'' While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die. ''
~ Leonardo da Vinci ~



Chapter 16 ~ New barrier


Harry clenched his fist around slender air, squeezing the life sentence out of some unseen opposer within the repose hospital wing. The secrecy was only broken by Kaylens'tranquil breaths, her chest uprising and falling as steadily as the spark zephyr fluttering the curtains.

He 'd been cooped up for Clarence Shepard Day Jr., still healing himself, and had been forced to keep an eye on her grow ever stiller. Surely he was trapped within one of the seven rope of hell, for each clip he looked upon her his guilt trip rose like a fire, the flaming threatening to consume him.

She had saved him. Despite everything he had screamingly accused her of, she had still nearly given her animation for his.

Now she lay in this comatose state, and even gentlewoman Pomfrey had been unable to rouse her.

Her skin still held the pallor of end, yet to him it seemed slightly rosier.

Perhaps it was his own aspiring thinking.

He rose, unable to remain still, watching her with nothing pull through his idea for ship's company.

Thoughts were such poor consolation ...

Not allowed and unwilling to bequeath, he began sorting through the event of the past few days.

The vindication, the satisfaction, and everything he had expected to feel were conspicuously wanting.

Bellatrix Lestrange was dead.

So why did he find robbed ?

The obvious response came. Tonks had beaten him to the killing. She had killed the one person who 's destruction he had desired above all but Voldemort himself. And now he would never have the chance to avenge Sirius the way he had wanted.

Worst of all, Lestrange 's body was gone.

He had wanted to expect upon the lifeless font of Dog Star'killer and spit upon it.

Now even that cruel comfort had been taken from him.

All he was left with, were unrequited questions, and this barbarous circle of hell called the Hogwarts hospital wing.

Still, the facts did not add up. demise Eaters held no loyalty for one another. To them nothing was sacred.

Yet they had salvaged the body.

There was no coming back from the killing curse ...

So why do it ?

He had unconsciously wandered, finding himself in front of the afford third floor windowpane. The autumn scented zephyr blew across his bare thorax, cooling him. His shirt lay discarded upon his bed, his shoulder netting recently removed, exposing the claw marks that now indented his skin.

It was essential, brothel keeper Pomfrey had insisted upon having his wounding exposed to the air. He was to be released soon, and she needed to ascertain that it would hold up on it 's own.

His fractured shoulder blade had been mended quickly, but lycanthrope wounds were slow to heal.

It was fortunate he had not been bitten, they had said.

Was he lucky ? He was not certainly. But even when Dumbledore and Tonks had come, he had felt nothing but hollow. His own apathy was almost enough to wish for death.

Only yesterday had Dumbledore 's weathered heart bored into his, recounting the events in full.

'' Experimental spells, their burden unknown to the gild, have been added to Voldemort 's armoury of weaponry, Harry. subscribe heed ... ''

He would.

He had seen what happened to Lupin first deal, for his transformation had been triggered by the spell Lucius Malfoy had hit him with.

It had happened during the day.

Now, where Death Eaters roamed, the moonlight would no longer declare it 's sway.

Harry shuddered in the child's play, contemplating the many horrors Voldemort might loose in addition to daylight roaming werewolves.

Of course there was no motivation to mull. Dumbledore had told him about the atrocity of of late.

XL seven innocent, four of them children, had walked upon the Earth. Now they lay beneath it 's unforgiving soil, removed by the pitiless actions of Voldemort 's minions.

Hermione 's parents would soon join them, and his frigidness intellectual side realized that when it happened, part of Hermione 's soul would be taken forever.

'' The war is escalating Harry, far more swiftly than we ever expected ... ''

He was having hassle accepting any of it, for he knew at the spunk of it, he was partly to blame.

For if he were truly the one with the exponent to defeat the Dark Lord, than every second he had ever spent reveling in life, and not searching for Voldemort 's demise, had been another grave in the land for the innocent.

A painful chill burned within the claw marks he bore, and he wondered if they had re-opened again, bleeding anew. He reached a hand back, gingerly touching it, the blood upon his fingers confirming his suspicions.

It was doubtful he would be permitted to leave soon.

'' That 's disgusting. ``

His froze, turning from the window. He stared, taking her in as she blinked the sopor from her heart, squinting in the dawning sunlight.

'' You 're wake up, '' He stated, slightly stunned. He had begun to wonder if she ever would.

She smiled weakly. `` You 're observant. ``

'' You were out for five day. ``

She paled considerably.

He was slow to recover, and debated getting Madam Pomfrey. But she would be back soon, to check on his own wounds. She could find her awaken then. Besides, he was afraid to leave her alone for even a second, fearful that she might fall down into that unending slumber once more.

'' So how is it ? '' Her voice was barely above a whisper.

He studied her, thinking about how to suffice. His pride made him hesitant to admit failing, but her eyes ...

She would make out a lie if he told it, he realized, deciding on the true statement.

'' Painful, '' He watched her centre flutter shut. `` You ? ''

'' Like inferno ... '' She murmured.

'' You look it. ``

She graced him with a wry grinning, a lock of hair falling into her eye. She looked almost annoyed.

She reached up, brushing the lock aside, revealing her deathlike pale skin. Her verify movements exposed her own pain to him in a way no tidings could.

As did her articulatio radiocarpea. His centre caught upon the dark bruise encircling it.

He crossed to her, catching her wrist gently. She glanced up, hazel eyes narrowed in confusion.

'' You bruise easily do n't you ? '' He asked, cautiously turning her hand in his. It was so ticklish he was afraid it would go further than it already had from her fall.

Her eye traveled to where his fingers lay.

'' Apparently, '' Her representative was so faint ...

'' Pomfrey said she had taken care of this, '' He whispered aloud, gently relinquishing her hand. She let it fall upon her pillow, besides her face. `` Your ivory may not birth healed properly. ``

She flexed it back and forth, grimacing slightly. `` It 's fine. ``

'' Right, '' He said skeptically, withdrawing to the bed across from her, sitting upon the taunt sheets.

It was risible, but had she had woken a few days earlier he probably would hold demanded solution, answers about how she knew Lupin, about what she really did or did not know about Death feeder, but after sidereal day of sitting there, watching her frail chassis sleep, the mere thought of interrogating her devil him.

His answers could hold back, for a niggling while at to the lowest degree.

'' Tonks stopped by earlier, '' He said, breaking the secrecy. `` She said lupin sends his love. ``

Her eyes opened hopefully. `` So he 's ... ''

'' Yeah, '' He finished.

She sunk farther into the mattress. `` Thank God. Finally something 's gone right. ``

She lay there, so still, for so long, he would stimulate sworn she slept. It was part concern, fear that she would not awake, that drove him to the admission.

'' You saved my life sentence, '' He said quietly.

She stretched ever so slightly, the sheets sliding away to reveal her bare toes. Her look relaxed, almost serenely. `` You saved mine first. ``

He wanted to argue, but lacked the nerve, watching how her eyes broke from his, dancing away.

'' That fall down the stairs you took ... I probably would n't take in held up as well. ``

Looking at how fragile she seemed, he realized she spoke the truth.

It was then that Pomfrey walked in.

He tore his eyes from her, and allowed Pomfrey to fuss over him willingly this time.
* * * * *


Several days later he had been prepped to go out. His left arm hung loose in a catapult, preventing unnecessary bowel movement.

lupine 's claws had torn into him just beneath his shoulder blade, right where several muscles came together. Apparently re-growing muscles was as tricky as re-growing bones.

He still needed to talk to Kaylens, but she slept. They had not shared a tidings since she had first awoken, depicted object to sit there in silence. He was debating whether or not to demote that silence when a frustrated looking Ron walked in.

Looking at Ron, he realized that there were other affair that had to be taken care of starting time.

He had been dreading this conversation for days. Ron and Hermione would need answer. Answers about his absence ... reply about what had occurred in Dumbledore 's office solar day earlier ... Answers about Voldemort 's intrusions into his mind ...

reply he could not give.

How could he excuse the force per unit area he felt, or Voldemort 's usurpation, without revealing the substance of the prophecy ?

How could he explain what had gone on at Dog Star', without revealing all he had seen ?

And how could he explicate why Hermione 's parents had been taken from her ? They would never accept 'because of me'as an answer.

He threw a cobbler's last glance at Kaylens'sleeping form. They would talk later. He promised himself that.

He and Ron stepped into the hall. It was mercifully vacant, making the stone-lined corridor appear longer than common.

It had been over a week since he and Kaylens had disappeared from the Headmaster 's office, and one of the last warm weekends of the class had driven the student consistency outside.

As for him, during that metre, Voldemort had left his head alone. He had felt the beginnings of an intrusion Day earlier, but conundrum had withdrawn, sensing that his decision had not yet been made.

Riddle had given him more metre due to his combat injury, and for that, Harry had to establish him credit.

As evil as Voldemort was, the tool had some stratum.

They walked in quiet, Ron 's eyes darting towards him. He knew Ron was trying to decide what was safety to discuss.

Harry decided to spare him the stiffness. `` How 's Hermione ? ``

Ron shrugged despondently. `` How do you think she 's doing ? ``

'' Not good, '' The absence of multitude made the corridor cavernous, and his breath echoed quietly.

'' Harry what 's going on ? ``

I wish I knew Ron ... His own frustration at this very question had been building inside for solar day. Dumbledore had told him some, but there was still the question of Kaylens. How did she fit into all of this ? Did she even ? And Voldemort ... There had to be more than to it, because the bit Dumbledore had told him did not fit with what he had seen through Voldemort 's own eyes.

Not to mention the prophecy. How in the Hell was he supposed to thump him ?

There were too many inquiry to reply, before the most important ones could even be framed.

They walked the respite of the way in silence.

Hermione was there, waiting for them in the abandon dormitory, sprawled out with a book on Ron 's bed. Her centre were rimmed with dark-skinned traffic circle, standardised to Kaylens.

Misery loves party, he thought. Ron sat besides her, placing a hired man on her spine. Only then did she seem to understand they were there.

'' Harry ... H-how are you ? ``

He smiled for her benefit. `` The question is, how are you ? ``

She shrugged, re-burying her nose into her Good Book. `` They would n't let us see you. ``

'' I know. ``

'' Why ? '' Ron asked.

Harry dropped his bag onto the bed, and began removing the few belongings Pomfrey had brought down for him. `` Dumbledore 's orders. '' His centre would not run into theirs.

Ron frowned. `` His reason ? ``

So he could bear time to brief us on what we could or could not say to you, he thought.

'' He did n't want us seen. We were n't in ... '' He shrugged with one articulatio humeri. `` No one should have seen us after it okay ? ``

Hermione 's heart roamed, landing on his sling.

He caught the unspoken question. `` lycanthrope wound are behind to cure. ''

They both looked at him as if he were a new species.

'' W-were you ... ? '' Ron stammered.

'' No. I was not bitten. ``

Hermione looked sceptical. `` Harry that 's not possible. ``

'' Why ? '' She cringed at his forcefulness.

'' Because the full moon is n't until ... ''

'' This weekend. Yes I know 'Mione. ``

'' Then how could a werewolf ... ''

His expression turned grave. `` There are ways. ``

Hermione was no longer even trying to show, her vocalization unusually highschool. `` That ca n't be. A werewolf ca n't deepen out of lunar sequence ... ''

'' Do n't be so for sure of that, '' He said bitterly.

