HPNSA - BOOK TWO

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
FANGS



“He did what?” Tonks nervously asked; her eyes glimmered with tears as Arthur recounted how they found Crabbe and his family.

“He killed them—all of them.” Arthur said slowly. He walked towards the end of the long table and leaned on its edge.

“It must have been the other Knight, Rio, who dunnit! I can’t believe Ron has lost it completely as to do such a horrible deed!” Said Tonks in disbelief; Ron had been under her wing for many months, and though he was aggressive at times, she couldn’t see how he’d become so evil in a few months time.

“Rio will not do that.” Aidan contradicted.

“How can you be so certain?” Tonks asked.

“Rio has no reason to do it. Because this is not Rio’s war—it’s Ron’s. His role is to make sure Ron survives.” Aidan replied.

“I want to know what is happening to my son, Aidan. You have been where he is now,” Arthur said. “Has he gone mad, you think?”

“I told you before, a little madness might do him good. So if he has gone mad, I seriously don’t think it is cause for alarm.” Aidan said.

Arthur shook angrily. “What--! My son has massacred an entire family! That IS cause for alarm! After this task he will have to face justice for his actions and the Wizengamot—“

“Headed by Albus Dumbledore would pardon him knowing why he did such deeds.” Aidan said.

Arthur had hit the table in his annoyance, brushing the small of his nape. “Albus had given us specific orders to keep him within the castle until he returns. Making sure that he is watched over carefully to prevent him from making rash decisions.”

“Yes, well, it’s very hard controlling your anger when you are left with nothing else but that to contend with. Especially if that anger is accompanied by jealousy.” Aidan said.

“Jealousy? What are you talking about?” Said Arthur, growing impatient with the Head Knight by the minute.

“The stones, Arthur. Nymphadora told me that Harry had been given the stones.” Aidan said, a blank expression on his pale face.

“Yes, but he was…”
“Harry had used one for someone named, Draco Malfoy.” Aidan added.

“That is right, as far as we know, though I have not spoken to Draco personally. But Harry had his reasons in using one stone...” Arthur explained.

“And Ronald had been informed of this—Act by Harry. Am I right?” The Head Knight cut him again.

“Yes, he wasn’t supposed to, Hermione told him about it.” Charlie said.

“And this Draco knew Harry was a Nymphrodite, correct?” Aidan said.

“Yes, in fact during the abduction, he was the only one who was able to follow Harry. However,” Charlie said.

“Wasn’t his father a member of the Death Eaters?” Aidan asked.

“Yes.” Charlie said. “In fact one of those who took part in the ritual.”

“So there is a possibility that this Draco also took part in that ritual.” Aidan concluded.

“We don’t exactly know that yet. Dumbledore wouldn’t tell us,” Tonks said.

“Nor would I, at least not openly, not while Ronald is around and Ronald doesn’t think like Dumbledore. No matter what Draco did, the fact that he did something is enough for him to draw many ghastly conclusions.” Aidan said. “Am I correct to say that many of those teenagers he slaughtered this morning used to be members of this Draco’s gang?”

Charlie suddenly straightened, looking at his father as though something had just awakened him. “Of course, it makes perfect sense, Dad.”

“Hermione should not have told him about the stones,” Tonks sighed. “He became agitated after knowing about them. Molly was right scolding her for it.”

“Where is this Draco now?” Aidan asked.

“He was taken out of the castle.” Charlie said.

“Why?” Aidan asked a bit perplexed. “Who took him?”

“Hermione did,” Charlie said.

“Hermione—what the same Hermione who told him about the stones?” Said Aidan, and Tonks nodded in answer. “Quite a meddling witch, isn’t she? Was she a friend of Ron’s?”

“Best friend. They used to date.” Tonks said.

“Aha! Betrayal! It seems that he was given far too many reasons to go mad!” Aidan exclaimed.

“I should have talked to him.” Arthur said weakly.

“We didn’t know, Dad.” Said Charlie, trying hard to comfort his father who seemed to shrink with every realization.

