Chapter 28

The Split Boy

"Who is to say what constitutes a monster? Who is to say what constitutes a man. In my time I have seen monsters be nurturing and kind, and I have seen men act monstrously. Myself included…"

General (ret.) Jigme Dorji Wengshuk

Harriet was running. She didn't know where she was running, or even why. Was she running from something, or towards something? All she knew was she was terrified or something.

She couldn't see anything. Was she running? She didn't feel like she was moving anymore. The whole world was blackness, dark and present, pressing on her from all sides.

Then there was fire; flames roaring all about her, wild beasts coming to eat her. She wanted to run, but she couldn't. She was scared, the most afraid she'd ever been in her life. Her heart was going to explode. She couldn't breathe.

White light hit Harriet's eyes. At once, air began to fill her lungs. She took one deep breath, experiencing a moment's joy, before it was quashed by the horrid, retching cough that began racking her body.

All around her, she heard more coughing. There were indistinct voices everywhere. Many hands were holding her arms, lifting her up.

Harriet opened her eyes again. The light was blinding, but she couldn't see. The whole world was hazy. Her eyelids felt as though they were made of lead and slowly they shut once more.

Flames again roared into her mind. She felt as though she was burning alive as pain wracked her body. She cried out and writhed in anguish and terror. Then, there he was. The man in white. He was standing over her, grinning his horrible, mad grin. Slowly, he raised his wand and Harriet cried out, covering her face with her arms as if that would somehow stop the attack.

"She's in shock," a distant, echoing voice said. "Raise her feet. There, excellent. It's alright, Harriet. You're going to be alright."

I'm not going to be alright, Harriet thought. Kinney! He's going to get me. He's going to kill me!

Something heavy, but warm and soft, covered her. At once, Harriet felt the sense of panic subside. It felt like a shield, keeping away the danger. A strong, yet gentle hand caressed her forehead.

"We've got you, Harriet," the very familiar voice said. "You're safe now."

"Daniel?" Harriet asked. As she did, her voice cracked and triggered another round of coughing.

"Put this on her," a woman's voice said.

Harriet felt her head being lifted. Something was pressed against her lower face, encircling her mouth and nose. Somewhere nearby, an odd hissing noise began in a gentle rhythm that seemed to sync up with her breathing.

"Can't see…" Harriet managed to mumble as her head was let back down.

"I know, hun," Daniel said. "Remus?"

"Of course," Remus said. "Accio glasses."

There was a clinking noise. "Hmmmm, bit the worse for wear," Remus said. "Reparo. Ahh, there we are. Good as new."

Harriet tried to hold out a hand for them but felt Daniel put a hand on her arm, gently lowering it. "We'll bring them up to the school for you. You don't need them now."

"'Kay…" Harriet mumbled.

"These are marvellous devices, Mai," said the first man she'd heard.

"Made the first one a few years ago when a boy turned out to be allergic to dung bombs," said the woman, who Harriet now recognized as Miss Momori. "Had to clear out his lungs. Never imagined I'd need this many, though… The easy part was the device, the hard part was the potion."

Harriet groaned softly. Her eyelids were starting to get heavy. She didn't feel the urge to cough anymore as the sweet tasting air filled her lungs with each breath.

"That took some trial and error. The trick was essence of beggartick," Miss Momori continued.

"Beggartick?" the man asked. His voice sounded familiar, too.

"Yes," Miss Momori explained. "It acts as a mild sedative. It helps the patient relax, which slows breathing and inhibits the cough reflex. That way the actual ingredients in the potion have time to bond with the foreign particles in the lungs so they can be breathed out."

"Ingenious, Mai, simply ingenious," the man sounded deeply impressed. At that moment, Harriet finally recognized the voice. It was Dr Watkins.

"Yes," Miss Momori said, sounding distracted. "The only problem is that beggartick… well… let's just say they're all going to be in for some very vivid dreams…"

"Well," Daniel said, stroking Harriet's hair more. "Suppose some dreams will be a good distraction after all they went through…"

"Yes… certainly worse things in the world," she heard Sirius say, in a voice quite unlike himself.

Harriet's head started spinning, but she would certainly not call the effect unpleasant. She felt like a feather being blown around in a light breeze, flipping and fluttering lazily.

"How is she?" Harriet heard Aurora's voice now.

"She's going to be fine," Daniel reassured her. "How are the girls?"

"They're fine," Aurora said. "The whole school is shocked; first and second years were panicking everywhere at the sight of the flames…"

Harriet opened her eyes again. Despite not wearing her glasses, Harriet thought she could see both of the figures leaning over her clearly. They were looking down at her with kind worried expressions. On her right was the man, with untidy black hair. The woman at first looked blonde, but in the orange light of the sunset, the hair was starting to look redder to Harriet. Harriet felt a lazy smile spread over her lips before she closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep.

* * * *

Harriet moaned softly. She couldn't see. Yet she felt no sense of panic or alarm. Instead, she felt a warm embrace. It felt like many slender strong arms were holding her all over, and it was the best feeling in the world. She felt them holding her wrists behind her back, her elbows, her chest and shoulders, her waist, her thighs, her knees, her shins, and finally her ankles.

Her mouth felt strange as well, yet it was a very familiar feeling. Her mouth was full of something soft but pliable, though it held down her tongue. Something tight and silky was pulled over her lips, wrapping around over her cheeks and back to the nape of her neck.

The only other thing Harriet was aware of was she felt as though she was floating. No, she wasn't floating. She writhed slowly and happily, and as she did she realized she was lying on a large soft mattress, and her head was resting on a warm, fluffy feather pillow. Harriet gave a little moan as she wriggled about some more.

She felt so safe and warm with the tight bands all around her. She was so content she didn't even jump as real arms slowly wrapped around her, embracing her from behind. In fact, she felt as though she had been expecting them to come all along.

