Thicker Than Water: Year Six

Chapter 14: The Unanswered Riddle

Despite the relief of acknowledgement by his closest friends, things didn't go completely back to normal. Hermione was all too aware of the importance of keeping Harry's identity secret. She found many occasions to whisper passing remarks to him in the corridors, and gave him brief, significant glances when something interesting or funny occurred in classes. Pretending to offer him tutelage with his studies, Hermione sometimes sat beside him in the common room and related various items from the newspapers in hushed tones. She gave him a few other news items as well: Hagrid had gone out to France late in the summer to see Madame Maxime; his brother, Grawp, had left the Forbidden Forest, but Hagrid wouldn't tell them where, or whether Grawp would be returning.

Ron made tentative moves towards restoring their friendship, but a certain hesitancy now marked his manner to Harry. He seemed to be having a hard time forgiving himself for his point-blank rejection of Leo, and didn't believe that Harry could so easily forgive him either. They returned to a state of cordial conversation, but it lacked some of the spontaneity of their previous relationship. There were no more evening-long chess tournaments or spontaneous laughter to characterize their time together.

Matters were exacerbated by differing extracurricular schedules. With the upcoming quidditch match against Hufflepuff, Ron had frequent quidditch practices to attend. He also had prefect duties, and Ron and Hermione took opportunities to slip away by themselves whenever possible. Harry had a Manor visit one Sunday, and Defence training during a common free period. His routine for that term was also fairly set, with evening study sessions in the library with Luna and Ginny. On the nights of DA meetings, Harry always went early with Neville to set-up the classroom; this gave him the chance to suggest new spells, and to subtly help Neville improve his use of them.

One chilly morning, Harry was biting into an apple when owls started to flood in to the Great Hall with the day's mail. Hermione had just sat down across from him, when a barn owl dropped the Daily Prophet on her plate. She shook the paper open with one hand, reaching for a piece of toast with her other.

Her hand froze midair as she caught sight of the headline. Scanning the article quickly, Hermione's face broke into a wide grin. She turned to Harry and said excitedly, "Take a look at this story!"

Harry accepted the paper, puzzled, and lit up as he read:

Undersecretary Umbridge Linked to Dementor Attacks

Daily Prophet reporter Rita Skeeter has just uncovered a plot by the Ministry of Magic to do in boy wonder Harry Potter before the young hero succumbed to Death Eater violence this past summer. Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, is implicated with sending two Dementors to Potter's muggle residence during the summer before his fifth year of school. The attack nearly resulted in Potter's expulsion from school after he performed the Patronus charm to repel the Dementors. A full Ministry trial was held in August of 1995, in response to his use of underage magic, despite the fact that Potter managed to save the life of his muggle cousin who was on the verge of receiving a Dementor's Kiss.

Umbridge was employed at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizarding last year as High Inquisitor under the auspices of the Minister of Magic. Sources in the school have revealed that she used the banned Blood-Quill to extract punishment from her students. Most notably, Umbridge inflicted the painful penalty on Potter over repeat sessions lasting for a few weeks. Unconfirmed rumours also suggest that she was at the point of using the Cruciatus curse on the boy when friends intervened.

Umbridge - who was out on sick leave for three months after relinquishing her post at Hogwarts school - was unavailable to comment. Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge claimed no knowledge of the incidents, and promised to look into the allegations immediately. Given the extensive propaganda that the Ministry used last year to discredit Potter, though, Fudge's denials ring hollow. Why were unwarranted attempts made on Potter's life, and just how much did the Ministry know about You-Know-Who's return? In the name of the Boy-Who-Lives-No-More, The Daily Prophet urges all members of the wizarding community to demand answers from our official representatives. Perpetrators of this malignment on innocence must be brought to justice! In this time of trouble and turmoil, only a full inquiry can restore our confidence in the Ministry.

Harry looked up from the article with a satisfied smile. Hermione had a triumphant light in her eye as she noted his expression.

"You wouldn't by chance know anything about those unconfirmed rumours or 'sources in the school' would you?" he asked her.

Hermione threw him a meaningful look, and said, "I figured I owed you one, Leo. I'm really sorry about everything..."

Harry nodded at her. "It's okay. And thanks... for this!"

