hp priorities ii

7/30/2019 HP Priorities II

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Chapter 31 Elementary, My Dear Potter

He arrived to Ottery St. Catchpole via the Floo Network in relatively short order. Pulling out hisFirebolt, he vaulted into the air, swooping north towards the Lovegood home. After a few miles,he spotted a rocky black cylinder sited on top of a hill, denoting the Lovegood home. Descendingrapidly, Harry alit near the front door of the edifice. The place was quiet, surreal, not a soundpermeating the area. Harry instinctively pulled his wand, searching for signs of life.

Hello? Is anyone here? Harry searched around for signs of anything; violence, peace, anydisturbance of the eerie scene. He reached up and knocked on the door. Hello! His voiceseemed to carry, and still no response. Suddenly, he heard a noise coming from the shed of anouter building. The building was made of wood, open like a barn or safe area for other livestock.It was a rhythmic tapping sound, soft but mechanical in nature. He walked slowly towards thesource of the sound.

As he approached the barn, he continued surveying his surroundings. No sound, no movement,nothing. Harry slowly entered the open double door of the barn. The interior was open, stallslined each side of the long edifice. A loft covered in straw and alfalfa was built into a second storyabove. The sound got louder, it was closer. Harry thought he heard a metallic quality to thesound.

Clack, clack, clack

The sound appeared to be coming from the stall at the far end of the building. He prowledtowards that sound, his wand raised, ready to strike.

Clack, clack, clack

He approached the stall, peering in, seeing hay strewn about in a haphazard pattern. At firstglance, the stall seemed empty, the sound still resonating. Harry inspected the corner of thespace, spying some sort of block and tackle rig hanging on the wall. The metal casings on thehardware were tapping against rail of the stable wall, the wind keeping its rhythm consistent.Harry felt the tension ebb from his shoulders and neck. He smiled in relief and self-

admonishment. Hed been a little jumpy and he needed to get a hold of himself.

Hello, Harry! So nice to see you!

Harry whirled around, his wand hand raising up to face the voice. Before he spat out a defensivespell, he recognized the slight form of Luna Lovegood, her whimsical smile radiating inpuzzlement and friendship.

Luna! Youre alright! Harrys relief manifested itself visibly.

Of course I am, silly, why wouldnt I be? Luna led Harry back towards her house. Her feet werebare, as usual and she had a flower lei hanging from her neck.

Harrys heartbeat had slowed to a reasonable rate. Delores Umbridge escaped from Azkeban,and there have been attacks on Dumbledores Army. We sent someone to watch over you, butwe havent heard from them.

Well, its been quite peaceful here, Ive not seen anyone, and my dad is on safari, looking toreplace the Crumple-Horned Snorkack Horn that the Deatheaters destroyed when they damagedour house. Harry gave a silent snicker, remembering the Erumpent Horn which exploded whenXenophilius Lovegood cast an errant stunning spell. Harry, more than any of Lunas otherfriends, really never thought that the tow-headed woman with him was crazy or touched. He was


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always struck by how incisive she could be and how, when everyone doubted him, she never did,not once.

Thats odd, I wonder where your guardian go to? Harrys eye caught some movement in thedistance. A flurry of wings and feathers seemed to erupt from a small grove of trees on a hill pastthe barn as a number of black birds burst into the air. The flock seemed to circle a spot in thecopse of trees.

Those birds seem to be dancing, dont they? Theyve been attached to that one spot, all day.Lunas words were matter-of-fact. Harry felt the grip of dread come over his chest. He startedwalking to the spot, Luna trailing behind him. Harry broke into a run, his heart racing. When hegot to the tree line, he spotted tuft of dark fabric on the ground.

Stay here, Luna, dont move! Harry moved towards the spot, his eyes scanning the ground. Abody, clothed in dark robes lay sprawled on the ground. The only evidence that it had been aman, was the general outline of the figure. It had been ravaged, the clothing tearing with the fleshunderneath, its face unrecognizable. A glimmer of metal flashed in the sun. Harry reached downand picked up an Aurors medallion, apparently rent from the robes during the struggle. Thename Masterson was inscribed underneath the blood crusting on the badge. Harry had foundLunas guardian.

They appeared at St. Mungos, Ginnys relief at his safety readily apparent. They shared anembrace and then Harry inquired as to Rons status. Ginny filled him in,Rons fine, he hadsome cuts and broken bones, but theyre healing nicely. Cavendish was touch and go, but shellpull through. Harry, there have been eight attacks and six Aurors have been seriously wounded,but none of our friends have been hurt and thankfully, no one killed.

Harry eyes immediately betrayed how wrong she was. At least one has been killed. I foundMastersons body near Lunas house. Ginny looked over at Luna, checking her for injury ortrauma, and then raised a questioning eye towards her husband. She didnt see a thing. Shewas fine when I arrived.

Ginny, can you keep Luna with you? Ive got to go and talk to Dawlish. Something doesnt feel

right about this.

Youd better check in on Ron, first. Harry smacked his forehead with his hand, and walked intothe ambulatory ward.

Ron lie on his bed, a pile of pillows supporting his back, so that, he could sit upright. Hermionewas sitting on the bed with him , relief emanating from her tear streaked eyes. Oy, Harry! Lunais okay, then?

Shes fine, Ron. Harry decided not to tell his friend about the murder, especially in front ofHermione who just now returning to a semblance of her former self.

Hermione smiled at the news. Its fortunate that the Aurors were watching for us. Can you

imagine what could have happened?

Fortunate, yes. Harry left it at that. Bidding his friends goodbye, he walked back to Ginny.Stay close to Sarah, Luna can stay with us. I have to go into the Office.

She pulled his arm, arresting his movement out. Drawing him near, she gave him a kiss on thelips. He immediately calmed, his breathing controlled. She knew exactly has to steady him, howhad he ever survived without her?

He gave her a quick smile and made for the Ministry.


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The Aurors leaders were assembled in Gawain Robards office when Harry arrived. They wereengaged in a heated debate on next steps. Harry threw the Mastersons blood-stained medallionon the middle of the table they were seated around. The effect chilled all debate while all eyesdrew towards Harry.

Hes dead. Looks like he ran into a pack of the creatures and they savaged him. A sombergloom fell over the room. Luna is fine, but she didnt see anything.

One dead and six wounded, weve taken some serious losses. Fortunately, weve been able tokeep Umbridges minions from hurting their targets. Dawlish turned towards Robards. Wellhave to get these wizards somewhere that we can better protect them. Hogwarts, maybe?

Too open, too isolated. Lachlans voice drew nods from the collective group.

Where then? Dawlish scanned the room, eyes drawn to a figure in the corner, dressed ratheranachronistically and puffing on an absurdly large pipe. Miles, what do you think?

Miles Jackson-Smythe had been lost in thought. His attention returned on hearing his name.Yes, it would be sensible to gather the alumni of Dumbledores Army, all things being equal

He hesitated, his brain working at full speed.

But? Dawlish knew something was troubling the master wizard.

Miles looked up, We have to review the facts. Something doesnt fit. Harry looked at the elderwizard, realizing his gut was telling him the same thing.

What is it then? What are we missing? Harrys question mirrored the thoughts of hiscolleagues.

Its elementary, my dear Potter. Your experience at the Lovegoods provides a new set of facts,confirming a different hypothesis. Miles stared over the room until settling on Harry as the objectof his lesson. They began a byplay, as if each were working the same problem, figuring out its

nuances.

Miles started, It would make sense to bring the members of the D.A. in one place

If they were the targets

But Ms. Lovegood was not attacked while herescort was and the sum total of our casualtieshave been to Aurors, ergo? Miles looked carefully at Harry, much like the expressionDumbledore would have when walking Harry through a lesson.

The members of Dumbledores Army werent the intended victims, the Aurors were.

Precisely, Mr. Potter. Something else to consider. Delores Umbridge has never had the

capabilities these spells indicate, and her willingness to ignore Luna, who played a prominent rolein the insurrection at Hogwarts, indicates what?

Harry pondered the question. It indicates that she is getting help from somewhere, her unlikelyescape from Azkeban demonstrates that as do these more formidable powers. Someoneunknown, someone powerful.

Well done, Harry! Miles beamed with pride.

Dawlish turned to look at Miles, So what should we do now?


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Miles tone turned serious, casting aside his Holmes persona for the moment, Wed better findout who is behind this quickly. I fear that this will get bloody. This situation will worsen before itgets better.

The men in the room grew silent. Each assessing the information, each having their own fears,each feeling a conflict between their rage with their sense of duty.

Harry drew a deep breath, Well then, were just going to have to find out whos behind this.

Dawlish raised an eyebrow, And then what?

We defeat them, what other choice do we have?. Harrys face tightened in a mask of resolve.

Chapter 32De inimico non loquaris male, sed cogites. Do not wish ill for your enemy, plan it.

Delores Umbridge sat at the desk and rest her cup of tea on its matching saucer. Her bright pinkcardigan shone brightly in stark contrast to her surroundings. As an escaped felon, her choices

of abode were limited and this abandoned shanty on the outskirts of London served her purposesnicely. Besides, she thought, after her accommodations at Azkeban, her present circumstanceswere quite opulent.

