The Lighting Key

By: Patrick J. Pantusco

     An original new novella developed in a Rutgers University/NJ-STEP writing workshop by Patrick J. Pantusco and set within the Wizarding World created by J.K. Rowling.

All quoted material is cited in the bibliography.

By, Patrick J. Pantusco RUID# 165005478

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF:

CAROL A. PANTUSCO 12/25/1948 – 3/21/2017

 I LOVE YOU MOMMY!

Light·ning 1 : the flashing of light produced by a discharge of atmospheric electricity; also: the discharge itself 2 lightning adj (1576) : having or moving with or as if with the speed and suddenness of lightning <a - assault>

Key 1 a : a usu. metal instrument by which the bolt of a lock is turned a : b: any of various devices having the form or function of such a key. 2 something that gives an explanation or identification or provides a solution <the - to a riddle> b: a list of words or phrases giving an explanation of symbols or abbreviations c : an aid to interpretation or identification clue d : an arrangement of the salient characters of a group of plants or animals or of taxa designed to facilitate identification e: a map legend.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Prologue

Chapter 1: The Boy With No Family

 Chapter 2: The Secret

Chapter 3: The Man in the Green Hat

Chapter 4: Destiny

Chapter 5: The Niffler’s Gift

 Chapter 6: The Lighting Key

Chapter 7: The Prophecy

Epilogue

 Bibliography

PROLOGUE

      It's 9:59 in the evening, and Elizabeth watched as a brilliantly, beautiful, multicolored star-burst exploded outside the third floor window she was standing beside. "They must be getting ready for tomorrow night," she said to Elaine, the woman who works the graveyard shift. "Yea, they don't want to have any mishaps during the big show," Elaine agreed. “Is the little one still up?“ she asked; pretty sure that she already knew the answer. "Yup,” acknowledged Elizabeth, "his nose in the books as usual; you know, I've never seen a child so enamored with reading.“ "Well, can you blame him?" Elaine asked, "look around, this place is all he's ever known.” After a short pause she continued, “for the life of me, I can't understand why his DYFS worker can't find that sweet kid a home. It's a crime.” “It is," agreed Elizabeth, "it really is .... Well, I better get going, nothing new to report. Goodnight Mrs. Papa.”

   "Goodnight Lizzy." Mrs. Papa walked down the corridor, when she got to the room at the far end she knocked on the door. Three of the four young boys in the room were asleep. One boy was sitting up on his bed reading by the light of a book lamp; eleven books opened to various pages were strewn about. "At it again, huh?" she asked.

"Hi Mrs. Papa," the boy answered, "I know that there's something here, I just know it, but I can't quite figure it out.” "Well, it’s time for bed," she said in a firm, but kind tone, “you'll unlock the secret tomorrow, okay?" "Okay Mrs. Papa, but can I have just a few more minutes... PLEASE???" he begged. "You have five minutes young man .... "

CHAPTER ONE:

THE BOY WITH NO FAMILY

      It was a mild 4th of July weekend in Hackensack, New Jersey. In the center of that small city, tucked away on a side-street was the county youth house. Conklin, as it is called, is a three story brick building capable of housing up to thirty children. On the ground level, just inside the main doorway at the center of the building is a reception desk which is staffed twenty-four hours per day, and a corridor of social worker and case worker offices extends down the length of the building to either side. The second floor is reserved for female residents, and the third, for males. Conklin is, for the most part, a temporary housing solution for children who, for whatever reason, are placed into the custody of the State. However, there are rare instances when a child remains at Conklin for an extended period of time; occasionally children remain at Conklin indefinitely. There happens to be a boy who has lived at Conklin for as long as he can remember. When he was an infant, his parents left him at a fire house, wrapped in a blue blanket with a single one-hundred dollar bill tucked inside of it. The fire Chief called him Benjamin Blue in an attempt to be ironical; referring to the only two items he had. Ben, as he prefers to be called, is a shy, some may say introverted ten-year old who is small for his age. He has pale skin, straight brown hair, and hazel eyes which are always hidden behind the slightly tinted lenses of cheap plastic glasses. Ben's clothing is of a second-hand nature, most of which he receives from the Salvation Army at Christmas and on his birthday. In fact, Ben is expecting a volunteer or his social worker to bring him some new-used clothes any day; he is going to turn eleven on July 13. Since so many people (children and staff) pop into his life then leave just as suddenly, Ben has tried to keep himself from becoming close to anyone. He instead focuses on the characters that are always present in the fairy-tale books he loves to read over and over again. Ben has such a vivid imagination that he seems to be able to have actual interactions with those characters and he thinks of them as friends. On occasion, the text actually seems to reflect the colloquial exchanges he shares with characters here and there. As a result, the stories in his books were almost never the same the next time he reads them, which is why he rereads them so often. At a little after one o'clock in the afternoon, Laura, the grad-school intern who was working at the reception desk called up to the third floor. She asked Ben to come downstairs because she had a letter which was addressed to him. Ben, who never received mail, thought it might be an early birthday card from Carol Carberry, his DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services) social worker and the only constant presence in Ben’s life. He didn't realize that since it was the 4th of July, there should not have been any mail delivery. When Ben arrived at the reception desk he met up with Laura; she is a short, but pretty, twenty-eight year old, with long brown hair, and piercing blue eyes. "Good afternoon Miss Laura," He politely stated, •happy 4th of July." Barely able to contain her excitement, Laura handed him his letter with a smile; she knelt down and whispered: "My little brother, Houdini," her fingers forming air quotes, “got his letter thirteen years ago, congratulations Ben." The envelope was made out of a thick parchment paper, and was addressed to: Benjamin (Ben) Blue, 3rd floor, bed 8, Conklin youth house, Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601. USA. The USA is what caught Ben's attention, he turned the envelope over and the return address was: Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Hogs Mead, England. Ben pulled open the wax seal and pulled out the letter. It read:

     “Dear Mr. Benjamin “Ben” Blue, It is my profound pleasure to inform you that you are hereby accepted into the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Your social worker, :Ms. Carberry has already been informed, and is preparing your travel itinerary. You are expected to arrive at King’s Cross train station located in London, England, on September 5th. Report to platform 9 ¾ by 3:00 pm. All students are required to bring the items on the enclosed list. Sincerely, Professor Minerva McGonagall, Head Mistress.

     Confused, Ben looked up at Laura who was still looking down on him, smiling ear to ear. “You're a wizard Ben, just like my brother.” She said excitedly, “he said that Hogwarts is like a home, and the members of your house will be like a new family. I am so happy for you.” Ben could sense Laura's excitement for him, but he was having trouble understanding the reality of what was happening. It was difficult to wrap his head around the notion that he was a "wizard." He did however, like the idea of traveling to the country where most of his favorite fairy tales are set; it would be like he was literally traveling into the stories he loved. He read and reread his acceptance letter a hundred times before he went to bed that night. He fell asleep with a smile on his lips for the first time in his life.

