The Awakening of a Magus

The Awakening of a Magus
Chapter 45 - Mon, Aug 7 - Day 18

Preparations

"How utterly predictable, Draco," Malvina commented as she checked the privacy wards on the Slytherin Prefect's room. "You must be slipping to use the same wards here as you do at Malfoy Manor. Well, so much the better for me." Glancing around her once more to ensure the younger residents of the dorm were still absent, she waved her wand, quickly voicing the necessary counterspells on the door before her.

Examining the door once more for good measure and finding no other impediments, she opened the door, uttered, "Finite Incantatem," as a precaution against any generalized protections just inside the entrance, then smiled with some approval as some charm fizzled out between the doorway and the center of the room. "Well, better than nothing, I suppose, Draco. Now, the manuscript ..." The room was fairly simple. A four-poster bed in one corner sat opposite a desk and bookcase. Draco's trunk was tucked in at the foot of the bed, and a broom rack stood beside the bookcase. The Barabbas manuscript lay in plain sight on the desk, pushed off to one side.

Malvina set her supplies and her wand on the desk beside the manuscript and sat down. As a precaution, she opened the manuscript, paging toward the back until she saw again the chapter heading she had seen the day before regarding Klaatu. This was the true manuscript. She opened her inkwell, which contained a special blend of ink mixed with dragon's blood. Picking up her harpy-feather quill, she copied the title page of the Barabbas onto one of the blank parchments, muttering the incantation she would spend the next 15-20 minutes reciting, over and over. "Duplicationem, visi et invisi." Duplicate the seen and unseen.

When the copy of the title page was completed, she placed it carefully on the top of the stack of blank parchments ... 13 sheets in total. This stack was placed to the right of the manuscript. Wand raised, she continued voicing the incantation, tapping first the manuscript, then the parchment stack, back and forth. "Dupli-cati-onem " ... left, right, left, right ... "visi et-in visi " ... left, right, left, right. Beginning from the back, the blank sheets were filled with script exactly matching the manuscript, additional parchments being conjured beneath the title page as the spell progressed under a dark green glow. As steadily as a pendulum, the wand tapped back and forth, the words whispered rhythmically, minute by minute, page by page. Finally, the words she had written on the copy of the title page dissolved, and were replaced by the same handwriting as the original. The copy was complete.

Sighing, Malvina set down her wand, shaking out her cramped fingers. She picked it up again to conjure a goblet of pumpkin juice to soothe her dry, roughened voice, then banished it again. Checking the time, she saw that 16 minutes had passed. She flipped through the pages of the copy to confirm that the hidden text was visible. She couldn't check for the false text, but it shouldn't matter ... the hidden text was the important part. She could have one of the boys check that page before she contacted her parents. Gathering her supplies and the manuscript copy, she carefully placed the original manuscript in the same location as when she entered the room, and arranged the desk chair in its original position. As she backed out of the room, she put up the warding spells she knew Draco used at home, then she closed the door and relocked it.

Her cohorts looked up from their places, lounging in the common room. "Well?" asked Barry Nott.

Opening her copy of the manuscript, Malvina showed it to Nott. "Tell me the name of this chapter," she demanded.

"It says 'Lost Magical Abilities - Ancient Secrets of the Ages'. Is that what it's supposed to say?" Nott asked in a bored tone.

Malvina smiled in satisfaction. "That is what you should see, in any case. The duplicate is accurate, both in normal and hidden text. I suggest you all finish packing while I make contact. We should be able to leave this place shortly."

"What about the others, though? Are we just leaving them behind?" asked Goyle.

"They are of no use to the Dark Lord," Malvina declared. "Let them stay with the traitors, Malfoy and Snape. They have already shown where their loyalties lie. Those were my instructions from the Dark Lord himself. Do you question those instructions?"

Nott glared at Crabbe and Goyle. "Of course not, Malvina. However, we will need to ensure they don't see us leaving the grounds. I trust you will find out exactly where our 'evacuation point' is?"