He held up the newspaper; Hermione broke into a relieved smile, and helped herself to breakfast. Harry took a moment to look over at the Slytherin table. Several of the students - particularly those who had been part of Umbridge's Inquisitorial Squad - looked like they had just swallowed bitter potions. Malfoy was just putting down the paper, and threw a vague glare in the direction of the Gryffindor table.

Harry was still thinking about the news at the end of the morning's Charms lesson. Luna walked up to him in the hallway, and he brightened. "Did you read the article about Umbridge this morning?"

"Yes. It's good to finally see the Daily Prophet writing something that resembles the truth. I usually have to read the Quibbler for that sort of thing!" Luna replied, and then waved her hand enthusiastically in front of his face. "How do you like my ring?"

He levelled a look at the ring that adorned her finger. It was a gaudy trinket, shaped like an ice-cube, set in a band of imitation silver. "Er, that's pretty... nice!"

"I've got one here for you as well," Luna said, reaching into her robe pocket and extracting a necklace that had an identical ice-cube pendant hanging from it. "Give me your hand."

Harry put out his hand uncertainly, wondering if she really intended for him to wear it. Luna curled his fingers closed over the pendant, pulled out her wand and touched it to his fist, muttering an incantation. The pendant glowed warm for a moment before returning to a normal temperature. Harry opened his hand and looked down.

"It's a mood cube," explained Luna, taking the chain from him and reaching up to fasten it around his neck. "I've programmed it to match the one on my finger. I know you wanted to talk the other day, when I wasn't around. As long as you wear it, this will tell me what you're feeling. That way, I'll know next time you need to talk about something, and I can come find you. What do you think?"

Harry looked down in surprise at the pendant hanging from his neck. It stood out against the black of his robe, swirling briefly with a multitude of colours. The colours slowed down and settled on a medium red. Luna's ring echoed his pendant, glowing with a somewhat faded red of the same hue.

She nodded knowingly at him and said, "See, it works! That means you're feeling amorous."

His face became flushed as, to Harry's chagrin, the pendant and ring turned to a deeper red. Luna looked at him with a vague smile. After a moment, she said, "Well, I suppose I'd better not be late for my Potions class."

She turned and walked away, and Harry watched her go. His embarrassment was diminished as a goofy grin spread over his face. Tucking the necklace away into his robe, Harry thought, I guess that's what they call wearing your heart on your sleeve! And he went off to Herbology class still wearing the foolish grin.

*

Sunday rolled around, and Harry went to the Headmaster's office midmorning for a scheduled visit to the Manor. Dumbledore looked careworn as he looked up and greeted Harry.

"I trust everything is going well with you? No pains, unusual dreams and such?" asked the old wizard.

Harry reflected on the events of the last couple of weeks. At the top of the list was Hermione's and Ron's discovery of him. He nodded, and said to Dumbledore, "Yes, everything is fine. Occlumency shields are up, and I've got no hints of Voldemort."

"And I have some interesting news for you," said Dumbledore with a twinkle in his eye. "A lot of people took notice of the article that was written about Dolores Umbridge and yourself. There was a great outcry, leading to a shake-up at the Ministry. But perhaps I should leave the details for Remus to fill in?"

Harry smiled broadly, eager to get the story. Dumbledore indicated the portkey on his desk, a faded black-and-white muggle photograph of Marilyn Munroe. At a touch, Harry was swept away to his Manor home.

Remus and Dobby met him in the kitchen, and Remus took Harry to the sitting room while Dobby eagerly went to prepare their lunch. Harry turned to his friend and asked, "So, what exactly is going on at the Ministry? Dumbledore began to tell me that something had happened, but he didn't go into any of the details."

"Ah yes, that article about Umbridge was really the last straw," said Remus cheerfully. "People have been questioning the effectiveness of Fudge's tactical responses to Voldemort for a while now. That piece in the Daily Prophet got people wondering whether they could even trust Minister Fudge's motives. His denial about Voldemort's return last year was a thorn he could never extract from his paw. The fact that he was always discrediting you, and that the order for Dementors to visit you at the Dursleys came from his office... Let's just say, the number of voices calling out for answers was deafening.

