"Possessed," Hermione replied. "It does explain a lot, don't you think? I mean, the personality shifts, the mystery behind why they started so late and came so far, why Harry's been seeing them looking differently...although I can't explain why only Harry seems to see the difference."

"You're talking about this like it happens everyday, Hermione!" Ron said. "Like it's just an average topic. I mean, how often does something like possession even happen?"

"It's a very rare occurrence," Hermione answered. "I've only read about it once before in the wizarding world, and that whole book was pretty far- fetched, even by wizarding standards. There are more muggle stories about it, but those are usually based in religion and involve demons and such. I don't think this is the same. I mean, Dumbledore wouldn't let someone with a demon living inside them parade around school." She had a questioning look on her face. "Would he?"

"I wouldn't put it past him," Harry replied. "He's already hired a half- giant, a werewolf, and a convicted murder on the run from Azkaban. But he knew all of them were okay...so I guess if he let Yugi and Bakura in, they must be okay, too. But then why..." Harry stopped himself.

"Why what, Harry?" Ron asked.

Harry had been about to mention how the boggart had turned into the mean- looking version of Bakura. If these... demons or whatever were so safe to be around, then why was Bakura afraid of it? Why had it looked so...dangerous? But he'd promised not to tell. Not anybody. And he wanted to keep that promise. "I was just wondering aloud why it's just me who sees the changes in them? Well, besides them, of course. I know that I've seen Yugi and Bakura react when they see the other, er, change."

Hermione put a finger to her chin in thought. "Could it be that you're just special? That's happened to you before."

"I don't think so..." Harry murmured. "Maybe I just, er, happened to catch the change once, and from then on, I knew what to look for..."

"Well, if that's the case, there must some kind of magical defense," Hermione said, matter-of-factly. "Like, only those who know about it, or have seen it before, can notice."

"Well, then, you and Ron know about it now, so maybe you can see it, too," Harry said hopefully. He didn't want to be the only one.

"Maybe..." Hermione said. "We'll just have to see."

"Okay, am I the ONLY one who's more than a little unnerved about having demon-possessed guys sleeping a few beds away from me?" Ron asked, a little hysterical. "We already know at least one of them eats raw meat. I should have known then that something was up. Here I thought it was a Japanese thing."

"I still don't think that they're demons, Ron," said Hermione. "Myrtle and Harry's descriptions didn't make it sound like that."

"Myrtle. That's another thing. Why could she see them. Demons and ghosts don't exactly float on the same plan of existence," Ron said. "Or do they? I've never really been into this ghosts and monsters thing, so I don't really know."

"Well, that's part of the reason I don't think they're demons. Myrtle shouldn't have been able to see them then. Or at least if she could, everyone could," Hermione stated. "But SPIRITS are another thing."

"Spirits?" Harry asked. "But Myrtle said they weren't ghosts."

Hermione shook her head. "Ghosts and spirits aren't exactly the same. I read about this in Defense Against the Dark Arts. This year's book, in fact, although you guys probably haven't gotten that far. But, back to the point. A ghost would probably be able to see a spirit because they're rather similar, but not the same. Saying a ghost and spirit are the same thing because they're both dead is like saying a wand and a potion are the same thing because they're both magical."

"Come again?" Harry questioned, cocking an eyebrow.

Hermione sighed. "There are differences, important ones, that separate ghosts and spirits. Ghosts are...more universal. They're basically a continuation of the person's life, minus the body. You don't have to be special to see them or hear them as long as they let you. Ghosts can interact fairly freely with the physical world. But spirits...you have to be special to interact with them. Not everyone can. You have to be...in tune with them, so to speak. Seers, real ones, not like Professor Trelawney, are sometimes said to get their wisdom from the spirits, although that's not the same as possession. That's more communication."

"Then what about possession?" Ron asked impatiently.

"Let me finish," said Hermione firmly. "Spirits often have some kind of physical attachment to the world. Like, spirits of the forest, or spirits of the river, stuff like that. They have something that keeps them earthbound and usually, that something has to have some magical qualities. And, in theory, when a person who has just the right qualities themselves comes into contact with that 'haunted' something, a bond can be formed, and possession can occur."