"Enjoying yourself, love?" a voice whispered so softly in her ear that Harriet could barely hear it.

It was a boy's voice; familiar, yet distant. His tender, sweet tone sent a shiver of excitement up her spine that made her feel even more loved and wanted.

"Must be a good dream."

"Yeah, she's smiling a lot."

Harriet jumped. She didn't open her eyes, but she was instantly aware of the fact she was now lying on her back on a bed that, while comfortable, was not nearly as comfortable as the one she had been lying on mere moments ago. She was no longer bound, either, and no one was holding her close and whispering sweetly in her ear.

About the only sensation that remained was her mouth felt funny, though not the same way. There was something over her mouth, but her mouth was no longer full. Not only that, but every time she breathed in and out there was a gentle hissing noise from somewhere nearby.

It was just a dream, Harriet told herself sadly, just a dream…

She could hear more voices now, yet she was so relaxed, and so disappointed in being woken up that she did not open her eyes. The first voice she recognised was Remus's.

"Well, Mai did say one of the potion's side effects was vivid dreaming, didn't she?"

"Should have been there…"

Harriet's eyes almost opened in her surprise. That was Fred's voice. There was a sniffing sound nearby. Harriet didn't know why, but somehow she knew at once that it had been Daniel.

"Didn't even think… I mean I saw her and her friends leave the Three Broomsticks… just thought they'd high-tailed it for the school with the rest of us…"

"Don't blame yourself, Fred," Remus said, using his kindest voice.

Harriet heard the soft sound of Remus patting Fred's shoulder. Some silence followed before Sirius spoke again.

"Wonder what's keeping Albus?" he mused.

"Probably got cornered by the Minister," Remus replied.

"Can't believe it's gone…" Aurora said. "He just destroyed it… the whole town… nearly killed so many people… and for what?"

"But he didn't kill anyone, though," Fred said. He sounded as though he was trying to be more cheerful. "That's lucky."

"Wasn't luck," Sirius grumbled. "That was him just showing off, you ask me…"

"Showing off?" Fred asked.

"Yeah, 'Here you lot! Look what I can do! I can use one of the most dangerous curses there is and not kill anyone with it!'"

"Why was he talking to Hagrid, though?" Remus asked, changing the subject slightly. "I couldn't hear what they were saying over the sound of the fire."

"No idea," Sirius replied. "Maybe trying to talk Hagrid into handing Harriet over?"

"But why would he want Harriet?" Aurora asked, sounding shocked. Harriet felt Aurora's gentle hand on her upper arm, squeezing it softly, and felt another wave of calm wash over her.

"Who knows," Sirius growled. "Ransom, or…"

The voices around her went silent. Harriet didn't know how long the silence lasted. Before long, all she knew was she was floating again.

"I hope it's not too tight," the voice whispered in her ear again.

Harriet moaned softly and shook her head.

"Good," the voice whispered. "I wanted it to be perfect for you…"

"It is perfect," Harriet reassured the voice.

Or at least, that's what she had tried to say. Instead her voice came out muffled and garbled, to the extent she could barely understand herself.

The voice gave a soft laugh and the big, warm arms pulled her even closer. Harriet wriggled as best she could, rolling over to face him. She still couldn't see, but she nuzzled her head against his chest and felt him gently kiss her forehead, right over her scar, before resting his chin gently on the top of her head.

"She's still sleeping?"

"Yeah, all the kids are. That stuff Mai gave them packs a wallop."

Harriet felt herself pulled back to reality. Again, she did not open her eyes as she listened to the voices. In fact, Harriet felt as though she couldn't move even if she wanted to.

"Well… good thing," she heard Daniel say. His voice sounded hollow, almost frail, in a way she'd never heard it before.

Sirius sighed. "Sorry about your house, mate… and the shop… I know they meant—"

"Damn the house," Daniel said cutting Sirius off. His voice was so cold that Harriet felt herself taken aback. "Damn the shop. They can be replaced…"

"Daniel," Aurora spoke up, her tone quiet and soothing. Daniel sighed as if he was a deflating balloon.

All at once, the memories of what had happened washed over Harriet. She saw buildings on fire, and she could smell the smoke. She felt the worry and fear again, panic rising inside her. Her heart began to beat faster as she remembered Hagrid plunging them into a burned down building. Not just any burned down building, but the remains of Daniel's shop.

Aurora must have noticed Harriet breathing faster, for she felt Aurora's hand rest gently on her forehead.

"She still has a bit of a fever."

"Yeah, Pomfrey said she would," said Sirius.

"How's she doing?"

Harriet felt a pang of surprise to hear Mrs Weasley's voice. Then she realized that Ronnie had been in the fire too. Of course Mrs Weasley would come at the very least.

"Still out. How's Ronnie?" Aurora replied.

"The same," Mrs Weasley said, her voice shaking slightly. "Seems she's having some good dreams… she… she seems to be smiling a lot…"

"Harriet too," Aurora said.

"Thank you all, so much… if you hadn't been there to pull them out…"

"It's quite alright, Molly," Remus said in his softest, most calming voice. "It's Hagrid you should thank the most. Had he not thought to jump into the wreckage of the shop, the fiendfyre certainly would have gotten them."

"Yes..." Mrs Weasley sniffed. "That's Hagrid all over… where is he?"

"Ministry of Magic last we heard," Sirius answered.

"At the Ministry?" Mrs Weasley asked. "Why?"

"Questioning him about what happened," Sirius continued. "And he'll probably get a commendation. Heh, doubt Skeeter will remember to mention that in her next article."

"Never know," Remus said. "But you're probably right."

Harriet blinked as the blindfold slid from her eyes and her glasses took its place.

"How do you like the room?" the voice asked.

Harriet was sitting up now. She was sitting in the boy's lap, his arms wrapped around her from behind. Her eyes went wide as she looked around the bedroom in wonder.