CHAPTER 2

THE SECRET

     Chirp ... Chirp ... SCREECH!! "What the ... " Ben awoke, finding himself in mid-pushup, his eyes wide with startle. Outside of the window, at the head of his bed, there stood an enormous, jet black, barn owl. It must have stood eighteen inches tall and was as round as a football. The owl just stood on the concrete windowsill, its eyes wide, looking straight into Ben's; its body motionless, except for its head which appeared to make a 360° turn as it made a quick survey of the street below, then returned its gaze to Ben. Blinking in disbelief, Ben sat back on his knees and wiped the gook out of his eyes; the owl was still there. It took a moment, but Ben noticed that the owl was standing on a small envelope that had his name written on it. Slowly, Ben walked on his knees to the head of his bed and cautiously turned the latch on the window. As he opened the window inward, the owl hopped onto Ben's bed clutching the envelope in its talon. The owl lifted its leg, and held out the envelope. As it let out a: "chirp .. tttt .. chirp; it dropped it in front of Ben. Ben quickly picked up the envelope which was not sealed, and pulled out a small card which read: “This owl’s name is Ebony. My brother gave her to me so that we could write and keep in touch while he was away at school; now I’m giving her to you so that you can write to me, and keep me updated on how things are going at school. Happy Birthday Ben!” Ben got dressed as fast as he could. He brushed his teeth and ran down to the reception desk. He ran up to Laura and gave her a big hug. "Thank you! Thank you for the owl, I never," Ben began before correcting himself, "no one has ever given me such a wonderful present. Thank you." Smiling down upon him Laura accepted his gratitude, "it is my absolute pleasure Ben. Just promise me that you will write to me every week and tell me how you are doing.” Holding back tears of gratitude, and giving Laura another huge hug, Ben whispered: "I promise."

     The two spent the entire morning together, just as they had for the past nine days; since Ben received his acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Ben intently listened as Laura recounted some stories of Hogwarts that she had heard from her brother. Ben was mesmerized; the stories were just like the fairy tales that he loved to read. Hours had passed in what seemed like minutes as they waited for Ms. Carberry to arrive. She always came to visit Ben on his birthday, on holidays, and even for no reason at all. Ben loved spending time with Ms. Carberry because she was always nice to him, and she really was the closest thing to family he ever knew. Until now, she was the only person that Ben ever allowed himself to care about. On his birthdays, Ms. Carberry always took Ben to Chuck-E-Cheese for pizza, and to play video games. There's a big mouse that dances around, Chucky, and a band of his animal friends play music on a stage. On your birthday, they give you a pouch of free game tokens. It was always Ben’s and Ms. Carberry's special time together. But this year, Ben wanted to ask if Miss Laura could join them.

    At around two o'clock in the afternoon Ms. Carberry arrived, and with a huge smile, she enthusiastically yelled: "Happy Birthday Benjamin! Oh wow, you are growing up so fast. I have a special present for you this year; I'll give it to you when we get back.” "Thank you Ms. Carberry, but you don't have to give me anything. I can't thank you enough for everything that you do for me already." Ben smiled up at the woman with permed blond hair that was peppered with streaks of gray running through it. "Ms. Carberry,” Ben continued, "would it be okay if Miss Laura came with us today?" Kneeling down to whisper in his ear, "Sweetie, we have a lot of things to talk about; private things." Ben laughed, "Oh, Miss Laura knows all about it Ms. Carberry.” He stated matter-of-factly, "she's the one who gave me my letter. And guess what? Her brother Houdini went to Hogwarts.” With a raised eyebrow and her lips curling into a smile, Ms. Carberry looked at Laura and asked rhetorically, "Miss Laura gave you your letter huh?" Laura blushed. "Well,- Ms. Carberry said reassuringly, "I guess it will be okay if she joins us.” Excitedly Ben ran over to Laura and asked, "Miss Laura, can you come with us? PLEASE?" Laura nodded, and replied, "I just finished my shift," as she pointed to Elizabeth, the afternoon receptionist who had just walked through the door. "I wouldn't miss it for the world Ben; it would be my honor to join you and Ms. Carberry for your birthday dinner.”

     As the three of them ate dinner, Ms. Carberry told Ben about his upcoming trip to England. On August 31st , he would be flying out of Newark International Airport on an airplane called a redeye and arriving in London on the morning of September 1st. Once he landed in London, he would be met at the gate by Michael, a young man who was a former student at Hogwarts. "He will take you to get all of the necessary books and items that you need for school." Just then Ben realized, "Ms. Carberry, I already have an owl” Ben said enthusiastically, "her name is Ebony. Miss Laura gave her to me for my birthday.• Ms. Carberry smiled, "that was nice of Miss Laura. Did she give you anything else?” she asked with genuine curiosity. "No, but she has been telling me all about Hogwarts." He stated excitedly, as he recounted some of what he had learned. "It sounds like a lot of fun. There is a giant professor, a real giant like twelve feet tall, his name is Hagrid, and he teaches the students all about magical animals." Ben continued to explain with unbridled enthusiasm, "She also said that there is a game that all the kids play, it's like a cross between basketball, dodge ball, and soccer, but played flying up in the air on broomsticks. It sounds really exciting! Oh," he said a bit hesitantly, his voice dropping to a whisper, "and she told me not to be scared of the ghosts that wonder around the school, that they're usually friendly; all except for one named Peeves who plays tricks on people." Ben stuck out his chest, "don't worry Ms. Carberry, I'm not scared of ghosts." He wondered if he convinced her, he was trying to convince himself as well.

      Ms. Carberry listened intently as Ben rattled off all that he had learned over the past week talking with Laura. The fervor in his voice made her well up inside. For as long as she could remember, there had always been a deep sadness about him. She was happy that it seemed to be dissipating. "I think it's wonderful that Miss Laura has been preparing you for school." Ms. Carberry finally said, "She seems like a wonderful friend." "She is, Ms. Carberry, she really is.” Ben assured her, "She has been the nicest person who has ever worked at Conklin. I am going to miss her so much when I go away to school.” A twinge of sadness entered Ben's eyes, "But we're gonna write letters to each other every week. That's what Ebony is for; she's like a magical mailman.” After a short pause he asked, "Can I write to you too Ms. Carberry?" With a laugh she replied, "you better, young man. I want you to tell me everything; okay?" "I will Ms. Carberry, I promise," Ben said with a nervous laugh, "I'll write every week."

     When the three returned to Conklin, Elizabeth was waiting for them outside. She explained, "the rest of the boys and girls are waiting for you inside Ben, you better hurry." Before Ben left, Ms. Carberry pulled out a little leather wallet from her purse and handed it to Ben. "Here is your plane ticket Ben; it's my gift to you. I hope that you don't mind, but it's a first-class ticket." She continued with a smile, "I figure you deserve to start your new life with some style." Ben didn't know what to say. He wrapped his arms around Ms. Carberry and squeezed as tightly as he could and whispered, “THANK YOU!" Feeling himself about to tear up, Ben ran inside. To his amazement, he found the three other boys and four girls who were temporary residents of Conklin waiting for him. They were all gathered around a big cake with twelve candles on it, one for each year that he was old, and one more for good luck. They all began to sing Happy Birthday to him. He looked around at all of their faces, faces of kids he didn't really know. Ben politely smiled with gratitude that they were all being so nice to him for once. When he finally blew out the candles, he didn't bother to make a wish. The only wish that he had wished every year had already come true; he was leaving Conklin. They all indulged in the best tasting cake Ben had ever had.