Umbridge was happy, her first day of her task to hurt the Aurors could not have gone smoother.How fortunate that the powers that be, had interpreted her objective to revenge herself on thoseinsolent brats from Hogwarts. In doing so, the Ministry had practically spoon fed her easy targetsof opportunity. By assigning Aurors individually or in pairs to Dumbledores idiots, shed beenoffered the chance to pick off the Auror ranks, one by one. That fool in Ottery St. Catchpole hadno chance alone, when she sent four pseudo-manticores after him. She simply adored kittens soshe was more than amused by the fact that she could change their cute exteriors into instrumentsof destruction on her path to power.

Power. That was her ultimate goal. Whatever ill will she harbored for the children who led theinsurrection against her management at Hogwarts was secondary to the accumulation of power.Whats more, she could hurt a good many of them by using their own fears for their safety toaccomplish her objective. Plus, she reasoned, there was an added bonus. Harry Potter and RonWeasley were both Aurors, thus were fair game. She allowed herself a brief titter at the thought.She could only imagine the horror and the pain she would inflict on those mudblood loving bratswhen she killed the great Harry Potter and his worthless sidekick. One must always take pride inones work; that was her motto.

Her mysterious backer had also occupied a good deal of Umbridges mind. Who was she? Herwords, her situation seemed familiar, but Umbridge was never a good student and she reallycouldnt place the woman in any context. The woman was powerful; the little book in Umbridgespocket was a testament to that. But her power was limited, her reach could not extend past her

island fortress, else why would she need Umbridges assistance? That was her weakness,Delores thought, and that is a weakness that can be exploited when the time came.

Her eyes drifted to a scrap of parchment lying on her desk. Shed come upon it during her lastscouting sojourn into Diagon Alley. Her mouth crinkled in a smile, or so it could be technicallycalled. She placed a white-glove encased hand on the paper, stroking the letters on the headline,almost caressing it. Its announcement making for another opportunity, one to deal a blow withtrue meaning for her. Just this once, she may even make it a point to kill everyone involved.


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COME ONE, COME ALL!!! THE GRAND OPENING OF WEASLEYS WHEEZES INHOGSMEADE! CUNNING OBJECTS OF ENTERTAINMENT! JOKES, SPELLS AND GAGS,GALORE! FREE SELF-INKING QUILLS TO THE FIRST TEN CUSTOMERS! THISSATURDAY, 10 AM.

GEORGE WEASLEY AND LEE JORDAN, PROPRIETORS

George Weasley, hed been the instigator of the rebellion at her school. His twin brother and hehad humiliated her, made her look foolish and weak. The twin Weasleys were both cowardly andnot very impressive wizards, especially having to resort to tricks and chicanery. That fact wasmade abundantly clear by Freds death at the hands of real wizardry. Here was a realopportunity. Hogsmeade was remote and isolated. At most, she could count on four or maybe sixAurors protecting the grand opening of this shop. The rest would be spread thin, watching overthe other twenty or so cowards across Britain. Umbridge allowed herself a toothy smile, whichaccentuated her toad-like appearance. She looked across to two kittens lapping saucers of milknear the door, perhaps she could spare a chimaera or two to deal with George Weasley as well.After all, all work and no play makes for a very disorderly day, and how she hated disorder.

She broke the silence in the room, So much to do, so much to do. We have an appointment, youand I, Mr. George Weasley. She picked up the two kittens, tut-tutting to them and smiling,

Would you like to meet George Weasley?

George Weasley!

Ginnys voice rang up and down the aisles of Weasleys Wheezes, echoing to the farthestreaches of the store and assaulting Georges ears. He was sitting at a table in the back stockroom. Lee, Harry and Ron were seated with him while his and Lees Auror guardians, Dawes andMilton, were curiously taking in the inventory stored there. George turned to see the deliberateand fast-paced march Ginny was taking, with Hermione following behind her. Ginny lookeddecidedly furious and George saw an incriminating flyer clutched tightly in her hand.

George Weasley, you can be such an ass! Her voice was forceful and somewhat shrill, herindignation dripping from her shout.

Such language, this is a family establishment. George rose to face his youngersister, handsraised in a What have I done? manner, and as far as being an ass, could you be a little morespecific?

This drew snickers from the men around the table that were immediately stifled by looks bothHermione and Ginny gave them. Hermione plucked the crumpled flyer from Ginnys hand andraised it in front of Georges face.

What is the meaning of this? Youre opening another shop, in Hogsmeade, now? George tookthe flyer, pretending to read it.

Yes, you both know thats been the plan as far back as He hesitated, but they knew he

meant to say, As far back as when Fred was alive.

George looked the women in the eye, Look, we got a great deal on Zonkos shop, so we jumpedat it.

Hermione took the lead, Ginny too enraged to talk a t the time. George, its not just about theshop, do you realize the danger that Umbridge presents? Youre just asking to be attacked.

George stole a glance at Lee, and then straightened his shoulders. Why did we fight? Why didwe sacrifice so much? He looked at Hermione and then stared straight at Ginny. Why did Fred


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die? So we could be free to make our choices. Isnt that what youre always harping on Gin?What is it now, youre free to make choices but no one else is?

Ginnys face burned with shame and anger; shame in his rebuke, and anger that her ownargument was being turned against her. The building crescendo was like a volcano waiting toerupt. Hermione spoke up to prevent the eruption, for now.

George, it isnt just you and Lee. What about your protectors? She pointed to Dawes andMilton, who had been trying, unsuccessfully, to blend in with the walls. The Aurors havesacrificed a great deal to protect us from Umbridge, and now youll expose them to additionalrisk.

Ahem, Dawes strode forward, his light blue eyes dancing with not a little amusement, Franklymiss, were exposed wherever we go. Its really no trouble, Milton and I are volunteering.

His comment froze Hermione, leaving her no argument, save one and that one was the eruptionpoint for Ginny. Mount Vesuvius had reached critical mass.

What about Ron and Harry? She looked down at the table at her husband and her brother, Doyou think that they wouldnt go too? Umbridge has a special hate for the both ofthem. Arent you

putting them in danger? How dare you, George! Just for some stupid joke shop! Youre going tomake me a widow to sell more of your trinkets!

It was out, the real worry behind Ginnys rage. The silence in the room was deafening. Theshock of the verbal assault caused George to slowly sink back to his seat and lower his head.Ginnys eyes roved over all of them, daring them to contradict her, daring them to excuse thefoolish task theyd planned.

After a moment of her harsh gaze, Harry found his voice. Ginny, could I speak to you in private?Please? He stood and held his hand out to her, begging for her indulgence. She hesitated, notsure where he would take the argument, but reached her hand to his nonetheless. He led her outa back door, to a relatively isolated part of Diagon Alley.

He turned to face her, You were a little unreasonable and harsh, dont you think?

Dont, Harry. After what weve been through the past few months, with you at deaths door, dontlecture me on worrying about your safety. Dont. She wasnt going to be deterred. Her fearswere heightened because shed reached a pinnacle of happiness shed never thought she couldexperience. Before, she was afraid of losing him because of what might be, now she was terrified,because now, she knew what she had to lose.

His voice lowered, becoming gentle, soothing; he reached a hand to caress her hair, Im nottelling you not to worry. Itd be like telling the sun not to rise. I love that you worry, but George isright, we need to be free, Ginny. Free to choose, free to live, even free to sell NosebleedNougats. He gave her a smile. She reluctantly returned it.

All Im asking, Ginny, is do you trust me? Harrys question was earnest.

Her annoyance began to surface, Harry, what kind of silly question is that? What do youmean

He cut her off, this time he was terse, forceful. Do you trust me?

She read his eyes, her back straightening, her eyes blazing, Of course, I trust you. He smiledand hugged her tight. A decision had been made, and the two headed back to the help theothers plan the trip to Hogsmeade.


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Saturdays in Hogsmeade are especially festive, as the students of Hogswarts find themselvesperusing the shops and cafs of the uniquely all-wizarding community. An undercurrent ofexcitement was especially rampant today, as the flyers announcing the grand opening of theWeasley specialty shop had been delivered throughout the school, due in no small amount to theefforts of one Professor Neville Longbottom. The street was crowded outside the balloon andribbon festooned shop. Its prior occupants, Zonkos, had been forced to close down duringUmbridges stay at Hogwarts. Even though an attempt at reopening had been made, there wasreally no way to recover from losses, especially given the success that Weasleys Wheezes hadbeen having.

Frederick Dawes and Henry Milton walked casually with Lee and George. The two Aurors hadbeen near inseparable since their time at Hogwarts. Theyd met during their first ride on theHogwarts Express, been inducted into Gryffindor together and joined the Office of Aurorstogether. Those that did not know them, would swear that they were brothers, twins even. Theywere almost identical, save forDawes pale blue eyes and Miltons dark black orbs. Theyd beenbest men at each others weddings. For almost thirty years, theyd fought, laughed and cried witheach other, and were as close to twins as could be. Milton, was the more playful of the twodespite his foreboding eyes, was talking earnestly with George, holding a quill that hed beengiven.

So youre saying that all I have to do is think the words, and this will write it down?

Thats the idea. Are you sure you dont want to try the self-correcting quill? Milton laughed.

No mate, my testing and schooling days are far behind.

