My Eternal Curse

My Eternal Curse

By Mara456

Chapter Thirty-Four

The Learning Curve: Part Five - Unexpected Fireworks

Severus observed the pathetic efforts of his students, paying only enough attention to keep their blunders from being too costly. He was grateful that the Dark Mark had finally stopped itching, but something about that fact disturbed him even more than it's acting up had. Something just beyond his advanced senses still felt off. When the bloody thing had bothered him earlier, he could feel that the Dark Lord was happy, and that was never a good sign. He had succeeded in putting it out of his mind until Remus appeared at the classroom door. Severus went to find out what was going on.

"What are you doing here?" he whispered. "You're supposed to be working with Virginia."

Remus told him in a hushed whisper about the vision and what Virginia had done to save Zachary, in spite of her weakened state.

"You were right to assist her as quickly as you did," Severus commented, still whispering. "How are they faring?"

"They're still recovering in Zachary's classroom," Remus replied.

"Stay with them," he ordered. "I'll arrive as soon as I can get away, and Remus... Thank you for looking out for them."

"You're welcome, Severus," Remus whispered. "I hope you know that you can always count on me."

"You have been true to your word," Severus responded thoughtfully.

Remus left the classroom.

How could I have ever mistaken your obvious loyalty to me, as being nothing more than a Gryffindor's guilty conscience? Severus thought. He hoped that he could make amends with the werewolf once this full moon had passed.

*~*~*

Zach finished setting up appointments for each of the young Seers, so he could discuss their gifts with them in greater detail. He never thought he would meet people with powers worse than his own, especially considering that it was common knowledge that only a few people in each generation were born with The Sight. He was beginning to see that none of the precepts they'd been taught were true. The rate at which he was finding holders of the gift was nearly unbelievable, and if this rate held his class would be filled with genuine Seers in no time. Once word of this got out, it was going to cause a major stir in the Wizarding World. That stir will draw true Seers and charlatans alike to him, like moths to a flame. But thanks to Ix Chel, he would be able to help his people, restoring The Sight to its former glory. It was one of his grandest ambitions. And to think, the key to that had come from such an unexpected source. In his youth if anyone had told him this would happen, he would've thought that they were balmy.

When only Mr. Longbottom, Hermione, Harry, Virginia, Ix Chel, Arthur, and Remus remained, Zach sat next to Virginia, who was listening to her familiar's whispered hisses. It was amazing, sometimes, how things worked out. He had set out to protect Virginia, and she ends up saving his skin twice in one day. He had a pretty bad headache left over from Harry's vision, but he was incredibly lucky that was all he had. The chivalry and loyalty she had displayed on his behalf was not lost on him. Today he'd glimpsed the lengths she would go to for those close to her. He owed her; it was a wizarding debt he would do anything to repay. He fervently hoped that today was the exception to the rule. He doubted they could handle another one of these any time soon.

"How are you two feeling?" Zach asked Virginia and Ix Chel.

"Hungry," Virginia answered him distantly.

"Well, we can take care of that," he replied, summoning a pad and pen from his desk. "Ask for anything you'd like, and I'll have it delivered here. What do you want?"

"BBQ chicken wings with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a side of green beans," Virginia began. "A plate of spaghetti with sweet Italian sausage, smothered in a creamy cheese sauce... A glass of pumpkin juice. A large bowl of Vanilla ice cream covered in fudge, whipped cream, with a cherry. A plate of ginger bread cookies... Oh, and a plate of thinly sliced steak and fruit, for Ix Chel."

"Are you sure you want all of that?" Hermione asked.

"Professor Montgomery said I could have whatever I wanted," Virginia told her. "I want that."

"As long as you're sure, honey," Arthur said. "Just remember that your stomach has limits. You don't want to make yourself sick."

"Yes, dad," said Virginia automatically.

The rest of the group each ordered a light snack, then he charmed the paper with their orders to find the house-elves in the kitchens. Hermione and Mr. Longbottom moved several of the tables together, then the Gryffindor Prefect transfigured it into one large circular table, and everyone took a seat. Zach sat to Virginia's right, while her father sat to her left and Ix Chel slithered onto the table before her. Remus left an empty chair between him and Zach for when Severus arrived. Hermione sat between Arthur and Harry, while Mr. Longbottom sat next to Harry.

Watching Harry interact with the others Zach thought about the way the boy had acted during the vision. The person he'd glimpsed during the vision of the Dark Lord bore little resemblance to the persona of The-Boy-Who-Lived, the treasure of the Wizarding World. In that vision he saw a lost soul, resigned to being used and then disposed of. Even now, looking beneath the surface, he could perceive a kind of quiet desperation. So much was going on around Harry, so much was threatening to spin out of control, and still the boy continued to give everything he had... How could the child think so little of himself? How could Harry endure so much and not expect any consideration in return?

Somehow he doubted that The-Boy-Who-Lived could have gotten this way on his own. Then who...? Dumbledore. Who else was as expert at using people? Zach sighed. Why hadn't he considered this possibility sooner? Why had he put so much faith in the idea that the boy would simply bounce back, none the worse for wear? He had to speak with the boy's Head of House, find out which Professors Harry was close to, and see what he could do to repair the damage the young Gryffindor has suffered. Besides, he wouldn't wish that gift on anyone. The more he picked apart Albus' bloody, so-called 'accomplishments,' the harder it was going to be to look his old friend in the eye.

Two house-elves arrived with their food, placed it on the table, and left bowing backwards out the door. Virginia started in on the spaghetti first, savoring every bite. Zach placed a cooling charm on the ice cream to keep it from melting. He nibbled at his own snack, contemplating what he was going to say to Minerva about Harry, until Severus arrived. He knew at once that the Potions master wasn't happy that Virginia had put herself in harm's way again, but knew there was nothing he could do about it either. Severus took the empty chair next to him.

"You have to remember, there was a reason the girl was originally sorted into Gryffindor," he mentally reminded Severus. "Part of her will always be Gryffindor. Nothing you do can change that."

"You have a point," Severus thought.

"Don't I always?" Zach mentally joked.

"Don't push your luck," Severus chided.

"Why is Miss Weasley behaving like she's starving?" Severus asked aloud, watching his apprentice devour her meal.

The snake hissed a reply.

"Ix Chel says that Ginny's gifts are making great calls on her resources, and she's attempting to replace them," Harry translated for Ix Chel. "Ginny's diet is no longer sufficient. Ix Chel suggests that you add an extra meal during the course of the day, and two healthy snacks. That should stabilize her, and maybe even help speed up her recovery."

"That would explain several things..." he heard Severus' thought, wondering what he meant.

"I'll make sure the house-elves are informed, so they can make the appropriate adjustments," Severus replied.

"Why are you all talking about Ginny like she isn't here?" Arthur asked.

"Because she's so focused on the task of eating that she might as well not be," Remus answered the Auror. "A group of Death Eaters could attack and she probably wouldn't notice..."

"Unless they take away her plate," Severus thought, smirking.

"Don't worry about it," Remus continued. "As soon as she's finished, your daughter will return."

Arthur nodded, extremely uncomfortable with the idea.

"I'd like to know, Zachary, why you thought it was such a good idea to go into one of Mr. Potter's visions?" Severus asked. "Haven't you heard any of the rumors about his gifts? No offence, Mr. Potter."

"None taken," Harry assured him quickly.

"I thought you had more sense than that," Severus scolded Zach.

"No, I hadn't heard," Zach replied. "I have no way of knowing what will happen when I enter another Seer's vision. I saw an opportunity, and I took it. It's as simple as that."

"Still, you could have been killed!" Severus asserted. "It's a surprise that you've survived as long as you have, taking such foolish chances."

"I've never been in the company of so many people with The Sight before, so, until recently I haven't had much use for this particular talent," Zach explained. "Every time I use that gift is a risk, but it's one I have to take on occasion if I'm to help them. Surely, you see my position on this."

"I understand that you're trying to help your people," Severus sighed. "Just, next time try to be more cautious of whose head you jump into."

"I will," Zach promised. Severus didn't believe him, but dropped it.

"Before the vision were you able to make a reasonable assessment of my apprentice's current abilities?" Severus asked Remus.

"I have managed an initial assessment, yes," Remus answered.

The Professors took that as their cue to stand.

"Care to join us, Mr. Weasley?" Severus invited the Auror.

"Of course," Arthur replied.

They moved off to a corner of the room to confer.

