Harry Potter and the Hand of Gryffindor by Alice I

[Alice I]

Fudge stepped into his office and began pacing. "I could bring him in on my own. That would quell the doubts about my leadership. Yes, that would definitely do the trick." Fudge sat down at his desk and quickly scrawled a note then bewitched it to fly out of the office to the lifts. He then grabbed a handful of floo powder and threw it into his fireplace and shouted "Warden's office Azkaban Prison!" and stepped into the emerald flames.
The warden was stunned to see the Minister of Magic appear in his office with no warning. "Minister! What has happened, is the Potter boy alright?"

Fudge scowled at the mention of Harry but replied "Yes, yes he is quite fine. I am here about young Mr. Malfoy. I want you to move him to the isolation cell at the top of the West Tower." The warden looked at the minister confused. "Minister; what is this all about?" Fudge began pacing again and was spinning his bowler hat in his hands. "I want him isolated and for him to have no contact with anyone one else including your guards." The warden did not like the sound of this at all. "Why is this necessary Minister?" Fudge stopped for a moment but said "We have an opportunity to recapture a very important fugitive with the information Draco provided to Potter. I will need to see Draco's personal effects and interview him privately."

The warden did not like the sound of this at all but he could not deny the Minister of Magic either. "I would like to be present when you interview the prisoner." he said in a firm voice. Fudge turned to the warden and said "That won't be possible. This is a delectate matter and the need for secrecy is paramount to your concerns for your prisoner's civil rights." The warden could find no argument to counter the Minister's request so he led Fudge down to the prison storage room.

Madam Tosh found it difficult to rouse Harry the next morning as he had stayed up relaying his story until nearly dawn. He had deep circles under his eyes but felt much better than he had done. After a through examination she gave him one more goblet of potion to drink and told him that he was fine to return to Gryffindor Tower. Just as he finished dressing and came from around the screen Ron, Hermione and Ginny walked into the hospital ward. They looked as tired as Harry and received an appraising look from Madam Tosh.

Ginny quickly stepped over to Harry and threw her arms around his neck. Then she stepped back a little and slapped his arm. "Ow! What was that for?"
"For making me worry about you for the last three days! Don't you ever go running off like that again!" Madam Tosh knew that this little act was meant to cover the fact that the three of them had sneaked down here last night to see him. She smiled and said "Why don't you all go down to the Great Hall for breakfast. I need to go and see the Headmaster."

When Madam Tosh entered Dumbledore's office he was just rolling up a large and very old looking parchment. It was tied with a red sash and had a Ravenclaw seal that reattached itself when he set it gently in a tall oak case that held hundreds of such documents. Dumbledore motioned for Madam Tosh to have a seat as he turned to sit at his desk. "Tell me Madam, how is Harry doing?" There was a genuine concern in his eyes and Madam Tosh smiled. "Tired" she said with a smirk "But ready to go back to classes. Ginny, Ron and Hermione are a bit tired this morning also." Dumbledore relaxed as soon as Madam Tosh smiled and said "I would have expected no less." in a much lighter tone.

Then his face grew weary and he said "I am very concerned about the decisions that Harry has been making this year. As you know I have asked him to speak with Master Kim. I think that he may be able to help Harry learn to control his strongest emotions which are being brought to the fore because of his unique situation." Madam Tosh nodded for she could clearly sense his concern. "Harry deeply regrets leaving Hogwarts, of that I can assure you. He is calling his own judgment into question."

Dumbledore placed his long fingers together in front of his face. "His reaction to the Minister was very unwise, though I fully understand how he was feeling. He must learn to control his strongest emotions so that he is capable of seeing clearly. From my discussions with Master Kim I have found myself impressed with the clarity of his thoughts and the stillness of the mind that he has achieved. I am hoping that he may be able to help Harry to focus his mind so that he is no longer ruled solely by his heart. What sense did you get from Harry's encounter last night?"

Madam Tosh sat forward slightly and said "Harry was still quite ill at the time but when he recounted his vision I sensed a definitive duplicity in his emotions. It was as though he were remembering feeling two completely separate sets of emotions. This leads me to think that the contact was indeed real, rather than a delirium induced dream. I also got the sense that You..." She stopped and shook her head thinking how silly this You Know Who business was and continued "…I got the sense that Voldemort was unaware of the connection at least at first." Dumbledore looked interested by this. "I believe that the contact was genuine and Harry got a glimpse of…
…Voldemort's plans. I think that having Harry speak with Master Kim is a wise course of action. I have some knowledge of the Eastern Muggle arts, but more from a healer's point of concern, yet never the less the meditation exercises that are taught should be of great assistance to him."

She stood up and walked over to Fawkes before continuing. "I am concerned about a Death Eater getting into St. Mungos. If a woman there has had information "Locked" inside her mind for fourteen years I am inclined to think that he was referring to a patient in the long term ward. I have not spent much time on that ward because I have never treated a patient with long term spell damage. I would like to investigate that area but I don't have a credible excuse to spend any amount of time there."

Professor Dumbledore was watching Madam Tosh stroke Fawkes' plumage when he said "I have an idea that would get you onto that ward but it is risky and you are under no obligation to oblige." Madam Tosh lowered her hand from Fawkes and turned to face Dumbledore. "The risks are irrelevant. My responsibility to Harry began the moment I was witness to his entering this world, and as he is the last vestige of my dear friend, I will see this through to whatever end."

Dumbledore nodded but felt a slight foreboding for Severus Snape had also voiced his commitment to see this through to his own death if necessary. So many people were risking everything to bring about the fall of Voldemort. Occasionally he wondered what the cost would be in the end. These concerns did not show in his face but he suspected that the healer before him knew that they were there all the same. "Madam Tosh do you retain your empathic abilities in your animal form?"

Madam Tosh opened her eyes wide for the question had caught her by surprise. It only took a moment for her to perceive what Dumbledore was about to suggest. "The sense is still present though slightly diminished as the owl's instincts are quite strong. I have found that when the urge to hunt is strong my empathic sense is somewhat stunted but I can still manage to receive accurate impressions. I do, however, loose all of my telekinetic powers in my owl form." Dumbledore nodded and said "Then perhaps there is a way to achieve our goal."

[Alice I]

As Cornelius Fudge stood looking through Malfoy's trunk he was fuming to himself under his breath. "Where is it? Did Dumbledore confiscate it?" The warden stepped forward and said "Everything was logged Minister, what are you looking for?" He had pulled down a large scroll and began to unroll it but Fudge waved his hand at him and said "Never mind that, what I'm looking for will have been well hidden." Fudge started examining the trunk more closely and noticed a small carved snake in the far back corner. When he traced the carving with his fingers there was a soft click. The warden and Fudge stepped back and saw that a seam had appeared on the front of the trunk. Fudge pushed on the seam and his hand passed through the wood into a small compartment that held a single rectangular object. Fudge pulled out the mirror and quickly pocketed it. Then he turned to the warden and said "Well then, let's move young Mr. Malfoy to the isolation cell shall we?"

As they walked down the main building corridor the two guards at the front doors fell in behind them on a nod from the warden. When the Minister of Magic and the warden turned up in front of his cell door, Malfoy paled visibly. Fudge turned to the cell block guard and asked for a goblet of water then he stepped closer to the cell and said "Draco Malfoy, you will be coming with me." Fudge motioned for the guards to open the cell door. They each pulled their wands out and trained them on the prisoner then opened the door. Malfoy was escorted up to the top of the West Tower with the two guards and the warden and Fudge following behind.

Once they had all entered the small room at the top of the tower Fudge summarily dismissed the warden and the guards. When they left the guards were left to stand post on either side of the door and one of them was to escort the Minister back to the warden's office when he was finished.

As soon as the door closed Fudge turned toward Malfoy and said "You have been a naughty boy Draco." Malfoy looked guarded, staring at the Minister and didn't reply. Fudge set the goblet of water that he still held on a wooden block that was attached to the wall that served as a table. He pulled a small vial of clear liquid from his pocket and carefully put three drops into the water. Malfoy blanched for he knew that the Minister meant to interrogate him with a truth serum. As Fudge picked up the goblet and turned around he also withdrew his wand and pointed it at Malfoy who shouted "Minister... You can't, it's illegal!"