Ron looked between them. `` How ? How could it Harry ? ``

Harry stared him down, unblinking. `` Voldemort. ''

Ron 's blue eyes widened, his freckles standing out against his paling skin, putting two and two together. `` So when you and Kaylens went to see lupin ... ''

'' He turned. Yes. ``

'' Falco columbarius ... '' Ron whispered, unconsciously rubbing Hermione 's backbone harder.

'' Harry I do n't understand, '' She said haltingly, shoving her Holy Scripture away, it 's pages flapping lifelessly as it fell to the level. She spared it not a glance. `` Please Harry. What 's going on ? ``

'' Too very much to excuse easily, 'Mione. ''

Ron took Hermione 's hand almost naturally. `` Then hold your time mate. Start from the beginning. ''

Harry shook his caput, hating himself. `` amercement, the first then .... '' He steadied himself, and met Hermione 's almost imploring regard.

'' You both already know that Voldemort has not given me a moment 's ataraxis since last summer. It 's a private engagement between him and I. We 're both fighting for info, about the other side 's climax and exit, about how much the other position knows ... ''

He talked steadily, opening his dresser draftsman to put clothing away. His actions, however menial, lent a sense of normality to the otherwise baleful conversation.

'' Your parents 'Mione, he said he will release them, '' He ignored her intake of intimation. `` If I tell him what the capacity of the prophecy were. ``

Her expression drooped. `` But how could you ? It broke ... '' She glanced at Ron, searching for verification, repeating herself now. `` You ca n't eff what it said. Could you ? ``

He found himself nodding. `` Yes, Hermione. It broke. But I still know what it said. ``

The silence that followed engross class within his brain, yet it lasted no more than 3 seconds.

'' What did it say ? '' She questioned cautiously.

He remained unsounded, until her pleading voice broke again.

'' Harry, please ... ''

'' Do n't ask me Hermione, not again. It is something I can not parcel. ``

The betrayed looks upon their faces nearly broke his tone.

Hermione 's sass opened and closed wordlessly. It was Ron who finally gave representative to their sentiment. `` Why Harry ? Why ca n't you plowshare it ? ``

'' You would not require to hear it. ``

'' How could we not ? Harry this is all we 've worked for ! Did it say how we can outsmart him ... ''

He swallowed hard. `` No Ron. ``

'' Then why wo n't ... ''

'' No. ``

Ron 's voice was hard. `` Then if not us, him ? It could save 'Mione 's ... ''

The charge in Ron 's voice was too much. He could take no to a greater extent. `` Because I ca n't Ron ! Don't you think I would if I could ? ``

Ron shook his read/write head. `` I do n't know anymore Harry. ``

Harry was having trouble keeping his voice level. `` Ron, if I tell him there is no reason for him to keep back the Grangers alive anymore. It 's our biggest bargaining microprocessor chip. ``

Hermione sounded so humble now. `` But V-voldemort said he 'd ... he 'd l-let them g-go ... ''

His jaw dropped. Hermione was smarter than this was n't she ? `` I 'm sorry Hermione but once I tell him .... ''

'' He 'd let them go, '' Ron interrupted. `` shuffle him release one at to the lowest degree Harry ! Then tell him for God 's sakes ! What could it hurt ? ! Bargain with him ! ``

Harry lost his longanimity. `` Do n't you ridicule get it ? ! This is Voldemort we are talking about ! '' They both cringed at the name, his voice rising. `` This is n't some war biz were playing against the Slytherins ! This is real life ! Voldemort is eviler that either of you can even imagine ... ''

'' Really ? '' Ron countered. `` Were we or were we not there with you Harry ? Huh ? Did we not see what he was capable of at the Department of Mysteries ? ``

Harry shook his head, never more serious. `` No Ron. You did n't. '' He felt almost grim at Ron 's crestfallen facial expression. `` You only saw what Death feeder were able of. That is aught compared to him. ``

'' Harry then why do n't you just tell us how he ... '' Hermione started miserably.

'' Because Hermione ! There 's no way to excuse it ... ''

'' There 's no indigence to yell at her mate, '' Ron said coolly.

He laughed bitterly. `` Oh but there is Ron. Because after everything we 've been through you 'd recall you would both trust my sound judgement on this ... ''

'' No, '' Ron squeezed Hermione 's hand and stood. `` Because we remember where your judgment got Dog Star. ``

Harry felt as if his insides had frozen. There was no arguing this.

'' If you had only listened to Hermione it would n't ingest happened, '' Ron continued icily. `` And now your faltering concerning this prophecy may get her parents killed as well. ``

Hermione had begun tugging on his paw frantically. `` Ron ... ''

'' No Hermione. He needs to hear this. Because it 's like he does n't even bank us ... ''

'' I do trust you, '' Harry whispered.

Ron 's eyebrow raised so far they disappeared beneath his hair. `` Really ? ! Then why did you hardly breath a word to us all summer ? Why wo n't you peach to us now ? ``

'' I am talking ... ''

'' No. Your blocking Harry. Like in Bromus secalinus. '' Ron pointed his wand out the door, summoning the chess dining table from the common room. Levitating it, Ron cleared the control board save for the instrument, magnate, and king of both sides, his brow furrowed in assiduity. He then moved the pawn so they protectively surrounded the Rex and queen on one position, leaving the other side 's king and king unprotected.

'' The way I see it Harry, all you have left are pawns. '' Ron continued, gesturing to the protected side of the board. `` So instead of risking everything to accept my king, you 're protecting yours. ``

Ron moved a instrument on Harry 's English away. `` You 're afraid that if you move your cat's-paw for a second, that I might get in and adopt your king. ``

Ron 's queen pellet forward, moving through the opening night Harry 's instrument had left, taking his queen out with a red whang of her chair. She then stood, posed to choose his B. B. King on the next move.

'' The king represents everything your keeping from us Harry. '' He continued seriously. `` You wo n't let your king be taken, because if that happens ... ''

The chess board folded in on itself, slamming to the floor.

'' Game over. ``

Harry shook his fountainhead, unable to deny Ron 's accusation.

He was right. And for the starting time prison term Harry realized how truly dissimilar he was from them.

He loved them, but Ron and Hermione could never share his onus, no matter how much they wanted to.

The sound of the metaphoric paries falling between them filled his mind, and Ron spoke again.

'' plot over Harry. Only you're the only one who knows what game were playing. ``
* * * * *


Harry tromped through the corridor, feeling spoiled than he had thought possible. He preferred feeling numb, at to the lowest degree then he felt nil at all.

They simply did not understand. Not that he had expected them to. Things were too dangerous now. Voldemort had made a by-line out of extinguishing anyone close to his kernel, and he was not about to fill Ron and Hermione 's heads with anything that might make them more tempting targets than they already were.

Which was why he had flat out refused to reveal anything else, and held his basis about not revealing the divination to Voldemort. Not even for Hermione ....

Ron had stormed out telling him to 'keep his secret'and Hermione had plead with him to 'not shut them out .'

The pick was no foresighted his.

No longer would they be privy to Harry Potter 's bad decisiveness.

They would n't end up like Sirius.

He knew exactly where he was going, and rounded the turning point to the hospital wing. His foul mood only increased when Madam Pomfrey stuck out her promontory, a forced smile plastered upon it, and asked him to wait.

The door slammed and the sound of argument resumed. Dumbledore 's vox caught his aid. What was he doing in the infirmary annex ? Perhaps to see Kaylens, but he had already visited them once. It was n't like the schoolmaster to visit students though. And he should know, he had been in the hospital wing too many time to weigh, but could consider Dumbledore 's visits there on one hand.

A disturbing thought struck him. What if Kaylens had gotten worse ?

He reached into his pocket and withdrew the extendable ear he had taken to carrying at all meter. His determination made he slipped it beneath the door.

brothel keeper Pomfrey 's reproving shade came out clearly. `` ... cellphone need to reclaim before you can even attempt to do magic again. ``

'' But I 'm behind enough as it is ! '' Kaylens ... A twisting wave of easing washed through him. And to recollect, normally he had trouble resisting the urge to mute her.

Dumbledore spoke now. `` pretermit Kaylens I do n't think Remus would need you over-exerting ... ''

'' Well I 'm not particularly concerned with what he thinks at the present moment. ``

The silence was palpable, and he shifted nervously. She was okay, now that he knew this he really shouldn't be listening ...

Yet something about Dumbledore 's timber made him. As outwardly honest as the Headmaster had been with him lately, his faith in the man was still recovering. It had been shattered too skillfully the previous year.

'' Kalliandra, we did not want you burdened with this. ``

'' Considering that I 'm the one you ca n't bring around, do n't you think that should have been my decisiveness ? ``

Cure ? His belly lurched dangerously.

'' Kalliandra, looking at it as a death sentence will not help issue. ``

Her representative was strained. `` You 're in good order. Nothing will. You know that the odds ... ''

'' Are only as right as you make them, '' Dumbledore finished. `` That is precisely why we did not need to burden you with this. ``

'' I 'd prefer the encumbrance, '' Kaylens hissed, her voice suddenly potent. `` Now is there anything else your keeping from me ? '' Her voice was strained and accusatory. `` Because I 'd care to know before I read about it in some pudden-head book. ``

Silence.

'' I thought so. ''

His stallion soundbox shook unsteadily. So very much so that the approaching footsteps did not read until the door had swung open in front of him, revealing a pale looking Kalliandra.

He could only gaze, Word of God abandoning him. Her heart had caught on the extendable ear.

Her garment bag slipped down on her shoulder, her intact form quivering.

'' ceramist ... '' She whispered chokingly. She locked heart with him, her expression stunned.

A second later she was gone. The glistening of her centre the harsh reproach he had ever seen.





'' Just as bravery jeopardize life, fear protects it. ''
~ Leonardo da Vinci ~



Chapter 17 ~ Kunnskap

Kunnskap is Norweigan for cognition



She shoved heart-to-heart the entranceway doors, leaving the secure entrance hall of the school behind, and walked out onto the rapidly cooling grounds. She blinked back the moisture that lingered within her eyes. No tears would hang, no matter how hard they threatened. This she promised herself.

She was furious, but her ira paled in comparison to her self odium. She had been so unbelievably unintelligent ! It had been bad enough to trust Remus, but to have nearly let down that roadblock again ...

'' Dam n't Potter ! '' She swore quietly.

Despite the pain they had been in, the time spent within the hospital annexe had been pleasant. She and Potter had dwelt in silent companionship, both knowing there were things that needed to be discussed. Despite that he had not pressed her to tattle, instead he had seemed to calmly accept her secrecy.

This change had been oddly comforting.

At to the lowest degree until she had stormed out, to find him standing there with an extendable ear.

She kicked the footing, scattering dirt in her wake.

She could not penetrate why she had thought he would let her retain her enigma. But she had been a arrant sap for entertaining the impression.

And for some rationality his humble betrayal hurt her.

Gods ... She turned her snag filled centre towards the sky, tracing along the darkening clouds, and noted how low they hung. It was the entry storm that had drawn her outdoors after all. The strange feeling slithering through her, as if static electricity were tickling her very skin, had been hard to ignore.

She reveled in the pocket-size distraction from her persuasion, and allowed herself to simply feel.

The looming clouds pulsated with fluid vibrations, their rhythmic throbbing pulsated within her very blood, and her hair stood on end as if one had just run a balloon through her hair.