It was circular, just as large as the entire Gryffindor common room. It was entirely made of stone, with a high, domed ceiling. The walls were painted a pale yellow, with black lines criss-crossing them in a diamond pattern, and intricately painted borders of yellow, black and silver.

In the centre of the room was a lit fireplace with a stone chimney going straight up from it through the ceiling; radiating warm, dry heat. The floor was covered in light and dark brown polished tiles also arranged in diamond patterns. There was a copper bath full of water that was steaming with heat as well. The only lighting was provided by candles and a crescent moon that was a bit too large to be believed, yet added enough to the mood and aesthetic that Harriet decided to pay it no mind.

"You're so beautiful," the voice whispered in her ear again.

Harriet felt her cheeks get warm and she cuddled back into the chest and arms.

"You're just saying that," Harriet mumbled into the thick gag.

"Of course not," the voice said and Harriet could feel his warm breath and his soft lips brush her ear, giving her another happy little shiver.

The next thing Harriet knew, there was a mirror in front of her. It looked much like the Mirror of Erised had looked; tall and ancient. Harriet gasped as she took in her reflection.

Her dress looked to be made of leather, but had black and yellow vertical stripes. It was fastened down the front by red leather tabs and shiny, silver buttons. She was wearing a light, lacy white shirt under it. The short sleeves were slightly puffed up like a princess dress. The skirt was short, only a few inches shy of her knees. She was wearing pale grey, almost blue knee-socks and shiny golden heels.

She had indeed been tied the way she'd felt before. Tight, brown ropes wound around her torso above and below her chest and around her waist. Her arms were tied tight back behind her, and more rope held her ankles and above and below her knees. There was a tight band of white cloth tied down over her mouth, which brought out her green eyes even in the dim, candle-lit room.

"I hope you like the dress," the voice whispered. "It's very you, I think. And fits the theme of the décor."

All at once a great sadness swept over Harriet. She looked herself over again in the dress, her tight bonds, and the strong yet tender (and apparently invisible) arms. She looked around the beautiful room once more; safe and comfortable and inviting. She took in the beautiful moon filling the nearby window.

"I know it does," Harriet mumbled sadly into the gag. "This is a dream…it's just a dream…"

"Well, it is a good dream at least," the voice whispered. "Isn't that right—"

It was then that Harriet noticed that she couldn't see the boy, who she could feel right behind her, in the mirror. She could still feel him holding her closely, and yet she didn't see his arms in the reflection. Harriet looked down. She could see the arms quite clearly, now. The boy was wearing what looked like a purple suit.

The boy shifted. She looked up at the mirror again. She could see the boy's face had moved out from behind hers, yet it was still hidden in shadow. Once more she felt the soft lips brush the edge of her ear.

"—Dove?"

Harriet gasped sitting bolt upright. She clutched her chest, breathing heavily. She felt strange. She was breathless, as though she'd been running. She was sweating a little, particularly her inner thighs it seemed, yet her body didn't hurt. In fact, she felt quite the opposite; she couldn't remember feeling better in her life.

As she came to her senses, she also became aware of why her face felt strange. She was wearing a small mask over her mouth and nose connected by a hose to a small bellows on the floor beside her bed that was inflating and deflating with each breath. There was a small potion vial stuck into the top that was empty.

So that's what the hissing noise was, Harriet thought. She felt as though she should have known that, yet she couldn't think why.

"Harriet!" a relieved voice said nearby. "Oh, goodness you're awake."

Harriet looked around to find the source of the voice. It was Aurora, who was rising from her chair and quickly hurrying over. Harriet squinted trying to see clearly. She felt Aurora press her glasses into her hand and Harriet quickly put them on.

Aurora looked breathless with relief as Harriet took in the room. Daniel, Remus and Sirius were all still by her bed, rising from their chairs and standing over her, smiling with equal joy.

"Are you thirsty? I bet you're famished," Aurora said hurriedly, filling a glass of water.

"Dunno… some water'd be nice," Harriet replied, her voice croaking slightly. She pointed to her mask. "Can I take this off?"

"Yes, I'm sure you can now, dear," Daniel said as Aurora handed Harriet the glass of water.

Harriet removed the mask, setting it aside before eagerly taking the glass and drinking. She couldn't help but groan as the cool water filled her mouth and cascaded down her throat into her stomach. Aurora was right, Harriet was starving.

Harriet finished the glass and set it down on the table next to her, looking around the rest of the hospital wing. By the looks of it, every bed in the wing was full. The crowded feel of the hospital wing wasn't helped by the fact that almost every bed had a family gathered around it.

She tried to look around for familiar faces amongst the gathered families. Once more, the reality of what had happened came flooding back into Harriet's mind. Again her mind was flooded with the images and emotions of what had happened in the village.

"My friends!" Harriet said sitting bolt upright again, looking around. "Are they okay, where are—"

"Harriet! Harriet!" Aurora said placing her hands on Harriet's shoulders, lying her back down. "It's alright, you're all safe. Everyone made it out."

"Everyone?" Harriet asked, relief welling up inside her.

"Yes, dear," Aurora said, gently stroking back Harriet's hair from her forehead.

"Hagrid saved you all," Daniel said, pulling his chair closer so he could sit right next to her bed, across from Aurora.

"Professor Dumbledore said he's getting the Order of Merlin for it. First Class, probably," Sirius chimed in, smiling.

"He not only saved your lives but he managed to delay Kinney long enough that Professor Dumbledore was able to return from London in time with Professor Howe to prevent the fiendfyre from spreading to the forest," Remus explained. "Had it reached the forest, it might have become unstoppable."

Harriet nodded, looking up at the ceiling as she digested the information.

"There is…" Aurora sighed. "There is some other bad news… however…"

Harriet sniffed. "Yeah… I heard… the house is gone…"

"You were awake?" Daniel asked.

