, is your last name Montgomery?"

"My family and I... I guess you could say that we're 'the Light sheep' in the family," Zach explained. "When my father married my mother, who was a half-blood, to the Malfoy clan's utter cringing, he took her last name, instead of the other way around. We were not cut off from the family fortune or it's resources, merely disassociated from the Malfoys in social circles... My cousin Lucius has always given me the creeps, and, worse yet, I could almost never say 'no' to him. Whatever he wants from me - he takes. I've never understood the hold he has over me. I am not a weak-minded or weak-willed person by nature, but in a direct battle of wills with Lucius, I usually lose. There are occasions where I've managed to put my foot down, but they're very rare.

"He only associates with me when he wants something. Lucius knows I'm powerful, and he knows he can use me. The only reason he would invite me to a gathering at our ancestral home is because he's after something, something I can do for him, or give him. When we're at Malfoy manor, I don't want you to leave me alone with him for even a second, Severus! There's no telling what I might divulge to him by accident..."

"Oh, great, we have our very own Seer version of Wormtail!" Severus exclaimed. "This just gets better and better... Do you have any other dangerous secrets that we need to know about right now?"

"Not at the moment," Zach replied. He turned back to the girl. "I need you to think very carefully. Have you made any other comments like that since your first vision?"

"Yeah," Virginia said, as she started to look within. "Let me think. This could take a little while... If I think it and only Ix Chel hears it, does that count?"

"Yes," Zach answered. "And it doesn't matter who hears it or why you said it, just as long as you stated it somewhere."

"Yesterday, I thought to Ix Chel 'and Rita Skeeter will break out of Azkaban, seeking vengeance on the person who tipped off the Ministry.'" she stated, disturbed. "Umm... and I think it was Hermione who turned her in."

"We'll have to confirm that later, and notify the Ministry of Magic," Severus replied, already making plans. "They'll need to post extra guards around Skeeter."

"It's already too late," said Zach, feeling appalled. He handed them the copy of the Daily Prophet that he had been reading earlier. The headline on the cover read:

Rita Skeeter at Large

By Jonathan Tomas

"She broke out of Azkaban last night, and is considered armed and dangerous by the Ministry," he explained. "They think someone helped her escape, and whoever did it also returned her wand to her. If she's after the young skeptic, we'll need to post guards around her, and warn Albus. He needs to be informed, so he can help with security. Please, Miss Weasley, continue..."

The girl thought for a moment.

"I was talking to master Snape about what the rumors would do to Gryffindor, and I said 'Who knows, maybe the impossible will happen, and Dumbledore will see the error of his ways..." Virginia went on. Neither spoke, allowing her to continue unabated. "When I had just heard about the new rumors, the morning before I was attacked I snapped at Ix Chel. 'Or just go crazy one night, and attack all of the Gryffindors.'"

"You predicted the storm?" Severus asked, sickened.

"I didn't know it was going to happen!" Virginia exclaimed.

"What else?" Zach asked, wondering how bad things really were.

Virginia considered the question for another minute, before continuing.

"I was worried about the tensions between me and my housemates never easing," said Virginia, uncomfortably. "I thought to Ix Chel 'With luck, the Death Eaters will attack the school or something, and they'll forget all about me.'"

"We have a rather large Death Eater assault coming," he commented. "When did you state this?"

"Two or three weeks ago, I think," she answered. "Oh, and just before that I was telling Mark about how much I hate Divination. Trelawney had been harassing me for the last month... I told him 'Or maybe she'll finally bite off more than she can chew, and keel over.' An hour later, she did."

"She what?" Zach asked, shocked.

"Dumbledore never did tell you what happened to our last Divination Professor, did he?" asked Severus. "Trelawney forced Miss Weasley to give her a reading, and then had a nervous breakdown when she heard the answer. She's currently a permanent resident of St. Mungo's psychiatric ward."

"Why do you hate Divination?" Zach asked Virginia, feeling troubled.

"That reminds me. Master, I've been meaning to..." began Virginia, only to be cut off by another vision. Without hesitation Zach grabbed her hand, trying to see what she was seeing.

Zach and Virginia got a sudden flash of Trelawney, restrained in a hospital bed, at St. Mungo's, babbling.

"The Guardian... danger..." Trelawney mumbled enigmatically. "The Guardian... must warn her... danger... Guardian..."

Then they were sitting next to Severus again. Zach knew at once that what they had seen was terribly important, and that if they ignored it for much longer they would lose something significant.

"That's the second time I've had that vision," she said. "I still don't have the faintest idea what it means."

"What did you see?" Severus asked.

Virginia told him.

"Why didn't you tell me about this before, Virginia?" Severus asked, suddenly unusually agitated.

"With everything going on... I guess I forgot," she replied.

Severus grumbled something about Potter under his breath. Zach decided to bring the discussion back to the subject at hand, before they became too sidetracked.

"Can you remember anything else?" he pressed again. Virginia thought long and hard, scouring her memory for anything else of value.

"I once threatened to foretell the deaths of a group of students, who were in my way," she said. "If I had really tried it, would I have been right?"

"Very likely so, yes," Zach replied, horrified that a Seer would even tease in that fashion, much less threaten it. Abruptly the girl's expression soured, and she put her right hand over her mouth, looking overwrought and terrified.

"Just after I saved Harry from breaking his neck when he fell off his broom, I told Harry, Ron, and Hermione 'by the way, Hermione... beware a red-haired Weasley.' I was looking at Ron when I said it!" Virginia exclaimed.

"Perhaps it is time you reminded her of that prediction," he replied softly, as he saw their disconcerted expressions. They knew something, and they weren't going to tell him. Zach realized that he had waited far too long to meet her. Virginia Weasley needed serious help. It would take everything he had, maybe more, to give her that. But first, they needed to deal with the issue of Trelawney.

"If there are no more earth-shattering quips from Miss Weasley, we should return," Severus sneered. "I must find Potter, and make sure that there is someone available to guard Granger around the clock."

"I need Miss Weasley to show me where she did her reading of Trelawney," he said. "I promise, I will return your apprentice to her chamber once we're done."

"Very well," Severus agreed, hesitantly.

With the wave of his wand Zach removed the wards and returned everything to the basket.

*~*~*

Harry, Hermione, Alexis, and Mark left the Great Hall together. They ran into Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas, who appeared to be waiting. Harry knew that he couldn't avoid them forever, no matter how much he wanted too. Seamus and Dean had believed everything Ron told them about Ginny, and he had stopped speaking to them because of it. Harry promised Hermione he'd catch up with them in the library later and he went over to have a word with the two Gryffindors.

"Hello, Dean, Seamus," he said. "You wanted to speak to me?"

"We're worried about you, Harry," replied Seamus.

"Yeah," Dean said. "You haven't been to the last two Quidditch practice sessions. Ron's considering dropping you from the team. You know that Gryffindor doesn't stand a chance without you! What's happening to you, Harry? You've avoided Gryffindor like we carry some contagious disease, spending your time with those Slytherin and Ravenclaw Seer groupies, instead of us! Now, you and Hermione are protecting the Dark Witch, Ginny! The same witch who destroyed Gryffindor tower-"

"Ginny was just defending herself," Harry cut in. "Several of our housemates tried to kill her! They would've succeeded too, if it weren't for Snape... You can't take at face value anything Ron or the others tell you. The situation's more complicated than that. Ginny may not be a Gryffindor anymore, but that doesn't change what she is. She's a good person, who is being vilified for her gifts! If you want to come forward and face reality, then do so. We need all the good allies we can get. But, if you want to continue deluding yourself into believing that Gryffindor can do no wrong, and that if Ginny was attacked, it was for a good cause, then piss off. I don't want to listen to you preach at me constantly about the evils of Slytherin, and everything that's not socially acceptable."

"Who are you? And what have you done with Harry Potter?" Seamus asked, horrified by his response. "You used to hate the Slytherins and everything they stand for! Now, you sound like a- like a..."