"What kind of 'something'?" Harry asked. "What could someone come in contact with that can lead to a possession?"

"Almost anything that has magic," Hermione answered. "Like a magical tree, or a talisman, or a..."

"A puzzle?" Ron finished.

Hermione's mouth dropped. "You know, I bet that's it! I could have sworn I saw the thing glow. And the spirit would be able to possess Yugi through that! You see, spirits can't affect the living world the way ghosts can. They have to have a...a vessel of some sorts. So when a spirit has a purpose other than...sharing wisdom or whatever, they can share a body with a living person in order to complete their task. But very few people can play hosts to such a spirit."

"This possession thing sounds an awful lot like what Voldemort did with Quirrell," Harry said suspiciously.

"I don't think it's quite the same," answered Hermione, wincing at the Dark Lord's name. "You-Know-Who wasn't really dead then, was he? That's why he was having Quirrell drink unicorn blood. He was...bodiless, but not dead. At least that's what I think. I doubt anyone knows for sure, with the exception of You-Know-Who himself and maybe Dumbledore."

"Well, if Yugi's being possessed through that puzzle, then what about Bakura?" Ron asked.

"I thought I saw Yugi pass something to him right after they were sorted. Maybe that was it. Bakura seemed really keen to keep it hidden," said Hermione. "Can you really blame them? I mean, would you want anyone to know that you were possessed? That must be why Dumbledore and Si- Professor White wanted to keep it quiet. It was the same with Lupin."

"Why do the 'spirits' look like Yugi and Bakura?" Ron asked. "If they were just some random dead guys, then why do they look alike? According to Myrtle, that is."

"Maybe it's part of the bond between them. Or maybe they're ancestors. Oh, I don't know, I was never into this occultish stuff either. Only reason I know what I know if from books that I picked up for other reasons."

Harry groaned. "This possession thing is just...too creepy. I think we were better off just thinking they were weird."

"Amen," Ron agreed.

"Well, now, I don't think we have the right to treat them any differently," said Hermione. "We weren't prejudice against Hagrid or Lupin. This isn't any different if you think about it."

"I don't know about you two, but when I found out Hagrid was a half giant and Lupin was a werewolf, I was a little unnerved as well," Ron replied stubbornly.

"But you liked them before," Hermione argued. "And you like them now. So what's the difference? You play chess with Yugi and seem to have a lot of fun. And you, Harry. You play Quidditch with Bakura. The fact that you now know, or have an idea of, what makes them different shouldn't change a thing. So I don't know what you guys plan to do, but I'm going to pretend that I don't have a clue about what's going on. I'm going to stay friends with them. And if either of you have a shred of decency, you will too."

Harry sighed. "You're right. They've given us no reason not to trust them. Them being... possessed...changes nothing."

Ron still didn't look comfortable, but he nodded as well. "But...does this mean Malik is like that, too?"

"Malik?" Harry and Hermione questioned.

"Well, yeah," Ron replied. "He has mysterious circumstances, too. And he knows Yugi and Bakura outside of school. So that mean he's possessed, too? He always seemed to act the same to me. I mean, no personality shifts, or anything."

"I've never seen him look different," Harry mused. "So... I dunno..."

"Maybe it has to do with that gold thing that flew out of his pocket," Hermione suggested. "I don't know, but he did seem like he wanted to keep it hidden. When did you get to be so observant anyway, Ron? The puzzle, Malik..."

Ron blushed and scratched his head. "Aw...I don't know. Maybe it's all the exposure to weird stuff over the last couple years..."

"In other words, he's learned to be suspicious of everyone and everything," Harry finished. Ron shifted uncomfortably, not sure if he wanted to deny it or not. Harry sighed. "I think we should have listened to Professor White and left well enough alone. I think we were better off not knowing. But, I suppose there are stranger things. I can't think of any at the moment, but I'm sure there are. So we...just ignore it?"

"I think that would be best," Hermione agreed. "They've been so nice to us. And if those, um... spirits were dangerous, I would think Malfoy would have paid for it by now."

Ron looked uncertain. "I would still sleep a lot better if I knew they were the spirits of some peace-loving clergymen or something. Not some rabid, raw meat devouring, psychopath."

...............................