"Last night, there was a public meeting at the Ministry. A whole group of Ministers showed up with a signed petition calling for Fudge's resignation. While he was busy defending himself, Amos Diggory forced his way past Fudge's security wizards and took the podium. He began loudly accusing Fudge of mismanaging his powers at the Ministry for his own benefit. He also brought up the fact that Fudge has for years been receiving large donations of money from the likes of Lucius Malfoy, who is now a proven Death Eater at Azkaban. It was pandemonium, with Diggory grilling Fudge about whether he could be bought by special interest groups with large purses, and witches and wizards simultaneously heckling for his removal.

"Amos Diggory finally restored order, and entered into a passionate reminder of the consequences of Voldemort's return. He talked about his son, who was killed in his prime while still at school. He went on about how much was at stake while the Minister wasted a year with his head in the sand, and with his useless campaign of half-hearted defensive measures that have no impact on Voldemort's power machine. He talked about the need for a concerted effort to halt Death Eater attacks and choke off Voldemort's supportive resources... to make sure that there were would be no other Cedrics topping the list of Voldemort's victims. By the end of his impromptu speech, those people who weren't crying were clamouring for Fudge to step down, and closing in on the Minister."

Leaning on a side table, Remus looked over to gauge Harry's reaction before finishing the tale. "They held a spontaneous vote, and relieved Cornelius Fudge of his position. Within minutes, a unanimous show of hands saw Amos Diggory instated as the new Minister of Magic. The first thing he did was appoint a commission to follow up the allegations against Dolores Umbridge and Fudge, particularly in relation to you. He gave them permission to lay criminal charges if they saw fit. And now, all we have to hope for is that Diggory is worth his weight of words. It'll be nice for the Order to finally have a partner in the Ministry, instead of a useless adversary."

Tonks walked in towards the end of his story, and said, "Are you talking about my new boss? Quite the meeting we had last night!"

She told them about some of the new directives the Aurors were already receiving as of that morning. As she spoke, Tonks began to play with Harry's hair, curling his dark locks on her wand, and checking the shape of his fingernails. When she was done talking, she produced a small vial of brackish potion for Harry. "Drink this up; it'll keep your tan dark, and then we're all finished."

Harry was surprised at how quickly the cosmetic touch-up had gone. Dobby came in to announce that the food was ready, but Tonks excused herself.

"I'm meeting an old girlfriend for lunch," she said with a wink to Harry. Tonks left, as Harry and Remus went to the kitchen together for the midday meal. While they were eating, they discussed the new Minister of Magic, and the different approach he was bound to take in the continuing war against Voldemort.

Harry was wildly enthusiastic about the change, as he recalled the intimidation of his trial in the Ministry dungeon over a year and a half ago. He told Remus that Hermione had fed Rita Skeeter many of the details that were in the fateful Daily Prophet article. Remus looked impressed and said, "Good on her! That Skeeter woman has a long reputation as a nasty quill! She's never been one to accept truth from anybody; I don't know how Hermione managed to feed her any information, without that witch twisting it all askew."

Harry smirked to himself, but didn't share the little secret of Skeeter's animagus form. When the last morsel was consumed and they had pushed themselves away from the table, Remus mentioned that Mrs. Weasley had asked if he could relay an invitation for Harry to visit over the holidays. "You can either go over Christmas or afterwards, over the New Year, and stay until it's time to return to school."

Thinking back to the previous Christmas at Grimmauld Place - Sirius basking in their company, then falling flat as their departure approached - Harry opted for quieter holiday celebrations this year. He said, "I think I'd like to go after Christmas, over New Year's."

Remus didn't comment on his choice, but a small smile told Harry that his guardian was pleased by it. He said he would let Molly know. Remus then inquired whether there were any specific requests for that afternoon's training. Harry asked if he could try apparating a little farther than usual.

"I think you're about ready to leave the confines of the Manor," Remus agreed. "What did you have in mind?"

"I'd like to go to that small village, the one where Tonks took me clothes shopping in the summer. I have to get a present for a friend of mine," Harry said.

While they got warm muggle coats on, Harry suggested they appear in a dense clump of trees at one end of the small park there. Remus vaguely knew the place he was referring to, and the two winked out of the Manor with a crack.

"Excellent!" approved Remus as they both popped up in the park. "I was expecting to find you half-frozen in a water fountain or something!"

