Chapter 18: The Cave

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INT./EXT. GARGOYLE CORRIDOR - LATE DAY

Athena stands at a window, looking out. She brings her fingers to her chest again when...Hermione comes up behind her.

Hermione: Athena. It's time

"Time for what?" Barty asks, but he got no response.

INT./EXT. COURTYARD - LATE DAY

Athena, Hermione and Ron walk.

Athena: Hermione, is the Room of Requirement unplottable?
Hermione: If one wants it to be. Why?
Athena: It would explain why I thought Malfoy was leaving the castle when he disappeared off the Map. He was going to the Room of Requirement
Hermione: Of course, and that explains the Vanishing Cabinet as well!
Ron: No. I got at an owl from dad this morning. The one in Borgin & Burkes? It's still there
Athena: But I'm telling you. I saw it ––

"Sorry we didn't believe you," Hermione and Ron whispered to Athena. Athena waved them off saying that it was fine.

Just then, the twins appear, pass. Athena watches them, a thought forming.

Athena: What if there are two? Vanishing cabinets
Hermione: What if there are?
Athena: I don't know...maybe...they are connected

"Good observation," Moody says. Making many jump since they forgot he was there.

Athena watches the twins vanish around a corner.

Ron: Good luck, mate

Athen turns back to Ron and Hermione, neither able to fully conceal their concern. She smiles reassuringly, continues on.

Athena: As much as I hate to say it, but I don't need luck. I'll have...Dumbledore

James lips curl up in disgust at the old man's name.

EXT. ASTRONOMY TOWER - DYING LIGHT

As Athena trots up the spiralling exterior stairs, she hears voices coming from the topmost level and pauses, peering up through the grid-like floor above: Dumbledore and Snape.

Snape: Have you ever considered that you ask too much? That you take too much for granted? Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don't want to do this anymore?

People look at Snape suspiciously.

Dumbledore: Whether it has or hasn't is irrelevant. I will not negotiate this with you, Severus. You agreed. There's nothing more to discuss

Athena stands poised, peering upward, where Dumbledore squints toward the dying sun and Snape glares at his back. Finally, Snape turns away and –– before Athena can react –– is descending the stairs. Seeing Athena, Snape falters briefly, then continues on without a word. As his footsteps fade, Athena ascends to the upper tier. Dumbledore turns. Smiles.

Dumbledore: Athena. You need a hair cut, my friend

"Not friends," Athena grumbled.

Athena runs a hand through her black, long hair and frowns.

Dumbledore: At times I forget how much you've grown. At times I still see the small girl from the cupboard [Smiling] Forgive my mawkishness, Athena. I am an old man
Athena: You look the same to me, sir...but I do see a wrinkle forming

The immature ones laugh at that.

Dumbledore: Like your mother, you are unfailingly kind and your fathers cheekiness. A trait people never fail to undervalue. I'm afraid

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