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The next few days went by with no apparent sign of an arrest - fraying my nerves a little as I have a detention with Quirrell on the weekend together with Harry and Hermione again, and I'd prefer to not have to avoid it by more chancy means.

Not that we'd made much progress on saving the world from pollution - I am still looking for what the real reason behind all this is, with no luck so far.

Hermione is all for it - and does the majority of the research with her usual zeal. Harry is like myself, incredibly skeptical about the whole thing. For the most part, the two of us end up discussing spells and jinxes quietly between us while pretending to research.

Harry and Hermione have followed my advice on practicing magic when they can - and inadvertently clued me into something I never fully realized.

Harry especially, has been practicing before bed, just using Wingardium Leviosa to lift things until he gets tired. And as he shared with me - everyday he could lift one more thing - or it would be just that much easier - the spell working better, or more efficiently. Or he'd last just that much longer.

I have been so focused on the many branches of magic that fascinate me, on the knowledge and theory I could soak in - the great minds I could learn from. That I have completely neglected the physical aspect of my magic.

Well not completely, I've had the practices with Tonks, but those were not everyday things. Learning spells was all well and good - but I had failed in consistently practicing them.

I know some wizards and witches are better at magic than others, they say because of blood - I'm more inclined to believe genetics only play a small part. People like Severus Snape and Bellatrix Lestrange are feared and thought of as powerful. But aren't they just very driven and clever people? They also lived through a time where magic was constantly used to defend themselves and to attack others during their Hogwarts years - due to the then brewing conflict throwing Hogwarts into chaos.

Does using more magic - make your magic stronger? Make it so you can handle more? Get less exhausted? Logically it should. There were blood borne abilities and affinities, those were unarguable. Magical power however…

The average witch and wizard, for all that they were magical - doesn't use magic much. Despite their knowledge from their Hogwarts education, they all use maybe the same ten spells at most - at least from what I could guess at from canon and from watching people in Diagon Alley. I doubt they'd go home and then throw magic around - based on the little they used it daily at work or out and about.

Could explain why Molly Weasley, a housewife, still had enough juice to waste Bellatrix Lestrange. Molly uses magic all day long - probably constantly cleaning - cooking - repairing. Her magic would be stronger due to constant use. Bellatrix, despite knowing a lot of dark magic and being generally a dangerous duelist - had spent over a decade being sucked dry in Azkaban - not using any magic at all. That's one theory at least. Of course a mother's intense will in protecting her child could have played into it as well.

Magic could be funny like that. Just when you think there's some rule that are set in stone something will pop up as if to say, hah! You thought you had me, and change everything.

Again to my chagrin - I am making things up as I go along, and theorizing, because they don't let first years get all the good stuff from the library. Magical theory books are very vague on everything about intent, magical power, and how to get stronger or better at magic.

I'll just do as Harry does for now - it can't hurt. And it's a fairly simple way to show whether I'm getting better or not - or less exhausted anyway.

I've hit a ceiling when it comes to spells due to not having the stamina or power, or whatever word you want to use - to cast too much above my weight. I have been able to learn spells from several years above me in the curriculum - but casting them exhausts me quickly.

I know shit will come to a head before I graduate Hogwarts. Canon or not canon. I doubt I'm lucky enough things escalate slower after all. If I can empty the tank every night and thereby make myself last longer and cast stronger - then of course I need to do it. Even if it cuts down on my night time reading.

At least my discussion with the golden trio on intent and visualization has changed something. Harry is practicing his magic daily and showing an interest in actually learning spells that aren't being taught in class that week. Doing more than the bare necessities for classes is a huge difference maker, especially considering how much trouble he always gets into. Or will.

Perhaps this new world of possibilities means Harry can just settle down and not get into trouble at all?

What am I even thinking, now that's impossible.

I'm brought out of my musings by a swat to the back of my head. I give Tonks an annoyed glare, rubbing the back of my head. "What?"

"You were completely spaced out, Ophelia managed to insult you four times without you noticing." Tonks explains, with a wry look at her friend, "As you kept nodding along she got inventive, and I felt it was best to wake you up before discovering what she'd say next."

"All deserved." Ophelia sniffs, leaning back in her chair, picking up a discarded tome, the title reading as Spirituality and You, by Eliza Greenfield.

I shake my head, looking around the library. Besides us, the crowd of ravenclaws that had occupied the library before I went into my musings have mostly left. No doubt we have reached dinnertime then. I let out a breath, "No need to swat me Tonks, I was just in my head."

"A scary place, no doubt." Tonks replies, idly flipping pages through another tome mentioning spirithood. This one titled; Two Spirits - the Gift from Magic Explained, once again by the same author.

I glance between them, wondering if I should even ask, but as usual my natural nosiness takes over, "Why so spiritual all of a sudden? Not something I thought was studied extensively at Hogwarts?"

My eyes turn towards the restricted section, before going back down to the obviously very old, very beautifully illustrated books. Tonks smirking at me confirming my thoughts - they have passes to the restricted section…

Ophelia rolls her eyes, the charms on her braided hair tingling as she rolls her shoulders as well, loosening some tension from hours in the library, bent over old tomes. "One of our classmates is going through the transition. "She stresses the word weirdly, while affecting a nonchalant look,"We were just curious about the particulars of it, nothing else. Not everything is about classwork, Greenwood."

Transition, not a word I'd heard before, in regards to magic at least, and is it just me or is Ophelia protesting a bit too much? My curiosity is piqued, I make to speak, but Tonks beats me to it.

"I know you're going to ask," She says good naturedly, knocking her shoulder into my chair, jostling me,"You great big swot that you are…" She flips through a few pages carelessly, seemingly thinking on how to phrase it.

