Megan Potter - A Saga of the Heart - Book 6 - Dark Temptation-

Chapter 19 - Unclear motives

As she'd expected, Megan found her friends waiting for her in the common room. Harry and Ron were playing cards, while Hermione was absorbed in a large book with runic symbols Megan didn't know. Of course, the one person she wanted to see most wasn't there, but she tried not to dwell on that.

"Oh, you're back," Hermione said, looking up from her book.

She set it aside and patted the space beside her. Megan smiled gratefully and slid down next to her. Harry and Ron abandoned their cards and moved closer.

"What was it like?"

Megan tried to put her jumble of feelings into words.

"... Strange," she finally said, leaning back into her seat. "That's about the easiest way of putting it, though it's not quite right."

"Really? What did you do?" Harry asked.

"Looked into the Pensieve," she said simply.

Judging by their slightly put out faces, they had expected more than that.

"Oh, come on, guys," she smiled, "Dumbledore isn't going to teach me some advanced magic to beat Voldemort, that's not who he is."

"Well... how else are you supposed t-"

"Oh, don't be silly, Ronald," Hermione interrupted. "How would she be any better than Voldemort if all she did was learn how to be stronger than him? I'm sure Dumbledore has a plan of some sort, he always has."

Ron was silent though looked a little stung. Megan cast him an apologetic look.

"But... what's looking into a Pensieve got to do with anything?" Harry asked, looking confused. "I mean... doesn't it just send you into someone's memories?"

"Yes."

Megan checked around them to make sure they were alone.

"We're looking into Voldemort's past," she explained, lowering her voice a little just in case. "Dumbledore seems to think it would help me figure out how to defeat him, or at least survive against him."

She described the Gaunt family, the tall dark haired boy, though didn't mention who she believed it was.

"I'm still not sure how this will help, though..." Ron commented.

"I expect it's to try and understand how Voldemort thinks, or something," Hermione mused. "Determine what his weaknesses are, maybe."

"Maybe."

"Sound like a tall order though, doesn't it? I mean... never heard of him to have any except his fear of Dumbledore..." Harry commented.

"Well, of course you wouldn't," Hermione sighed. "He's not going to advertise that sort of thing, is he?"

Megan stood up, stretching.

"Well, whatever it is Dumbledore's getting at, I'm too tired to think about it too much tonight. I'm off to bed."

She bid them all goodnight and went up to the dormitory. She lay down on her bed and had just closed her eyes when a familiar thrumming sound made her look around. It was her coin. Smiling, she picked it up.

I was hoping I'd hear from you.

So I take it you're still alive? Cedric asked.

Megan smiled. She could hear the tease in his voice so clearly it hurt.

Yeah. It wasn't anything dangerous... more like weird.

She told him what she'd seen, heard and felt. For some reason, it was easier than with the others to go into detail. Maybe because she knew he'd never judge her. She even mentioned how the dark haired man had reminded her vividly of Tom Riddle.

I don't quite know where Dumbledore's going with all this, but there must be some sort of end game to it.

Yeah, he always has a reason for everything. Cedric agreed. Hermione's probably right, he's trying to help you understand Voldemort better, I expect. I'm sure you'll find out what he's up to, eventually.

Knowing Dumbledore, it won't be till after I fight him...

Cedric chuckled.

That does sound like him, he admitted. So, how's class coming along?

Hard. It's a miracle I have time to eat and sleep, let alone get through all my homework.

She almost heard his laugh.

You're sixth years, now, love, it's bound to be tougher. Why d'you think OWLs are so important?

Megan smiled.

Yeah, you're right. You never seemed to struggle that much though?

Ah, then I must have a particularly good poker face, he joked.

Megan laughed into her fist. Glancing as her watch, she sighed.

Well, I wouldn't want you sleep deprived. Goodnight, Cedric. I love you.

Sweet dreams, my love.

She put her coin away and lay down.