Trailing the four travelers, Ron and Harry kept a watchful eye on their surroundings. Coming upthe main street, the group approached the new Weasleys Wheezes without incident. Harry tooka studious sweep of the surrounding area. The buildings surrounding the shop seemed drab, incontrast with the festive adornment of the new business. Gladrags stood silent, even its ownersout on their stoop to watch the opening, the wife shooing away strays that were trying to enter theopen door. Scrivenshafts Quill Shop was closed up, a sign indicating that the owner was gone

until Monday, and its upper story shutters closed tight, no sound coming from them. OnlyHoneydukes seemed to be having any type of consistent traffic, students stopping in to samplecandies that wouldnt explode or itch, and then coming to see the wonders of George and Leesshop.

At precisely ten oclock, George stepped up to the raised porch in front of his new shop. He wasoutfitted in his ridiculous P.T. Barnum outfit, the bowler perched firmly on his head.

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! It is my pleasure and yours too, to open here inHogsmeade, your very own Weasleys Wheezes! The crowd burst into applause. Now, whollbe the first come up and enter?

As if on queue, a roar broke from the rooftop of the opposite building. Three chimaeras were

staring down at George and Lee, mouths salivating on their lions heads. The beasts launchedthemselves at the dais, claws extended.

From the street, inhuman shouts emanated from the six manticores that stood line abreast. Theirheads were human like, but perched on a lions body, scorpion tales held up in an aggressiveposture. Their screams echoed off the close confines of the buildings, and they launched theirattack, plunging through the crowd.

The people caught in the attack made a mad rush away from the fighting. Harry and Ron drewtheir wands, ushering the mass of humanity towards safety. Harry heard the loud cracks of


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stunning spells, as Dawes and Milton mounted their defense, pulling George and Lee downbehind the solid railing of the platform. All around, manticores and chimaera appeared from outof thin air, it seemed, loping down towards the beleaguered defenders. Harry and Ron stoodback to back, covering the stage from across the street. Harry lunged backwards, pushing Ron tothe side, narrowly evading a striking scorpions tale, the barb passing inches fro m his face. Ronsent a shield charm to ward off the attacker, driving it into one of its cohorts.

Harry, we cant hold for much longer! Ron assessment of the tactical situation was accurate.The more of the beasts they dispose of, the more seem to appear. Harrys mind was working inoverdrive, considering the possibilities. Suddenly, he knew.

Right, Ron Ive got it! Harry beckoned Ron to follow, looking over at Dawes and Milton whowere just managing to stave off being overwhelmed.

Dawes saw Harrys movement and yelled, Now?

Harry didnt halt his stride, Now!

Dawes nodded to George, who pulled a small fireworks canister from his jacket pocket. Setting itoff, the combustible flew up into the street, and burst into a fiery display, spelling out the word,

Now.

Seemingly out of nowhere, as Disillusionment Charms and Invisibility Cloaks were discarded,thirty Aurors made their appearance, blasting the attackers from behind, severely blunting theattack. Led by Dawlish and Lachlan, the Aurors formed a protective cordon around the platform,whose railing had been reinforced to provide shelter from the assault. Wands out, the Aurorsfought off the continuing attacks with an unassailable wall of spells.

Harry made a beeline for the entrance to Gladrags. He remembered the owner having to chaseaway stray cats that were hovering near the door. Bounding for the rear of the shop, Harry ledRon up the stairs, to the second floor. Moving room to room, Harry reached the doorway to theroom overlooking the street. Framed in the window, a slight, prudish woman, dressed in a pinksweater was furiously pouring through a small book, oblivious to their approach.

Hem Hem. Harrys mocked Umbridges affectation for a slight cough when she wanted herattention.

Umbridge turned rapidly, surprised by the intrusion.

Expelliarmus! Rons spell knocked the book from her hand.

Accio Book! The little leather-bound journal flew into Harrys hand.

Incarcerous! The ethereal bonds flew to surround Umbridge, Rons wand moving to ensurecompliance with his spell.

Umbridge choked in surprise, a note of sheer terror in her voice, Potter, you have no idea whatyouve done! Youve killed me!

Snarls began to emanate from the base of the stairway behind them. The loud impact of bodiescould be heard against the closed shutters of the windows. Harry and Ron moved into the roomand slammed the door behind them. They could hear movement on the roof above, withscratches indicating that something was tearing through the thatched roof. All around, theydbecome the focus of rage for the remaining beasts without.


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Umbridge began to shiver in fear, her voice quaking, her control completely lost. Potter, youvegot to save me, youve got to keep them away from me please!

Harrys voice was cold, bitter. Why should I? What will you do for me?

Umbridges face froze momentarily, the decision weighing in her mind. Her thoughts wereinterrupted by a loud thump at the door, the unmistakable sound of its wood frame cracking.

Harry turned back to Umbridge, Youd better decide soon, time is about up.

The door crashed open, the snarls of its batterers filling the room.

Chapter 33 Moral Compass

The grand opening of Weasleys Wheezes at its Hogmeades location would be remembered forquite some time. Its comparison to other inaugural events would be mundane on the details.There were balloons and streamers and a showman in the guise of George Weasley made for abetter than average start. It was the relentless assault by the vicious, dark magic-induced beaststhat would set this opening apart from countless others. Sarah Peebles took in the scene from

her vantage point in the circle of Aurors that was surrounding the stage in front of WeasleysWheezes. She and her colleagues had been granted a reprieve from their battle with Umbridgesmanticores and chimaeras when the savage animals had ceased their attacks and begun todescend on Gladrags. Somewhere in her memory, Sarah seemed to recall that her mentor,Harry Potter had disappeared not too long ago into the depths that that building. While theAurors collected themselves and policed up the area, she stole away to find entry into thebuilding.

Protego! Rons wand flashed, drivingthe mass of visceral flesh back from the doors opening.Reparo! the assorted pieces of the door and its frame lashed themselves back together,offering a moments respite. Harry nodded to Ron, cognizant of the thrashing and banging acrossthe entire perimeter of the room. He turned to Umbridge, his eyes blazing.

What will it be, Delores? Will you give me the information we need, or do we leave you to yourfate?

Umbridge took in Harrys expression, not sure, really, if he was serious, or if he was bluffing. Inher mind, she couldnt take the chance. Shed already escaped from Azkeban once, albeit withassistance, and she could do it again. She couldnt do anything if she was dead.

Ill tell you what you want to know, just get me away from here. All you have to do, is transportme out of sight of those things. Umbridges voice grew higher, shriller as the crashing againstthe doors and windows got louder.

Thats not good enough, Umbridge! We already know that you cant be trusted. This is the pricefor your life. Harry held up a small blue shaded vial for her to see.

Delores Umbridge was no fool. Her only real value was the information in her head. Shedthought that she could bargain by holding things out, but by giving Potte r her memories, shed beout of chips to bargain with. A splintering crash at the window revealed a long talon making itsway through the wood. It also made her decision much easier.

Ill do it. When you get me out of here!

Harry laughed, Nice try,do it now! Ron! He tossed the vial over to his friend, whos relievedexpression was evident on his face. Umbridge tossed a cruel, heated glance at Harry, and then


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closed her eyes. Eventually, a blue, viscous liquid emitted from the corners of her eyes. Ronopened the stopper on the vial and allowed the liquid to fill the glass. When he finished, he putthe top on the vial and nodded to Harry.

Make sure those memories get to the Ministry! Thats the whole point of this, Ron. Get to theMinistry as fast as you can! Harry looked back towards Umbridge.

Ron stared at his friend, What about her? We can make it together!

Dont worry about Umbridge, Ill be right behind you, just make sure the memory gets to theMinistry! Ron gave Harry a hard, knowing look. With a quick glance at Umbridge, Rondisappeared from the room.

Harry stood in the middle of the room, oblivious to the noise of the creatures outside, staring intospace. After a moment, he cast a cold, menacing gaze at Umbridge.

What are you waiting for Potter! Get me out of here! Umbridges voice was louder, moredesperate. I gave you what you wanted!

Harry looked at her, his eyes filled with a steely resolve. Whats the rush? These are your pets

after all. Maybe, I should leave you to them. Harry turned his back on her, his mind racing, therage in his breast making him hesitate.

Her voice steadied a triumphant laugh in her tone. Well, well, well, the great Harry Potter is ahorrid little man, after all. Apparently we arent so different, after all. She wavered as anothertalon pierced the ceiling above. We had an agreement, Potter! You werent going to let me die!

Maybe you dont deserve to live! Maybe Im doing the world a favor! Youve hurt a lot of people,Umbridge! Youve murdered for the sake of what? Power? Youre a threat to my friends, myfamily! Ginnys image came to his mind, the image right after her encounter in Diagon Alley,suddenly a place on his hand began to itch, the same place that Umbridge had forced him towrite lines those years ago. Youre a threat to me. Maybe its best that you cant hurt anyoneelse, anymore. He stared her down, and for the first time, Delores Umbridge truly feared for her

life.

You cant Potter! You cant let me die! Her voice was panicked, faltering; a bout of hysteria wasfollowing close behind. Harry took a last look at her and slowly turned his head. His mind beganto concentrate on a destination, anywhere, but away from her.

Harry. The voice was quiet, soft and warm. It was unexpected, and it wasnt Umbridge. Harryturned and found himself looking at Sarah. Shed found a small spiral ladder that had led up toan adjacent room, too small for the creatures to navigate. Shed come through a connecting doorand found him about to leave the dreadful Umbridge woman to her fate.