"Since Tonks is thinking of the easiest way to say it, I'll just grasp the graphorn by the horn and tell you straight out." Ophelia says bluntly, Tonks chuckling and rolling her eyes, a small smile on her face, as her friend takes over. "One of our female classmates is transitioning into a male. And we were curious enough to look it all up."

I blink, somewhat unsure how to ask. "And this is… Possible? Accepted?" Certainly some people in the muggle world would die to have a magical solution in hand for… This.

Tonks makes a waggling motion with her hand, "Eh, kind of. I mean the wizarding world has known about two spirited people for hundreds of years. It's just in the last 100 years or so they've figured out the potions and spells to make it work, some two-spirited witch came up with all the spells, potions and rituals for it. Think they even got an order or Merlin for it." She looks up at the ceiling, a furrow in between her eyebrows, "As for accepted… Well, no one really has a problem with anyone being two spirited, per say. The wizarding world accepts that is how magic created them - the problem lies more in inheritance." She scoffs, lips pursing in disgust, "Like with everything." She mutters darkly.

I imagine magic makes for an easier transition, at least the magical world does have less prejudice - for all that they still harp on blood and creatures. "I suppose some families prefer sons…" I ask tentatively, not sure how the process works, but imagining some families would go to any length…

My mind is already flashing through all the known characters of the books, going over their actions and behavior - was there anyone…?

Ophelia laughs, low and dark, her expressive eyes flashing with anger, "Oh you have no idea…" She leans forward in her seat, her gaze locked on mine, "It's classified as dark arts now, to use the potions and spells in any way other than on a willing, of age - wizard or witch."

She taps the tome in front of her with a long golden coloured nail. "They confirm with Veritaserum, that you truly wish for the transition, to ensure there is no outside force involved." She sneers, "Well now they do, anyway."

Tonks takes over, continuing with a somber tone, "We've read up on it, as you said, some families much preferred sons. And the ritual involved could force someone into transitioning - it is technically viable at any age..."

"That is the difference between most dark arts and any other magic." Ophelia says bitingly, almost caressing the book in front of her. "The dark arts aren't necessarily dark at all. Until you use them for such a purpose. Most so-called dark arts - are a simple ministry classification for things they don't want us to use. Right now our classmate is using the exact same ritual, potions and spells to become who they have always been inside. In any way that could only be called light." Her eyes darkened, "And some would force it on their sons or daughters… Because they wanted something different!"

"So some dark families might still practice it… Forcing someone into becoming something they are not." I say, feeling revulsion rise up inside. From my own readings I understood her point on the ministry classification on dark arts. You could do as much harm with other spells. Many dark arts weren't dark at all - but oh could they be, if used thusly.

I already knew the dark families had little compunction - having seen in canon how willing to cross the lines they were, how casually they used unforgivables, spells needing absolute hatred and cruelty, absolute dominance and will to kill. But to force their own child into basically becoming two spirited and always having that disconnect between body and mind, knowing that and still doing it for such a small reason as wanting a male heir. Horrendous practice.

Tonks sighs, ruffling my hair, "Welcome to the lovely shiny wizarding world. On your left there's candy, rainbows and unicorns. On your right there's necromancy, dementors and soul magic." She bites her lip worriedly, eyes flickering to Ophelia, who gives her a warning look back.

"Do you know anyone… Anyone that's?" I ask, not able to completely formulate my question. I don't know why this matters so much to me. Did I know someone? My sister? Anyone? I know it isn't me. So why does this suddenly strike me as so horrific. Arguably this only held academic interest to me. So why this… Feeling in my gut?

Ophelia exchanges a charged look with Tonks, pursing her lips, "There is a possibility Malfoy is. There were rumors they had a daughter. And could have no more children… Then a year later, after time in seclusion, they introduced their son to society."

Tonks shakes her head, "My mother believes it is so. But she has been cut out from the pureblood circle for two decades." She shrugs her shoulders, as if to say take from that what you want.

I let out an explosive breath. Draco Malfoy. In a way that made sense. He did always take great care in appearances, his main avenue of fighting was to be catty and spread rumors and nastiness behind the scenes instead of fighting head on. Yet it was all supposition. In the end it didn't matter. Not like I could help Malfoy of all people if it was true. He'd never admit to it even to himself. Besides such stereotypes didn't mean anything, not really. The world wasn't as insular in thinking and behavior as it once was. Plenty of people act outside of the boundaries of how a boy or girl should act.

"Thank you for satisfying my curiosity." I say politely. Knowing I'm still not Ophelia's favorite person. Even if she's been perfectly pleasant in the Hufflepuff tutoring circle.

"No matter, we were satisfying our own curiosity anyway." Ophelia says dismissively, closing the book in front of her. "Now what's this?" She asks, raising a perfectly manicured eyebrow, Tonks and I turn around in our seats to see Hermione Granger and Susan Bones both rushing our way. A somewhat unlikely pairing.

"Lucas! Hagrid and Quirrell's been arrested!" Susan whisper-yells as she comes near. Hermione hot on her heels holding a daily prophet.

"Not Hagrid!" Tonks says, a hand raised to her mouth, eyes horrified.

Ophelia grimaces, "It was inevitable, a beast loose in Hogwarts, who else was going to get the blame?" She stands up suddenly, grasping the visibly upset Tonks by the shoulder and yanking her up into her side. "C'mon, Dora, let's go talk privately, where you can let loose your feelings." She whispers so quietly, only Tonks and I could hear it. With a sweep of her wand she gathers up all the books the girls had taken out.

I give Tonks a supportive smile and squeeze her hand. Watching in worry as Ophelia takes her away. I had no idea Tonks was close to Hagrid.

I turn back to Susan and Hermione. The latter practically vibrates as she holds out the paper. I sigh and grasp it, laying it out on the table and smoothening it.

Half-giant lets loose terror in Hogwarts! The headline blares out. I wince, so they've discovered that then. That's not good for Hagrid.