Malvina snapped, "Just pack and shrink your trunks in the next ten minutes," as she stalked up to her room to report a successful mission.

As McGonagall entered the staff room, she smiled at the apparent chaos at the far end of the table. Victoria Vector was rechecking a large pile of parchments, verifying that the Arithmantic formulas were accurate when compared to the reference material. The Ancient Runes instructor, Professor Arial Serif sat across the table, checking the runic elements on the parchments. Dumbledore had spent much of the night transcribing the runes and formulas for the castle expansion rituals. The normal process for such an undertaking would be to work a two-hour session, three times a day, for 15 days, totaling 45 sessions. Each parchment defined the parameters for one session. All 45 sessions had been defined at once, since with a Magus supporting the ritual, they expected they could accelerate the ritual to a great extent and finish in a fraction of the time. Dumbledore insisted that the entire sequence be available. Vector and Serif were certain that their headmaster was crazy, but they weren't going to be the stumbling block on the miniscule chance that he wasn't.

"Well, ladies, how goes the ritual definition?" asked the deputy headmistress.

"We're about ready to duplicate the other three sets so each Quadralis has a set," sighed Arial. "They've been checked three times and we haven't caught a single error. It should go well, though I still have my doubts about how hard you all will be pushing it. I hope Potter is as good as everyone seems to think, or we're going to fill up a ward or two at St. Mungo's."

"Have no fear, ladies. He is all that and more," McGonagall stated with quiet pride. "If not for the complexities in those definitions," she pointed at the parchments, "and his limited experience in both Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, I would go so far as to say that he could conduct the entire ritual himself before nightfall. The alternative is the structure we are employing today ... the usual four Quadralis groups with the additional supply of energy from the Magus."

"Which brings me to another reason I came by to see you," she continued. "Albus notified me a short time ago that Mr. Longbottom will be able to join us this afternoon. With his participation, we have all four Founders represented among students for the first time in quite awhile." She placed a small, ancient volume on the table. "Albus wants me to formalize a dedication ritual to precede the main ritual. As soon as you finish with those, I'd like to confirm my ideas with you so I can present the ritual to him as soon as he returns."

"A Founders' Rite ... this sounds interesting!" exclaimed Serif. "What composition are you expecting?"

"I am thinking of seven participants: four students in the Founders' positions, the Headmaster representing Hogwarts itself, Dobby to represent those non-humans in service to the school, and Ronald Weasley, to initiate the start of the mindspeech linkage among the school staff." McGonagall saw the expected shock as she mentioned the house elf and the mindspeech link.

"The students?" asked Vector.

"Dragonrider for Gryffindor; Malfoy for Slytherin; Granger for Ravenclaw, and Longbottom for Hufflepuff," summarized the deputy headmistress.

"But, a house elf?" asked Serif. "It's been centuries since a non-human participated in a Hogwarts ritual. Not that I'm prejudiced, you understand, but I'm certainly surprised."

"Dobby is a particularly powerful free house elf, who happens to be utterly devoted to Harry, by the way. He will be working closely with, and representing, the house elves, portraits, resident ghosts, and, to a lesser extent, the non-humans of the Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts Lake. House elves are more intelligent than we humans normally credit, though their thought processes are sometimes a bit ... alien, I suppose, to our way of thinking. And Dobby is one of the few who are not trapped by the subservient role his kind are normally accustomed to."

"And, before you ask," continued McGonagall with a smile, "Mr. Weasley is a strong, true mindspeaker. Albus has already mentioned, I believe, that we will be establishing a linkage among all the Hogwarts staff, plus the Prefects and Head Boy and Girl for communication of Hogwarts business, particularly in emergency situations. That linkage will be initiated today among those participating in the castle expansion ritual, and the rest of the staff will be added later, possibly this evening. The students will be reminded that this is for Hogwarts business, and abuses will be punished."