"Like a Slytherin sympathizer?" Professor Snape cut in. The three Gryffindors turned. The Potions master sneered venomously at Seamus and Dean, but not at Harry. When Professor Snape settled his gaze on him, he saw a hint of approval in the man's eyes. He got the impression that the Potions master was trying not to smirk at him. Seamus and Dean looked terrified, but Harry wasn't even fazed by Professor Snape's dark, imperious air, though he didn't know why. Maybe it was because he had spent so much time with his Professor lately... Wait. How long has Professor Snape been standing there?

"I need a word with you, Mr. Potter... in private." Professor Snape continued.

"Sure, Professor," Harry answered, glancing at Seamus and Dean. "We were finished here, anyway."

"Good," Professor Snape sneered, glaring at the other two. "Come with me."

Harry followed Professor Snape in silence down to the Dungeons. Neither spoke until they were inside Professor Snape's office, and Professor Snape had cast silencing and locking charms on the room.

"We have a... situation," Professor Snape said, sitting at his desk. Professor Snape told him two of the predictions Ginny had recounted during lunch, while writing two official-looking letters. He felt himself pale as the truth of Professor Snape's words set in. Hermione was in danger from two fronts, and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it, without admitting the truth to Professor Snape.

"Ginny's right," Harry confirmed. "Hermione was the one who turned her in, and Rita Skeeter knows..."

"And the girl's been keeping an eye on Ron," Professor Snape said, as he began his list of orders. "The appropriate steps must be taken... Miss Granger must be put under constant watch. She should be in the company of at least one trustworthy person, at all times. Mr. Potter, I want you to find Miss Levine and send her to Miss Weasley's chamber. She is to watch over my apprentice when Professor Montgomery brings her back. Then, seek out Miss Granger and Professor McGonagall. Escort them to Dumbledore's office. He will still be there. Tell them that I will be with them all shortly." Professor Snape placed the letters in separate envelopes, sealed them, and wrote down two addressees. Professor Snape handed them to him. "Once that is done, take these to the Owlery, and send them with the best owls you can find. Finally, retrieve the tome I gave you and bring it to my office. Stay there, and await further instructions. I may be gone for some time, so you might wish to bring something with which to occupy yourself, without destroying my office. Got it?"

"Send Alexis to Ginny's room to wait for her," Harry said, reading the list back to him quickly. "Set up your meeting - mail these letters - get the book, and come back here. Right?"

"Perfect," Professor Snape said. "It's good to see that you've learned something other than Quidditch in your time here... What are you waiting for? You've got a job to do. Go."

He nodded as Professor Snape started looking for something. He left, heading for the library.

"Since when have I become Snape's personal assistant?" Harry thought. "And weirder still... when have I started following him without question?"

He wondered if learning to work civilly with Professor Snape would affect the Potions master behavior towards him, come Monday.

*~*~*

Ginny silently followed Professor Montgomery up to the old Divination classroom. She thought back to what she and Tom had sensed when they met Professor Montgomery.

As she and master Snape approached the strange man sitting on the blanket, Ginny and Tom could feel that he was trying to read them, but couldn't because there was just too much information for him to process. They sensed that the Professor was a complex, difficult person by nature, and a powerful, deadly, Light Wizard. Once they got passed the wizard's defenses, Tom knew this Montgomery could become one of their most formidable allies of the Light. They stopped as the new Professor got to his feet.

"Hello, Severus," Professor Montgomery said. "I thought it might be better if I met Miss Weasley in a less formal environment. Since it's such a nice day, I thought it would be a good idea to spend lunch outdoors."

The new Professor turned to her and held out his hand. Ginny felt an unexplainable, undeniable urge to take it. She took his outstretched hand. In a stretch that felt timeless, Ginny looked into Professor Montgomery's eyes, trying to understand what she saw. She just knew that her Professor could be so much more if he learned to tame his inner demons, and harness his gift. He was a person who could use his powerful gifts to help people or to damn them, if he so chose. He didn't know it yet, but he could go either way. The man could either become a blind extreme, or become one of the Light side's greatest moderates. Ginny wasn't sure if they would be able to trust him in the fight ahead, but she was more than willing to give him a chance.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor Montgomery," she whispered. "It's good to know that Divination class will finally have a real Seer teaching it."

She let go of her Professor's hand, and the moment between them ended.

Tom still felt reluctant to follow his princess' lead when it came to Montgomery, but he could see the merit in the Light wizard's potential. If they could get the Professor to side with them, he would be a great asset.

Ginny and Professor Montgomery reached the silver ladder that led up to Professor Trelawney's classroom. The Professor climbed the ladder first. Once he had reached the top, she reluctantly followed. Ginny felt extremely uncomfortable returning to this classroom after everything that had happened here.

"I wish there was something we could do to help Trelawney..." Ginny sighed at the thought. "Like that's ever going to happen."

Tom mentally shook his head, making a mental note to tell Montgomery about that later.

"What are we doing here, exactly?" she asked.

"We're looking for the 'defining moment' between you and Sybil," Professor Montgomery explained. "I need you to show me where you sat when you did her reading... What card spread did you choose?"

"The Celtic Cross. You want to look back so you can see what I did to her?" Ginny asked, trying not to sound defensive.

"Yes," he answered, holding out an ungloved hand. "Would you like to see it with me?"

"You can do that?" she asked, surprised.

"Yes, seeing the visions of others, as well as sharing visions as they happen, is a gift of mine. Do you wish to see what I see?" he asked.

"Sure... I guess," Ginny replied, taking his offered hand. She felt a minor tingling sensation as he entwined his fingers with hers, and then nothing. Strange... She led him to the table where she had done the reading that terrible day. Suddenly, Professor Montgomery was dragged into a vision and she was pulled in with him.

Zach stood with Virginia and her pet snake at the same table, but now they weren't alone, a classroom filled with students stood with them. Miss Weasley and a Ravenclaw boy sat at the table across from Sybil Trelawney. Virginia stared at her other self strangely, and he couldn't help but wonder what was going through her mind. Sybil watched Miss Weasley with a dreamy, yet disconcerted air about her. Miss Weasley concentrated on her task as she shuffled the cards, in a fashion that Zach had only seen used by the most talented Tarot readers.

"It's been awhile since I've done a reading," he whispered, almost to himself. "This should be fun."

The girl cut the deck and allowed Sybil to place the starting card on the table. The first card was the Queen of Cups, upside-down.

"In Trelawney's case, the Queen means that she was so concerned about her public image that she wasted not only her talent, but also her life." Zach interpreted, as he listened to the whispered comments of the children. "To be so spiritually destitute... How far had she truly fallen?"

"If you ask me, it suits Trelawney perfectly," a student said.

Miss Weasley placed the second card onto the first, which revealed the ex-professor's obstacle. The card was The Tower.

"The Tower... If this reading is truly about her beliefs, then this means that everything she preached was a lie," said Zach. "Which means that, when it comes down to it, she must learn to overcome herself before she can move on."

"I have a bad feeling about this..."

The girl put the third card just above the first two, which told of Sybil's immediate future. He saw that it was the IX of Swords, and knew that his earlier interpretation had been right.

"Her inability to let go of her past and her faulty beliefs crippled her," Zach said. "Like useless junk that you just couldn't bear to throw away, because it served you well in the past." Zach shook his head, "truly sad."

"...all in her head."

"I doubt it."

"I'd be watching my step for the next few days..."

The girl placed the IX of Pentacles, revealing what was leaving the woman's life, beneath the first two cards.

"Oh, Merlin..." he whispered, saddened further. He had hated her, but this was too much. "Because of her denial she was going to lose everything."

"...not a good place to see that."

"At least it's not upside-down."

"If only it were," thought Zach.

Miss Weasley placed the VII of Cups to the right of the other two, which would tell them what had recently passed.