"I've got good news, and bad news for you," Remus said. "The good news is that Virginia is anything but defenseless. Her survival instinct has sharpened greatly since the incident. Several of the trials I tested her on were at the seventh year level, and her solutions to them were... strange, resourceful, and very inventive. She's reached the point where I believe she could single-handedly, take down any of the Professors, present company included."

"Let me get this straight..." Arthur said. "My daughter could defeat any one of us in a fair fight?"

"Who said anything about fair?" Severus remarked.

"Severus is correct, it wouldn't have to be a fair fight," Remus confirmed.

"And the bad news?" Severus asked.

"Virginia's dangerously over-powered and, from what I've seen, unstable," Remus answered. "While she may no longer be a danger to herself, she is definitely still a danger to others. There's no way she can return to normal classes until she's gotten it under control. Another thing is her basic skills, her command over the simplest spells is shaky, at best. It looks like she'll need some remedial training in order to regain control of them. Are you seeing the same pattern I am?"

"A schism?" Zach proposed.

Severus nodded.

"What could be causing it?" Arthur asked.

"Perhaps, because she's over-powered?" he suggested, annoyed.

"That makes sense," Remus agreed. "Heavier magics naturally require more power, and her sense of how much is necessary has become skewed."

"Before her shift Ollivander also told us that her gifts were growing at an unstable rate," Severus mentioned. "This boost may have merely pushed that over the edge..."

"What's with all the conditional phrasing?" Arthur asked, frustrated. " 'Perhaps,' 'may have'... You're supposed to be the experts! Do you know or don't you?"

"No, we don't know," Zach answered truthfully. "As Minerva said during breakfast, when we were formally introduced, Virginia is unique. We have no baseline to work from here. For all intents and purposes, we're working from scratch."

Zach heard the sound of Virginia's fork hitting her plate with a small clatter, startling everyone. He turned and saw her horrified expression, knowing instantly that she was having another vision, but it was too late to join her in it. Whatever she was seeing had to be powerful to cut through like that. They rushed to her side as the girl let out small, fearful whimper.

"What did you see?" Severus asked the moment she was aware again.

"Alexis has gone up to Gryffindor Tower by herself... she's trapped in that horrible place!" Ginny exclaimed, appalled. "Harry, you've got to save her! Hurry! You know what's in that room, and you're the only one who doesn't feel its effects!"

At Virginia's words, Harry jumped to his feet, leaving the classroom at a dead run, with Severus at his heels.

*~*~*

Alexis walked up the long stairways to Gryffindor Tower, determined to see for herself the place she had agreed to fix. Throughout the last two weeks, she had heard numerous stories about the place. All of them agreed on only one thing: no two people were confronted by the same vision in that room. It was as if what they saw was some sort of distorted reflection of themselves. What would she see when she walked in there? What would she experience when the abyss stared back at her? Alexis had no idea, but she needed to test herself, to banish her lingering doubts before Ginny finished assembling the gestalt, or she would be useless. She couldn't let her friend attempt to fix Gryffindor Tower on her own, but, at the same time, Alexis felt powerless to help her without answering those questions. She was sure that once she saw for herself, she could put these unfounded worries aside, and concentrate on helping her friend.

As she reached the top of the final staircase, she could feel the tension and magic suspended in the air. An unnerving disquiet grew in her as she drew closer and could see the ordinary looking ruins through the doorway. Alexis stopped at the threshold, staring at the badly damaged room. Every fiber of her being told her to leave, but she ignored it and plunged into the fray before she lost her nerve.

Alexis reached the center of the room before something stopped her. All at once, she was assailed by a maddening wave of despair, suffering, and a sense of terrified helplessness, reminiscent of when she had chosen to end her own existence rather than give in to Darkness. Ginny's echoed cries filled her ears, while the oppressive atmosphere made it feel like the walls were closing in on her. It was as if she was being buried alive in painful sensations and emptiness Alexis knew all too well. Tears began running down her face, as insurmountable guilt and grief consumed her, driving away all hope of escape. Was this what Ginny felt? Was this what it meant to feel truly lost? She didn't want to accept it, but the horror before her couldn't be denied. Ginny had needed her. Ginny had needed her and she wasn't there... she wasn't there! She fell to her knees, losing herself to the unbearable agony of the moment. Alexis knew, in that moment, what Ginny had known when the storm began, she knew that no matter what she did, she would never get out of it alive by herself. But, unlike Ginny, Alexis had no knight in shining armor to save her from herself. By the time anyone realized that she was missing, there would be nothing left to rescue. The only companion Alexis had in this endless nightmare was her own petrified wails.

*~*~*

Severus ran alongside Mr. Potter, wondering what possessed the Slytherin to do something so damned foolish. He felt like everywhere he went today, someone was auditioning to be a Gryffindor. He couldn't wait for this atrocious day to end, hopefully taking the bloody 'Gryffindor virus' with it!

"You're going the wrong way," he snarled, stopping Mr. Potter. "Professor Montgomery's office is that way."

"But Alexis-" the boy started.

"The internal floo network is faster, and far easier," he clarified, heading to the office with the Gryffindor close behind him. "What were you planning to do? Run the whole way?"

"But students aren't allowed, and-" Mr. Potter protested.

"When has that ever stopped you?" Severus asked, cutting him off.

They went up to the highest level, arriving at Zachary's office. Whispering a spell, Severus started a fire in the fireplace. He spied the small box containing floo powder on the mantelpiece, opened it, and threw some in, watching the flames turn emerald green. Then he took out his wand, showing the boy how to circumvent the protections that prevented children and unauthorized people from using the internal network.

"Go to Professor McGonagall's office, it's the closest floo to Gryffindor Tower that isn't blocked," Severus ordered.

Mr. Potter obediently stepped into the flames.

"Professor McGonagall's office!" Mr. Potter cried, vanishing through the network. Severus quickly followed, arriving a few seconds later at Minerva's office. They ran out of the room, removing the soot on the way. He made a mental note to teach the Gryffindor a good cleaning spell, so Mr. Potter's uses of the network wouldn't be obvious. As Severus and Mr. Potter ran up the steps they heard a hoarse agonized wail. He recognized Miss Levine's voice and wanted to speed up, but he couldn't risk leaving Mr. Potter behind. He prayed that they would get there in time.

Finally, they reached the top of the stairs and proceeded to the entrance of Gryffindor tower. Severus saw the hysterical Slytherin girl sitting in the center of the ruined room, beating her fists into the floor, sobbing, as she cried out in heart-rending sorrow. Mr. Potter charged into the room, heedless of any danger, and attempted to pull her out of there on his own. Severus went in after them, immediately being assaulted with shocking force by a cacophony of images, sounds, and feelings that were not his own. This time he instinctively pushed back, throwing off the Gray influence, focusing on only one thing, saving his student. Together they dragged Miss Levine out of the room and into the safety of the hallway.

That magical field had intensified greatly since he was in there last! What unseen force fed that nightmare? Was it their attempts to fix it, the people who reacted to what they saw, or both? He had no way of knowing. If that thing is fed much more, there's a chance it could grow, and reach the point where they may not be able to contain it. For everyone's sake they had to close off the Tower, and soon.

He watched Mr. Potter awkwardly hugging the crying girl, as the two rested on the stone floor of the corridor. The boy spoke softly to her, mistakenly believing that he could not hear them.

Let them have their moment... Severus thought.

"It's okay, Alexis," Mr. Potter whispered. "You're safe now. It's over."

"You came for me..." Miss Levine whispered back in a shaky voice. "You saved me from that awful place, but why didn't you see it? Why?"

"I wouldn't leave you," Mr. Potter replied. "I couldn't-"

"Why didn't you see anything in that room?" Miss Levine persisted. "Why didn't it touch you?"

"I'm an Atra Seer," Mr. Potter explained. "I've been linked to Voldemort since I was one. I've never been able to see anything else."

Miss Levine shuddered and Mr. Potter held her closer in response.

"Please understand, I had to go in there, I had to know..." whispered Miss Levine. "Ginny's been so good to me..." The girl began sobbing again. "I don't deserve it!"

"Yes, you do," Mr. Potter countered. "This wasn't your fault. They were just looking for an excuse to believe Ron. None of us could've protected her constantly. You know that. Don't blame yourself, it's not your fault."

"How can I help her?" Miss Levine asked. "How can I take this burden from her?"

Mr. Potter looked into her tear-streaked face as she turned her gaze on the boy.

"You know the answer to that," Mr. Potter whispered, his voice lowering ever further.

She nodded, looking away. The two teens fell silent, both reluctant to leave the security of each other's arms. Severus waited until Miss Levine had regained some of her composure before interrupting them.