Serif was straightening the stack of parchments. "Well then, let's finish with these parchments, so we can get this new ritual started. I just love designing rituals!" She took out her wand. "Suppose we each copy one set. Wands at the ready?" she asked cheekily. "On three ..."

Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks were trying to keep their tempers. They had been the Auror team assigned to Fudge's weekly press conference. As the Order had come to expect lately, Fudge had put his foot in his mouth, and the Order (or, in this case, the Magus) in an awkward position.

"Too bad Arthur wasn't present this time," muttered Tonks. "He could have contacted Dumbledore directly to warn him. His whole department is out on various errands." They were heading back to their office to firecall the Hogwarts Headmaster.

A short, hurried walk later, Shacklebolt was kneeling in front of the office floo. "Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore," he declared.

Streaks of gold flickered in the normally green fire, and a low alto voice answered. "Thank you for calling Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The party you are trying to reach is unavailable at this location. Firecall-forwarding has been enabled to transfer your call to the fireplace nearest your party's designated backup. If you wish to engage firecall-forwarding to this individual, please repeat your invocation, followed by the phrase 'Forward Firecall' within the next minute. Thank you again, and have a lovely day!" As the voice faded, the gold streaking continued in the green fire.

Tonks started giggling. "I've heard about those messaging spell-sets. It figures that Dumbledore would try it out. Well, go ahead, Shack. I'm guessing the 'designated backup' is McGonagall, and she's part of the Circle and can reach Dumbledore and Potter over their link."

Shrugging, Shacklebolt repeated, 'Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, forward firecall." An echo of the same alto voice was heard, 'Forwarding firecall for Albus Dumbledore to Minerva McGonagall'. He smiled at Tonks, "You guessed it. Now we can try to limit the damage from our illustrious Minister's latest idiocy."

"Apprentices?" sputtered Severus Snape. The headmaster's offhand remark caused him and the two students to stop abruptly, turn, and stare at those maddening, twinkling eyes.

"Why, it seems the perfect solution to logistic and training concerns regarding Harry and Draco," answered Dumbledore. "I'm not talking about the old-fashioned, formal bond of servitude, you understand, but the more modern form of mentoring relationship. It would allow the considerably advanced training that both of them need," he glanced at the two students, though still directed his remarks at Snape. "Also, it would take them out of their respective dormitories, for privacy, secrecy and safety. The seeds of such a relationship have already been planted, in any case." Since they were in a fairly public place, he continued in mindspeech to Snape, though allowing the students to hear. /* I am Mentor to the Magus, and you are legal guardian to Draco; Gryffindor to Gryffindor; Slytherin to Slytherin. It should provide appropriate cover for the ... excessive talents all three of you possess. And, this is related to my request that Octavius upgrade your wand cores. */

Snape looked around thoughtfully at the headmaster and their students, who were still in shock, waiting for his reaction. "You have several valid points, Albus. There are concerns, however. To what extent would they be released from their Houses? For instance, both are Seekers on their House teams. Would they still compete? Would they even take meals with their Houses, if their rooms and curriculum are separate?"

"Well," said Harry quietly, "as far as my being Seeker is concerned, I've been thinking I have to resign from the team, anyway." At their shocked expressions, he continued quietly. "It just wouldn't be fair, if you catch my meaning." /* Some aspects of my senses are just too hard to turn off. I've played a bit the last couple of nights. Even in pitch dark, I can't *not* know exactly where the Snitch is at all times, and it's hard not to instinctively summon it when I simply focus on where it is. */ "With this growth spurt, I just don't have a Seeker's build anymore, anyways." They understood that this was just an excuse for them to use publicly. They knew Harry was just as gifted a Seeker as ever, even more so; even with the large, strong build of a Beater.

