My Eternal Curse

My Eternal Curse

By Mara456

Chapter Forty-Four

Necessary Deeds

In his office, Zach finished writing a reply to Lucius' 'panicked parent letter' as Remus had jovially called it, then sent it off with his cousin's owl. Sitting back, he enjoyed the peaceful stillness generated by the Gray permanent silencing ward, which Severus had installed when he had been here last. Suddenly, his moment of tranquility was shattered by a searing pain shooting through his left forearm, making him see red, closely followed by a terrible, maddening itch. Zach grabbed his arm, grateful he hadn't been standing at the time. It wouldn't have been so unnerving if the itching sensation besetting him was just a physical one, but this was a magical intrusion, scratching at the back of his mind. An insidious, demanding compulsion of vaguely familiar Darkness tried to overwhelm his senses. It commanded him to obey at once and Apparate to a specific location. At first he resisted, struggling to understand where this alien urge was coming from, but the more he tried to shake its influence, the further encompassing the compulsion grew. He had no choice but to escape the suddenly confining school grounds and follow its undeniable edict.

*~*~*

Severus, striving to keep himself from dwelling upon the condition he had left Virginia in, sat at his desk grading papers. Unable to focus on the work before him, he dumped it back into his desk, and slammed the drawer shut. Flashes of lightning illuminated the unnaturally darkened sky, accompanied by reverberating thunderclaps, indicating Virginia's current mood. He had tiptoed around his manically depressed apprentice for long enough. Even if he had failed her, even if, in the end, Virginia wanted to terminate her apprenticeship with him, he couldn't let her go through this alone. Only he knew the full extent of her suffering. He was her master. He couldn't abandon her in her hour of need! Striding towards the door, his Dark Mark suddenly began to burn furiously. The power of Lord Voldemort's summons compelled Severus to go before him. The Potions master froze, distancing himself from its influence as he had done countless times.

He didn't want to leave her, but he sensed that, this time, Voldemort was refusing to be ignored. The call coursing through his veins, through his very magic, was meant specifically for him. And there was something different, some new element that felt... wrong, for lack of a more descriptive term. It was an echo, as if there were feedback- Oh, no... The summons was affecting Zachary! Reaching out to his bonded one, he discovered that Zachary was already making his way to the school's perimeter. For someone who had spent fifteen years in hiding, his companion was surprisingly swift. He had to stop the Seer. There was no telling what Voldemort would do to Zachary if that bastard got his hands on him! Severus used translocation, as his apprentice had dubbed it, bringing his location and Zachary's together for an instant, then keeping his bonded one with him when the spaces separated again. Before the soaking wet Divination teacher could escape, Severus grabbed him by the shoulders, roughly shaking him in an attempt to draw his attention away from the call.

"Zachary, fight it! You're stronger than him, fight it!" Severus growled.

Looking around in confusion, Zachary sputtered, "Vol-Voldemort? Severus... What's happening? What is he doing to us?"

"The Dark Lord is summoning me, but over the years I've learned to resist," he calmly stated. "In time, you must learn to do the same. Until then..." He snatched Remus from his chair in the Great Hall and deposited him on the sofa. "...we will need capable assistance."

Landing precisely where he had intended, Remus prompted, "You called, Severus?"

Seeing that the werewolf was taking his intrusion with humor, he quickly explained, "Yes, I am being summoned. Zachary is also being influenced by it as a side effect of our life bond." As the maddening summons progressively worsened it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. His companion looked ready to bolt, however, he could feel Zachary using every ounce of will he could muster to hold his ground. He disarmed the Seer then tossed his wand to Remus before the Divination teacher could react. "You can gape about it later! It's imperative that you keep Zachary here..."

The Dark Lord's summons suddenly reached a new height. His companion pulled himself out of Severus' grasp and began pacing around while Severus fought to regain his eroding focus.

"It's getting worse, Severus!" Zachary complained.

"Damn it, don't you think I know that!" he snapped, sounding harsher than he intended.

The Defense teacher immobilized Zachary's body with a set of restraint enchantments before his companion's ability to resist gave way.

"Go, Severus, I'll take care of him!" Remus urged, keeping his wand trained on Zachary. "Go!"

Severus required no further urging to escape Hogwarts at best possible speed. He hoped the two people he cared for more than anything in his life could be made to understand why he had to leave when they needed him.

*~*~*

Ginny and Tom watched their master obey Voldemort's call. If they were ever going to restore Gryffindor Tower, now was the time. The last thing the trio wanted was to move, but they had to if they were ever going to face the ghost of that event. It was that or give Severus an opportunity to stop them. The image of Severus shouting at them, held helpless by a restraining field in their old Common Room, while they attempted to lead the Gestalt solidified their resolve. Tom figured the only obstacle now in their path was Ginny's mother.

"I guess it's now or never," Tom silently stated the obvious.

"Agreed, at least this is one personal demon we can face," Ginny thought.

Seeing the combination of fear and determination on her face, Molly asked, "What is it, dear?"

Placing Ix Chel on their shoulder, Ginny replied, "I'm sorry, mum, but there's something I have to go do." She got up and headed towards the exit, making the stairs reappear before she reached them. "Please, stay here till I get back."

"I'm coming with you," Molly stubbornly insisted, following her out from under the bed.

Ginny stopped. Already she was beyond exhausted. The daunting task of doing the 'right thing' drained the life out of them. Curling up and wasting away was so much easier. There were times they wondered if all this trouble was worth it. If Tom and Ginny didn't stop Gryffindor Tower's ghost, it would envelop Hogwarts. One day, it might even extend as far as Hogsmeade. They felt all screwed up inside, but nonetheless, she, Tom, and Ix Chel knew they needed to do this, not only for the sake of others, but for their own. This chance meant everything. They couldn't abandon it. It hurt to move. It hurt to care. The depressed trio was going to act anyway, because they were tired of despairing even more than they were tired of being alive. If this could ease their suffering, even just a little, they would do it. The trio wouldn't let themselves be sidetracked. Ginny and Tom couldn't bear the alternative.

She turned to her mother, emotionally declaring, "Then understand this. I can feel your love for me, mommy, and I love you too. In your eyes, you're only trying to help. You want to protect me, except you can't. You don't have the power. No one does, not even my master. My path is harsh, and ugly, and lonely. If your desire is to tag along then fine, come, but stay out of my way. I don't have time to coddle magical toddlers, whose ambition in life is to prevent me from doing what I must because they can't let go of their blind, know-it-all philosophy. Now, you can stay and learn to grow up like the rest of us, or I'll send you home, and believe me, that would not be hard. It's your choice."

From the look Molly's face, her mum couldn't believe her little girl could be so rude.

"The Ginny Weasley I know would never talk like this!" her mother scolded.

"I am no longer the Ginny Weasley you know, I... I'm sorry," Ginny held back her tears of pain and frustration. "I don't expect you to understand, but out there I have become Virginia Weasley. I am the first Gray witch to come into her powers in more than a thousand years, and I have a job to do!"

Focusing again on their task, Ginny pulled a comfortable dark gray outfit and a pair of shoes out of the closet, then retreated to the bathroom. She relieved herself and quickly changed. They picked up her depressed familiar and placed the snake back on her shoulders. Then, avoiding her mum's gaze, she left the room. Ginny halted when they saw Hagrid and Fang sitting in the hallway.

"Ginny! You okay?" Hagrid asked in surprise, giving her a hug.

Distinctly aware that her mother was still following them, she answered, "Not really, but there's nothing I can do about that right now. Hagrid, we need your help."

