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Author: MudbloodMatt Story: Harry Potter and the Caliban Poltergeist Rating: Teens Setting: AU Status: Completed Reviews: 6 Words: 21,804
Harry stood frozen, as the ghost was very close, his eye transfixed on the ghost's eyes. It was at that moment that Harry realized that the very vapor, the very material that the ghost was projecting itself on, seemed to be made of a fine mist, like water. Harry glanced over at Miranda, who seemed to be in a trance of fear. He noticed that she had a far-off look in her expression, as though somehow she instinctively knew what this was. Harry protectively took a step towards Miranda as the ghost made a threatening move towards him, bellowing once again. Miranda suddenly edged away and ran. "Miranda!" Harry shouted, as she disappeared into the dark. Harry knew better than to keep his eye off of the ghost, and stood still. Then something unexpected happened; the ghost vanished as if something had called it away. It seemed odd to Harry, because it was as though it was pulled away. The hum was gone as silence fell, and the only thing Harry could hear were the footsteps of the oncoming villagers. In a panic, Harry quickly pulled his Cloak from under him and threw it over him, hoping that he could escape suspicion from the onslaught of villagers. Harry could hear their voices as they were very near him, with the cloak on he kept moving back as they walked near, and several of the villagers had their wands illuminated. "There were two people here, I swear it!" "That was the ghost from that lake, that was!" Harry tried to control his breath so that no one would hear. He was counting on the Cloak and the dark, more than he could have ever done before. If people knew I was out of bounds from the school, Harry thought. "Was there two people here? Perhaps it finished them off!" 'The village was attacked! The town hall!" Soon the people drifted away from where Harry was standing. He stood silently for what must have been close to an hour, and then he made his move back to the village. He crept past the Town Hall as people milled around, surveying the damage. Making his way back to Honeydukes, he entered, made it to the cellar, and threw off the Cloak as he closed the trap door behind him. His mind was reeling as he walked through the tunnel. Clearing his mind, he focused on what Ariel had told him - that he must find the black book with the red spine. Throwing the Cloak back on, he was almost careless as he made it back to the castle and up to the Gryffindor common room. Harry moved into the dormitory where Ron, Neville, Seamus, and Dean were sleeping. Harry crept downstairs and into the girls' dormitory, silently creeping over to Hermione, who was sound asleep. He nudged her shoulder. "Harry!?" Hermione nearly shrieked, as she jumped from her covers. "I need your help," Harry whispered, sounding desperate. Hermione sensed that something was wrong. "What happened?" "Hogsmeade was attacked." Soon Hermione was dressed, and she quietly crept down to the common room where Harry waited. He told her everything; about meeting Miranda, the attack on the town hall, the sighting of the ghost, and what Ariel had told him. He was almost breathless as he whispered to her. How they made it to the Library without anyone spotting them, Harry would never know. Flinging off the cloak, they made a beeline to the restricted section. "What are we looking for again? I can't see," Hermione asked as they opened the screens on the locked cabinets. "A black book with a red spine." Harry paused. "Although I admit that could be anything." Hermione suggested that they look in shelves that covered books concerning ghosts. They spent nearly three hours in the library, checking for any noise that might alert them to the presence of Mr. Filch. Hermione was growing alarmed at each passing minute. "Harry, we can't get caught," she said. "At least not at this time, after what happened over the summer with that Dementor." It was then that Harry spotted a medium sized book on a high shelf. Unconsciously he felt drawn to it and pulled it out. "Ancient Spirits and Demonology; A History Before Merlin's Records." it read. In the center of the book was a white feather. "Hermione!" Harry exclaimed dangerously above a whisper. Harry opened up the book to the pages earmarked by the feather, after scanning the page for a moment he found what he was looking for and read; The Caliban Poltergeist A water element spirit, its source of origin believed to be Milan or Crete. This spirit is one of the least known and most dangerous. There have been so few documented cases of activity that some Wizards regard it as nothing more than a legend. This Poltergeist acts upon the unconscious desires or emotions of the Witch or Wizard to whom it is psychically linked. A Wizard affected by this poltergeist's link can be unaware of the poltergeist's actions, this psychic link can continue for the entire