"Though I hate to agree with you, Potter," teased Draco, "you have a valid point. I have some similar issues as a Scanner, as well. Not that I wouldn't be above taking an unfair advantage," he drawled. "I'm no Gryffindor, you know. However, my being a Scanner is no secret among the staff, and will not likely remain a secret among the students. I couldn't get away with it. I will likely have to resign as well."

"You both have valid points, and I commend your honesty," said Dumbledore, with a chuckle in answer to Draco's rather indelicate snort. "If you wish to continue some involvement, we can discuss with Madame Hooch the possibility of your acting as coaches for your teams, or for the additional teams that will no doubt be assembled among the transfer students. You already both have the status of student assistants." Both young men's expressions brightened at that thought. They truly enjoyed Quidditch and didn't want to completely lose such a diversion from the seriousness of their studies and the war with Voldemort. Even Snape was nodding in agreement.

/* Albus? */ McGonagall's mindvoice queried. /* Kingsley Shacklebolt is trying to reach you. Something about the Minister's press conference this morning and the rituals this afternoon. He's firecalling from his office. What shall I tell him? */

/* Have him meet me at my office at the Ministry. We'll be there shortly, */ the headmaster replied.

As Dumbledore refocused, he noticed the question in the eyes of his three companions. "We need to meet with Kingsley. Apparently Cornelius has 'done it to us' again." Stepping off to the side of the road, and into a quiet alley, he continued. "I told Minerva to send him to my Ministry office. Harry, I trust you can bring the others after me through my office wards?"

"Sure, but I didn't realize you had an office in the Ministry," answered Harry.

"Being Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot can have its privileges, my boy," Dumbledore chuckled as he disappeared.

Harry glanced at Snape and Draco and, seeing they were ready, he included them in his apparation field and the three disappeared.

They reappeared in an unfamiliar office and saw that Dumbledore was already at the door, opening it.

"Hello, Zoe. Kingsley Shacklebolt will be arriving shortly," he informed his pleasant young secretary. "You may send him straight in." He began to withdraw back into his office, when he stuck his head back out. "By the way, were you able to ..."

"Yes, sir," she answered immediately in an amused voice. "You know I always replenish your tea and candy stock regularly, including that new brand of lemon drops. I check every morning. Is there anything I ought to know about what's going on? You weren't due in until later in the week."

"I'm told it's related to this morning's press conference," answered the Chief Warlock.

"Oh, that," she answered with distaste. "I'll leave it to Kingsley to explain. Hogwarts business, rather than Wizengamot. But let me know if I can help. Will you have time for a bit of correspondence, or should I just wait for your scheduled office hours?"

"Unless you think it necessary, let's wait. Thank you, my dear!" Dumbledore retreated back into his office, closing the door. Glancing at his guests, he commented. "Lovely girl, and quite the efficient secretary. She needs to be, to keep me current on Wizengamot business. Zoe is a granddaughter, with quite a number of 'great-'s, of my old friend Nicholas Flamel. Don't tell anyone, but I think she has a bit of a crush on Kingsley."

The four were barely settled in the office when a quick knock on the door announced the arrival of their visitors. "Come in, come in. Ah, hello, Dora. Now what is troubling you, Kingsley?" Dumbledore greeted, as he gestured to two empty seats.

"Hello, sir. I wanted to warn you that you will be having company up Hogwarts way this afternoon," Kingsley began quickly. "The Minister went into quite a bit of unnecessary detail this morning regarding the expansion of the school. I might understand his reporting the school mergers, but he went on and on about the castle expansion, as well as the key participation of the Magus." He glanced at Harry, then he continued. "The press and scholarly observers, as well as your ordinary curious onlookers, are probably already invading Hogsmeade for 'the event'. He even went so far as to mention some of the participants in the ritual: Hogwarts faculty and staff and students. When asked by a reporter if Harry Potter was one of the students, he said that he was certain that, quote, 'Our very talented Boy-Who-Lived would assuredly be taking part in such a momentous occasion.' ... end quote." Kingsley frowned in displeasure.