Harry swatted the wizard with his glove, and Remus ducked, laughing. They emerged from the trees and left the park for the street of shops in the town's centre. After browsing in a couple of crafts and gift stores, Remus discovered a specialty chocolate shop, and entered eagerly. Within ten minutes, he had purchased a large bag of assorted homemade sweets, in varying shapes and sizes.

"If there's one thing I've learned in my experiences combating the Dark Arts, it's that you can never have too much chocolate!" Remus declared enthusiastically.

"Kid in a candy store..." Harry muttered. The window showcase of the next store caught his eye, and they entered to look at the rows of jewellery on display.

"I hope you're not planning on getting any of those just yet!" Remus indicated the diamond studded bracelets and tri-gold necklaces in the locked cabinet that Harry was scanning.

"I just wanted something small," Harry said, walking along the display case. Among the less expensive jewellery, a particular set drew his attention. "What do you think of these, Remus?"

The man came over to examine Harry's selection. A silver charm bracelet sported a single white snowflake hanging from it; matching earrings had filigree silver loops ending in three dangling snowflakes apiece, smaller than the one on the charm bracelet.

"Looks okay. Who are you buying it for, anyway?" Remus asked. Harry shrugged as the muggle behind the counter began to wrap up the set. He replied vaguely, "Just a friend of mine."

They returned to the Manor for Harry's usual defence lessons with Remus, and the rest of the afternoon flew by. After tea, Remus prepared Harry's portkey back to Hogwarts.

"Can you show me how to make one of those?" Harry asked eagerly. After the battle at the Ministry of Magic, he felt an urgent need to be able to transport himself - or others - out of danger on his own, and a portkey seemed like the perfect method.

Remus levelled him a stern look and said, "Not on your life."

"Why not? I already know how to apparate!" Harry pointed out.

"For starters, you can't apparate in and out of Hogwarts. I'm also not about to show you how to go traipsing around with a group of friends to places you're not supposed to be. After all, you do have a tendency of getting into trouble."

"Pretty rich, coming from a Marauder!" Harry said.

Remus gave a small smile, and replied, "Touché! The point is, unauthorised portkeys are illegal, and anyway, making them is really fairly tricky."

"You have authorisation to make one now?"

"Special circumstances," grinned Remus. Harry muttered back, "They always are..."

"Back to school with you!" declared the exasperated guardian, pointing at the portkey. "Got your broom? Got your jewellery?"

Harry dashed to gather his belongings, and returned to the sitting room. Cheekily blowing a kiss at Remus, he touched the portkey and was whisked back to Professor Dumbledore's office.

*

Christmas was rapidly approaching. Wakened early by Dean's snoring, Harry took the opportunity to visit Hedwig before anybody else had woken up. He made his way across the deserted castle to the owlery. Hedwig flew down as soon as he entered, a small vole from her night's hunting still clamped between her beak. She dropped it at his feet, and hopped onto his shoulder, hooting softly.

"Sorry I haven't been to see you much," said Harry, removing Hedwig from his shoulder and holding her gently in his hand. "I can't get out here too often without arousing suspicion. How have you been, girl?"

Hedwig gave a few friendly hoots in reply, followed by a light nip of Harry's fingertips. She then flew down to retrieve her breakfast, and began to feed on it. After a few moments of quiet, Harry took leave of his owl, promising to come see her again in the new year. Stepping out onto the snowy grounds, he pulled his cloak tighter around him, and breathed in the crisp morning air.

A sound caught his ear, and Harry looked up to see a first year Gryffindor student - Peter Pevensie - dash out of the castle, and look inquisitively around. He turned suddenly towards the Forbidden Forest and began to jog towards the trees. As he approached them, a tawny blur streaked out of the forest towards the boy. It pranced once around him then lopped back into the Forest. Peter ran after it, and disappeared into the trees. Harry blinked his eyes in surprise, wondering if that was really a lion he had seen. He walked towards the forest, and looked inquisitively at the second set of tracks in the snow beside the boy's. Debating about whether he should follow their tracks, Harry was once more distracted by a noise. Hagrid had emerged from around the back of his cabin, and let out a long, loud cry. Moments later, three thestrals emerged from the forest and cantered towards the big man, who was preparing game carcasses for the creatures' breakfast.