"Mr. Potter, escort Miss Levine back to her dorm," Severus commanded. "You can floo to my office, so you won't be seen by others."

"Yes, Professor," Mr. Potter agreed, helping the Slytherin to her feet.

He led them back to Minerva's office and showed the boy a good cleaning charm to use once the two reached his office. Then he made Potter do the temporary counter spells on the entry point to the network to make sure the boy had gotten it the first time. He watched them leave for his office. Hopefully, Mr. Potter won't abuse the unofficial privilege he'd just given him too badly-

"What are you doing here, Severus?" Minerva asked.

He turned and saw her standing in the doorway. A brief glance at her thoughts reassured him that she hadn't seen anything. Good, he doubted Miss Levine could handle being questioned by her just now. This little breach was a Slytherin matter. As long as Minerva hadn't ordered Miss Levine to keep clear of the tower directly, he would deal with it himself. Now he had to take care of his own apprentice.

"Dealing with a Slytherin matter, if you will excuse me," Severus replied, throwing in additional floo powder. He stepped in to the fireplace. "Professor Montgomery's office!"

Severus vanished, leaving Minerva bewildered.

*~*~*

Utterly exhausted by the trial, both emotionally and physically, Alexis allowed Harry to put an arm around her waist to steady her on the way back to the Slytherin common room. Part of her wanted to get back to the security and comfort of her dorm as soon as she could, while another part of her would risk the humiliation of being seen like this by someone from outside her house, if it meant that Harry stayed with her. There was something about his presence that made her feel... safer, happier even. It was like she had always known him.

Alexis sighed softy. She just didn't know what it was about him that attracted her so. She'd never cared much for appearance or status. During her intensive Dark training she had learned to focus on her goals, and to never let trivialities deter her. Even now Alexis took the hard lessons she had learned to heart, but for some reason, she couldn't ignore these feelings. She needed someone to confide in, someone she could trust implicitly, which thinking about it now, was a very short list.

They arrived at the entrance to the Slytherin common room. Alexis said the password and they went inside together. The common room was half-filled with students. Her housemates saw Harry and all conversation in the room came to an unnerving halt. Draco and Pansy left their seats by the fire to confront them.

"You better have a good reason for being here, Potter," Draco drawled, calmly.

"Professor Snape ordered me to escort Alexis back to her dorm," Harry replied.

"Let me take you up to your room," Pansy offered.

"You should go now, Harry," Alexis said. "Thank you for helping me."

"It wasn't a problem," Harry said, keeping his eyes on Draco.

She watched Harry reluctantly let Pansy take over and then leave. Pansy helped her up to her room, gently questioning her the moment they were out of earshot. She told the elder Slytherin a convincing lie to tell the others, then gave her a partial truth that she and Draco would accept. Once Alexis was left alone she felt secure enough to let her guard down for a little while, and slept.

*~*~*

Ginny waited anxiously for her master and Harry to return. No matter what she did, she couldn't shake the image of Alexis suffering. She had to know if her friend was all right. Tom also felt deep concern for Alexis. The young Slytherin was a capable ally and a good friend, he would hate for anything to happen to her. Time passed slowly for the small group, as they awaited news in anxious silence. Master Snape finally came back, but he was alone. His princess feared the worst, but Tom knew better. The fact that Snape was here alone the way he was, was a very good sign.

"What happened?" Ginny asked quickly. "Did you find Alexis? Is she okay?"

"Miss Levine will be fine," master Snape informed them. "Mr. Potter is escorting her back to her dorm. He will be returning shortly. It's a good thing you saw her plight when you did, otherwise no one would have found her in time."

"In time for what?" her father thought, drawing her limited attention. "Why's everyone so afraid of going into the tower? What did my daughter really do to that place?"

Ginny turned her gaze on him, praying he wouldn't start asking those questions aloud, not here, not yet. She loved him and wanted to tell him, but she didn't know where to start or what to say. There is still so much he doesn't know, so much that she's kept from him. Ginny feared being rejected when he heard just the partial truth. She turned away. The time for that was coming, and there was nothing she could do about it. She'd rather face down a battalion of Death Eaters alone than face that conversation with someone who knew her so well, yet, at the same time, didn't know her at all.

Tom felt an intense desire to comfort her, but couldn't find the words that would make this step any easier. Having already been rejected by his own father for his gifts, he knew what it meant to feel the loss she feared, he knew what it was like to take this step. He doubted that Arthur would turn his back on her, but was prepared to help her across that bridge if they came to it.

Master Snape returned to his place at the table, and Ginny went back to her meal, briefly losing herself in the wonder of her senses. When she finished the scrumptious meal she regained her focus. Harry had returned and everyone was engaged in conversation with one another. Harry's discussion with Neville and Hermione drew her attention.

"...Of all the powers to get, I had to get the one that blows stuff up," Neville said. "What kind of power is that? No wonder I can't do anything right in class... All I do is sabotage myself, literally."

"Maybe now that you know, you can do something about it," Hermione replied.

"Like what?" Neville said, doubtfully. "Let's face it, I'm going to spend the rest of my life stuck like this."

"The true gifts in The Sight exist without number," Ix Chel said, with Ginny translating. "Listen to Professor Montgomery and don't fear your gifts. You will find that a Seer rarely has only one talent in their own skill-set, and that each talent may have varying uses."

"I can do other things, not just destroy?" Neville asked.

"That is for you to discover when you explore the range of your talents," Ix Chel said. "The first step in gaining control is trusting in Professor Montgomery to guide you."

"I'll keep that in mind," Neville said.

"Ginny, I've been wondering, earlier, how did you reenter Harry's vision?" Hermione asked. "I thought you couldn't interrupt one of those."

"I just followed a feeling," she answered. "Can Seers normally do that?"

"Not normally," Professor Montgomery explained. "As I understand it, each Seer functions on a unique wave-length, which is why they don't tend to share the same exact visions. I have the power to temporarily sync with another, forming a kind of bridge between us. The resulting overlap allows us to see and interact with each other, as well as share other specific aspects."

"Like pain?" Harry asked quietly.

"Yes," Professor Montgomery answered. "I believe that your current wave-lengths are very similar, which is why there can be vision overlaps between you. Basically, Miss Weasley followed Harry's familiar wave-length into a vision she had been in before, using a gift in The Sight similar to my own to disrupt the link without doing any permanent harm to either of us."

"Would it be possible for me to sync with others?" Ginny asked.

"I think so, yes," Professor Montgomery replied. "In all likelihood you would have to get to know the person's individual wave-length first... We're going to have to work on that to see how far it goes."

"I look forward to it," Ginny replied.

"I don't," Tom disagreed.

"Aren't you the least bit curious about my gifts in the Sight?" Ginny thought.

"Not when I'm constantly stuck with all of the side-effects and none of the benefits," Tom complained. "Thank Merlin, I don't have it!"

"With your penchant for off-hand comments, the world would be in serious trouble," Ginny agreed.

"Pro-professor Montgomery, you mentioned unconscious predictions before. How can you predict something, when you don't know you've done it?" Neville nervously asked.

Ginny and Tom listened to the exchange, feeling a little less harried by their day.

*~*~*

Zach arrived, as requested, at the Potions classroom to bring Virginia and Ix Chel back to their room, so the Potions master would be free to handle other issues developing around them. He still couldn't banish the irritating headache that had been caused by the boy's vision. It was almost as if it stayed to remind him that his work with Harry was just beginning. He found Severus and his apprentice standing in the classroom waiting for him. After exchanging pleasantries Zach took Virginia and Ix Chel back to her chamber.

"It's been a pretty rough day, but at least the worst is over," Zach said, watching as the girl sat on the bed.

"Don't be so sure," Virginia whispered under her breath. "Who knows what else will come out of the woodwork to get us?"

"You may have a-" Zach started, stepping forward. Without warning he was hit by a random vision.

"-point," Zach finished. He was still standing in Virginia's chamber, but everything had changed. "Not again! Now what?"

He looked around, trying to figure out when he was. Virginia sat on the bed staring at something with an impassive, entranced expression. In all of his time observing her, past and present, he'd never seen her so weakened, never seen her eyes so empty. The girl truly had one foot in the grave. He followed her line of sight, and spotted Remus who sat directly across from her on the sofa, watching her for any signs of consciousness. Zach noticed the sea of notes resting on the small coffee table, recognizing the handwriting as Miss Levine's, Hermione's, and Harry's. He now had a good idea of when, leaving the questions of who or why. He watched sense returning to the girl's eyes.

"Did you know that your pet is a Dark Wizard?" Virginia asked in a vague tone of voice.