The violent storm social movement rolled in above her, and the more astute of her peers began to head indoors. The area surrounding the lake had been the first of the grounds to be abandoned, and her feet led her there.

She wanted the seclusion.

She had grown so used to desperation, to feeling only invariable numbness, punctuated by bouts of undiluted angriness, that she had forgotten how to feel something as man as fear.

Everything had happened so fast the day she had received the shopkeeper note, and there had been no time for the cold truth to sink in. Only over the past Clarence Shepard Day Jr., as she and Potter had lain there in quiet, had it finally registered.

Pomfrey 's words had just driven it home.

Somehow, hearing the therapist 's words had made it real, and now fear held her heart in a vice grip.

Despite the fear, she felt oddly detached, each aching stone's throw reminding her how she had already nearly died from her stout with the werewolf.

Perhaps death would be a grace. She just had things to do before it found her.

The vibrations in the high gear sky were back, and she cringed at the electrical energy there. Being a part of such affair, feeling such things, was not always pleasant.

It was often painful.

She rubbed her arms against the quiver winding, thankful that God had some sense of pity. Fortunately for her, the human brain could only register pain sensation as abnormal for so long, before it accepted the hurting as the invariable state of affairs. Then it would be ignored.

Oddly enough, it was very similar to how the fragrant scent of rosebush would lessen, if one were to remain firm amongst them, breathing them in for too long.

Still, acclimation could only do so much, and her eubstance ached, protesting constantly.

Instead of leaving the solid ground at the scourge of rain, she continued meandering across the terra firma, walking the circumference of the lake, observing it carefully.

She took it all in with her normal perceptiveness. There were spots where the grounds ended, dropping off sharply to meet the duckweed covered surface of the piddle.

In other floater the ground gradually sloped down, kissing the lake 's rippling undulation. There the dark earth was muddied, imprinted with the footprints of those who had braved the shallows to drown, before the weather had cooled in wake of the entering afternoon storm.

She passed by both these areas, heading closer to the Forbidden Forest. Here she kicked off her shoes, allowing them to drop freely from one paw as she picked her way across the far end of the lake. Here minuscule Isidor Feinstein Stone formed a cancel beach, and she sat down near the edge, letting her fingers trail across the rough pebbled edges beneath her.

She accumulated a pocket-sized assembling of flat bottomed sway, gathering them within her workforce, and she cast the start across the serene water, breaking it 's vitreous open.

The giant squid lazily reached out a tentacle, swatting at and missing the cast stone.

She smiled ruefully, casting another towards him. This time the tentacle swung and connected, sending the gem flying in high spirits above her principal.

A low rumble filled the sky, and the altocumulus clouds dipped threateningly lower, wafting the olfactory property of rain upon the walkover towards her. The sky had grown darker, and she vaguely remembered the afternoon she and Sean had once spent, skipping Harlan Stone across the lake near their kinsfolk home.

But there had been no titan calamary to play with there.

She skipped another.

A fleshy pink tentacle connected with it, hurtling it back.

To the side of her came an unmistakable grunt.
* * * * *


Harry winced, rubbing his forehead. That was definitely going to give a fool.

It had taken him all of thirty seconds to make up one's mind to postdate her. The memory of her watery eyes had been alarming, and he could n't let her exit like that, not when she did n't understand.

He cast a brilliance at the colossus squid, approaching her cautiously, carefully trying to not slip upon the slick rocks as he walked down towards her.

He treaded as close as he dared, pausing to hover uncertainly. Her shoulder had stiffened at his outcry, the lonesome signboard to indicate that she was cognisant of his presence.

He swallowed hard. From where he stood besides her, he could see the drawn demarcation of her lip, and how her eyes gazed, almost longingly across the dark surface of the lake. He followed her regard, the initiative drops of rain drizzling upon them.

The lake 's once glossy exterior now moved with a living of its own. Each raindrop sending circular rippling outwards, each upset merging with the other furrows spreading across its surface. The outcome was entrancing, and he drew his eyes away from the picture before him, to the girl before him. She was why he had ventured out here, despite the threatening storm.

'' What are you doing out here ? '' He asked carefully. Another rock of boom shuddered the sky, drowning him out, and the monster calamary disappeared beneath the lake 's surface.

'' Enjoying the sunniness, '' Her tomentum fluttered lightly around her aspect. `` I thought it would be obvious. ``

'' It 's not, '' He responded, the wind carrying his voice.

Silence reigned for some time, broken only by the increasing rhythm of rainwater, pattering around them. The water gradually matted his unruly whisker to his forehead, and Kaylen 's gilt hair darkened with saturation.

She sat with a relaxed air, unbothered by the icy droplets pouring down. Slowly, with plain bother in her movement, she scooted nigh to the lake 's border, dipping her metrical unit into the moil piss as casually as if it were a mid-summer day, rather than a windy October downpour. Never once did she see at him.

Her shoulders were bare, and her dull hair clung to them. He was close sufficiency to notice the fragile cuckoo protuberance prickling across her picket skin.

The conversation he had overheard forced it 's way to the forefront of his judgment as he watched her shiver.

Kaylens was wan ...

'' Here, '' He said, shattering their verbal lapse. He picked his way across the pebbly decline to her, shrugging out of his cloak. He felt no maladroitness as he picked up her tone down hair's-breadth, draping it across her shoulder.

She looked up, turning her questioning regard towards him. He was at a release, for the glossiness of her eyes could not be from rain water alone.

'' You 'll er ... well you 're soaked ... ''

Her optic held his, and for the most fleeting of seconds the hunch he was so used to seeing vanished. `` Thank you, '' She murmured, inclining her top dog to the spot besides her.

He lowered himself besides her, afraid to speak. His mettle pounded loudly in his bureau. Never before had he been so fearful of reprimand. His fate may have lasted thus far, but even he would not charge her for screaming if she so chose.

For once he could admit to deserving it, and her silent acceptance of his presence was unnerving.

The sky thundered, lighting up as lighting flashed high in the clouds. It struck him as extremely inexpedient to be in their positions, so close to water.

'' We should go in. '' His voice lacked judgment of conviction.

With the binding of her wrist she rubbed the water system from her eyes.

'' Well ? '' Above the rumbling overhead he could secernate she was speaking louder. Though the dispute was barely discernable.

'' Well what ? ''

'' I doubt you came here out of headache for my well being, '' She said, staring resolutely across the lake.

He opened his mouth to explain that that was exactly why he had come, but she went on.

'' And since there are no conversations going on for you to mind to, I 'm wondering what your doing here. '' Another flashing of lightning illuminated her soaked features, and he found himself drawn towards her serene expression, confounded by her words.

Despite their capacity, her tone held no suggestion of the familiar sarcasm or malice.

Instead she sounded curious.

The realization sent an out of place smiling across his face.

'' Kaylens, you would n't believe me if I told you. ``

'' Try me. ``

'' I came to apologise. ``

To his surprise, she actually laughed. The sound had a haunting timber to it, for it blended artfully with the winding howling around them. The storm had crept upon them fast.

'' You 're proper. '' She said, shaking her wet hair out in vain. `` I do n't. ``

He seized the opportunity to keep her talking. `` Well I am. Kaylens I ... ''

'' How much did you get a line ? '' Her gaze turned pointedly down.

He sighed in defeat. `` Enough to recognise that you should n't be out in this soaker. ``

She nodded, closing her centre as if pained. `` You have no idea how unseasonable you are. ''

He frowned. `` I would if you just talked to me. ``

The look she shot him could still the demon himself. `` And why should I ? You have n't been the portrait of money plant potter. ``

'' Perhaps if you would just mind you would find out. ``

She did not resolve. Instead, she tilted her look towards the sky, allowing the rain to pour over her more freely. Her fuzz fell away from her shoulders, revealing her recollective neck opening. She remained this way for what may stimulate been mere seconds, but to him, felt like hours.

'' Okay ceramicist, '' She finally breathed. `` Try me. ''

Such was his amazement that for once, he did not hesitate.

And he explained.

He explained why he had followed her that day into Knockturn Alley, how her stubborn refusal to serve motion about Death Eaters had led him, to what he hoped, were amiss assumptions, and how, after days of watching her in a comatose state, he had feared that she had fallen ill once again.

He spoke to her, the rain cascading down their bodies as they sat, keeping each other 's acquaintance, the storm forgotten. Several clock time she made to move, shaking her promontory disbelievingly, but his hand on her arm silenced her refutes. By the time he was done, a sad saying had crossed her features.

He studied her, puzzled. `` flavour, Kaylens I did n't mean to upset you if ... ''

She shivered noticeably, shaking her sopping hair. `` No, it 's not that Potter ... '' She trailed off, showing no intent of finishing.

He swallowed hard. God he just wanted things to be okay between them. There was still so very much to spill the beans about ...

'' Kaylens are ... ''

Her expression darkened at his Holy Writ, and she stood abruptly, her shivering more pronounced.

'' We should go in, '' She stated, interrupting him.

He nodded disappointedly, noting that the storm showed no sign of relenting soon, and stood with her. He already felt bad that they had stayed out there so long.

The second he was up she unceremoniously shoved his cloak back into his implements of war. He looked at it in surprise, and was about to debate, noting how far a walk to the school it still was, when he realized that she had already spun and taken off into the downpour.

'' Wait ! '' He called, utterly confused. He stumbled after her, slipping on the wet rock'n'roll, and caught up to her on the grass.

'' Kaylens keep it. You 'll immobilise otherwise. '' He went to drape it across her berm but she brushed him off.

'' I 'm alright, '' She said grimacing. `` Really, '' She added, seeing his disbelieving flavor.

He matched her stride determinedly, noticing the reemergence of her stubborn streak, and threw it around her anyway. `` Kaylens if you 're demented you 're wearing this until we 're inside. I don't charge ... ''

She whorled on him, looking disturbingly hard-pressed, her skin dangerously pale. `` Look, ceramicist ... Do yourself a favor okeh ? Do n't worry about me. ``

He found himself shaking, be it from the cold or the icy palor of her peel, he did not sleep with, yet all thoughts of speech were driven away.

It was as if she were transforming before him. Her icy roadblock that he had not even noticed to be missing before, were coming back. What had he done to cause this ? A few seconds ago they had been on almost civic terms.

The sentiment of her hating him again churned his tum. He could n't allow it ...

She was backing away from him. `` In fact ... '' She continued, sounding like a frightened animal. `` For your own sound, just stay put the nether region away from me. ``

She took off, leaving him standing there stunned, his sopping wet cloak on the muddy up ground.
* * * * *


Over the by few solar day, since Kaylens had left him standing there in the pouring pelting, Harry 's mood had not improved.

He just did not realise what he had done, and every time he caught a glimpse of her he felt sick.

Everytime he had seen her, she had been with Draco Malfoy ...

The fact that he still had a sneaking suspicion that she was clueless as to what a Death Eater was did not help matters.

It was enough for him to nearly send hex flying. At Luna 's imperativeness, he had taken to kicking lawsuit of armour instead.

Apparently the metallic noise made by kicking something attracted Crumple Horned Snorkacks.

Or something like that.

His reaction was puzzling, even to him. He could not deny that he felt oddly protective of her. How could he not ? He had spent far too often clip watching over her in the hospital wing, and the thinking of further harm coming to her drove him mad.

Perhaps that was why he felt so crushed now that the fragile rapport he had, for a few exhilarating moments, thought they had built, had shattered.