"Just tell me what ya need," Hagrid immediately agreed.

"You'll see for yourself soon enough," Ginny said tersely.

Getting down on one knee in front of Fang, Ginny tried to let Hagrid's familiar down gently, "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you can't come with your master on this one."

Fang whimpered, not wanting to be left behind if his master needed his help.

"I understand that you don't want to, but it's simply too dangerous," Tom artfully imitated Ginny.

With increasingly pitiful whimpers, the dog begged to come along.

"Okay, you can come with us to my master's classroom and hear what we have in mind, but no further, understand me?" Ginny relented.

Fang barked an affirmative.

"You're a brave and true familiar to want to come this far," she complemented, petting his sparse yet soft coat. "Don't ever let others lead you to think otherwise."

A flash of insight told Tom that something was off with their Professor's familiar, but he quickly dismissed it as his own jitters. Tom stood, feeling that time was of the essence. His little princess made sure that the almost endearing mutt was touching their leg, and then moved to take their large Professor's hand.

Offering their other hand to her mother, Ginny challenged aloud, "Do you really want to learn?"

Tom didn't quite know how Ginny felt about Molly. He suspected that she didn't either. In his view, the older witch's next actions would speak volumes more than her words had. There was an element to her that he didn't trust, something that reminded him far too much of his father. When faced with a similar choice, would this stringent Light witch turn out to be any better? Having before been damned by his own blood for being different, he wouldn't wish that fate on anyone. Tom hoped, for Ginny's sake, it was just his habitual paranoia clouding his judgment. Still, something told him to be prepared for what he was sure would be a crippling disappointment for his beleaguered princess if the worst came to past. Focused on taking care of this quickly, Ginny took little notice of Molly's brief hesitation when her mother took their hand.

In the blink of an eye, Ginny and Tom brought them to master Snape's classroom. Stepping away from the group, she effortlessly reached out to the other members of the magical Gestalt, making sure that only they would hear her message before addressing them.

Telepathically, Ginny summoned, "The time has finally come. Gestalt members, assemble in the Potions classroom. I'll be waiting for you there."

With that done, Tom hoisted them up onto a table to rest while they waited for their Gestalt's arrival.

*~*~*

"Anthony!" Melinda shouted. Running through the corridors of Mulciber manor searching for him, she began to regret coming home for the weekend. "Anthony? Wait a bloody minute, Anthony!"

She halted to catch her breath at the foot of the main stairwell in the foyer, cursing herself for losing track of him. No matter how old Melinda got, she just couldn't keep up with her big brother. Suddenly, the large, heavy, oak doors leading to the outside burst open and Anthony rushed in. When her unstable brother saw her directly in his path, he skidded to a halt.

"What are you doing?" demanded Melinda.

"Looking for my Nimbus," Anthony hastily replied, gazing all around him as though it would simply pop out of the air at the action. "Mum must have hidden it again."

"Yeah, to keep you from using it unsupervised and thereby breaking your neck," she sniped. "Where are you planning to go anyway?"

"I need to go back to school!" Anthony firmly declared.

"In case you haven't noticed, Anthony, you've already graduated," pointed out Melinda.

Undeterred, Anthony insisted, "I know that, but I need to see the new Professor. What did you call him? Professor Montgomery... Wait, isn't he that famous Seer, the one who disappeared a bunch of years ago?"

"Yes, but why?" Melinda questioned.

"Why what?" he asked in confusion, returning his gaze to her.

Surprised she had gotten Anthony to stand still for this long, she clarified, "Why do you need to see him?"

Resting his hands on her shoulders, Anthony softly implored with a touch of vulnerability in his voice, "Cause we're alike. He can help me. I know he can. He'll understand me... Please help me find my broom, little sis."

"If you must go to Hogwarts and speak with this Professor, then you can come back with me," Melinda gave in. "But mum and dad haven't yet given me permission to leave. Until they do neither of us is going anywhere. I have an idea. Why don't we return to the study, and I'll tell you everything I've heard about Montgomery and his Seers? Then, once our parents are ready, they'll send for us. Is that acceptable?"

Subdued, Anthony acquiesced, "For now, I guess. Lead the way."

They returned to the study. Melinda related in detail everything she knew about the Seer situation, successfully diverting her brother until their mum arrived. Then, for no apparent reason, he groaned.

"Great, we ran out of time!" he said sullenly. "I guess we'll just have to go tomorrow." In the blink of an eye Anthony's mood brightened. "But I want you ready first thing, Melinda. I don't want to miss a thing!"

She watched him grin and slowly shook her head. She was doomed. Their mum stared at him with a quizzical expression until he looked up, noticing Angela for the first time.

"Ooh, great idea, mum!" Anthony enthused, apparently replying to her thoughts. "I'll be down for lunch."

Her brother left the room without saying another word. Their mum gazed at her, looking to her for answers. Melinda sighed.

"I'll try to explain," she began.

*~*~*

Alexis sat studying with Harry in a secluded section of the library. She turned to observe The-Boy-Who-Lived, wondering what he was contemplating that made him look so serious. It occurred to her that sometimes she simply enjoyed watching him. As though sensing her eyes on him, Harry looked up from his work, meeting her curious gaze. Caught up in the moment, her heart began beating a little faster. Neither could bear to look away. A shy smile crept onto Harry's face and she couldn't help but return it.

"Alexis, I umm..." Harry nervously began. "I was wondering what you're working on?"

Feeling a stab of disappointment at his query, she internally groaned. For a moment there she was sure that he was going to say something else. If her observations were right and he really did like her, then why didn't he say anything? The boys who had propositioned her in the past were never this trepidacious. Alexis swore that if Harry didn't get up the courage for more than trite questions soon, the anticipation was going to drive her insane.

Hiding her reaction, Alexis causally answered, "Just reading up for a charms essay I have to hand in on Monday. And you?"

Looking away, Harry chit-chatted, "Oh, Potions homework. I'm also studying for this Transfiguration exam I've got on Monday, but the material we're covering is simple enough."

"Are the strange rumors going around about Neville Longbottom true?" Alexis gossiped.

"What have you heard?" Harry questioned.

"Well, that Neville can transfigure things without a wand. Another rumor says that he can heal injuries with a single touch, and that with a thought, he made Ronald Weasley's cauldron explode, in order to get him in trouble with Professor Snape." Alexis listed.

"Ron's own incompetence caused his potion to blow up. Neville just stopped it from destroying Professor Snape's classroom," Harry corrected. "The other two rumors are true. Why didn't you just ask Neville about it when we were at Ginny's last night?"

"We don't get along all that well," Alexis admitted. "After what happened last time, I thought it would be rude to ask him in front of everyone. He's going through a rough period. I just didn't want to make him uncomfortable."

"Yeah, I can kinda relate to how he feels," Harry sympathized, with an edge to his voice that told her that he was speaking from experience. "You two got off to a bad start, that's all. I think if you make the effort to put his reputation aside, you'll see that he's not what you think. He gets nervous and stuff, but Neville's just like that. He may not act like much in a crisis, but he's a great friend to have after one."

She saw Harry nervously glance around, as though he wanted to make sure that they were alone.

Beginning to blush, Harry confessed, "Alexis, there's something I've been meaning to tell you. I've enjoyed your company a great deal during the past few weeks, and... I really like you. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I would be honored if you agreed to go on a date with me Sunday night. Maybe this time we can even finish our meal."