He was startled by her, unsure of his actions. Her words hit him to the core.

You dont want to do this, Harry. Youll regret it for the rest of your life. Sarah looked at him,ignoring the vigorous nods of agreement from Umbridge or the chaos of the enraged animalscrashing through.

Sarah! What are doing here, get out of here! Cant you see that she deserves it? Shes evil!Shes murdered people! Shes tried to hurt the people that I love. She tried to hurt Ginny! Sheshurt me! Harry was spent, unsure of what he should do next, his mind swirling with thoughts ofthe greater good and what was right.


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Sarahs voice dropped in volume, You once said that being an Auror was about justice andpeace, and that we must never use our position to exercise power over the helpless. Her armdropped to the bound woman nearby.

Harry stood, his eyes never leaving Sarah, shamed by what hed almost done. He stared at hispupil and found she was teaching him a lesson. He nodded his head and walked over toUmbridge. Grasping her and Sarahs arm, he apparated them out of the room, away fromHogsmeade.

Outside, Henry Milton was keeping a watch on four would-be chimaeras that had been stunnedby multiple spells from the phalanx of Aurors. When Harry moved Umbridge from their proximity,the chimaeras changed their form. In front of Milton, were four kittens, mewling in fear andprobably hunger. Blimey. The Umbridge threat was over.

Harry and Sarah arrived at the Ministry of Magic with Umbridge in tow. They brought her up tothe Office of Aurors and placed her in one of the rooms especially charmed to hold wizards of herilk. Harry walked with Sarah back to his office, emotionally spent from the encounter.

Sarah, he paused, the shame of his actions hitting him, Thanks, I almost did something I wouldhave regret. She smiled at him, placed a small hand on his shoulder.

Its what youd done for me. You will not apologize, because you have nothing to apologize for.She was definitely teasing him.

How long am I to expect you to keep reciting my own words back to me? He started laughingwith her, his mood lightening ever so slightly.

For as long as youre my tutor. Im lucky to have you training me, Harry. You looked out for mewhen no one else would. Youre a good teacher, and Im glad Im your student. Her face wasproud, unembarrassed and unashamed.

He blushed, Thanks Sarah, I definitely needed that. She looked at him with a little moreseriousness.

Harry, you still have one more thing to do, dont you? He looked at her, unsure of what shespoke. They still had to figure out who was behind all this and how to stop them. There wasprobably more than one thing left. She laughed at his confusion, Dont you think you should goand let Ginny know youre okay? Shes liable to tear down the Ministry before long.

He laughed out loud, his mood definitely getting better. Well, we cant have public propertybeing destroyed. I want to check on Ron first, and then Ill go save the Ministry from totaldestruction. He got up and walked out of his office. He moved down the corridor. As he passedthe granite memorial wall, he noticed that Mastersons name and image had been added already.He made his way to Lachlans office and knocked. The door opened, and he entered to find Ronwaiting.

You made it back? Good. Harry skimmed the office and saw the vial sitting on Lachlans desk.Wheres Lachlan?

Ron looked at his friend closely, concern covering his face. He hasnt returned yet. Um, Harry,wheres Umbridge? The unspoken question was had Harry left her to die? Harry looked at hisfriend, and saw the fear in Rons eyes .

Shes in a cell, down the hall. A visible sigh of relief overcame Ron. I almost did it, Ron, Ialmost became just like her. Maybe, I am just like her deep down.


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Ron was more shocked at that statement than he was thinking that his friend had killedUmbridge. Dont say that Harry. Youre nothing like her, nothing at all.

I felt it,Ron, I felt it in my being to let her die. Harry sat down, his face crestfallen.

Ron stood and paced, his mind furiously at work. So, why didnt you do it? No one would havestopped you, why didnt you let her die?

Sarah showed up, and well, she said Aurors dont use their powers over the helpless. Ronseyebrow raised a hint.

Who taught her that, I suppose? Rons mouth was moving towards a full smile.

I did, I guess.

Well, now, I guess you were a better teacher than you thought. Rons voice became steady,confident. And maybe, just maybe, despite all that youve been through and all that youvebecome, the great Harry Potter is not above learning something new, from time to time.

Harry laughed at his friends comment. So many times, over the past few months, hed had to

lead and to act, but in the greater scheme of things, he was still relatively new to his new role,both as an Auror and as a husband, and he still had a lot to learn about both.

A commotion burst out in the hall outside, as the Aurors from Hogsmeade began to file into theOffice. Harry peered a head out and motioned for Robards and Dawlish to make their way over.Joined by Lachlan, they crowded into the office with Harry and Ron.

Umbridge is locked up down the hall, sir. Harry addressed Robards, but swept his gaze overthe others.

Well done, Harry, we can start her interrogation straight away. A relieved Robards made agesture over to Dawlish.

Harry interrupted him, That wont be necessary, sir. That stopped the conversations aboutinterrogation momentarily. You see sir, I got her to give us her memory, especially thosesubsequent to her escape from Azkeban.

How did you manage that, Harry? Robards was obviously impressed and curious.

I made it worth her while, sir. Harry gave a sheepish grin. It was more important for her tocooperate with us, than not. Robards let the matter drop, to Harrys relief.

Well, lets see it, well use the Pensieve in the meeting room. Harry grabbed the vial from thedesk and the group proceeded down to the Auror meeting room. They gathered around thePensieve located in the corner of the room. It was larger than the one Dumbledore had, the onecurrently in Harrys office. Harry poured the contents of the vial into the large stone basin,

allowing its contents to merge with vapor and mist floating within. As one, the assembled groupconcentrated on the memories floating in the mist. Selecting one, they found themselveswatching the details of Umbridges assisted escape from Azkeban . The flew along with her onthe back of the wyvern, noting the fact that these beasts hadnt been seen in centuries.

The memory skipped through the flight across the ocean, and followed her to the fog coveredisland. They looked at each other, curious at the citadel in the mountain and leaned forward atthe point the mystery woman made her plea to Delores. No one recognized the beautiful womanwho was casually issuing demands for their own deaths. The memory took them from the islandand drifted to the a pastoral scene, in a field, outside a house that looked like a big black rock.


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The image of a man in black robes, standing behind some trees, watching a house. Dawlishdrew a deep breath inward, recognizing the figure as that of his man, Masterson, who had beenassigned to watch over Luna Lovegood. They watched as Masterson was being stalked by fourshadowy, menacing figures. Harry knew what would happen next. The image of Mastersonturned around, his expression passing from surprise to shock, to finally terror.

Enough! Robards voice boomed across the room. I think weve seen quite enough. No onehad an argument, no one wanted to live that memory.

Well, weve seen our enemy, but does anyone know who she is?

There were blank faces around the room. The womans face had not registered. Her identitywas a mystery. Harrys expression was distracted, deep in thought, his memory drifting backacross the years. One minute sir, Ill be right back. Harry darted out the door, heading back tohis office. Within minutes, he returned, a little winded from his dash. He held a deck of peculiarcards in his hand.

Harry, why on earth do you have Chocolate Frog Cards in your hands? Ron, like everyoneelse, had no idea why his friend would have childrens playing cards out. Harry ignored his friendand rifled through the deck until he came to a card. This was a card hed received in his first

deck, so many years ago on the Hogwarts Express. He held up the card and tossed it on thetable in the center of the room. On the card was a face, the face of the woman whod they seenin the memory. Looks of incredulity went around the room.

You cant be serious, Harry. Robards could not believe where this was going.

Dawlish was thoughtful, I think Harry may be onto something, what other explanation is there?Think about the type of magic it took to free Umbridge, think about the wyverns and look at her.The face is identical.

Morgana? Morgan Le Fay? Shes been dead for centuries! This is preposterous! Robardssputtered, not ready to believe.

Lachlan spoke up for the first time, Well sir, Id be inclined to agree with you sir, but the last timeI saw a Fury was on one of those cards and we know where the next time we saw a Fury was.

Well assume its possible. What do we do?

We have to confirm this. Dawlish was thoughtful. We need to have some background onMorgana, find out about her, and see if she has a weakness.

There were nods around from the rest. Robards agreed to the situation for the mean time, but hisskepticism remained. With nothing else to discuss, they filed out of the room, more afraid thanbefore they went in.

Harry and Ron left the meeting room, idly walking back to his office.

Harry James Potter! Harry was intimately familiar with the voice. Oftentimes, it had providedsolace for him in the darkest times. Right now, it had a tone with which he wasnt too familiar. Itseemed sinister. Ron ducked his head and blend into the wall and did his best disappearingcharm, escaping the wrath of the voice. Harry turned around, and offered his wife a smile. Shewas standing, her weight on one leg, leading toe tapping in a furious beat. Her arms werecrossed and brow furrowed in a fierce look. Her eyes blazed and her hair seemed a deep shadeof red, almost fire-like, much like her present mood.


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Ive been crazy with worry, waiting for you. Would it have killed you to let me know that you werestill alive?

Chapter 34Nights Minions

Morganas citadel stood white, noble in the morning sun, its beauty belying the evil which hadgathered in its midst. The black sorceress had amassed her followers, who had taken centuriesto collect and lifetimes to put into place. Morgana was an animagus, the original animagus. Herform was of a bird, not some dainty robin, but of a crow, a carrion crow, feeding on the carcassesand eggs of living beings. In her avian form, she landed near the dark pool in the center of herchamber. She transformed back into her regular form, spinning about to take in her denizens inthe room.