I continue to read the prophet and it's painting a picture of a monster. The chamber incident and death of Myrtle is brought up again and painted in the worst light possible. Hagrid's well known love of dangerous beasts being spoken of in over a dozen witness testimonials that goes on for several pages.

There's even a short interview with Rufus Scrimgeour, the fierce looking Head Auror confirming that they've received a confession from Rubeus Hagrid that the Acromantula colony that has infested part of the forbidden forest was his work. No doubt Hagrid blubbered out all the details without realizing he's incriminating himself. Rufus continues on in the interview to state that although they do not at this time have proof of Hagrid committing any wrongdoing on Halloween. They will charge him for the Acromantula colony and the large costs the Ministry and the Centaur village has incurred to ward them off and keep them contained all these years. As well as for over a dozen violations in regards to keeping magical beasts and breeding practices.

After almost fifty years - that sum is not insignificant. And includes many dead centaurs and two dead wizards during the warding process over the years.

I look up at my two friends, "Hagrid's not going to come back." I say succinctly, closing the paper. To my annoyance the only mention of Quirrell had been a small blurb on page 17 that he'd been taken to the ministry for questioning.

"Do you really think he let that beast loose?" Hermione wants to know. "It's just. He always seemed so friendly." She continues softly, looking pained and saddened, "Harry doesn't believe he did it!" She finishes, sticking her chin out stubbornly.

I quirk my lips, the emotional rollercoaster this girl can be is somewhat amusing. She's gone from a bit frightened to compassionate to stubborn and defensive in such a short time.

"He didn't." I say shortly. Rolling my eyes as both Susan and Hermione zero in on my face with intense gazes. "You can't seriously think that Hagrid could sneak that monster all the way through the castle can you? He might like beasts, but sneaking might be a bit beyond him."

"Well," Susan bites her lip nervously, "It's not that I think Hagrid is evil, but if not him… Who?"

"Quirrell was arrested too, and we know he's evil." Hermione says primly, huffing as both Susan and I give her a look.

Likely for different reasons, but Hermione still fluffs up like a particularly angry beaver.

I don't think she's wrong. I just think it's not ideal to keep saying things like that unless it's guaranteed he's not coming back. I really don't need Hermione lobotomized in detention. Her brain is 90% of the reason why Harry makes it to 18. The other 10% pure luck.

"He's not necessarily evil." Susan says weakly. Quailing a bit under Hermione's glare, yet interrupting her before she can go on a rant. "I don't like him, Hermione! For Merlin's sake he's an absolute prat! It's just…. There's a lot of people that hold those views. It doesn't really make them evil."

Hermione crosses her arms, "It should." She sniffs, looking slightly petulant.

My gaze turns back to the paper. I don't hold much hope for Hagrid right now. Nothing I can do would help him in any way. Technically speaking all the crimes he's being charged for he has done - except for letting the Cerberus loose in the castle.

Perhaps Dumbledore will step in yet again. Like he had when Hagrid had been expelled. Yet back then they hadn't had proof of much wrongdoing. Which they do now.

My concern could not be with Hagrid. As much as it hurt to see someone I knew to be a friendly and gentle man be brought down to this - I had bigger concerns.

Would my little potions trick doom Quirrell? Or would he find a way to wiggle out of it? Would they discover anything wrong with him?

Time would tell. Saturday detention is getting closer.

Fingers crossed.

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Saturday found me walking the corridor to the DADA office, still having heard no official word on Quirrell, although Dumbledore had given a speech earlier in the week informing the student body that Hagrid would not return and a new caretaker and keeper of the keys would be introduced once found.

Whatever strings Dumbledore was pulling or not pulling - apparently he considered Hagrid unsalvageable now.

Hopefully he could at least keep him out of Azkaban. But the matter was out of my hands, no matter how ill just the thought of it made me.

I give a silent nod to Harry and Hermione who have both arrived before me. We all stand in silence waiting for the allotted time. None of us really making a secret of our combined wish to see the door remain closed.

For Quirrell to be gone.

On the hour on the dot. The door opens on its own, soundless and without any tell of who's within. I grimace, fingering a vial hidden in my pockets. Worst case I toss it and run like hell. It would likely only briefly hinder an adult wizard. But I'd take anything I could get - I hadn't found any other preparation that would give me more time anyway. None that I could yet perform.

Absolutely refusing to step foot in the room for detentions with Quirrell was a possibility I might have to take - but it would severely harm my reputation with the faculty and students. Taking a professor to the board over detentions just isn't done. The rule book is clear on professor's having almost complete leeway on holding and assigning them.

Especially when the proof of wrong doing - the Obliviate, is not an easy spell to pin down on any particular wizard or witch. Not unless it's extremely recent.

We step inside gingerly and for a moment breathe out in relief all together. Probably the first time Professor Snape has gotten that reaction to students finding him unexpectedly lurking, waiting for them. The Slytherin head of house sullenly standing in the corner of the room, glaring at us.

"Ah, right on time, punctuality is a virtue, wouldn't you say, Severus." Quirrell says pleasantly from where he was standing, staring down at the map table. "Why, being early is almost as bad as being late, I'd say…"

Snape's lips curls, "There will be no need to speak to me, Quirinus. I am just here to supervise your detention… What with recent suspicions…" He drawls out, sneering at Harry as we stiffly walk past the dungeon bat to take our usual positions at the table.

I could practically read Harry's mind. Legilimency hardly needed to figure it out. Snape at his back and Quirrell at his front. The boy was as tight strung as a bow string. His two most hated people in this tight space.

Me personally. I am finally breathing more easily. Snape supervising the detentions is the best possible outcome other than Quirrell's ejection from the castle.

I'd even take him over Dumbledore… Dumbledore would waste time trying to talk or capture - Snape would just kill a threat.