Fudge had an almost manic gleam in his eye and said "Oh ho, I can't, can't I? Did you learn nothing of my capabilities last year? I'll make it legal." His eyes became cold and intense and he said in a quiet voice "Now young man you will drink this water and you will answer all of my questions" Malfoy's pale, pointed face drained of all color as he stared at the Minister devoid of his customary nervous manner. The wizard standing before him now was steady and had a slightly crazed glint in his eyes. Malfoy was utterly trapped and took the goblet with unsteady hands.

Four hours later Percy was anxiously awaiting the Minister's arrival for word of Harry, only he knew that he couldn't let it show. Fudge burst through the door holding a plain brown sack and said "Weasley, good you're here. I am expecting a delivery soon and otherwise do not want to be disturbed today. I am counting on you to handle things appropriately." Percy was more than a little taken aback. "Minister what has happened?" He stopped himself from asking for any particular details, but just.

Fudge placed the bag under his desk then stopped for a moment considering Percy. "There was an incident at Hogwarts on Saturday. A student was coerced into attempting to kill another student." Percy feigned shock and was about to ask who was involved when the Minister continued "Everyone is fine. The student who was coerced preformed the curse incorrectly and no one died. I must attend to matters now that have recently come to my attention. Call it an internal investigation." Percy frowned slightly and said "Don't you want to speak with the Council of Magical Law?" Fudge turned around and eyed Percy closely then took on a fatherly air and said "Percy, this must remain in this office. If my suspicions are correct, this investigation must remain between us. You are the one man I can trust with this. Keep everyone guessing so that together we can resolve the crisis our world faces."

Percy looked even more bemused than before but before he could say anything there was a knock at the door and a weathered old wizard entered the office carrying a small crate. "Ahh excellent! Now Percy my boy, if you would kindly excuse us, I have very important business with this gentleman, and Percy, remember I must not be disturbed." Percy said "Of course Minister." and he left the office. Fudge waited a moment listening to Percy walk down the hall before turning to the older wizard and asked "Does anyone know that you have brewed this for me Nigel?"

Nigel shook his head vehemently. "No Minister, no one knows." he said as he pulled out a large mason jar full of a thick glutinous fluid. "You have enough polyjuice potion here for two weeks if you assume the form continuously. After three weeks however, throw any remaining potion out. You will then need a fresh batch, which is already brewing, and a fresh sample from the person you are impersonating." The Minister smiled and said "Excellent Nigel but I shouldn't need any more after this batch, but continue to brew the new batch, just in case." Nigel put the mason jar back in the box and then looked up at the minister "You are very fortunate that I already had this potion brewing. It takes quite a long time to make you know, and that is one of the reasons it is so expensive." Nigel placed a distinct stress on the word expensive and the Minister said "Right." He dug down into his pocket and withdrew a handful of gallons.

Once Nigel had left, Fudge locked his office door and went over to sit down at his desk. He took a couple of Malfoy's hairs and dropped them into a goblet then poured some potion from the mason jar in with the hair. Fudge drank the potion in one large gulp and made a face of disgust at the taste like rotten vegetables. His stomach writhed as though he had live worms twisting around in his gut. For a moment he thought that he would loose the potion in his queasiness and he clapped a hand firmly over his mouth swallowing hard. Suddenly he felt a burning sensation that started in his middle and spread rapidly throughout his entire body making him feel as though someone had stoked a furnace inside of him.

This effect felt even more pronounced as he watched the skin on his hands bubble as though his very blood had been set to a rolling boil and watched horrified yet fascinated as his fingers became thinner and smoother. The hair on the backs of his hands became fine and retracted into his skin while the receding hair on his head became fine and grew out to fill in the balding spots. He felt himself growing smaller with a hot prickling like thousands of tiny needles being poked into his skin as the robes that he wore began to bag and slip down his shoulders that were now half as broad as normal. After a few moments all of the painful burning and tingling of the transformation stopped and he quickly snatched up a mirror that was lying on his desk top. The reflection staring back at him was unmistakably young Draco Malfoy, down to his grey blue eyes pointed face and white blonde hair.

Fudge reached under his desk for the bag he had placed there and pulled out a set of prisoner's clothes and proceeded to change then he looked around at the office examining the walls. He took out his wand and with a flick removed the plaques and pictures until the wall was barren. Fudge then stood in front of the wall and looked around behind him to see the effect. He had never used a communication mirror before and was unsure how much background Lucius was going to be able to see. He was satisfied that no one would be able to recognize his office and then he sat down on a small stool and checked his watch. It was four thirty in the afternoon and the prisoner's would be back in their cells waiting for the evening meal. He cleared his throat and held the mirror in front of him and said "Father!"

Nothing happened and after nearly five minutes Fudge said again "Father!"
Lucius Malfoy felt a slight tingling in his left hand that took him by surprise. That meant that Draco was calling him with his mirror, but Draco was locked up in Azkaban so how could this be? He looked over at the two wizards he had been speaking with and said "The dark lord wishes this impasse to be resolved as quickly as possible Baggot so I suggest that you go back to America and get the commitment from the Western Sasquai before returning."

Baggot stood up and said "You know that if I go back to the States I will be caught, that will not do Voldemort any good." Lucius drew in his breath sharply and raised an eyebrow then said in a deadly tone "You are very foolish to so openly speak his name and a coward to hide here when there is work to be done." Just then Lucius felt another slight tingle in his hand and stood up. "McNair please explain to our American guest the importance of obedience." and drew out his wand. Baggot clamored to his feet and drew his own wand but was far too slow. Malfoy shouted "Experimellus!" and Baggot's wand flew out of his hand. Malfoy reached out and caught it then handed it to McNair who wore a malicious grin. "I have another matter that must be attended to." and he turned and left the room, and heard Baggot's screams as he walked quickly down the hall to his rooms.

He pulled a small mirror from a hidden compartment in his trunk and held it out curiously. After a moment his son's face swam into view. Fudge saw the image of Lucius Malfoy appear in the mirror and said "Tioalgeinos" and waited for Lucius to reply "Poieoterma" then he said "Father, I am at Azkaban! The plan didn't work!" Lucius knew all of this naturally but didn't understand how his son had gotten a hold of his mirror. "How did you get the mirror Draco?" Fudge looked around as though listening for someone approaching and said in a lower tone "Harry Potter came after me father. He left Hogwarts and turned up here at Azkaban with our old house elf Dobby." Lucius frowned and said "Dobby led Potter to Azkaban? Are you sure Draco?" Fudge said "Yes father, it was him. He works here at the prison now. Old Dumbledore sacked him for helping Potter leave the castle. I ordered him to get my mirror and he obeyed. He didn't want to, but he will still obey me if I give him a direct order."

Lucius frowned again for this did not seem right. "I knew of your incarceration and I hear tell that Potter used veritaserum on you Draco." Fudge paled visibly, he was not expecting that and covered by saying "No father, he didn't have time. Moody, the warden and Artimus Trump turned up. Potter escaped from them and got out of the fortress." Fudge was thinking furiously how Lucius could have known about the veritaserum. It must be the spy at Hogwarts that Draco told Potter about.

Lucius suspected that he was not speaking to his son at this point and said "I cannot get you out Draco, you must know that." Fudge was prepared for this statement and said "I can get out myself father. I heard them talking about how Potter escaped. I know how he got out and if Potter can do it so can I. I can sneak onto the ferry and get back to the mainland. There is a cave in the cliff face under the gate. That is where Potter hid after he escaped. You can meet me there." Lucius was now convinced that he was speaking to an imposter and said "Hide the mirror, do nothing. I will contact you tonight at midnight." Fudge felt a thrill of excitement and turned the mirror over before sliding it into his pocket. As Fudge did this the leg of his desk shown for an instant and Lucius smiled to himself before he got up and went to see Voldemort.

[Alice I]

Harry had a rough day because he was so tired. He had received zero marks for potions that day because he forgot to add peeled Holly to his wound cleansing potion and Snape was definitely keeping to his words of perfect potions or no marks. For some reason he seemed to be in an even fouler temper than usual and poor Neville nearly had a breakdown when Snape told him he would have to use his own potion on a self inflicted wound when he was finished.

Hermione was able to correct Neville's potion for him while Snape was distracted with Seamus who had gotten his ingredients mixed up and suddenly a thick purple smoke started billowing out of his cauldron gagging and choking the students on either side of him. Luckily for Neville, Snape didn't have time to make Neville test his wound cleansing potion before the bell rang.