“I should have known!” Cried Arthur, he stood up and paced round the room holding his head with one hand.

“I think we should let Ron decide what he must do with Mr. Draco.” Aidan answered.

“He’ll kill Draco, Aidan.” Tonks said.

“Have you ever asked yourselves whether Draco deserves that fate?” Aidan asked.

“Dumbledore doesn’t seem to think so,” Charlie answered. “We don’t know if he really played a part in that ritual and based on what you imply, Ron might be out of control.”

“Besides, Harry forgave him for whatever it is he did.” Tonks added.

“Forgave him?” Aidan repeated sarcastically.

“Yes. That is why he used one of those stones, to forgive Draco for his deeds. I don’t think Harry would have done that if,” Tonks said.

“Ron knew this?” Aidan asked.

“Yes,” Tonks replied.

Aidan’s face grew weary, disturbed by a shadow of pain that was slowly passing over. He looked down at the floor and would not speak for some time. Then he looked at each of them and took a sharp breath.

“About Harry,” Aidan said, “Was there any hint of unfaithfulness in him?”

“No,” Arthur said. “I know what you’re thinking, Aidan, and I know Harry would never do anything like that. He loves my son, no one else.”

“If I were Ron, I’d begin to think otherwise.” Aidan replied.

“Well, you’re not Ron!” Arthur cried. But even after he said this, doubts came flying out of his own mind. That was never cleared with them at all. They were just happy that Draco was no longer punished with madness that they forgot to consider one important factor—he was punished.

“Perhaps we should surrender this Draco to him.” Aidan said.

“We already told you, Dumbledore,” Tonks said.

“Do you want to help Ron or not?” Aidan retorted.

“Giving him Draco for him to slaughter will not do him any good!” Tonks snapped back.

“Yet betraying him by aiding a loathed enemy will?” Aidan asked.

“Draco is not his enemy!” Tonks cried back.

“According to Ron? Or according to you?” Aidan said. “Remember that Ron does not see these things the same way you do.”

They all fell silent. Surrendering Draco would be easy to do and they knew they would not be wholly remorseful in doing it. Draco had been quite obnoxious, and who’s to say he wouldn’t turn against them if given the chance to return to the services of the Dark Lord?

Arthur knew this debate would not be finished that night. They needed to find Ron and bring him back to the castle. Perhaps once he’s here, Arthur thought, a bit of that needed counseling would put him back on the right path.

“Aidan,” Arthur said slowly, “Will you go and find him?”

“I will, but I should need someone who knows this country better than I. After all, it’s been a hundred years since I’ve roamed around here, things have certainly changed.” Aidan said calmly.

“Right. We’ll wait for the others to return and then we’ll choose who will accompany you in your search.” Arthur answered.


***

Hermione had been standing for nearly an hour beside the post where she found Viktor’s message. The wind howled loudly that night; Draco was inside the phone booth not far from where she was—watching and waiting. Hermione had given him a wand to use just in case they were attacked.

She kept looking at her wristwatch and muttered to herself, and just when she was about to leave, someone grabbed her arm tightly. She was about to scream but the light from the post illuminated the face before her and she smiled.

“Viktor!” She gasped then wrapped her arms tightly around him.

Viktor hugged her back, kissing her head. “I thought you vouldn’t come.”

“They told me many things, but I had to hear it from you.” Hermione asked looking sadly at Viktor. “Please say it isn’t true. Say you’re not working for the Dark Lord.”

“I vas, Hermione.”

Hermione closed her eyes tightly and bit her lower lip. Tears were beginning to flood her eyes, but she fought hard to hold them back. “Are you working for Aveddon?”

Viktor sighed and slowly let go. He turned around and took out something from the inside of his vest. “I am part of his court.”

“Why? Why Viktor?” Hermione said; her voice cracked as tears poured down.

“I can’t tell you. Not yet. But I did not join his court to help him. I joined because someone had to know vhat vas happening vithin his fortress.” Viktor said.