"I can't believe this!"

"...only going to go downhill from here."

"They're right, you know," he said, agreeing with the students' comments. "This card means that Trelawney had an opportunity to redeem herself, to change everything... with you. And, what did she do with it? She pushed you away by trying to control you, and harmed herself more in the process than she could have ever imagined."

Miss Weasley added the card that depicted Sybil's future, to the left of the first two. Everyone gasped, and the room became filled with fearful whispers as they caught sight of the card, Death. Zach felt a lump in his throat, making it hard to speak as he struggled to explain.

"Virginia... The Death card rarely means true physical death. Only the ignorant and the naive seriously believe that," he explained, his voice tinged with emotion and sympathy. "Not often, but sometimes... It can mean something much worse. In Trelawney's case, it means that once she threw away her chance to change her life on her own terms, the world would do it for her. The price for her inflexibility was her sanity."

If I had been here, could I have prevented this tragedy? Zach silently wondered. Was I wrong to stay away when I first sensed that I was needed here? Were Virginia and Severus the only people I were meant to help?

He looked into Sybil's eyes, seeing that she was petrified, and even guilty, over the things that she could not change. Was this his fault? Oblivious to Sybil's rapidly crumbling emotional disposition, Miss Weasley ignored the terrified whispers, and continued. The girl positioned the seventh card further away from the others, telling him where the old Divination Professor would find herself. The card was the Seven of Swords.

"Talk about biting off more than she can chew..."

Zach snorted at the comment. Virginia and Ix Chel both shot him funny looks. How can that creature emulate humans like that?

"That's not quite what the card meant in this reading," he answered their unspoken question. "The card meant that she would realize her mistakes, and perhaps, finally want to deal with them."

"Even if she was already too late..." Virginia whispered, returning her attention to Sybil.

Zach watched Miss Weasley put down the eighth card just above the seventh, which told of Sybil's surroundings. He saw that it was the X of Cups and gasped, appalled.

"...at least Hogwarts is safe..."

"Can this get any worse?"

"Don't say that!"

"What is it?" Virginia asked, alarmed by the look of pure horror and guilt on his face.

"What have I done?" Zach asked. "Trelawney- Hogwarts was only safe so long as she was here. When she left- how long after Sybil left did the storm occur?"

"A week," Virginia replied. "What does that have to do with you?"

"I had been drawn here, long before Trelawney's breakdown!" he said, watching the girl's uncomprehending expression. "Don't you see? It's my fault! If I had come sooner, I wouldn't have allowed Albus to send Sybil away, and if she had still been here, the storm wouldn't have happened. How could I have been so foolish...?"

Virginia didn't respond, but continued to watch the reading around them. He watched helplessly as Miss Weasley laid the ninth card, the X of Swords, above the eighth, which for Sybil, would depict her fears.

"This is horrible!"

"...told you not to say that!"

"Don't feel bad because of her reaction to the news, Virginia, Trelawney suspected that this was coming," Zach told her. "What she had wanted from you was confirmation."

"Shh... She's about to deal the last one."

With that statement the room became eerily silent. Miss Weasley took a deep breath, obviously afraid of what the last card would reveal. Then the girl put the tenth and final card above the ninth, showing the final outcome of Sybil's path. The card was the Hanged Man. Tears filled his eyes as he finally understood the price of his mistake, and Sybil's inability to face reality.

"The only way she could rediscover her gift in The Sight was to lose herself, to go mad." Zach whispered with a pained edge to his voice. "But, there is still hope... Sybil can still be redeemed, given time."

They watched in silence as Sybil Trelawney collapsed in a heap on the classroom floor. The students went into a blind panic.

"Pro-Professor?" Miss Weasley stammered. The girl stood and leaned over the table, to look at the unconscious figure. "What have I done?"

With that, the vision finally ended.

Zach collapsed into a chair and put his head in his hands, feeling drained. He quietly cried, overwhelmed by the implications of this tragedy that he could have prevented. Why did he ignore the signs when he was first called to Hogwarts by forces beyond his control? Why did he allow his fears to get the better of him again? Why do his fears always have to control him and never the other way around? He felt sure of one thing - he had wasted far too much time paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. He couldn't let something like this happen again! Zach was pulled out of his state of guilt and self-loathing by a surge of self-doubt, and fear from his pupil. He pulled himself together, dried his eyes, and looked up.

"Listen to me very carefully, my dear," Zach said, taking her hand again, ignoring the discordant sensations that scratched at his senses. "Predicting the future doesn't change it by itself, nor is it always in your hands. Being a great Seer is more than seeing things others don't - it's learning to change what you can, and learning to accept the things that you can't alter. You mustn't blame yourself for others' mistakes, any more than you should blame others for your own. You didn't do this! Do you understand?"

Virginia nodded.

"If that's true, then you should take your own advice," she replied. "Dwelling on the past too much won't help you either."

Zach laughed.

"What?" she asked, looking offended.

"Asking a post-cognitive not to dwell on the past..." he shook his head. "Never mind... You have a point, Miss Weasley. I'll try to keep that in mind as well. Now, if that reading was accurate, I can't leave Sybil at St. Mungo's." Zach noticed an odd look on her face. "What is it, Miss Weasley?"

"Earlier, I commented to Ix Chel: 'I wish there was something we could do to help Trelawney. Like that's ever going to happen...' Umm... Does that count as an unconscious prediction?"

"Yes, it does," he grumbled. "That settles it! I am taking you back to your chamber - then I'm going to St. Mungo's and try to repair things with Sybil!"

"How is visiting Trelawney going to fix things?" Virginia asked.

"I'll know that when I get there," replied Zach, tersely.

Virginia and Ix Chel shared an incredulous look.

"And I have as much chance of it being that easy, as I do of ending up on the cover of the Daily Prophet because of breakthroughs I've made in Divination," he mumbled. He realized that he had just said that aloud. "Damn it! Why can't I get a bloody break?"

*~*~*

Hermione sat in an armchair, in front of the Headmaster's desk. Professor Dumbledore sat at his desk, while Professor McGonagall stood watching the door with a puzzled expression, which her Head of House had held since Harry had brought them here. They waited as patiently as they could for Professor Snape, with no idea of why he had called them here. Why wouldn't Harry tell them anything? Why would Professor Snape call this meeting in the first place? What did this have to do with her?

She tried to remain calm, reminding herself that speculation would get her nowhere. It was better to limit such mental wanderings until the Potions master showed up. Professor Snape entered the office with Professor Lupin behind him. Her Potions Professor looked upon her with a guarded, watchful countenance, while Professor Lupin seemed just as clueless about this meeting as everyone else.

"A situation has developed, which will require the combined efforts and cooperation of us all to handle," Professor Snape began to explain. "As most of you may already know, Rita Skeeter has escaped from Azkaban." Hermione gasped, while her Professors looked faintly concerned, but remained silent. Professor Snape ignored her outburst and continued. "My apprentice, apparently, made a prediction regarding Granger and Skeeter yesterday. However, she did not know to inform us about it until this afternoon. Miss Weasley's prediction was 'Rita Skeeter will break out of Azkaban, seeking vengeance on the person who tipped off the Ministry.' Mr. Potter has already confirmed that it was, in fact, you, Miss Granger, who informed the Ministry of her illegal activities. How and why that happened doesn't matter. What matters is that we take steps to prevent Skeeter from harming Miss Granger, or anyone close to her. Furthermore, there is every chance that someone helped Skeeter escape. If that is true, we may have more to worry about than one deranged reporter seeking revenge."

Professor Snape fell silent. She felt horrified by the news. How could Skeeter escape from Azkaban, when the Ministry knew that the ex-reporter was an Animagus? Who would want to set Skeeter free? She silenced a flood of mental second-guessing and panicking. Hermione told herself that she had been in many more dangerous situations than this before, and that she would get through this. But no matter how hard she tried she couldn't deny her fear.