The chamber was filled with movement, dark bodies standing restless, ill at ease, as if they wereracers, impatiently awaiting the sound of the starters pistol. Sounds of breathing, huffing,snarling permeated their ranks, creating an olio of terror, of hatred which drew its strength fromthe woman in white before them. The darkness of the room gave hint of shadows, moving to andfro, pacing, luminescent pairs of red eyes dotting the room like fireflies on a warm spring night.One of the shadows moved forward, a robed figure, out of place in the menagerie, human, a man.The figure knelt in supplication before Morgana, face down, eyes to the floor, awaiting his

mistress bidding.

Morgana allowed herself a smile, soon, she thought, soon I will be free of this place and I cantake my rightful place as ruler of this world. The Umbridge woman has been captured.Gnashing of teeth and low growls came in response to the news. That was part of our design.Now those who could stop us are uneasy. They will be distracted with saving their own lives,while we proceed with our task.

She looked to the figure kneeling to her front, Merwyn? Are you ready for your quest?

The man raised his hooded head, his eyes soaking in her beauty. He seemingly basked in herglow, Merwyn the Malicious is at your service, my lady. As have I always been.

Morgana lent her toady a brief flicker of a smile and turned to the gathered masses. We willcontinue to confuse and terrify our enemies. It is time for those that would oppose us theguardians of the false order, to truly fear for their worthless lives. The end draws near for thisMinistry of Magic and its so-called Aurors. She turned to the darkest corner of her domain,Come here, my pet. Her voice was loving, tender and was met by a low-throated animal growl.You and your minions are free to kill the Aurors. Kill them all, but make sure the rest feel fear.Their fear will be their undoing.

A chorus of howls and grunts met her words, raising in volume, rebounding off the high walls ofthe chamber. She soaked in its effect, taking a brief moment to enjoy, how near she was to hergoal.

Merwyn, youd best be on your way. Bring me the Bone of Ullr.

************************************************************************************************************12 Grimmauld Place had a sitting room in the front part of the house, which held a large fireplace.Near the hearth, two rather large, overstuffed high-backed chairs offered its occupants acomfortable proximity to the fire and a good view of the room, which had been redone to mirrorthe Gryffindor common room at Hogwarts. The sun was setting in the afternoon sky, while therewere two chairs in the room and two occupants of the home, more times that not, the fire wouldbe witness to both of the homes live-ins sharing but one chair, nestled in comfort in each othersarms. Such was the case this evening.


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Harry sat in the chair, his wife, Ginny, lay sideways, arms dangling over the arms, her own armswrapped around his neck. Harrys eyes were closed, a smile on his face, random thoughtsdrifting through his head. After a moment, he allowed a quick laugh to escape his lips.

What? Ginny could not help but smile at his mirth.

He looked down at her face, the flicker of the fire causing her eyes t o dance, Its nothing really.Its just that Ron always told me that being married was so much better than I could possiblyimagine, that it got better and better each day. He kissed her lips. I was just thinking that if Iknew this was how arguments were going to be settled, I almost want to have one every day.

She gave him a mockingly stern look, I wouldnt want to put that theory to the test too often,although, this making up is very nice. He laughed and stood, lifting her up in his arms.

I think I still have some things to make up to you for. He kissed her again. She giggled indelight and expectation. He carried her up the stairs. Neither saw the dark shadow that passedthe outer window. It was there, and then gone in an instant.

************************************************************************************************************

Ron fumbled with the door to his apartment. Hermione had insisted that he stick to non-magicalmannerisms as much as possible while he was out and out and about in their muggleneighborhood. He felt mostly at ease, but keys seemed to give him a little bit of trouble.Eventually, he managed to unlock his door and turn the knob, practically falling into his home. Heturned and shut the door and grunted from the impact of a mass of hair and Hermione impactinghim, pushing his back onto the door.

Youre alive! Hermiones face came up to his face, showering him with kisses. She stood offand hit him solidly in the chest. You should have sent word earlier, Ive been worried sick!

Ron had the bedraggled look of complete confusion that is usually endemic to men married forlonger than a year. Surrendering to the inevitable, he touched her cheek, Im sorry, Ill try hardernext time.

They both broke into laughter. The guffaws were a mixture of relief and happiness. They drewtogether and kissed deeply. Ron drew back and caressed her face, looking at her, immersinghimself in her beauty. The sun was setting outside the large picture windows, casting a soft rosyglow on her hair, face and eyes. He absolutely loved looking at her, he knew every expressionon her face and cherished every moment in her presence. A cloud passed over his own face, hisworry not for what happened, but for his friend, Harry. Although he felt that Harrys core was nota reflection of his actions today, he knew that Harry would have doubts, and those doubts couldhurt him. He looked at Hermione, knowing that she was someone, the only person he couldconfide in.

Hermione, He searched for a way to interrupt this moment with her, to talk to her about thedays events. She shushed him, and led him towards their bedroom. She smiled back at him,

Later, tell me later.

Ron smiled as he followed her. Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he noticed movementacross the way, outside his window. The glare of the sunset seemed to be playing tricks on him.The shadow he thought he saw, disappeared almost as soon as it was there.

*************************************************************************************************************

Henry Milton walked out into the night, waving back at George Weasley and Lee Jordan as he leftWeasleys Wheezes in Hogsmeade. Although the Umbridge threat had abated, he and Dawes


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had made a point to drop in and say hello to the two entrepreneurs. Milton was especially takenwith the wit and innovation of the mens wares. There was no moon and the night was especiallydark, which made his eyes appear as holes in the paleness of his face. Dawes had left earlier, apressing engagement at his home cutting short his fun. The night was getting late, and Miltonfigured that he would have a lot to answer for when he got home.

He made his way down the main street, intending to use the Floo access at the Hogs Head. Ashe passed an alley, he thought he heard a sound that was out of place with the quiet of the night.An experienced Auror, Milton had an instinct that the sound was out of the ordinary. Pulling hiswand, he moved down the alley. It was dark. With no moon, and the nearest gas lamp out onthe main street, he couldnt make out shapes in the dead end.

Lumos! The end of his wand glowed with a bright blue light, casting the aura of midday in theconfined quarters. At the end of the alley, he spotted a shape. It was muddled, dark, like thefigure of a mannequin. He moved closer, his eyes narrowing, trying to distinguish whether it werea live person or not. As he approached, he thought he recognized the robes on the figure. Theywere midnight black, but frayed and torn, shredded from the neck to the stomach. He lookedcloser still, and saw that it was person and the robe was covered in blood, the body beneath,dead, mutilated. He drew his wand up to the face, hoping to identify the victim and when he did,he recoiled in horror, drawing back against a nearby wall, an audible howl coming from his mouth.

It was Dawes. His friends light blue eyes were open, lifeless, like dolls eyes. His expression washorrific, as if he was seeking help and there hadnt been any. No one had been there. Miltonhadnt been there.

A low, continuous growl began to emanate from the street entrance. He turned, and peered pasthis light at the source. Ten pairs of red, glowing lights looked back at him, getting bigger as thesource of the growling drew near, slowly as if stalking him. Three massive, horrible figures cameinto view. The center figure was massive, the size of a full grown lion, muscular, broad, almostthe entire width of the alley. Three massive canine heads were connected at the junction of itsshoulders, they were low, feral, sharp teeth bared as all three heads growled in unison. On eitherside of the massive creature were two large dogs, also black, but slightly smaller. Their headswere identical, mouths open, nipping at the tail of the three-headed leader. All three creatureslooked deadly, all three were looking right at him, and all three seemed to be smiling.

Henry Milton was not a coward, years of training, of confronting evil, had honed him into one ofhis kinds best, an Auror. He would die bravely. He raised his wand, shooting a stunning spelltowards the largest of the predators. The red bolt impacted squarely on the beasts chest, withlittle or no appreciable effect. Milton cursed and tried another spell, again this one reboundedwith no effect to the creature. The sound of the animals throats were especially louder, crisper,as if announcing his own end.

Protego! Desperately, he threw up a shield, trying to keep the creatures at bay. The leaderpaused, its three heads sniffing the lighted specter, and then the center head plunged into theshield, slowly pulling the rest of its body through. Ever so slowly, Milton watched its progressthrough his last line of defense. He didnt want to die without reason, he wanted his sacrifice tomean something. Furiously, he dipped his hands into the recesses of his robe, as the first tip of a

snout began to work its way through his shield. His hand grasped at a piece of parchment andthrew it to the ground, slightly annoyed, he reached in again and found what he was looking for.The first head was almost through to the ears. The snouts of the other two heads started exitingthe barrier. Frantically, he tossed the object down and reached one last time into his robe.Grabbing a small cylinder, he smiled. Hed done what he could do. Slamming the base of thecylinder on the ground, it erupted into a cascade of fireworks, one of Weasleys specials . The airabove the alley was illuminated in shades of blue and green and red. The different whirls of fireand smoke rang through the village exploding in a cacophony of festive figures.


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The explosions masked his screams, as the creature made its way through his shield and leaptonto his chest.