"Yes… Suspicious is the word isn't it?" Quirrell says slowly, sliding his eyes to the potion master in the corner. "That the Aurors would find residue of an illegal potion outside my quarters."

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

I stare down at the map, my eyes widening as I listen in. Oh, Merlin, I really did manage to point them towards each other!

"In front of students, Quirinus? And here I thought you had some modicum of intelligence." Snape spits out, shaking his head in disgust. "You will all forget anything you've heard!" He speaks to us directly for the first time. Both Hermione and I rapidly nod our heads, Harry taking some literal prodding from Hermione before he gives a short nod, having defiantly stared back at Snape.

"Come now, Severus. The children should know why they'll be troubled with your presence from now on, no?" Quirrell says quietly, intensely. Any geniality washed out of his face as he stares with naked dislike at the potions master.

"The children should remain that. Children!" Severus snarls, fingering his wand. "Get to it Quirinus, or I'll cancel this waste of time and put them to use for something more their level." He sneers at Harry, completely ignoring Hermione and I, "Scrubbing cauldrons like a house elf would be a fitting lesson for the vaunted, arrogant, boy-who-lived!"

I grasp Harry's arm, not even looking at him as I move my mouth soundlessly, don't!

Hermione is practically begging him to be silent with her entire being, silently. Harry finally relents at her pleading expression, tight shoulders relaxing just a smidge as he lets Snape's words go.

Small miracle that.

We don't get much done for the rest of the detention. Our studying of magic made to heal water and earth is constantly interrupted by quiet sniping from the two adults in the room. Snape only takes a break from his sarcastic and pointed comments at Quirrell - to criticize something of Harry's. A feat, since all we're doing in this environment of cold war is reading texts quietly. Studying, learning. Still no closer to figuring out what our purpose in this is.

We all leave detention - safe. But very uncomfortable. Each giving the other a look before departing. Everyone gets away safely as Professor Snape remains behind in the DADA office with Professor Quirrell.

I leave these thoughts behind, with my personal safety for the moment guaranteed. I can work on everything else. Starting with the Weasley twins…

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Unfortunately it's not as easy as ambushing the twins and stealing the Marauders map. It's just infeasible.

They might see me coming, catch me in the act. And there's always the possibility they actually ambush me. If I were to simply attack them. There's no point in stealing the map if they'll simply come after me to take it back.

Which is why I'm not doing it that way.

As October slips into November and moves steadily towards December, I make small moves to position things in an optimal manner. Winter descends on Hogwarts and if I saw the castle as beautiful before - it is nothing to its splendor when surrounded by the white landscape, ice and snow somehow managing to make everything seem even more magical. The ice crystallized in the most beautiful manner against the walls of the castle - patterns of snowflakes trapped as if by magic in icy blue sheets.

The main benefit of winter having arrived. The Weasley twins are not roaming the outside of the castle as much. Their unassailable energy leads to a host of pranks as they find more and more of their time devoted to being stuck inside the castle. It also makes them more predictable. And with less access to the forbidden forest - it leaves them less supplied in their various potion concoctions - limiting their repertoire.

I started simply. During the study groups I have with Padma and Su in the library. I warned them to be careful of joining the Hufflepuff table for dinners for a while. As we always studied near the other Ravenclaws that occupied that area of the library - I was of course overheard. I left it at that. Claiming ignorance of any exact knowledge, just rumors you see. Better safe than sorry, what with all the pranks…

Not surprisingly the Ravenclaws immediately assumed the Weasley twins were going to target the Hufflepuff table for dinner. As things were quite boring in the castle with all the Cerberus hubbub over with - rumors of any kind never stayed quiet for long.

At the same time I began bringing snacks to both the minor study group - as well as to our combined Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw/golden trio sessions. I freely volunteered that I was getting it from the kitchens. And indeed I made sure to spend some time near the kitchens at random times. Even running into said twins once.

Whether through checking the map - or my run in with them. Now the Weasley twins were more likely to disregard any presence of mine near the kitchens as inconsequential. Over the next two weeks as the Hufflepuff table grew more and more anxious and students gossiped - I got well known for always having an extra snack available. My kitchen run bonafides were established.

I could literally see when the rumor mill finally penetrated Gryffindor enough that the twins realized all the recent hubbub was about them. About their supposedly brilliant prank they were going to do at dinner for the Hufflepuff table. How the Hufflepuffs were beginning to get a bit cocky as nothing ever happened.

For the cockiness, I might have let Zacharias Smith overhear a conversation I had with Neville where I slowly led him to finally blurt out with annoyance and sarcasm - how obviously the prank wasn't happening and the twins were sooo scared of Hufflepuff.

Zacharias, not the brightest pygmy puff, either didn't get sarcasm - or chose to believe it anyway. And started loudly proclaiming everywhere he went that Hufflepuff had scared off the twins. That made quick rounds and finally clued the twins in to the fact that the other houses have been expecting them to deliver a prank for over two weeks now. And that they were being called out over their failure to deliver.

Their pride would demand nothing else than a prank to set the record straight. Especially since Hufflepuff believed they were scared.

Growing up twice has its benefits. For one, with two lives of early schooling behind me, I know beyond any doubt, that nothing gets cocky ( kind of bullies ) going more, then to call them chicken.

So I had started the rumors - which would never be tied to me. I had ensured that the twins had a target. The Hufflepuff table. The time - Dinnertime. I had watched and waited and prepared everything else, waiting for the moment the twins realized. Zacharias would be the one behind the Hufflepuff challenge and even if he was questioned by the twins later - Neville would be the one he got the idea from. Not me. It was doubtful the twins would take it far enough to continue further down that rabbit hole. Especially as I planned to have a scapegoat…

I had counted on the twins not being quiet about it once they found out. So even if I didn't happen to see them being informed, sitting right there at the table during breakfast one morning. I'd have found out anyway, as one of them soon after - jumped up on the table and dramatically announced that Hufflepuff would get theirs soon enough.