Looking into his eyes, she saw him bracing himself for her rejection. Alexis couldn't remember the last time a guy who was interested in her expressed his emotions so honestly, or, for that matter, so readily. It was certainly one of Harry's most endearing traits. She would be crazy to say no.

Smiling as she took his hand, Alexis replied, "Oh, Harry... I feel the same way. I don't know what it is about you, but when I am with you everything is... easier. You make me feel safe. I haven't experienced that since... I guess what I'm trying to say is yes, I'd love to go out with you!" A thought occurring to her, she lost her air of unrestrained enthusiasm. "But, under one condition."

"And what's that?" Harry tentatively asked.

"This time - no peeping house-elves," Alexis quipped.

Laughing, Harry agreed, "I think I can arrange that."

Alexis laughed as well, feeling as though her heart was singing. They drew closer to one another and, for the first time since Alexis had lost her parents she felt like everything was going to be all right.

*~*~*

Sirius, in dog form, hid behind the stacks spying on Harry and his devious Slytherin Keeper through a gap in the tomes. He watched the misguided Gryffindor studying in silence while the girl had her lecherous gaze on him. As though sensing her watch him, the boy stared back at her. Sirius felt distinctly nauseous at seeing James' naive son so smitten with this evil Dark witch who was obviously trying to lead him astray. Sirius held back a sigh of relief when Harry chickened out of asking this Alexis person for a date. If he didn't do something to stop this ghastly union, and soon, Harry's Keeper would surely seduce him. There was no telling what would happen to his godson then.

If only Harry would listen to him! Sirius now knew that referring to Seers as 'abominations' in Harry's presence, while the boy still believed that he was one, had been was a horrible mistake. A mistake he might never be able to fix. Just thinking about these unscrupulous Dark wizards using one of the few loved ones he had left, made his blood boil. Then there was Montgomery, who might as well be Dark, pushing that damnable Seer nonsense on Harry. Sirius swore to himself that no matter the cost, he would protect Harry, taking care of Montgomery and those Seers in the fraud's blasted cult! His godson may hate him now, but someday he would understand, someday Harry would know that everything Sirius had done since his escape was for him. Returning his attention to the two teens, he saw they were discussing the rumors surrounding Longbottom. Good, safe ground, he thought to himself. But when he saw Harry check to see if the coast was clear, his blood went cold.

No, please don't tell me he's going to do it, Sirius hoped. Of all the bloody times for Harry to muster his Gryffindor courage, why does it have to be now?

"Alexis, there's something I've been meaning to tell you," Harry confided, as he started to blush. "I've enjoyed your company a great deal during the past few weeks, and... I really like you. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I would be honored if you agreed to go on a date with me Sunday night. Maybe this time we can even finish our meal."

Finish? Sirius wondered. What's that supposed to mean? Am I too late?

The vile witch stared into the boy's eyes, taking an approving note of just how vulnerable Harry was.

Holding back a canine whimper, Sirius mournfully thought, My poor godson!

"Oh, Harry... I feel the same way," the Slytherin lied. The conniving bitch put on a faux smile as she took the boy's hand. "I don't know what it is about you, but when I am with you everything is... easier. You make me feel safe. I haven't experienced that since... I guess what I'm trying to say is yes, I'd love to go out with you!" The vixen's expression shifted, losing its appalling, cutesy, temptress edge. "But, under one condition."

"And what's that?" his godson tentatively asked, playing right into her hands.

"This time - no peeping house-elves," stipulated Harry's Keeper.

Sirius' blood pressure went straight through the roof, as his godson and the Dark witch laughed knowingly at the crude remark. The pair moved closer together. Desperately trying to banish the sickening mental image of this soulless girl taking advantage of Harry's innocence, he shuddered. The very idea of Harry sleeping with that- that Slytherin trollop was nauseating beyond belief! He wanted nothing more than to march over there and give that witch a hexing she would never forget. Still, he couldn't risk without terminally damaging his relationship with Harry by acting. Was he already too late to protect his godson? Sirius shook his head. Whatever damage has been done, he'll just have to deal with the repercussions when the time comes. The two continued talking, but he ignored their chatter. Sirius sat there silently fuming as he tried to work out what his next move would be. His full attention was drawn back to Harry and his Keeper when their conversation suddenly halted. For a long stretch neither spoke.

"Did you hear that?" Alexis softly asked.

Harry nodded.

Standing, his godson quietly declared, "Ginny needs us."

"At least the wait's over," she said, getting up and placing a protection spell on their things so that no one could go snooping. "Now for the fun part."

"Yeah," Harry gravely agreed.

The two teens left the library together in a hurry, missing Sirius' presence entirely. He didn't know what Weasley was summoning them for. At present, it didn't matter. What was important was the fact that Harry needed his help to do combat with this menace. He left to go find Ron, the one wizard who also knew the truth.

*~*~*

As they waited, Tom and Ginny strove to stay the nervous tension overtaking them. The strangest thing about the fear had little to do with the act of healing Gryffindor Tower itself, but rather with what their master would think of them once the dust settled. Neither particularly liked going behind his back, but they knew this was the right thing to do. They only hoped that Severus would agree once they explained their reasoning. The idea that their master would want to terminate the apprenticeship terrified Ginny in a way nothing else did. They both needed him so badly, Tom most of all, especially now that Rachel's secret had finally been revealed. That in essence was the problem. Since the magical storm all they had done was need Severus, yet their very presence caused him so much misery. How could he still want them when they couldn't so much as fulfill the apprenticeship's basic requirements? And here they were, hurting him again. There was simply no excuse for going behind Severus' back, even if for the best of reasons. Ginny bitterly snorted at the thought. They had a real talent for hurting people, even when they didn't want to.

"Don't dwell on it, my little princess," Tom soothingly reassured her. "As long as everyone does their part, this should be a piece of cake."

"I don't know what I'd do without you, my snake," Ginny tenderly thought, wishing he were physically with her, that he could hold her, like that would ever be possible. Hearing Ginny's private desire, Ix Chel shook her head. "I'm so tired, Tom. I don't even know what we're doing anymore. I just know this is right, it's necessary, beyond that..."

"I know just how you feel," he empathetically replied.

"You're probably the only one who does," she silently lamented.

Ginny looked up when Alexis and Harry entered the room. At once, the pair came to their side, their concern for her radiating from them.

"Ginny, you look terrible!" Alexis exclaimed, scrutinizing her appearance. "More than terrible, you look like someone tried to drag you through the Forbidden Forest face first. Are you sure you're up to this?"

"I beg your pardon?" her mother broke in, feeling insulted.

Alexis ignored Molly's comment, infuriating Ginny's mother to no end. Normally Ginny would try to smooth over such Slytherin/Gryffindor faux pas', but with everything going on, she couldn't work up the energy to fix it. Besides, she didn't feel that it was any of her mother's business.

"She's right. You don't look yourself," Harry amended. "Maybe we should postpone-"

"No, we've come too far to back out just because I had a little psychotic break," Tom insisted aloud, using her voice. "I may not be better, but I refuse to miss my only opportunity to face that place."

"It may not be easy, but we can do this. I know we can," Ginny concluded with growing confidence.

"Face what again?" mum asked.

Ginny watched as her mother put the pieces together. Molly grew pale.

"You're not talking about Gryffindor Tower, are you?" Molly pressed, horrified.

Hagrid also looked unnerved by the idea. Ginny opened her mouth to retort but Alexis stopped her.