Harriet nodded. She rolled on her side, away from Aurora. She suddenly had the strong desire to be alone. Despite that, she still found the presence of Aurora's hand on her shoulder comforting and she rested her own hand on top of it.

"I heard kinda on-and-off stuff," Harriet admitted. "I was dreaming most of the time."

"Yes," Aurora said. "The potion was to clear your lungs from all the smoke and soot you breathed in, but one of the side effects was dreaming. Did you have many?"

"Just the one," Harriet said. "I kept going back into it every time I fell asleep."

"What was it about?" Aurora asked. Harriet could tell she was trying to get Harriet to think about happy things after all that had happened.

Harriet grimaced. There was no way she was telling anyone around her about that dream. Then she glanced up at Sirius. Sirius was the only person she could tell. Sirius was the only person who would understand. But not here, not now.

"I… I don't remember…" Harriet lied.

She certainly did remember. She'd never forget that feeling. She'd never forget that room, the feel of the bonds around her, the boy's arms holding her so tightly.

Dove.

Harriet rolled onto her back again. The dream had felt so real. She'd even been aware she was dreaming while in the dream.

Harriet sighed. The last time she'd dreamed like that, Tom Riddle had put the dream in her head, and it had been terrifying. It had felt wrong, and terrible. This time, all she could think about was how badly she still wanted it to be real.

Then there was the boy in the dream. It wasn't Fred that was for sure. It wasn't Kieran either. It definitely wasn't Dora.

Dove.

It had been Finn. Why had it been Finn? Finn told her she'd be better with Fred, hadn't he? And Ginny had certainly seemed quite taken with him.

Harriet took off her glasses and pressed a hand down tightly over her eyes. Why was she worrying about this now? Something horrible had happened. She and her friends had nearly been killed. A whole town was now homeless. Why was it that all she could think about was some stupid dream a potion had given her?

"It's going to be alright, Harriet," Daniel said gently. "No one was killed… everyone's alright."

"I know," Harriet said, shakily.

"Come here," Daniel said softly.

He scooped an arm under her shoulders and her legs, lifting her off the bed and onto his lap. Harriet curled up against him as he held her tight and rocked her gently. It was the safest and most secure she could remember feeling apart from the dream, yet it was a very different type of safe and secure.

The group sat in silence for a few minutes when there came the sound of the hospital wing doors opening. There was the soft sound of footsteps approaching and finally Professor Dumbledore stepped into view. His face was very grave, yet a hint of a smile lit up his face slightly as he looked over the scene.

"Ah, and here you all are, as expected," Professor Dumbledore said in a hushed voice. "Would you all be terribly upset if I asked you all to come join me in my office? There are some very important matters to discuss in light of all that happened."

Harriet looked up at Daniel. Daniel looked as though he was going to protest but instead he nodded and helped Harriet to her feet. Professor Dumbledore drew his wand and gave it a little swish. From thin air, a pair of soft, fur-lined slippers appeared and plopped down on the floor at her feet. Harriet slipped her feet into them and barely managed to stifle a groan. They were the most comfortable shoes she'd ever worn in her life.

Professor Dumbledore gave them a little bow and they moved to the next bed. One by one, they roused her friends from their sleep. They all looked groggy from the effects of the potion, and none seemed too happy to be awake. Professor Dumbledore however conjured them all matching slippers to hers and beckoned them to follow.

As they crossed the wing, Harriet couldn't help but steal glances at the other beds. Now she saw many familiar faces. Nearly all of the students were attached to the same breathing apparatus that Harriet had been.

One bed had the curtains drawn around it, lit by a glow of oil lamps. She could make out silhouettes moving around inside and heard hushed voices. She heard a girl's voice whimper and gasp in pain.

"Shhh, shhhh, it's alright, Antoinette."

Harriet blinked. That was Dr Watkins' voice. Antoinette, Harriet thought. Toni?

The group stopped and Professor Dumbledore stepped inside the curtains.

"And how is our Miss Middleton?" Professor Dumbledore asked kindly.

"It still hurts," Toni's voice replied, barely audible through gritted teeth.

"The anaesthetic will take effect in a minute," Miss Momori said, calmly. "Then we can take the bandages off to treat the burn properly. You'll be right as rain in no-time."

"You're a very strong girl, Antoinette," Dr Watkins said. "I've treated fully grown soldiers who made five times the fuss over injuries not half as bad."

"Soldiers?" Harriet muttered.

"Yeah," Kieran whispered back. "He told me all about his time in the Muggle army, while he was working on my leg. He was a doctor in a medical unit, treated soldiers in some war the muggles fought with Argentina. It's where he got hurt too and why he needs a cane."

Harriet looked at Kieran curiously. His face was bright with pride as he described Dr Watkins' past. Then, something else struck her.

"Wait, why would a wizard be in the muggle army?"

Kieran blinked. "Dr Watkins isn't a wizard," he replied.

Harriet felt herself quite taken aback at this. Dr Watkins wasn't a wizard? Professor Howe's lifelong friend? Deputy Headmaster of Rathlin? The man who'd healed her bruises for her with a magical solution after that terrible night at the Dursley's? She was going to ask more when Professor Dumbledore returned.

"Will she be alright, Professor?" Hermione asked in a tiny voice.

Professor Dumbledore gave Hermione a very kind smile. "Yes, Miss Middleton will be just fine. She was not burned by the fiendfyre directly, and so the burns can be treated fully in short order."

Professor Dumbledore seemed to think that was sufficient information and resumed leading them from the wing. At the sight of who occupied the last bed on the left, Harriet paused again. She recognized Kenley Tyler at once. For a horrifying moment, Harriet thought Kenley was dead. She was lying on her back, her hands were crossed over her chest, and her face looked very pale yet serene.

