A Girl Out of Time
Chapter Twelve
With a whine, the TARDIS dematerialized from the Astronomy Tower to rematerialize in a cavern deep in the bowels of the magical castle. Hermione and the Doctor stepped out to explore the area. They were miles below the foundation of Hogwarts which apparently had been built on top of a maze of tunnels and caves. The edges of this particular cave were smooth and the ceiling curved over them like a bowl, while the ground was polished stone. In the center stood a ring of stone benches made of limestone and within the ring the floor was packed earth, and there was a sense of great power in the room. A faint glow emanated from crystals embedded in the walls, providing just enough light to see.
A figure of a slim young woman appeared, long blond hair flowing down her body to reach the ground. She was wearing a diaphanous white gown that clung to her curves, yet still appeared to flutter from a non-existent breeze. Her eyes blazed the most brilliant blue from a regal face that conveyed her power. Her bare feet were firmly planted on the earthen ring, and she flickered in and out of their vision – she was almost transparent like a ghost, yet she was not one.
“Welcome, Doctor, Hermione; I am pleased you accepted my invitation. I am the Spirit of Hogwarts,” her voice was erethral and echoed softly about them.
Hermione smiled warmly at her, “Thank you for having us.”
“Please, have a seat,” the Spirit waved a hand for two comfortable armchairs to appear. Once the couple was settled, they turned their attention back to the glorious form before them. “As you have seen, the Headmaster has abandoned his duty and no longer looks out for his charges. He has been playing a deep game to remove Tom Riddle and take his place as the most powerful wizard in our land. He then plans to take over the Ministry of Magic and rule the Wizarding world.” The Spirit was sad her caretaker had failed in his duty, but was resolute in correcting the situation.
The Doctor frowned, “What options do we have?”
The Spirit pulsed for a moment, flooding the cavern with bright light, her anger with the Headmaster apparent. “Albus Dumbledore must be eliminated…he is becoming far too dangerous to the Wizarding world. His magic definitely needs to be bound and he should be exiled…he doesn’t necessarily need to be killed, however, I fear that may be the outcome…he will likely not be very willing to abandon his plans of glory and dominion.”
Hermione looked troubled, “That will not be easy to achieve, especially without bloodshed.” The Spirit smiled grimly, “Professor Snape will be most willing to assist you. I have already laid the groundwork with him for you.” Despite her qualms, Hermione chuckled, “One hurdle crossed; now, what about the Horcruxes?”
The Spirit laughed, the sound echoing hollowly around the cavern, sending chills down the couple’s spines. “Yes, they exist – Tom Riddle made seven, although two have been destroyed. Doctor, you were correct in both deductions – the diary and the ring were both used as Horcruxes.”
Although they had guessed this earlier, it still struck a nerve with Hermione and she gasped in amazement and horror, “Merlin,” she breathed. The Doctor sent her a wink and a mental caress to reassure her. He turned back to the Spirit, “What of the others?”
With a smile that chilled them, she replied, “Hufflepuff’s cup, Ravenclaw’s diadem, Gryffindor’s amulet, Riddle’s snake Nagini, and Harry Potter. I can provide you with protection here, but more than that, you must determine for yourselves. Rest now and I will see you in the morning.”
The couple stood and thanked the Spirit of Hogwarts before retiring to the TARDIS. Hermione could feel exhaustion creeping up on her and she stumbled slightly as they entered the Control Room. Without missing a beat, the Doctor scooped her up and carried her into his…their…room. After gently stripping her and laying her under the covers, the Doctor removed his own clothing and slipped in the bed to spoon Hermione from behind. Wrapping himself around her, he sighed contentedly, ‘Sleep, pet,’ his mind murmured to hers, but Hermione was already snoring softly.