"I take it that you have a plan of action in the works, Severus?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"Yes," replied Professor Snape, removing a long, silver necklace from a pocket in his robes, handing it to Hermione. The necklace had a large black stone shaped like a teardrop attached to it. When she held it, the stone turned dark blue. A moment later, it began to glow brightly.

"I know what this is," Hermione declared, holding the glowing stone up to the light to examine it further. "This is a Stone of Vallera, also known as a Beckoning Stone. It gives its owner the power to summon individuals the crystal is linked to. Also, it acts as a homing beacon if the user is in danger. They're very rare... It's the perfect tool to keep tabs on me!"

"Wear it at all times and never take it off," Professor Snape ordered. "There is no telling when Skeeter will strike. As long as you are wearing the necklace, assistance will only be a summoning away."

"Yes, Professor," she replied.

"Excellent idea, Severus," Professor Dumbledore praised. "A Stone of Vallera will be an invaluable aid in protecting her."

"But the stone can only do so much," Professor McGonagall pointed out. "What happens if we can't get there in time?"

"I agree," Professor Lupin said. "We need someone to guard Miss Granger, in case Skeeter manages to slip past our defenses."

"I'll contact the Ministry," Professor Dumbledore offered. "Perhaps Minister Fudge can arrange for an Auror to act as Miss Granger's bodyguard."

"I concur," said Professor Snape.

"What about my parents?" Hermione inquired. "If Rita Skeeter wants revenge, she might try to use them to get to me."

"The girl has a point," Professor Snape said. "They will need to be guarded as well."

"You won't have to uproot them over this, right Professor?" she asked Dumbledore. "They would be heartbroken if they had to leave their practice in London."

"Don't worry, Miss Granger, your parents won't be disturbed any more than they have to be," Professor Dumbledore reassured her. "Any Aurors assigned to them will be using concealment charms. Your parents won't even know they are there. Don't worry too much about the details. We have everything in hand. Trust in us, you will not be disappointed. Why don't we perform the linking process, then Professor Lupin can take the first watch and escort you wherever you wish."

"Yes, Headmaster," Hermione agreed. "One more question, what happens if Skeeter decides to go after my friends? Some of them don't have the power to defend themselves against a fully trained witch."

"Perhaps it would be a good idea to compile a list of people you're concerned about, to assist us in our security measures," Professor McGonagall suggested. "Also, you may wish to discuss any of your other concerns with Professor Lupin. I'm sure he'd be happy to assist you in any way he can."

"That's a wonderful idea, Professor," she said, happy that there was something she could do to help. "I'll get started on it right away."

One by one each of Hermione's Professors linked themselves to the stone. Once that was done she put on the necklace and hid it beneath her robes, feeling safer already.

*~*~*

Ginny and Professor Montgomery entered her chamber. Alexis welcomed them. The moment Ginny entered the room she was bombarded by a chorus of greetings and comments from the entire room. But they weren't all directed at her, some were directed at Professor Montgomery too.

"The room is happy to see you again, Professor," Ginny said, distantly. "They've missed you."

"Missed me?" he asked. "What are you talking about?"

"Much of the furniture, as well as the room itself still remembers you from when you went to school here," Ginny explained, simply. "Inanimate objects are more aware than people give them credit for."

"You can hear the furniture?" Alexis asked, looking a little surprised.

"Yes," she answered.

"Strange skill," her friend commented, taking to the idea far better than Ginny had expected. After all, it was common knowledge that hearing voices wasn't a good sign in the Wizarding world. Professor Montgomery gave her a look that could only be described as odd and shook his head.

"Do you talk to furniture often?" he asked.

"Not often," replied Ginny. "They spend most of their time bothering me, really, but if I ask them anything, they are fairly forthcoming."

"What sort of stuff do they tell you?" Alexis asked, interested.

"Anything they've ever witnessed or experienced," she answered.

"Amazing..." said Alexis. "That would be a perfect tool for discovering other's secrets. Imagine what that power could do in the wrong hands... or in the right ones."

"Sounds almost as bad as my gift," Professor Montgomery muttered, putting on a pair of gloves. "No wonder you're easily distracted. Well, I need to get going. It was nice meeting you, Miss Weasley. I sincerely hope our next session goes better."

"So do I," Ginny replied. "Good luck, Professor."

Professor Montgomery nodded and left her in Alexis' care.

*~*~*

Arthur followed Percy toward the Minister of Magic's office. Looking at his son's expression, he knew that something was up. He also knew that Percy would never tell him, which was probably why Fudge sent him in the first place. What did the Minister want with him this time? Ever since Ginny had bitten his boss, Fudge seemed to have it in for him, although Fudge would never admit to indulging in a grudge, unless under the influence of Vartiserum. They entered the Minister's office. Fudge was signing the last of what looked like transfer papers. Arthur had a very bad feeling about this.

"You wanted to see me, Minister?" he asked, easily masking his discomfort.

"Just a moment." Mr. Fudge replied, signing his name one last time. "Percy, have these forms processed at once! I want everything completed before the end of the day."

"Yes, sir!" said Percy, all too eager to carry out Mr. Fudge's orders.

Arthur was further unsettled when he caught a triumphant gleam in the Minister's eyes, as Percy took the papers and left. This was not good. His boss looked up and shot him a phony smile. Definitely not good...

"How are things going in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department?" Mr. Fudge asked, in a pitiful attempt at casual conversation.

"As well as to be expected, Minister," he answered. "Magical transgressions have been on the rise of late. Since the incident with my daughter and The-Boy-Who-Lived, ordinary wizards have been taking desperate, unnecessary risks, in the name of safeguarding themselves. Every department has been inundated by an impossible workload. Why do you ask?"

"I have a job for you," Mr. Fudge replied. "You'll be receiving your orders shortly."

"What sort of job?" Arthur asked, carefully.

"You're being taken off the Auror inactive list for a special assignment." Mr. Fudge explained. "We don't have any qualified Aurors to spare, and I personally think you're the perfect person for the job."

"A special assignment, sir? I haven't been on the active Auror list for fifteen years!" he protested. "My department needs me! How is Perkins going to handle things by himself?"

"He will just have to manage," the Minister replied. "This mission is of the utmost importance. Frankly, you don't have another option. According to article twenty-eight of the Aurors' code 'Any individual may be taken off the inactive list, if an official of higher rank deems it necessary.' Because of current circumstances, it's necessary. I am sorry, Arthur, but that is the way it is. Don't worry, you're being sent to guard some girl at Hogwarts, not going up against You-Know-Who or some other nonsense. Think of this as a change of pace. Who knows, maybe once this is over, you might wish to rejoin the Auror Division on a more permanent basis."

Molly's going to love this, Arthur thought, unenthusiastically. Then an idea hit him. Molly would have a little less reason to argue with him, if he could pull it off.

"I'll do it, Minister, but under one condition," he proposed. "You agree to transfer Percy Weasley to the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department, assisting Perkins. I believe that both Percy and the department would benefit greatly from the experience. After all, we wouldn't want the Ministry to take any more heat from the press, because they couldn't keep up with the workload."

The Minister considered for a moment, before answering.

"Then, we have a deal," Mr. Fudge replied. "I'll have your son's transfer papers drawn up at once. You're dismissed."

Arthur nodded and he left, not bothering to utter another word.

*~*~*

Zach Apparated into the Visitor's Indoor Apparition Point at St. Mungo's. An intense wave of emotional pain, psychological distress, and a terrible, draining sense of loss immediately assaulted his senses. He stumbled, and leaned against a wall for support. After a minute, he managed to pull himself together enough to take in his surroundings. Zach stood in a large, empty space, set up in back of the waiting room, so visitors could Apparate in without worrying about being spliched. Thankfully, no one was here. Which meant that he had time to find Sybil's room on his own. He only hoped it would be enough.