"What?" Remus asked, utterly bewildered by her statement.

Zach was surprised by her words. How could she know about Black? He needed to find out more about this. She shuddered, as if trying to shake off something. He could sense from Virginia that she was reacting badly to something nearby. A second later, someone knocked on the door, startling both Professors. Remus got up and left the room, while Virginia watched the door with a sickened expression. She shuddered again, pulled the covers further over her, and began trembling. It was clear to him that the presence of something was hurting her. What could be having such a deleterious effect?

The door opened again, but it wasn't Harry, Hermione, or Miss Levine who entered. It was Albus, who closed the door behind him and turned to face the girl. Zach recognized the clash of incompatible magics between them, understanding that the concentrated Light magic that saturated Albus, versus the concentrated Gray magic that saturated Virginia, was what was causing her reaction. Staring at Albus, the girl recoiled in fear. Zach sensed his friend's true intent and knew what she must have seen.

Albus was planning to use Virginia if he could, or dispose of her if he couldn't. Albus knew what effect he was already having on her, but wouldn't let her discomfort get in the way. His friend started to advance on her slowly, with an expression of concern on his face, as his twisted determination intensified. Whatever the consequences, he was going to see his plans through.

"Merlin, forgive me for what I am about to do," Albus thought, frightening Zach.

The Headmaster began the Intentio Animi spell, using what power the old wizard still wielded to inundate her with pure Light energy. She groaned in pain, the surge of power consuming her, as it forced its way passed every psychological and magical defense left to her. Dumbledore invaded her mind, trying to use mental tendrils to enslave her to his will but true magical sync with the girl was impossible. Zach could feel Dumbledore refuse to be denied his prize and push even harder in response. The Light needed her power and they would have it, even if it killed her. The poor girl mindlessly clawed at the walls, desperately trying to escape, as she let out a blood-curdling scream of terror. Just as Dumbledore reached her bed Ix Chel attempted to strike, coming within a hairsbreadth of biting him. The power Dumbledore marshaled against the child reached a new peak as she got shakily to her feet on the bed, and attempted to climb up the wall in blind panic.

Before Dumbledore could react the door burst open and Harry, Hermione, and Miss Levine entered. Dumbledore took little notice of the other children, certain that none of them could stop him, but Severus and Remus ran in just behind them. The Potions master pushed passed everyone, seeing what the Headmaster was doing to his apprentice. Without warning or hesitation, Severus grabbed the girl's attacker by the robes, slamming him into the nearby wall with an audible thud. He watched as Severus held the Headmaster almost a foot off the ground, glaring at him murderously. Dumbledore stared at Severus, automatically turning the spell on him, but was rebuffed again by the same incompatible magic, and stopped the spell.

The overload of Light magic assailing Virginia ceased, causing her to grow faint and fall off the bed. Harry and Hermione stopped the girl's fragile form from hitting the floor, instead gently easing her down. The two Gryffindors held her as she sat in a sobbing heap; meanwhile the young Slytherin was at a loss as she watched the saga play out between the teachers.

"You bloody bastard!" Severus roared at the top of his lungs, shaking Dumbledore like a leaf. "What were you thinking?"

"What wasn't he thinking?" Zach whispered.

He knew that the Potions master was ready to kill their old mentor, and he couldn't blame him. It was what he would do, without a second thought. Is this what Severus was talking about before he and Minerva had interrupted them? No wonder Severus was so hell-bent on taking Virginia and leaving. What had Zach asked of him when he convinced Severus to go to Dumbledore, even if only for minor assistance?

"Let go of him, Severus," Remus reasoned. "Think about your apprentice. This won't help her."

Severus hesitated, fighting the deeply ingrained temptation to finish what he had started, but reason won out. The Potions master released the Headmaster, silently vowing to kill him later, if necessary. Dumbledore collapsed onto the floor, struggling to get his breath back. Remus helped the Headmaster up, and quickly escorted him out of the room. Unable to handle anything more, Virginia fainted, bringing the vision to a close.

Zach, wearing an expression of unmitigated sadness and guilt, stood in front of Virginia again. The weight of the experience and this new, terrible knowledge made him drop to his knees, immobilized by grief. His eyes blurred with tears and he let them fall, his mind trying to come to terms with what he'd just witnessed.

"Professor?" Virginia asked, standing. "What's wrong? What did you see?"

He couldn't respond. The very idea of what Dumbledore had done was abhorrent to him. Juggling babies over fire pits, indeed... He wasn't far off, if anything, his tirade that day was an understatement. If only he'd listened to his instincts sooner, he could've prevented this from happening. After everything the Headmaster and House Gryffindor had put her though, it was a miracle Virginia hadn't turned her back on the Light for good, it was miracle that she was still capable of putting her faith in anyone. Why hadn't he come sooner? Why are the innocent always the ones to suffer for our misdeeds?

"It's not your fault, Professor," Virginia whispered, as the girl knelt down in front of him.

"I wasn't here to protect you when I should have been," he replied, softly. "I am so sorry, Virginia! I didn't know. I thought I knew the whole story, but I was wrong."

"You're here now, that's what counts," she said, taking one of his gloved hands. "Please, don't do this to yourself, you're not responsible for the Headmaster's mistakes. You have a good heart, don't lose it the way Dumbledore did. Don't allow pain and fear to make you closed to the possibilities. Please, don't become an awful extreme, willing to sacrifice everybody for your own greater good. Not when you can be so much more! Your compassion is one of your greatest assets, and while it may hurt to feel, at times, it's far better than the alternative, never forget that."

Zach absorbed her words, seeing the unadorned honesty in them. Virginia made a handkerchief suddenly appear, without using her wand, and handed it to him. As he accepted it his eyes widened in surprise.

"How did you do that?" Zach asked, drying his eyes.

"Do what?" Virginia responded, perplexed.

"The handkerchief," Zach elaborated.

"Oh, that..." Virginia said. "I transfigured one because I still can't risk using a Summoning Charm."

"Transfigured it out of what?" he persisted.

"The air," she answered simply.

"To my knowledge, you can't really do that," he asserted. "Of course, I'm not a transfiguration expert."

"The air has molecules, we just don't see them," she maintained, still not seeing the problem. "It's just like turning a rat into a goblet. You visualize, and reorder matter into whatever you desire."

Seeing the look on his face, she frowned.

"It's not normal, is it?" Virginia asked, downcast.

"Sorry, but I doubt it," Zach replied. "I suggest you discuss this with Professor McGonagall tomorrow. She'll have far better answers for you than I do. Try not to worry about it, I'm sure this isn't as bad as you think it is."

"I will, Professor," she promised.

Zach's knees began to ache as he got over the initial shock of his newest puzzle piece. He stood, then helped the young witch to her feet. Ix Chel hissed something and Virginia turned away for a moment and nodded.

"I apologize for-" Zach started, but stopped himself when she shook her head.

"Please don't, Professor," Virginia implored. "Having a heart is nothing to apologize for."

"Is there anything I can do for you, my dear?" he asked.

"Please stay and have tea with us," she requested. "It would be good to have a nice, normal chat with someone for a change, and we could use the company."

"I don't think I'm qualified to give you 'normal,' I haven't had 'normal' since... before my gift in The Sight awoke," Zach said. "But I'll tell you what we can do. I'll recount a tale from the days when I was a student here, before my gift kicked in and let you be the judge of my normalcy."

Zach charmed a piece of paper to find the house-elves, with an order for a calming blend of tea, and a plate of fruit and pastries. Once that was done, he sat with Virginia and Ix Chel on the sofa. A short time later the elf arrived with their tea. Zach served them before sitting back, and beginning his tale.

"As you'll probably hear, in my introductory class I made my students throw out their old Divination notes in the Garbage Can of No Return," he began.

"The waste bin where anything you throw in it vanishes?" Virginia confirmed.

"Yes, well, it wasn't the first one," Zach recounted. "Here's the story of what took place during my first attempt of that charm, at the beginning of my fourth year. I've always loved charms. During my third year I got it into my head that I could improve upon established charms, and even create new ones. I had made a whole assortment of them during the summer before my fourth. I did creative little oddities like perpetual motion, concealment charms, speech enhancements, that sort of thing. When the new school year started I couldn't wait to try them out. One of the first I attempted was the garbage can, on my second day back. When I tested it, I thought it had worked beautifully. In my dorm every piece of litter I shoved into the bin disappeared, just as I had designed it to. So during the course of the day, I kept charming every bin I passed with my little creation. Little did I know where all the junk was really going. It hadn't occurred to me that I had, in fact, charmed the waste bins to deposit everything on a fixed point, until Professor Flitwick found me after my classes."