By the time Harry arrived in the Great Hall for dinner he was so tired he had no appetite and picked at his food absentmindedly in a sort of dazed trance. Neville, who sat a little further down the table on the other side also had no appetite and sat white faced staring at his food.

With all of the attention focused on Harry, having been gone from classes for the last couple of days and the gossip about Saturday's quidditch match, no one noticed Neville except Harry. "Neville are you OK?" Harry asked. Neville didn't seem to have heard the question and Harry said a little louder "Neville!" Ron and Hermione turned their attention to Neville who looked at Harry and said "What?" Harry now looked concerned and repeated "You all right mate?" Neville seemed to come to himself and replied "Gosh Harry, I should be asking you if you're alright. Where have you been the last few days?" Neville's question took Harry a little by surprise. He had assumed that Neville knew about his leaving the castle. Now that he thought about it, no one had really asked him about his absence all day. People had been avoiding him but he hadn't noticed because he was so tired. "I'm fine Neville, but you look terrible. What's up?"

Neville looked down at the table and said "Oh, nothing." Harry could tell that what ever was bothering Neville, he didn't want to talk about it in the crowded Great Hall so Harry didn't pursue the matter. Just then Alex Kimm passed by the Gryffindor table headed for the Ravenclaw table and Harry waved him over. "Hi Harry. You feeling better now?" Alex said as he sat down next to Ron. "Yeah, I'm fine now. Listen Alex, Professor Dumbledore wants me to talk with your grandfather about learning some concentration exercises. I figured that since we have already worked together that maybe you could just tell me about them."

Harry wasn't afraid to talk with Master Kimm but he was comfortable working with Alex so he didn't see the need to bother Master Kimm if Alex could show him what he needed to do. "Harry, I'm not qualified to teach you meditation. If Professor Dumbledore wants you to learn how to do that then you should really go and see my grandfather. He can teach you what you need to know to really clear your mind and be able to concentrate. Once you know how to meditate you can remember forgotten things better, or figure out how to solve a problem or sense someone sneaking up on you. It takes a long time to learn how to do that, but my grandfather is the best teacher I have ever seen in meditation exercises." Harry sighed and said "Alright, thanks Alex" and went back to picking at his dinner. Neville had been listening to Harry's conversation with Alex and decided that he too would like to speak with Master Kimm about meditation. He resolved to do just exactly that after class Saturday morning.

Harry tossed his fork down and said "I'm going back to the common room and start working on my potions homework" and got up and left the table. Ron made to follow him but Hermione put a hand on his arm and said "Give him some time Ron. He's tired and obviously wants to be alone." Ron sat back down but watched Harry leave the Great Hall, concerned about his overall moodiness today. He supposed it should be expected though. After all, it's not everyday that you find out that you could be the actual heir of one of the most famous wizards of all time and that that wizard has left some powerful magical item for you to find that you need to defeat the most powerful dark wizard of the age. Given that kind of pressure, Harry had the right to be a bit moody.

Lucius Malfoy entered a dark room with the large gilded mirror over the mantle of a huge fireplace with a large wing backed chair in front of the hearth. He walked silently to the edge of the firelight being cast on the floor and bowed low before he said "I have interesting news my Lord." There was a stirring and a long fingered white hand appeared on the arm of the chair. "What news do you bring to me my old friend?" said a high pitched voice. "I have just had a conversation with someone impersonating my son."

In one smooth and fluid motion Voldemort rose from his chair and turned to face Malfoy who bowed low. "Tell me of this conversation." he said and Malfoy proceeded to tell his master every detail of the conversation that he had had with Fudge. Voldemort paced silently as he listened and said "Why do you suspect that you were not speaking to Draco?"

Lucius said "For one thing, my son would never have noticed a servant much less a former one; he also knew the name of a wizard that he had never met before. When he mentioned the cave that Potter was hiding in I knew that it could not have been Draco, for there is no way for him to have found that out. He claimed that he over heard the warden and Moody talking but Moody knew nothing of Potter's whereabouts until well after Potter had arrived back at Hogwarts."

Voldemort stopped his pacing and said "Whom do you believe you were speaking with, who would know the things that you and this imposter discussed?" Lucius smiled and looked quite pleased with himself when he replied "I believe master, that I was, in fact, speaking with The Minister of Magic himself. The blustering fool thinks to recapture me on his own."

The excitement that Voldemort felt at that moment shown clearly in his face when he said "This is indeed a fortunate turn of events my old friend. Meet with Fudge, capture him and bring him to me. This is the opportunity that I have been waiting for to move my plans forward." Voldemort turned toward the fireplace and said under his breath "Yes, this will work perfectly! Fate has once again smiled on Lord Voldemort."

[Alice I]

It was just after nine in the morning and Fudge finally managed to get all of his morning appointments completed and out of his office. Percy had noticed how distracted the Minister had been over the course of the morning and how he kept glancing at his watch. The editor of the Daily Prophet was speaking with him after waiting nearly five weeks for an interview with the Minister and showed no signs of wrapping up his questions about the Ministry's plans to protect the wizarding community from the Death Eaters. Percy had spoken up at nine fifteen saying that the Minister had several other people to see today and that the interview was over.

Percy actually knew of no other appointments for Fudge as the Minister had left instructions for Percy to clear all of his appointments for the next couple of days but he could clearly see how agitated the Minister was. When the Editor of the Prophet closed the door and walked down the hall grumbling that the information he had gotten was utterly useless Percy turned to the Minister and said "Minister, can you tell me what is going on? I have cleared your schedule for the next three days." Fudge barely seemed to notice that Percy was asking him questions as he pulled the bag that Percy had seen him come in with yesterday from beneath his desk and sat down to check it's contents. "Minister, does this have something to do with your investigation?"

Fudge looked up sharply at Percy and seemed to come to himself for a moment. He put the bag back down under his desk and stood up coming around the desk. "Percy, you are a very shrewd young man. This is indeed the reason I have asked you to clear my schedule." Fudge placed a hand on Percy's shoulder and said "Now Percy, I am counting on you to keep my absence quiet and to keep things running smoothly around here. You have proven yourself equal to the task and I know that I can depend on you son." Percy couldn't help feeling his chest swell with pride at these words from the Minister but he also was burning to know what the Minister planned to do and where he was going. "Where are you going sir, in case I need to contact you for some emergency?" Fudge shook his head sadly and said "Percy, I will tell you everything upon my return, but until then it is simply too dangerous to give you any information. I am certain that you are capable of handling any emergencies that may crop up. Now I really must get to work." and he steered Percy to the door.

After the door closed behind Percy, Fudge carefully packed enough polyjuice potion for a few days in three flasks that he stuffed in his robe pockets and made sure he had clothes to change into when he transformed into Draco Malfoy. He had told Lucius that he was on the morning laundry crew and could slip out and into the cistern room unnoticed. He was then to sneak onto the ferry for the crossing. He told Lucius that he would meet him in a cave in the cliff face under the gate by midday. Fudge's only concern was getting to the cave before Lucius.

He wanted to be ready to stun him as soon as he turned up looking for Draco so he had planned on being at the ferry dock at the base of the mainland cliff face by ten thirty. He had debated going directly to the cave, but if for some reason Malfoy turned up too early he should be seen climbing the stairs up the cliff from the ferry dock. He fervently hoped that this would not be the case however.
Fudge peeked his head out of his office door and looked around to be sure that the corridor was deserted then closed his door again and withdrew his wand and pointed it at a silver letter opener and muttered "Portus". The letter opener glowed blue and vibrated on his desk before coming to rest a moment later. Fudge checked around his office once more to be certain that he had forgotten nothing; then he shouldered the bag with cloths in it and picked up the silver letter opener. He felt a sudden jerk in his midriff and with a flash of color and sound he disappeared.

When his feet crashed into the rough stone of the rocks beside the ferry dock Fudge swayed for a moment then ducked into the dock supply shed. He pulled out his pocket watch and surveyed the time. The ferry was due to arrive in ten minutes. Fudge pulled out one of the flasks from his pocket and took a long pull making a face at the putrid taste. Once again he felt his stomach writhe then it quickly turned to a burning sensation that spread rapidly through his body. Once the transformation was complete he quickly changed into his prisoner's clothes and stashed his own robes behind a stack of barrels in the corner of the shed then sat by the window to wait for the ferry to arrive.