With a sigh of relief, Harriet came to her senses and realized that Kenley was only sleeping. In her surprise, she hadn't noticed that Kenley was also wearing a breathing mask connected to a pump just like everyone else.

What struck Harriet next was seeing who it was sitting in the chair beside Kenley's bed. It wasn't Kenley's little sister, Katy, as she'd have expected otherwise. Then Harriet remembered that as a third year, Katy was most likely in another one of the beds they hadn't passed.

No, it was Draco Malfoy. Malfoy was sound asleep too by the looks of things. He was slumped in the chair, his head tilted to the side, with a tiny string of drool falling from the corner of his mouth to his shoulder.

Harriet didn't know what to think of this. Part of her was touched. Another part of her was shocked. Yet another part of her wanted to burst out into giggles at the sight of Draco drooling.

"Hasn't left her side once since we got here," Sirius whispered.

"Really?" Harriet asked.

"Yeah, lucky girl," Sirius chuckled. "Hard to find loyal guys like that these days, I hear."

Harriet digested this for a moment. Draco and Kenley were often in each other's company, but all she ever heard them do was argue. Granted, Kenley at least seemed like she was trying to help Draco with something, but Harriet still hadn't been able to figure out what.

Finally, they exited the hospital wing, and despite being a rather large group they made their way down the corridors and up the flights of steps to Professor Dumbledore's office.

"Shock-o-Choc," Professor Dumbledore said to the gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the staircase that led to his study.

The gargoyle leapt aside and Professor Dumbledore led them up the turing staircase. As always, the sight of Professor Dumbledore's office filled Harriet with wonder. The beautiful furniture was full of magical artefacts. Fawkes the phoenix was sitting quietly on his perch, preening his magnificent red and gold plumage. The portraits of all the previous headmasters and headmistresses of Hogwarts hung on the walls.

However, unlike all the other times Harriet had been in Professor Dumbledore's office, the portraits were not feigning sleep. No, this time they were all wide awake and anxious, whispering amongst themselves. It did not take Harriet long to realize why.

Standing in the middle of the room was Professor Howe, who smiled warmly in greeting to Harriet. He was accompanied by several other men. One of them was Professor Moody, who seemed to be giving a smug 'I told you so' look to everyone in the room. At least, Harriet thought that's what the look was. It was difficult to tell, given how scarred Moody's face was. Seated several chairs away was Professor Stratton, who wore a very grave expression. Aurochius was there as well, along with Meinos and Antonius, the lead fawn.

Another of the figures Harriet recognized, but she was shocked to see him here. It was the same man who she had seen at the World Cup, the vampire who had offered help after the murder of Igor Karkaroff, Durmstrang's previous headmaster. He was once more flanked by four black robed guards. Now, in the candlelight of Professor Dumbledore's office, their hoods were removed. Despite this, she still could not see their faces, for all four wore rather frightening silver masks.

The final person Harriet did not recognize, yet she could tell at once that he must be someone important, though his dress looked terribly out of place. It looked more as though he belonged in the same painting as Sir Cadogan.

He wore a shiny metal breastplate over a leather jerkin and black silk shirt. His pants looked to be made of the same black material. He wore metal greaves on his feet, and gauntlets on his hands. Under one arm was a metal helmet that was pointed on top with a long nose-guard. Hanging from his belt was a long sword in a golden scabbard.

The new man's face was very tan, with thick black hair and beard with streaks of grey. As with the vampire, Lord something-or-other, Harriet couldn't remember, his face looked mostly human, but not quite. His mouth looked just a little too wide, and his eyes just a hint too large.

Professor Dumbledore stepped into the middle of the two groups. "To those of you who have not met them, may I present Lord Darius, head of the vampire coven of Great Britain, and Lord Rashid, head of the vampire coven of the Greater Middle East."

The one in armour gave the group a curt nod. He did not look very happy at all. Neither did Lord Darius, Harriet noted. She looked back at Lord Rashid. So he was a vampire, too? That explained why he looked different. But shouldn't he have pale skin?

"I have asked you all here to discuss a very important matter with you all," Professor Dumbledore continued. "It was brought to my attention that you all witnessed the transformation of young Master Stevens this afternoon?"

So that was Hyland, Harriet thought.

"Y-yes sir," Dora said.

"What happened to him," Marcus asked. "He was… he did things…"

"That is why I am here," Lord Rashid said, gripping the hilt of his sword tighter. "To deal with a problem that should have been dealt with the moment the thing was born."

"The thing has a name, Rashid," Professor Howe said.

Lord Rashid looked even angrier. "Do not speak to me of these matters," he said pointing a finger in Professor Howe's face. "You had a hand in keeping the abomination alive and hidden—"

"Why yes, it was my idea come to think of it," Professor Howe interrupted, looking completely unabashed.

"Now it has been awoken, and there is no telling what damage that it will cause before it is brought to an end."

"Gentlemen, if you please," Professor Stratton said in a quelling tone.

Both fell silent, though both kept glaring at each other.

"I should like to explain to you all what exactly Master Stevens is," Professor Dumbledore said. "Perhaps if we could all just take a seat?"

"I would prefer to remain standing," Lord Rashid said, "I do not wish to delay my hunt any further."

Professor Dumbledore nodded politely and conjured chairs for all except Lord Rashid and Aurochius, who was unable to sit with his awkward legs. Professor Dumbledore sat and folded his hands pleasantly in his lap.

"Well, now that we're all settled, perhaps Lord Rashid would be kind enough to explain the history of the Split Men, at least as much as he knows, which is considerable."

Lord Rashid sniffed irritably. He paced the space in the middle of the group.

"We did not originate the Split Men, but we did find the ancient techniques in how they were made," Lord Rashid explained.

Now that he had started explaining, his expression changed. He looked less angry, and guiltier, as if he was confessing to a terrible crime.