lifespan of a wizard in some cases. Grimli the Unpopular is the most famous example of a Wizard who is now believed to have been afflicted by the Caliban Poltergeist until her death. The power of this Poltergeist is believed to be without measure. There have been documented examples of this Poltergeist uprooting and leveling the foundations of large houses, causing mountain caves to collapse, and being responsible for some of the worst Muggle hauntings throughout History. The danger of this Poltergeist is that it has no sense of its own power, feeding off unconscious negative base-emotions such as fear or jealousy, thus causing the spirit to exaggerate the slightest actions. The Poltergeist can have an affect on Muggles, yet it is less potent. Legend has it that Caliban was a deformed slave who was under the control of a very powerful ancient Dark Wizard. This Wizard's hold on Caliban was so great that the slave could psychically understand and act on his Master's wishes. The slave continued to do so after its death, roaming the earth, linking itself to any unsuspecting wizard. An ancient breaking spell is required to break the psychic link. "Harry, this is it!" Hermione said after he gave her the book, reading the passage. Harry nodded. "But this is bad, Harry. We don't have the magical power to deal with this," Hermione continued gravely. "We have to go to Dumbledore!" "But do we know which one is linked to?" Harry replied. "It could be Gonzalo." "I don't know, could be any of them," Hermione said thoughtfully. "I'll make some time to come here first thing tomorrow. I'll read up on anything to do with the Caliban Poltergeist, perhaps there's some clues to tell which one it is." Harry nodded as they started to make their way out of the restricted section, least they get caught. Neville had awoken and put his robe on, noticing that Harry wasn't in his bed, and made his way to a boy's lavatory. He had made so much progress with remembering the portrait password, yet, in his tired state, his mind went blank, which discouraged him. Neville stood in the hall facing the portrait; she was showing no signs of relenting. There was a light, cold wind that Neville at first didn't pay attention to, until it began to blow stronger. The cold, damp air seemed oddly familiar to Neville, as he made the connection to where he remembered it. It was that same damp air from Secuutus Lake. Neville's heart began to race as he backed away from the portrait and out of sight from the main hall. It was then that the wind grew louder and the humming began, and it seemed to come from every direction. Neville began to sprint from one door to another, looking for any available door to hide. The humming was louder now, leaving Neville in a panic. Suddenly Neville's feet left the ground, and he was suspended in the air for a moment before being thrown hard against a stone brick wall. His body fell like a rag doll as he hit the ground hard, his eyes facing the floor before he blacked out. As Harry crept to his bed, noticing that Ron was still sound asleep, he never gave it a second thought that Neville was out of his bed. Harry awoke Friday morning to find Ron sharply shaking him awake. "Harry, where were you last night? Neville's been attacked," Ron told him, a mixture of alarm and slight irritation at Harry. Harry sat up stunned as he stumbled for his glasses. During breakfast, Harry told Ron everything with Hermione present. This seemed to soften Ron a little from the previous day. "This means you're next!" Ron said dramatically. Hermione nodded quietly. "Harry, Ron might be right," Hermione replied. "Neville was the first to see the Poltergeist; there's a pattern." "Then I have no time to waste," Harry said doggedly. He stood up to walk over to the main banquet table. Just then, Filch leaned over to Professor Dumbledore, whispering to him. Dumbledore rose and left the table quickly, vanishing as Harry was about to reach the main table. Harry knew he had to tell someone, anyone important. "Professor McGonagall, I must see Professor Dumbledore now!" Harry exclaimed. "I'm sorry Mr. Potter but Professor Dumbledore can't see you right now," McGonagall replied. "Now please finish your breakfast." "But Professor, this is urgent, when can I see him?" "I cannot say when he'll be available," said McGonagall, flatly. "But I know what's behind these ghost attacks! I need his help!" Harry stated, loudly enough, and with enough desperation, that several of the students glanced his way. Professor McGonagall quietly stood up and gestured Harry to follow her, looking alarmed and stern. Harry said nothing as he followed her into another room. "Mr. Potter, this is a delicate matter; Professor Dumbledore can't speak with you at the moment," McGonagall told him. "I can assure you that whatever appropriate action is needed shall be taken care of. Now please tell me what you know," McGonagall said. It felt odd to have to confide in Professor McGonagall about this, he wasn't