"Harry, why don't you explain the situation to Professor Hagrid and Mrs. Weasley, while I see what I can do for Ginny's public image?" Alexis suggested in a business like tone, leading her to Severus' office. The bound trio noticed Harry, with a faraway look, watching them retreat, or rather, watching Alexis.

"Oh, uh... sure," Harry distractedly called after them before Alexis shut the door.

Seeing their expression, Alexis asked, "What?"

Tom and Ginny stifled a snigger, while Ix Chel shook her head in bemusement. It was good to see that that at least one couple was doing better than they were.

*~*~*

Minerva sat at her desk grading papers, unsuccessfully struggling to ward off the peculiar migraine that had been coming and going since yesterday. It wouldn't have been so bad if she had been able to manage a good night's sleep but the strong headache draught she had imbibed only reduced her symptoms. Minerva removed her spectacles, then rubbed her over-sensitive eyes, wondering if she should just call it a day. Putting her spectacles back on, she gasped at the sudden appearance of a young man's reflection in the glass of the wooden picture frame on her desk. He was a dapper wizard, wearing a Hogwarts uniform from her youth, with raven black hair and deep gray eyes that held a hint of sadness and an old anger. He couldn't be more than eighteen. Minerva's ears rang. Her head pounded furiously, the migraine growing in intensity with each painfully long second. Rubbing her temples, she was afraid to look behind her, afraid of what she might find.

Minerva jumped at the unnaturally loud sound of someone knocking at the door. Finally, she looked behind her for the mysterious stranger, discovering that he had never really been there. She took a deep breath trying to recall where she had seen the young man before, as the knock on her door was repeated. Already, the details were slipping away, leaving a disconcerting emptiness in their wake. Looking down at her hands, Minerva saw them shaking. Nightmares she couldn't recall, endless headaches, now the hallucination of this boy - what did it all mean? Abruptly, her migraine receded to a dull ache. What was happening to her? Was she just cracking under the pressure, or were these symptoms of something more sinister? Minerva didn't have a single inkling and that terrified her. Worse still, Minerva had this stubborn instinct that she couldn't go to Poppy for medical attention even if she wanted to- The persistent knocking stopped. Remus and Zachary barged into her office, shutting the door behind them.

"Minerva, I've been knocking on your door for the past several minutes. Why didn't you answer me?" she heard Remus ask, sounding worried.

"I umm... I must have been so focused on my work that I didn't hear you," Minerva lied, surprised to hear that so much time had past. She added missing time or blackouts to her growing list of concerns. "What can I do for you gentlemen?"

"Severus was 'called' so he'll be unavailable for a while," Remus explained. "I need you to watch over Zach until I return. You see, when Severus was summoned Zach was... adversely affected."

"Affected, how exactly?" Minerva inquired.

Both Remus and the new Divination teacher looked quite reluctant to offer further explanation. But after a moment, Zachary nodded and Remus put up a silencing ward.

"Severus and I are connected. I heard Voldemort's summons as if I had taken the Dark Mark myself," Zachary uncomfortably admitted. "If Severus hadn't figured out that the call had piggybacked on our connection when he did, I would have gone to the Dark Lord."

"Oh, I see!" exclaimed Minerva, comprehending. "That explains a few things. You two were right to come to me. Rest assured Remus, I will look after Zachary until your return."

"Thank you, Minerva," Remus said gratefully. He handed her the Divination teacher's wand. "I owe you one."

Remus left them alone together.

"What did you mean that it explained a few things?" Zachary probed.

Happy for the distraction, Minerva offered the new Professor a seat.

*~*~*

Remus hurried down to Severus' classroom, hoping he wouldn't be the last to arrive. Although he questioned whether Virginia at this juncture, could handle leading a magical Gestalt, he was curious to see who else the young woman had recruited. Entering the Potions classroom, a most unexpected sight greeted him. Harry was having a pleasant chat with Hagrid and a blonde Hufflepuff he recognized as Kathryn Kelly. Arthur was busy trying to calm his wife, who was clearly agitated. From a safe distance Fred and George watched their parent's argument. To his surprise Argus was present, standing apart from the assembly, holding Mrs. Norris. Remus moved out of the doorway to allow Filius, Miss Granger, and Mr. Longbottom to enter. The two teens closed the door behind them, and then joined their friends.

"Ah, so you agreed to assist Miss Weasley as well?" inquired Filius.

He simply nodded in reply.

"I'm not surprised she recruited you, considering your generally good-natured attitude," Filius complimented.

Taking seats in a vacant section of the sparsely populated classroom, Remus replied, "She convinced me it was the only lasting solution."

"It's too bad Severus beat her to the punch, as it were. I truly wish we could have seen it work," Filius said regretfully.

"Miss Weasley wouldn't have called us here if she didn't believe we could accomplish something, in spite of her master's new ward," speculated Remus.

"What are you saying?" Filius probed.

"I'm saying keep an open mind," Remus cautioned. "This case isn't closed."

"I guess we'll see soon enough. Where do you suppose Miss Weasley is?" Filius changed the subject.

As if they had heard his colleague's question, Virginia and Miss Levine chose that moment to join them. All conversation ceased as the group turned toward Snape's apprentice. In contrast to when he had seen her last, Virginia's hair was tied up in a neat bun on the back of her head, reminiscent of Minerva's favored hairstyle. Additionally, he noticed that she wore very little makeup, giving the witch a stark appearance, which was somehow appropriate for this meeting. Remus swore that since this morning the poor young woman had aged twenty years. Visually, it wasn't her physical age that had changed, but rather, the way she carried herself. Overall, Virginia looked a bit tired and depressed, but was otherwise holding it together. He knew better than to believe what she chose to show. She was playing the role they needed her to play so that they would help the Gray witch through her chosen means of atonement. Remus didn't know whether he should be encouraged by her sudden need to act or attempt to stop her, something he wouldn't do lightly.

"Thank you so much for coming. You are my allies, my friends, my family; I don't think I could face the ghost of Gryffindor Tower without you," Virginia stoically began. "I wish I could have given you all more notice, but our window of opportunity is a small one. We don't have time to waste. I've chosen each of you because of your unique mix of magics, and most importantly, because of your positive intent-"

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but isn't this a rather moot point?" Filius interjected. "As you put it previously, Professor Snape has won the race. Gryffindor tower been permanently sealed. How can we excise the tower if we can't even gain entrance?"

Remus could hear Virginia hissing under her breath, "Limited children's magic..."

Then the Gray witch cleared her throat and continued.

"Simple, I'll just disperse the containment ward before we proceed," Virginia answered. "Any more questions or reservations before I explain what your jobs are?"

No one spoke.

"Good, then let's get started," directed Virginia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ginny went over the intricacies of their plan, answering the group's questions while Tom illustrated the whole thing on the blackboard. Unfortunately, by the time they were done, their unified Gestalt had degenerated into a pack of bickering children. Tom resigned himself to silently witness the death of all their hard work. He should have known this would happen. These days, everything they tried was doomed to failure. Frustrated, Ginny decided to take matters into her own hands. She drew her wand, firing a startling shower of multicolored sparks over their heads.

"Enough!" shrieked Ginny. Responding to the shift in her emotions, the thunder outside grew in intensity, and that finally silenced them. "I called you all here for the purpose of healing Gryffindor Tower. I will not stand by while you debate this until master Snape returns! Many of you are secretly afraid to revisit the nightmare, and so you should be. The event's spirit has grown powerful, feeding off the intent of everyone it has touched, and, it might not go down without a fight. Common sense is nothing to be ashamed of. I'm afraid too. Listen, together we are more formidable than it will ever become but apart we're simply its next meal. As I said before, I have my reasons for selecting each and every one of you, from Hermione, our resident realist, to Mr. Filch, the only other Gray wizard present.