"The vampires, you mean?" Sirius asked.

"No," Lord Rashid said. "Long ago, I was working for my coven as a spy within a group known as the Nizari Isma'ili. Within their ranks was a class of acoltyes known as the fida'i. They are better known to the western world as the Hashasheens, or Assassins. For being humans, their techniques and devotion were fascinating, and we wished to learn more."

Harriet raised her eyebrows. This was getting stranger and stranger.

"The Nizari were not simply at war with the crusaders, they were at war with other sects of their own faith, Islam. Saladin wished to unite all of Islam under his own banner against the invading Christian forces. They succeeded in surviving both the Sunnis and the Christians, but finally there came a force they could not conquer: the Mongols."

Lord Rashid sighed, and finally allowed himself to lean back against Professor Dumbledore's desk.

"Some, within the ranks, began to look for alternative methods of fighting. The fida'i were famed for their ability to blend in with their enemies, to spend months working their way through enemy ranks, pretending to be one of them until their moment came to strike.

"One day, a member of the order returned from a mission against the Mongols. He showed us ancient scrolls he had found which told of a way to split men… of how to divide them between their deepest, darkest side, and their normal, everyday selves."

"What, like… Jekyll and Hyde?" Hermione asked.

Lord Rashid paused, giving Hermione a very confused look.

Marcus leaned over and whispered in Hermione's ear. "I don't think vampires read much muggle literature."

"If I may continue without interruptions," Lord Rashid said, waspishly. "Using this technique, the Nizari thought they had found the perfect sleeper agents. They could place these split men, as the documents called them, in enemy encampments; let them get right in their enemies' inner circles. Then, when the moment was right, the sleepers could be awoken with the proper trigger, and become a raging, unstoppable killing machine."

"And they succeeded," Daniel muttered, giving both Professor Howe and Professor Dumbledore dirty looks.

"Yes and no," Lord Darius said. Lord Rashid was looking angry once more, apparently too much so for words, and so Lord Darius continued to speak for him.

"The Nizari succeeded in creating Split Men, but they failed in finding a proper trigger mechanism. They were too volatile. Anything could set them off at any time, without rhyme or reason. For some it was anger, for some it was love, and still others fear. Most often, it was any and all of them."

"I pleaded with them not to go through with it," Lord Rashid said, slipping back into his defeated tone. "I told him it was an abomination in the eyes of God to twist his work in such a way. But desperation makes fools of all men, and they would not listen, and it was their downfall."

"But then, how the hell did Hyland become one, if they're made?" Daniel asked, rising from his chair. "And how the hell do you make one? I mean for Merlin's sakes, Dumbledore! You let this kid live here in this town, with other kids around, knowing he could go off at any moment?"

"Hyland wasn't made one, he was born one," Professor Howe said, sounding quite serious now. "He was a child, what were we to do with him? It wasn't his fault he was born what he was. No one asked him if he wanted that power, nor did anyone ask his father or grandfather."

Daniel blinked, looking from Professor Dumbledore to Professor Howe and back.

"When the Nizari were scattered, I stole the scrolls," Lord Rashid said, sounding even more irritated now at the interruptions. "I took them to the Council of the Homelands and they were kept hidden away. I then made it my mission to hunt down and destroy the lines of Split Men. Because we learned all too quickly that when they procreated, they passed on the ability to their young. And their young often proved even more unpredictable. Not necessarily stronger, but wilder and less in control. It was as though the wilder side took more control with each passing generation."

"That's not good then…" Sirius said, stroking his beard. "I mean how many generations would that be for Hyland?"

"Only three," Lord Rashid said. "Unfortunately… a human wizard, by the name of Grindelwald, was seeking power of his own. He recruited dissatisfied members of our covens to his side, and so he stole the scrolls for his own. His plan was the same as the Ismai'ili fida'i of old. He wanted to create muggle sleepers, to sew chaos and disorder throughout the muggle world; to weaken it so that wizards could rise up and rule them."

"And apparently he succeeded," Professor Stratton mused. "I would have appreciated being informed of that…"

Lord Rashid gave Professor Stratton a cold look. "The Split Men are the vampires responsibility."

"Yes, but I'm sure the other communities would have appreciated some warning."

"Yes, we would have," Aurochius agreed, his voice full of disdain.

Lord Rashid snorted with impatience, bearing his white, sharp teeth. "Yes, Grindelwald and his twisted followers were successful. They created a single Split Man, and as before, it proved uncontrollable, and escaped. Once more, I had to go on the hunt. As was agreed, the responsibility of handling Split Men was given to the vampires before you were even born, Ambassador." Lord Rashid growled, pointing at Professor Stratton

Professor Stratton's eyes narrowed dangerously. Apparently, even Lord Rashid, a vampire with a sword, had too much respect for Professor Stratton for he instead returned to his explanation of the Split Men.

"Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in finding it before it fathered a son. In time, that Split Man was awoken and created havoc, and again I had to go on the hunt. However, it was not until last spring, when Lord Darius brought us news of discovering the boy that I learned its father had also sired an offspring."

"Thank you for that," Professor Howe said to Lord Darius, his voice full of irony.

"You're welcome," Lord Darius retorted with equal sarcasm. "It is vampire law that any evidence of Split Men is reported at once. Our law is not your law."

"Yes, but you cannot just come into Britain and thwart its laws," Professor Howe said. "Unless I am very much mistaken."

"You are not," Lord Darius replied.

"I should like to see your people try to stop me from hunting the boy," Lord Rashid said, gripping the handle of his sword once more. "This sword has slain eleven Split Men. It cries out for a dozen."

His nostrils flaring, Lord Rashid slid on his helmet and began marching past everyone to the door. Professor Howe gave Lord Rashid's back a very cold look as he left. Lord Darius cleared his throat.