Zach knew that they were keeping her somewhere in the psychiatric ward, but not where. With luck, he would be able to hear enough through the din of deranged thoughts and feelings to locate the ex-teacher. He headed in the direction of the psyche ward, trying to ward off the memories of his last trip here. He fervently prayed that this was the last time he would ever have to set foot in this place. Zach would never leave another Seer to this cruel, torturous fate. No one should have to live out their existence experiencing other peoples pain.

"This bloody place is a Dementor's dream..." he muttered to himself, as he quickened his pace. "Merlin help us, what will be left of a person with the gift, who has been under the influence of these dark tortures for so long? Does she have the strength to survive...?"

Zach wandered through the winding corridors of the psychiatric ward, for what felt like an eternity, avoiding nurses as he went. He could hear the hopeless cries and feel the desperation, terror, and afflictions echoing endlessly through his mind. He kept listening for Sybil's thoughts, but there were just too many wounded souls to hear her, assuming that there was anything left of her to cry out. Just when he had begun to despair, Zach heard an agonized shriek coming from behind him. After a moment, he recognized to whom the voice belonged. Wand drawn, he ran to Sybil Trelawney's aid.

He skidded to a halt in front of the open doorway, and what he saw horrified him. Sybil fought against two orderlies, who were trying to keep her restrained long enough for a nurse to use a sedation charm on her. Zach instantly knew what was wrong with the former Professor. The poor woman was being assaulted by too many visions. What those fools were doing by trying to intervene, was making matters worse. Merlin, at this rate they were going to kill her!

He sprung into action, stupefying both orderlies and the nurse before they had a chance to react. Sybil crawled into the furthest corner of the hospital room and curled up into a ball, sobbing. Zach put a levitation charm on the staff members, and deposited them in the hallway. Then he cast powerful locking charms on the room.

That should hold them for awhile, he thought.

He turned back toward the woman in the corner, and dispelled the concealment charm around him.

"Sybil... Sybil Trelawney, do you remember me?" he asked, hoping to get through to her. "Do you know the name, Zachary Montgomery?"

"No..." she whispered, shaking her head frantically. "I don't remember... I can't... I hurt too much. This place hurts too much! Too many voices... Please, make them stop!"

"My name is Zachary Montgomery," he replied slowly, edging closer. "I am here to take you home. Do you remember Hogwarts? Do you remember the Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore?"

"I remember..." Sybil put her hands over her ears, and started crying even harder. "Make the pain stop! I've tried, but I can't shut out the voices! They're everywhere! Voices of pain and misery bleeding through the walls, tormenting me, holding me here..."

"What do you know about The Guardian?" Zach asked.

"The Guardian... She is an open mystery, meant to herald the end, or give birth to the beginning," Sybil answered. "The Guardian is in danger! Tell the one with no House to watch for the signs! She must heed them to protect the innocent... When plants' cries are heard - when health is cared for by one with a Dark Curse - At last, when a bird of madness dies without rhyme or reason - that is when Dark Ones will come for her sister by choice and bond. Only with four will they prevail, keeping the blood of the innocent from being spilled..."

He had no idea what her prophecy meant, but he could feel that it was genuine.

"I'll tell her," he said, trying to assure her. "Everything's going to be alright, Sybil... I promise."

The woman was being driven mad by the suffering of others. The fools that tried to care for Sybil were deaf to the pain that lived in the very walls of the hospital, poisoning anyone sensitive enough to perceive it. The sooner he got her out of St. Mungo's, the better.

He heard shouts outside, shortly followed by wand fire. Coming to a decision, he removed the grating over the fireplace with a simple spell. Then he reached into his robes and threw some powder into the flames, calling Albus. A moment later Albus' head appeared in the fireplace. The Headmaster smiled kindly at him.

"I don't have the time for pleasantries right now, Albus," Zach started, needing to explain the situation. "I'm at St. Mungo's with Sybil Trelawney. Don't ask me how or why I'm here, I'll explain later. Since her breakdown, Sybil's full gift in The Sight has revealed itself. You've made a grievous error in having her committed, Albus! This place isn't healing her - it's destroying her. The damage to her mind will become irreparable soon, and that's presuming these people don't kill her first! If I hadn't gotten here when I did, she would probably be dead now. I want to bring her back with me to Hogwarts, and don't tell me it isn't possible! You and I both know that isn't true. Please, old warrior, don't leave one of our kind here to rot!"

"I'm sorry, Zach..." Albus replied, stunned by the news. "I didn't think... I believed that her fears were unfounded... Stay there, I'll be right back."

He looked around the barricaded hospital room.

"Where could I possibly go?" Zach asked himself.

Albus disappeared from sight for several minutes. The silence was only broken by Sybil's sobs, and the Auror he sensed outside, who was trying to get in. He knew exactly what the Auror was assuming. If ever Zach needed Albus to come through for him, it was now.

"I hate to rush you, Albus, but I've got a very angry Auror trying to get in here, who is having delusions of grandeur about capturing a Dark Wizard!" Zach urged. "This is the last time I rush headlong into anything..."

"The Gryffindor method never was your style," Albus said, the old wizard's head reappearing in the fireplace. Albus tossed him an old scroll with a wax seal, which had the Dumbledore family crest impressed in it. "Take this, use my name, and have the Head of Staff read it aloud. That should give you the edge you need. I'll have the house-elves prepare for Sybil's return. We'll discus this over dinner when you get back. Good luck."

He saw the unusually grave expression on his friend's face, and wondered what Albus wasn't telling him. He would just have deal with it later.

"Thanks," replied Zach. Albus' head vanished from the fireplace. He turned back to the door, and with a wave of his wand, it opened. A young, lanky, raven-haired Auror burst into the room, ready to shoot him on sight.

"Before you hex me, your superiors might want to read to this," Zach said, holding up the scroll. The Auror recognized the crest pressed into the seal.

"Dumbledore sent you?" the Auror asked.

"In a manner of speaking," he answered, tersely.

"Don't I know you from somewhere?" the young man asked.

"Someone who doesn't know me on sight?" he exclaimed, surprised. "Haven't had one of those in a while."

"Wait, you're Zachary Montgomery!" the Auror cried. "You're the Seer guy! I read about you. I thought you were dead."

"Vanish for fifteen years and everyone thinks you're dead," he muttered to himself. "I wonder what would happen if I left for thirty?"

The Auror stared at him like he was wearing a dead ferret on his head.

"Stop gaping at me boy, and go get me the Head of Staff!" Zach demanded. "Tell him that it's urgent! I'm here on the behalf of Albus Dumbledore, and I'm not leaving until I get what I want!"

"Which is?" the Auror asked.

"The transfer of the patient, Sybil Trelawney, to out-patient care at Hogwarts, under the supervision of Albus Dumbledore," he informed the Auror. "Now, go do it!"

"It figures that the Ministry is still hiring from the shallow end of the gene-pool," Zach grumbled under his breath as the Auror left.

He tried to tend to Sybil while he waited, but she wouldn't let him get close enough to touch her. He did manage to get her put on a spare set of his black, leather gloves. Hopefully, the interference caused by the gloves would protect her from some of the unwanted visions. Then he got her to lie down. For the first time since he arrived, Zach took in the details of how different Sybil looked from the vision. Her dark hair was filled with streaks of silver-gray, and she looked like she had aged more than twenty years in the past two weeks. Her already rail-thin body had become even thinner, and she looked unnaturally pale, but what disturbed him the most were her eyes. They were unfocused, which was normal for one with The Sight, but there was something about them that just seemed wrong. It was as if part of her was deeply buried, or now missing. Zach knew stories of people who had gone too far, seen too much, but he had always believed they were just that, stories, and now... now he wasn't so sure. He sensed the Auror returning with another person. Now was neither the time nor the place to consider such possibilities. There would be more than enough time for that later. Right now, he had to concentrate on getting her out of here. A short, middle-aged man with thinning brown hair wearing expensive red robes entered with the young Auror.