"Whether you show it or not, you are all brave, capable individuals, equally willing to do what's necessary regardless of personal consequence. Don't focus on what your peers have told you is impossible. The limited magics you've been taught aren't all you are capable of. My life-" Ginny snorted. "-such as it is, is proof that nothing is impossible. If you have an open ear and simple command of your innate talent to perceive, you'll learn that wonders you never thought possible are within your grasp. We don't have time for narrow-minded absolutes or petty qualms about age or magical talent. If you can't help me face that place, then, by all means quit! Do everyone a favor; confess you think this is a giant waste of time before you get us all killed! However, if you volunteer and then chicken out at the last possible second, it's no wonder the final cycle is upon us!" Professor Flitwick gasped in shock. Ginny gazed upward as she stretched her arms towards the ceiling, shouting, "You think our task is impossible? Well, let me show you impossible!"

Ginny brought the classroom and the corridor leading to the shield boundary together, bringing the Gestalt with her while leaving Molly and Fang safely sealed in the Potions classroom.

"I think you've scared them, my princess," Tom said with an approving undertone.

"So what else is new," Ginny mused.

Tom mentally shook his head in amusement, "When Ginny gets into one of these snits there's just no stopping her."

"I heard that," she thought, wearing a slight, rueful smile.

They led the reluctant group down the corridor to the shield boundary. Ginny and Ix Chel stopped just before the newly created ward, letting the others hang back. She didn't need them for this minor detail. Ginny saw the wall of Light energy as plain as day, fathoming its mechanisms and how to bring it down.

"Watch and learn," Tom said aloud. The trio braced themselves for what was bound to be an interesting experience. Walking right through it like it was the easiest thing in the world they overpowered the ward. She giggled melodically at the funny tickling sensation that briefly coursed through them.

Turning back to her stunned Gestalt members, she challenged, "Do you now believe that anything is possible?"

Visibly awed by their demonstration, Professor Lupin blurted out, "It took the combined powers of the Professors to form that magical wall!"

"Gray magic is indeed formidable," Mr. Filch quietly remarked, staring at Ginny as if he were looking at his own future.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go finish this," Harry urged.

Everyone whole-heartedly concurred, at last on the path they needed to be on.

While they walked, Neville wondered, "If you could've taken us anywhere, why didn't you just transport us into the common room?"

"Because making two become one in a place so magically unstable is messy," Ginny started to answer.

"We don't dare risk releasing any of the sentient Gray energy during transit," Tom continued.

"And I don't particularly relish the idea of ending up in a wall, or another dimension, or... something," Ginny added.

"Good reasons," Neville agreed.

"Something? What else is there?" Professor Flitwick probed.

Leading her Gestalt up the familiar stairwells, to the place that had once been their home, Ginny, Tom and Ix Chel each prayed that their fortitude wouldn't fail them. Especially after their great show of bravado, they didn't want to fall apart now. As the Gestalt reached the top of the staircase Gray energy, along with growing uneasiness grated on their senses.

Resolutely, Ginny thought, "We can do this. I know we can."

The gloomy feelings grew until they became stifling. She instructed everyone to join hands with their neighbors for mutual comfort and support. Harry and Professor Lupin each took one of her hands. United by their conviction, they approached the shattered portrait hole. Sorrow mingled with the other distressing impressions that threatened to engulf them. The ghost recognized Ginny and Tom. It knew what they had in mind and yet the ghost wasn't afraid. It was ready to give up its current existence if that would help them. It asked only one thing in return. Understanding the tower's last wish, a tear rolled down Ginny's cheek. She and Tom were its creators. Their safety was its reason for being. All it wanted was to protect them one final time. That was a request Tom and Ginny couldn't deny. Silently the trio communicated to the ghost that they were already planning to fulfill its last request. Everyone halted at the entrance.

"My gift to you," The ghost of the event whispered mournfully.

There was an odd flash of light. Suddenly, Ron stood in the center of the common room wearing Voldemort's robes just like in Ginny's dream. Startled, she and Tom took an involuntary step backward. In the blink of an eye, she was in the common room surrounded by thirteen Gryffindors in Death Eater robes, only this time she recognized each and every one of them.

"You did this to us!" cried a Gryffindor boy who she finally recognized as Warren, one of her old housemates. "You made us this way!"

"What in the world?" Tom gasped, backing them up another step. This vision thing was far too realistic for his taste.

"Where are we?" Ix Chel asked.

Parvati and Lavender left the circle to restrain them.

"This was a dream. It can't be real," insisted Ginny.

"Well, it feels real now," contradicted Tom.

"You didn't think you could get away that easily, did you?" Lavender hissed venomously in her ear.

"Our Lord will never let you go..." Parvati taunted, mirroring her friend's tone. "Not when he has you right where he wants you."

Following a hunch, Ginny played along, "Master Snape?"

"Oh, we took care of him," Parvati coldly taunted. "He never saw it coming. Snape thought he could fool the Dark Lord... Too bad for you, he was wrong."

"This is real, Tom," Ginny realized. "This is what will happen to these people, to us, if we don't stop it. Meet Voldemort's future recruits: the thirteen Death Eaters of Gryffindor."

Parvati and Lavender looked up in unison.

"Voldemort comes," Parvati announced.

Ginny, Tom, and Ix Chel watched Voldemort slowly, deliberately stalk through the room. In the unnatural stillness, the Dark wizard's footsteps were deafening. Though the hood concealed his face, Ginny knew whom they would really see under there. The tower was showing them this for a reason, but why? Voldemort's followers released Ginny, returning to their places in the circle. Voldemort slowly paced around them, inspecting her.

"Perfect..." Voldemort hissed in her ear. Ginny suppressed the urge to cringe. Smiling coldly, the Dark Lord finally stopped right in front of her and just stood there. The wait for him to act seemed to go on forever.

"Whatever happens next, let it happen," Ginny mentally instructed her bonded.

Tom and Ix Chel agreed to do as she asked. Abruptly, the Dark Lord grabbed their left arm and rolled up her sleeve, exposing her pale forearm. Voldemort drew his wand to burn the Dark Mark into her arm, only this time instead of waking up she could clearly hear the ancient Dark spell. In that instant, Ginny comprehended why the ghost had referred to reliving this prophetic nightmare as a gift. The first time through she had missed the portent's most important detail, the true nature of the Dark Mark.

In another flash of light Ginny, Tom, and Ix Chel saw they were standing back at the decrepit entrance to the Gryffindor common room, crying, surrounded by the now very worried members of the Gestalt. Realizing they had scared their friends, Ginny took a deep breath to calm herself. Looking back into the common room, Ginny saw that the manifestation of her possessed brother had vanished. The spirit knew its message had been received and understood.

Releasing Remus and Harry's hands to dry her eyes, Ginny quietly vowed to the seemingly empty common room, "We will never forget your sacrifice, spirit of the event. Thank you." She turned back to her friends. "I'll be alright. Hagrid, remember, once the ceremony starts it can't be interrupted for anything. If someone gets past you the resulting concussive force of the implosion wave will kill us, and only powers knows what will happen to the school then."

"I'll keep ya safe. You can count on it," Hagrid assured them.

"We'll hold you to that," Mr. Filch grumbled, less than optimistic.