"Where was it fixed to?" she asked.

"Just above Professor Dumbledore's head," he answered. "As it turned out, I had spent the day hitting the Headmaster with masses of garbage."

Virginia and Ix Chel giggled. Hearing the girl's laughter was a welcome sound after seeing what she had endured. It was good to be reminded that she still could laugh.

"You're not serious!" she exclaimed.

"When I first found out, I certainly wished I wasn't," Zach recalled. "When I saw the Headmaster being hit with crumpled paper and leftovers every thirty seconds, I thought I was going to be expelled, but he didn't even plan on punishing me badly, he just wanted me to take the charm off. The problem was I'd never thought to create a counter-curse. It took the rest of the day for Professor Flitwick to come up with one, while the Headmaster hid in his office the whole time. By the time we returned to Professor Dumbledore after dinner with the answer, he was trapped in his chair, buried up to his neck in the half the school's trash. After Professor Flitwick, the then Prefect Vector, and I unearthed him, we went through the tedious task of going through the school, tossing things into every empty bin we found to see if it hit Professor Dumbledore, then undoing the charm. Dumbledore's office smelled funny for a week, not to mention the old man himself."

"What did he punish you with?" Virginia asked.

"A night's detention with Professor Flitwick, who spent that time showing me what I did wrong," Zach answered. "I took my Head of House's interest in my thoughts that night as encouragement to work harder at my experiments. So, Virginia, is that normal?"

He chuckled at memories of the fun he'd had creating minor chaos every now and then. He was never the exhibitionist Black was, but, before The Sight, he had enjoyed the spotlight on occasion.

"That reminds me of my brothers," Virginia said. "They were always coming up with inventive ways to get into trouble, still do, now that I think about it. It sounds like you were something of a prodigy in your youth. I'm sure any master would have been happy to train you. Have you continued your pursuits in Charms?"

"When my gift came on I discovered I couldn't have both," Zach admitted. "I still work in perfecting my understanding of the subject, but I couldn't pursue it the way I had dreamed of."

"Couldn't or didn't?" Virginia probed. "You regret what you think is a missed opportunity, when really it's not. It will only become that if you let it. If you still have the ambition to go for the title of 'master' in Charms, apprentice yourself to one. Professor Flitwick would probably love to help you get certified. Look at me, The Sight has invaded my life, but I haven't let that stop me. I am still pursuing my passion for Potions, despite my status. Why can't you do the same thing? If you push yourself, fight with every breath you have for what you love, you may eventually find that there are no limits to what you can accomplish."

"Your master was right, your heart is Slytherin," he concluded. "You've got all the right traits. Why didn't the Sorting Hat resort you there?"

"My true calling was elsewhere," she answered cryptically with a shrug.

"I'll consider the idea," Zach said, thoughtfully.

Ginny watched Professor Montgomery leave, hoping that her latest efforts to keep him off the wrong path were working. It was a good thing she hadn't told master Snape what she had seen when she first met the Divination teacher, or her master wouldn't be capable of remaining so close to Professor Montgomery, so unwittingly assisting her.

"It looks like Montgomery has run into a little snag in the hall," Tom warned her. "You might want to do something about that."

"Bloody hell!" Ginny exclaimed, reaching out with her senses and seeing what had happened. She scooped up Ix Chel, depositing her familiar on to her shoulders and ran out of the room. Professor Montgomery was standing just outside her door, trapped by another random vision. She remembered their earlier conversation about joining vision wavelengths and grabbed his exposed wrist, concentrating on reaching him as she had done during Harry's vision. Within seconds she found what she was looking for and joined him.

Ginny and Ix Chel stood next to Professor Montgomery in the corridor, but they weren't alone. Professor Lupin and Alexis with her wand ready, barred Dumbledore's path. Ginny and Tom still felt sick to their stomach in the extreme wizard's presence, but it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been in person. Professor Montgomery noticed her, but Alexis spoke before he had a chance to acknowledge them.

"That's far enough, Professor," Alexis ordered, determined to protect her friend.

"What is the meaning of this?" Dumbledore demanded, annoyed by master Snape's new lines of defense. Ginny looked past the blazing Light aura, seeing why he came here in the first place. Dumbledore wanted to dispose of her any way he could and take back his property. His what? What could they have that he would ever want? Ginny tried to delve deeper, but the harder they looked the more ill they felt, forcing her to stop. So, it was true, Dumbledore had come to destroy her that day. She saw Professor Montgomery's expression, realizing that he was seeing the same awful intent. She took his hand, attempting to reassure him with her presence.

"Professor Snape has insisted on some... unconventional precautions for his apprentice," Professor Lupin explained matter-of-factly. "I'm afraid you will have to leave the Dungeons. Or I will escort you out, if you prefer."

Dumbledore visibly tensed, readying himself for a conflict, while Alexis chose the perfect spell to disable him, if necessary.

"Please leave, sir," Alexis implored. "I don't want to do it, but I will if I have to."

"You can both relax, I'm not here to harm Virginia," Dumbledore lied, hoping to get them out of his way without firing a shot. "I just wish to see her, and make sure she's al-"

"Just like you did yesterday, when you magically assaulted her," her loyal friend accused in a deadly whisper, barely keeping her tone in check.

"Put down your weapon, Miss Levine, that's an order," Dumbledore commanded, in a voice that permitted no argument. She glared at him, and tightened her grip on the wand, keeping her emotions reined in tightly, determined to not let them cloud her judgement.

"Sorry, sir, but I can't do that," Alexis replied evenly. "Professor Snape gave me a job to do... to protect my friend. I've failed Ginny twice. I won't do that again! Now, please, save us both the trouble of dueling, and back away."

Ginny tensed at Alexis' words. In response, Professor Montgomery gently tightened his grip on her hand, reminding her that she wasn't alone.

"Albus..." Professor Lupin said warily. "There is nothing more you can do here. I suggest you leave, now."

Ginny sensed that Dumbledore found their devotion to her and her master... touching, but he wouldn't let it stop him from doing this ugly, however necessary task. He regretted that there wasn't another way.

"Very well," Dumbledore said, backing away slowly. Without warning, he went for his wand, intending to disarm them, but the young Slytherin was faster. Alexis shouted the last incantation Dumbledore had ever expected to hear from a fifth year, and transfigured the Headmaster into a cute, little, floppy-eared, white rabbit, with half-moon markings on his face, shaped like Dumbledore's spectacles.

"I did try to warn you, Albus," Professor Lupin said, shaking his head at the girl's surprising feat.

"That worked better than I thought it would," Alexis murmured. She stupefied the rabbit when it attempted to flee, and picked him up. Alexis held the Headmaster, petting his soft, fluffy fur. "I've always loved bunnies..."

Professor Lupin laughed, startling Alexis. Her friend turned to face the Professor, still petting the Headmaster's limp form.

"Can I take him back upstairs, sir?" Alexis asked respectfully. "I know he won't be happy with me, but I think it's safer for Ginny if I take him back, right now."

"Alright," Professor Lupin agreed, before heading into Ginny's room. "Make sure you change him back once you've left the Dungeons."

"Of course, Professor," Alexis replied. Her friend walked off with the rabbit, releasing them from the vision.

Ginny released Professor Montgomery's wrist and leaned back onto the wall for support. She had participated in too many visions today, and their effects were getting to her. However, her discomfort was the last thing on her mind; what mattered now was how her teacher was taking the other half of the tale.

"He came after you again the very next day..." Professor Montgomery whispered, sickened, as he silently vowed to never turn into what he had just seen.

Neither Ginny, Tom, nor Ix Chel knew what to say. They had no urgings or gentle words to offer the Divination teacher that she hadn't already given him. They felt lightheaded, giving in to the overpowering urge to slide down the wall, coming to a rest on the cold stone floor. It was becoming so hard to focus but she couldn't rest, not yet. The silence dragged on until Ginny couldn't take it anymore and felt compelled to speak.

"Professor?" she whispered weakly. He spun around, noticing for the first time where she was. Professor Montgomery instantly sprung into action, picking her up, and carrying Ginny back to her bed.

"Are you in any pain?" Professor Montgomery asked, overly concerned.

"No, I'm just a little tired, that's all," Ginny hastily replied, trying to allay his worry. "I-I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Dumbledore's second attempt to see me. I didn't think-"

"This is not your fault, Miss Weasley, it's mine for not asking..." Professor Montgomery asserted, concern still filling his voice. "Will you be alright by yourself?"

"Yes," she replied. "What are you going to do?"