Chapter 35 Taking Action

Harry walked down the alley, which on the surface seemed relatively benign in the morning light.As a student at Hogwarts, hed passed this area countless times, and never had he imagined thedestruction that could occur, in so tranquil a place. The end of the alley was a charnel house,blood cast everywhere. He approached the two men standing near the bodies of Dawes andMilton, heads locked together in conversation. They turned to acknowledge Harrys arrival, theirfaces somber.

Lachlan Harry gripped his friends hand, Dawlish He turned to greet the senior Auror. Heviewed the devastation from up close, his stomach doing somersaults. What could have donethis? More of Umbridges pseudo-beasts?

Lachlan shook his head. Not this time, the damage is too extensive. Besides Frederick andHenry were good Aurors, look at the way they held out when we captured Umbridge. I thinkMorgana may have introduced something new to the mix.

Harry felt a chill pass through his body. Morgana represented ancient evil, the darkest magic,much like the Furies. Nothing in his power had stopped them; hed relied on their own magic tokill them. His eyes skimmed the alley, trying to take all of the details, without looking into theblank, dead eyes of his two murdered colleagues. A flapping piece of parchment, lodged in theseam of some masonry caught his eye. He reached down to pick it up. It was one ofannouncements for Weasleys Wheezes from the other day. He smiled a bit and then flipped theparchment over. There was writing on the back of the parchment, hurriedly scrawled, barelylegible. Harry looked up from the paper and spotted a quill on the pavement, a self-inking quill,much like the ones George had given out, much like the one George had given Milton. Harryturned to the other two Aurors.

I think weve got a problem. He extended his arm out, holding the parchment open for them tosee.

Dawlish read the writing; his hand automatically started a rapid pace through his hair. Lachlanwhistled and took a deep breath. That, my boy is an understatement.

The script on the paper was in red, as if written in blood. Its statement was brief, but a world ofknowledge, Milton was a professional, to the very end.

Cerberus and 2 Barghests killed me and Dawes tonight. No spells work. Could not apparate.Tell my wife that I love her. Milton.

Apparently Dawes was killed first, Milton happened upon them later. Milton obviously held thebeasties off long enough to use the self- inking quill. He died to get us this information. Dawlishstarted to choke up, his voice wavered.

This is bad, Harry. Weve no way to stop Cerberus. The Barghests are a stroke of genius.Lachlan looked over the scene; Harry gave him a questioning look. Cerberus is immune to mostmagic, so the best defense is to get away, apparate. It cant follow a transportation. TheBarghests have some property that nullifies our ability to apparate. Working together, its a lethalcombination. About the only thing working for us is that Barghests can only be out after sundown,they are night creatures.

Harry looked up to the sky, mentally figuring out the hours until night, until they were vulnerableagain.


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The entire Department of the Magical Law Enforcement was in an uproar. The threat posed towizard-kind had never seemed so extreme. Assembled in the chamber normally reserved forWizengamot hearings, the Departments leadership was seated on the benches reserved forjudges and interrogators. In the middle of the chamber, on the lowered floor where the accusedwere usually assigned, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Minister of Magic, stood with Gawain Robards,Dawlish, Miles Jackson-Smythe and Harry. It was as if the five were on trial instead of presentingevidence of a horrific threat. Kingsley held up his arms, asking for quiet.

There is no doubt, that we face a dangerous situation. We must assume that Morgana is alive,and that she wants to return. The only questions are what is she after and how do we stop her?A riot of argument and name calling ensued, drowning out the Minister. Most of the suggestionswere foolish and not particularly helpful. Ladies and gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen! TheMinisters voice was commanding; the voices stopped and he regained their attention. He smiledand turned towards Jackson-Smythe, offering him the floor.

We know that Morgana can not leave her island, ergo, she must be seeking a way to rem edy thesituation, most likely by reviving her son, Mordred. He swept the room with his gaze,emphasizing each point with the tip of his pipe. We know that Merlin himself was the wizard whobanished her to what we thought was death, but what apparently turned into exile.

The room was silent, not even breathing. Miles did love a rapt audience. I would say,considering Morgana is alive, there is a reasonable expectation that we could find where Merlinlies and see if there is any information on how to stop her. This drew murmurs from the crowd.What we need is a journey, a seeker to find this place. What we need is a quest. We need aquest for Merlins tomb.

Dawlish led Harry out by the arm, as the meeting devolved into a general shouting match.

A few hours later, a weary Kingsley and Robards walked into Dawlishs off ice, their facesinscrutable as to the outcome of the debate. Harry, Lachlan and Dawlish rose, offering seats tothe visitors, curious as to what was going to happen.

Kingsley spoke, Well, they said to for us to proceed. There was a lot ofdebate; many think thisis a fools errand. He rubbed his head, working his way into the details. But if there is a chancethat we could find Merlins Tomb, then they want us to find it. He hesitated, his eyes locking withHarrys, Actually, they want you to find it, Harry.

Me? What? This is absurd; there are more experienced searchers than me! Im barely out oftraining, sir. They cant be serious, can they? Harry offered pleading looks around the room.Why me?

Robards took his turn to speak. There are two reasons, Harry. First, you are a talisman; youvesucceeded where no one else has, so if there is an impossible task, you are the one who couldcomplete it. Robards stopped, stealing a look at Kingsley. Robards did not say that on somelevel, many believed that Harry would decoy attention from the rest, his high profile may draw the

ire of the dark sorceress.

Harry saw the look, Whats the other reason? Tell me!

You were right; you are inexperienced, so to speak. They wanted the senior Aurors to stay inhouse, to attempt more conventional means of stopping the immediate threat. Robards wastrying to be diplomatic.


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Im expendable, thats what youre saying. They wanted the Aurors to remain who could be ofgreater help, and theyre sending me because Im expendable. Harrys point ushered in aprolonged bout of silence.

Dawlish raised a concerned voice, Were not sending him out there alone, are we? Hes got tobe able to take someone with him. Let him go with Lachlan or Savage.

No, he can not take any of the senior Aurors. Look, we have a lot to prepare for. They want usto arm the Hit Teams with goblin weapons. There is a thought that metal weapons may injure thebeasts. Robards couldnt look Dawlish in the eye.

Dawlishs brain was moving at a faster pace, Ok then, he wont take a senior Auror with him.Lets go, Harry. He led Harry from his own office, leading him down the hall to Harrys ownspace. As soon as they entered, he shut the door.

Look Harry, you cant take any of us with you, but they didnt say anything about someonetraining to be an Auror, do you get my meaning? Dawlish saw understanding dawning in Harryseyes. Normally, I wouldnt even suggest this, but I dont think you should do this alone. Youneed help, and you need people you can trust.

John, I need you to promise youll watch over Ginny and Hermione. I mean, Im taking Ron withme, thats what weve been talking about, isnt it? If we go out there, well need to know. Ill needto know that my family is safe.

You have my word, Harry. Ill watch over them with my life. I promise. Dawlishs words wereserious and somber, his oath a sacred bond, one made between friends, which could be morebinding than an Unbreakable Bond at times, because in the Unbreakable Bond, the only realpunishment was death.

Thanks, John. Id better go find Ron, and then, Ive got to figure out a way to tell my wifethat Imputting my head in it again. He could only imagine how shed react. For a brief instant, his stepbounced a bit. Well, he thought, this could mean that a make up was just around the corner.He hurried his stride out the door.

The Weasley apartment was quiet as they sat at the table, contemplating Rons news. Hermione,for the first time in a long time, had nothing really to say. She couldnt solve this problem, therewasnt a riddle to solve, there wasnt a Horcrux to destroy. Her husband was going out on adangerous assignment, in a dangerous world. For a moment, she was lost, her eyes on him, butnot focused. Every permutation of the worst possible outcome was spinning through her head asshe seriously contemplated what losing him would mean.

Shed been fully supportive of his decision to become an Auror. She knew of his desire to bemore, both to her, but especially to himself. She was proud of his efforts, how hard he worked toovercome his own doubts and to tap into that hidden reservoir of talent and ability that was just

beneath his exterior. Yet, this was different somehow. Shed never really stopped to think of therollercoaster of emotions that Ginny went through. Hermione had known Harry for so long; shejust accepted that he would bear the burdens and risks of being Harry Potter. That was the pricehe paid for being who he was. Ron was different, shed thought. Sure, hed been in danger, butnot like this. The enemy was formidable and the potential for failure very real. For the first timesince theyd been married, she was afraid, and it rocked her to her soul. She could not hold backher tears.

Ron walked around the table to hold his wife. She was everything to him and he wondered howhe could express his fear of losing her. Part of him knew that he had to go with Harry, to finish an


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impossible quest to stop an implacable foe. That was something; at least, theyd done before.Here, however, he was afraid of losing her, and he could not bear that thought. He felt a littleselfish, because he was taking action to make a difference. She would remain behind, exposedto the danger of creatures that no one had the power to repel. He could not bear the thoughtlosing her. He was sure that he was letting her down, somehow. Why else would she be crying?

He took her body in his arms, her shoulders wracking with her sobs. She allowed him to supporther, to hold her tight. He stroked her back and caressed her cheek. Her tears were flowing, hereyes wide but watery.

Im sorry, Hermione, I dont want to let you down. His voice was low, his eyes downcast, unableto face her.

She rubbed her eyes, unsure of what she just heard. Wha-What? What do you mean?