Curious, Hermione queried, "I've never heard the expletive 'powers knows' before. Where does it come from?"

Trying to recall why she had used it, Ginny just shrugged. The term just felt natural to her. Leading the Gestalt members into the common room, she could sense the spirit of her and Tom's suffering watching the group, but staying its hand. Everyone let go of one another in order to take their place in the circle. Ginny, with Ix Chel on her shoulders, stood at one end of the circle. Harry took his place to Ginny's right, while Professor Lupin stood to her left, forming the aim. Hermione moved to stand to the DADA Professor's left, while Kathryn stood at Harry's right. Each standing next to one of the girls, Fred and George took their positions directly across from each other, ready and eager to act as the counter points, which would be working together to keep the flow of Gray energy sent to the aim stable. Neville actually looked psyched as he took his place at Fred's left. When Alexis took her position next to George, Ginny felt her cleverly concealed anxiousness. Glancing at her friend's thoughts, the gray witch noted that Alexis' reaction was perfectly natural for her whenever she was trying something new. As Ginny's father stood at Alexis' other side, Professor Flitwick took his spot next to Neville. Mr. Filch put down Mrs. Norris, taking his place at opposition to them. His familiar stood between his feet, and together they formed the anchor. Ginny knew that this was one of the most stressful, dangerous jobs in the Gestalt because Argus' body would essentially be a living conduit that the sentient Gray energy would initially course through.

Drawing on some ancient understanding surging upwards from deep recesses of her consciousness, she proclaimed, "Apart, we are mere dust motes on the winds of time. However, together, using our gifts and understanding as one, our only limitation is our imaginations." Ginny raised her hands. Following her lead, the group raised their hands as well. Ginny reached out her hands to either side, then after a moment Harry and Remus caught on and took hold. One by one everyone else joined hands and bowed their heads slightly. "Begin Mr. Filch."

Mr. Filch started by drawing in minute amounts of Gray energy. She watched as he transferred it on either side to Professor Flitwick and dad, who sent it onto their neighbors, who in turn sent it onto their neighbors, and so on until Ginny could feel the convergence of the redirected energies meet within her, connecting the Gestalt. Together, Ginny and Tom began pouring the Gray energy they received into the confines of the circle. Looking at the blue-white strands of power restlessly swirling around inside, each member like Ginny knew they were already past the point of no return.

As the temperature plummeted, Ginny, Tom, and Ix Chel felt like they were becoming part of something greater, more complex than themselves. Everyone welcomed the heady sensation of pure, unyielding power coursing through them at its own inexorable momentum. The influx of power increased, and a soft glow radiated from the members of the Gestalt as it reached its maximum potential. The howling of wind intermingled with nameless, mournful shrieks, drowned out all other sounds. Tom and Ginny were faintly aware that outside the circle small pieces of debris were being carried by the wind, but the group remained untouched. The energy held within the circle continued to grow, taking the form of a stunning blue-white tornado.

Their shared experience amazingly reached a new, more beautiful height, and everyone fought to keep their sense of the mission intact. For a timeless moment they all shared one life and one heart, hopelessly intertwined, completing one another. The impression faded as the influx of sentient power began to dissipate. After the flow of new energy had abated, Ginny, Tom, Ix Chel, Harry, and Professor Lupin could all sense that the completion of their work was at hand. With their combined will, the Gestalt funneled the gathered energies as tightly as they could. That task done, the aim focused on one thing alone, sending the destructive magic to where it would do the most good, knowing that one slip in their concentration would spell disaster. Bearing the intense rush, the aim drew every iota of the energy funnel through themselves, and struck their intended target in one focused burst. The room grew pitch black as a vacuum of power formed in its wake, releasing the Gestalt. Exhausted and disoriented, Tom and Ginny let go of Harry and their teacher's hands, stumbling as their brain struggled to figure out which way was up. Failing that, her legs gave out and they fell into darkness.

*~*~*

Avidly listening, Zach sat with Minerva in her office as the transfiguration teacher regaled him with tales of what Severus was like before his bonded one had apprenticed Virginia. Suddenly, the silent alarm the staff had set up sounded, telling them the Light ward sealing the old Gryffindor Tower had collapsed. Hastily, they went down to the shield boundary to investigate. Once there, Minerva drew her wand to discover why it had failed.

"Minerva, is it back to the drawing board?" he asked.

Assessing the situation, the Deputy Headmistress insisted, "No, it should have held... I don't believe it! There are signs of intentional sabotage!"

"But who would want to do that, much less have the power?" wondered Zach. An ugly suspicion seeped into his bones. "You don't suppose Virginia is responsible, do you?"

"I'm afraid so. Residual traces of Gray energy are present," Minerva confirmed.

The witch whispered a tracking spell Zach didn't recognize.

"What are you doing?" he inquired.

"When Severus' ward collapsed a distinctive energy signature would have been left by anyone in close proximity," Minerva explained. "Ten, maybe twelve wizards were with her. They went down that way."

They shared a mutual glance, both realizing where Virginia's group must have headed. Zach and Minerva sprinted down the corridor and up the steps leading to the ruined Common Room.

"I don't understand. Why would Virginia want to come back here?" questioned Minerva.

"To face the event that changed her life, and attempt to make reparations to the wizards who were caught in the crossfire," Zach deduced. "Virginia felt guilty for displacing the entire House. Why else would she choose to come here as soon as Severus was away?"

"But when you and Severus last saw her, she was suffering through a crippling depression," Minerva disagreed. "Are you suggesting that Virginia was faking it?"

"No, her pain was genuine, I felt that misery for myself," Zach maintained with absolute certainty.

"But then, this doesn't make sense," said Minerva, slowing slightly. "No one going through what she is could bear to relive that trauma."

"Maybe we've all been going about this the wrong way," Zach considered, as he adjusted his pace to match hers. "Severus, the Professors, to date we have based all our strategies in dealing with Virginia on the same assumption, namely that she was traumatized by the Gryffindor Tower incident. But what if that was only a contributing factor? Arthur said so himself, Virginia remembers Dumbledore's mental violation in detail. He said that she only became seriously distressed when she was forced to relive that attack."

"And all this time we thought Virginia was unstable simply due to her displacement," Minerva lamented. "That poor young woman. In our denial, how much more damage have we done?"

Reaching the top of the stairwell, Zach could feel the Gray magic in the air. As they stopped in front of Hagrid, who barred the decrepit entrance, he noticed how pale and sickly Minerva looked.

"I'm afraid you can't go in there!" Hagrid warned them. "It's too dangerous!"

Zach picked up on the sound of strong winds hurdling objects around the common room. Making no threatening moves, Zach peered over Hagrid's shoulder. Amidst the chaos he could scarcely make out about a dozen wizards holding hands, controlling a rapidly forming whirlwind of power captured within the confines of a magical circle.

Her condition deteriorating in response to the magically charged atmosphere, Minerva shouted over the maelstrom, "Move aside, Hagrid, we cannot allow them to continue!"

"No! Ginny said if ya stop the Gestalt, you'll kill 'em for sure!" Hagrid argued.

"Are you sure that's what she called it?" Zach pressed as he watched the Transfiguration teacher draw her wand.

"Definitely!" Hagrid confirmed.

Turning to stop Minerva, Zach attested, "He's right. There's nothing more we can do here! If we interrupt them now all we'll succeed in doing is making the magically charged area implode!"

If Minerva had anything else to say, Zach never heard it. The Deputy Headmistress suddenly collapsed under the increasing pressure the bubble of Gray magic was exerting on the surrounding area. Zach and the Creatures Professor caught the witch before she reached the ground.