He didn't have long to wait for the sea was much calmer on this particular morning than it usually was at this time of year and the ferry actually arrived a few minutes ahead of schedule. After the guards had disembarked the ferryman stepped off the ferry carrying two large barrels and headed straight for the shed where Fudge was hiding. He got up quickly and hid behind the same barrels where he had stashed his robes. The large Scotsman was grumbling to himself. "Bloody Ministry; interferin' with me schedule!" as he dropped the barrels down in the far back corner and picked up a large box labeled 'Azkaban Infirmary'. He continued to swear under his breath "Bleedin' Minister wants to take me job, Hrumph; it'd serve him right see if he ken find anyone else who'd run the bloody boat across the firth in the winter! Bloody wizards…." but Fudge lost the rest of what the ferryman was saying as he slammed the door behind him and made for the ferry with the box.

Fudge watched through the corner of the window as the Scot fastened down the box then stumped off to the wheel house. Fudge seized his chance and slipped out of the shed and made for the stairs headed up the cliff face. Fudge climbed quickly for he did not want to be seen by the ferryman as he ascended the stairs. A little more than halfway up the staircase Fudge spied the cave and jumped the rail. He looked down over the edge of the lip of rock leading to the cave and felt a moment of vertigo so he took a moment to lean back against the cliff. He carefully made his way to the mouth of what appeared to be a small and cramped cave. It took his eyes a moment to adjust to the dark and then he saw a small stone tunnel at the back of the cave and made for it.

As he entered the larger interior room he could see nothing and with his wand pulled out he whispered "Lumos" and the tip flared. He stood up to look around and felt icy cold dread spill into his heart as he heard "Expelliarmus". His wand flew high up into the air and Lucius Malfoy stepped from the shadows and caught it deftly in his hand. "Father!" Fudge shouted but Malfoy didn't answer. With a quick flick of his wand a fire flared up in the center of the room illuminating Malfoy with an almost eerie glow. "Cornelius, you are a fool and always have been. Stupefy!" A streak of red light shot out of Malfoy's wand and hit Fudge in the face. He crumpled to the ground and Malfoy stood over him with a gleam in his eye "My master has business with you Minister."

[Alice I]

Max and Dumbledore had decided that his office at the school was the best place for the Hunters Guild members to meet with some of the members of the Order of the Phoenix. Dumbledore was not willing at this point to divulge the location of the Order's headquarters and Max agreed with this provision for if Dumbledore had offered to give that information freely to him then he would have found it very difficult to trust Albus Dumbledore.

When Max and the others arrived at Hogwarts that evening through the fire in Bill's office, Bill stepped forward and slapped Devon on the back saying "Dev! How are you? It's been a long time." Devon smiled and shook Bill's hand firmly. "Indeed it has Bill but you haven't changed a bit have you?" he said looking at Bill's long hair and ponytail. Bill laughed and said "You simply must meet my mum." Max spent the next few minutes introducing Hound and Ferrus to Bill. "Well gentlemen" Bill said with a low bow and flourish toward the door "Shall we?" Hound looked surprised by Bill's rather flamboyant gesture and Devon and Max chuckled.

Bill led the group up to Dumbledore's office where they were greeted by not only Professor Dumbledore but also Professors McGonagall, Tonks, Lupin, Moody and Snape.

Once everyone had entered the office, Professor Dumbledore proceeded to introduce his staff to their guests. As each person was named they stepped forward and shook hands briefly with the Guild members but when Snape and Ferrus shook hands, they locked eyes with each other as if each were trying to see something hidden behind their equally cold stares.

Max saw the tension and stepped forward saying "My name is Max Barnstodt; my partner Devon O'Donnell…" he said indicating Devon "…and I started the Hunters Guild together." Max and Devon shook hands with Dumbledore, then before Max could introduce Ferrus and Hound, Ferrus stepped forward with his hand extended to Dumbledore saying "I am called Ferrus and this is Barney McAllister." As he said this he was lightly stepping on Hound's toes to keep him quiet and as he stepped back he shot the slightest look at Max that none but Dumbledore could have seen.

Bill looked curiously from Max to Ferrus but kept silent. Max sat down in one of the chairs provided and indicated to his group to do the same. Once everyone was seated Max said "We are here tracking a nefarious wizard from the states who fled here to avoid capture. Unfortunately we have lost his trail and have regrettably hit something of a brick wall. We believe that this wizard, called Baggot, is responsible for three muggle deaths here over the summer."

Snape leaned forward now pointedly ignoring Ferrus and asked "The deaths that you speak of were the work of a Death Eater, so I must ask why you believe that this Baggot is responsible for them." Max looked over at Dumbledore who seemed to be curiously waiting for an answer to Snape's question as well. "Baggot has committed some gruesome acts back in the states and the manner in which these muggles died fits with two murders he committed back home."

Albus Dumbledore sat up a little straighter "This Baggot used the Dark Mark in the United States?" Devon and Max exchanged glances and after a moment they nodded to one another. Devon sat forward slightly "The AWC…" he began, then seeing the confused looks on a couple of faces said "… Sorry, The American Wizard's Confederation contacted the Guild, as they have a want to do when a particularly bad wizard is on the loose, to track down Baggot. He did commit two murders a few years ago and while the markings that he used on the victims were not the Dark Mark specifically, it was similar and the method of the attacks were identical to what you saw here in August. Baggot disappeared…" Devon shot a very quick glance at Ferrus who was staring hard at him then to Max who gave a slight sideways nod of caution before he continued "…shortly after the murders and it was believed that he had left the country. In late July he turned up again having made contact with the Sasquai on behalf of Lord Voldemort."

Moody started muttering something to Lupin, Tonks and McGonagall who flinched and exchanged almost frightened looks and Bill shot a look at Snape who seemed nonplussed by this news. Dumbledore asked "How do you know that Baggot was speaking on behalf of Voldemort?" Devon was unsure about answering this question. They were obviously hiding some things from the Order or at least Ferrus felt it was necessary to hide Hound's identity so should he let it be known that they had an informant among the Sasquai? Max could see Devon's reluctance and spoke up. "Can we let it suffice to say that this is a known and true fact, but he found out that we were on to him and he fled again. This time he came to Great Brittan and I followed. I lost his trail after the deaths in August so I had some of my members join me here to continue the search."

Max got up and began to pace slightly then he turned to face the members of the Order and said "It is clear to me that Baggot is a Death Eater and that means that Voldemort has his sights fixed on the world and not just Great Brittan for domination. He is known of in the States but not as well known as here of course. This fight is something that I do not believe that we can avoid at this point. If Baggot is being protected by Voldemort then we will have to fight along with you to meet our own goal."

He turned to Professor Dumbledore and said "We will not be leaving Brittan until we have Baggot in custody or we see him dead. That is all I am willing to promise you for now but who knows what the future holds." Dumbledore nodded and smiled. "Mr. Barnstodt, we are grateful for your Guild's assistance in this war even if it is only temporary. I am concerned, however, that Voldemort is trying to recruit the Sasquai. Do you know if there has been any response to Voldemort's offer or what he has offered them for that matter?"

Max looked again at Devon who said to Dumbledore "We do not have the particulars of that information but it can be come by. I have a contact that I can speak with but I would have to go back to the States." Dumbledore raised an eyebrow and said "I would be happy to send transportation of a private nature for your contact if he or she wishes to come here." Devon looked curiously at Dumbledore and wondered what transportation he could be speaking of and how had he known that his contact would need privacy. "Let me get back to you on that." he said. Dumbledore nodded and had a look akin to amusement in his eye.

Devon was sure that this ancient wizard knew something but he was unsure what that could be. There was a popping noise that drew his attention and he found himself looking down at two rather remarkable little creatures with large bat like ears, huge round eyes and both wearing what looked like towels for smocks with the school crest on them. They set down two large trays, one filled with crumpets and jams and the other with teas and coffee along with sugar and cream. Devon had seen a house elf only once some years ago but before he could ponder it further the elves vanished with another pop.