So likely dinner tonight. Or if they didn't have enough supplies for their prank - possibly dinner tomorrow. Due to the detention twin #1 received for the next week from McGonagall for threatening Hufflepuff - they'd likely strike tonight.

I now have a time frame. Their location at a given time. An excuse to be around without much suspicion.

The map is mine.

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I smile politely at the house elf bringing me another scone with that delicious blueberry jam they make. One of the downfalls of coming early to set everything up in the kitchens, was that I simply couldn't be so rude as to not eat what was set in front of me. Rows and rows of bulbous eyes staring up at me surreptitiously as they worked, to see if I liked it.

I knew that if the Weasley twins wanted any hope in the world on managing a major prank on the Hufflepuff table with short notice. They'd need to hit the kitchens.

Hence my little stake out. A listening charm placed on the hallway outside - learned over the last two weeks just for this purpose.

I take a bite of the scone, enjoying the warm freshly baked delight, when I'm interrupted by voices coming down the hall. I check my watch. Twenty minutes to dinner. Pretty much what I expected. They'd want to make it back for the show after all…

I listen as I walk over to the door, wand surreptitiously at the ready, hidden up my sleeve - don't want to alarm the house elves after all. I've practiced extensively over the past couple weeks - but especially the last two, once the rumors kicked into a real life on their own. Practicing holding two spells at the same time. No easy feat, definitely magically draining, even for spells that weren't too complicated.

"That Hufflepuff first year is in the kitchens. Again. Hungry little bugger isn't he, Gred?" A cheerful voice comes through in perfect clarity. They must be close. I think, tamping down my own sudden enthusiasm - now was not the time to get ahead of myself.

"Well, put away the map Forge, and let's go say hello then, he's a firstie, I'm sure we can convince him to join in on some jolly fun!" I can hear the footsteps as well as their whispered voices. Soon, any second now…

"And if he doesn't want to? If he's a miniature Percy?" The question is broken by the twin speaking having an overly dramatic coughing fit, the footsteps stopping.

"You alright there, Forge?" The amused voice of Gred comes through the listening charm. "You sound almost like Charlie that time when mum asked if he had a boyfriend…"

A wheezing laugh answers him, before the twin manages to clear his throat and speaks up,"I mentioned his name, Gred, I had to clear my throat enthusiastically to ensure I didn't suddenly develop boringitis." Forge says seriously, although I can practically hear the grin the two fools share right after.

The footsteps pick up again and I tense. Listening intently, wanting them as close as possible - just in case.

"As for the firstie, if he's another one like our dull brother, well, he's only a firstie…" The one calling himself Forge says with laughter in his voice.

I cut the listening spell, quickly spelling a set of ear plugs into my ears - shouldn't be necessary through the walls - but better to be safe than sorry. And then I drop the second spell I have been holding. A planter 'borrowed' from the greenhouses, my spell the only thing holding the mandrake in enough soil to keep it quiet. An adult mandrake would kill with its cry - but a seedling will only knock someone unconscious for a few hours.

Bonus - I am not known for Herbology. Partly why I used it, the other part to leave no spellwork on the twins to be possibly investigated. Also it would leave a good trail away from me for the twins to pursue.

Without the listening spell I have no real way of knowing if it worked or not other than to wait. So I wait. Eyes on the portrait door, tense and hoping it all came together and the door isn't about to be opened.

After two minutes the twins have yet to enter the kitchen. So I focus, reaching out with my magic and reattaching to the residue of my spell. And even through the walls I am able to replant the mandrake, although with difficulty due to the walls, if my spell residue was not literally seconds old I could have never have done it. Sweat drips off me as I achieve it, I'm tired and drained. But with a feeling of elation running through me.

I open the kitchen door, knowing the house elves have seen nothing of what I've just done. I'm in the clear, just the clean up left. As far as anyone is aware I've just had a pre dinner snack. So will the house elves confirm if asked. And there are no wizarding portraits in the kitchen hallway to snitch on me either.

And lo and behold. As I step into the hallway I find two unconscious Gryffindors. I don't waste time and quickly go through their pockets, locating the map.

A quick tap, "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good." And it's revealed to me. I scan it quickly for anyone that could possibly arrive and find no one nearby. I quickly erase it back to parchment state and put it in my mokeskin pouch. I've authenticated that I have the real deal. The theft is complete. Once I get back to my dorm later tonight I'll ward it against Accio, to prevent the twins from charming it right out of my pocket when using it - if they're keen enough to go around and keep trying the summoning charm.

Now time for the finishing touch.

"Incendio!" I whisper, and with a jab of my wand I burn the mandrake into ashes. Returning it to the greenhouse would be too risky, and unlike spell residue on the twins' bodies - in a magically saturated place like Hogwarts, the residue in the ashes on the hallway floor would last minutes if that.

As a finishing touch I plant a couple flower stems nearby by a suit of armor. Like they simply caught and were snipped off.

My second reason for using a mandrake. There's a Slytherin fifth year that is well known as a Herbology prodigy - one that is constantly cross breeding new flowers as a hobby.

Now how likely were the Weasley twins to believe the poor Hufflepuff firstie got one over them this well. When there's a nasty Slytherin to blame - one who happens to be very good at Herbology… No matter that they weren't around in the kitchens, the mandrake could have been pre-set after all - and they'd be unconscious for hours. Precisely the kind of plan a Slytherin would pull. Staying far away from the scene of the crime…

I quickly but calmly walk away. Rushing just makes you look guilty. No need for anyone to see me hurrying through hallways looking sweaty and red faced. No, just a calm stroll through the castle…

I am soon seated at the Hufflepuff table enjoying dinner with my friends.

No prank arrived to disrupt things.