"I'm Richard Lancaster, the Head of Staff here at St. Mungo's," the wizard introduced himself, holding out his hand. "You must be the noted Seer, Montgomery."

Zach got down to business, refusing to acknowledge the handshake. The last thing he needed was to risk endangering his health, by straining himself further.

"I'm here on Albus Dumbledore's behalf to oversee the transfer of Sybil Trelawney," he said. "I'm sure you can arrange for her transfer, as well as for a nurse to help care for her. Before you object, read this aloud."

Zach handed the Head of Staff Albus' scroll. Lancaster's eyes widened when they fell on Dumbledore's family crest. The older wizard broke the seal and began to read.

"I, Sybil Trelawney, of sound mind and body, appoint Albus Dumbledore to be my legal and magical guardian..." Lancaster read. "This is a wizarding Power of Attorney!" he exclaimed. "I apologize for the misunderstanding with my staff. Rest assured that a similar incident will never happen again." Lancaster returned the scroll. "I'll make the appropriate arrangements at once!"

Lancaster and the Auror left, and Zach breathed a sigh of relief. An edge, indeed! The contract was magically binding. There was no way Lancaster could fight this. Albus had a lot to answer for when Zach returned to Hogwarts.

*~*~*

Severus entered his office. Mr. Potter sat in a high-back chair in front of his desk, engrossed with a tome. He noticed the Divinus scroll and the ancient tome of Initium, sitting on his desk. Mr. Potter appeared to be so intent upon his task, that the boy didn't seem to notice his presence at all. Severus quietly crept up behind Mr. Potter, momentarily looking over the boy's shoulder, and saw that Mr. Potter was studying. He decided to catch the boy's attention.

"Thank you for waiting, Professor," Mr. Potter said, before he had a chance to speak. Then Mr. Potter replaced his bookmark and shut the tome. Severus walked to his desk, and sat down at it.

"I've done everything you've asked, sir," Mr. Potter continued, respectfully. "And I've used Hedwig for the letter bound to the Burrow. She's fast and she knows the way well. She'll get it to its destination, long before the school owls would."

"Very good, Mr. Potter," he replied, surprised that the boy was being so willingly helpful. He studied the Gryffindor for a moment. Mr. Potter's intent was completely open and honest. The boy would do anything in the service of his friends, and was discovering that there was more to Slytherin, and its Head of House, than met the eye. How intriguing... He could use the boy's growing awareness of the true situation to his advantage, and, perhaps, even teach the child a thing or two along the way.

"The reason I require the book back so soon is because it's time for Miss Weasley to know the truth about her necklace, and its gifts," Severus explained. "The book may elude further translation, but it should provide her with vital clues she will require. I need you to report to her chamber tomorrow, after classes, and we'll begin to work out the situation then."

"Three out of the four necklace bearers will be present," Mr. Potter commented. "That sounds like a good place to start."

Severus raised an eyebrow in surprise at that. That was almost subtle, especially from a Gryffindor. Severus knew that the last thing Gryffindor House prized was subtlety. Lately, the people around him seemed to be following that old muggle saying: 'Never judge a book by its cover.' He had never truly understood what that saying meant, until now.

"It's good to see that you can read between the lines, Potter," Severus replied, approvingly. "Maybe Gryffindor hasn't stifled your potential, after all. You may wish to know that Miss Levine will be available for dinner tonight. I will be dining with my apprentice, alone. Any questions, Mr. Potter?"

"No, Professor," answered Mr. Potter, obviously happy at the news of her lack of plans. At least the boy would keep Miss Levine distracted for awhile, allowing him to instruct Virginia uninterrupted.

"That will be all, Mr. Potter," said Severus.

The boy left. He could see a great deal of potential in, what had once been a Gryffindor migraine waiting to happen. Yes, the young man could become a good ally, given time.

*~*~*

Voldemort-Ron walked through the darkening corridors of Hogwarts, heading towards the library. As he passed an empty classroom, a figure grabbed him by the back of his robes, dragging him into the room. In an instant Voldemort-Ron had his wand out, ready to make his attacker wish he had ever been born, but stopped when he saw who it was. The other man placed silencing and locking charms on the room, and turned back toward him. What was Sirius Black doing in Hogwarts?

"Relax, Ron," Sirius said. "It's just me... You act like you've just seen a Dementor. Are you alright?"

"Just startled, that's all," Voldemort-Ron replied.

"Wanted criminals regularly drag me into classrooms for no apparent reason," Voldemort's partial essence thought sardonically. "I wonder if the bloody fool is going to give me one good reason not to kill him where he stands."

"Sirius, no..." Ron thought, fearfully.

"What do you know about him, brat?" Voldemort thought.

"None of your business!" Ron retorted, mentally retreating beyond his reach again.

The Dark Lord mentally sighed. He would have to punish the insignificant child for his insolence later. It looked like he would just have to do this the hard way.

"What's wrong, Sirius?" he asked. "Has something happened?"

"Everything's happened!" Sirius exclaimed, pacing back and forth before him.

"Just calm down, and start from the beginning," said Voldemort-Ron. Sirius sat down on one of the desks in the front row, and began. Slowly, he managed to get the whole story out of Black, including anything the fool knew about Dumbledore's hold on things. Severus was doing an excellent job of keeping The Light off-balance. He would have to reward his loyal servant later. This dumb Gryffindor mutt could be useful... Voldemort decided to hold off on killing him, for now. He'd kill the fool later, once the mutt had out-lived his usefulness.

"I've tried everything I can think of to make Harry and Hermione see the truth, but Snape and Ginny's hold on them has been too strong!" Voldemort-Ron said, confirming the other man's worse fears. "I'm afraid for them! First Snape corrupts my little sister, now Harry, and every person he can get his hands on. The man's a plague, destroying everything in his path. He needs to be stopped... and I think if we work together, we can."

"I agree," Sirius replied. The Dark Lord could see the trust and determination in Sirius' eyes. This was almost too easy...

"What do you think we should do?" Sirius wondered.

*~*~*

Ginny and Tom sat reading their Charms textbook, all but oblivious to the world around them. Ginny glanced at the most intricate tapestry in their room. She knew that it missed Professor Montgomery, and it was terribly disappointed that his visit had been so short. The tapestry would probably be happier living with her Professor, she decided. She made a mental note to take down the tapestry later, and have one of their friends give it to Professor Montgomery.

They studied in silence, until Ginny's mind started wandering back to her conversation with master Snape yesterday, where he had asked them to share his cover as a double agent. Since then, she hadn't been able to get a straight answer from Tom about how they were going to pull of such an insane feat.

"You never answered my question yesterday, Tom," Ginny reminded him. "How are we going to pull off that double-agent stuff, you told master Snape we would do? You know, when I agreed to this plan of yours, I didn't think I would end up pretending to be a Death Eater in training."

"Pretending has nothing to do with it," Tom replied. "As long as you think of it as that, you won't be capable of assisting me. For all intents and purposes, we are a Death Eater in training. Initially, Snape's plans, as well as our position amongst the Gryffindors, kept us out of the line of fire. But now, circumstances have changed. We have no choice but to become a spy for the Light, or perish. Actually, I'm surprised that I didn't think of that implication sooner."

"Would you have done anything differently, if you had known?" Ginny asked.

"No," he answered, honestly.

"Great, Tom!" she thought, sarcastically. "That'll really help us! The next thing you know-"

"I'd stop while I was ahead, if I were you," said Tom, cutting her off. "You don't want to go making predictions that will get us into even more trouble! Provided that such a thing is still possible."

"What? Are you saying this is my fault?" Ginny thought, loudly. "That all of this could have been avoided, if I didn't have The Sight? Well, guess again! You're wrong, you son-"

"I think what he was trying to say-" Ix Chel started.