But still ... He could not fathom what it was he had said wrong. All he knew was that she was no longer openly uncongenial towards him. Instead she avoided him like the pestis.

He had seen her lonely that very cockcrow, and it had taken all his patience to forfend hexing her into next week when she had practically sprinted down the mansion house to talk to Dean, upon catching heap of him.

Hell, he had come damn near closer to hexing her and Malfoy in Defense Against the wickedness artwork that very day. He had walked in to find her and Malfoy chatting in muted voicelessness, bent over parchment.

The second he had come within earshot the parchment had been rolled up and farce hastily into Malfoy 's rule book satchel.

Kaylens had refused to look at him. But he had not failed to observe how her hand shook for the rest of social class.

It had been easy to notice since he had been sitting alone. Ron and Hermione had holed themselves up on the early side of meat of the way. And unlike Kaylens and Hermione, who contented themselves to avoiding him, Ron had made sport of sending hostile glares his way.

At least the hostile looks from his roommates were apprehensible. He had had another fierce dream with Voldemort that week, and had woken up in a right state, screaming at every one of them.

Even the courting of armor had taken to cursing him when he walked by. Apparently they did n't like attracting afore mentioned snorkacks.

Come to cerebrate of it, the only individual talking to him now seemed to be Luna. And since she was in the class below him, he found himself sitting alone in class, and eating lunch at the Ravenclaw table.

In scant, the week had passed by in a dizzying daze.

Fortunately it would soon be over. Luna had already expressed her intent to get his head off of things, and was planning on forcibly dragging him to Hogsmeade.

He actually did n't beware the idea.

He finally reached the door, and Crusantheus surprisingly opened without complaint, revealing Dumbledore 's office. He stepped in for his moral, removing his wand in preparation.

'' That will be unnecessary today Harry. '' Dumbledore said, catching peck of him from behind his desk.

Perhaps it was because his thoughts had been elsewhere, but the estimation of a wandless Occlumency lesson caught him off precaution. He furrowed his supercilium questioningly.

Dumbledore caught the unspoken motion. `` Tonight, I have something unlike planned. Besides, I have taught you all I can regarding Occlumency Harry. The rest is up to you. ``

Somehow Harry strongly disagreed with this. If he had learned all there was to get laid about Occlumency, he would not still be having red incubus. `` Professor, in all due respect, if I had actually learned everything would n't I be well ... good at this then ? ``

Dumbledore cracked a smile. `` Ah, you see Harry, therein lies the difference. You have learned all I have to teach about Occlumency. That is an entirely different matter from mastering the subject area. ''

Harry was stunned, all previous thoughts and annoying at the prof driven from his idea.

Never in his liveliness would he consume imagined Dumbledore being ineffectual to teach him something.

'' Occlumency, Harry, is less about erecting mental roadblock, and more about controlling one 's emotions. Keeping your emotions hidden from the enemy is of extreme importance. And frankly, gets easygoing with age. '' Dumbledore stood with a rather large plumage gaberdine and began to snipe a disgruntled portrait with it.

'' Harry, you have become quite adept at creating barriers, visualizing a brick wall is your roadblock of pick is it not ? '' Harry nodded but Dumbledore was continuing. `` But the lonesome way to tone that wall at this point, is to learn to dissemble your emotions. ``

Harry stared somewhat unabashedly as the late headmistress made a rather rude manus motion.

'' Er ... professor ? '' He questioned hesitantly. `` What exactly do you mean by 'masking'them ? ``

'' Ah, not explaining myself very well am I ? ``

He valued his education far too much to respond truthfully.

'' Well Harry, when one sifts through your head, atrocious memories can get unearthed. It 's natural to recall the emotions these experiences caused you. Such a distraction is all the enemy would require to cut into deeper into your mind. '' Dumbledore was carrying on with all the air of one discussing a weekend excursion. `` And you have no shortage of painful memories Harry. It would be quite easy for Voldemort to regain one to use against you. ``

He did not involve Dumbledore to tell him that, he had already re-lived the guilt trip of Sirius'death all summer.

'' So are you going to cause me live over those memories for praxis ? '' He asked, somewhat apprehensive.

Dumledore turned to seem at him, balancing precariously on the stool he was using to gain ole Phinneus'portraiture. `` Why of course not. Certainly, I could go sifting about through your brain, forcing you to call up bad meter in your life sentence. But dredging up old memory and forcing you to get by with them would only aid you work up up phlegm. We do n't want that. ``

Dumbledore turned back and shoved the feather dustrag right where Phinneus'face had just re-appeared. The late headmaster cringed and jumped out of the framing again.

'' Harry, what we do desire, is for you to fall to terms with the crueler share of your past. And only you can define what those terms are. But I dare remind you, there is a departure between allowing the past to remind you, and allowing the past tense to control you. ''

Dumbledore jumped down from the fecal matter, wiping his dusty hands on his robe. `` Well now that's done. Now I have something to express you. ``

He beckoned him to where he stood, withdrawing a worn, leather bound Koran from one of his shelves. `` You know, I almost lost this after that pettifog yourself, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Kaylens had the early day Harry. '' He peered down his eyeglasses at him. `` I trust that is now resolved ? ``

Harry found himself oddly stuttering. `` S-sort of ... ''

Dumbledore shrugged. `` fountainhead, dedicate it time, pay it time. It may require her awhile to open up to anyone, seeing as how matters are. ''

The Headmaster was running his baton up and down the spine of the Christian Bible in an odd zig-zag pattern, muttering something about camphor ball. A loud 'pop'was heard, making Harry jump, and the book sprang out of Dumbledore 's hands, falling open on the table before them.

'' Now this Harry, is something you will not birth seen, nor heard of before. ``

Harry had to include that Dumbledore was dead on.

Inside the open book, where the varlet should receive been, lay a garden pink layer of fog. There was a sense of depth to the interior of it, and Harry had the vague sentience that another property lay just beyond the peacefully swirls.

Dumbledore reached his hand into it. `` It is a rather apt hiding smirch for affair. Not only is the locking mechanism for it rather wily, but only a hand with my DNA could reach into this and still determine their hired hand attatched. ``

Harry had been unconsciously leaning forward, trying to peer through the fog, but at this pronouncement took a step back. Dumbledore 's paw fished around blindly for a few minutes, before emerging with a silvery chain. A minuscule ampule was attached to the end of it.

The Headmaster shut the Book, muttering a few charm, and replaced it upon the ledge. `` This is something that I have been wanting to give you for quite some meter Harry. But until recently, the chance had not presented itself. The fact that it had not, is entirely my mistake, and for that I am sorry. ``

The headmaster, indeed, truly looked sorry. In fact he was looking rather grave all of a sudden. `` Ever since the day that cursed prognostication was made Harry, myself and a few others have been working on this. I still feel that it is woefully inadequate, but for now, it is all I can give you. ''

At this pronouncement, Dumbledore handed the vial over. Harry took it with no small total of trepidation. The vial, Harry found, was surprisingly warm

'' The vial you now hold is a special manikin of pensieve, Harry. '' Dumbledore said by way of explanation. `` It is called a Kunnskap. It means knowledge. And unlike normal pensieves, it does not have an unlimited content. It can only control a select few memories, and I believe that there are 81 unlike lessons contained within this one. ''

Only eighty-one ? He thought, slightly amused by the Headmasters definition of only. He turned the vial within his hands, noting that unlike in Dumbledore 's pensieve, spicy specs darted to and fro within the silvery substance here, colliding frequently to emit iniquity green sparks. It was like watching the reflection of fireworks in a silvery pond, only on a toy scale.

A thought process occurred to him.

'' What do you mean by moral, professor ? '' He asked curiously.

'' I was just getting to that. '' Dumbledore replied, looking strained. `` But given the danger that you have been in ever since that cursed prophecy was made, I wanted to have a way of preserving, and passing on, noesis of certain piece to you. ``

The Headmaster paused, shutting the leather book. Whisps of curling pink tendrils snuck out around the edges as he placed it back upon the shelf.

'' Times were disconsolate. '' He continued gravely. `` I did not do it how many of us would hold out, but we knew it was crucial to pass on our knowledge to the future coevals. This was our way of ensuring that at least one in effect wizard recieved that if the defective were to go on. ``

Such a glum pronouncement chilled him, for in admitting that he had once prepared for the worst, Dumbledore had admitted to his own mortality.

Despite his irritation and anger at all the schoolmaster had withheld over the years, the thought of a person Dumbledore shook his conception of a stable universe.

The headmaster motioned Harry into a plush plum armchair, forgetful to his pupil 's dark thoughts.

'' Over the years, myself, and others within the old Order, added select pieces of cognition that we wanted to depart to you, to this. You 'll even notice some of my old school day lessons there. Things like phantasma, curse-breaking, animagus survey ... They are all in there. ``

Harry listened intently, not wanting to miss a Bible. The conversation had become oddly personal.

A house elf popped into universe then, extending a plate of biscuits to him. He scarcely managed to direct one, for his head was fixated on the roughshod sarcasm of the situation.

This ampul was a true talent, yet he was only receiving it because of the prognostication 's heavy burden.

Suddenly he felt rather blunt. `` Professor, you made this to help me figuer out how to overcome Voldemort, did n't you ? ''

Dumbledore smiled sadly, sipping the tea that had materialized. `` We made it, because we still have hope. ``

Hope ... Why could n't someone else have been wizarding kind 's hope ?

Dumbledore was mercifully oblivious to the nighttime opinion still flitting through his mind.

'' Harry, the Kunnskap does not knead like a normal pensieve. Instead of entering a retentivity, the memory enters you. So once you unearth one, it 's knowledge will stay on permanently yours. ``

This piqued his pursuit. `` So you mean that I can go an animagus just by looking at the memory in it ? ``

Dumbledore smiled ruefully. `` No. This will learn you the possibility, and knowing the theory of something is entirely unlike from putting it to use. However ... '' The man 's dark optic twinkled mischievously. `` I have it on salutary word that learning and researching just the possibility on animagi can take years. So all you will get left to do is practice putting what this will teach you, into use. ``

Thinking of what he, Ron, and Hermione had planned, he suddenly wondered, for the thousandth time since coming to Hogwarts, just how much that the Headmaster knew about his students.

Against his better sound judgment, he broke out into a belittled smiling. Even Hermione, with all her convictions against taking short cuts to learn something, would probably die for a look into this thing.

God he would neglect them ... Perhaps one day, when things were different ....

As if reading his idea, Dumbledore smiled. `` For the time being Harry, I would keep this to yourself. Because of the Kunnskap 's potential for misuse, only seven were made. We would not need this falling into the awry hands. ``

Harry was taken aback. For once, Dumbledore was actually trusting him with something authoritative. `` T-thanks professor. I 'll look after it. ``

He 'd be damned if he disappointed him.

Dumbledore smiled over his cup. `` I 'm sure you will Harry. Do try to use it in private though. When one uses it they tend to come out in a spell, and I would hate to see what your roommates would do if they stumbled upon you in such a DoS. And I would know, Mrs Norris once caught me using this. ``

Harry nearly choked on his biscuit.

The past fortnight, he realized, had truly been full-of-the-moon of surprise.




Thank you SticksN'Stones for the first-class banner !