For the next few days the Weasley twins goes on a rampage against anything and all Slytherin. No Slytherin escapes unscathed - they even manage to get Snape, once. Earning detention for the rest of the semester and threats of expulsion if they didn't back off. The entire faculty, sans Dumbledore of course, descended on them like wrathful gods and took enough points to make even the twins realize they needed to step down the attacks. Gryffindor lost a total of 374 points in four days.

Hufflepuff was now in the lead for the house cup, Slytherin a close second. Thank you, Weasleys! Not that I care for the cup anyway, but my friends do.

Not once did the twins go after Hufflepuff. They didn't question me as to why I was in the kitchen. They didn't question Zacharias. They saw a shred of evidence pointing to Slytherin and jumped in without any other thought. Like I had figured they would. Gryffindors.

No one could quite figure out what on earth Vander Shafiq had ever done to provoke them. The fifth year practically having to go around with a contingent of bodyguards for a while to be able to go to classes.

He was suddenly very popular in Slytherin though, once those 374 points removed from Gryffindor were counted up.

So it all worked out for everyone.

Well… Except for the twins.

But they're Gryffindors, a sacrifice for the greater good is practically their thing.

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As we headed into December I started feeling a tad overwhelmed. Hard work and studying is what I do. But they don't call them nastily exhausting wizarding tests for nothing. I feel I've memorized enough to nail the OWLs since it's all theoretical and simple rote memorization. I'm only taking the tests for the most theoretical classes after all. And winter break is fast approaching.

I've used the last of my money to schedule my tests at the ministry. There's no going back now - they will happen.

I need to do this. If I'm going to explore Hogwarts properly, learn its secrets - learn more magic then what the classes offer. I need time.

And since I very much doubted I'd be able to get a time turner - nor wish to wait until third year to attempt it. The simplest solution was to finish several classes and open up spaces of free time - and eliminate pointless homework assignments.

Already with the semester heading to an end - those little 12-15 inch homework assignments have grown to feet.

I will not spend seven years wasting my time on hundreds of feet of History of Magic homework that the blasted ghost probably doesn't even read!

I am however starting to regret deciding to add Divination, Arithmancy and Muggle studies to my schedule. As they were electives they hadn't really been necessary for me to get out of the way yet.

Oh, the OWLs weren't an issue… But the NEWTs for the subjects involved so much… I have no doubt the actual tests must have several hundreds of questions when the time comes.

Muggle studies is easy… To a point. The fact the wizarding world is outdated when it comes to their muggle knowledge does mean even I have to study to not run into obsolete nonsense that I can't answer from the top of my head.

Divination comes naturally to me but even then it's a copious amount of information to read and retain. Arithmancy is basically different calculations and equations where the major difference in what I need to learn is how and why magic makes it different, as I already know their level of maths from muggle education - and how to utilize it in rituals and spell casting. Not actual spell creation - thankfully that won't be on the test.

I sigh as I close yet another book on Astronomy. Another subject I desperately studied to gain me more time, fascinating and something I would love to delve more deeply into then what is studied for NEWTs, but again… Time!

I glance around the library, not spotting Pince. A check of my watch confirms that I'm once again missing dinner. I groan out loud - Susan and Hannah are going to be impossible to deal with tonight. This is the third time this week I've missed a meal to study.

I gather up my books and slide them into my book bag. Idly returning the Astronomy book to its shelf. I peer around me again, the silence of the library intriguing me. No Pince… No other students are apparent.

While the restricted section is a non-starter, I have no chance whatsoever of breaking into there. It doesn't mean the rest of the library can't hold some secrets.

Casting magic in the library is no doubt a good way to get caught. I'm sure one of Pince's instruments tracks it even when she's not here for her to look at afterwards - perhaps it even messages her to have her come swooping down on me.

Luckily for me, after months of trying. Revelio is now something I can cast wandlessly. The issue, I theorize, being power. And I doubt Pince is tracking wandless magic! As long as I don't cast on a book or the restricted section it should be fine.

Accio for all that it is a 4th year curriculum spell - is fairly standard as spells goes. You grasp an object and make it come to you. Not really that complicated or power intensive once you get the hang of how to cast spells. It's why it hadn't taken me too long once I got a wand to figure out how to perform a wandless Accio.

Revelio on the other hand… You're putting power into a spell to reveal hidden things in a radius around you - thereby overpowering or circumventing whatever magic is hiding something. Not until this last month or so of really working my magic hard - have I reached a stage where that became possible for me wandlessly. A wand helps you focus and draw out more of your magic - your power - concentrating it. So spells were naturally easier. When doing it wandlessly you had to be more capable of manipulating your magic and it has to be strong enough to perform what you're trying to do. And it wouldn't be concentrated, it would be wilder, more unwieldy for anything but the simplest spells with the simplest purpose.

There's a reason not even Voldemort is running around throwing wandless unforgivables at everyone. The power and control needed to cast something that powerful without ripping yourself apart… Not even the dark lord risks that for so little gain. He can throw killing curses just fine with his wand after all.

Revelio is likely the limit of what I can do wandlessly for some time. After everything I've studied so far I was honestly baffled, I managed to pull it off.

Slowly I make a circle of the bottom floor muttering "Revelio." Feeling the magic flow out of me in a cascade, the air - just barely visible rippling around me as the spell searches for anything hidden.

Every ten minutes or so I have to take a breather, the outpouring of magic not an easy thing to handle - the wandless aspect making it that much more exhausting.

I check my watch again, biting my lip. I've been at it for thirty minutes - I can't count on being alone for much longer. I rise up from where I have been resting, taking a deep breath and continuing on. Getting closer to the heavily defended restricted section.

My eyes widen as the spell catches onto something. A bookcase against the back wall by the restricted section lighting up a glowy blue color before fading.