used to it. Yet he told her everything; the Caliban Poltergeist, and the connection to the Morbino family. She put her hand to her mouth at one point at the Poltergeist's mention. "Yes, Potter, it was indeed best you told me; this requires the skills of an adult wizard. I shall go to Professor Dumbledore immediately with this." "Could Professor Dumbledore come with me to the island to help?" Harry asked. "Afraid not, Potter. Yet he can call for assistance; we should have someone here by nightfall." Professor McGonagall looked thoughtful. "We'll have to arrange special transportation, but we must be discrete about this." Harry had the strange feeling that McGonagall already knew who Dumbledore would contact. Would it be Moody?... Sirius?... Tonks?... Or another? By mid afternoon, Harry was distracted with concern. He found out that Neville would be okay, and was recovering in the hospital wing; he was simply knocked unconscious. Harry blamed himself for this, and he could not face Neville at the moment. He felt guilty about thinking about Miranda; he was going to have to face her before she left. He shouldn't care if she was going to hate him for telling her the truth, although the fear of losing her affection pressed on his mind. He barely knew her, yet he felt something about her that was so new to him, it was painful. As Harry was walking, he didn't notice Moaning Myrtle soar in front of him, giggling. "Hello, Harry," Myrtle said, laughing. "Oh, what have you done?" "Excuse me?" Harry said, puzzled. "I hope you don't become possessed," Myrtle said before flying off in a fit of giggles. Headless Nick soundlessly appeared beside him. "I'm sorry about that - about Moaning Myrtle," Nick said. "Nick, what does Myrtle know?" Harry was wary. "Apparently, Myrtle was at the Library last night when you and Ms. Granger made your discovery about the Poltergeist," Nick replied apologetically. "You knew about the Poltergeist all this time and never said anything?" Harry demanded in irritation. "Never went to Dumbledore?" "Our kind are afraid of it, dare not speak of it." "But Nick…" Harry was incredulous. "Harry, I have no true bravery," Nick replied somberly. "Even Peeves has stayed clear when it roams." "Goodbye, Nick," Harry said with a frown as he continued walking. Nick was about to tilt his nearly severed head in acknowledgment. "Please don't," Harry said as Nick gave him a disappointed glance before soaring up to the rafters. He sat in a Hogwarts courtyard and Hermione approached, breaking him out of his thoughts. "I read up everything I could about the Poltergeist," Hermione said, as Harry looked at her searchingly, "but I couldn't find much that can help, nothing to help us tell whom might be afflicted. I found a book in Latin that has loads about the Poltergeist, but I'll have to translate it." Harry stood and nodded. He wished he knew a little more, anything to help when he faced Miranda. "If my Latin is correct, the book says there are signs, symptoms that can show which Wizard is afflicted," Hermione continued, "yet I'm not sure my translations are clear. It says that family can feel the effects of the Poltergeist. Could be Miranda or Gonzalo?" "Or the grandfather," Harry replied. Hermione gave an exasperated sigh. "I don't know Harry, but I'll find more soon, don't worry." As Harry made his way to Quidditch practice, Ron was on his mind. Did he still blame Harry for all of this? As he walked out of the locker room, he bumped into Ron, looking awkward. "Sorry, Harry," Ron said with his eyes to the ground. "I don't blame you. George and Neville don't either." "Forget it," Harry said simply, as Ron gave him an assured smile. Harry didn't play well during practice; he was too distracted. As he landed his broom during a break, he noticed two people walking towards him, Miranda and Gonzalo. Miranda walked up to Harry with Gonzalo following several paces away. She stopped and stood looking at Harry awkwardly, never saying a word. Ron passed Harry, giving him a glance as he walked by. Harry wasn't sure where to begin. "Are you okay?" Harry asked as he moved towards her. "I'm, I'm fine," Miranda replied. "I'm so sorry I left you like that." Miranda seemed to regain her composure for a moment. Harry had a million questions. "How did you get back?" "Gonzalo was at the Lake. Harry, what happened? I don't remember how I got back." Miranda seemed be the fighting back her emotions. Harry looked at her with pity as they walked out of earshot of others on the field. "What?" Harry said awkwardly, "You don't remember the ghost? It attacked the village, and you don't remember anything?" Miranda shook her head no, as she teared up. "Harry I'm afraid, this has happened before. I don't understand anything. What's happening? I've brought you such trouble, you're so sweet, and it's not fair. Perhaps dinner wasn't a good idea, I'll understand if you don't want to come." Harry didn't know what to say, as she seemed so helpless and lonely