"AH-CHOO!" Yugi and Ryou sneezed, oddly in sync.

"Oh?" Malik said, glancing at both of them curiously. "Somebody must be talking about you two...ah...AH-CHOO!"

"Seems they're talking about you as well," Yugi smiled, rubbing his nose. "Anyway, that's just superstition. Sneezing doesn't mean that someone's talking about you."

"Yeah," Malik muttered. "And not that long ago, giants, dragons, and unicorns weren't real. I think I'll keep an open-minded approach to superstition."

"Did it not occur to you that it could be all the pepper in that soup?" Ryou asked smartly. Malik glared at him.

"You're getting more and more like him, you know that? You're back in control of your body for five minutes and you already sound like him without much prompting." Ryou blushed, staring back at Malik indignantly. He chose not to comment.

"So are we going to take Dumbledore up on that library thing?" Yugi asked, taking out the paper with the headmasters sprawling signature. "How about tomorrow? After classes? It'll be Friday, so we'll have the whole weekend for that and homework."

"I...I can't," Ryou said, blushing even more. "I...I have practice. The game is next Saturday...against Slytherin."

"Already?" Yugi asked, eyes widening. Ryou nodded, lips pursed nervously.

"You ready for it?" questioned Malik.

"About as ready as I would be for a root canal," Ryou murmured. "I really need the practice tomorrow. It's one of the last ones. And Fred and George'll have a fit if I miss it. So you guys go ahead without me."

"You sure?" Yugi asked. "We could wait until Saturday or Sunday to start searching."

Ryou shook his head. "Practices both days. And homework in between. I can't. They're even having us practice on Halloween this Wednesday, and that's supposed to be a school holiday."

"Wow, they're working you hard," Malik muttered. "I'm glad I stunk at flying. I don't think I could take that kind of pressure." Ryou frowned.

"I don't think you're helping, Malik," said Yugi, giving the blonde a look. "It's okay Bakura. We can handle it. You go to your practices and when the game comes around, you'll beat Malfoy!"

Ryou sighed and smiled. "Thanks. I'm glad SOMEBODY'S being supportive." He glanced at Malik as he said this.

"Hey! I'm still trying to figure out how I can support you without getting the crap beat out of me by my housemates," Malik defended. "Now that Dumbledore's outlawed my rod, I need a new plan or risk getting tossed out."

"And here I thought you could take any one of them," Yugi joked, smiling all too innocently at Malik.

"I CAN take any one of them," Malik answered. "Unfortunately, they attack in twos and threes."

"It's alright if you don't openly support me," Ryou said, taking a sip of his pumpkin juice. "I wouldn't want you to get beat up over a game."

"Why not? You probably will." Ryou gulped, nearly choking.

"Malik..." Yugi whispered. "Not...helping..." Malik only snickered.

..........................

Yugi and Malik (well, mostly Yugi) had spent almost all of the next afternoon searching in the library, taking time off only to work on a particularly nasty catch-up essay Snape had given them on why amphibians provided especially potent potion ingredients. There searches had turned up a book that screamed, one that could only be read upside down (for only then would the words appear), and one that oozed a sap-like substance along it's spine. But none of it had been useful. (Yugi had to have Hermione help him later to get the sticky stuff off his hands).

Harry, Ron and Hermione were making every effort to behave the same way around Yugi, Ryou, and Malik. Harry luckily had Quidditch practice after Quidditch practice to distract him. Even though Ryou was there for all of them, Harry was lost in his search for the Snitch. Hermione and Ron were often in the library with Yugi and Malik, who were both forced to abandon their search to work on homework on Saturday. Hermione and Ron kept nervously glancing at them, trying to see any change. There never was one.

Sunday morning came around. Most of the castle was sleeping late. Yugi and Malik, however, were up bright and early, much to Malik's annoyance.

"I don't see why Bakura doesn't have to be here," Malik said with a yawn. "They don't have practice this early."

"He passed out in the middle of his Transfiguration essay last night," Yugi said, a sympathetic look on his face. "He was trying to catch up on all the homework he was behind on because of Quidditch, but he just couldn't stay awake. He was exhausted. I didn't have the heart to wake him up this early."