       For the next six weeks Ben spent every day with Laura and or Ms. Carberry getting ready for his move to England. Ms. Carberry even bought Ben new clothes for his first year at school. He felt just like every other boy shopping with their Mom for school clothes and supplies. It was nice. On August 31st, at ten o'clock in the evening, Ben, Ms. Carberry, and Laura were all at Newark Airport waiting for Ben's flight to board. Ms. Carberry was talking to one of the flight attendants when Laura bent down and handed Ben the picture that he, Ms. Carberry and Laura had taken at Chuck-E-Cheese on his birthday. She kissed him on the cheek and gave him a hug. "Don't forget to write sweetie.” "I won't, I'll write to you tomorrow night.” He said with a big smile. Holding back tears he continued, "Miss Laura, you are my best friend, and I'm gonna miss you.” "Oh,” Laura replied with a comforting smile, "I'm going to miss you too sweetie.” Just then, Ms. Carberry walked over with the flight attendant and said, "Ben, this is Danielle, she will bring you to your seat. If you need anything just ask her. When you get to London, she'll introduce you to Michael, okay?" "Okay Ms. Carberry.” He gave her a big hug and whispered into her ear, "I'm gonna miss you most of all, I love you." "I love you too sweetie. Be good for me. Now get going before I cry." Danielle took Ben by the hand and walked him down the gate toward the airplane. Just before he boarded, he turned around and waved at the two women; Laura blew him a kiss. Laura and Ms. Carberry stood at a gigantic window, staring at the plane as it departed; waving at no one in particular, just at the plane. Ms. Carberry spoke first, "How are you doing sweetie? Are you okay?” As tears ran down her face, Laura muttered, "It hurts, it hurts worse than before, letting him go again. But at least he's going to be safe now." "I know. It's a mother's pain. I felt the same way the first time your brother left for school. Which reminds me, call Michael and tell him Benjamin is on his way.”

CHAPTER 3

THE MAN IN THE GREEN HAT

     It was twilight, and all was calm in a small, one-bed room atop a small tavern-inn located in the center of London, "The Leaky Cauldron." Sound asleep in the bed; face down in his pillow, was a man with straight brown hair, and a medium build. A cellular ringtone shatters the silence; it's the guitar intro to Black Sabbath's Iron Man. The man, who appears to be in his early twenties, reaches for the phone without opening his eyes. "Yea? Hello?" He manages through a dry throat. "Hey, I wanted to let you know that Ben is on his way, his flight just departed;" said the voice on the phone. "LAURA? What time is it?" the man asked grumpily. "It's about ten-thirty, why?” Laura responded. "Ten-thirty? That means. -ohhhh; it's three-thirty in the morning. He won't be here for another five hours.” The man whined into the phone. "MICHAEL, your eleven year-old nephew is flying into London, and it's up to you to keep him safe. so GET UP!” Laura shouted through the phone so shrilly that she could have been mistaken for a harpy. Michael sprang up, eyes still closed, "Okay, I'm up, I'm up." "So, have you been able to find out anything new?" Laura asked impatiently. "Is the prophecy true? Is it about him? What did you find out?" "I found out a few things." Michael replied as he was still waking up. Finally opening his eyes, he picked up a notebook from the night stand and began rattling off information. "Stephen's great-great aunt was indeed Bathilda Bagshot; and yes, She was also related to Gellert Grindalwald. I was able to look through her old house in Godric's Hollow; she kept meticulous records. Gellert was one of Antioch Peverell's descendants, and Big Steve Ingham was the child that Gellert had with a muggle, Lisa Shannon, when he was traveling in America after being expelled from school." “He was heartbroken after his split with Dumbledore, and I guess decided to experiment.” Michael turned the page of his notebook as he continued, -After Gellert abandoned Lisa, she met and married Philip Ingham, a good man who adopted and raised Big Steve as his own." "Wow,” was all Laura could say. Michael went on, “working as an intern this past year for the Minister of Magic, I was able to find out more about the prophecy too. Under the direct orders from the Minister herself, it was kept hidden from everyone outside the archives department; even from Harry Potter himself. I was told by the records custodian chat the prophecy is exactly like Stephen had said."

    Michael took a drink of water from a glass that was on the table in the corner of his room before going on. "Stephen was Big Steve's great-grandson, and if he was the seventh generation of the Peverell’s as the evidence suggests, Ben would be the eighth. It is entirely possible that Ben is the descendent of Antioch that the prophecy refers to.• "What about the others?" Laura asked, with a hint of worry in her voice. "Were you able to find out anything else about the other two descendants?" "Well," Michael continued, "as you know, there are literally hundreds of books about Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. It seems, according to Rita Skeeter, the most reliable source, that Voldemort was in fact a descendent of Cadmus, and Potter of Ignotus.” Michael paused, at that moment it hit him, and he realized what effect the information that he was relaying must be having on his sister. Trying to put Laura at ease, "Don't worry. Ben is going to be at Hogwarts, it is the safest place in the world. The death-eaters will not be able to find him there. Besides, no one knows who he is, not even he does. He never took the Ingham or Shannon name; he does not even have our name. He will be fine.” Michael reassured his sister. Wide awake, and walking around the room Michael elaborated, "from what the auras tell me, after Stephen was killed by the death-eaters who were trying to trace Antioch's lineage, they lost the trail; it went colder than ice. He never told anyone about you or Ben. .. Laura, Stephen told me on more than one occasion that he loved you very much. He was sorry that the two of you had to deal with everything at such a young age. He knew that it would be too much for a seventeen year old muggle to cope with. He admitted, he panicked himself when you told him that you were pregnant. You should know, he gave his life to protect you and Ben.” "I know that he loved me,” Laura acknowledged, "but thank you for saying it anyway." "I'll pick Ben up at Heathrow in a few hours.” Michael assured his sister, "I'll take him to get his things, and I will get him to King's Cross station, so don't worry. Get some sleep; I'll call the house when he arrives. I love you." Sounding relieved, Laura replied: "Okay, I love you too Houdini, Stay safe.”