“You’re a spy…” She gasped. Hermione’s eyes widened with the realization. “Did Dumbledore…”

“No. I do not vork for your Headmaster.” Viktor answered quickly.

“Then who? Who are you working for? Please tell me!” Hermione begged.

“I can’t. You must make sure that Ron does not return to the castle.” Viktor said.

“Return to the castle? When I left the castle he has not even arrived yet,” Hermione said.

“Vhy did you leave Hogvarts?” Viktor asked. “Are you here vith your family?”

Wondering if this would cause a complication in their already complicated situation, Hermione hesitated to answer. Viktor had said he was acting as a spy against Aveddon but would not say whom he was spying for. The burden of telling him about Draco was weighing heavily on her that her chin began to twitch uncontrollably.

“Hermione, vhy did you leave?” Viktor asked again, noticing the nervousness in her face.

“I—I—“ Hermione stuttered.

Something snapped behind her and with lightning speed, Viktor’s hand flew from his jacket, a long wand at the ready. His gray eyes focused on the darkness beyond covering Hermione with his strong arms protectively.

“Who’s there?” Viktor cried.

Hermione looked nervously at the phone booth and hoped that Draco would not show himself.


***


Remus and Moody have joined Arthur, and Charlie in the room. Tonks took her leave to try to get some sleep.


“What happens to Ron if he fails the task?” Arthur asked.

“He becomes a Deathless.” Aidan replied.


“A Deathless? An Immortal you mean?” Remus asked.

“No, a Deathless is someone who is not allowed entrance to the world of the dead. He would feel the scourge of time as it ravages his flesh; every wound he suffers unhealed, every loss increased tenfold. He would beg for death, but it will not come. Such is the fate of the Defender who fails. That is why I chose to become the undead even if it cost me my soul.” Aidan explained.

“That must have been a very hard thing to do.” Moody said.

“Yet you tried to force Ron to become a Vampire,” Remus said.

“Because I knew Harry would die. I asked him what he’d do if that were to happen, he couldn’t answer me, as I had no answer before. Then, Rio told me he had mastered the book of the Gatekeepers. That’s when I became certain of his fate.” Aidan replied. “I knew he would parley with Ji—and Ji will try to turn the curse and destroy their enemy. That’s also why I tried to teach him sword spells even though it was against the Bureau’s regulations.”

Charlie shifted in his seat. “Wait! The Keeper of the Dead has an enemy?”

“Why yes,” Aidan replied sardonically.

“I thought they were supposed to be godlike,” Moody said.

“On the contrary, they are just beings in another division of the magical world.” Aidan replied though he could see the confusion in their faces deepening with every answer he gave them. “Must I really explain this further?”

“As embarrassing as it sounds, we have not been acquainted with this world of the Keepers until Ron used the book.” Remus admitted.

“No. I should think not, I don’t know if Dumbledore told you, or perhaps Minerva, but I used to be a student of Hogwarts before deciding to join the Knights.” Aidan said, again that look of bewilderment in all their faces almost made him chuckle. “Yes, I used to roam these halls, Dumbledore was quite young then, one of our newer professors. They’ve stopped teaching students about the Ancient Arts more than five hundred years before my time. So I know how you all must feel right now.”

Aidan then told them about the two main forces in the Universe that created the Keepers, what the Keepers did, and how one of them started a rebellion against their creators.

“Nin is her name. She gave the Iranna to the very first Nymphrodite.” Aidan said.


“Why was it given?” Moody asked.

“In order to kill him because she feared him so.” Aidan said looking at the floor with unseeing eyes. “The Keepers wanted to rid their world of Nin, and they schemed to have her replaced.”

“So were the Nymphrodites meant to replace her?” Remus said.

“I have no answer to that, Remus, for that would be answering a Prophecy that is older than time itself. I was not privileged to hear the Prophecy, though I think Harry was.” Aidan replied. “That is why he was taken back to their world.”

“To protect the Prophecy,” Moody concluded.