at that moment. "Miranda, listen, we're going to figure this out, and of course I'll be there tomorrow," Harry replied. Miranda wiped her tears and gave an embarrassed laugh. "I'm such a fool." Harry laughed with her as he started to walk her towards the grounds exit, Gonzalo trailing behind. "You trust me; you believe it will work out, right?" Harry asked. "I guess so," said Miranda. Harry suspected that she didn't believe him. "I'll see you tomorrow," Harry assured as Miranda nodded, hugging him before walking away with Gonzalo. Harry stood in a daze for a moment, not expecting the hug. Harry turned and walked back to the field as Ron approached him. "So, what did she say? Are we still going?" Ron said carefully. Harry smiled to see the change. As they walked to the castle and rounded a corner, they saw Professor Snape and Mr. Filch talking. They froze and moved out of sight, quietly straining to listen. "So, Severus, your little bargain with the Hogsmeade villagers isn't going well," Mr. Filch said, snickering. "What do you mean, Argus?" Snape queried suspiciously. "Funny how these attacks keep happening, eh Severus?" Filch continued, "What did you promise the Hogsmeade town counsel?" "My business with Hogsmeade is not your concern," Snape snarled. "Really? I wonder what Professor Dumbledore might think." Filch smiled. "Is that a threat Argus?" Snape raised an eyebrow. "I never thought you had the cunning." Harry and Ron gave each other a puzzled glance, Ron giving Harry a nudge. "Come on, let's go," Ron said, and Harry nodded and followed him. "Harry, I found out more," Hermione said upon finding Harry and Ron in the common room. Harry and Ron had finished practice and were deep in study. "I mistranslated my Latin in that book," Hermione said as she sat down. "It has to be the grandfather Harry," Hermione continued. "The signs are there, I didn't read it correctly at first. The Poltergeist will link with the next of kin." Harry and Ron looked at her with skeptical expressions on their faces. "Miranda's parents died because of that spirit, and then it went after the next wizard in line," Hermione said. "It's not Gonzalo or Miranda, but it clouds the judgement of the people closest to a linked wizard. Harry, you mentioned the grandfather having these fits, these turns?" "Yeah," Harry replied curiously. "The Poltergeist draws power from its victim, that's one of the signs, if a wizard is sick a lot of the time," Hermione explained. "So, she has no idea then," Harry replied thoughtfully. "I'll have to break it to her somehow." "Oh, that will be a pleasant conversation," Ron said. "'Excuse me, but your grandfather is possessed.'" During the banquet, Harry glanced around the dinner table to see if he saw any unfamiliar faces, yet saw nothing. He had to wonder who would be getting involved. It was only after Harry was finishing dessert that McGonagall approached him, gesturing for him to follow her. Harry followed McGonagall and walked into a small classroom that was rarely used, to find none other than Remus Lupin. "How are you, Harry?" Remus said with a warm smile. "Professor, I-I didn't expect it'd be you," Harry said disbelievingly. "Well, I will be leaving the both of you to chat," McGonagal said. "You're in good hands, Potter." Harry nodded as McGonagall left. Harry looked puzzled as he glanced at Remus. "I've been informed of the problem," Remus explained, sensing Harry's curiosity. "I've had quite a bit of experience with these subjects, Harry. After finishing at Hogwarts, I spent a number of years researching many subjects. You could say I had a lot of spare time due to my problem, and became quite informed on the workings of the Caliban Poltergeist." "Can we help them?" Harry asked. "Have you faced this Poltergeist before?" "Never directly," Remus said thoughtfully, "yet I saw it once, when I was a small boy." Harry was listening intently as Remus continued. "I'll never forget its eyes; it was off the coast of a moor on the Isle of Mann, at a great distance I might add. Even though I could not understand what it was at that age, I could sense it was powerful and ancient. My father told me the story, yet he never saw it, I think he had doubts it existed. To him, my sighting was the tale of an active imagination of a boy." "So it was a slave in life," Harry replied. "You have done some reading," Lupin said with a smile. "Yes, some believe the wizard, whom the slave called Master, was a Dark Wizard," Lupin continued, "Others don't agree. No one knows, so therefore, because ignorance gives this Poltergeist an advantage, it is seen as nothing more than a legend." "So…" Harry said carefully. "Is the Poltergeist evil? "Harry," Remus replied, "it is neither good nor evil, it simply exists. It has no will of its own, only that which others give it." "So if it linked with someone like Voldemort?" Harry suggested. "Disastrous indeed," Remus acknowledged, "yet it's highly unlikely; this is an unpredictable spirit, there's