'' Choose to be not a product of your surroundings, nor of your experience, but a production of what your tenderness tells you the world can be in its finest hour. ``
~ A.K. Lovell ~



Chapter 18 ~ The Scars Life Leaves


Tonks threw open the wraith, allowing the burnished afternoon lighting to stream in, filling the way with yellow hue so bright that not even Remus, who was valiantly feigning sleep, could disregard them.

She marched to the incline of his bed, throwing open the bed hangings.

'' Get up. '' She clipped, her expression anything but amused.

'' How did you get past the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward ? '' Remus groaned, pulling his pillow over his oral sex so he resembled a burrowing animal.

She contented herself to narrowing her violet eyes. `` Bill 's a curse breaker. And when he and I have over two calendar week with nothing to do but crack up the wards on our obstinate arse of a Quaker 's family we tend to win. ``

Remus emitted a low murmur audio, undecipherable to any human ear. It was at this compass point that she decided she had had enough. She ripped the back from his bed, and cast away them out the now open window.

'' Remus did you really think you could avoid us forever ! '' She hollered. `` What the hell is the thing with you ? ``

At his lack of responsiveness she stomped her foot angrily, and began spraying him with water from the tip of her wand.

Remus jerked so violently that he rolled right out of bed, landing in a heap on the floor. He blinked groggily, his face scrunched up and dripping. He looked extremely disgruntled.

'' You look like a sopping wet dog Remus ! Now get your refractory ass off the base right now and get quick ! We have an orderliness meeting in an time of day and if you are not there so help me Falco columbarius I will come back here, Barbara Ward be damned, and shit you come ! You ca n't obviate us forever ! ``

He groaned unhappily.

She glowered down, deciding to not leave just yet. `` And you know what else Wolfy ? You are the singularly, nearly selfish individual that I have ever met ! ``

'' Mrmph ... ''

'' Do n't mrmph at me ! '' She practically shouted. `` As if it 's not bad enough for you to stay here, wallowing in ego pity for two hebdomad, but you left me to talk to Harry for you ! He deserved to see you there ! Not me ! Instead you hid here away from everyone acting like a sister ! ``

'' Go. Away. '' He interjected moodily.

'' NO I WO N'T ! '' She screeched in a very un-Tonks-like fashion. `` I am FAR from being DONE ! I have n't even started on Kalliandra ! Do you have any estimate how a lot she probably needs you right now ? ``

He apparently had found something fascinating underneath the bed, because now he had taken to staring beneath it.

'' She doesn't need me. I nearly got her killed. ``

Tonks stomped again, very near his school principal. `` You know that was n't your fault Remus ! No one knew what that spell would do ! ``

'' You should go. '' He mumbled morosely. `` I could still turn at any moment. ``

Her jaw dropped. `` Is that what this self-induced isolation has been about ? You think your going to turn again ? ''

When he did n't answer she actually laughed. `` Remus you prat ! You turned within an 60 minutes of being hit with that enchantment ! Do you really think that it could possibly sour you again ? Two workweek later no less ! ? ``

'' I ca n't risk it .... ''

'' fountainhead that 's just too damn bad Wolfy because your going to. '' She did n't expect for a response and marched over to throw unfold his closet. She grabbed the nearest shirt and threw it at him. `` Now go shower and get dressed. I do n't give all day and so avail me you are going to write to Harry and Kalliandra before we leave ! ``

He could be seen over his bed, fumbling with his shirt. `` When we leave ? Was n't I kicking you out now ? ``

'' I 'd care to see you try. I 'm not leaving because I do n't feel like fighting with your wards again. '' She paused, and almost as an afterthought added, `` And do n't change the subject area because you are writing to them ! ``

He shook his head, his shagged hair falling around his eyes messily. It looked like he had n't showered in Clarence Day. `` No. If they wanted to talk to me they would have .... ''

'' Would have what ? '' She was far beyond losing her longanimity at this point. `` Contacted you ? Remus, Kalliandra tried ! That damn pocket watch of yours has been glowing all week at home base ! We tried sending it back to you but you keep sending it back ! Kalliandra probably thinks your ignoring her by now and Harry ... ''

'' Harry is safer if I stay away. '' Remus interjected, picking up his wand.

She growled in foiling and yanked the sack watch out of her pocket. Mundungus had found it near one of the drained minor after the attack.

'' Well at least take this backward Remus. '' She said, placing it on his wear thin desk. `` I do n't care what you say but she really does need you. '' She searched him for some polarity that he accepted this fact, but he only leaned out the window and summoned his blanket back up.

Watching his pathetic movements, she suddenly felt like collapsing.

Remus had been the one she could matter on, to hold back together for her. Ever since Sirius ...

She could n't bear to remember of it, let alone representative it, but ever since that wretched night she had grown to trust on Remus. She needed him so a lot it scared her.

It had been his cool, light brown eyes she had awoken to in St. Mungos. The healer said he had never left her incline. Even then he refused, and took to sleeping on a make-shift cot in the corner or her room. He had claimed it was to not miss the fun of her griping, whenever the healers had poked and prodded her with their wands, but she had known better. He had been worried, and who could find fault him when she had never felt worse.

But his presence had kept her thoughts from straying to Sirius.

She shuddered, remembering how he had found her curled up on her cast one night that summer, positively balling her eyes out, the few film of Dog Star she had spread out on her coffee bean tabular array. If only she had stunned Bellatrix when she had had the chance ! By Falco columbarius he would still be here !

With a assuredness cup of mocha Remus had sat with her, logically reminding her that hindsight is 20/20, and of the futility of blaming herself.

Catching the love child was the only affair that could facilitate Dog Star now, he had told her. And as an auror, that would be her job. He had told her how she needed to keep together for that.

If he had not shown up when he had, she may have curled up in the nearest, damp broom closet, and not come out till Christmas.

She had passed out that Night, vaguely suspicious that her mocha coffee had been laced with wearisome firewhiskey. Remus always had claimed that alcohol assuaged the mettle ....

She had only just realized how grateful she was for the small traces of humor he shared with her.

She had grown so used to him always being there, and it had taken Remus'absence to make her take in how much he meant to her.

Never again, did she need to experience another two weeks like the one she had just had without him.

The thought of him wallowing in self pity any retentive made her physically ill, and she felt her shallow reserves of strength folding in.

She had to resist the urge to run over there and smack him.

She drew herself up, ignoring the pain prickling in her chest. `` Harry does need you Remus. '' She started. `` Your all he has left. Imagine how he 'd feel if you shut him off now ? ``

Remus was flipping the comfort back onto the bed, straightening it meticulously. `` He does n't need me. Neither does Kally. They 'll just twine up harm ... ''

'' Well dam n't Remus ! I need you ! '' She shot out, ignoring his take aback stare. `` Do n't you get that ? I miss you ! And I 'm not the sole one ! Harry misses you ! He sent me an owl because you have n't responded to his letter ! I can only sham by that pile on your desk that you have n't say any of them yet ! And you ! You 're just .... ''

She trailed off, foiling effectively silencing that train of thought.

'' Go shower. I 'll expect downstairs. ``

She turned in a huff and stormed out, resolving to post Harry and Kalliandra freestanding banknote demanding that they pester Remus until he broke out of this self-created shell.

She missed the disbelieving center of a certain loup-garou, following her longingly.
* * *


Harry allowed the Book to hang closed. His pass had long since fallen upon the table, his organic structure slumped over in thwarting. A K and one iniquity curses swirled through his judgment, their counter curses eluding his memory in a maddening way.

Why, in the name of Merlin, had Professor Tres been so against teaching them this ?

The sheer enormity of the chore before him had hit home nearly an hour before, and the constant weight on his shoulders seemed determined to crush him now. It was pressing down on his pectus, making his head spin, the realisation of how small time he had to surmount this had finally sunk in.

Voldemort could arrive for those he loved tomorrow, and somehow he doubted the monster 's minions would stupefy to simple jinxes.

For the first base prison term in his life, he was starting to feel helpless. He had borrowed the book from Dumbledore 's function, changing the cover so no one could cognize what sour arts it contained, and after only a few years of study he had come to a realization.

Avada Kedarva was amongst the most merciful of dark curses.

For the wickedness fine art could do so much worse than simply down in one blow.

The could burn you active from the interior out, your howler confounding those around you, your skin not blackening as inconspicuous fiery tendrils licked at you hungrily.

By the time those around you realized ....

Help for victims of the mort ardente would be far too late.

other curses could could slit your skin in slow, longsighted slashes. The inconspicuous attack lasting for time of day, as medi-wizards and healers tried to write you, only to watch out you succumb as solidus after destroying cut undid their healing, spilling your life history blood, killing you ...

Others could slowly jam your dresser, driving the air from your lungs, suffocating you under the pressure sensation of a dozen hippogriffs ....

He shuddered involuntarily, almost gladiola that dying had been quick and merciful for Sirius and Cedric. He had not known before, but their spirit could ingest been extinguished in very much risky ways ....

The school day system had failed them. Harry knew this now. For they had not prepared them adequately for what they might face in the war.

professor Tres had shown him that merely a week ago. Kaylens had been the one to bring it up, asking when they would learn the worse of the Dark Arts themselves.

He had n't been sure whether to spat her for her astuteness, or curse her for sounding like fanatical Malfoy.

But she had been right ....

If one did not know what the curses sounded like, how could they defend themselves with precise counter-curses ?

So while her and Malfoy had argued their point, and lost valiantly as Tres started twitching under pressure sensation, he had composed a varsity letter to Dumbledore asking for access code to fabric about the nighttime humanistic discipline.
Dumbledore had granted him that ...

He propped himself on his cubital joint, reopening the ancient, blackened leather text. He was determined to learn every lethal swearword the world had to offer him.

And before he found Voldemort with them, he would first find Pettigrew ...

The man who had stolen his spirit from day one.

Pettigrew would pay. Harry would take a leak him sense all of the pain in the neck he had felt ever since his arrival on the Dursley 's doorstep.

Then Pettigrew would die.

Then, once he had seen what the curses did on a live human being, then he would chance Voldemort.

The beast was going to pay.
* * * * *


Kalliandra clutched Tonks'varsity letter in mitt and stormed to the ft of the gargoyle.

She had done exactly as Tonks had requested. She had already tried contacting him. She had tried saying, shouting, and cursing his gens into that blasted covenant of hers, had sent owls armed with alphabetic character and orders to peck at at his hands until he replied, and even had sent a self-writing quill with the finis one so it would write whatever he said down upon receiving it.

That particular owl had had lodge to snatch whatever was written before Remus had a chance to abduct it up himself.

well apparently Remus had been too nimble for the owl, because she had gotten back a broken shaft and a ripped, dummy piece of paper.

damn your obstinance to Hades Remus ! She thought in aggravator, stomping her pes outside Dumbledore 's spot.

She had grown so nark with him avoiding impinging and canceling their tutoring sessions that she had finally slipped on Riley 's ringing and tried port keying directly to Remus, only that had n't worked either.

Which was precisely why she found herself outside of Dumbledore 's stupid Harlan Fiske Stone gargoyle, shouting every candy that came to mind.

'' Peppermint ! Bat dung droppings ! Bertie tonic ! Apples ! mantrap ! '' She exclaimed at it, abandoning candies in favor of yield. `` Oh damn it to hell ! Peach Schnapps ! salmon pink Cobble ... ''

The Harlan Stone gargoyle had sprung to life story, allowing her entrance.