     It was a little after eight-thirty in the morning, London time, when Ben's flight landed. Michael was waiting for him at the gate. Danielle walked off of the plane holding Ben’s hand. She looked in Michael's direction and burst into laughter. She walked Ben over and said: "You must be Michael; Carol told me that you would be wearing a funny green hat.” Michael's eyes looked up at the brim of his modified baseball hat. It was green, and the cap was not round, but pointed like a Santa Clause hat, but without the ball on the end. "Michael Sciacca at your service,” he offered as he extended his hand and shook Danielle's. Looking down at Ben he continued, “and this strapping lad must be Ben, pleased to meet ya kiddo.” Ben reached out his hand and shook Michael's. "Michael, you don't have an accent? Aren't you English?” Ben asked. "Nah, I moved here a few years ago for school, and it just kinda felt like home." Michael, looking back to Danielle, "Thank you for your help getting him here. Is there any way that I can repay you?" Michael asked, with a sly grin. It was his attempt at being smooth. "It was no problem at all. Ben here was a first rate chap. In fact here is the number to my cellular, call me when it's time for him to go back to America." She said with a smile, as she handed Michael a small business card. "Goodbye Ben, have a wonderful time at your new school." Ben gave her a quick hug and replied, "I will. It was very nice to meet you. I can't wait to see you again. Goodbye." Michael and Ben began to walk toward the customs desk. Danielle turned and walked back to the airline gate. She greeted her coworkers with a smile and disappeared through a door which read: EMPLOYEES ONLY.

     As Michael took Ben back to his room at The Leaky Cauldron, he pointed out some famous landmarks: London Bridge, Parliament, and Big Ben. "Let's call Ms. Carberry," Michael suggested, "I think we should let her know that you arrived safe and sound.” He pulled out his cell phone and dialed. "Hello, Ms. Carberry, this is Michael Sciacca, I have someone here who wants to speak with you." He handed the phone to Ben. "Hi, Ms. Carberry, I made it to London," he said with excitement, "Yea, Michael is great. He's been pointing out landmarks all over the place. Did you know there's a big clock with my name?” he asked her. "Hey Ben," Michael interrupted, "tell Ms. Carberry that we need to get a move on if we're gonna get your things.” "Ms. Carberry, we are about to go pick up my school supplies. Okay, I'll write as soon as I can," he said reassuringly, "Yes, Ebony is okay, she is downstairs waiting for us. Bye Ms. Carberry.” Ben turned off the phone and handed it to Michael. Michael was gathering some things together; he picked up a satchel with some books in it, took one out and handed it to Ben. "I hear that you like to read about folklore. Well, this was my favorite when I first learned of this magical world. Consider it a welcome gift." Ben turned the book over and read the title aloud: "A History of Magic, By: Bathilda Bagshot,” he turned to Michael, "Thank you, but you don't need to give me anything.” "Ah, don't mention it; besides, you'll need it for your first year at Hogwarts." Michael looked at his watch, “we really do have to get a move on, we need to pick up a bunch of things you're gonna need for school. Ms. Carberry sent me a list." As the pair headed toward the door, Ben noticed an autographed picture hanging on the wall; it was of a man in a straitjacket. "Michael, who is that?" he asked. "Oh, he was a famous muggle magician from the 1920s.” Michael answered as he opened the door; "I was a big fan when I was a kid." Following Ben out of the room, Michael straightened the picture frame and said: “wish us luck Harry." The two descended the winding stairway, and exited the building into an alleyway behind The Leaky Cauldron. Michael took out what looked like the branch of a tree from his satchel, "this is my wand, you'll be getting your own soon enough,” he told Ben. He tapped the brick wall in several places. The wall folded away revealing a bustling street. A signpost read: DIAGON ALLEY.

CHAPTER 4

DESTINY

       "This is Diagon Alley Ben,” Michael told him, “everything a young wizard might need can be found right here. Come along, let's get your things.” After picking up a cauldron; some books; robes (dress, and winter); a pointed hat (black); some glass vials; a set of brass scales; a telescope; Dragon-hide gloves, and a few writing quills the pair headed to a shop in the middle of the street. "I've been saving the best for last Ben,• Michael announced enthusiastically, "this is Ollivander's Wand Shoppe. He sells the best wands anywhere ... He's a little peculiar though, so be forewarned." A bell sounded as Ben eagerly entered the shop. An old man poked his head out of the stacks of shelves. "Yes, I'll be with you in a moment” he said, "feel free to look around. " Ben looked up, Michael was nodding, "yup, that's him," Michael said with a smirk. The man approached the counter; he looked at Michael and without a second's pause: "Oak, 10” inches, Hippogriff feather at its core; rigid. Michael Sciacca, how are you young man?” Impressed, Michael answered, “very well, Mr. Ollivander, thank you for asking. How have you been?" "Good my boy. And who do we have here?” asked Ollivander as he peeked down over the counter at Ben. “Oh, hi. .. I'm, I mean, my name is Ben, Benjamin Blue,” Ben announced timidly, "and I need a wand for school. Michael told me that you have the best wands." "'Oh, I do, if I do say so myself. Well, let's see,” Ollivander said as he pulled out a tape measure and began measuring Ben from head to toe, and every which way in-between. "Try this one Mr. Blue,” instructed Mr. Ollivander as he pulled a wand off of a nearby shelf; handing it to Ben. "Nope, not that one,,, he exclaimed, immediately ripping it out of Ben's hand. "Hmmm, you are a difficult one," Ollivander said with a puzzled look on his face. "Maybe I have one in the back that will work.” He disappeared into the stacks. Ben looked at Michael, who just shrugged. Then Ben pointed at an intricately carved wand that was on a display shelf. "Ooh, that one is really cool. What do you think?” "I think that one is just for show Ben. It's been there since I bought my wand,” Michael explained. Ben walked over, and as he picked up the wand, Mr. Ollivander reappeared. "OH MY!" Ollivander let out with a startle.

     "What? What did I do?" the nervousness apparent in Ben's voice ... His and Ollivander's eyes locked. "The wand my dear boy," Ollivander began, his tone unmistakably serious, "chooses the wizard. It is curious that that wand chose you.” Ben just noticed that the wand was glowing in his hand; as his eyes widened he asked, “what's curious sir?” "The wand in your hand was bequeathed to me by none other than the wand-maker, Gregorovitch. It is exactly 13.7 inches long, was fashioned from an Elder tree, and its core consists of filings that are rumored to have come from the wand of destiny; it is unbending.” With restrained alarm he continued, "My boy, you are holding the wand that Gregorovitch spent his entire life crafting. Evidently, the wand that you think is, what was it you said, cool?, well, it chooses you as well.” Michael was looking back and forth between the wand and Ollivander in disbelief. Ollivander looked Ben up and down, "Mr. Blue, since that wand was a gift to me, please accept it as my gift to you ... Use it well.” Ben looked from the wand to Ollivander, "Thank you Mr. Ollivander, I will.”

       Michael was in shock; he could not believe what he had just heard. A wand which contains filings from the actual Elder wand just chose Ben. He was absolutely convinced that Ben was indeed a descendant of Antioch, the first owner of the Elder wand, and the person the prophesy spoke of. Michael hurriedly escorted Ben to King's Cross station. He trusted that Ben would be safest at Hogwarts.