"I need to pay a visit to your master," Professor Montgomery answered. "Get some rest, I'll see you tomorrow. Goodbye, Miss Weasley."

"Goodbye, Professor and, thank you... for staying with me earlier," Ginny said.

Professor Montgomery made sure she had everything she needed before leaving her. Ginny sighed, hoping the Professor wasn't going to do anything rash.

"Relax, my little princess, Montgomery can take care of himself," Tom said in a soothing tone. "Personally, I doubt he wants to be anywhere near the old fool any time soon."

"What do you think he's going to do when he sees Dumbledore again?" Ginny wondered.

"I think that's between him, and Dumbledore," Tom replied.

Ginny sighed heavily.

*~*~*

Severus sat in his office grading papers, finding the innate normalcy of the task oddly relaxing. There was something deceptively safe about immersing oneself in the little things of everyday life. He knew this peaceful interlude wouldn't last, that sooner or later, someone or something would show up to remind him of how much everything had changed. To remind him of the fact that the very nature of his magic had been irrevocably altered, that even practicing his first love, Potions, wasn't the same. His new magic had found its way into everything he touched. After reading up on Gray negative shielding, he knew that he could neutralize the effects, but he wasn't sure he should. The Gray could be very useful in his special projects, if only he could learn to harness it, Severus thought as he finished grading the fifth year papers, then putting them away. His advanced senses told him that Mr. Malfoy was coming just before the boy knocked. "Enter," he called. The young Slytherin entered the room. One look at the boy told him that this was important. He pulled out his wand, and immediately cast heavy silencing and locking charms, then bid the boy to take a seat.

"I heard about your actions in the Slytherin common room earlier. You did well watching out for Mr. Potter," Severus praised, holstering his wand.

"I did what was needed," Mr. Malfoy drawled. "This morning I received an enlightening letter from my father."

"And what words of wisdom did Lucius have for you?" Severus inquired.

"He wants me stay close to you and Ginny, to make her feel welcome in Slytherin, while continuing to discreetly nudge her in the right direction," Mr. Malfoy reported. "He also knows Alexis Levine's story and about her friendship with Ginny. Her parents want her dead for her betrayal, but, for the time being, they've been ordered to stay away from Hogwarts. My father wants me to assess the possibility of pulling her back from the path she's strayed onto."

"I figured as much," he replied. "When you report to your father, I want you to give him hope that Miss Levine can be retrieved but, that any seduction the Dark attempts must be done delicately, lest they risk permanently losing her power, and her influence over Miss Weasley with it."

"Sir? Wouldn't it be better if they believe that Alexis has left the Dark for good?" Mr. Malfoy asked, perplexed. "She sold out her parents, it would be easy to convince them of it."

"No, the tale you will impart to them is that Miss Levine reacted out of fear, that her parents had pushed too far, too fast," Severus said. "I need you to accidentally imply that she is merely one example of a much larger problem. I need Lucius to doubt the Slytherin Death Eater's methods thus far in recruiting their children. I need him to wonder if they're pressing their young into service too fast. With luck, it'll force him to change his tactics, giving us more time. As for Miss Levine, both sides must see a potential ally, for her safety as well as Miss Weasley's. At this juncture, if either side considered her a threat, it would put them both at risk. What else did he tell you?"

"I've been ordered to get closer to Professor Montgomery, and make sure he doesn't hinder your progress," Mr. Malfoy stated. "Father informed me that he and Montgomery are cousins, and that the Seer has been useful in the past. One more thing, he's finally revealed to me the identity of my godfather, the only person my father trusted enough to raise and safeguard me - Professor Zachary Alvin Montgomery. Don't let the Seer's last name or former house fool you. If father trusts him, despite his blood, it is for a damned good reason. Lucius is notoriously, justifiably, paranoid. He hid the identity of my godfather so no one could use Montgomery to get to the family, a sound move. He trusts the Divination Professor because he's proven himself to be a true Malfoy, a Malfoy willing to do anything for the sake of the family, and of its Patriarch! If I were you, I wouldn't trust Montgomery as far as I could throw him. Malfoys born with The Sight have the potential to be the most powerful, cunning, and deadly of the clan, but half of them are driven insane by it. By right, Montgomery could challenge Lucius for the title of Patriarch, but he hasn't, otherwise my father never would have trusted him so much. In my opinion letting him into the inner circle would be suicide."

"I already know of the Seers family connections," Severus replied, thoughtfully.

"You do, and you've allowed him to remain so close to both you and your apprentice?" asked Mr. Malfoy, surprised.

"Montgomery's already confessed most of this to me," he informed the boy. "Is what you've told me about the Malfoy Seers something you've come up with on your own, or what your father has spoon-fed you your entire life? I suggest you find out the truth for yourself, before you go making wild assumptions. Consider this question Mr. Malfoy, do you have any beliefs that your father hasn't given you? You may just find that you've been little more than your father's parrot all along. Professor Montgomery has devoted himself to our cause. He told me why he doesn't stand against your father. Lucius knows his Achilles heel, and, as long as that is the case, Montgomery is a self-admitted potential leak."

"What do you plan to do about it?" Mr. Malfoy asked.

"Make it so that your father can never again gain control of him," Severus said in a low voice. "I understand your concerns, but trust that I know what I am doing. Don't bring this up with Virginia. At this point she doesn't need the stress of knowing. She needs Montgomery. Is that everything?"

"Yes, my work with the others is proceeding as planned, I already have a doubter for Ginny to approach in mind," confirmed Mr. Malfoy.

"Good," Severus commented. "Remember, overconfidence will only get you killed, so watch your step. You're-"

He was caught off-guard by a knock at the door. He sensed that it was Zachary, who was horribly distressed. Severus cursed under his breath. He didn't want to risk this yet, risk them meeting after just hearing Mr. Malfoy's hostile interpretation. Some instinct deep within Severus warned him to be ready.

For what? Severus wondered.

It whispered to him without words that he would know it when he saw it. He did not like the sound of that. He pulled out his wand, and shut down the silencing and locking charms, but kept it ready, just in case. Zachary rushed into the room, saw Mr. Malfoy, and stopped in his tracks, watching the boy. Mr. Malfoy got to his feet, studying the other wizard. Severus knew instantly that Zachary's shields were down. In his state the man was broadcasting his thoughts for any sensitive in hearing range to perceive. He saw the man's distraught expression, and puffy, red eyes. Zachary had been crying, and emotionally was a wreck. What had happened to disturb him so much? What had shaken the poor Professor to his very core? Studying Draco Malfoy brought Zachary's mind back to the disaster that had finally forced him to flee, to realities that Zachary now had no choice but to either accept it, or be driven to distraction.

Severus watched as Zachary remembered how had he stood in Dumbledore's office fifteen years ago. The Headmaster's office was in a state of disarray he had seen only once, just after the end of Voldemort's first reign. Dumbledore leaned on his desk. Sitting apart from the clutter next to him were two scrolls from the Ministry.

"I'm sorry to take you away from Draco, especially after the loss of his parents, but there is an urgent matter that requires your attention," Dumbledore began, sympathetically.

"You talk about Lucius and Narcissa as if they'd already been sentenced to life in Azkaban," Zachary replied, mildly affronted by the ugly presumption.

"I apologize if my words were insensitive, I know that this... transition has been difficult for you and the little one," Dumbledore said. "I wish I could take this terrible burden from you."

"Thank you, but this is my burden to bear, no matter my surname," Zachary said, sadly. "What did you need me for, my friend?"

"It's about Lucius and Narcissa," Dumbledore resumed, heavy-heartedly. "I know you've been very close to them since the baby was born, and I think you know more about their activities than you're admitting. If you know anything about the work they've been doing for Voldemort, you should tell me. It would ease your conscience, and make it easier on them."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Zachary challenged, feigning confusion as the Seer prepared himself to repeat for the thousandth time the litany he had come up with. "I don't know what you're talking about. I told the Ministry goons all I am going to, and if you need me to repeat it, fine. I had nothing to do with Voldemort or the suspected Death Eater activities within my clan, nor do I know what either of them was off doing most of the time. What I do know is this: if they were Dark, I never knew it. Lucius and I have never been close, but he and his wife wouldn't deny me the chance to be a part of Draco's life, and I will always be grateful to them for that. There, do you believe me now, or would you like to threaten to use Veritaserum on me, like The Ministry of Magic did."

"I wouldn't do that to you, surely you know that, Zachary," Dumbledore sighed. "Why do you insist on protecting them? We have them in custody, currently awaiting trial. We both know it is only a matter time before they're convicted. With your testimony-"

"My testimony? By Merlin, Albus, do you know what you're asking me to do?" Zachary asked, horrified.