Dumbledore said "Ahh refreshments have arrived, can I get you some tea or coffee gentlemen?" he said to Max and his group. Everyone helped themselves and loosened up a bit. Tonks was having an animated discussion with Hound to the far right of the room. Professor McGonagall had steered her away from the tea trays and had actually gotten her some tea and a crumpet on a dainty plate rather than risk her upending the whole thing in front of these American guests.

Mad Eye, Lupin and Bill were speaking quietly with Devon about the Sasquai and Snape was speaking quietly to Professor Dumbledore removed slightly from the rest of the group. Ferrus was standing stock still watching Snape talking to Dumbledore through the reflection in the window. To anyone else it appeared that Ferrus was staring out into the black night but Max new better. He waited until Snape was looking at Ferrus' back to step up to Ferrus and put a hand lightly on his shoulder and said in a voice just loud enough that if Snape were listening he would overhear "Staring at the heavens again old friend?" Both Max and Ferrus could see the reflection of Snape stare for another moment then turn back to Dumbledore.

In a voice that only Ferrus could hear Max said "What's up?" Ferrus took a moment to answer then he said "Hound and his abilities need to be kept secret for now, especially from Snape. I do not trust him Max." Max smiled inwardly, for Ferrus trusted almost no one but this outward display of open dislike was unusual for him. He normally reserved that sort of behavior for Devon. "Do you think he is a spy for Voldemort?"

Ferrus was staring hard at the refection of Snape and Dumbledore and frowned. "When we first met I would have bet everything that Snape was a Death Eater but now I'm not sure. This Dumbledore, he is very old and very wise. Something about him inspires trust and I can not explain it. I get the feeling that he is extremely powerful and intuitive. His offer of discreet transportation for Devon's contact should be noted. Max, I think he knows." Max raised an eyebrow and said "I don't see how but I'll trust your instincts on this. Lets say that Dumbledore knows about Arjun would that make you trust him or doubt him?"

Ferrus turned away from the reflection and looked directly at Max. "I have never trusted anyone at first meeting but I do trust this man." Ferrus frowned and looked at Snape and Dumbledore again and said "…and he trusts this Snape. Max I don't know what to think. My instincts are warring with each other. How well do you know Bill Weasley and do you trust him?" Max could see where this was going and he agreed that Snape was a question that should be addressed. "I would trust Bill with my life and actually I did once. We will talk to him later."

Ferrus nodded and stepped forward to join Hound and Tonks. "Barney, how about you introduce me to this lovely young lady." Tonks blushed furiously and turned to extend a hand in welcome but in doing so she swept past a tall spindly object on the table behind her knocking it over with a loud crash. "Oh dear, just a moment…" and as she bent over to pick it up Ferrus whispered to Hound to pay attention to Snape.

As Tonks stood up again, with the now broken device and a fearfully apologetic look on her face to Professor Dumbledore, she turned to place it back on the table and in the process backed into the bookshelf hard enough to send several volumes tumbling down from the top shelf. Snape whipped out his wand and said "Wingardium Leviosa" with impatience and then levitated them back to their position on the shelf. "Might I recommend that you simply stop moving for the time being Professor Tonks." Snape said acidly.

Tonks blushed scarlet and said "I'm sorry Professor Dumbledore" Dumbledore smiled broadly at her "It is quite alright Professor." and with a flick of his wand the spindly object repaired itself. Tonks turned to Ferrus who was smiling at her and said "I'm sorry, I'm dead clumsy sometimes." Professor McGonagall looked scandalized by Tonks' display in front of these foreign wizards but the rest of the group had grinned slightly at the ruckus and then continued on with their discussions.

[Alice I]

When Fudge opened his eyes he found himself in a dark room lying on the floor. He sat up trying to clear his mind and recall what had happened. He had arrived at the cave long before the noon ferry so Lucius should not have been there yet. A movement off to his left startled the Minister and he looked around quickly saying "Who's there?" With a flash of light a fire ignited in a large fireplace under a mantle with a large gilded mirror. A high pitched voice called out from an old wing baked chair just at the edge of the light cast by the flames. "Welcome Minister."

A paralyzing fear gripped Fudge as he stared at the chair hopeing against hope that that voice had been a figment of his imagination or that this was some surreal nightmare that he would soon awaken from. Voldemort rose slowly from his chair and turned to face the Minister of Magic still sitting on the floor frozen with terror. His red catlike eyes bored into Fudge who felt as though his heart would stop beating at any moment relieving him from this situation, but it only beat faster. Voldemort had his wand in his hand and Fudge's eyes opened wide in terror when he pointed it at him and said "Ligemens!"

The horrifying image of Voldemort standing over him in front of the fireplace began spinning into an every dwindling vortex of darkness. Suddenly memories began to play across Fudge's mind.

By five o'clock the minister had still not returned and Percy was very concerned about his odd behavior lately. He had managed to keep the Romanian Minister, Daily Prophet reporters and several internal ministry personnel requests at bay all day, but he wasn't sure how long he could keep it up. He kept thinking about Crouch and his failure to notice that his supervisor was being controlled by the Imperious curse. The thought that he might be making another mistake niggled at the back of his mind, throughout the course of the day, until finally he decided that he needed to ask someone else about it. It was time to chance a visit to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

After another long day of classes Harry had still not really caught up on his sleep. Ron, Hermione and Ginny had all stayed up late the evening before talking with Harry about the events of the last few days and they started to fill Harry in about some of the things he had missed while he was away from the castle. The thing that interested Harry the most was who this American wizard was had come looking for him. Ron wasn’t surprised that Bill knew an American wizard who was also a bounty hunter but he was a bit surprised that he would call upon this person to go hunting for Harry. Ginny said “Well, I heard Bill talking to Max and they have known each other for a long time. And we know that he is here looking for the Death Eater that killed those muggles back in August. It seems logical to me that Bill would ask for his help.” Harry looked at Ginny with a frown on his face and then said “Oh yeah, I had forgotten that. Bill was telling your folks about him at the Burrow that night. I guess it just feels a bit weird to have a bounty hunter looking for me.”

By the time they had all gotten top bed it was indeed late and Harry had another disastrous day in Potions with Snape. After being given an extra 12 inches to do in the next fortnight, Harry had eaten very little dinner and had once again headed up to the common room to get to work and had dosed off doing his homework. The rest of the Gryffindors had returned from dinner and were milling about doing their homework or playing various games. Ron, Hermione and Ginny had settled down around the fire near by but felt nearly as tired as Harry was. A couple of second years were playing a game of exploding snap just behind where Harry sat sleeping and when the deck blew up with a rather loud crack Harry didn't even flinch. "How can he sleep with all this racket is beyond me!" Hermione hissed looking irritated at the laughing students.

After awhile many of the other Gryffindors started drifting off to bed and the common room became much quieter. Ginny sat next to the fire dosing, her book resting in her lap between slack hands while Ron stared aimlessly at the same page not registering a word of the text. Hermione seemed to be the only one of the group who got any real homework done, although it was defiantly below her usually meticulous standards.

Harry moved restlessly in his sleep drawing Hermione’s attention. He started mumbling incoherently “Welcome… Fool… Who knows…” Ron looked up from his books to stare at Harry who had started to clench his fists and was shaking his head back and forth, his face tightened in a grimace of pain. “Harry, what is it?” Harry suddenly clapped his hands to his forehead and began laughing maniacally as he slid from his chair to the floor. The only other Gryffindors still up were the two second years who had been playing exploding snap earlier and they quickly went up to their dormitories with frightened looks on their faces.

Ginny woke with a start as Ron grabbed Harry by the shoulders to try and shake him awake. Harry opened his eyes and the laughter died away instantly as he focused on Ron’s worried face. Hermione and Ginny had also joined them on the floor in front of the chair that Harry had fallen asleep in. “What happened?” Ginny said with an edge of fear in her voice. Harry was rubbing his scar which was prickling painfully “He’s happy, really happy.”