CHAPTER 5

THE NIFFLER'S GIFT

     It was 2:45 in the afternoon, and Ben was standing on platform nine and three-quarters with Michael waiting to board the Hogwarts Express. Ben was trying to muster up the courage to board the train when a man with glasses bumped into him as he pushed passed. The man was escorting a boy a few years older than Ben; the two were arguing as they walked down the platform. "Ben, are you okay?" Michael asked, "are you having second thoughts?" "No, I'm okay." Ben stated, conjuring up courage in his voice, "I just want to remember this moment. I am about to enter an entirely new world.” Ben boarded the train, looked back at Michael, who was giving him a thumbs-up; took a deep breath, and walked down the length of the train in search of a seat. Before long, the train was on its way. When the train finally came to a stop, Ben heard a bellowing voice calling: "First years! Let me gee all of the first years up front!" Ben peeked out of the train door, and standing at the far end was an enormous man towering over everyone else on the platform. The man had a thick black beard and wild hair. Immediately Ben knew that that must be professor Hagrid, the giant Laura had told him about. Ben exited the train and walked to the front of the crowd. The man seemed to grow larger the closer Ben got to him When all of the first years finally made their way up to the front, professor Hagrid introduced himself: "Good evenin to ya’s all. My name is Professor Hagrid,” he announced with great pride. "N' I'll be techin’ ya’s all about the magical creatures you may see, and some that ya can't." He pointed toward a small fleet of wooden row boats waiting at the docks. "But first, we needs to get yous up to the school. So, if yous will all follow me, we can get started." They all took seats in the boats, four to a boat, except Professor Hagrid who had his own. The timy armada of boats began to steer themselves away from the dock. A thick mist rose off of the water revealing the most wondrous scene that Ben had ever beheld. The castle rose up to the sky, glistening in the moon and star light. Not even in his imagination could Ben assemble such a beautiful image.

      As they arrived at the base of the castle all of the students disembarked the boats. Slowly, the children followed Professor Hagrid up a winding staircase into the vestibule of the castle where they waited to enter the great hall. A tall man wearing long green dress robes approached the group and said: "Good evening children, you may call me Professor Longbottom. I'll be teaching you about Herbology.” He looked over the first years, recalling that sense of nervousness he himself felt so many years ago. "In a moment, you will follow me into the great hall where you will all be sorted into your houses. They are, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. While you are here, these houses will be like your family; your triumphs will earn your house points and your mischief will cost it points. Remember, you are never alone whilst here at Hogwarts." Professor Longbottom turned and led the children into the great hall.

     After a moment, Professor Longbotcom called out the first name: “Benjamin Blue.” Ben slowly walked up to the stool which was on the stage in front of a large table full of teachers. As he turned and sat he could feel the eyes of everyone upon him. Professor Longbottom placed an old hat on his head. Almost instantly Ben could hear a voice speaking in his ear. "OOoh, difficult, it's been a while since I had this much trouble deciding. You have talent, great talent. It's all here in your head. You have quite the imagination ... but where to put you? Your fear of attachment hinders you. I see that you want to prove yourself, but you want to do it alone. Better be SLYTHERIN!" Cheers erupted from the Slytherin table, and Ben smiled nervously. He walked over to the table and took a seat. Almost as fast as he was welcomed, it seemed that he was forgotten.

      After only about a week at the school, Ben was falling behind in almost all of his classes. It appeared to him, like he was the only first-year in Slytherin house to be struggling. He was also the only muggle-born wizard in Slytherin, which made him an outcast that no one wanted to study with. The only subject that Ben enjoys is Professor Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class. He likes Professor Hagrid; he seems to understand what it's like to be an outsider. One morning in late October, the class was learning about a cute little animal called a Hairy-snouted Niffler. Professor Hagrid, who was holding class at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, explained: "These little beasts' greatest pleasure is sniffing out shiny objects.” Ben was trying to hold the animal as it wiggled in his arms; the creature eventually escaped his grip and scurried off into the Forbidden Forest. Professor Hagrid laughed, and told Ben: "Don't ya think on it Ben, your furry little friend there, he'll return eventually. He might even bring ya a treasure.”. About ten minutes passed before the Hairy-Snouted Niffler reappeared. It was carrying a small shiny stone in its mouth that it excitedly presented to Ben. Ben picked it up and noticed a curious marking on the stone, one that he had seen somewhere before, but he could not remember where. He put the stone into his pocket.

     Later in the evening, Ben was sitting alone in the Slytherin common-room; it was a dark, dank room in what was essentially a dungeon. Ben was thinking about Conklin, about Ms. Carberry and Laura. He was tired of being at Hogwarts and he wanted to go home. Slowly the other members of Slytherin filed into the common-room. The others in his house were all sitting around the fireplace, ignoring Ben as usual as they began telling stories. Ben listened as the stories eventually made their way to the Slytherin Prophecy. Supposedly, the heir of Slytherin would one day return to Hogwarts and reclaim the school as his own. One of the older boys said: “the last person to claim that they were Salazar Slytherin’s heir was Lord Voldemort; but everyone knows that Scorpius Malfoy is Voldemort’s son." Most of the others gasped at hearing the name Voldemort, but Ben had only heard of him in passing. That name, and every subject surrounding it were considered taboo. Scorpius on the other hand, he had heard of. Scorpius Malfoy and Albus Potter were the two boys who leapt from the Hogwarts Express in September and have been missing ever since. It's all anyone talks about.

      Ben retired to his bed chamber. While he was getting ready for bed, Ben felt the small stone tucked away in the pocket of his school robes. As soon as he picked it out of his pocket, and saw the markings on the stone again he remembered where he had seen them before. A fellow student, one from Gryffindor house, Rose Granger-Weasley, had brought a book from home to show in her Magical Myths and Legends class. She had allowed Ben to read through it until she accused him of somehow changing some of the stories around. The markings were drawn on the pages of the book: The Tales of Beedle the Bard. He remembered seeing the mark by a story called: "The Three Brothers," but he didn't get a chance to read that one.

     While holding the stone, Ben's thoughts for some unexplainable reason returned to the stories that he had heard in the common room, back to Lord Voldemort. "The heir of Slytherin. .. ha," he soliloquized, “Heir, at least he knew who his ancestors were. I don't even know that." He did not know why, but that thought sent a shiver down Ben's back. Suddenly, Ben was not alone in the bed chamber. A tall figure cloaked in darkness and oddly translucent stood before him and spoke. "Who is it that has summoned me?" Ben was taken aback, but not really frightened. All throughout the castle there were ghosts and specters flying about. "Hello, my name is Ben," he answered. The figure responded, "Hello Ben, my name is Tom." The two began to talk, and Tom seemed really interested in Ben. He told Ben: "I too grew up in an orphanage, abandoned by a family that did not want me." Tom's voice was filling up with anger, "I learned that I did not need anyone!" Ben nodded in agreement. "The secret," Tom continued, “is to become the best; I can help you there if you like." "Yea, thank you," Ben answered. Tom made Ben feel understood, and for the first time, like he might just have a friend at Hogwarts. The only request that Tom made of Ben was that he keep their friendship a secret. Ben was uncomfortable keeping secrets from Ms. Carberry and Laura, but he reluctantly accepted Tom's terms.