"Rashid, my friend… are you sure you do not require the assistance of my horsemen?" Darius asked, gesturing to the masked men standing behind his chair. "They are remarkable hunters as well."

"No, Lord Darius," Rashid said, pausing at the door. "The rebirth of the Split Men is my sin to bear, I shall not subject others to it."

"Then I wish you luck, my friend."

"I accept that wish," Lord Rashid said, and finally exited the room.

The moment Lord Rashid was gone, Lord Darius sighed and seemed to deflate slightly in his chair.

"You're going to ask me to betray my kind and help you find the boy before Rashid does, aren't you?" Lord Darius asked, giving Professor Dumbledore a sideways glance.

Professor Dumbledore however simply smiled pleasantly. "Oh not at all, Lord Darius. I am going to have Aurochius and his merry band of minotaurs and fawns see to that."

"I accept this task with eager determination, Professor," Aurochius said.

Professor Dumbledore smiled at him warmly and bowed his head in appreciation before returning his attention to Lord Darius. "Now, Darius my old friend. I have a very different request in mind from your Horseman."

"Ah, this killer, Kinney, then?" Lord Darius asked.

"No," Professor Dumbledore shook his head. "It is an even more private matter that I will discuss with you later."

"What I want to know is, why exactly the hell didn't you tell me this years ago, Dumbledore?" Daniel said, sounding even more angry now. "All you ever told me was Hyland wasn't all he seemed, and he needed guidance and care."

"Well, we did warn you that there was a chance he could be dangerous," Professor Howe said. "I think that just after so many years of knowing the boy you blinded yourself to our warnings."

"Well I would have heeded them a bit more had you warned me he could turn into a monster so strong that he could nearly rip a streetlamp from the ground," Daniel barked.

Daniel was on his feet now, pacing. "Gods I mean I saw him when that… whatever it was started to awake in him on New Year's Eve. I saw his eyes go black, I heard his voice change, but… god I had no idea, I mean he was sitting there, mere feet away from Harriet when it happened. What if he'd fully let loose then? How could we have stopped something like that? He could almost move faster than I could see!"

"Daniel," Professor Dumbledore said in a soft, calming voice. It seemed to work, because Daniel sat once more, though he still looked tense.

Professor Dumbledore took a breath before continuing. "Professor Howe and I did take a calculated risk when it came to Hyland."

"Next to nothing is known about them," Professor Howe said. "How they're made, how they transform, what sets it off, how they pass it on…"

"Hyland was our chance to try something better," Professor Dumbledore continued. "You see… from what Sherrod and I had learned from our own studies on the subject, Split Men are generally born out of wedlock, generally never knowing who their father was."

"Sadly, they're often the product of rapes from the father's split side. Or prostitutes… long story short, they're generally the result of parents who never wanted them."

"Hyland was our chance to see if it could be… buffered," Professor Dumbledore explained. "Raising him in a loving environment, surrounded by people who love and care about him."

"You know the saying… it takes a village to raise a child," Professor Howe chimed in.

"Yes, that was more or less our reasoning," Professor Dumbledore agreed.

"And based on what Hagrid said… I think we succeeded," Professor Howe said, leaning back in his chair with his usual air of smugness.

"Succeeded?!" Daniel said rising from his chair again. "He still transformed! He's still out there on the run!"

"He will return back to the Hyland we know in due time," Professor Dumbledore said, raising a hand. "But what Sherrod means is this—once Hyland transformed, his one thought was stopping the person who was destroying his home, the one person who hurt the person he loves."

"Meaning that instead of going on a killing rampage, some of Hyland is still inside the split side's mind," Professor Howe elaborated.

"Fascinating," Lord Darius said, scratching his chin looking both thoughtful and impressed. "Fascinating indeed… you have my congratulations on that breakthrough."

Harriet was surprised that there didn't seem to be any irony in Lord Darius' voice.

"That means the real danger then is Rashid finding Hyland once he's returned back to normal, and unable to defend himself," Professor Stratton finally spoke up.

"Exactly," Professor Dumbledore confirmed. "Fortunately, we have our dear Aurochius and company on hand to take care of that."

"My men and I are at your command," Aurochius said, holding one of his massive fists to his chest and bowing.

Beside him, Meinos sighed. "Ah, and just as I was finally getting comfortable…"

"You are being paid handsomely for this," Professor Howe reminded him, studying his fingernails.

"An adventure it is then!" Meinos said, much more cheerfully.

Finally, Professor Dumbledore returned his attention to Harriet and her friends. "Now, you all understand what it was you witnessed, and what Hyland really is?"

Harriet and the rest nodded.

"Hyland isn't a monster," Professor Howe said, leaning forward. "He's the same boy you all knew. He's just that, and also this. But it's essential that we keep this as quiet as possible, alright? You can't tell anyone about what you saw."

"Yes, Professor," the students all said in unison.

"Excellent," Professor Dumbledore said, smiling proudly. "Now, the rest of you, I want back in your beds before Madame Pomfrey has my head. Harriet, however, I should like to see a little longer."

"Finally got to me then, have you?" came the gravelly voice of Professor Moody.

His voice made Harriet jump. In all the talk about Hyland, Harriet had quite forgotten that Professor Moody was there.

"Yes, Alastor," Professor Dumbledore said kindly. "The rest of you children, however, back to the hospital wing with you. Desmond, would you kindly escort them, please?"

"Of course, Professor," Professor Stratton said, smiling down at Harriet's friends. "Come along now. Nice comfy beds await you."

Harriet waved at them as they left before returning her attention to Professor Dumbledore. Professor Moody had stumped over from the dark corner where he'd been sitting and leaned against Professor Dumbledore's desk, taking the weight off his wooden leg and groaning in relief.

"Damn thing always acting up," Professor Moody said, taking a swig from his hipflask. "Now then, Potter, we think part of the reason Kinney attacked was because of all the kerfuffle over the Triwizard Tournament. That makes you one of his prime targets."