Sighting the thestrals brought back the inevitable association with Cedric's death. A melancholy descended upon him as Harry watched Hagrid feed the beasts, and others that emerged from the forest. Hagrid had been one of his real, close friends at the school, and Harry's first link to the wizarding world when his Hogwarts acceptance letter had arrived. Now, the big man was little more than a familiar face that Harry could not confide in, ignorant as he was of Harry's continued presence at the school. Bowing to the inevitable, Harry turned his back on Peter's and the lion's tracks in the snow, and returned to the castle for his breakfast.

*

After carrying the snowflake-jewellery set in his robe pocket for several days, Harry finally worked up the courage to give Luna the gift he had bought her. They met up after dinner but, instead of their normal route to the library, Harry whispered to her, "Let's go down to the music hall and see what they're playing tonight."

Luna lit up, and led Harry back down to the dungeons, along the convoluted route to the hidden hall. Speaking the password, the brick wall pulled away and they stepped into the circular chamber, and through the central door to the dusty chair-lined room. Only four ghosts sat on the stage that evening, three plucking at string instruments, and the other blowing a small pipe that made indistinct warbling sounds.

The ghosts looked up when they entered. Two of them smiled excitedly at Luna, and started to play the melody she had attempted to orchestrate during their Hallowe'en visit. They carried the melody for a minute or so, before distractedly drifting back to their own disparate tunes. Luna continued to hum the melody, as Harry pulled out his necklace, nervously playing with the ice-cube pendant.

"I like that one - what is that piece they were playing?" he asked.

Luna looked over at him. "That's Mozart, from the Magic Flute. It's one of my favourites! Too bad I don't have my flute with me today!"

They sat quietly for a few minutes, listening to the discordant sounds coming from the stage. Harry cleared his throat and said, "Er... I bought you a Christmas gift."

He pulled the wrapped box out of his robe pocket and handed it to Luna. She gave him a delighted smile, and quickly unwrapped the box. Holding up the bracelet, Luna exclaimed, "Oh Harry! I love it, thanks!"

She held the bracelet and her left hand out towards him. Harry fumbled with the clasp and finally got it secured around her narrow wrist. Then - to Harry's surprise - Luna took an earring and wiggled one dangling snowflake back and forth a few times, until it snapped off. She touched the snowflake on her bracelet with her wand and said, "Fulcarum emotus Luna!"

The snowflake glowed briefly, its surface a colourful swirl. She touched it with her wand tip again, and said, "Fulcarum emotus echo!" Putting the small snowflake in her hand against the larger one on the bracelet, there was a small spark of light. Luna held out the smaller snowflake and said to Harry, "Here! This is for your chain, to go with the cube. Now we're even - you'll be able to tell what I'm feeling too!"

Harry grinned sheepishly, and removed the chain around his neck. He opened the clasp and slid the end of the chain through the hole in the centre of the snowflake. Placing it back over his head, Harry looked down at the two pendants lying against his black robes, both glowing red. He looked over at Luna's bracelet and the ice-cube ring on her finger, which glowed the same colours.

His smile faded as Harry looked up at Luna, who was abstractedly examining the pendants on his chest. He reached over and gently caressed her cheek, brushing the edge of her lips. Luna raised her eyes, locking Harry's in her gaze. His breath caught, as he moved his thumb slowly back across her pale mouth; her lips opened unconsciously, as though eager to taste his thumb. In what seemed to be slow motion, Harry leaned in towards Luna, as his hand slid around the side of her neck, drawing her face towards him. To the dim background sounds of the ghostly quartet, he tasted her kiss: it was warm, soft, and sweet.

*

Harry felt like he was walking on air, as the last week of school passed. It had become difficult to concentrate on lessons, and yet the lessons went on. Flitwick was being his usual charming self, and prepared a Charms relay in house teams for the sixth years. Draco Malfoy was caught cutting classes by Filch, but managed to smooth talk his way out of punishment by diverting the caretaker's attention with a rapt discussion of his ceiling manacles.

Harry and Ron walked across the snowy grounds to their last Magical Creatures class before Christmas. There was no sign of Hagrid, and the students were beginning to congregate in front of his hut, stamping their feet to keep warm. Hagrid finally came up around the side of his cabin, rubbing his hands and looking mighty pleased about something.