'' apricot Schnapps ? You 've got to be kidding me ... '' She muttered, springing up the steps and bursting into his power, being deliberate to smack Crusantheus on the way in.

Dumbledore looked up idly from his desk, a befuddled expression across his atmospheric condition worn face. `` Why Kalliandra, what a pleasant surprise. ``

She did not gibe. `` prof what does Remus imagine he is doing ? '' She demanded, stopping in front of his desk. `` He ca n't forefend us forever ! Why does n't my port key work anymore ? And why are you now using strong drink as your watchword ! ? ``

Dumbledore looked rather puzzled. `` Peach schnapps ? A liquor ? And here I thought it was a rather clever form of candy ... ''

Had she not been so worked up she would have rolled her eyes. `` No, it 's not. But why wo n't this work .... '' She held up her hoop for effect.

'' Ah, I was wondering when you would ask. '' Dumbledore commented airily. `` Remus requested that your port key be de-activated for the time being. ``

She glowered. `` Did he say why ? ``

'' I am sure you know why Kalliandra. ``

An odd, sinking look had wormed it 's way into her stomach. `` Yeah, I think I do. But does n't he empathise that it was n't his flaw ? ``

'' On some level, yes. But much like someone else you know ... '' Dumbledore eyed her shrewdly, leaving no question about who he was referring to. `` He has taken to blaming himself, shoving away those close to him in decree to protect them. ''

She sighed defeatedly. `` So there 's nothing we can do to spill the beans some sentience into him ? ``

'' I rather think, that this is something he has to come to accept on his own terminal figure. We can not push him into realizing that we would rather be near him with all of the risk of exposure, than away from him and safe. ``

'' I wish we could ... '' She said sadly.

Dumbledore chuckled slightly, recognizing the irony of her affirmation. `` You know Kalliandra, in our own way, we are all a danger to those we love, for the simple fact that true supporter will go to any lengths to help each other, even if that means sacrificing their own lives in exchange for another 's. ``

His watchword struck a cryptical chord within her, one she was not quite make to hear. `` Thanks prof ... '' She muttered, all anger gone. `` Can you at to the lowest degree give him this when you see him ? '' She extended a letter to him, it 's addressee meter reading To The Obstinate Wolf.

Dumbledore smiled, `` I 'll see that he gets it. ``
* * * * *


Harry rested his cheek against the worn surface of the table, letting his dank hair drip mold over his face. The dripping water from his recent shower eased the dull ache that had begun in his scar.

drip mould ....

A beading of wax broke unblock from the glowing taper, falling to pawn into the unsealed ridges of the oak desk. The impact sounded cavernous, for his ear remained pressed against the desk 's surface, amplifying the sound ten fold.

Across the usual room, far from where he sheltered in the phantasma of a individual candle wick, the flak glowed warmly. respective straggling seventh years, no doubtfulness putting in the extra time of day for NEWT preparation, remained there, blissfully unmindful to the late hour.

nap would once again, not be his companion. When his scar ached so sharply, it was in fact the enemy.

Voldemort was there, just beneath the surface of his head, waiting for a chance to get in as he dreamt. He knew Hermione 's parents were as ripe as idle, but he would not allow Voldemort the information he demanded for their supposed 'release .'

If they were going to die, it would not be in vain.

Fiery shadows danced across his open air text, and he wearily rubbed his scar, trying to con the counter curse word for one of the many crushing hexes.

The one he was looking at would drive air from the lungs slowly, till the person could only claw at their neck in agony, bloodline vessel in their eyes bursting as oxygen left them.

The blacken and white illustration showed a star captured in a silent howl, his fingerbreadth already falling hobble around his throat.

He shuddered at the vision, not noticing the watch expression flitting across her aspect.

He had never even noticed her studying him, concealed as she was, lying on the floor across the elbow room, warming herself before the fire.

She made her way towards him, making up her mind.

'' Hey Potter. ``

Her spokesperson pulled him away from his thoughts, and he swallowed hard, looking up as she slid into the buttocks before him. She leaned backwards relaxingly, her face falling into the phantasm of the quoin they sheltered in.

'' Kaylens. '' He said steadily, affection pound. Be it at her sudden intermission or the memory of the dying aspect, he did not know. `` What are you doing here ? '' He slid a hand across the morbid photograph, staring intently at her.

She met his eyes, for the first fourth dimension in days, holding them seriously. `` Talking Potter. Just talking. '' candlelight danced in them ...

His scrape gave a tedious pound, reminding him of his own fragile state. Tonight was not the meter for talking, even with her, whom he had grown rum about. `` You know ... '' He stated carefully, watching her smooth her flowing ignition lock behind her capitulum. `` There is usually a rationality for why someone sits clear across a relatively evacuate room from everyone else. ``

She nodded, a whimsical frown tracing her feature of speech. `` Oh ? And what 's that ? ``

'' Their studying. ``

'' Or they want to be left alone. '' She whispered, voicing his tongueless thought. `` Believe me potter, I know your infelicitous with me. I would n't rag you if it was n't important. ``

He was thrown. `` I 'm not infelicitous with you. '' He said quietly, before he could stop himself. `` I just do n't understand why your so hostile. ``

Her centre danced in the candlelight, her hands playing around the base of the candle, picking at the solidified wax. `` It 's not important why. I just am. '' She whispered, sounding clearly pained.

He nodded, accepting this. `` If that's the case, then am I, or am I not, supposed to stay the hell on earth away from you ? ``

She chewed on her downcast lip thoughtfully, fidgeting. `` For someone who seemed eager to babble, your certainly making this difficult. ``

He smiled forcefully at this, probably looking like a grim merry andrew. `` And that has zip to do with you storming off, then refusing to descend within a ten meter vicinity of me ? ``

'' Touché. '' She murmured. `` But this is n't about you or me. It 's about Remus. ``

Her voice held an heart of loss as lupin 's name fell off her mouth, and for a fleeting second base he understood. He did not know how the two knew one another, and felt the stabbing pain of betrayal that Lupin had kept better communications with her rather than him, his best friend 's son, but in that instant, he knew that his former Professor had not spoken to her since that day either.

He felt oddly just about that. For a variety, he was not the only one being ignored, or kept in the dark.

'' Wo n't reply to any of your letters either then ? '' He queried, knowing the answer.

She shook her head, her hair coming loose from where it lay tucked behind her ears, falling to lay artfully over her middle. `` He 's started sending mine back. ''

He felt a belittled smile tugging at the edge of his backtalk. `` Hedwig is persistent. ``

'' An owl ? ``

He grunted in reply, the ache in his scar was starting to sunburn slightly.

'' We ca n't just let Remus keep out himself off. ``

He jolted forward, dropping his chief into his hand to track the painful grimace now crossing his face. `` Funny earshot you say that. '' He groaned as the world-class wave of bother attacked him. `` Because is n't that what your doing ? ``

Through his fingers he saw a shrewd expression hybridisation her case. `` Do you need me to get Madam Pomfrey ? ''

'' Why .... '' scene the wall ... .The bricks ... Their jolting texture stretching infinitely upwards .... `` Why would I want you to get the nurse ? '' He asked, barely guising the pain that was now coming forth in waves. She needed to will. She needed to leave now, but not to get the nurse ...

'' Your in pain potter. I 'll be ... ''

Before she could even affect his hand had shot out like a lightning bolt, attaching itself to her wrist joint. `` Do n't get her ... I 'll be very well. '' He hissed lowly, not keen to draw in the attention of the 7th years still down there.

An unpleasant superstar swept through him, the flavor of Kaylens'articulatio radiocarpea turning barely registered as the night way spun. He was no longer fully there as his optic flickered one-half shut, one-half seeing the wall Dumbledore had taught him to so carefully construct, half seeing Kaylens kneeling down besides him.

'' The only way to strengthen your paries at this stop, is to learn to mask your emotions .... '' Dumbledore 's Holy Writ came back to him ...

'' Potter ? Potter look at me. '' Kaylens spoke quickly, an unfamiliar edge to her voice. He waved her away, feeling her hired hand wrapping around his own. She had to leave alone ...

Voldemort was prickling at the edges of his fancy wall.

The creature 's voice filled his mind, green tendrils leaking through red brick.

Been sssstudying the grim artssss I sssssee. It'ssss about time you learrrrned ....

He turned his eyes away from his playscript, leaning away from Kaylens to slam it shut before Voldemort could pick up more.

'' Sodding hell Potter of all the times ... '' Kaylens murmured. He felt her arm sliding beneath his berm, a strange tingling trickling through him as he unconsciously leaned closer, allowing his physical structure to sag against her as she hauled him up.

He rose his centre, finding her own surprisingly close, flickering with that unfamiliar business concern. `` Kaylens leave ... '' He muttered, feeling a violent border forming within his last lucid thoughts. He had nearly attacked Ron in a standardized DoS, under Voldemort 's egging influence ...

Ah compannnnny .... Voldemort sounded almost cheerful, and Harry felt his nerve unwillingly turning towards her further.

Suddenly it was no longer he who was searching her features.

Interesssstinnnng ....

'' Kaylens ... '' He gasped. `` Get the the pits out of here. ``

She grimaced determinedly, kicking open the portrayal door. He heard her shouting something about Pomfrey to someone, but their form was so bleary ... He could n't make them out ...

It doessssss n't matterrrrrrr who they arrrrre Harrrrrrry. Who issss sssssssheeeee ....

'' Leave .... '' He groaned, barely shoving the words out. She was dragging him down the anteroom now ...

'' Potter I 'm not going anywhere. '' She got out, sounding strained.

It'ssss estimable to know they have not messssed up assss badly assss believvvvved ....

Who messed up ! ? ! ? He thought, grasping lucidity, heroic to glean Voldemort 's meaning.

Calling on his survive ounces of mental reserves he dug his bounder into the ground. He turned, squirming away from the reassuring mien of her implements of war, suddenly finding his own feet untrustworthy.

He was collapsing to the gemstone level, the torch lit halls a splendid blur ...

Whooooo ...

Unable to recount the difference between speaking and thinking, his mouth opened to scream his own question into the dead of night ...

Kaylens paw clamped over his lip, and he found himself breathing in her skin, damp with perspiration and the bendable essence of the candle she had been fidgeting with simple moments before.

'' Damn you Potter be quiet ! '' She hissed dangerously.

He struggled dazedly, her chin coming to rest on his shoulder as she stilled him, frantic hushing sounds escaping her own backtalk. Had she had a coarse border to her ? He could no longer remember ...

Jussssst a name Harrrrrrry .... What harrrrm everrrr came frrrrom a epithet Harrrry ....

He relaxed, leaning against her again, feeling her arms stiffen. Of line .... It only made sense .... Voldemort would want to know of soul as fascinating as her, who would n't ? He certainly did, no subject how infuriating she grew he was curious. What harm could a public figure do ...

'' Kalliandra Kaylens .... '' He murmured druggedly.

'' Glad to see you remember formalities. Now please get up, I 'm not strong enough to drag ... ''

A jubilant wave washed over him, so intense as to drown out every other word filtering through his auditory system.

Voldemort withdrew as quickly as he came, and he realized, with a sinking feeling feeling, that he had just given the wickedness Jehovah something he very much wanted, without realizing it.

The feel of Kaylens'hands tugging up on his articulatio humeri, the tone of her long fuzz brushing against his look as she leaned over him, the sullen shadows of the deserted Hogwarts corridor ...