"Yet you managed to wake me up," Malik muttered, rubbing his eyes. "If you ever ask the Bloody Baron to get me for you again, I swear I'll learn every curse in the damned book just to use on you. Do you have any idea what it's like to wake up with a bloody corpse hovering over you?"

Yugi grinned. "I don't know why everyone's so scared of him. He's really nice if you're polite."

"Yeah," Malik muttered sarcastically, "and the other Bakura's not self- centered and your other self isn't egotistical..."

//If it weren't so early, I'd show him egotistical...\\ Yami muttered from his soul room. Yugi only giggled.

They grabbed a quick breakfast first. They were among the few who were in the Great Hall at this hour (the only other people was a study group of Ravenclaw second year girls). Then they headed off to resume the search.

The library was abandoned with the exception of the librarian, who gave them dirty looks every time they stepped into the restricted section even though she knew they had permission. Yugi and Malik continued their search, Malik looking high, and Yugi looking low. Curiosity was the only thing keeping Malik searching. He didn't really think they would find anything about the millennium items, but there were more than enough other interesting things to make up for it. Powerful spellbooks that Malik was thankfully too much of a novice for. Potion books with ingredients so rare that they would be almost impossible to make. Lists of exotic animals, where to find them, and how to crossbreed them. This was perhaps the only reading that Malik could get into.

They had started just after daybreak. It was now nearly noon, and the library was starting to fill. Malik had almost fallen asleep twice and even Yugi was having difficulty staying awake. Yugi kept pushing forward, hoping that the next book would turn up something. That he would find a book that would tell him what he and Yami needed to do now that the three God cards and millennium items were all accounted for.

Yugi's stomach growled so loudly, Malik could hear it from across the aisle. The blonde turned to him a hopeful look on his face. "Does that mean we can break for lunch now?"

Yugi sighed, discouraged but not yet ready to give up. "In a few minutes, Malik," he said. "Let's just finish this aisle, then we'll go for lunch. We'll come back after."

Malik shook his head. "Maybe you will, but this will be it for me today. I can't take all this searching. Besides, I still need to research magical plants native to bogs. Do you have any idea how many plants there are in bogs? That assignment will take hours! I don't know how Bakura will be able to catch up what with that sport of his."

"What takes you hours might take him one and a half," Yugi said, not taking his eyes off the books. "I've seen you trying to work; you get distracted by everything. Bakura sits down and gets his stuff done, so it doesn't take him nearly as long. He does what he commits to." Yugi gave Malik a look that plainly said "unlike somebody else I know." Malik gave him his best innocent look in return.

Yugi turned his attention from Malik back to the books. He was losing hope of finding anything. All the books appeared to be no more than spellbooks and such. Maybe Malik was right... Maybe they should give it up and go work on other things that were more important at the moment.

He was about to turn away and call it quits when he saw it. The book was so dusty, it would have been easy to miss, but Yugi saw it...a small golden eye symbol on the spine of an obviously old book. "Malik...come see. I think...I think I may have found something."

"What?" Malik said with an obvious lack of enthusiasm for he had long since lost interest.

Yugi pulled the book out carefully. "This has the eye symbol on it. Like the one on all the items."

"Yugi, that symbol is common. Almost everything Egyptian has that on it. Don't get your hopes up."

"This book isn't written on paper..." Yugi said. "Not even parchment. I-I think it may be written on papyrus! And it's so big and heavy!"

"Again, not that uncommon, Yugi," Malik sighed. "Look, this is the first book we've come across that even shows signs of Egyptian origin. What makes you think that this one book would have anything of use in it?"

Yugi blew the dust off the cover of the book, revealing a solid gold surface underneath. Yugi grinned from ear to ear. "Maybe this is why." He turned the book around so Malik could see.

Malik's jaw dropped. Etched into the surface of the book was a pair of cobras, elegantly painted and very lifelike. But it was not that which had Malik dumbstruck. The cobras were entwined and wrapped around what had a striking resemblance to his own millennium rod.

"Okay...so you've convinced me," Malik said, more than a little awestruck. "This...this could really be it! I can't believe something like this would end up here..."

Yugi gave a satisfied smile. "Dumbledore did say that this school had a really good library."