"Stay out of it!" Ginny and Tom thought in unison, glaring at Ix Chel. Ix Chel bowed her head, sullen.

"Now listen, my little princes, and listen carefully," he said in a low, icy tone. "We have no choice! You know that - I know that. Don't play dumb with me, just because you're starting to get squeamish! You know the prices of winning or losing, just as well as I do. I may not have thought of this consequence, but that doesn't change the task at hand, or our role in things. I know that this may be hard for you, but we can, and we will do this!"

"How?" she asked, tightly controlling her tone.

"By maintaining an air of mystery, and playing both sides against the middle, just enough to not give the game away," Tom explained. "To do this, we must do more than pretend to be our cover, we must become it. With our gifts for reading and manipulating others, we'll know for whom to perform, and when. If you really think about it, we've been doing that from the start. Look at the way we've handled the suspicion surrounding us. Thanks to our efforts, no one has a clue that I still live."

"This is your brilliant argument?" Ginny asked. "What about the ambush in Gryffindor Tower? We've managed to avert suspicion so well that Albus Dumbledore and Gryffindor House betrayed us, then abandoned us!"

"This has nothing to do with what happened to us, and you know it!" he snapped, losing his patience with her. "Tell me, Ginny, who are you really angry with, them, yourself, or me? If you want to take your frustrations out on someone, take them out on someone who deserves it!"

"I... Damn, inescapable logic!" she mentally cried. "I hate it when you're right!"

"And I hate it when people start arguments, just because they're afraid to cope!" Tom accused.

Neither spoke for a while.

"This isn't our fault," Ginny thought, breaking the silence.

"No, it isn't," affirmed Tom.

"But we can handle this," she thought.

"Yes, we can," he replied.

"I'm sorry that I lost my temper, Tom," Ginny apologized, tersely.

"Yes, you are," Tom observed smugly, making Ginny smirk. "Feel better?"

"Actually... Yeah, I do," she answered, ignoring his last comment.

"Good," Tom said. "We should work out the details of our cover later on."

"Alright," Ginny agreed. They went back to their Charms textbook, ignoring the annoyed, flustered look on their familiar's face.

*~*~*

Harry met up with Alexis at the entrance to the Dungeons. They headed towards the Great Hall at a leisurely pace. Halfway there Alexis stopped.

"I'm really not in the mood to answer questions tonight," she said.

"Me neither," he agreed. "Wait, I've got a better idea! Come with me."

He grabbed her hand and lightly pulled her along when she didn't move.

"Where are we going?" Alexis asked, as he led her upstairs.

"To the kitchens," Harry answered. "We've got permission from Professor McGonagall to eat there, remember?"

"Of course," Alexis replied. "Good idea, Harry! We'll finally be able to eat in peace for a change."

Hand in hand, they entered the kitchens. Winky came over to greet them, smiling brightly about something.

"Hello Harry Potter sir and Madam Alexis Levine," the house elf welcomed them.

"Hey, Winky," Harry replied. "We're planning to eat here to-"

"Say no more, sir, we'll take care of everything!" Winky answered, eagerly. "Wait here! What you want will be prepared shortly!"

Then Winky ran off, whispering orders to the other house-elves as she went. Alexis shot him a questioning look and he shrugged. Several minutes later Winky returned but, instead of leading them to their usual spot, the little elf led them to a small, cozy room. Inside there was a large round table covered with beautiful tablecloth. The table itself was laden with a veritable feast. He noticed that the two chairs at the table were placed closely together. The only light in the room came from the large, ornate fireplace, and the centerpiece of three scented tapers, each in an elegant silver holder. Harry could hear light, soothing music coming from somewhere in the background. This... display was a bit excessive, even by house-elves' standards. He glanced at Alexis. She was loving every bit of it! Well, if she liked it... why not enjoy it?

"If you be needing anything, just ring for us," Winky said, pointing to a large silver bell on the table. "Enjoy your evening, Harry Potter sir and Madam Alexis Levine."

The house elf winked at him and left, soundlessly sliding the door shut behind her. Harry shook his head, beginning to feel nervous for some mysterious reason. He ignored his sudden, odd trepidation and pulled out a chair for Alexis. She smiled and sat down. His features seemed to get a mind of their own, as he smiled back and began to blush. He managed to will away his reaction before Alexis saw it, and pushed in the beautiful Slytherin's chair. He moved his chair away slightly and sat down, afraid of making her uncomfortable by sitting too close.

For a little while they ate in companionable silence, until Alexis started asking him what it was like to be Prefect, as if she was determined to make conversation. Harry wondered if she was feeling a little nervous also. As they talked, he felt his nervousness and awkwardness ebb away and she seemed to relax too. During dessert they started unconsciously inching towards each other, until they were almost touching. Harry could swear that he felt her body heat, even at this distance. He looked into her expressive, dark green eyes and wanted to lose himself in them. He found himself wishing that this moment would never end.

"It's hard to believe that the weekend's almost over, and we'll all have to go back to playing our assigned roles in the morning," she said, softly.

"Yeah," he replied in the same tone. "But with everything's that's happened, our roles won't be quite the same, will they?"

"True," she whispered, leaning in until their faces were mere inches from each other. "I suppose, considering the circumstances... acting a little out of character wouldn't be inappropriate..."

Harry and Alexis leaned in for a kiss.

Bang!

They jumped apart as if electrified, startled by the loud crash. In an instant, they were out of their seats with their wands drawn, both aiming at the source of the disturbance. They looked down and saw the last thing they expected to see. On top of the broken door were Dobby and four other male house-elves lying in a tangled heap of arms and legs. From the looks of it, the door had been ripped off its hinges by the elves' combined weight.

"Dobby!" he shouted, angrily. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Mr. Harry Potter, sir... Uh..." the house elf sputtered, utterly embarrassed.

"Dobby!" Winky yelled, somewhere in the distance. Dobby flinched. Winky came running in ashen-faced. She turned to the other four house-elves, which had by then managed to disentangle themselves and stand, leaving Dobby alone on the floor. "You four, get out of here. I'll deal with you later!"

They nodded and ran out of the room.

"As for you, Dobby..." Winky continued, grabbing Dobby by one of his floppy ears. Winky started pulling the elf towards the door by the ear, without giving him a chance to get up. "I'm going to remind you why it's impolite to eavesdrop on one's private moments!"

"But, Dobby-!" the elf started.

"Don't 'but Dobby' Winky!" the lady elf chided. "Winky knows better than to fall for that!"

Dobby sobbed unpleasantly as they left the room. A moment later, Winky's head reappeared, the rest of her, not to mention Dobby, being hidden.

"Please excuse my Dobby, and the minor interruption!" Winky apologized, sadly. "I promise that no house-elf will ever pull such a stunt again! Please, go back to whatever you were doing, and enjoy the rest of your meal."

Harry and Alexis turned their gazes back to each other, as Dobby's sobs and Winky's shouting faded into the background.

"Considering the way Winky reacted, I almost feel sorry for Dobby," Alexis said.

"Almost," Harry agreed.

They broke down into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.

*~*~*

Severus sat on the sofa in Virginia's room, with a large meal sitting on the table in front of him. Virginia sat on her bed facing him, already eating the chicken wings the house-elves had brought for her. Ix Chel sat at the foot of the bed with a contemplative expression. He stared at Virginia's blissful expression, wondering how much more she experienced when eating. From the way the girl acted, Severus was certain that nothing short of an explosion would wake her from her trance, unless someone took away her plate. He chuckled at the thought. He pitied anyone who tried that without adequate reason. Severus picked up his knife and fork.

"Wait," Ix Chel said. "We need to speak first."

He put down his utensils and turned to the young snake.

"What is it, Ix Chel?" Severus asked.

"Virginia is being... difficult with me," Ix Chel informed him. "She is not taking the pressure as well as she has led you to believe. I fear she is close to the breaking point. Too much is shifting too fast for her. I think my young one needs a sympathetic ear that is further from the problem, as well as additional preparation for Monday's trial. Virginia will not admit it, but she needs a better understanding of the more complex subtleties required for the task."