That frown was echoed by everyone present. "Bloody hell," muttered Harry. "Time to break out the Polyserum again, but who should we get without messing up the teams we already decided on."

Tonks spoke up. "We have a possible solution, if you agree," she smiled, with an almost Dumbledore-like twinkle, glancing at the growing twinkle in the actual Dumbledore's eyes.

"Doppelganger!" he whispered. "Oh my, yes! But are you sure, my dear? Have you done a gender-cross before?"

Since both students were looking confused, and even Snape looked a bit uncertain, she explained. "You know that I'm a Metamorphmagus, right? Well, there is an uncommon extension to that talent, called Doppelganger. It means that, with my subject's consent, I can become an absolute physical duplicate of a person, indistinguishable from the original by Muggle or magical means. It doesn't duplicate the magic, but exactly matches all physical attributes. After the first time, I can shift to that person at any time, for indefinite periods of time. If agreed upon before the first change, it can even include all the necessary setup for the Memorare charm, so that memories can be easily exchanged as needed."

After a moment, to see if her audience was following her explanation, she continued. "What the headmaster said about cross-gender ... it means I can perform Doppelganger with either a female or a male. I have done this in training with both. The male was my instructor, Zebulon Pike, who was killed in action a few weeks ago, and the pattern for shifting is lost when the subject dies." It was evident that the loss of her teacher/colleague had both saddened and angered the young Auror. "But Shack can confirm it, if you need. The one female Doppelganger form I have is considered top secret, so keep it quiet."

After a pause for effect, she shifted into a Doppelganger of Amelia Bones. The voice continuing in explanation was no longer that of Nymphadora Tonks. "I occasionally take her place, either for security reasons, or to make an appearance in some public venue while the original is meeting with someone in secret." Even the style of speech had changed. After a smile, Tonks returned to her own form, or at least the appearance she had chosen for that day: short, light blue curly hair and dark blue eyes, button-nose, a twenty-something girl with a trim figure.

"So, what do you think?" asked Tonks. After a pause, she asked tentatively, "Do you trust me enough to let me be a perfect duplicate of Harry Potter? I'm willing to submit to any examination you need ..."

Harry quickly interjected to reassure her. "No, that won't be necessary. I was just stunned at the possibilities. May I examine your knowledge of Doppelganger? It's purely to prepare myself, not that I doubt your information or intentions." As Tonks nodded, Harry mentally reached into her mind, thinking Doppelganger to focus on the subject. He was quickly flooded with all the information she had on her training of the talent, and her experiences with the two forms she had already defined within herself. "This process is only for humans, correct?" he asked her for clarification. Glancing at Dumbledore, he asked, "Do you think there will be any problem there? Will my Magus transformation cause her any harm?"

Dumbledore thought a moment, then asked Draco, "Did you Scan her at all during her demonstration?"

Draco looked at his cousin, then at Harry, Scanning them both lightly. "It might be a bit of a 'rough ride' because of his transformation, but he isn't far enough off the human norm, physically, to make it dangerous. Not from what I can See. I think this Doppelganger process will be even more efficient at duplicating his physical changes than the Polyserum, no offense, Severus." The Slytherin nodded, as if to say, 'None taken'.

Though Draco's evaluation seemed to make Tonks a bit nervous for a moment, she regained her composure quickly, and looked at Harry in question. After another few moments, he nodded and smiled. "Let's go for it, if we haven't scared you off."

"Tonks may be clumsy, but she doesn't scare easy," commented Shacklebolt, who ducked the swat coming from his working partner.

"I'll have you know that Doppelganger overcomes such things as clumsiness. I'll only be as clumsy as Harry, which is, 'not in the least'." Standing up, Tonks looked at her subject. "Do we include the Memorare setup? I know you can probably do such things yourself, but with Doppelganger, it will be better if you let me do it my own way."