Harriet swallowed.

"Because of this, you're going to be getting some private lessons with me on the more advanced levels of defensive magic. I understand from Remus that you can produce a corporeal patronus already. That's damned fine, damned fine indeed. Compared to that, most of what I teach you will be a piece of cake."

Well that's a relief, Harriet thought, remembering how difficult patronus lessons had been.

"Yes, Professor," Harriet replied. She looked over at Daniel who was finally smiling. Apparently, the idea of Harriet learning how to better defend herself was something he approved of.

"The reason for the secrecy about this, Harriet, is the tournament," Professor Dumbledore explained. "Professor Cato and Madam Maxime in particular are quite competitive about the tournament as you've seen. If they were aware you were getting such lessons, they may make a rather large fuss about it, and accuse us of trying to cheat in the tournament. That would not stop us from teaching you, but it would cause plenty of people plenty of undo stress and anxiety, and so keeping it quiet would be doing them a considerable favour."

"Yes, sir," Harriet agreed.

"Excellent," Professor Dumbledore smiled. "In that case, you and Alastor are to meet three times a week in the evenings. And now, it is time for you to get your proper rest as well. Daniel, would you like to take Harriet back to the hospital wing?"

"Yes, yes I would," Daniel said, rising.

Harriet rose too and Daniel put an arm around her shoulder, walking with her to the door. They headed down the spiral staircase and out into the corridor. As they walked, Daniel paused and sighed.

"I'm… I'm sorry for losing my cool like that back there, Harriet," Daniel said. "I just… no, I know Hyland and I know he's not a monster, it's just…"

"Just what?" Harriet asked, looking up at Daniel with deep concern.

Daniel sighed again and walked over to a bench, sinking onto it. Harriet sat beside him.

"I just… I came so… so damn close to losing you today…" Daniel said, staring at the opposite wall. "I was afraid… I've never been so afraid in my entire life. And then I saw what Hyland could do… and then I remembered that night over Christmas and I just…"

Daniel trailed off, burying his face in his hands.

"It's just, ever since the first task, when you… you know… called me daddy…"

Harriet tightened her lips. She also suddenly felt the need to blink considerably more than normal.

"Everything changed… everything in my life just… it was like someone flipped a switch and I was an entirely new person. Things mattered to me that had never mattered before… It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. I mean… god I grew up in that house… spent my whole life there. So many memories of playing around with Remus and Daniel and Sirius and Peter… hanging out there during Hogsmeade weekends, planning our monthly adventures…"

Harriet reached up and took one of Daniel's hands. Daniel lowered the other hand and just held Harriet's hand tightly.

"And it's gone now… and I don't care. I don't care because you, Aurora and the girls are safe, and that's all that matters to me now."

Harriet suddenly felt a sense of guilt rising.

"Daniel… I um… today… my friends and I went to the house…"

"Oh?" Daniel asked.

"Yeah… and we um… we sort of um… went into the basement…"

"Ah," Daniel nodded. He didn't sound angry, disapproving or disappointed.

"Yeah… so… Harricane… you got that from the plane, didn't you?"

Daniel finally laughed. "Okay, okay," he laughed more. "Guilty there. Yeah."

Harriet smiled a little. "You could have shown me that stuff before… I thought it was kind of cool. I mean… the door was shocking…"

"Ah, so you found that too, huh?" Daniel said. "I… that was more to save Remus' feelings than anything. He's still ashamed about that, and still private about it."

Harriet nodded, and hugged Daniel's arm tightly.

"Don't worry, Harriet… it's going to be okay," Daniel said, reaching his other hand around to stroke her hair.

"I know…" Harriet said. "It's still really scary…"

"Yeah… life is… all the time. Nothing's going to change that I'm afraid…"

They sat in silence for a while. All the while, Harriet finally felt at peace from all that happened that day. She hugged Daniel's arm tighter when another memory came back to her mind.

Daddy.

Harriet looked up at Daniel. He was staring across the corridor again, once more lost in thought it seemed. Daniel was always there for her, willing to do anything for her. Maybe it wasn't so strange that Harriet called him 'daddy' after all.

The only real father she'd ever known in her life had been Uncle Vernon. She supposed he was nice enough to Dudley. He certainly always made sure Dudley had whatever he wanted. But there was something different about the way that Daniel cared for her that felt more like what she always wished a father would be.

Harriet opened her mouth to say something about this, but closed it. Somehow, it just didn't feel right to bring it up now. They rose once more and continued on to the hospital wing. Harriet kept holding onto Daniel's arm the entire way.

They entered the hospital wing as quietly as they could, trying not to disturb any of the sleeping families. She was pleased to see Draco was still sleeping at Kenley's bedside, though it looked as though he had woken at least once, for the string of spittle was gone from his lip.

By the looks of it, Dr Watkins and Miss Momori had both finished their work on Toni. The curtain around her bed was open now. Toni's arm was covered in thick bandages, but Toni looked as though she was sleeping peacefully.

Harriet smiled as Aurora stepped out from behind the curtains by Ronnie's bed where the other parents were all gathered. She joined Harriet and Daniel as they made it to Harriet's bed. They tucked Harriet back in and each kissed her forehead. They then sat side by side in chairs beside her bed, holding hands.

Harriet took off her glasses again, yawning and stretching. She lay on her side, looking at the fuzzy silhouettes of Daniel and Aurora. She could just make out that they were still holding hands. Harriet glanced around the hospital wing. Though she couldn't make out the other families in the dimly lit room with her glasses off, but she knew they were there. Looking back at Daniel and Aurora, her eyes slowly began to close. As she drifted off to sleep, her one last, comforting thought, was that in spite of all the terror that had happened that day, at the end of it, she had one more thing that made her just like everyone else.