"You gotta get her outta here," Hagrid pleaded over the noise. "Minerva ain't built for this!"

Letting Hagrid support her weight, Zach yelled back, "No, it's too late for that. There's only one thing we can do to protect her."

Picking up the elder Professor's wand, he cast the most formidable Light protection ward he could come up with, shielding the small group. His power flowed freely through the borrowed wand, starkly contrasting how his own behaved under stress. Zach silently vowed, that if they got out of this alive, he wouldn't argue with Severus again about visiting Ollivander's. He could feel something other than the forces raging outside the field tapping his reserves. The only logical explanation was the Gestalt just next door. He just knew this was going to hurt, badly. Despite the strain, Zach tried to hold out till the last possible second, hoping to get them through the worst of it. He cried out in agony as every iota of energy in the area was sent elsewhere, creating a power vacuum that drained him dry. At that moment blacking out was a mercy Zach was grateful to receive.

*~*~*

Voldemort sat on his throne in a rare good mood, watching his assembled Death Eaters strive to maintain their pretense of composure. Everyone in his inner circle was present, everyone except his most challenging and entertaining servant, Severus Snape. Ah, how he enjoyed the marvelous fire his Potions master had always displayed in his presence! His other Dark wizards so quickly lose their sense of defiance, becoming little more than servile doormats the instant he arrives. From his very first encounter with Severus, Voldemort sensed they were more alike than any other members of the Dark, more similar in power and will than even Severus himself consciously understood. From his first taste of the boy's magic, he knew that the last of the Snape family was truly special. Even better yet, the young wizard was his.

Voldemort had indulged his spy over the years. He had stripped away those useless vestiges of humanity that were hindering his young pupil, gradually cultivating Severus for his ultimate plans. The Dark Lord could feel a poisonous smile touch his lips, no doubt frightening his troops. One thing his time as an incorporeal shade had taught him was the value of planning ahead. If Voldemort could not be around forever then he'd ensure that his legacy was. No matter what 'plans' his willful, insolent servant believes he has for himself, the young wizard would be instrumental in making that legacy happen. Otherwise, he would kill Severus himself before allowing Snape's power to fall into another's hands.

Sensing the Potions master's arrival, Voldemort terminated his summons. Severus surprised everyone as he dramatically threw open the large double doors, stomping into the room dripping wet, dressed in his usual black robes. The acidic flavor of Severus' anger tantalized Voldemort. He couldn't remember the last time his follower felt passionately about anything, confirming his suspicion that the trials at Hogwarts had indeed changed the young wizard. Severus sneered venomously at the assembly. The squishing sounds of waterlogged boots filled the silent hall as his Potions master balefully stalked towards his throne. He noted that, in spite of his spy's disheveled state, Severus carried himself with an air of power, dignity, and clarity of purpose that he'd never before seen from him. This should be... amusing. The other Death Eaters quickly parted, giving his spy a wide birth.

"...it's clear day," Goyle whispered.

"What did he do, swim here?" Nott gruffly taunted.

That one remark was all it took to prompt Severus to act. Voldemort observed with relish as Severus drew his wand in one smooth, elegant motion, leveling it at the offending masked minion.

"Crucio!" Severus growled.

Shrieks of agony filled his throne room while poor Nott rolled around on the marble floor. The other Death Eaters reflexively backed away, shocked by the severity of the Potions master's response, but Voldemort was pleasantly surprised by the renewed fire and strength he beheld. The young wizard had always been annoyingly reserved, claiming to find this sort of retribution distasteful. The Dark Lord had tried repeatedly to break him of that nasty trait. Any sign that this attitude might finally be changing greatly pleased him. Severus may yet become worthy of his plans. Once the Potions master looked satisfied, he released Nott. Curled up in a blubbering ball, the fool's muscles twitched uncontrollably in the most entertaining fashion. Enjoying the show immensely, Voldemort clapped. His spy turned back to him as though the young wizard had momentarily forgotten about the Dark Lord's presence.

"Not that I object to your lovely chastisement of Nott, but he did have a minor point, for once in his miserable existence. Why have you come here so... unprepared?" Voldemort inquired.

"My apprentice has finally stopped denying the reality of her... situation," Severus curtly explained, throwing back his dripping hair in an effort to get it out of his eyes, in the process sprinkling several of the assembled underlings. "Consequently, in her delicate mental state, she asked clouds to cry for her, then gave them the moisture to make it rain over Hogwarts, and rain, and rain. I see little point to drying off if I'm just going to be soaked again. You had better have called me here for a good reason, my Lord."

Wormtail scurried up to his Potions master, trying to towel dry the young Death Eater. Severus hissed venomously at the rat, frightening Wormtail into backing off.

"Well then, give me your report and I will get to the point of why I called you here," Voldemort commanded, wanting to hear more about this child and his spy's efforts to date.

"The fallout since my apprentice rendered Gryffindor Tower uninhabitable has been quite unexpected," Severus reported. "Potter and several others have chosen to side with her, facing voluntary exile from their house rather than betray the child. My House and Ravenclaw are doing everything they can to make the outcasts feel welcome. Potter has grown increasingly disillusioned. My efforts to cultivate a relationship with the boy have been well received, although it may be some time before I can earn his trust. A number of the Professors have also come to Miss Weasley's defense. Some of the staff have even begun coming to me for advice. They keep telling me I've changed."

"That much is certain," Voldemort thought.

"Dumbledore's taken a fool's refuge in the idea that this will all blow over. Thus far, he hasn't lifted a finger to stop me," Severus continued. "There is an unprecedented rise in the Seer population of Hogwarts. I will know more after this weekend's staff meeting. Most of the Light seems complacent at this time, but a misstep on our part could very well change that. I have witnessed some very interesting powers awakening at the school that may be worthy of further investigation."

Intimidating the rest of his Death Eaters, Voldemort left his throne, stopping in front of Severus.

"If what you require is non-interference, my pet, that is precisely what you will have," Voldemort hissed in Severus' ear, enjoying seeing his Potions master shiver. "Do not disappoint me."

Stepping away from Severus, he turned back to his assembled troops.

"I am declaring that for the time being, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a no-combat zone," Lord Voldemort ominously ordered. "As of now, any Death Eater caught harming the school or its inhabitants will pray for a swift demise before I am through with them!"

Satisfied by their fear, he returned to his throne.

"Before I forget, Severus, we will require another batch of your enhancement draughts for the next party on Tuesday. Report here no later than nine o'clock. All right, enough business," he said, getting to heart of this meeting. "I've summoned you, my amusingly insolent spy, to reward you for your most diligent efforts on the Dark's behalf."

The Dark Lord nodded and a Death Eater handed his spy a very old chest. His young servant opened it, and found inside a large number of carefully preserved ancient scrolls. Severus' eyes widened as he gently removed and examined one of the scrolls.

"Is this what I think it is?" Severus whispered intensely.

"I decided that since you now have access to a Divinus Animus you might appreciate a more well-rounded library to draw on for your research," Voldemort supplied, watching Severus exercise great care in replacing the scroll, and sealing the precious chest with an assortment of spells, prior to putting it down.

"Thank you, my master," his servant spoke with deep, abiding reverence. Getting on his knees before the Dark Lord, Severus kissed his hand. "I am both honored and humbled beyond words by this lavish display of generosity."