no rhyme or reason to why it links with certain wizards." Harry told Remus everything he knew about the Morbino family. "Yes, Hermione told me about the death of the girl's parents," Lupin replied. "She was the first one I spoke with when I arrived." "She spoke with you first?" Harry asked, remembering that Hermione arrived at the banquet late. "Yes, well…" Remus said cautiously, "I checked with the Italian Ministry, they did indeed have records of Antonio Morbino, his background, and the fact that he began to investigate the Caliban Poltergeist's origin." "I reckon you could say he found it," Harry replied. "Sirius tells me you are fond of this girl?" Lupin said. "Well, I guess you could say that," Harry agreed. "That might be quite valuable. If she is as close to her grandfather as you say, she might be the only one who can convince him," Lupin said looking intently at Harry. "Harry, my guess is that Prospo Morbino won't believe or accept the idea of this Poltergeist's control," Lupin continued. "Unless the victim accepts the truth, faces the demons that drive it, no expulsion spell will have any effect. So we must approach this delicately." Harry nodded. "Do you think she'll accept another visitor for dinner?" Lupin said. Harry nodded once more. "I'll send her a message tonight, won't make it seem like a big deal." "Good lad, they mustn't suspect anything until we are ready," Lupin said. "Why weren't you at the banquet?" asked Harry. "I'm officially not supposed to be here," Lupin said with a smile. "I think its best that you mention to no one I'm here; Hermione and Ron are the only ones to know." Soon Harry left and went up to the owlery, writing a quick note that he gave to Hedwig. His mind drifted as he watched her fly away. Saturday morning came uneventfully. When no one was in the common room, Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat and spoke beside the fire. "So, you think Moony will be ready?" Ron said, and Harry and Hermione gave a quiet nod. "Hope this works; don't know what Mum will do if I get possessed," Ron continued. Hermione gave a sigh and considered correcting Ron, yet decided not to start an argument. They didn't speak any more on the matter until that evening, when Hermione found Harry and Ron in a study hall. "Professor McGonagall made up an excuse for the rest of the staff as to why we won't be at the banquet," Hermione said helpfully. "She'll take us out to the gate grounds in an hour. We're to meet with Professor Lupin, and walk to the village." Soon the three of them were walking with Remus in the twilight, with a mild breeze that left no comfort. "I hope they don't serve anything too rich tonight," Ron said as he walked with Harry. "Ron," Harry replied, "coming from you, I'd say 'that's rich.'" "What?" Ron replied incredulously, "I can't help it, I still feel delicate." Hermione laughed. "Ron, 'delicate' and 'Weasley' do not fit in the same sentence." Ron had opened his mouth to protest when Lupin gave them a discouraging glance. All three decided to remain quiet as they continued the walk. "Harry will have a tough go of this," Lupin said quietly. "We must be exact. If anything goes wrong, this Poltergeist could link with any of us. I know the expulsion spell to use. Are you all prepared?" Each gave a quiet grunt as they continued, walking through the village and on towards the shore of the Lake. Gonzalo quietly stood by the boat as they walked towards him. "I don't care if he's not possessed; he still gives me the creeps," Hermione said under her breath as they moved closer. Harry introduced Lupin to Gonzalo as they boarded the boat. It was a little more cramped than it had been before. The mist on the water was a little thicker than it had been before too, Harry now understood all too well what it probably meant, yet Lupin seemed non-flustered by the surroundings. They arrived at the shore, and in no time were greeted by a smiling Prospo and Miranda. "Ciao, benvenuto!" Prospo said warmly. Miranda smiled, looking very different in an evening gown. Prospo shook Remus's hand, then Ron's and Hermione's. "This is Ron Weasley and this is Hermione Granger," Harry said, almost absentmindedly while staring at Miranda. "Really nice place you have here," Ron said, looking around. "It's a pleasure Mr. Morbino," said Hermione graciously. Prospo smiled as he glanced at her. "I understand you are quite a student," Prospo replied to Hermione. "From what Harry has said, I have quite a large library that might interest you." "Well…Yes," Hermione said, shooting Harry a look. "Harry did mention it." "Well, Hermione, I'm sure you'd want to spend a week in there," Ron said, sensing a trace of tension. Hermione simply shot Ron a look. "Oh, Mr. Morbino, this is one of my teachers, Professor Lupin," Harry said. "What do you teach?" Prospo said kindly. Harry, Ron, and Hermione gave each other an awkward look as they glanced at Lupin. "Oh," Harry said quickly, "he's our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Remus