The Enemy of my Enemy

The Memory, Part I

"Or herself," said Hermione, irritably. "It might have been a girl. The handwriting looks more like a girl's than a boys -"

"The Half-Blood Prince, he was called," said Harry. "How many girls have been Princes?"

"What if it's not a title?" Teddie asked, appearing between the library bookcases. She was carrying two books under her arm, along with a folder full of parchments. ", what are you talking about?"

"None of your business!" Ron snapped, eyes narrowing.

Teddie ignored him, her eyes focused on Harry.

"Remember how in Potions I didn't have any supplies?" Harry asked.

Teddie nodded.

"Well, the book I had from the supply cupboard is what helped me win that competition that Slughorn set," Harry explained. "This was written on the inside cover. I didn't notice it at the time."

"Property of the Half-Blood Prince," Teddie murmured.

"Yeah. Well, Hermione seems to think it's a girl," said Harry with a shrug. "But, I -"

"There was a woman who lived on my street, she died when I was very young, her named was Eileen Prince," said Teddie. "Now, I'm not saying the book belongs to her, because as far as I know she was a Muggle. But, whoever this book belongs to, Prince could be a surname." She shrugged. "If you want, I can ask Mason to check Wizarding surnames."

"No, it's okay -" Harry started, but Hermione interrupted.

"That'd be great! Thanks, Teddie!"

Harry scowled at her.

"What do you want, Green"? Ron asked. "Snooping, as usual, I see?"

"I'm actually wondering why Harry is sitting here when he should be on his way to Dumbledore's office," said Teddie. "It's nearly eight."

Harry swore and checked his watch. He then jumped to his feet, scrambled to shove all his belongings into his backpack, and swung around to face Teddie. "We should go," he said, panting.

"Wait, we?" Ron echoed. "What do you mean 'we'?"

"You didn't tell him?" Teddie asked, eyeing Harry closely.

Harry shrugged.

"Tell me what?" Ron asked.

"I'm taking lessons with Harry and Dumbledore this year," said Teddie. "Dumbledore thinks it would be beneficial for me."

Ron's jaw dropped open.

Hermione, on the other hand, seemed to be nodding. "It's only fair," she agreed. "I mean, you and Harry do seem to be connected to all the bad things that happen. It's only fair that you get taught defensive magic, too."

"You think that's what Dumbledore will be teaching us?"

Hermione shrugged. "You should get going. You're going to be late. Good luck!" and she waved them out of the library.

~X~

Harry and Teddie slowed to a jog as they rounded the corner to Dumbledore's office. The stone griffin loomed into view as they halted outside it, the warm glow from the burning candles at its rear made it seem that the stone was coming out of a fireplace.

"Acid Pops," said Harry.

With a grinding noise, the gargoyle slid aside and the spiral steps behind it started to slowly move upwards. Harry stepped on and held his hand out to Teddie, she took it, stepping onto the step beneath him.