Im leaving you alone, exposed to go with Harry, I should be here to watch over you. I guess Imacting the coward here, going off into the country while you are facing the danger.

Her fastidious mind went through the calculations. She revisited her own thoughts and thenprocessed his words. When she finished, two plus two hadnt equaled five. She couldnt help

herself, despite all of her fear and pain, she burst out laughing.

You git! Ron was now beyond his normal confused state, he couldnt be more confounded if hewas unconscious. Ive been worried about you putting yourself in danger! I was afraid of losingyou.

Ron saw a sliver of understanding peeking through the recesses of his brain. But I was afraid oflosing you, I thought you were thinking that I was abandoning you.

When married couples work through communication issues, there are sparks whenunderstanding is achieved. Were one to be an observer of the apartment, one would swear thatthe sparks were visible to the naked eye. Ron pulled Hermione to him, and kissed her as if itwere the first time. He kissed her as if there wouldnt be another. He kissed her and then carried

her into their bedroom. The door slammed shut behind them with an urgent force.

Her reaction wasnt what hed expected. Ginny didnt rave or yell or rage against the unfairnessof it all. She simply went to him and put her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around herand placed his head on hers. She didnt cry, there would be time for that later. She looked upinto his eyes, her look pleading and urgent. She didnt say a word, what could be said? Sheloved him with every fiber of her existence, she breathed because he existed, how could shepossibly express that?

She understood, he had to go, not because he was a thrill seeker or because even, it was his job.Deep down, she knew, he had to go because there was simply no one else who could evenremotely get the job done. He was special, if anyone could accomplish the task, it would be him.

All she could do was to enjoy what may be their last night together. So she looked at him,wordlessly, conveying her love, conveying her need and most importantly, conveying herunderstanding of the task he had to perform.

They kissed, their bond solid, unwavering; their love transferring back and forth, strengtheningthem both. Their embrace became urgent, needing. He took her by the hand and led herupstairs, and yet not a word had been spoken. Therell be time enough for that later. Right now,there was only need.


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When they disappeared upstairs, an ugly, stooped house-elf walked out of the kitchen. Kreacherlooked up the stairs where his Master and Mistress had disappeared. He took up a position onthe stairs, in his hand a rather oversized meat cleaver. Folding his arms carefully, he kept vigil,watching the front door, determined to give Harry and Ginny, one last night of peace.

Chapter 36Aurors Quest

When Harry arrived at the Ministry of Magic the next morning, the atmosphere was that of akingdom under siege. A palpable air of fear hovered over everyone who passed through thegreat hall entrance. Harry was momentarily taken aback by the presence of Department ofMagical Law Enforcement Hit Teams and Aurors stationed along the main atrium of the Ministry.While extra security was not, considering the present crisis, a surprise in and of itself, what didmake Harry look twice was the fact that these wizards were clad in mostly ill-fitting goblin armorand armed with an assortment of halberds and swords? Most of the erstwhile guards seemed ill-at-ease with their equipage, their outfitting an obvious testament to Robards attempt atconventional means to deter the threat of the Cerberus. Harry wasnt sure about the utility ofthe armed presence, considering it was the beginning of the day, and theyd already establishedthat the Cerberus was a night time threat, based on the availability of the Barghests. Harryshrugged his shoulders, coming to the conclusion that the guards and their arms were more ameans of reassuring the general public that activity was happening to combat the threat of

Morgana.

Harry! He turned his head to see Ron making his way towards him. He and his friend weredressed alike, with jeans and a sweatshirt over a tee-shirt. Leather work boots covered their feet,and Ron carried his beaten leather satchel over his shoulder. Harry had his equally wearyrucksack over his own shoulder. Offering Ron a smile of greeting, the two met in the middle ofthe morning crowd.

Howd it go with Ginny, last night? Everything alright? Ron knew that his sister could beformidable when roused.

Surprisingly, she was very understanding. I guess the wonders of married life will never cease.How about Hermione? Harry also knew how stubborn Hermione could be, and part of him was

surprised that she wasnt insisting on tagging along.

We worked it out. A slight blush came over Rons face, immediately changing the subject, hecinched up his satchel. So, ready to start? Where to first?

Harry had given the topic some thought, Hogwarts, I suspect. Well need to research somethings, but I think the best place to start is Hogwarts.

Ron nodded in agreement, and with that, the pair headed to the Floo entries near the entrance.

Harry! A decidedly feminine voice rang in his ears, above the din of the bustle. He turned, andspotted Sarah Peebles pushing her way through the crowd. She, like them, was dressed injeans, a long sleeve shirt and light jacket completing her ensemble. Over her shoulder, her

Aurors bag hung loosely. She looked like a person ready to start a journey. Uncomfortably,Harry thought, she seemed to be looking to go with them on their journey.

Going somewhere? Harrys question had more bite than he had intended.

She stopped short, her voice confident, Yes, Im going with you two. I am your student, after all.

Look Sarah, this may be dangerous. I dont know if its a good idea to have raw trainees on thisassignment. Sarahs gaze fell to Ron, her skepticism at Harrys last statement prominentlydisplayed.


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Harry would not be deterred. Sarah, I appreciate the effort, I really do. I know what Ron bringsto this quest. What would you bring to it? Give me one good reason why I should have youalong?

She didnt hesitate, and her confidence made Harry proud of her.

Im your conscience. Her statement was earnest, matter of fact, and her eyes blazed with theassurance in her conviction of its truth.

Ron snorted and made a half-hearted attempt to study the ceiling. Harry gave him sharp look butconsidered what shed said. Was so accomplished that he was above humbling or mistake? Ofcourse not! She had a distinct point, and Ron echoed his thoughts.

It looks like she has you there, Harry. Harry knew she did, so he smiled and relented. Nowthey were a band of three. The headed for the Floo entrance and filed in, one by one.

Professor Minerva McGonagall sat at the desk that had served the Headmaster or Headmistressof the Hogwarts School for centuries. She was scanning a set of parchment, which surprisinglytold her that the behavior scores for Mortimer Gafney and Silas Hornsby were good. The two

normally were the center of mischief but now seemed to have taken a keen interest in Herbologyand their activities seemed have dampened their wayward impulses. She made a mental note tocommend Neville about his unique teaching manner with the boys. Her thoughts were interruptedby noisy announcement of arrivals to her hearth, through the Floo network. She took a quickglance at the empty portrait of Albus Dumbledore and rose from her desk, and smiled when sherecognized her guests.

Harry! Ron! Ms. Peebles! Welcome! She felt genuine warmth for the returning alumni. Hernormally austere demeanor gave way to hugs and embraces for the three of them, along with aslightly curious look.

Harry spoke up for the three of them, Sorry to intrude, Professor McGonagall, its just that, weneed some help. Were on a mission, and we need to gather some information, if we might.

Harry gazed around the familiar office, a pang of loss momentarily overcoming him, especiallywhen he noticed that Dumbledores painting was empty. Wheres Professor Dumbledore?

Oh, hes at the Ministry of Magic, trying to help Kingsley prepare a defense of some sort. He toldme of your mission, and frankly, the best source is Cuthbert Binns. Harry had to stifle a yawnthat almost always appeared whenever his former ghostly History of Magic professors name wasmentioned.

Harry shook his head, knowing that she was right. After all, Professor Binns, reluctantly, had letthem know the history of the Chamber of Secrets, even though he had a natural aversion to mythand legend. He dealt in fact and would be hesitant to talk at length. Nonetheless, he would be agood place to start.

Youre probably right, Professor. Harry saw the look of absolute dread pass over Rons face.Well head down, straight away.

The trio made there way down the spiral staircase and continued down towards the mainentrance hall. When the reached the door to the teachers staff room Harry immediately noticedthat the sentinel gargoyles had been removed, a reflection that lessened sense of threat that theschool was under, or an indication of the amount of damage the school had sustained during theclimactic battle waged there. They gave a knock and entered the staff room.


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Professor Binns? Harry scanned the room, looking around for any sign of their former teacher.Moving towards the fire place, Harry heard the soft drone of snoring, emanating from one of thelarge chairs. The transparent figure of Cuthbert Binns was asleep in the chair, the same chair hewas rumored to have died in. The story goes that hed died in his sleep, and his ghost had simplyrisen, leaving his body behind, the ghost moving on to teach. It was also said that there was nonoticeable difference between the droning teaching style of the poltergeist and the real man.

Harry raised his voice a little louder, Professor Binns! The figure in the chair rose with a start.

Wha-? Who? Oh, Mr. Potter. Sorry, you cant have extra credit. He made to return to hisslumber.

Professor! We need to ask you something. Something about history. Binns turned his headup, an unbelieving stare returned to Harry and Ron, two of his former students with less thensterling reputations for interest in his subject.

History, you say? What do you want to know about history? He floated above the chair, morealert, or as alert as he could muster.

Well sir, were trying to find Merlins tomb. Its quite important.

The apparition of Cuthbert Binns gave an exasperated snort. Myths? Legends? I thought youwanted to know history, not anything to do with some childs fantasy about a sword in a stone!Leave me alone.

Sarah spoke up, Professor Binns, wait! Didnt you say that it was an established fact that ourcurrent structure of laws regarding muggle secrecy was handed down to us by Merlin, himself?