He understood what Dumbledore was asking of Zachary that day. The old wizard was asking the Seer to go against everything he believed, and do the one thing most never could, betray family. The old wizard had no right to demand that from the Seer. If Zachary hadn't come forward by then, he wasn't going to, and Severus knew that nothing Dumbledore said would change that.

"I do," Dumbledore answered. "But you must believe me when I tell you, that this is the right thing to do. You know Lucius is Dark, just as you know Narcissa is, and you know that they will continue harming others if they are let free. Look, if they are threatening or blackmailing you in any way, tell me, and I will protect you."

"They aren't blackmailing me," denied Zachary. "Why won't you just leave me out of it?"

"Because I know you, I know that you are struggling to do the right thing, but this isn't it," Dumbledore pressed. "If you confess what you know, I promise you they won't be sentenced to the Dementor's Kiss. But if you don't speak out, I won't have any control over the magistrate's decision."

"So instead they'll end up getting a parody trial, or perhaps none altogether?" Zachary argued. "I refuse to be a part of this travesty of justice. For one minute let's pretend that you assured me that they'll get a fair trial, and I believed you. Let's pretend that I know about some great skeleton in their closet, which would imprison them indefinitely. You're forgetting what I would be doing, in the process, to the person I swore to protect with my life, the innocent I would be making an orphan, Draco... Once he knew the truth, he would never forgive me, and that, if nothing else, is reason enough for me to wash my hands of this."

"Forgive me for suggesting this, but Draco doesn't have to know. No one does, we can arrange it so that your identity is never revealed," Dumbledore reasoned. "Please reconsider, Zachary, you can raise the child as your own. Let me help you put this behind you."

That suggestion was the last straw for the Seer.

"But I would know!" Zachary shouted, angrily. "I know you're trying to do the right thing, but so am I. If I betrayed my integrity, I couldn't live with myself. If someone asked you to divulge incriminating information on your brother, would you?"

"If it was half of what Lucius has done to countless muggles, I don't think I would see another choice," Dumbledore admitted.

"You have it all planned out, don't you!" Zachary accused, grabbing the two scrolls resting on the table and examining them. "Right down to my guardianship of the child! You've been using me for months, haven't you, using me to keep Lucius off-balance?"

"That's not true," Dumbledore denied. "You're upset, you're not thinking straight. Please don't discount this idea out of hand."

"Lucius was right, I'm not as similar to you as I prefer to pretend. I am a Malfoy, no amount of muggle blood will change that fact!" Zachary declared, dramatically. "They are my family. I won't be used any longer. I won't continue to play a part in this farce. If you want to sift through our dirty laundry, than you're on your own!"

Zachary tossed the two scrolls, which the Seer knew were charmed to be fire resistant, into the fireplace, not to destroy them, but to emphasize his point.

"Zachary, wait-" Dumbledore called after the young Seer as he left, slamming the door behind him.

Severus perceived Zachary's thoughts move forward to more than two weeks after his argument with the Headmaster, to the last time he'd seen Draco, and consequently, Lucius Malfoy. In the end, without the Seer's testimony, the Ministry had no choice but to let the Malfoys go. The strain of the events, coupled with his decidedly divided loyalties, was too much for Zachary, forcing him to take the step he told himself he never would. Zachary stood over Draco's crib in the child's spacious, dimly lit, and opulent nursery, watching the infant sleep, as he tried to summon the strength to say goodbye. The Seer wished he could put this off for awhile, wished that he had more time, but knew that if he did he would end up staying, never to be free of the vultures that were constantly circling above him. Zachary sighed ever so softly as he brushed a stray of lock of hair out of the child's eyes.

How much had his friend lost when he abandoned the wizarding world? Severus silently wondered. How much was he giving up now, in staying?

"I'm sorry..." Zachary whispered, his eyes blurring with tears. "I wish with all my heart I could stay, but if I do everyone will continue to use me until there is nothing left. I can't let that happen, anymore than I can change what or who I am. I love you so much. I will miss you more than anything..."

"You really are leaving this time," Lucius commented softly from somewhere behind him. Zachary turned to see his cousin standing in the doorway. "I figured you wouldn't be able to pass up the dramatic farewell. You never were one to waste an opportunity to show off your compassion."

"And you never were one to waste an opportunity to show off your deprecation," Zachary retorted, mirroring the other wizard's tone.

"I know what you did, or rather, what you didn't do, Narcissa and I are... in your debt," Lucius acknowledged, with difficulty. "There is no reason to be so hasty in your decision. Stay for awhile, and reconsider, you may discover that you merely require time to... adjust."

"Do you know, that's exactly what Albus said?" Zachary observed, taking minor enjoyment from seeing his cousin flinch, then picking up his large knapsack and slinging it over his shoulder. "And that is why I have to leave. It might please you to know that you were right, I am a true Malfoy... all the more reason to go quickly."

Zachary attempted to leave the room but Lucius refused to move.

"You're making a mistake," Lucius insisted. "What makes you think you can truly escape reality, escape your true nature? I've glimpsed you are, who you really are. You won't be fulfilled hiding in a little fortress in the middle of nowhere. You won't be satisfied by playing the role of the reclusive Seer."

"What would I be satisfied with?" Zachary whispered, feeling his resolve ebbing away at his cousin's words.

"What all Malfoys want, to pursue your greatest ambitions on your own terms, to create a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come, to protect the family interests," Lucius proclaimed. "Don't let Dumbledore stop you, don't allow the weakness in your blood to deter you from your true path. You've admitted it yourself, you are one of us. Just let go, overcome three generations of foolishness, and be what you were born to be!"

"I-I can't..." Zachary whispered, reminding himself who he was listening to. "If you want to start repaying your debt, then let me go, let me disappear. Please, Lucius, don't seek me out."

"In the name of our debt I release you into your splendid isolation, and will remain away until you return to the wizarding world," Lucius promised. "However, if something were to happen to me, I still expect you to look out for Draco, no matter your qualms about returning."

"Of course, I am still the boy's godfather after all," Zachary agreed.

"Good luck in your travels, Zachary," Lucius wished him, with uncharacteristic sincerity, stepping out of the way. "With luck, you will discover the clarity of thought you're seeking."

"With luck, I'll never been seen again in your lifetime," Zachary countered, heading for the door. Lucius whispered something as Zachary left earshot, something that chilled him to the bone:

"Don't count on it..."

Back in the physical world of his office Severus continued to observe the silent staring contest between Zachary and Draco, aware that only long seconds had passed. The memories he had just seen told him two things. The bond he had developed with Zachary was different from anything he'd so far experienced with others, and that Zachary's past relationship with Lucius was far more complex than the Seer had let on.

"Am I the only Malfoy Seer?" Zachary asked himself. Severus realized where the Professor was going with that, relying on his instincts to make the right choice as Zachary, and an instant later, Mr. Malfoy went for their wands.

"Expelliarmus!" Severus cried, disarming Draco before the boy could react. He pocketed the younger Malfoy's wand. The Slytherin glanced at Severus and back again, shocked by his sudden reversal. "You won't be harmed, Mr. Malfoy. Professor Montgomery, proceed."

"Conspicio Absconditus Prudentia!" Zachary said.

They both froze and Severus knew that they had found another one. His instinct told him that this was the moment where everything could go wrong. If he was going to do something, now was the time. Realizing what that meant, Severus acted, restraining the boy while he was still under. When they came out of it, Zachary was visibly shaken, while Mr. Malfoy went into a murderous rage, ready to tear the Divination teacher apart with his bare hands. But Severus held him fast, while the young Slytherin cried out in frustration.

"What did you do to me, Montgomery?" Mr. Malfoy shouted, enraged. "I'll rip you to shreds, you bloody bastard!"

"Draco is a Seer with dangerous potential-" Zachary informed Severus, quickly recovering from the strain of using the spell in his depleted state.

"You're lying, there's no way I could have The Sight," Mr. Malfoy denied. "Now release me, and let me complete my task!"

"It's time to allow Draco to see you for what you are, you no longer need to hide to protect the two of you," Zachary implored, speaking directly to the gift. "You've guided him in the past, there is no reason for that to change. Show him your true nature, allow Draco Malfoy to work with you, he's old enough to make his own choices."

"What are you going on about?" Mr. Malfoy mumbled, confused. The boy shouted again, struggling even harder to free himself. "I don't have it-" The younger Malfoy's tone unexpectedly shifted to a calm, accusing one, nothing like the boy Severus knew. "What would you know, you ran. You said you loved him, but you left us behind before I was capable of revealing myself to you. I know you, Zachary, you'll try to help us, but the moment something goes wrong, you'll leave again."