gave him an approving nod. "Indeed, the mysteries such a class must hold," Prospo said as he smiled at Miranda. Remus raised an eyebrow. "Quite." "Well, it must be a better class than where I go," Miranda put in, trying to break the silence. "They only teach us from textbooks, no practical lessons," Miranda continued with a disappointed tone. "Well, shall we?" Prospo said with an extended hand. Soon they were seated around the main dining room, with Harry sitting near Miranda, with Ron and Hermione sitting across. Remus sat at one end of the table while Prospo sat at the main chair. They were first served an appetizer of soup. During the meal at one point, Prospo seemed to weaken. "Are you well?" Remus asked in concern. "Oh, it's nothing," Prospo replied. "I understand that you haven't been well," Remus said with a fixed stare at Prospo. "Well, that's an odd observation for a guest to make," Prospo replied. "Indeed," Remus replied carefully. "Harry mentioned your granddaughter was quite concerned about your well being." "I see," Prospo said looking at Miranda as she blushed. "Well, she's a dear girl. My angel. Yes, I haven't been well for a time; it is always at its worst over the summer. You wouldn't understand." "Indeed," Remus replied once more. "I quite understand about having an affliction, more than you realize." Prospo nodded and his expression turned to disgust. "The doctor's are such fools, they never have an answer," Prospo said darkly. "Especially the Mediwizards?" Remus said. "Yes," Prospo snarled with a trace of unexpected anger. He glanced at Miranda and softened. "Enough of my woes, tell us about yourself," Prospo said. They continued to chat about trivial subjects over the main course. Ron didn't seem to have much of an appetite as he seemed guarded, darting his head at every sound. Hermione seemed to have a little more composure, yet she didn't look comfortable either. At one point there was a gust of wind and then a distant, muffled scream. To Harry, it sounded like Ariel, and he became certain of it when he saw Miranda. She seemed to jump out of her skin for an instant, looking ready to run out of the room, yet she held back. "Did you hear that?" Ron said nervously. "Oh, it was nothing my boy," Prospo replied distractedly, "just the wind." "Yes, grandfather," Miranda replied dully, "just the wind." "Oh well, that's lovely," Ron whispered to Hermione. "'Just the wind', please." Hermione kicked Ron in the knee under the table, for which he gave her a puzzled glance and mouthed, 'What?' Remus seemed to try to bring up leading questions during the meal. At least to Harry it felt like he was. Harry didn't know what to do, so he continued to put off having a private chat with Miranda, during dessert he kept telling himself, during dessert. Soon, they had a delicious natural berry tart with a small Italian cappuccino. "Miranda," Harry said quietly, "can I talk with you in private?" Miranda nodded as they stood up from the table, excusing themselves. Harry followed her to the library. "Your teacher is quite interesting," Miranda said as they entered the library. "Thanks," Harry said awkwardly. "Miranda, you know I really like you. Do you remember what I said the other day?" "About if I trust you?" Miranda said curiously. Harry was taken aback that she hit on that point. "Well, yes," Harry replied. "Remember me asking about your parents? So, er, your Grandfather never told you where they drowned?" Miranda shook her head no, confused. "You see, I don't know how to say this…" Harry said looking at the floor. "Harry, what is it?" Miranda said confused. "Miranda, your parents died on this Lake," Harry simply stated. "But, I don't understand what you mean. Why would Grandfather never tell me?" Harry knew if he didn't continue, he'd never be able to. "Listen," Harry said, "you wondered why people avoid you, why your grandfather is always getting sick part of the year. I reckon part of you knows what it is, but you can't admit it. Your dad, er, he discovered something that he couldn't put right, that's why your parents died." "Harry, my father was a good man!" Miranda replied defensively. At that point the torches began to flicker, the room started to become colder, and the air suddenly felt stagnate. Harry looked around. "Listen, we don't have much time," Harry said, alarmed. "I need you to listen. It's about your grandfather, about those attacks at my school, have you heard about the Caliban Poltergeist?" "That's just a legend, isn't it?" Miranda was again defensive. "What about my grandfather, he's a sweet man. I don't like this; I think you and your friends should go." "No, Miranda," Harry stated. "It's real, you saw it; I think you already know what it is, and it's got a hold of your grandfather, we have a way to stop it, but you have to tell your Grandfather the truth. IT WILL HURT YOU LIKE IT DID YOUR FATHER." Miranda looked stunned, it looked as though part of her was accepting