Hermione looked ashen and said “Voldemort?” Ron winced slightly at the name but she ignored him. “What is it Harry why is he so happy?” Harry got up off the floor still rubbing his forehead saying “I’m not sure, it was weird, I couldn’t see plainly like I have before. It was like looking through a curtain of running water or something. I couldn’t really see anything clearly. There was a dark room and someone was on the floor in front of me… er him” he looked up to see if shock registered on his friends faces but they were just staring at him intently waiting to hear the rest of his dream. “He was trying to find out what the man had been doing and who else knew about it. The man didn’t answer but…”

Harry sat for a moment with an unfocused look in his eye and Ginny said “But what Harry?” Harry shook his head again and said “He got his answers even though the man didn’t speak. I remember flashes of things that went by so fast that I couldn’t make much sense of it. I saw Draco Malfoy, and some old man with a big jar full of something… and” Harry looked up at Ron but didn’t want to say what he saw next. Ron saw the hesitation in Harry’s face and said “What?”

“I saw Percy, Ron.” Ron blanched and Harry continued “It was just a flash, Percy wasn’t the man on the floor but I did see his face.” Ron and Ginny both went white. Hermione stood up and said “Harry you must tell Professor Dumbledore about this.” Harry was shaking and his scar was still burning painfully but he knew that Hermione was right. Dumbledore would want to hear of this experience. After taking a few minutes to collect himself he sighed and got up to go and see the headmaster with his friends in tow.

Professor Dumbledore was indeed very interested in Harry’s story and assured them all that Percy was fine. “He was at Headquarters earlier this evening. Did you get any sense that Voldemort knew of your contact this evening Harry?” Harry thought about it even though he was sure that he had not. “I don’t think so sir. I got the feeling that he was oblivious to me because he was so intent on the man on the floor.” Ginny did not look dissuaded from her concern for her older brother and said “Professor, if Harry just had this… dream or contact or what ever it was, then Percy could be in trouble right now.”

Dumbledore went to the fireplace in his office and threw a handful of floo powder into the flames which sprung up higher and turned an emerald green. He called out “Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes” loudly and clearly then stepped into the flames and vanished. Within fifteen minutes he returned through the fire and smiled at Ron and Ginny and said “Percy is still at headquarters and is quite fine. Harry, I understand that you are very tired but I want you to take care to clear your mind before going to sleep tonight. I do not know what it is that you saw tonight, but it would be better to keep your mind blocked from Voldemort, especially now.”

Lucius entered Voldemort's parlor with a feeling of smug satisfaction. He knew that his master was pleased with him and would reward him for bringing the Minister of Magic to him. The only gift that would have pleased his master more would have been to deliver Harry Potter.

"You have done well Lucius, very well indeed. We now have an enormous advantage my old friend. Fudge thought to capture you on his own as you predicted and his foolishness has brought us a unique opportunity for he is indeed acting alone. No one knows that he went to meet you, not even his personal assistant who is none other than a Weasley. He also has thoughtfully provided us with enough polyjuice potion to last until more is prepared."

Lucius was mildly surprised that Fudge had been foolish enough to attempt this deception and capture with no backup in case he was unsuccessful or, as is the case, captured himself. The pressure of the rather bad press that he had been inundated with seems to have pushed him into making even worse judgments than when he stubbornly denied the return of the Dark Lord.

Voldemort smiled a wicked smile and said "Let us not allow all of Fudge's preparations go to waist. You know Cornelius Fudge well enough to easily take his place and infiltrate the Ministry at the highest level.” Voldemort handed a small glass vial to Malfoy and said “Go and find out all you need to know from Fudge to take his place. We will use the mirrors to communicate, and you will get the things I need from the Department of Mysteries." Lucius bowed his head smiling to himself.

[Hagger 9003]

alice, your story is amazing. its fantastic!!!!!!!!

please keep writing!!!!!1

[Alice I]

alice, your story is amazing. its fantastic!!!!!!!!

please keep writing!!!!!1

Well Thank you very much Hagger 9003
I havn't heard anything from the readers on this site in so long that I thought maybe folks were tired of the story or had simply lost interest.

Since you want to see more I'll post the next bit.
(For you Hagger )


Chapter Twenty
The Silence Between Thoughts

Percy went to the office the next morning even more anxious about the Minister's secretive behavior than he was yesterday. His trip to the Order's headquarters had only served to increase his concerns rather than to alleviate them as he had hoped.

The dream that Harry had that evening brought a whole new set of concerns forward. Who had the man on the floor been? Was this just a bad dream or was it a genuine contact between Harry Potter and the dark lord? The fact that Harry had seen his face both befuddled and unnerved him.

Dumbledore wanted Percy to contact the Order when the Minister returned to the office or if he failed to do so. The fact that he was essentially was being asked to spy on the Minister of Magic was the most unsettling aspect of recent events and he was unsure where his loyalties should lie.

Percy was quiet surprised to find the Minister sitting at his desk when he arrived. "Minister!" Fudge looked up from the document he was reading and said "Good morning Percy." Percy made sure that the door was closed tightly before speaking. "What happened sir? Where did you go yesterday? What is happening with the investigation?" Fudge stood up and came around the desk indicating that Percy should take a seat. "Unfortunately my excursion yesterday proved fruitless."

Percy looked at the Minister unable to hide the suspicion in his eyes. Fudge sighed and continued "Percy, these are very dangerous times and I understand your misgivings. I have been secretive for good reason." Fudge walked to the door and opened it looking out then closed it tightly before turning to face Percy. "You have proven your loyalty to the Ministry and to me repeatedly so I am going to tell you what I have dared not tell anyone else."

Percy sat up straighter and peered intently at the Minister. "I know that your loyalty to the Ministry has cost you a heavy personal toll." Percy looked down at the barely veiled reference to his estrangement from his family. "I told you about what happened at the quidditch match last Saturday but I didn't give you the details."

Percy felt his heart skip a beat. He knew everything that had happened but he couldn't let that show. He may feel uncertain about Dumbledore instructing him to spy on the Minister for the Order of the Phoenix, but he had no confusion about his loyalty to his father. They had agreed to keep their reconciliation a secret and Percy would not betray that trust.

"The students involved were Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, Harry Potter and your brother and sister." Fudge was watching Percy closely but Percy was expecting this and paled visibly. Fudge proceeded to tell Percy all about the events at the quidditch match and Harry's subsequent trip to Azkaban.

"Potter didn't get the information he was looking for but what he did learn was startling non-the-less. He discovered how Draco Malfoy was able communicate with his father." Percy opened his eyes wide for that was a detail that he was unaware of and his surprise was not lost on Fudge. "They use a set of communication mirrors. I had hoped to trick Lucius Malfoy into meeting me... that is where I was yesterday. Malfoy is very clever and didn't take the bait."

Percy was staring at the Minister in shock. "Why didn't you tell someone, anyone. What would have happened if Malfoy had captured you? How can you justify that kind of risk?" Fudge sat back stunned by Percy's outburst. This behavior seemed completely contradictory to what he had been told about Percy and from his own observations last year. This young man had always been ambitious but otherwise lacked the spine to openly challenge his superior. He would need to be cautious with this Weasley.

"I risked it, because Potter also found out that there were spies both at Hogwarts as well as here in the Ministry but not who they were. Who am I to trust? Dumbledore won't address the possibility of a spy in his midst even when that information came from his golden boy, Potter! Don't you see Percy, if I can't trust Ministry personnel and Dumbledore refuses to doubt his staff, then what choice did I have?" Percy couldn't believe his ears. This information served only to confuse the issues he was personally struggling with even more.

"What happened with Malfoy sir?" Percy wanted to trust the Minister but he needed more than just his word where this was concerned. Fudge could tell that Percy was still trying to decide what he was willing to believe. "I went to Azkaban and found Draco Malfoy's mirror, then interrogated him about his father and how to contact him. I took some of his hair and used a polyjuice potion to transform into Draco. I contacted Lucius and arranged to meet him. I waited all day but he never showed. I kept the mirror in hopes that Lucius will attempt to contact Draco again. I don't know if he suspected a trap or if something else went wrong." Fudge stood up and crossed the room to his desk and picked up the parchment that he had been looking at when Percy arrived. "I am going to have the Daily Prophet run this." and he handed the parchment to Percy who read it looking even more astounded. It was an article telling of the escape of Draco Malfoy from Azkaban prison.

"It is necessary for Lucius to believe that his son escaped so that he will try to contact me. I have had young Draco isolated and the guards believe that he has escaped the fortress. I fully understand your concerns about me doing this alone so I am bringing you into this. Percy I am placing my trust in you and am taking a chance telling you all of this. I hope that my trust is not misplaced." Percy stood up and faced the Minister and said "Your trust is not misplaced Minister, you can count on me."