"Got a treat fer yeh today!" he announced. "Just had ter get everything taken care of - but she's all ready ter see yeh now!"

Hagrid led the way around his hut to a spot just past his summer vegetable garden, where the snow had been cleared. Somebody was waiting there, and Ron gasped in surprise when he saw him. "Bill! What are you doing here?"

Bill gave an amused smile and pointed off to the far side of the students. They all turned to look, and there was a collective intake of breath at the sight of the creature.

"Yer in luck, class. Today we'll be meetin' a sphinx! Bill Weasley from Gringotts Bank has managed to convince her to come up," Hagrid said excitedly. There against the side of the garden, sitting on her enormous leonine haunches, was a sphinx; her face was delicately feminine, with long, golden-brown hair and large, narrowed eyes. She sat placidly, surveying the class from beneath her long lashes.

Harry immediately recognised her face. He had met her once before - on the night Cedric Diggory was killed, and Lord Voldemort reclaimed a living body. Memories consumed him of the dark night in the labyrinth during the Triwizard Tournament, and of the darker night that followed in the graveyard of the Riddle House. The rest of the class was gathering around Hagrid and Bill, but Harry remained rooted to his spot, transfixed by the majestic creature.

Hagrid continued to talk for another minute, then called on Bill to give the students a more detailed introduction to the sphinx. Bill stepped forward and cleared his throat.

"I've known this sphinx for a long time. I spent a few years in Egypt collecting treasure for Gringotts, and this lady was often my adversary. A couple years back, I convinced her to abandon her post at the pyramids and to join Gringotts in London instead. Sphinxes are a terrific choice if you want to guard something of value, but they're not invincible. They value a quick wit and, if you are able to guess their riddles, will allow you to go on your way unharmed. Be warned: though intelligent, sphinxes are potentially vicious creatures. If you are not absolutely certain of the answers to one of her puzzles, step back into line and say nothing. She has been told that you are students, and there is no treasure at stake today. Nonetheless, a wrong answer might trigger a violent attack."

Several people turned to look at the sphinx with apprehension, while a few hands went up. Hagrid called on Theodore Nott, who asked Bill with a slight sneer, "Have you ever been attacked?"

Bill gave him a long look and was slow to answer. "No, she's never attacked me. But I am skilled at guessing riddles and deciphering puzzles. In all these years, there is only one riddle of hers that I could not guess at."

"What was that?" called out Seamus.

"Her name," was Bill's reply. "She has given me many hints and clues, but I haven't been able to figure out her name!"

Hagrid impatiently waved off the rest of the students' questions. "We're wastin' time. I'm sure yer all eager to meet our guest today."

Bill went over to the sphinx and led her to the class. The students formed a semi-circle around her, making sure they weren't too close. She looked around, and paced lazily up and down the line. Stopping in front of Harry, she sat back down on her haunches and gave him an enigmatic smile. She then spoke out in a deep rasp:

"First think of the person who lives in disguise,

Who deals in secrets and tells naught but lies.

Next, tell me what's always the last thing to mend,

The middle of middle and end of the end?

And finally give me the sound often heard

During the search for a hard-to-find word.

Now string them together, and answer me this,

Which creature would you be unwilling to kiss?"

Harry's heart hammered as he stared at the sphinx. She sat poised for a leap, still smiling and staring directly back at him. The silence lengthened as other students tried to work out the puzzle, and Harry tried to work out how he had been recognised.

Still feeling stunned, Harry finally broke the silence and gave the answer. "A spider."

The sphinx gave a friendly nod, and the rest of the class broke out in applause and admiring whispers.

"Very good, Leo! That's ten points for Gryffindor!" Hagrid boomed out in a pleased voice. Bill caught Harry's eye and gave him two thumbs up. Harry gave him an alarmed look in return, but Bill obviously didn't understand why the riddle upset him so much.

Hagrid asked who else would like to try deciphering a riddle. Emboldened by Leo's success, several students raised their hands. Hannah Abbott, Justin Finch-Fletchley and Celeste Knight were selected to give it a go, and they stepped out of line towards the sphinx. She looked at them kindly and then spoke again:

"Flesh of my flesh, of a woman, you know.