this, yet she still looked doubtful. "But grandfather would never hurt me," Miranda replied. "Now please leave." "Your grandfather doesn't know," Harry said. "He must love you very much, I reckon. It acts on his feelings, the ghost must be his eyes, whenever he or it thinks your being hurt, it attacks, but he has no idea what it does, what it's doing to him." Miranda started to tear up and then ran out of the room. Suddenly, the torches went out. There was a sudden loud humming that made the floor vibrate, a bright blue light could be seen from the dining room. Harry ran after her and went into the dining room to see the Poltergeist illuminating the entire room. Prospo was pressed against a corner of the wall in confused horror, Remus was standing across the room near Hermione, and Ron was dangerously close to the Poltergeist. Miranda stood near the doorway visibly shaken, as Harry edged passed her. The ghost made a threatening move towards Harry. Almost as though Harry had no control of his legs, he started to walk towards the ghost. Harry fought with every step. "Harry, don't! What are you doing?" Ron shouted. Suddenly the Poltergeist moved upon Ron and lifted him in the air, tossing him upside down. In an instant, it was upon Harry, lifting him to his side. The Poltergeist began to bellow. "Listen to me, Prospo," Remus said with resolve. "Part of that Poltergeist is you, your son found it, or it found him. By the time Antonio discovered what happened, he tried to purge it. It has to have happened on this lake, he told his wife and they tried to use an expulsion spell, yet it went terribly wrong. When they died, it went to you. The attacks at the school, all of the strange things that happen. The fear people must have when they pass you, your family name." "It can't be," said Prospo. "Such, such nonsense, I would never hurt anybody. I couldn't, it couldn't be." The glow of the Poltergeist seemed to be brighter as it was now holding both Harry and Ron upright. The boys struggled in the air, while they were being handled like a couple of rag dolls. "Prospo," Remus said, "not consciously, yet it acts upon your unconscious desires. You've always known what it is, at least deep in your dreams. Our primitive instincts are never far behind, that's why we have codes of ethics, laws, religion. Even with the loving grandfather that could never harm anyone, there is the savage primitive half that jealously guards your granddaughter. You will give that Poltergeist all the power it needs to protect your world." "NO, NO!" Prospo said, "I won't listen to this!" "Prospo," Remus continued, "I understand all too well about having an affliction. I've suffered with it all my life, to have something that can only be controlled, never cured. Yet you have something that you can be free of." The Poltergeist began to squeeze Harry and Ron. "Oh, I'm going to be sick!" Ron shouted before his expression changed to alarm. It appeared as though the ghost was choking both Harry and Ron. It was at that moment that Miranda understood everything. Tears running down her face. Hermione gave a dry sob. "No, Grandfather, it's true!" Miranda said as she walked towards Prospo. "It's you, you who control it, you must listen to them and believe, fight it, reject it, PLEASE!" "Caro diletto?" Prospo said weakly to Miranda. Remus gave him a searching nod. As Prospo glanced back at the ghost, then to Remus, then to Miranda and Hermione in confusion, the Poltergeist holding the boys, turned and gave a threatening bellow to Prospo. "No, Io liberare voi, io tilascio andare. No, I release you, I give you up!" Prospo said. "So you believe; you accept the truth?" Remus said intently, and Prospo nodded. The Poltergeist seemed to loosen its hold on Harry and Ron. "Then, with your wand, repeat with me, ingenium spiritus liberatioonis corpusorisanulus!" Remus said. Both Remus and Prospo drew their wands at the ghost. "INGENIUM SPIRITUS LIBERATIOONIS CORPUSORISANULUS," they both shouted as the tip of their wands glowed white-hot. Each time they repeated the spell, the Poltergeist seemed to grow fainter. It let out a thunderous bellow, then, it was gone. Harry and Ron fell on their sides to the floor, as all the torchlights flickered back to life throughout the house; there was nothing but silence. "Harry! Ron!" Hermione exclaimed as she ran up to them. Miranda ran to her grandfather who was still on the floor, too weak to stand. She fell and hugged him, crying. Harry checked to see if everyone was okay as he stood. "Remind me to throw up when we get back," Ron said weakly to Harry. All four of them stood and watched Prospo and Miranda embrace. "Let's let them be for awhile," Remus said to the three of them. Early the next morning, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Remus said their farewells. "Thank you, Mr. Morbino," Remus said as he shook Prospo's hand. "I'll ship your son's diary back to you as soon as our Ministry has a chance to study it, for record