Gwen looked at Graves with troubled eyes. He was finally allowed to visit her, although only for a short time. He understood immediately that what was troubling Gwen was far more than chest pains. He knew that a great weight had fallen on her shoulders like a mantle of snow, covering a mountain range, making it impossible to cross without an impending avalanche. He feared the avalanche as much as she feared the crossing.
As it happened Gwen had arranged a meeting with Dumbledore for the next day, fending off Madame Pomfrey�s nervous mothering. �This is far more important than my health and honestly I�m feeling so much better.�
Poppy bustled off to help another student who had an unfortunate accident in Greenhouse 3 several beds down. Graves took Gwen�s hand in his own, fingering the silver band she had not removed since he placed it there. �What are you going to tell him?�
�I�m not sure yet, but I have to tell him something. This is a warning, a monumental warning. Usually they come when it�s too late to do anything, but this one, I think this one may be preventable.�
�What was it?�
�I can�t describe really. It was unspeakable. But I have to figure out a way to speak it. This can�t be pushed under the rug.�
Graves squeezed her hand and sent her one of his rare, soul brightening smiles. Her spirits picked up. Even if she had to face this vision by herself, she wasn�t alone. That at least was comforting.