"Why would she keep this from me?" Severus asked.

"Virginia is prideful and takes great stock in your opinion of her, master," Ix Chel answered. "She doesn't want to appear weak in front of you."

Bloody, foolish, Gryffindor pride! He thought, caustically. Of all the times for it to rear it's ugly, imbecilic head.

"I will discus the matter with her when dinner is over," Severus decided. "Is there anything else I need to know?"

"We must start work with the willingly given ingredients by tomorrow night," Ix Chel pressed.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because the process must begin within eight days after collection," Ix Chel explained, cryptically. "Or we must begin again."

"Even if the charms in the collection containers keep everything in suspended animation?" Severus asked.

"Especially because of that," Ix Chel hissed.

"Don't worry about your little project," he reassured her, still uncomfortable with the concept of working blind. "We will get the job done."

"I hope so," Ix Chel hissed under her breath.

Severus resisted asking Ix Chel useless questions. Instead of just enjoying his evening meal as he had planned, he forced himself to work out what he was going to say to Virginia. When Severus had finished eating and returned to himself, Virginia was feeding Ix Chel, who now sat on her lap. He watched the girl's familiar finish eating, before trying to catch her attention

"Are you aware, Miss Weasley?" Severus asked.

"Yes, master," she replied, trying to look attentive.

"Are you sure that you can handle the class schedule that Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, and I have worked out for you?" Severus asked.

"I think so," she answered.

"And your new image?" he probed.

"I think I can do it," Virginia replied. "But..."

"You're having trouble believing that the ruse will be effective against the whole school?" Severus asked.

"Yes," she answered.

"Will it be easier if I can give you a more practical example to work with?" he offered.

Virginia nodded, looking uncertain. Severus sighed. He knew just how she felt, and that was part of the problem. Severus worked with her on some of the subtleties she needed, which were never part of her Gryffindor education. He watched as Virginia listened sagaciously, burning every detail into her mind. With her enhanced perceptions he wondered what subtleties he was teaching.

"Keep in mind that instruction will only take you so far," Severus cautioned her. "The only way you'll be able to learn some of this, is from experience. Outside of this room you must do more than play a role, you must live it. You must learn to bury your real self out there. To be realistic you must eat, breathe, work, and live your role, or you will fail to fool them. Remember, in here you are Ginny Weasley, another hapless soul trying to survive the war in one piece. But out there you are Miss Virginia Weasley, my apprentice. You are an outsider to some and a traitor to others. You're new to the game Darkness plays with the Light, but you're more than equipped to handle it. Do you understand?"

"Yeah, I think I really do," Virginia said, sounding much surer than before. "Master... Can I confide in Alexis about this? I think I'm going to need someone before this is over."

"Very well, Miss Weasley," he agreed, remembering what Ix Chel had told him. "One more thing, I don't want you to hesitate in coming to me again. Both your mental and physical health are important to me. It won't do either of us any good if something happens because you were afraid to tell me."

"Yes, master," she promised. "I will."

"Good," Severus said. There was a knock at the door and he answered it, letting Miss Levine inside. He bid the girls good night and left.

*~*~*

Zach walked into his friend's office, seeking answers. He found Albus sitting at a small table in the center of the room, having dinner. He just didn't have any energy left to yell at Albus, or bring him to task. He took a seat across from the Headmaster, and placed the scroll on the table between them. He couldn't bear to look his friend in the eye, not after what he had just borne witness to. It was obvious from the other man's thoughts and emotions that Albus felt grief over the results of his actions. He also felt an insurmountable guilt from his friend but, Zach wasn't sure if Albus felt guilty for harming Sybil, or for getting caught... and deep down, he was afraid to find out. Zach hated it when he couldn't remain enraged at someone, no matter how much he might want to.

"Why?" he asked, feeling desolate.

"Sybil had a nightmare just after she started teaching here," Albus explained. "She dreamed that she would end up immersed in other peoples' pain at St. Mungo's. Sybil... was deathly afraid of hospitals, and believed that her dream was a vision of the future. She insisted that I agree to take a wizarding Power of Attorney over her to prevent that from happening."

"But you didn't believe her prediction at the time," Zach whispered. "Then when the time came you became the cause! She would be overjoyed that one of her predictions came true, if she were aware of anything right now. How could you, of all people?"

"For what little it's worth, I'm sorry," Albus replied.

"Now you know what would have happened to Virginia, had you succeeded in sending her away," he whispered, cuttingly. "For years now, you've thrown people away when you haven't needed them anymore, as if treating people like pawns was right so long as it was for the sake of 'the greater good.' I hope you're proud of yourself!"

"I deserve that," Albus realized.

"Yes, you do," Zach responded. "And more..."

"But at least my methods still served a higher purpose, despite my mistakes." Albus' thought hung in the air between them.

"Served a higher purpose?" he asked, finally settling his gaze on the old wizard. "Don't you understand?"

"Understand what?" Albus asked, bewildered.

"Do you know that you're lying to yourself or are you just lying to me?" he accused.

"I'm not lying," Albus protested.

"You were a Seer yourself, Albus!" Zach argued. "You've never had our empathy, but you were one of us! How could one with the gift harm so many? With the rate you damage Seers, one would think you have a talent for it!"

"That's simply not true," Albus stated. "I know you're upset, but you can't blame me for things I didn't do. I've done everything I could for our kind, just as you have."

He remembered Virginia's prediction about Albus, and decided to quit while he was ahead. Sooner or later the man would understand the depth of his mistakes. Now was simply not the right time. When that happened, Zach would have to be there to help pick up the pieces.

"Never mind, Albus," he whispered, putting his face in his hands. He didn't even have enough energy for tears. "Just, never mind..."

*~*~*

Arthur sat on the sofa, alone in the darkened living room of the Burrow. He still clutched Professor Snape's letter that Hedwig had delivered an hour ago. Molly had been less than pleased about his new assignment, which would keep him at Hogwarts most of the time. Only the fact that he would be able to keep a better eye on their children while he was stationed there, and Percy's transfer, kept his wife from losing it. His son hadn't taken the news of his own transfer very well, and irrationally feared that it would mean the end of his career. Arthur knew that once Percy had spent some time with old man Perkins, that fear would pass.

What worried him the most was Professor Snape's letter. The Potions master had written to him about his daughter's prediction about young Hermione Granger, and requested that he keep an ear open at the Ministry, just in case. His current contacts and his new rank, thankfully, kept his presence at Hogwarts from being a problem in that area. Also, the mention of the possibility that Skeeter's escape was an inside job bothered Arthur. Who would want to set a pariah like her free? Arthur feared that they would discover her accomplices too late. Suddenly he heard two faint popping sounds as Fred and George Apparated before him.

"Welcome back!" Arthur greeted them, not surprised that they had gotten back so late. "A lot has happened since you left."

"A lot happened while we were at Hogwarts," George replied.

"Tell me about it," Arthur said.

Fred and George sat down next to him. He told his sons what had transpired in the last forty-eight hours. Then Fred and George told him about their visit to Hogwarts. Arthur listened to their news about Ginny, the strange results of her resorting, and their description of what Gryffindor Tower now looked like, asking questions every step of the way. He knew they were keep things from him, but he also knew they wouldn't do that without good reason. He trusted his son's judgement. They would tell him when they were ready.

"One more thing, mum told us to help Professor Snape in any way we can," Fred said.

"Professor Snape probably wouldn't want us to tell you this, but we're assisting him in a project or two at Hogwarts," added George. "So don't be surprised if you see us around from time to time."

Arthur knew better than to ask what George had meant by 'projects'. When he finally went to bed, the funny muggle saying: 'Out of the frying pan, and into the fire' wasn't so humorous anymore.

____________

TBC