“Ji asked Ron for a price to have the quest, Ron doesn’t know what the price is. Do you?” Charlie asked.

“Had I known, I wouldn’t have made the deal.” Aidan said.

They were all taken aback by the pained look in Aidan’s face. Since finding out about his nocturnal personality, many of them had concluded that he was bereft of all emotion. To see him actually showing anything close to suffering was always a shock.

“Why is that?” Arthur asked.

“The price was too high. I only became aware of it when Emmanuel came to life.” Aidan recounted—the disturbing look of pain seemed to have been plastered to his pale face.

“Came to life? But you said you failed,” Remus said.

“I don’t know how Ron interpreted the Quest, but I’m quite certain Ji said it very clearly. After he kills those who have defiled Harry, the Bearer will rise from the grave.” Aidan said.

“Are you saying he doesn’t need to kill Aveddon to bring Harry back to life?” Arthur asked.

“No, but unless he kills Aveddon, Harry can and will die again. Killing Aveddon ensures Harry is alive to turn the curse around and return the Iranna to Nin.” Aidan replied. “Why do you think Aveddon risked the borders to come here? He’s coming for Harry’s body.”

“That’s another thing that puzzles me—If Aveddon could breach the borders why is it he hasn’t done it before?” Charlie said.

“He can’t breach the borders, Charlie. Aveddon doesn’t have enough magic to do that. Someone who could wield a wand made the tear.” Aidan explained.

“You mean a wizard did it,” Arthur said.

“Yes, someone like you,” Aidan said with a smile looking at all the wizards before him. “Before I left, Dumbledore was helping two of our Chancellors repair the hole.”

“Of course! Someone who knew how to work Portkeys must have placed one in New York for the Werewolves to use.” Moody said. “It’s slowly making sense. But who could it be?”

“We never found who it was, but that wizard was able to kill ten good Knights.” Aidan said. “He must have been a very powerful wizard to do such a deed.”

“Voldemort!” Arthur exclaimed. There was a general murmur of agreement in the room.

“So now that we know why Aveddon is here, all we need to do is make sure Harry’s body is guarded well.” Remus said.

“We also need to be sure that Ron will be able to finish his quest and not become a Deathless.” Charlie added.

“That’s why I was sent over here, to help him. But I don’t have a clue where he is, nor where to start searching.” Aidan said.

“You need someone to go with you, I believe.” Moody said. “Perhaps you and Remus can go together. He knows England very well he can be your guide.”

Aidan couldn’t help but laugh mordantly. “The Vampire and the Lycan.”

Remus sighed in frustration. “Please, Aidan, I do not like being branded as such.”

“Remus, there are many of your kind currently prowling the streets of London right now. I will need to distinguish between you,” Aidan said, that sarcastic smile still on his face.

“I will not take the serum, Aidan.” Remus said.

“There will be a full moon in the first week of the next month.” Aidan reminded.

“Perhaps you should consider it, Remus.” Arthur said.

“Out of the question! We have more than enough time to find Ron before that happens.” Remus said.

“Finding Ron might take more than a few weeks, Remus. It could take months. We may not even find him at all. I think it is for the best of everyone involved that you consider taking the serum.” Aidan insisted, Remus heaved wearily. “I wouldn’t want to have to kill you.”

“Kill me?” Remus retorted.

“Ron and Rio will also be faced with that choice if they find you and you attack them. Lycans look alike when transformed, you know.” Aidan reminded him. “Also, you will respond to the call of your own kind if you do not have this serum.”

“What exactly will this serum do to Remus?” Moody asked.

“The Cainic serum will give him the ability to change at will, the ability to regenerate faster making him almost immune to Silver – as long as it does not hit a vital organ that would stop him from regenerating, he would feel the wound, but will not die. It will give him the ability to recognize friend from foe while in Lycan form,” Aidan answered.

“Remus, that sounds good,” Charlie said.