keeping." "Thank you for everything, my young man," Prospo replied. Prospo walked over to Harry and kneeled beside him. "Harry, my boy, you are always welcome in our home." There wasn't anything Harry could bring himself to say anything, there wasn't anything to say, he simply nodded. "Ron and Hermione, thank you," said Prospo, facing them. Miranda smiled. Gonzalo stood quietly. Miranda walked over to Harry and took his hand, which caught him off guard; she leaned over and kissed him on each cheek. "This is for your Mother," Miranda said, kissing a cheek, "this is for your Father, and this is for you," she said before briefly kissing him on the lips. Harry was painfully aware that everyone was looking at him and he blushed. Just then, Ariel flew outside the house and smiled at Harry. Within an hour they were back at Hogwarts, none of the students seemed any the wiser about their absence the previous night. At noon Harry went to Remus's guestroom, he was nearly packed. "I was able to look through Antonio Morbino's diary," Remus said, checking his bag, "My instinct was nearly correct, he did find the Poltergeist in an abandoned courtyard near Spain, and he just simply never made the connection until the end." "I'm sorry, Mr. Lupin," Harry said with a dour tone. "It was all my fault this happened, the school attacks, everything; I wouldn't listen. I wasn't strong enough." "Really, Harry?" Remus said with a raised brow. "Because of your concern for Miranda, they were freed from something terrible, you only helped to bring about what needed to happen. You showed true nobility in your defense of her, Harry. If there's one thing I know, Miranda will never forget what have given her… a second chance." Harry pondered this for a moment as Remus continued. "This reminds me, the Hogsmeade villagers were quite relieved to hear of this, the lake already has a very different climate. I expect I'll be seeing you over the Christmas Holiday, under certain circumstances," Remus concluded with a smile. With that, Remus was quietly taken to a carriage, while few students noticed who was departing. For days, rumors spread about why the ghost attacks stopped and an interesting rumor spread about Snape's involvement. By Tuesday, Neville was still feeling a little sore in his back and lay on his bed as much as possible between classes. Harry, out of guilt, spent as much time with Neville as possible. One evening during that week, while Harry sat near Neville's bed studying, Ron, Fred and George came bounding into the room. "We know what was up with Snape," Fred said beaming. "He made a little arrangement with the Hogsmeade Villagers to solve a local pest problem. They even paid the bugger. When these ghost attacks happened, he thought that it was him that had brought something on, thought he had bungled it. Even the Hogsmeade villagers first suspected he bungled, until later." "You see, Harry," Ron said smiling, "THAT's why Snape was being so nice." "Do we know what the pest problem was?" Harry asked. "Not yet," George replied with a smirk, "but we'll find out." Hermione entered the dorm, as they were laughing. "Well, that's bold, Hermione, for a Prefect to come up here like this," Fred replied, teasing her. She ignored him. "I just came from Madam Pince, the Morbino's donated some very rare books to the Library, just shipped them. They sound so interesting." "Well, we know where she'll be for a week," Ron joked. "Or a month," Fred added as they all started to laugh. Hermione remained dignified, ignoring them. "Well, I'm sorry, everyone," Harry said. "Neville, Fred, George, Ron, Hermione, that I got you involved." "Are you mad, Harry?" George replied amazed. "I have a story to tell my grandkids, my bashup with the great Caliban Poltergeist." "Of course, he'll spice it up no doubt," Fred added with a laugh. The looks of forgiveness Harry saw in everyone's faces were appreciated. "For a pretty bird like her, we'd have done the same," Fred said. Later that day, Harry took his Firebolt and went to the Lake beside Hogwarts; he watched the giant squid playfully splash his tentacle on the water, before pulling out the postcard that Miranda had sent a day before. It showed her and her grandfather standing near the Forum in Rome, waving and smiling. He turned it over. Dear Harry, The weather is lovely here; I hope you can visit here someday. You will always be in my heart; perhaps we can meet at Hogsmeade next summer. Love, Miranda Harry understood that they would probably never meet again; he stared at the water when a cold breeze hit him. He had a shiver down his spine as he wondered about the Poltergeist, he wondered if he'd ever face it again in his lifetime. Where the Poltergeist was roaming right now on the earth. If it was searching for another Wizard, or whether it would wait for another fifty years. It was a feeling that would stay with Harry for a very long time as he grew older. FINE
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