The Potions master released his hand and withdrew slightly before the action had begun to irritate him, patiently waiting for Voldemort's cue to stand, as any good servant should. He spent a few seconds drinking in the satisfying sight before bidding the young wizard to rise.

"When you return to Hogwarts, present your apprentice with this," He snapped his fingers and a second Death Eater gave Severus a large, rectangular, dark blue jewelry box. "A small token of my affection to remind Virginia that Darkness is now her family. A powerful protection spell has been woven into the fabric of each item. No harm can befall her, while your apprentice is wearing them. Perhaps it will serve to cheer her up where you've failed to."

With amusement, Voldemort observed Severus open the box, revealing a priceless, one of a kind necklace. The stunning pattern of emeralds and diamonds strung together was reminiscent of a spider web, all elegantly bound with platinum chains. But that wasn't all. A bracelet with similar design and a pair of matching earrings completed the set.

"I'm sure-"

Suddenly, a beam of blue-white energy assailed Voldemort, obscuring his vision. The Dark Lord howled in agony as the potent blaze of Light magic tore through him. The endless torrent went on seemingly forever, searing his senses. Voldemort was panting on the floor, severely weakened in the assault by the time it finally ceased. Wormtail helped him back to his throne. Throughout the ordeal his simpering minions kept their distance, shuffling about, their wands drawn, in a state of confusion. That wasn't Dumbledore. Even in the old days, his adversary never had that much power. This new player might ruin all his carefully laid plans!

"What are you gawking at? Your Lord has just been attacked!" Voldemort snarled in pain, enraged by their uselessness. "A new Light power has obviously appeared. Do not rest until you discover their identity! Don't just stand there - leave!"

His servants tripped over each other in their haste to escape. Once they were finally gone, the Dark Lord slumped back in his chair, utterly drained.

*~*~*

Voldemort-Ron stood in an empty classroom watching Black pace. He suppressed the urge to smile while he listened to his pawn's pathetic rants, spilling forth all his secrets. Things were going even better than he'd planned. Now that he had heard Severus' report, he would know precisely where next to steer this fool. Ron inwardly cringed at Sirius' misjudgments of Harry and the situation. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He didn't really trust the Seers either, but advocating their destruction was just plain wrong. Most of them hadn't even done anything to anybody. Like Ginny, they just existed, that alone seemed to be reason enough for Sirius. He knew the wizard had a bloodthirsty side, but this was way too much. Hearing that Harry was a Seer didn't surprise Ron in the least. Actually, it made a weird kind of sense. It certainly explained how both Ginny and Harry heard You-Know-Who's laugh way back, and also the horrible flashes his best friend kept having. Ron wished he could reach out. Maybe then he would be able to set Harry's godfather straight.

"You should have seen them, Ron, the way Harry was consorting with that Slytherin, like he was one of them," Sirius continued. "From the moment I saw that Slytherin slut I knew she was up to no good!"

"You're talking about Alexis Levine, right?" Voldemort-Ron calmly probed. Sirius nodded. "I heard her parents are Death Eaters who are on the run from the Ministry. Rumor has it, they were also training her to become a Death Eater."

"That's not totally true," Ron thought to himself, gleaning what he could from You-Know-Who's mind without drawing attention to himself. "The only reason the Ministry knows about them at all is because she turned them in. She's one of the good guys!"

"I knew it!" Sirius exclaimed. "I knew that harlot was up to no good-"

Without warning, Voldemort-Ron was stricken with searing pain akin to the Cruciatus Curse and passed out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sirius' thought was abruptly cut off when Ron screamed in pain and collapsed. How can he summon help without revealing himself? Frozen with indecision, he was relived to see Ron coming to.

Sirius eased the young Gryffindor to his feet as he anxiously asked, "Are you alright? What happened?"

"I'm free..." Ron whispered, looking around the room with a peculiar expression. "He's weakened, at least for the moment." The Gryffindor turned to him, seeming to be filled with a strange sense of urgency. "Look Sirius, I don't know how long I have, so I'm not going to repeat myself. I'm the real Ron. You-Know-Who possessed me just after Halloween. He's kept me a prisoner in my own body. You-Know-Who's been lying to you all this time, using you to get inside information on the Light. He's planning to kill you when you stop being useful to him! Ginny's version of what happened at Gryffindor Tower, the rumors that Harry and Hermione have been spreading, it's all true. Everything the Dark Lord told you has been a lie - Harry, Ginny, Snape, Alexis Levine - everything! He's reeling you in, keeping you from the only people who could help you!"

Sirius' confusion gave way to shock, then horror as the truth sank in. He didn't want to believe that he had been misled for so long, but looking into Ron's eyes, he saw that the young Gryffindor wasn't making it up.

"How?" Sirius asked, trying to wrap his mind around the idea. "Why? What does You-Know-Who want with you?"

"I think he first took me over because he wanted to destabilize things, that and he wants something Harry has, some sort of necklace with weird powers," Ron explained. "I don't really know the specifics. After my sister was attacked in Gryffindor tower, he decided that he wants my whole family! You-Know-Who thinks that if he can get his foot in the door with Ginny, he can lure the rest of us in. He doesn't know her the way I do. She'll never give in to him, no matter what he tries to seduce her with. You-Know-Who must be stopped before it's too late!"

"Ginny's not a Dark witch?" Sirius asked, shocked. "What about that Slytherin whose been hanging all over Harry since this started?"

"You-Know-Who was lying to you," Ron reiterated. "All I heard from him about Alexis is that she's one of the good guys. 'That Slytherin' gave her parents away to the Ministry to stop them from forcing her to take the Dark Mark. What's more, Ginny, Harry, and Hermione seem to trust her. As far as I'm concerned, that's good enough for me. I sent Harry to protect Ginny. My sis may be a little strange, but her heart's in the right place. What did you think, exposure to Snape made my little sister evil?"

"Well..." he hedged.

"Come on, Sirius, being a bastard isn't contagious! Gin's just too in love with the job to let it stop her," Ron argued. The irritation the boy was expressing felt very familiar. "The worst that can happen is that you'll sneer more."

"When you put it that way..." Sirius intoned, shamefaced.

"Actually, I never thought the bloody Potions master could act as honorably as he seems to have with her. Maybe she's been a good influence on him or something," guessed Ron. "Please, try to trust her. She's still a good witch, regardless of the species of her stupid pet..." Sirius didn't know what to do when Ron doubled over, moaning in pain. "He's returning. We don't have much time. Listen to me carefully. You have to go straight to Harry. He knows what happened to me."

"What about Dumbledore?" Sirius asked. "Shouldn't I go to him with this?"

"No, Harry knows more of what's going on than you, and I don't think he told the Headmaster," Ron quickly replied. "If he didn't say anything, it's for a good reason. Trust me."

"All right," he grudgingly agreed.

"I need you to knock me out, wait five minutes for You-Know-Who to come back, and then revive me," the Gryffindor directed.

"You can't be serious. I can't hex you!" Sirius cried.

"You don't have a choice," Ron countered. "I need you to pretend that I fainted and it took you this long just to wake me up. I know you're a good actor when you wannabe. I know you can do this. Please Sirius, you're my only hope!"

Deciding to trust in the young man's judgment, Sirius nodded.

"Thank you," Ron said, bracing himself. "Get ready. You're about to play the performance of your life."

"You're a better wizard than you know, Ron, one of the bravest," Sirius replied. "I don't think I could do what you're doing. Just hang in there. We'll find a way to free you."

Sirius drew his wand, and forced himself to Stupefy the true Gryffindor.

___________________

To Be Continued