I walk over, my footsteps feeling loud to me even through the heavy emerald coloured carpet. There's one space missing on the shelf… Surely it isn't that simple? Yet… I have a vague memory of this. Although hadn't that hidden vault been inside the restricted section? Not outside it?

Yet… This world was different. Entering the restricted section was much harder, perhaps the vault truly was outside of it. How would some young students find it otherwise?

Surreptitiously looking around and finding no one. I slowly grab a book from another shelf and slot it in the bookshelf with the one missing spot.

With a rumble the bookcase withdraws, before seemingly folding into the wall - leaving a tall menacing looking vault door in front of me. I gingerly reach my hand forward, stopping when I get a feeling like goosebumps traveling up my skin, the hair on the back of my neck raising. Wards. Of course it's warded.

I give the door a long look, before I step back. The bookcase sliding back in place as soon as I'm out of range. The space where I placed the book is missing once again.

I'll have more studying to do it seems.

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Amelia Bones detested her job. Being the Head of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement was nominally one of the highest honors and most prestigious positions in magical Britain.

More the fool her, for believing that tripe when they offered it to her.

To Amelia it was a quagmire of bureaucracy, nepotism and rank stupidity. She had worked tirelessly since her appointment to cleanse the department of at least the second and third matters.

To wit she'd now say only about a third of the department would qualify as belonging in the rank stupidity category.

Unfortunately she also had to deal with some hires from before her time that managed to embody both absolute nepotism and rank stupidity - so they held the dubious honor of lacking both skill and intelligence.

She'd had Aurors that survived the war - somehow. Unable to cast a stupefy!

She took a deep breath, fingers consciously straightened across the parchments on her desk so that she would not crumple the parchment - or reach across her desk and strangle the feckless idiot that stood there.

"Tell me… Auror Burke… How is it exactly? That I have not been told this before now!" She forced out between clenched teeth.

Burke fidgeted slightly, looking contrite. "Well, I mean, I didn't think it was anything to worry about just yet." He explained, head bowed slightly, looking more like a school boy that has earned detention - instead of the fully grown Auror that has ignored 4 disappearances.

"I believe the proper procedure for any open case is to report its particulars to the Head Auror to receive instructions on how to proceed." Amelia managed to say calmly, only through years of practice of speaking to absolute fools. "Why was this not done, for the first reported missing person? Let alone for the next three!?"

Auror Burke's eyes widened comically, "But Madame Bones! It was just some muggleborns, they probably just moved to the muggle world, it wasn't anything to raise a fuss about!" He protested, looking hurt.

Amelia needed to get this fool out of the office before she violated her no hexing employees policy. "Burke!" She barked, the man sending her a wounded look that was only succeeding in infuriating her more, "Get Rufus in here, and then I want you to report to the Auror Academy, you're retaking the final six months!"

"But I already graduated!" Burke whined at her.

Circe's tits how had this one ever been brought into the department - nepotism be damned. Barry Crouch must have owed old man Burke his soul to allow this. "You obviously need a refresher, get out of my sight!" She barked, unable to pretend that she wasn't furious any longer. "And Burke…" She said, as the man moved towards the door, "If you don't pass the exam you will be discharged!"

She looked down at the files in front of her in absolute disgust. Ever since September, 4 muggleborns had disappeared from Hogsmeade and the surrounding area without a trace. No messages to their friends or family, nothing packed or removed from their homes.

And the incompetence displayed by Auror Burke and his trainee in disregarding the obvious evidence something was wrong, had left the trail cold! The trainee couldn't be blamed - technically Burke was a senior Auror, Merlin help her.

She and Rufus had cleaned up most of the department after Barty had let a lot slide simply to wage the war more effectively - it had helped them fight, but left a lot of detritus in the department.

At least with such an obvious muck up of a serious case, she could finally get rid of Burke. The fool wouldn't pass the academy again - and even if he somehow found a way. She'd make sure he didn't. He wasn't coming back to her department.

Let his relatives buy him a post in international relations if they were so desperate to keep him in the ministry. Crouch had hired the buffoon - mayhap he would again.

A knock on her door heralded Rufus' arrival. The Head Auror walked in with a severe expression, "I hope that's the last we've seen of him? I've just been briefed on the case, just now..." He slumped down in the comfortable armchair in front of her desk, "What a cock-up, tell me he's sacked, Amelia, I'll curse him if I have to see his confused stupid face again."

"I've sent him to the Academy for re-education, but he won't pass, and I'm using this as an excuse to boot him, one that his backers can't argue with." Amelia said, a flick of her wand bringing a decanter of Bourbon to the desk, together with two glasses. "We need it today." She said defensively when Rufus raised an amused eyebrow at her.

"I wasn't complaining, Amelia. Merlin knows I need the good muggle stuff after this week…Hell this last month and a bit since Halloween really." He grimaced, rubbing his bad leg, the alcohol would help with that constant twinge in his leg too. He accepted the half full glass Amelia handed him and savored the smell of the bourbon as he gathered his mind for his report.

Amelia leaned back in her seat, finally allowing herself a smidge of relaxation, Rufus and her went way back - and with him she never had to worry about his job not being performed properly. He'd been an easy promotion decision for her to make, Rufus ascending to the Head Auror position once Alastor went a bit… Too much. "So, let's put aside this Hogsmeade cock-up for now, although do put Shacklebolt on it, if anyone can follow a cold trail it's him." She swirled the bourbon idly, before taking a small savored sip, eyes turning back up and focusing on Rufus, "So… Hogwarts?"

Rufus sighed loudly, "Yes, Hogwarts…" he took a deep sip of his drink.

"Dumbledore?" Amelia asked wryly.

"Dumbledore." Rufus agreed tiredly. "It's like the man is incapable of understanding that a rampaging Cerberus in the Great Hall of Hogwarts - might necessitate some changes…"

"Wrangling Dumbledore is like trying to tame a Manticore - you always have to watch out for when the stinger strikes." Amelia smiled, despite herself, "Albus means well, but in this case he might need assistance, leave the wrangling to me, what have you got?"