“Yes, he did not mention that it would also force me to join the Lycan Tribe that created it.” Remus said crossly. “I will be the enemy of many other Lycan tribes, as well as Vampire clans.”

“Well,” Aidan sighed, “You can’t have them all, Remus. Besides, Dumbledore can blind them for you, as he blinded them for me.”

Remus stood and headed for the door. “We are wasting time, let us go before the sun rises again, and you become helpless.”

Aidan smiled back at the other wizards then followed Remus. They used a Portkey that would take them to Central London where they decided to begin their search.

***


“Who’s there?” Viktor cried once more. He made a move to go near the phone booth when a cat jumped out of the darkness.

Hermione sighed loudly, as Viktor lowered his wand.

“It’s just a cat!” Hermione cried.

“Maybe I should take you back to your house.” Viktor said. “I do not trust the darkness.”

“I can manage, but you have to tell me why it is you don’t want Ron to return to the castle.” Hermione asked.

Viktor looked at her, studying her face, then moved closer and whispered, “Because Aveddon is here to get Harry’s body.”

“What?” Hermione gasped.

“That is vhy ve are here, Aveddon vill use Ron to get Harry’s body.” Viktor whispered.

“Ron will never do that!” Hermione cried. “He will never give Harry’s--”

“They vill make him!” Viktor whispered.

“They, who’s they?” Hermione said. “Viktor you are not making sense.”

“They have asked me to bring Rio to them.” Viktor said.

“How do you know Rio?” Hermione asked.

“Hermione, please, no more questions. Just listen for I have no time to explain further. I don’t vant to see Ron killed, nor Harry to suffer further. But I cannot go against their order or they vould discover my secret. I vill give them Rio, and when that happens, Ron vill go after Harry’s body. Make sure he does not get to the castle!” Viktor insisted.

Hermione looked at him with wide eyes filled with fear. She has never seen Viktor this scared before; with everything she heard regarding his participation in Voldemort’s plans and his admittance in being part of Aveddon’s court, it was almost impossible for her to trust him. However, her heart told her she should, and so, after looking at him one last time, she nodded.

Viktor bent over and kissed her lips hungrily. Hermione could feel the feverish longing from his lips and returned the kiss as passionately as it was given. Then Viktor held her close and then turned and left, slowly disappearing in the shadows.

***


It had been several mornings already since Candice died, but for Martha, her grief seemed to deepen as the days passed her by. The castle has not proven to be her haven knowing very little of its history and learning very little of its importance. For her, this place was like a foreign country, and she a lonely immigrant. She gazed out the window longingly hoping something outside would tell her what to do with all the time in her hands other than crying. However, there was nothing to see except that fearsome white dragon named Knossos and the playful green one that the Half-giant Hagrid kept playing with.

Martha decided it was time to leave her room. She sighed heavily one more time before heading out the corridor. She walked slowly, every now and then gasping in fright as ghosts floated around her. Many students walked passed her as well and she could hear them murmuring behind her. “Muggle-born”, “Half-blood”, “Muggle” – were the words she would hear them say. She paid no attention for she hardly understood them.

She then saw Fred and followed him towards another room. She looked inside and saw Charlie and Arthur, along with the twins, and Ginny sitting on the bed beside her mother. She wanted to go in but decided against it was obvious that they were dealing with some “family” business.

Martha slowly turned around and walked away when Charlie called out to her.

“Martha!”

Martha slowly turned around and smiled. “Hullo, Charlie!”

“Would you like to come in?” Charlie asked.

“No, well, I think I should not intrude.” Martha replied.

“No intrusion at all. We could use another person inside,” Charlie insisted. “Please, will you join us?”

Martha could not refuse after that. She went inside and everyone straighten as soon as they saw her. Fred and George looked at her and she noticed that each twin had an eye patch each. Ginny smiled sweetly at her, but Molly didn’t even move.

“How have you been? We’re sorry for not visiting you often, it’s just we’ve been rather tied up as you know with many matters.” Arthur said apologetically.

Martha tapped his hand. “No problem, Arthur. I am fine. Although I miss Candice very much.”