Harry nodded in agreement and stood, moving to stand just in front of Tonks, stopping about two feet away. "You're in charge, Dora," he smiled, reaching out both hands for her to clasp, as he had seen in her memories. "I'll only take part if that 'rough ride' Draco warned about gets too rough, or if you tell me to do something."

The Metamorphmagus nodded, and she began to slip into a kind of trance as she held Harry's hands. Her breathing and his began to synchronize, slow and deep. After a minute or two, she whispered, "Initiate Memorare," and a faint blue glow began to swirl around her head, then extended to Harry's before dissipating. "Initiate Doppelganger," she then whispered, and the outline of her body began to fluctuate and the blue glow returned to surround both of them. A shadowy image of Harry became superimposed over her own. Then her body began to morph to match the Harry-image. First, she grew taller and broader, then her body began to shift from female to male, then her hair, eyes, and even clothing began to match the Harry-image. The Harry-image melted into the Harry-copy, which was beginning to shift slightly as more subtle physical attributes, like strength, agility, and grace became more like the original. Then, the Harry-copy began trembling.

Draco began to Scan them both in concern. "She's having some trouble with matching him down on the most detailed levels ... the cellular level, I think it's called." Draco stepped forward to get closer to his cousin. "No, Harry, don't try to help yet. Matching you is where the problem is. The only safe way for you to help her is through me, since she's my blood kin." Draco began to reach for his cousin's shoulder from behind, but stopped a moment. "Dora, I need to have at least a light physical contact, so Harry can help you through me." He saw a slight nod, then he clasped her shoulders firmly from behind, one hand on each. "Harry, link with me, but let me lead." The Scanner observed all the spots in the Metamorphmagus that were struggling with the slightly inhuman physical characteristics of her subject. He showed the Magus what needed stabilizing, and only flinched slightly as he became a conduit for his friend's impressive healing powers.

Tonks stopped trembling and her breathing went back to matching Harry's, slow and deep, so the Scanner sighed and stepped back. The blue glow that had enveloped them began to fade, and finally, in a rich baritone voice perfectly matching The-Boy-Who-Lived, 'she' whispered, "Doppelganger Finite." The Harry-copy opened 'his' eyes, sighed, and muttered, "Sweet mother of Merlin!" Shifting 'his' stance to get used to the new body, 'he' commented, "You may as well call me Harry2 when we're both around, to save confusion. I feel like I could move the Ministry building itself! This is so amazing, it will take a bit of adjusting. Damn, you're strong, Harry!"

"How are you feeling, though? Nothing damaged?" The others could tell that Harry was extremely concerned about the well-being of his duplicate.

"Don't worry, Harry ... let's make that Darius, or I'll have an identity crisis," laughed Harry2/Tonks. Harry promptly shifted to Darius, then looked with all his senses at Harry2 to satisfy himself that all was well. Tonks noticed that the others in the room were watching with varying expressions of pleasure, satisfaction, and awe. "Are you okay, cuz?" Harry2 asked Draco, who nodded shakily, but with a smile. He had also been Scanning both of them to ensure all was well, and seemed satisfied. "I know that my magic isn't changed by this," commented Harry2, "but I almost feel like it will work better in this body ... more efficiently. Does that make sense?"

Dumbledore answered, "It makes a great deal of sense to me. This is one of the reasons for the physical training program that we are instituting this year. The stronger the physical abilities, the more efficiently magical energy can be utilized. By assuming such a remarkably capable form, your own magic should work better. You should be able to participate in the rituals nearly as well as Harry Potter might." Looking to Darius, he asked, "Have you any idea how to adjust the ritual to include 'Harry' here?"