     Ben and Tom spent a lot of time together, alone. No one could see Tom except for Ben, and that made Ben feel special. Tom was helping Ben in all of his classes, and it was not long before Ben was at the top of all of them; he even advanced to the second-year class of Defense Against the Dark Arts. When Ben would write to Laura, Ms. Carberry, and Michael, he would tell them how well he was doing. He never broke his promise to Tom, although he did tell them that he made a new friend. The longer that he was at school, the less concerned they all seemed to be about how he was adjusting. They wrote to him every week; asking him to fill them in on what he was learning. Ben never told them that his best friend was a ghost.

     The end of term O.W.L. (Ordinary Wizarding Level) examinations were fast approaching and soon, the school was going to host the biggest Quidditch grudge match of the year, and it was between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff houses. Some famous alumni of the school were expected to attend the match; supposedly they always returned for the big matchups. Over the course of the first term of the school year, Ben and Tom were inseparable. The pair often spent time down at the edge of the Forbidden Forest where Tom would teach Ben new spells. One spell that Ben really liked was a summoning spell, Accio Dementor. With this spell a huge black creature would appear. Tom had warned Ben about it before hand, so he knew not to panic. "As soon as it appears, point your wand at it and say Imperio, and it shall obey your every thought," Tom had instructed. Ben did just as Tom said, and he had his very own marionette that obeyed his every thought. On the day of the big Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, Ben was down by the edge of the Forbidden Forest playing with his Dementor-marionette. All of a sudden, as if from nowhere, a huge, bright, glowing stag knocked him down and chased his toy away. Ben looked in the direction of the cemetery, the direction the stag had come from, and a man was running toward him, screaming. The man was not familiar to Ben, so he wasn't a teacher. The man was waving his arms, and his wand like a maniac. When the man reached Ben, he pushed him to the side, into the bushes, and ran in the direction of the dementor.

      Tom told Ben: "Defend yourself, point your wand at him and say Petrificus Totalus!" Ben, remembering the spell from his Defense Against the Dark Arts class did as he was instructed, and cast the spell. The man immediately froze, and fell to the ground without a sound. The dementor returned and hovered over the man. As the dementor studied the man's face, its image was reflected in the man's eyeglasses. The dementor extended a skeletal hand which traced something on the man's forehead. Then, two distinct orbs of glowing light slowly emerged from the man's mouth. One of the orbs was a brilliant white, while the other was a dark, glowing, dreary color that resembled the sky at twilight. The dementor reached out and grasped the dark orb. Before it could grasp the white one, Ben heard someone shout: "Expecto Patronum!" and a small glowing fawn ran past Ben and chased the Dementor away. Ben turned around and he could see a boy through the shrubbery; his robes indicating that he was from Slytherin house. The boy was running directly toward him, yelling for his dad. Ben was frightened, and ran away. "DAD! Dad, are you okay?" The boy frantically called down to his unconscious father. After a moment, the man's eyes slowly opened.

     “Yea ... THE BOY is the boy okay?" the man lifted his head looking around. “what boy?” the man's son asked, “I didn't see any boy. I only saw a dementor hovering over you.” “No,” the man protested, “there was a boy standing right there," he insisted as he was pointing at the ground. A sparkle caught the man's attention. Something was glistening on the spot he was pointing at. As he picked up the shiny object he blinked in disbelief. “It can't be. It can't be." Fear was noticeably present in his voice, “I dropped this ... " his words drifting off with his thoughts. "What dad?" asked his son solicitously, "What is it?" Almost as if he hadn't heard the question the man replied, "nothing, let's go find your mum." The two headed off toward the castle.

THE OWLERY

    Ben was out of breath as he ran up the stairs to the owlery. He hurriedly began scribbling down a note onto a piece of parchment: DEAR MICHAEL, I THINK I MESSED UP, BAD, PLESE HELP! "Ebony,” Ben pleaded, "bring this to Michael as fast as you can.” He placed the note in Ebony's beak. Ebony flew out the window like a guided missile in search of Michael.

Chapter 6

THE LIGHTNING KEY

     "Calm down Mr. Potter," insisted Professor McGonagall from behind her desk, "I assure you that we'll get to the bottom of this." As Harry, was pacing back and forth, his mind reeling, he shouted: “you don't understand Professor,” the urgency in his voice unmistakable, "we're all in terrible danger!" Just then, Ron along with his wife, Hermione Granger-Weasley, the Minister of Magic, came running into the Headmistress’ office. "Ginny said that something was up," blurted Ron as he attempted to catch his breath, "and that we'd better get up here fast." "What is it Harry?" Hermione asked with deep concern. "Yea,” Ron continued, "what impossible event are we dealing with this time?" the sarcasm evident in his tone. "This!" Harry was holding out: the resurrection stone. Ron and Hermione gasped in unison.

     After taking a moment to compose herself, Hermione held her hands up in an attempt to signal Harry to calm down. She tried to sound reassuring, "I'm sure that there's a reasonable explanation," she began before being cut off by Harry. "And this?" still holding out the stone, "it just happened to be lying on the ground where I was just hexed by someone before being attacked by a dementor? Come on Hermione ...” After a brief pause, Harry proclaimed with staunch resolve, "it’s Voldemort, Voldemort is back. I know it:.." "NO! It's not possible. You destroyed him, we were there," Hermione protested halfheartedly, "could it be?'' "Wait, wait one second, we're getting ahead of ourselves here; we don't know anything for sure." Ron interjected, and then asking Harry, “didn't you tell us that even Dumbledore said Voldemort was destroyed?" Harry looked up at the portrait of Dumbledore hanging on the wall. He was expecting the former headmaster to impart some logical explanation; none was forthcoming. Harry yelled at the image of his old friend and mentor, “No one knew where this was," shaking the stone in his balled up fist:., "why does this keep happening?" he asked, only half expecting an answer. Without saying a word, the image of Dumbledore lifted its hand and pointed at the antique cabinet that housed the stone pensieve.

      "That's a great idea," Harry exclaimed as he moved across the room toward the cabinet. "Do you mind Professor?" Harry asked, "after the battle of Hogwarts I saved some memories ... just:. in case." The Headmistress looked worried, but instructed: "Do whatever it is you need to do Potter. I'll be outside checking on the students and securing the grounds." Professor McGonagall exited her office. "Hermione, Ron, I need you to see these memories with me; maybe you'll see something that I can't; so pay attention.” Harry poured vial after vial of liquid memories out into the pensieve and the three of them looked into the liquid. Holding hands, they fell into a whirlwind of Harry's memories.