“I am sorry about Candice. We should have gotten to you sooner.” Arthur said.

“We never found her.” Charlie added.

“Nor would I want you to, she is where she belongs, in the woods where she is happiest.” Martha said. “How is she?”

Arthur looked at Molly for whom Martha directed the question. He looked back at Martha and smiled sadly.

“Ron’s gone again.” Charlie said.

“Why?” Martha asked.

Charlie looked at her and sighed. “He’s gone to fulfill the quest,” at this Molly began to whimper and soon she was sobbing terribly.

“Molly!” Arthur said, gathering her into his arms. “Molly, please, you have to be strong! We will find him and bring him back here.”

“I’m sorry,” Martha said.

“No, it’s not your fault,” Said Charlie, trying his best to ensure Martha that she was not to blame for Molly’s uncontrollable crying. “She’s been like this since this whole thing began.”

However, Martha was now beginning to feel blameworthy, and her face clearly showed her discomfort.

“I’m about to go out to see Hagrid, would you like to come?” Charlie offered.

Martha nodded, and they both headed out the school grounds walking towards Hagrid’s hut. Whilst on their way, Martha noticed the sadness in Charlie’s eyes and knew that it was because of his mother’s condition. Martha found it remarkable though, seeing this whole family fighting the odds together and still holding ground for each other, while other families would have buckled with only a fraction of their problems.

“You’re pretty amazing you know that,” Martha said.

Charlie stopped dead on his tracks and looked at her blushing terribly.

Martha immediately got the reason for his reaction and tried to correct herself, “I meant your family, the Weasley’s—You know! I think you are all pretty amazing. Not that you’re not amazing yourself—by yourself, but that… “

Charlie started laughing. “It’s alright, I just—well this is the first time I received a compliment like that from a lady.”

“Uh-huh---Well,” Martha tried to find the right words to say trying hard not to sound as silly as she did earlier. “You should get used to it, Charlie. You are—well, amazing!”

Charlie laughed again and nodded. “If you say so. I believe you then.”

Charlie moved on and Martha rolled her eyes and hit herself in the head, mouthing the words, “what the bloody hell was that?” soundlessly.

As they got closer to Hagrid’s hut, Martha noticed that the Dragons were not the only ones the Half Giant was tending – there were a few creatures that roamed about she had not the words for, though most of them were appalling to see. A herd of what appeared to be large scorpions with exploding tails were in an enclosure, while on the other side, near a collection of gigantic pumpkins, was a large creature with wings though half of it was that of a horse, its front half was that of a bird of prey.

“Stay away from him,” Charlie warned.

“Him? You sure it’s male?” Martha asked.

Charlie had reached the large door and knocked calling out Hagrid’s name. The door creaked loudly as it opened, and there the kindly face of Hagrid appeared.

“Charlie! Hullo there, Miss Martha!” Hagrid exclaimed. He drew them in and offered them tea.

Martha found it immensely entertaining to be looking at all the creatures – big and small – inside the cabin. She also found the conversation between Charlie and Hagrid very interesting though she never took part in it. Listening to them, talking about creatures she had only read in fairytale books and heard in campfire stories, began to fill her with a desire to actually see these creatures. Then Hagrid asked about Molly and Martha saw Charlie’s face change.

“She’s not doing well, Hagrid.” Charlie said sadly smiling.

“We should do something to cheer ‘er up!” Hagrid said.

“What worries me is that we’d soon have to leave her more often. Ginny’s the only one who would be tending to her, and she cries just as often as Mum!” Charlie said.

“I can take care of her for you,” Martha suggested, finally seeing something to do for them.

Charlie looked at her and smiled. “You sure about that?”

“Oh yes! It’ll help me as well, I’ve been wallowing in my loss for many days. Having all the time in the world with nothing to do is maddening!” Martha cried. “I think it would do us both a lot of good.”

Charlie looked at Hagrid and both of them nodded in agreement.