Darius gestured that everyone should be seated while he thought about that very thing. "I think it would unsettle things too much to include 'Harry' in one of the Quadralis groups. However, I have an idea to incorporate 'Harry', as well as Neville and Dobby in secondary roles in the ritual." Before he explained, he mindcalled Remus Lupin, letting Dumbledore hear as well. /* Remus, I need to ask you about the ritual at Hogwarts ... may I pull you through over here to Albus' office at the Ministry? */ As Remus agreed, and was transported by the Magus, Dumbledore conjured another chair and gestured to the others to hold their questions a bit longer.

When Remus appeared, Darius mentally briefed him on what had occurred in the office so far. As the werewolf headed for the empty seat, he stared at Harry2, examining the duplicate with every enhanced sense his curse provided. "Well, I'll be ... you even smell like Harry, Tonks ... I mean Harry2," he smiled as he shook his head in wonder. "Hello, all. Well, Darius, what do you have in mind for me?"

"I know the full moon is in two days, but this shouldn't stress you too much," Darius began. "I think we can finish the ritual before you are due to change, anyways. And hopefully that change will be your last." Addressing the whole group, he continued. "I was considering an adjustment in the Quadralis groups this morning. We'll be switching Hagrid and Sirius, to get the Hufflepuff group a bit more magical strength, since Hagrid isn't experienced with his new wand. Each of those groups will be positioned at the main compass points: north, south, east, and west."

"There will be four more individuals at the intervening points, as anchors, not actually performing the ritual, but stabilizing it. Opposite each other will be Neville and Harry2; on the other diagonal will be Dobby and Remus. Tonks, you were a Hufflepuff, right?" As Harry2 nodded, surprised, Darius smiled. "Good. We have a Hufflepuff-House morphed into a Gryffindor-descendent opposite a Hufflepuff-descendent who belongs to Gryffindor-House. And we have a born non-human (house elf) opposite a human with magically-imposed non-human characteristics. The anchors will remain in place ... we'll conjure a comfortable seat so you don't have to stand at attention the whole time," Darius joked. "The Quadralis groups may shift around within their respective quadrants, but will remain between their two anchors. The anchors will also define the boundaries of the ritual to keep out our unplanned observers. Comments?"

During Darius' description, the others, Dumbledore especially, were absorbing the suggestion wholeheartedly. "Very good, Darius. That should help the ritual, and resolve the other matters as well." Checking the time, he continued, "We should probably be returning to Hogwarts to finish preparations. Minerva has been working with Victoria and Arial on the ritual definitions for the main ritual as well as the preliminary Founders' Rite. Our student participants will be arriving shortly, if they are not already present. Kingsley, will you be joining us?"

Shacklebolt nodded. "I got myself and Tonks assigned to guard duty for the ritual, after this came up. If anyone bothers to ask about her, which I doubt, I'll just say she's working the other side of the grounds somewhere. Since only the Circle can apparate on Hogwarts grounds, they'll never catch her if it comes up." The tall black Auror showed a wide, devilish grin. "Tonks, suppose you change back to yourself. We can show up at the Hogwarts gathering point for the record. Then you can slip away and change back to Harry2. I assume the rest of you will go directly to the castle."

"Excellent," responded Dumbledore. "Darius, I suggest you stay as you are for the duration. We can warn the Circle, who can warn the rest of the staff, that you have a 'body double' for the day, so they aren't too shocked, though let's not say who it is outside the Circle. I suggest that at least a temporary mindspeech link be put in place, Darius, to include those in this room plus Minerva, at least. Kingsley and Harry2 will need to have instant advice available to them." No sooner said than done, the link was initiated with those in the room, and with a quick thought to McGonagall, she was included as well. "Well, gentlemen," he smirked a bit at Harry2, who then shifted back to Tonks, "and lady, let's be off to Hogwarts."

Just after they disappeared, with Darius giving Shacklebolt and Tonks a 'push' to the gathering point, Zoe knocked at the office door. When there was no answer, she opened it carefully to see an empty room. "Drat. I was hoping to catch Kingsley. Oh well," she muttered dreamily as she returned to her desk to resume wading through correspondence.

(to be continued)