"Not as much as I'd like." Rufus grumbled, "We know about the Cerberus and the protections - Dumbledore had all the permits for that." He gave Amelia the stink eye at that.

Amelia shrugged, "Need to know, Rufus." She tapped her glass with a ringed finger, "It's a collaboration between the DOM, DMLE and Albus, you weren't brought in on it as of yet."

Rufus looked absolutely disgruntled at that, so Amelia spoke up again, "If it was up to only me, you know you have my full trust, Rufus. But this matter shouldn't involve the Auror department, not yet." It's also why she'd not poked too deeply into it over the last month, she was already too involved as it was.

"Well, it bloody well has, hasn't it?" Rufus sniped, before grimacing and sending her an apologetic look, "Apologies, I don't mean to take my frustrations out on you, Amelia."

"Well… That's what we have the alcohol for." She replied mildly, taking a sip.

Rufus took a much deeper sip, smacking his lips appreciatively. "Alright, I can't know why the bloody thing is at Hogwarts. Fine. We also don't bloody well know how it got out, how it got to the great hall - or who damn well did it." He huffed irritably, "It's a damn school, not a Menagerie!"

"I noticed you brought Quirinus Quirrell and Rubeus Hagrid in? Nothing from them?" Amelia asked, having kept abreast of the case but not the particulars.

Rufus scoffed, "Hagrid is guilty of at least 12 different offenses and he won't avoid Azkaban no matter how many owls Dumbledore bombards me with." He grimaced. "He's just not guilty of this particular one."

"I skimmed his file, yes. Remarkable how Albus has never reported any of it, that will cost him in the Wizengamot. And you say he's not involved? From what I understand it's actually his beast?" Amelia queried. It would be a black eye on the headmaster as no one with a modicum of intelligence would believe Rubeus Hagrid had pulled the wool over his eyes for almost fifty years.

"There is no evidence to suggest it. Hagrid was expelled early, although he kept his broken wand in an umbrella - and has been utilizing it, another charge right there…" Rufus explained wearily. "The man happily offered up any information we asked for, even when it incriminated him. He didn't seem to realize that any of what he said was criminal at all. He is not capable of sneaking a Cerberus down to the great hall without nary a portrait, ghost or house elf catching sight of it. And if he was…" Rufus chuckled softly, "He'd tell us himself."

"I'll go over the file later, best familiarize myself before Albus comes knocking." Amelia said with a decisive nod, knocking back the rest of her bourbon."So Quirrell then?"

"We have nothing on him. Nothing but potion residue of an illegal potion outside his office and quarters." Rufus shook his head, "I took him in just to see if he'd be rattled, but he took the questioning without an issue. Even held him as long as we legally could without a charge. The man's unflappable."

"I saw a note from forensics that identified that the Cerberus had been dosed with the same potion that was found outside Quirrell's office. Did that not rattle him?" Amelia dug through her parchments, finding the note, confirming to herself that it was correct. She raised a questioning eyebrow at Rufus.

"I have newer information. Called in some help from DOM to double check and they found that although that particular potion had been used in both instances. - it was two different potions - they were brewed at different times by different makers." Rufus explained, finishing his own glass, looking down at it forlornly. "You don't mind?" He asked hopefully, tilting the glass towards the decanter.

Amelia's lips twitched, "Go ahead, Rufus. Just don't let your boss find you drunk."

Rufus winked at her, filling his glass up, "She's an understanding boss, I'm sure it will work out."

"So… We have two illegal potioneers at Hogwarts. One used it to set loose the Cerberus and also through means unknown managed to hide its progress through Hogwarts. And the second… Is what? Framing Quirrell? Or is it Quirrell being careless?" Amelia mused. Unfortunately as this was not technically a Death Eater case - the rules on Veritaserum required at least a modicum of evidence before they were allowed to use it. If Quirrell had a dark mark on his arm - it would have simplified things.

"I interrogated the man for hours, he is anything but careless." Rufus said seriously. "I suspect he's up to something, but we certainly can't prove he's behind either the Cerberus or the potions spill."

"So we have no one right now… What about Severus Snape?" Amelia asked, her wand hand itched. The man had killed her husband in the war, and gotten off because Albus stood up for him and guaranteed that he'd been working for the light. She'd love to get something on him…"He is a potions master and he does according to rumors covet the DADA position."

"He's been questioned, but there wasn't any point in bringing him in, he won't break due to intimidation tactics alone." Rufus admitted, "That said, as much as I love getting a Death Eater for something. This doesn't smell like Snape."

"I suppose you are right, Rufus. He is not stupid enough to frame Quirrell with a potion when that would lead straight to him." Amelia acknowledged bitterly. "Do we have any leads to follow?"

"I have some of the men following the trail of potions ingredients in the last year - dark potions like that don't come cheap. We might get lucky and get a hit on one of the more hard to appropriate ingredients." Rufus muttered, not looking overly pleased."It's a long shot but we don't have much else to go on at the moment. We need more evidence to bring Snape or Quirrell in."

Amelia tapped her fingers on her desk, frustrated. "So you agree it's one of the two of them?"

Rufus nodded, "At least for now, those two are the only suspects that fit. We didn't find a shred of any other evidence."

"I'll lean on Albus. See if we can't get someone in there, they'll be needing a new caretaker, aye?"

Rufus scoffed, amused. "If you manage to bully Dumbledore into accepting that, I'll buy you drinks for a year, no five years!" He chuckled.

"I can be very determined, Rufus." Amelia said with a smirk that was all teeth.

She'd wrangled the ministry into almost a proper direction, she could manage one candy loving old headmaster.

And if she found that Severus Snape was indeed behind this.

She'd escort him to the Dementors her-bloody-self.

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