“Sounds like good plan,” Hagrid said.

Charlie looked at Martha again. “Indeed it is.”

Martha could see a sparkle in his eyes that made her very uncomfortable. Nevertheless, she returned his smile and soon after that, after Hagrid and Charlie finished discussing the plan to help a “Firenze” herd the rest of the Unicorns that night, they both headed back to towards the castle to tell Arthur of Martha’s suggestion.

***

The members of the Order had gathered in Dumbledore’s office. Today was his scheduled return from New York and they were anxious to hear what they were to do next. There was a loud crack and soon Albus Dumbledore was before them.

“It’s a good thing they’ve allowed you to apparate from New York,” Minerva said.

“Yes, the Chancellors have opened that channel, which is good, the carpets take too long. Where is Ron?” Dumbledore said.

“He’s gone, Albus,” Arthur said weakly, and they all expected the Headmaster to be alarmed with the news.

However, Albus just nodded curtly as though he had expected it. “Is Aidan here?”

“Yes, but he and Remus are out looking for Ron.” Moody said.

Albus then walked towards his chair and sat slowly.

“Albus,” Minerva said. “Ron has forced Peter to talk about the ritual.”

“Did Petigrew say anything?” Dumbledore asked.

“He mentioned Crabbe,” Minerva answered.

“Judging by the grim expression in your faces, I believe Ron has found Crabbe and done with him.” Dumbledore said.

“Him, and his entire family, including five other Slytherin students.” Minerva informed him.
Dumbledore’s face became weary, “It has begun, then.”

“We are hoping, Aidan and Remus would bring him back here before he kills again.” Arthur said.

“Perhaps I should bring the child here.” Dumbledore said.

“Child? What child?” Minerva asked.

“Archer,” Dumbledore replied.

“You know where Archer is?” Arthur cried.

“Why yes, Arthur, for I am the one who gave Arabella the ticket.” Dumbledore said smiling at them.

“Where did the ticket bring my grandson? We looked everywhere,” Arthur asked again.

“I think the question should be when and where did the ticket bring your grandson. The answer would be December 12, 1992, in Tibet.” Albus answered. “In the care of a very powerful sorcerer from the east. A good friend of mine,”

“My grandson has been in Tibet all this time?” Arthur said.

“Wait, you said 1992—you mean, he’s now,”

“Yes, Alastor, six years old.” Albus answered.

“What happened to Arabella and the Dursleys?” Minerva asked.

“They returned to the house, though a bit too late it seems. I told Wu Peng to return them as soon as possible, but Vernon Dursley was far too much trouble and they returned shortly after Ron and Rio left the house. Arabella went back to Tibet with Wu Peng, while the Dursley’s I believe have transferred to South Hampton.” Dumbledore informed them.

Arthur exhaled loudly, relieved to hear his grandson was alive and doing well.

“We have to prepare a room for him to stay in before he comes here,” Dumbledore said.

“He can stay in the Southern Tower, or with Ginny and Molly. Molly will be incredibly happy to see him.” Arthur said.

“Yes, and he will be happy to see you all once more,” Dumbledore said. “I will visit them today, and perhaps bring him over before the end of the month.”

“Albus,” Minerva stopped the Headmaster as he made a move to apparate to Tibet. “You should go down and see Severus first. He has placed himself in a trance,”

“Placed himself in a trance?” Dumbledore said, disturbed by the news.

“Yes, Albus, after you left, he locked himself inside his office and would not speak to anyone other than you.” Minerva said. “We found him lying on the floor in a trance. I tried to break it but apparently he had used a soul-binding spell on himself –one that only you can undo.”

Suddenly alarmed, Dumbledore and the rest of the Order headed down to the dungeon where they found the Potions master lying on a cot with his eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. He was paler than usual, thinner, and indeed had it not been for the shallow breathing, one would say he was dead.

“Severus,” Albus said softly. “He’s almost crossed the veil, I have to be fast. Leave us!”

They all walked slowly out of the office and closed the door behind them.