What was that? Who said that? Binns leaned down to look at Sarah more closely. Ah, Ms.Peebles, isnt it? Yes, you were like Ms. Granger in my classes, taking notes, paying attention.He cast an accusatory look at Ron and Harry. Yes, I do seem to remember saying that, so whatof it?

Sarah continued, Wouldnt finding Merlins tomb, the known source of our laws, be a key elementin reinforcing its veracity?

Yes, yes, I can see your point. Very well, ask your questions. Harry jumped at the chance.

Professor, where is Merlins Tomb? The ghost seemed to ponder the question.

No one knows, theres really no record. Whats written was the Nimue, the Lady of the Lake,lured Merlin to a cave and sealed him inside. She is the only person who would know.

Where do we find her? Harry felt the quest getting more difficult. What lake? There wereliterally thousands of lakes between Britain and France, which were the centerpieces of theArthurian legend.

Legend states, they could hear the distaste in Binns mouth at having to divulge the historicalversion of gossip, Sir Bedivere threw Excalibur to Nimue in the lake near Arthurs last battle atCamlann. He looked down his nose at them. It is a fact, that Camlann is also known asSlaughter Bridge, in Cornwall. Muttering to himself, he disappeared through an adjacent wall.

The three headed over to the library and located a map of England. Tracing a path down towardsthe southwestern coast, they found the point marking the location of Slaughter Bridge. A smallpinprick of blue stood near the location. It was called Dozmary Pool.


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Sounds like as good a place as any to start. Rons energy was up. Hed not expected to findany lead at all to follow. How do we get there? Thestrals?

I guess it wouldnt hurt to ask. Harry agreed. Lets go and talk to Hagrid.

Within a short time, the three were astride thestrals, although only Harry and Ron could see whatthey were riding. Harry and Ron had seen their share of death. Sarah, for all of her aptitude andthe experiences of the past few weeks, had not experienced death first hand. Harry hoped thathe could keep it that way.

The sun was setting as they made their way south. Harry picked out the lights of London as theypassed. A chill went through him as they passed as he thought of the evil that stalked the streets.His thoughts were on Ginny, and he hoped that she was safe, that he would complete the taskbefore too many people lose their lives. So many lives depended on this mission. The lives ofhis family and friends relied on his ability to locate the Lady of the Lake.

His thoughts were of his wife, Ginny. What was she doing, how was she feeling? Was shethinking of him? So preoccupied with her, he did not lend any thought to the three broodingshadows stalking a deserted Diagon Alley, looking for an inattentive Auror to prey on.

Chapter 37 The Lady of the Lake

Darkness had fully grown when theyd landed near the town of Camelford. The thestrals chortledmerrily, and flew off when the seekers had dismounted. Harry watched their departure, amazedat the grandeur and grace of such creatures. Nothing is ever as it seems, as it was with thethestrals. Harry led the way as they followed a small road, a path really along its courseeventually coming to a non-descript stone bridge fording a non-descript creek. A small sign onthe side of the road, indicated that this was Slaughter Bridge.

Harry looked around, seeing nothing that resembled a lake or any other reasonably sized body ofwater. They decided to follow the stream, upwards, to find its source. They trod silently, theireyes attuned to the darkness of the night. Eventually, the trees that marked their route dissipatedas they broke into a clearing of gently rolling hills, marked by heath and bogs. The moorland

went on as far as they could see. The creek they had been following tracked between theshallow slopes, running off into the distance. The three continued their trek through the marshyground, their breathing labored as they followed the creek to its source.

Harry? Ron spoke in a hushed voice, like they were back in the Hogwarts library. Do yourecognize where we are? Harry shook his head. Its Bodmin Moor!

Harrys eyebrows rose a bit. Bodmin Moor was the site of a famous Quidditch Match, that endedafter six months of play, because the snitch had escaped the playing arena, never to be found.The story was that whoever found the snitch would be granted good luck. Part of Harry wanted tofind the snitch, because he needed some luck, just about now.

Their legs grew tired, the hard slog through the soft ground tearing at their endurance. Finally, in

the distance, they saw the open nothingness of a body of water. The moorland around themseemed to just terminate into a large, smooth pool of water. The surface seemed flat, no waves,not even a ripple broke the mirror-like quality of the water. Theyd reached Dozmary Pool.

The area was quiet, the silence resounding in their ears. Ron could not restrain his question, Sonow what? How do we find this Lady?

I dont know. Harry pointed along the shore of the pool. The three headed further along its rim,trying to determine what was happening. As he was walking, Harry kept is eye on the middle ofthe pool, imagining an injured Sir Bedivere galloping to the waters edge, and hurling the mighty


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Excalibur into the pool, at his dying masters request. In growing up with the legend, hed hearddifferent names for the Lady of the Lake. Vivienne or Morgause, hed even heard Morgana,which he knew to be false. Hed never heard the name Nimue. It couldnt be that easy, could it?He stopped in his tracks and faced the middle of the pool. His companions stopped as well, notsure what he was doing. The stories said that when Arthur sent Bedivere to throw the legendarysword into the lake, that he beckon the lady to come. Mediaeval manners always had him cryingMy Lady! which had become the canon response. What if hed actually called her name?

Nimue! The name echoed into the distance, his voice carrying across the moorland and thehills. The water remained still, silent. Nimue! The night held no sound, no chirping of crickets,no wind blowing, just silence. Harrys head dropped, he had hit a wa ll. He fell upon the ground;his shoulders slumped, at a loss at what to do next.

Rons gaze had never left the lake. Its smooth, glassy surface mesmerizing him, drawing hiseye. At first, he noticed a small ripple, as if a hidden current were pushing the water along. Henarrowed his eyes as the ripples turned to waves, the waves to a froth, as if the timid current hadbecome rapids in a manner of seconds.

Look! Look at the water! Harry stared up at his friend, his eye following the pointed arm out tothe middle of the lake. A fountain of water cascaded out of the center of the pond, its apex

shining white in the darkness of the night, seemingly carrying its own luminescence. The fountainmoved towards them, the pillar of water slowly creeping its way to the shore. Harry stood up andwent next to his friends. They were awed by the sight, their feet rooted in place as the waterdrew nearer to the shore, the violence of its actions causing waves to break near their feet. Thewater spout stopped just short of the shoreline, hovering in its fury. The figure of a woman drewout of the column walking on the water between her fountain and the land. She placed her barefeet on the soft march of the shore.

Who called my name? The voice was lyrical, beautiful matching the woman who spoke them.She was tall and lean, wearing a soft green shift that accented the curves of her body. Her hairwas long, flowing and colored an iridescent green that shown in the starlight and glowed,seemingly of its own accord. Her skin was pale, soft, no hint of wetness from the sojourn fromthe middle of the lake. Her lips were red and pouty, as if shed been disturbed in the middle of a

very important task. She had emerald eyes, that sparkled, belying an underlying happiness, butdowncast, as if that happiness was dampened by an overwhelming sadness.

I called for you. Harry wasnt sure what to expect. His wand was in his hand, after all, this wasthe woman whod betrayed Merlin and yet, she was the woman who helped Arthur in hisdesperate times. Shed raised and trained Lancelot, and yet hed betrayed the trust of his friend.Her history was one of contradictions and she was not one to be trifled with. She turned towardshim, her eyes locking with his own viridian orbs. For a moment, there seemed to be recognitionas if shed seen his eyes before. That glimpse of recognition caused her to smile, exposing thefull radiance of her beauty.

And who are you? She didnt sound menacing or threatening, simply curious.

My name is Harry Potter, these are my friends, Ron Weasley and Sarah Peebles. He gesturedtowards his companions. We are seeking your guidance in a most important matter. We seekthe location of Merlins Tomb. Her eyes narrowed at Merlins name, suspicious almostdefensive.

Why do you wish to find Merlins Tomb? Her gaze was penetrating and alluring, her hair movingin seeming time to the motion of the water.


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Harry had not considered what to say. Hed not really believed, deep down, that hed actually getthis far. So he opted for the truth, We are looking for a means to defeat Morgana. We wish tokeep the dark witch confined to her isle and way from the land of men.

Nimue showed surprise. In the past, when fortune seekers had found her, theyd lied about theirintent; theyd been looking for the reputed wealth and treasure that was said to be buried withMerlin. She could find no deception in these seekers and if they were correct, Morgana posed agrave threat to them all. She pondered her response, the gravity of the situation weighing herdown, commingling with the guilt that she had spent an eternity living with. Unconsciously, hersadness caused an inadvertent tear to drop from her pristine face.

Why are you crying? Sarahs question was simple enough. The query born of real concern,something shed not experienced in almost a lifetime. She smiled.

Do you know why Merlin is entombed? Do you understand how Arthur lost the counsel of hisdearest friend at his time of most urgent need? The question was rhetorical; she had wanted torelease herself of the burden of her secret.

It is a question ofarrogance; really, my arrogance deprived Arthur of his greatest friend and setthe stage forArthurs death. She had a wistful, far away look, as if her mind was traversing the

centuries, transporting her to the time of regret, Id always wanted to be the greatest magician ofall time, I had to be the mightiest sorceress there had ever been. So, of course, I had to learnfrom the greatest wizard of our age, Merlin.

The darkness didnt seem to affect her; in fact, the space around her seemed brighter, almost asif the night had no place hiding her beauty. When I met him, all I saw was his power, his magicand

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