The first part is where the toes tend to grow.

Put it together: the second part, you see

Is the amalgam of you and of me."

The three students began speaking amongst themselves. "The toes tend to grow... that's a foot!"

"What do feet have to do with a woman's flesh?" asked Justin.

"The amalgam of you and me - would that be we?"

"Wee-feet?" guessed Celeste.

"Or feet... wait, that's wrong. You and me is us!" cried Hannah. "Flesh of a woman's flesh is a foetus!"

The sphinx bowed her head and smiled again, as the class applauded. The three students stepped back into line looking extremely pleased with themselves. Almost immediately, the sphinx began to speak again:

"You'll find me flowing as fast as a river.

When you need healthful potions, I'll help to deliver.

My magic: when injured, I'll often congeal.

I'm immune to love's blows; a mosquito I'll feel.

For some, I'm the element that makes them most proud,

But I'm easily spilled by a violent crowd."

This time, most of the students' hands shot up. Hagrid pointed at Theodore Nott. He stepped forward and boldly said, "Blood."

The class clapped again as the sphinx gave a small bow. There were murmurs of excitement in anticipation of another riddle. The sphinx stood in the middle of the circle and recited:

"If you want a receipt, then you'll first have to pay;

Ask the curse breaker if he's willing to play.

Give of the first clue, the essence - so dear -

To strengthen the second, and conquer all fear."

"Who else wants ter give it a try..." began Hagrid, but he was abruptly cut off by Bill.

"No, Hagrid, wait! This one's for me!" The redhead stepped out to confront the sphinx, a suspicious look on his face. "If you want a receipt, you must pay the Bill. I'm the curse breaker, Hagrid."

Bill stared at the sphinx, and demanded to hear the last two lines again. She readily complied, and Bill's face drained of its colour. He shook his head slowly and said, "I don't understand."

The sphinx was tensed for an attack, and she was no longer smiling. She peered at Bill, daring him to utter the wrong answer. The entire Magical Creatures class had fallen silent and watched with mounting concern. The sphinx no longer looked lovely and kind; they could see an aspect of the dangerous creature lurking in her eyes.

Bill appeared to be pitted in a battle of wit with the sphinx which none of them understood. None of the students could elucidate her riddle, nor put together what the previous two answers had to do with the redheaded man.

Bill finally conceded to the sphinx and said in a quavering voice, "I will not answer this one!"

The sphinx relaxed its body back into a sitting position and began to look around nonchalantly. Still shaking, Bill turned to Hagrid and said, "I'm afraid that's it for today. I'll have to take her back to Gringotts now."

"But... but... we still have class time left!" stammered Hagrid. "An' what about my seventh year class? Yeh said yeh could stay fer the afternoon lesson too!"

"And endanger your students? No, Hagrid. You saw what just happened," said Bill firmly. "Without my answer, I doubt you'll get any more riddles out of her today anyway. And she's more likely to become aggressive at this point!"

"All right then," Hagrid reluctantly assented. He turned to the students and said, "Class is dismissed."

The students hurried back across the grounds to he castle, talking boisterously about the lesson. Hagrid accompanied the stragglers around the side of his hut, but Harry and Ron hung back. Bill was leading the sphinx back towards the garden.

"Hey Bill, is everything okay?" Ron asked.

His older brother started at the sound of his voice, and turned to look at them. Bill shook his head and frowned. "That was only the second time I haven't been able to answer her riddles! Give of the first clue to strengthen..."

Bill gave Harry a strange glance then looked away abruptly, muttering, "I should probably have a word with Dumbledore before I go..."

"It really looked for a moment as though she was going to jump you. Weren't you scared?" Harry asked his mentor.

"Huh? Oh, no, not really," Bill answered. He turned to the younger boys with laughter in his eyes and a grin on his face. "You forget that I live with a part-veela. They can also turn on you very quickly, if you know what I mean!"

Hagrid strode back around the hut, and noticed them talking to Bill. "Ron, Leo, you two better get back ter the school. Wouldn't want no one else gettin' hurt in one o' my classes."

They turned to say goodbye to Bill, and Harry found himself under intense scrutiny by the sphinx. As they walked through the garden and around Hagrid's house, Harry could feel her gaze still boring into his back.