"Great, a gift with abandonment issues," Severus thought.

"I admit it, I ran, when perhaps that was the worst thing I could do," Zachary replied. "I love Draco, and that will never change. I can help him, you know I can. I'm not going anywhere. I can't, too many depend on me and there is no where else to go. Show him the truth. Allow me to be there for him. Please, leave this in his hands."

Suddenly Mr. Malfoy stopped struggling, going limp in his arms. Severus looked at him, realizing that Mr. Malfoy had fainted dead away. Zachary sighed.

"The more powerful the gift's hold on a person, the more energetic the reaction, and consequently, the more traumatic the release," Zachary whispered, shaking his head. "Considering how deep your denial was, Severus, it's a miracle you held it together as well as you did."

"I've learned to control my impulses, unlike these children you're looking after," Severus said, placing the unconscious figure back in the chair the boy had vacated earlier. "Do you know that you're broadcasting your thoughts to anyone within shouting distance?"

"No," Zachary replied, consciously beginning to raise his mental defenses. "I'll explain later..." The Divination teacher pointed his wand at Mr. Malfoy. "Ennervate."

Mr. Malfoy awakened with a start. Once the Slytherin saw that he wasn't being threatened, he closed his eyes and rested his elbows on his knees, putting his head in his hands.

"What was that thing controlling me?" Mr. Malfoy stammered. "It was like I was losing my mind."

"Don't worry, Draco, you're no more insane than the rest of us," Zachary said. "You have The Sight, and until now that gift has been divorced from you."

"Coming from you, that's a great relief, Professor," Mr. Malfoy groaned, sarcastically. "Why did I pass out?"

"Apparently its hold on you was extremely powerful," Zachary replied. "The last person with a similar reaction had dormant memories, which her gift kept suppressed in order to protect itself. Does anything seem different to you, anything at all?"

"No, other than the fact that it's too damned noisy in here," Mr. Malfoy shook his head. "What's happening outside, a riot?"

"A riot?" Severus said, listening with his normal senses, but he couldn't hear anything other than the sounds of their breathing.

"I was afraid of this," Zachary thought.

"Of what?" Severus thought back.

"Nearly every Malfoy Seer has had the power to hear other's thoughts," Zachary mentally answered. "In my studies of our clan's history, I discovered that particular talent caused half of the Malfoys with The Sight to lose their minds. They couldn't handle the constant overload."

"And you didn't consider this when you took it upon yourself to test him?" Severus thought. "Brilliant move, Zachary, now the poor boy can share a room with Trelawney."

"I'm not alone in this, you supported my decision," Zachary mentally pointed out.

"Good point," Severus acknowledged. "And so did my gift..."

"Let me assure you that there is nothing wrong with me, so stop whispering like I have some terminal disease," Mr. Malfoy drawled, annoyed. "It's a migraine, nothing more."

Severus and Zachary shared a look, then directed their attention back to the young Slytherin.

"I'm afraid it's a little more than that," Severus began.

"You've inherited the Malfoy Seer trait of telepathy," Zachary continued. "For as long as you live, you'll be able to hear the thoughts of those around you."

"If this is what it is to be awakened, then put me out again," Mr. Malfoy muttered. "I take it back, this is a terminal illness..."

The boy finally looked up, watching them with a calculating expression.

"I know an exercise which should help block out the background noise," Zachary offered.

Severus watched the Divination teacher take the boy through the exercise Ix Chel had shown them yesterday. When they were done the younger Malfoy looked more at ease.

"How's your head?" Zachary asked, concerned.

"Better," Mr. Malfoy replied, genuinely relieved.

"Come up to my classroom after dinner, so we can discuss working Divination into your schedule without your father discovering the truth," Zachary said. "The choice of whether to tell him should be yours."

"Lucius has ordered Mr. Malfoy to keep an eye on you," Severus mentally informed him.

"Has he, now?" Zachary thought. "Good, that will make this easier."

"I will, Professor," Mr. Malfoy agreed.

"Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Malfoy, you are dismissed," Severus said.

The moment the young Slytherin was gone, Zachary collapsed into a chair, letting his emotional turmoil surface again. Severus raised the silencing and locking charms, then returned to his own chair, and patiently waited for his friend to tell him what was wrong.

"I saw what Albus did to Virginia after the storm, I saw what he had in mind when he came back for her the very next day," Zachary whispered, desolate. "Virginia joined me in one of my visions, and the strain has left her pretty weakened. She should be fine, as long as she rests for the remainder of the day... I'm so sorry, Severus."

"For what?" he asked, gently.

"For not being here in the first place, for pushing you to ask for his assistance," Zachary sighed. "For everything."

"You made an excellent point earlier, one you seem to have forgotten. No one is infallible," Severus replied. "For all our gifts we're still human, still learning to cope in impossible circumstances. There is no shame in that. Whatever sins you believe you've committed against us, I forgive you. I don't how or when it happened, but I've come to trust you. Don't blame yourself for the past."

"That's harder for a Past Seer than it is for most," Zachary reminded him. "No matter where I look, all I see are consequence."

"Then stop trying," he counseled. "Sometimes the best thing to do, is to let go. I was wondering, what happened between you and Dumbledore after that argument?"

"I ended up avoiding him until I went into hiding," Zachary explained. "Three months after I had sealed myself off from the outside world, I received a letter from him. By then, I guess I had convinced myself that I was wrong about him using me during the war, so, on a whim, I wrote back. After that we kept up a friendly correspondence, and awhile later I even started sending letters to Filius. They kept me up to date on the happenings in the wizarding world." Zachary shrugged. "I guess I still needed someone to talk to."

"And in all that time Lucius left you alone?" Severus asked.

"He kept to his promise the entire time," Zachary replied. "He knew it was only a matter of time before I returned, and if Malfoys are anything, they're patient."

"You didn't mention any other powers Mr. Malfoy has yet, somehow I doubt telepathy is his only gift," Severus probed.

"Far from it," Zachary confirmed. "Draco has the power to see all the probabilities of what might be within a limited timeframe. If I had to guess at how far that extends, I'd say no more than an hour. In many ways, it mirrors your talent of short-term precognition, and will probably present itself to him in a similar fashion. I think, with time, he may even learn to manipulate probability directly. He would be a terror in a casino. The house would have a run for its money."

"Altering the probability curve, do know how powerful a gift like that will be in the hands of a Slytherin?" Severus asked. "A cunning Slytherin with a gift for seeing probability, combined with the added bonus of reading people's minds... Armed with all that, Draco Malfoy could develop into more than a match for his father."

"Or snap like other Malfoys have in the past, becoming an unpredictable threat," Zachary said, thoughtfully.

"You survived," Severus reminded him.

"I did, he may get through it as well," Zachary agreed. "He needs me, but I don't know how I'm going to get through to him, or even if I can. I haven't seen him since he was one, Severus. I don't know him. I left him under Lucius' influence for fifteen years. How can my efforts now compare to that? How can I defeat that?"

"If you want my advice, don't try. Despite appearances to the contrary, I believe he is nothing like his father," Severus said. "For Virginia and Miss Levine to have forged their alliance with him, he must want more than the perfect pre-planned future Lucius offers. Don't try to mold him into something he isn't, that's where your cousin made his mistake. Treat him as an equal, and get to know the person he's become. That should be a start."

"You're very wise," Zachary complimented.

"No, I've just drawn my conclusions from a lot of bad examples," Severus denied. "There's very little point in letting all that suffering go to waste."

"I think you've just described wisdom in a nutshell," said Zachary, smiling.

"I've been going over an idea in my mind I think your Ravenclaw intellect can help me with," said Severus, changing the subject. "I've been teaching here for almost two decades now. I have seen countless students come and go, but this year there's been an explosion of talents in a great deal more than The Sight. A potent concentration of magical power is building at Hogwarts, but to what end? Much more than merely our efforts are causing this. What is prompting this sudden occurrence of power?"

"There is an old Chinese curse muggles like to wish on one another, when they truly want them to suffer, 'may you live in interesting times,'" Zachary responded. "I think that is where we are right now. Since I first heard about your apprentice, I've had this odd feeling in my bones. We're coming to an end of an era, my friend. Who knows what the shape of the world will be when we are done."

He nodded, thinking about the prophecy. Zachary could tell that he knew something, but wouldn't ask him because they both knew that it wasn't time yet. They lapsed into silence, each wondering where things between them would go from here.

_________

TBC