[Hagger 9003]

i like your idea of harry running away from hogwarts to save everyone else... that's exactly the kind of thing he would do!!!!! noble, yet foolish. perfect gryffindor style!!!

the way percy has switched roles is good as well... in the actual books, evry1 thinks he is being used to spy on DD by fudge. now, the opposite is true!!!! fantastic!!! keep it up!!!

[Alice I]

Gilderoy Lockhart sat opening his fan mail when Healer Miriam Strout came into the ward carrying a cage with a large Great Horned owl sitting regally on a perch. "Good day Gilderoy." she said in a cheerful voice. "You have received a gift from one of your admirers dear." Lockhart looked up at the healer pleased and said "Well that's just wonderful. What is it?" She set the cage down on his dresser and said "This beautiful owl was sent by Gladys Gudgeon" and she pulled off the card attached to the handle. "She writes to you quite regularly doesn't she?"

Gilderoy opened the card eagerly smiling and said "Oh Gladys is a lovely woman, and never misses a week. Oh look she says that she thought that this owl would help me to keep up with my mail to my adoring public." He sighed and said "I haven't been very good about answering all of her letters lately." then he smiled brightly and continued "But now I can answer all of her letters straight away. What a lovely thoughtful dear. I shall call this magnificent bird Gladys." He immediately pulled out a fresh parchment and began to write.

The healer busied herself checking on the other patients in the ward while Lockhart muttered to himself signing a small set of photographs that he was going to place in the return note to Ms. Gudgeon. “Good morning Alice, and how are we doing today?” the healer said to the frail looking woman at the far end of the ward. As the healer pulled a brush from the dresser and began to run it through the woman's hair Alice Longbottom began to hum softly to herself. Suddenly she stopped humming and started to pull at her hair acting highly agitated. She was muttering what sounded like “Neville, No not Neville” over and over again. Healer Strout put down the brush and tried to sooth Alice saying “Neville isn't here today Alice. You will see him in a few weeks at Christmas time. He is in school right now dear.” Alice continued to pull at her hair her eyes holding an almost vacant look.

The owl in the cage turned and stared at the woman pulling her hair ignoring Lockhart who was trying to give it an owl treat that was sent along with the cage and card. “Now Gladys you want a treat don't you?” he started rapping on the bars of the cage and the owl turned and let out a short screech then turned back to watching the woman at the end of the ward. Gilderoy looked down the ward in the direction that the owl was looking and said “It is quite sad you know. The poor dear has completely lost her mind. She is always muttering on about someone named Neville, her son I believe, and something hidden for him to find." The owl turned its head to peer at Gilderoy then hooted softly before turning back to stare at the end of the ward.

At breakfast the next morning when the owls arrived with the morning post there was an almost instant uproar as soon as those who got the Daily Prophet opened to the front page and saw a large photograph of Draco Malfoy glaring up at the readers. “Oh my goodness, I can't believe it!” Hermione breathed as soon as she opened the paper. She immediately spread the page out on the table for the others to read.

Another Malfoy Escapes From Azkaban

Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius Malfoy, was sent to Azkaban prison last week after using an unforgivable curse on a fellow student in order to force that student to use another unforgivable curse at last week's quidditch match.
Young Malfoy was caught when his wand, which was confiscated along with everyone else's after the incident, was tested with the Prior Incantato charm where it was found that he used the Imperius curse on fellow Slytherin student, Vincent Crabbe, in order to force him to use the Avada Kedavra curse on the Gryffindor Keeper during last week's match.
Fortunately the curse was preformed incorrectly and no deaths occurred although one of the other Gryffindor players was injured in this attempt but has since made a full recovery.
Like his father, Draco Malfoy has also escaped from Azkaban prison. It is believed that Lucius Malfoy may have found a way to free his son and that both Malfoys are now in hiding with You Know Who.
The Ministry of Magic was unable to comment on the where-abouts of either of the Malfoys but assures the wizarding community that every effort is being made to recapture father and son. The warden of the prison was also unavailable for comment but has come under fire for the lax security that has allowed three breakouts over the last year not including the breakout three years ago of Sirius Black.
Both of the Malfoys are to be considered dangerous and should not be approached, but the Ministry asks the wizarding community to be alert and to report any suspicious behavior or possible sightings to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement immediately.

Harry finished reading the article and sat back frowning. “I can't believe it. Malfoy would have been very closely guarded after…” he stopped speaking and looked around to be sure that he wasn't overheard. “…after what happened when I saw him.” Hermione was also frowning at the paper and said “Well, we still don't know how Malfoy's father escaped, but you’re right Harry. Professor Moody was there and knew that if you could get in and back out again then there was a weakness in the security of the prison.”

Ron wasn't as skeptical as the others and said “I'll bet anything that Malfoy's dad got him out. I mean he wouldn't want his precious little brat sitting around in jail would he?” Dean had stepped over to look at the article in the paper and said “Maybe he will come back and try to finish the job. Ron you might want to be careful.” Ron scoffed at him and said “I wasn't the target.” Dean raised his eyebrows and said “Crabbe was aiming at you mate. Ginny just got in the way!” Ron rolled his eyes and said “It wasn't about me…” but Harry broke in “It doesn't matter Ron, Dean. If Malfoy got out the last place he would turn up is here, so just forget about it.”

For some reason Harry was angry about all of this and got up and left the Great Hall. “What was that all about?” Dean asked perplexed. Ginny who had watched the whole exchange got up quietly and followed Harry. She caught up to him in the entrance hall and said “What's wrong Harry?” Harry didn't really know why he was angry and tried to picture his snowflake but for some reason the unclear image of a man sitting on the floor in a dark room kept flashing in his mind. Harry shook his head to dispel the picture and said “I don't believe that article.” Ginny frowned and said “What do you mean?” Harry sighed and said “I don't believe that Malfoy escaped but I don't really know why. Maybe the Ministry is trying to trick Lucius Malfoy out of hiding but it feels more like…” he trailed off and Ginny touched his arm “Like what Harry?” He looked into her eyes and said “It feels like Voldemort is up to something but I can't figure out what.”

[Hagger 9003]

ur story is really cool, and its nice 4 u to still post with only one fan. thnx loads, and dont let ur talent waste!!!!!!!!!!

[Alice I]

ur story is really cool, and its nice 4 u to still post with only one fan. thnx loads, and dont let ur talent waste!!!!!!!!!!

Well Hagger even though you are the only person reading this story I will be pleased to still post for you.
I am glad that you are enjoying it so much.

Once I am finished with this I do plan on writing something of my own. Who knows I may even be published someday.
I seriously doubt it though because I am a complete unknown. Also I have never written anything before this so I am quite inexperienced. But hey, I'll still submit my next piece to publishers. Even if they all turn me down, at least I can say that I tried.
Well I will post the next bit for you now. It is a little short because the next bit with Master Kimm is kind of long. I'll post that in a couple of days. I am still working on the next chapter but, for you my friend, I will post it as I get done with it.

The only topic of conversation throughout the castle that day was of Draco Malfoy's escape from Azkaban. Ron found himself to be the center of attention and was rather enjoying it despite Harry's oddly sullen mood about the subject. Hermione didn't voice her opinion on the break out when asked which was quite unlike her however she seemed to be as skeptical as Harry concerning the validity article.

Harry had noticed Neville sitting alone in the common room Friday evening with a pale face staring into the flames of the fireplace. He had his hands resting in his lap but they were clenched into such tight fists that he was cutting into his palms with his fingernails. Harry came over to the hearth and sat down next to Neville quietly. After a few minutes Neville seemed to realize that someone had joined him and looked over. He looked awful, his eyes were bloodshot, his face drawn and he had indeed cut his palms.

Harry spoke quietly knowing that what ever was bothering Neville, he didn't want it widely known. "What's up Neville?" he glanced down at his hands and Neville shoved them in his pockets and turned back to the fire saying "I'm fine." Harry really wanted to help Neville and said "No you're not. Something's eating at you. I want to help, if I can. You have always been a friend to me and I want to be a friend to you."