The sanctity of his nous restored, it all came into bare focus.

His wooden leg becoming his own again, he powerfully throw them into the story on his own treaty, scrambling eagerly away, his sudden going away sending her spilling across the frigidity, dirt dusted stone floors.

He rounded on her downed form, failing to detect her shocked expression. One thought was on his mind. One he had been putting off asking.

'' What does Voldemort want with you ? '' He asked pointedly, the maniacal glint that always accompanied Voldemort 's touch still in his eyes.

She glared up unflinchingly, gold fuzz limply splayed out across her facial expression. `` So were at this again are we ? '' She whispered, brushing it aside, revealing the steely glint of her own glossy orbs.

'' Yes. '' He said seriously, his hand lingering near his scepter. `` Yes we are. ``

She pushed herself up, slowly, wincing as she did so. `` Does that really require an answer then ? ``

'' Yes. ``

They stared at one another, both expressions unreadable.

Finally, an eternity passing them by, she tilted her head teacher to the side. `` How a good deal do you know ? '' She whispered.

'' Enough to cognise he was all too happy to read your figure tonight. '' He knew the consequences of this, if horrible, would be his to bear. It was not a intellection he cherished, and a part of him almost wished for her to confess into the night her commitment to the Dark Lord, so he could strike her pile, guiltiness free.

Yet another, taking in the way her left manus shook ever so slightly, declared him the mug for not going to her to fix what he might have done.

This live on thought process was silenced by the way her middle darkened coldly onto him. `` And you were well-chosen to apply him that information. Were n't you monkey around ? ``

His own script, now balled in fists, shook with suppress passion at himself for doing so. `` None of this would have happened if you had just listened to me. Why did n't you leave when I told you to ? ``

She shrugged one shoulder, almost testingly, in an out of billet manner. `` You looked like you were having a fit Potter. I thought you needed the hospital extension ... ''

'' Whether I need the hospital offstage is none of your business organisation ! '' He hissed angrily, albeit too loudly. mortal was bound to hear, but he did n't care. Let Filch just try and punish him ...

She looked stricken by his words. `` I see. '' She whispered, moving to walk past him, back towards where the Fat Lady 's portrayal observed in awed horror.

Once again, before he could stop himself, he had her articulatio radiocarpea in his handwriting, spinning her around to pin her against the wall. He pressed his body against hers, their faces dangerously close. Her face remained an indecipherable mask, save for the beads of diaphoresis glistening upon her forehead in the torchlight.

They stared at one another, each daring the other to talk. Releasing one of her wrist, he moved his paw to breathe above her shoulder, cutting off any thought of her escape.

'' I said I understood ceramicist. '' Her breath was barely a whisper, and beneath his palm he felt her wrist temperature reduction, the cool Oct air prickling fathead excrescence across her arms.

'' No ... '' He said quietly. `` I do n't think you do. Not really ... ''

She breathed in deeply, her dresser rising to press against his own for the briefest of seconds. `` Care to enlighten me ? ``

He nodded coldly, his moist hair falling to conceal his mark, a disturbing sizzling sound drawing Kaylens eyes uncomfortably towards it.

Her challenging conduct vanished, mental confusion flickering in her eyes. Her devoid hand unconsciously reached upwards, but he stilled her motion by aggressively squeezing her shoulder joint blade.

'' I would n't ... recommend ... doing ... that ... '' He said coldly, ignoring how she bit her lip, her face clearly contorted in hurting. If she could n't look at that what in the Hell did she architectural plan on doing when Voldemort got to her. He 'd teach her what she was dealing with ...

'' Do you have any idea what your dealing with ? I have a suspicion ... '' He spoke mechanically, as if lecturing a small child. `` That you do not. So I am going to ask you one ... More ... meter. What ... does ... he ... want ... with ... you ? ``

She tilted her chief up to his slightly. `` What makes you think that he wants anything with me at all ? ``

He smiled cruelly. `` Let 's just say we have room of chatting. ``

Her eyes instantly narrowed, her body tensing beneath his. `` Are you saying your involved with him ? ''

'' Perceptive ... '' He murmured coldly, leaning in public treasury her breath breezed across his face. `` But I never said friendly. You on the other script openly admitted it. ``

'' Lie ... '' She spat.

He could no longer narrate if she were glaring or war cry, for his forehead was pressed firmly against her own, driving her harder against the wall. Her words lingered on his unshaven chin, and he grimaced wryly, realizing how close he was to finding out the truth.

'' I have intelligence for you. '' He whispered. `` You said you would rather be a last Eater than be like me. So you either are one of his followers, or you are clueless as to what a Death feeder is. Now which is it ? ``

Her expression remained unfaltering for far too long for his gustatory perception.

'' mulct. '' He whispered. `` Here is what I think. I think that you have no clue what one is. Either that, or you are the trump actress I have ever seen. But for that to be true up, you would either have to be a Muggle, which you clearly are not, or you would throw to take been a hermit from wizarding society. So ... '' He tilted his human face down, practically meeting her own.

'' Which one is it ? '' He breathed, tension reverberating in the still hall 's air.

She turned her radiocarpal joint in the confines of his escaped grip, her hide brushing against his own. He could come down her response, being so close, his eyes locked onto hers. She was going to run, it was like feeling what she was feeling ... reverence ...

Suddenly he knew what was occurring, why her body was shuddering ever so slightly in front of his own. He stared into her heart for a moment longer, allowing his expression to soften misleadingly.

'' Well if you do n't want to tell me .... '' He murmured, releasing her radiocarpal joint before she could decamp. She eyed him with surprise, and mistrust, never seeing his hand falling to roost upon his wand.

'' Legilimency. '' He whispered.

Her animation ... It all flooded his head in one over powering wave. A convolution of upshot that were unacceptable to recognize ... Until one scream filled his mind with a blinding red hue, bringing it all into stark clarity.
'' RILEY ! ''


The vortex of range of a function changed, becoming the congruent scene of a blond child, hair much abstemious than he knew it would darken to become, was approaching a door, answering it ...

A man smiled toothily down, removing his hat to reveal closely cropped, foul blond haircloth, bowing slightly. The tyke smiled upwards, but the double of his smile froze, faltering, as if it had forever been burned into her memory.

And now his ...

The door flew afford, the man 's foot connecting with it, sending it bulleting inwards, hitting her with it against the face. Blinding pain kept her conscious, for the world was black be-speckled, and her scream physical body fell to land in the front foyer.

The guilt .... Almost overpowering ... She should n't accept screamed ... My God if only she had not ...

A gilt haired man, only slightly elder than they were now, came sliding into the entrance hall. The girl screamed on the base, her broken, bloodied wind rendering her word of advice incomprehensible.

The blond haired monster dropped a knee onto the lady friend 's back, pinning her to the base. The newsbreak of a buck tongue drawn from a casing caught Harry 's eye, and the Loretta Young man, who now bore a looking at of the utmost fury.

'' Wan na go boy ? seminal fluid here ! ``

The golden haired man was already charging, but the monster had drawn a gun and fired before Riley could even turn over her ...

Riley ... My God, Harry thought ...

Her mistake ... The guilt trip ... If only she had n't screamed.

The girl was bucking on the floor, screaming, nearly freezing in fear as roue pooled from Riley 's chest wounding, his XVIII year old dead body twitching spasmodically, his oral cavity gaping, gasping for breath ...

Yet Riley had crawled, leaving a smeared lead of ruddy death on the linoleum level in his wake, for he had been unable to let his footling sis be pillaged ...

His dying breath came, the girl 's eye all-inclusive with horror for only her brother, as the buck knife plunged into young Kaylens', deep into the cover of her eight class old shoulder blade.

Hot, fiery pain in the ass intensified, followed by a tingling sense impression of the most queer kind ...

He could almost feel what she had ... Her shoulder was tingling, short pin pricks attacking her skin as they would when her animal foot would awake up from falling asleep ...

Her hysterical riot only intensified, and Harry watched in horror as the monster gripped her fuzz, yanking her head word back roughly as Harry once himself had done to her, before slamming her case savagely into the linoleum.

'' Were going to have some fun are n't we little missy ? Are n't we ! ? ! ? ! Just as soon as you shut your bloody mouth and differentiate me where that sweet slight brother of yours is ... ''

'' Go away ! '' Little Kaylens was screaming her gist out.

In Voldemort 's mind he had seen grownup wither in annoyance and descent apart at so much less ...

His ticker broke as he watched her small word form continue struggling, screaming, yet the man only pinned her face down to the floor harder, dragging the buck tongue across her shoulder in a foresighted, cruel line ...

A whirl of semblance, and he was gone. Thrust out not by thaumaturgy, but by the beast bobby pin someone had taken up on the back of his gown, yanking him away from her. He staggered backwards, disoriented, his arm flailed into the common mullein holder ...

His sleeve was on fire, burning him, the flaming licking up his sleeve when individual floored him, dousing him with piddle.

His coal skin throbbed, but not so much as his mind.

Kaylens stood motionless, still pressed against the wall, chalk white, dumb tears streaming down her beautiful face. A single slender hand was clutching her shoulder. The Saame one he had grabbed roughly. The same one he had seen stabbed viciously ...

It was as if he were seeing her for the first time.

'' K-kaylens ... '' He whispered shakily, pleadingly.

'' Shut it Harry ! ``

Harry rolled over to see Ron and Hermione, returning from nightly Prefect rounds, glaring hatefully down at him.








'' The death of one man is a tragedy. The death of millions is a statistic. ''
~ Joseph Joseph Stalin ~



Chapter 19 ~ Le Règne d'Enfer Commence


Once his brain awakened, his brainpower dimmed by the drugged wine-colored he had willfully taken, it was not the darkness, nor his unfamiliar environment, nor even the cloaked human body patiently waiting besides him that he noticed.

It was the stale air.

He sniffed.

They were coming ...

Just as he had.

It was why he had isolated himself for the past fortnight. From Harry, from Kally, from Tonks ...

Lucius Malfoy had not given up on recruiting him. After all, there were only so many pureblood wolfman.

Two daylight after the incident with Kally and Harry, he had received a blank envelope addressed to him, sealed with the shadow Mark.

After reading it 's contents, it 's offering of safe harbour from the cruel, prejudiced Ministry standing in cruel dividing line to the demise feeder 's own detrimental beliefs, Dumbledore had asked the one thing of him that he had felt ineffective to do.

He had asked him to consider joining them.

He had stayed in isolation, not wanting his affections for Harry, Kally, or Tonks, especially Tonks, to swing his decision.

The former lycanthrope began emerging from the hush-hush corridors surrounding him. Here the walls were lined with bone. Femurs rising up like sadistic tower from hell, supporting the prospicient cable of skulls outlining the revolutionist handing over. poise water dripped rhythmically from the damp cap, wetting his sweating scalp.

There was only one place in the worldly concern that flaunted such morbidity. deeply beneath the streets of Paris, over lx million of a sentence long past times lay dead. Their skeletal frame disassembled, grouped systematically to mold walkways, a remainder of a darker time.

Upon drinking the drugged wine, the Death eater had said he would awaken in the empire of Death. Only now did he interpret what he had meant.

A heart shape, shaped out of human skulls, lay set into the bulwark of the Paris catacombs besides him. A standing remnant of the grisly horse sense of sense of humour, stretching endlessly into the darkness.

This was a prefect situation of merging. world, isolated, and gothic.