     The room began to spin, the world was a blur, and when the spinning finally stopped Harry, Ron, and Hermione saw an eleven-year-old Harry sitting on a bed in the hospital wing of Hogwarts. He was speaking to Professor Dumbledore: "Yes, Sir. Well, Voldemort's going to try other ways of coming back, isn't he? I mean, he hasn't gone, has he?' Dumbledore answered, 'No, Harry, he has not. He is still out there somewhere, perhaps looking for another body to share ... not being truly alive, he cannot be killed” The floor disappeared from under their feet as the image shattered into a million pieces and then fell away. Another image zoomed into focus; it was a year later and they were standing in Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore was speaking to Harry once again: "You can speak parseltongue, Harry,' said Dumbledore calmly, 'because Lord Voldemort - who is the last remaining descendant of Salazar Slytherin - can speak parseltongue. Unless I'm much mistaken, he transferred some of his own powers to you the night he gave you that scar ... ' 'Voldemort put a bit of himself in me?' Harry said, thunderstruck. 'It certainly seems so.”

      The room became elongated and began to twist and turn, when it stopped, another memory came into focus. It was another year later, the dementors had Sirius surrounded, but they were more interested in Harry, almost as if he had something that they wanted. One dementor hovered above Sirius: "But a pair of strong, clammy hands suddenly attached themselves around Harry's neck ... It was going to get rid of him first ... " Just as a brilliant flash of light, followed by an enormous, glowing stag chased the dementors away the image dissolved again. When the spinning stopped yet another year had passed. When the memory became clear once again Harry, Ron, and Hermione were at the edge of the dark forest watching Hagrid introduce their fourteen year old selves to fluffy black creatures with long snouts and flat paws shaped like spades. "These're nifflers,' said Hagrid, when the class had gathered around. 'Yeh find 'em down mines mostly. They like sparkly stuff ... There yeh go, look” The nifflers scatter into the forest in search of sparkly stuff to bring back to the students. Time froze for a moment, then sped up, then returned to normal speed. Hermione gripped Ron's hand hard. They were standing beside a distraught Professor McGonagall in Professor Moody's office immediately following Cedric Diggory's death: "The moment that - that thing entered the room,' McGonagall screamed, pointing at crouch ‘and - and-' Harry felt a chill in his stomach as professor McGonagall struggled to find words to describe what had happened. He did not need her to finish her sentence. He knew what the dementor must have done. It administered its fatal kiss to Barty Crouch. It had sucked his soul out through his mouth, He was worse than dead."

     The room spun once, and Cornelius Fudge, the former Minister of Magic was being chastised: "The rest of us sleep less soundly in our beds, Cornelius, knowing that you have put Lord Voldemort’s most dangerous supporters in the care of creatures who will join him the instant he asks them!' said Dumbledore." As Harry looked at Hermione, then Ron, time and space warped around them yet again, spinning even more rapidly. When the floor became still, another year had passed, and Dumbledore was standing in front of them. For a brief moment, Harry thought Dumbledore was looking directly at him. He dismissed it as an impossibility.

       They intently listened to Dumbledore speaking to Harry; this time giving him insight into the connection that he shared with Voldemort: "I guessed, fifteen years ago,’ said Dumbledore, 'When I saw the scar upon your forehead, what it might mean. I guessed that it might be the sign of a connection forged between you and Voldemort; your scar was giving you warnings when Voldemort was close to you, or else feeling powerful emotion."

      The images were beginning to swirl together; the floor fell from beneath their feet as the colors of reality became dull. When the falling ceased, they were engulfed in an all-consuming blackness, all they could hear was a woman's voice: "THE ONE WITH THE POWER TO VANQUISH THE DARK LORD APPROACHES ... BORN TO THOSE WHO HAVE THRICE DEFIED HIM, BORN AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES ... AND THE DARK LORD WILL MARK HIM AS HIS EQUAL, BUT HE WILL HAVE POWER THE DARK LORD KNOWS NOT ... AND EITHER MUST DIE AT THE HAND OF THE OTHER FOR NEITHER CAN LIVE WHILE THE OTHER SURVIVES ... THE ONE WITH THE POWER TO VANQUISH THE DARK LORD WILL BE BORN AS THE SEVENTH MONTH DIES." As the sound ceased, they were rushing toward a point of light, or, was the light rushing toward them? They seemed to squeeze through a peephole in a door. Once through, they were watching Professor Slughorn's memory of a conversation with a then sixteen year-old Tom Riddle: "Well, you split your soul, you see,' said Slughorn, 'and hide part of it in an object outside the body. Then, even if one's body is attacked or destroyed, one cannot die, for part of the soul remains earthbound and undamaged."

     Ron was mesmerized by all the memories they were seeing. He felt a little queasy, but managed to overcome it. Their surroundings changed again, now they were in Ron's bedroom. They were watching as Hermione explained how a Horcrux works: "Our problem is that there are very few substances as destructive as basilisk venom, and they're all dangerous to carry around with you. That's the problem we're going to have to solve, though, because ripping, smashing, or crushing a Horcrux won't do the trick. You've got to put it beyond magical repair ... Because a Horcrux is the complete opposite of a human being ... Look, if I picked up a sword right now, Ron, and ran you through with it, I wouldn't damage your soul at all ... But my point is that whatever happens to your body, your soul will survive, untouched ... But it’s the other way round with a Horcrux. The fragment of soul inside depends on its container, its enchanted body, for survival. It can't exist without it." The memory vanished in a brilliant flash of green light.

      When they regained focus, they were standing on a platform in what appeared to be King's Cross station. They noticed something move: "It had the form of a small, naked child, curled on the ground, its skin raw and rough, flayed-looking, and it lay shuddering under a seat where it had been left, unwanted, stuffed out of sight, struggling for breath." Hermione cringed at the sight, but made a mental note: it's still alive. The scene did not change, but now they were witnessing Dumbledore addressing Harry: "I think that if you choose to return, there is a chance that he may be finished for good. I cannot promise it." It sounded like a train was coming down the track. A deep rumble was all that could be heard, then nothing. When the memory finally came into focus, the three of them were standing in Harry and Ginny's bedroom. Harry was asleep tossing and moaning in pain; it reminded Ron of the days they shared a bed-chamber in Hogwarts. "Harry wakes suddenly. Breathing deeply in the night. He waits a moment. Calming himself. And then he feels intense pain in his forehead. In his scar. Around him, Dark Magic moves." After a moment, they are all back in the Headmistress' office. So much information was provided so fast that all of their heads were spinning, but they knew that the key to understanding everything was hidden somewhere in those memories.

CHAPTER 7

THE PROPHECY

        "Merlin's beard," Hermione blurted out, "the spell, Avada Kedavra, it wouldn't have worked," then correcting herself, "it couldn’t have worked. Voldemort's soul, it wasn't destroyed because your body, the enchanted vessel, wasn't destroyed." "My scar," Harry added, "it was hurting when I was near Delphi. She is Voldemort's daughter, his blood; my scar, the horcrux responded to that connection. He was not gone!" "Yea,” Ron agreed, "the first prophesy said that 'either must die at the hand of the other;' don't you see? Voldemort could not have killed himself!" Harry turned to Dumbledore’s portrait, "you said he was gone.”