Neville looked away from the fire with surprise in his eyes. He had always looked up to Harry but he had never really expected Harry to show support for him so strongly. "I don't really know what it is. It's like a dream that I can't quite remember only…
…it doesn't feel like a dream." Harry understood what Neville was trying to describe or at least he thought he did. "What bits do you remember?" Neville sighed and said "I see my mums face and she's crying." He fell silent for a time then said "Something bad happened Harry and I think I might have been there." he looked at Harry praying that Harry would understand so that he wouldn't have to say aloud what was in his heart.

Harry had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as the cold chill of comprehension crept up the back of his neck. He leaned close so that no one would overhear "You saw your mum and dad's torture?" Neville had an almost pleading look in his eyes and said "I wish I knew. Harry do you think that Master Kimm would teach me this meditation too? Alex said that it can help someone remember forgotten things." Harry felt a strong sense of connection and empathy for Neville. He had lost his parents as a baby to Voldemort and that was the most horrible experience of his life even though he was too young to really remember it. He couldn't imagine what it would have been like for Neville to witness the torture of his parents into madness, unable to stop it or to help them because he was little more than a baby himself. Harry reached out and put a hand on Neville's arm "Let's talk to him tomorrow. We'll go together... Deal?" Neville felt so grateful that he found that he had lost his voice so he simply nodded before turning back to the fire.

Harry had never been to a formal Karate class with Master Kimm as the sensei so he wasn't sure what to expect. The lesson was actually not very different from what he and Alex had been doing together. The main difference was the fact that there were close to thirty students in this class. Harry was able to follow the floor warm-ups and exercises very easily as Neville's class seemed to be comprised of students with less skill than he himself had demonstrated working alone with Alex.

Harry's natural athletic abilities shown through and his quidditch trained reflexes were a distinct advantage to the far lesser physical skills of many of the students in this class. Neville was actually one of the more skilled students in his class which surprised Harry a little. Neville had never showed anything remotely close to athletic skill in all of the years that Harry had known him but he certainly seemed to have developed a very good set of reflexes and he was particularly good at kicking whether as a defense or as an attack move. Neville pared with Harry who found that he had to keep his guard closely up when they were sparing together.

[Hagger 9003]

good luck with writing your own book!!! and if the publishers reject you, just try again. jk was rejected by 5 publishers with PS/SS, and only eventually got the deal with a small backwater company. now shes one of the richest women in england.

if you feel you are inexperienced, dont worry. you seem like a perfectly good writer to me, and this is a good story you have here . you have enough originality to make a cracking good story of your own, and if it doesn't work the first time, just try again.

Neville seems to be developing really well. i like the theory about his memory charm, even though i dont think it will actually happen. you are writing it very well.

[Phaerie]

keep going Alice. I think your story is fab.- I come and check it everyday to see if you've added any more to it

[Alice I]

keep going Alice. I think your story is fab.- I come and check it everyday to see if you've added any more to it

Thanks Phaerie. That's nice to know




After the class was over and everyone else had filed out of the room Master Kimm came over to Harry and Neville who had hung back in the corner to speak with the old sensei. “It is very good to see you in a class Mr. Potter. Alex has done a fine job in his personal instruction with you. As a matter of fact I think that you would do quite well in a more advanced class Mr. Potter. Your quidditch training has honed your reflexes to a degree that would lend itself to more advanced Karate training, but that is not why you have come to see me is it?”

Harry glanced at Neville then said “Master Kimm, we have come to ask you about meditation exercises. Professor Dumbledore thinks that they are important for us to learn.” Master Kimm raised his eyebrows and looked from Harry to Neville, who broke in “Er… I er wanted to learn this meditation also. Professor Dumbledore didn't actually speak to me about it.” Master Kimm smiled slightly and said “Mr. Longbottom, I am pleased to share knowledge with anyone who seeks it. I knew that Mr. Potter would be seeking me out, for Professor Dumbledore did mention it, but I am not surprised to learn of your interest either. I have seen your internal struggle Mr. Longbottom and it is only natural that you seek answers to your questions with the help of a friend.” Master Kimm motioned the boys to sit down as he took a seat on the floor of the dogo cross-legged himself.

“What you both must understand is that meditation is a deeply personal vessel. It is a solitary practice that one undertakes to reach enlightenment. To meditate one must clear their mind of all thought. There are many ways of accomplishing this goal. The exercise that Professor Dumbledore has taught you, Mr. Potter, is a method of pushing all other thoughts from your conscious mind but picturing the snowflake is in itself still a thought. When you can cleanse the mind of all thought you leave the consciousness the freedom to find your true self. Some people have used meditation as a way to think more clearly about a given problem, or to remember lost truths that are personal in nature.”

Neville frowned and said “How does clearing your mind of all thought help you to remember things or to solve a problem. I mean if you solve a problem or remember something isn't that a thought?”

Master Kimm seemed to be considering his answer then said “Meditation is an adventure of self-discovery. It will allow your psyche to open to new ideas in the calm that your mind achieves through this skill. Picture a basin full of water. Trying to pour more water into it will cause it to overflow. The same holds true with your mind. When it is full of thoughts, there is no room for new ideas, or old ones that have been forgotten. It involves becoming more aware and more sensitive to that which is already within you. You will learn to listen to the silence between your thoughts, and it is in this silence that inspiration occurs.”

Harry found that the idea of meditation was not so different than what he was doing with his Occlumency training and said “So how do we do this?”

Master Kimm looked at both boys then said “You must take a comfortable position in a brightly lit room. Until you have gained some skill in achieving a meditative state you should choose a place where it is quiet. Close your eyes and consciously relax every muscle in your body, including your face. Once you are completely relaxed you must purge your mind of all thought. Some use a mantra to do this.”

Both Harry and Neville clearly were unfamiliar with the word mantra and Master Kimm continued “Mantra is a very simple thought. It becomes very familiar to us when we repeat it in our mind. This thought is used to replace any other thoughts that may come to our mind. Every time a thought comes during meditation, mantra can be used to replace it. It is best if mantra is an exotic word or a series of syllables not used in everyday conversation. With practice meditating regularly using the same mantra, even if we are agitated, a thought of mantra usually brings an immediate calm to the mind. This makes our mantra a very powerful instrument and so it must be kept private lest we give someone else a potent tool to control our subconscious.”

Harry looked very concerned by this idea. If he were to use this mantra and Voldemort found out about it through their connection, he might be able to control Harry more effectively than he had already done so far this year. He suddenly remembered the nightmare he had had about killing Ron and Hermione and actually paled slightly. “Master Kimm, do you have to use this mantra for meditation to work?”

The old sensei could clearly see Harry's concern but he did not understand its source and said “Mantra is a tool that can be used but is not required to achieve a meditative state. You do not need to even close your eyes. Many times staring at a flower, the flame of a candle or even your snowflake will work the same way that mantra does. The difference in what you have been doing with your snowflake and what I am talking about is that you must think about the snowflake and picture its intricate pattern in order to push all other thoughts from your mind. If you have a flame, for instance, to gaze at then you need not think to picture it for it is there to see. The concept is the same if slightly different. In meditation you want to achieve a stillness of the mind that is absolute.”

Harry remembered something then. “I was in a very quiet place once, earlier this year. I had been hurt and I went to sleep so deeply that I couldn't be waked up. It was like floating in a black void with no light or sound. Is that what you mean by stillness that is absolute?” Master Kimm was very curious about what Harry had just described but that would be a question for another day. “No, Mr. Potter, when you meditate you want your mind to be awake. That is why it is important to meditate in a brightly lit place. If you sit quietly in a dark room your brain thinks that it is time to sleep and starts shutting itself down and you feel swept away on a sea of quiet relaxation. This does you little more good than taking a nap. Meditation means that you are relaxed as if sleeping, but your consciousness is fully and intensely awake. When you sit quietly trying to attain a meditative state you want to banish thoughts as they come into your mind. This requires concentration initially but with practice you will be able to go for long periods with no thoughts entering your mind. This gives your mind the time it needs to calm itself, to rejuvenate and allows your subconscious time to work through your inner dilemmas with out your conscious mind's interference.”

Neville said “So all we have to do is sit in a quiet room and not think. I mean that is essentially what you are saying isn't it? How often do we do this?” Master Kimm was not surprised by the doubt he heard in Neville's voice. This is often the reaction to the idea of meditation by most newcomers. “You should do this every day, preferably at the same time each day. It seems a simple thing Mr. Longbottom yet it is the simplest things that often hold the most profound truths.”