      "Correction my dear boy,” replied the image of Dumbledore, "if you recall, I said that I could 'not promise it.'" Hermione nervously interrupted, "Harry, I need to tell you something; I'm sorry, I should have told you about it years ago.• Harry looked worried, "What Hermione, what is it?” he asked impatiently. "There was another prophecy concerning you and Voldemort, but it was about someone else too," fully realizing the error in keeping the secret, she continued trying to justify her decision, even if only to herself: "I didn't tell you because I thought that if you didn't know about it, if no one knew about it, it wouldn't come true." Harry's voice was getting louder as he spoke, "what was the prophecy Hermione? Tell me now!" he demanded angrily.

     Just then, Professor McGonagall came rushing through the door followed by Michael. "Listen you three,” she said, "there's something that you need to hear." “Michael?" asked Hermione as she recognized the man. "Yes, Minister, I have to tell you something." Ben slowly came walking into the office with his head down; flanked on either side by Laura and Ms. Carberry. "This is Benjamin Blue; he is the person that the prophecy is about. He is also my nephew.” Ben opened his mouth in shock as Michael continued. "I am his uncle, a muggle-born wizard. This is my mother, and my sister Laura, Ben's mother. We have been trying to protect him since before he was born. He is the son of Stephen Ingham, the seventh generation grandson of Antioch Peverell.” Ben was speechless. He was looking up at Ms. Carberry and Laura; he was trying to grasp what he was hearing. “Ben,” Harry asked, as he held out the resurrection stone, "do you know what this is?" Ben didn't seem to hear him as he was looking up at Laura. "You ... you're my mom?" he said, tears welling up in his eyes. "Oh, Ben, I am so sorry. I, we were only trying to protect you,” Laura managed, as she herself began to cry. "You see, there was this prophesy about you, and there were bad, evil people looking for you.” Now in full sob, "I couldn't let them hurt you, not my baby."

     Harry, empathizing with what was transpiring, paused for a moment before repeating his question; this time in a softer tone, "Ben, do you know what this is?" still holding out the stone, "it's very important." "Yes,” Ben managed between sobs, "yes sir I do. That is my magic rock. It allows me to see my friend Tom, Tom Riddle." Harry stumbled backward, almost as if someone had punched him in the gut. "I'm sorry sir, about freezing you. I was scared," Ben continued, "I didn't know who you were. I didn't know that the dementor was going to suck that light out of you." "What light did the dementor take?" asked Ron, "was it the last bit of Voldemort's soul? Why would it take it?" "It's the prophecy," Michael said aloud without even realizing it. "Will somebody please tell me what this prophecy is?" Harry asked again, but this time to anyone who would answer him. Hermione came forward and recited the prophecy from memory:

     "The first born son of the seventh first son of the Peverell three, reunites that dysfunctional family tree. The Chosen One, The Dark Lord too, and their cousin three, will all be free when the prelude to a kiss is a hex from des-ti-ny. The fate of the first born son of the seventh first son of the brothers three is tied to discovery; The Lightning Key."

      As the last words were spoken, Harry lifted his hand to his scar. Ron was staring at everyone in utter disbelief at what was transpiring before him. After a moment's reflection he asked: "Why did the stone resurrect Voldemort? Isn't it only supposed to bring back loved ones from the grave?" "The Prophecy," answered Professor McGonagall, "if Voldemort is in fact related to Ben, no matter how distantly, 'the first born son, of the seventh first son, of the brothers three,' and Ben here longed for family," she continued with calm understanding, "it's reasonable that he could've summoned Voldemort without even realizing who he was, or what he was doing." "Lightning key?" Ben asked, as all eyes descended upon him, "like Benjamin Franklin? Didn't he discover electricity with lightning, a kite, and a key?" "Holy sh. .. ," Michael began, as Carol cut him off with a tap to the back of his head. "Yes, yes, that makes sense; you were named after Benjamin Franklin, the hundred dollar bill," Carol agreed. "Why didn't we see that?" asked Michael as he looked to his sister and mother for an answer, "and how is it going to affect his fate?" "I don't know, but we see it now," Laura replied, "and I don't care what that prophecy said, no one's gonna hurt my son!"

MEANWHILE

      The waves were crashing against the stone sides of what appeared to be a medieval Keep in the middle of the ocean. A dementor was headed directly toward one of the windows atop the structure. Inside, it hovered above the face of a man lying on a cot, the body motionless. A caption on a card at the foot of the bed read: Barty Crouch Jr. The dementor hovered over the man's seemingly lifeless body, and slowly lowered a dark, glowing orb into the man's mouth. After a moment, the man's eyes opened, and slowly, his faced morphed into something reminiscent of a snake. The man sat up, looked at the dementor, which was bowing its head, and said: “Your Lord has returned!" then ordered, "bring me Lestrange.”

MOMENTS LATER

     A ministry owl flew into the office and delivered a note to the Minister. She gasped as the note read itself aloud: “Dear Minister, there has been a breakout at Azkaban Prison. Two inmates have escaped, Delphi Lestrange, and Barty Crouch Jr. PLEASE RETURN TO THE MINISTRY AT ONCE. – Sincerely, Ruthie F. Listopad.” Everyone stood in silence for what seemed like an eternity. The silence was finally shattered by Ron: "I'll give you three guesses as to what new body he's found.” Harry and Hermione looked at him, then at one another; each had made the same deduction. "Now there are two of them,” Hermione proffered, "the Dark Lord and his Augury.” Harry spoke with determination in his voice: "We have defeated them before, and we'll defeat them again.”

                         THE END

EPILOGUE

     “I’ve found it!" he proclaims in victory, “the key to everything; I've finally found it.” Realizing how loud he was, Ben looks around the room; his three roommates are still sound-asleep. Ben closes all of his books; taps each of their covers with a branch that came from the tree outside his window and says: “Mischief Managed." Ben takes another look around the room before turning off his book light. He smiles as he thinks about the days and weeks to come. While he may still be in Conklin tonight, the story he loves above all others will continue anew tomorrow... He has made it so; like magic. . . .

The Beginning

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Rowling, J.K., Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Scholastic, New York, 1998, 1999. Rowling, J.K., John Tiffany, & Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cucsed Child, Scholastic, New York, 2016.

Rowling, J.K., Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Scholastic, New York, 2007, 2009. 

Rowling, J.K., Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Scholastic, New York, 2000, 2002.

Rowling, J.K., Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Scholastic, New York, 2005, 2006. Rowling, J.K., Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Scholastic, New York, 2003, 2004. Rowling, J.K., Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Bloomsbury, London, 1997, 2000. Rowling, J.K., Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Scholastic, New York, 1999, 2001.

 "key." Merriam-Webster. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011.

"lightning." Merriam-Webster .. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011 ..