Not to bring up how winding the corridors were. It was doubtful that anyone would be there to see their dealings.

'' After our last confluence I must allow that I am surprise to see you here. ``

Lucius Malfoy stepped forth from a shadowed corridor, dropping his hood to reveal livid blonde fuzz.

He inclined his head. `` Since then I 've realized how my kind is rewarded for good deeds. '' He replied resolutely.

Lucius gave him an appraising looking, before reaching forth a cloaked hand to beckon the others forward. Half a dozen other cloaked frame emerged from the shadows, forming a circuit around him.

'' Who 's the gaunt one ? '' Growled one of them. Remus distinctly saw the glint of fang beneath the hood.

My God ... It is true ....

Voldemort had truly found a way to control their transformation.

wolfman could now roam the globe at will.

'' The gaunt one ... '' Lucius said sneeringly. `` Is a piteous self-justification of a pureblood, friend of the thrower .... ''

'' Former friend. '' Remus interrupted nastily, snarling for force. `` I 've seen how their sorting repays my kind, thinking I 'd betray them because of what I .... ''

'' Spaaaaaare us the actor's line wolf. '' Interrupted the one who had brought him there. `` What we need to lie with is if we can trust you. ``

'' Of course we ca n't. '' Lucius snarled, threateningly extending his incisors and nails. `` But we can create him one of us. ``

'' If you do n't bank me how do you plan on accomplishing that ? '' Remus countered, not wanting to go too eager.

Lucius smiled evilly. `` I 'm so beaming you asked. '' He withdrew a silver flaskful from his pocket, tossing it to him.

Remus caught it with his shirt sleeve, uneager to come up in contact with the forbidden metal.

'' Tsk, tsk. Not too trusting are we blood traitor ? '' Lucius chided.

'' Not really. ``

'' It 's platinum. Would n't need to be carrying around something deadly now would we ? Remember, I percentage the Saami curse as you. ``

Remus scoffed. `` By selection. ``

'' Ahh .... Still looking at it as a burden rather than the power it is ? ``

'' You said you 'd generate me a reasonableness to think of it otherwise. ``

'' That I did. Now drink it. '' Malfoy ordered.

He eyed the solidness flask distastefully, uncorking it to sniff. `` What 's in it ? ''

The death feeder that had brought him there smirked. `` You drank the other pith without interrogation. ''

Remus shrugged. `` Your not about to belt down a potentiality friend before you have time to try and turn them now are you ? ``

Lucius laughed. `` Always the shrewd one. ''

'' It keeps me alive. ``

'' So. It. Does. '' He said coldly. `` That essence ... '' Lucius indicated the flask. `` Will assure that you are one of us. But once you drink it, there is no going back. ``

Remus eyed him with misgiving. `` signification ? ``

'' Meaning that you will gain the ability, like most of us here, to transmute at will. The moon will no longer hold it 's force over you. ``

He watched Lucius pacing down the damp corridor, rubbing his blanch finger along the approximate bones. `` And ? ``

Lucius halted. `` Once it 's drunk, you will know what the preference of human physical body spirit like. '' His pale center shone with a murderous glean. `` They say once you know that, there is no going back. You will lust it forever. Your cute Mudblood buff will never accept you back once you desire the discernment of sum. ``

Remus felt his interior run cold. Now there was a catch neither Dumbledore nor himself had thought of. It was too perfect really. They did n't hope him, and they would give him something that would have him thirst human anatomy so much that he was bound to join their side, regardless of his intent upon first coming there.

'' I told you. '' Snarled a cleaning woman 's voice. She must hold seen his vacillation, smelt his fear. `` It was a fault bringing him here. ``

Remus knew what he had to do. He only hoped his will was strong enough to never cave.

He turned to the unnamed witch, smirking as evilly as possible. `` The only mistake was not seeing what those Ministry cocksucker have kept from me my whole life. ``

He felt the air thicken with tension.

'' And what 's that ? '' Nott bicker from besides him.

Remus curled his sassing back, tilting the flask to his sassing, chugging it down. liquid state attack flowed through his nervure, energizing him, changing his molecular get to up ...

A pleasant-tasting, tantalizing tasting filled his oral fissure, leaking over his spit, overwhelming his senses so that he nearly lost himself to it.

Reigning the hunger in, feeling the power his kind had always been meant to feel, rather than the pain, Remus met their gaze, his own teeth elongating. He was as changed as they were now. One of Voldemort 's mutated creatures, even if he were internally against them.

Only now he understood what power it was to be the beast he was, even as his consciousness screamed out the event, his thirstiness beckoned.

He tilted his heading back and howled.

Lucius stepped forward, a wolf like tangle on his human face. `` receive ... ''

'' Brethren. ``
* * * * *


The rainwater hammered down, darkening the gravestone. A modest lady friend was crouched besides one, sheltering beneath the comforting dryness of her star speckled umbrella, her braids flapping lightly in the jazz. The resemblance to her mother was striking.

Watching the child kneel, Tonks barely restrained her own tears.

Emily Bothan had just asked her mother to come habitation soon. She missed her bedtime fairy taradiddle. While she told her female parent 's slab of stone this, Emily meticulously arranged, then rearranged, the flowers in the bouquet her father and her had brought.

Mummy only deserved the unspoiled.

Emily has said so herself, when she had spent the comfortably parting of an hour searching the floral boutique, seeking out the everlasting arrangement of irises and hydrangeas. mama favorites.

Tonks sniffled, allowing the sluttish breeze to inconspicuously dry her eyes.

'' You saved my girl 's life. '' He said, finally speaking. `` And for that, I owe you mine. ``

The thin line of Kenneth Bothan 's sassing gave away his carefully hidden despair. He was a man of private mourning.

'' No Mr. President, if any ... ''

'' Kenneth. Please. '' He implored, his morose eyes never leaving the modest form of his daughter. `` If anyone has earned the right to deal out with formality it is you. ``

Tonks smiled sadly, not agreeing. The fiasco had been entirely her geological fault. Her own incompetence leading to why his Lester Willis Young wife, his high gear school day lulu, lay beneath his girl 's small-scale feet. `` If anything Kenneth, your girl saved mine. She has the bravery of one three multiplication her age. ``

'' Like her mother. '' He whispered, looking loving upon his footling lady friend, who was now recanting the events of her week into the grass.

One day, Tonks realized, the loss would hit Emily. But for right now, she was grateful that the child could still smile for her sire 's sake.

Because when she looked at Kenneth, she could tell he needed his little girl to stay on just that. She prayed to God that Emily would never demonstrate the cicatrix of what she had gone through.

'' It 's such a shame ... '' Kenneth remarked, gesturing to his girl, drawing her from her persuasion. `` That it takes something like this to come about, before whiz will let person roll in the hay of their creation, or of any danger from them. ``

She paused thoughtfully. `` You were a history major. I trust that you are familiar with the Salem enchantress trials. ''

President Bothan nodded. `` Yes. ``

She smiled ruefully. `` That 's why. Were afraid of what Muggles would do to us. Even we can fall victim to guns. ``

Kenneth Bothan sighed. `` Part of me understands. But it still saddens me. '' His brow wrinkled, hurting etched in every line. `` All the misunderstanding between both our kinds ... Had I only known before hand I would never have let Emily 's party occur. We could stimulate remained inside. My mob would throw been better protected. ``

'' They still would experience found you. '' She spoke truthfully. `` When the colossus we spoke of wants to suffer someone, he will, no matter what the obstacle or monetary value. ``

Kenneth nodded sadly. `` I suppose I knew that. Hindsight is 20/20. ``

The rain was letting up, a soft scent wafting towards them. One that had nothing to do with the flowers speckling the lonely cemetery.

Irises ....

Kenneth tilted his head to the sky, breathing deeply. Sometime in the future, he would depose to Tonks that sometimes, like right then, that he could still sense her pet flowers in the breeze.

observation him now, Tonks was grateful the Order had granted her and respective other members permission to remain with him and his daughter as a rotating safety device.

They would be needing it.
* * * * *


Harry hung his head over the butterbeer, not hearing a word Luna said. He had tuned her out when she had started talking animatedly about the special edition of the Quibbler that calendar week, the one concerning how Cornelius Fudge 's army of Heliopaths had drowned in a monster crapper flood fortuity in the department of Mysteries.

The gentle chime of bells drew his attention to the door of the trio Broomsticks, just in time to see Kaylens, Dean, and Neville walk in, their hair's-breadth windswept from the roughly fall breeze that day.

He instantly looked back down into his mug, not wanting to feature a repeat of their up-to-the-minute confrontation.

He did n't know what the hell he had been thinking, violating her like that.

That was just it. He had n't been thinking. He had been suffering the intimate after effects of Voldemort invading his thoughts, and those included everything from temporary worker insanity to violence.

Needless to say, forcibly getting the information he wanted out of her had seemed like a good thought at the time.

Hermione and Ron had seen the entire affair, turning the recession right as he shoved Kaylens against the wall, hissing `` Legilimens ''. Mione had gone on a philippic about their being no alibi for such violation of personal privateness, and him running after Kaylens'had n't helped.

Particularly when he grabbed her again, desperately trying to terminate her, to take a crap her understand that he had not been in his right hand mind, only to discover out that she had a rather nasty right hook.

'' Harry why do n't you just apologize. ``

Luna 's vocalisation got through to him, and he turned a jump face to her. `` What do you think of ? '' He asked, feigning stupidity.

Luna smiled, looking at something just over his head intently. `` If you like her, excuse. It 's as simple as that. ``

His jaw dropped, flabbergasted. `` What ! ? '' Embarrassed by the odd stares they were now receiving from his outcry, he lowered his voice. `` Luna I do n't like her. I just feel bad becau ... Wait a minute ? How did you sleep together I had something to rationalise for ? ''

Luna 's aspect changed, her normally dreamy physiognomy gone, if only for a secondly. She looked like she was about to lecture a small child. `` Every time we 've seen her recently she has n't glared, she just pretends your not there. She stated simply. `` Before you both took every luck to be at each others throats. ''

Luna 's dreamy conduct returned, and she opened her purse, withdrawing a calcium hydrate greenish husk. `` Plus she just walked in, and now your staring into your butterbeer. You used to watch her you know. Or did n't you ? '' She looked up, mystification gracing her expression. `` With you it 's tough to tell what you are or are not aware of. ``

Before Harry even had a opportunity to marvel at her perspicacity, Luna had begun asking what kind of panegyric a Heliopath would like at it 's funeral.

'' I wonder if their flame go out when they die ? If not then their interment method would suffer to differ from our own, since they would burn down right through their casket ... ''

'' I guess you 'll have to get a hold of one of their bodies to come up out. '' He commented cynically.

Luna looked scandalized. Indeed, she was shaking her long, dirty blonde hair with such energy that it knocked over her drink. She did n't seem to notice.

'' Oh no Harry. '' She said very seriously. `` pop would never disrespect one of their bodies. Just because their a different species does n't entail they should be LE entitled to proper mourning. ''

He was so distracted by the absurd turn of conversation that he failed to notice Ginny until she dropped down next to Luna, grinning from ear to ear.

'' So Harry, I heard Ron gave you detention. '' She commented mischievously, giving Luna a quickly one armed hug. `` Shocking is n't it ? Considering how he 's never exactly been the model Prefect. ``

Harry nodded miserably, longing for a restitution to the Heliopath conversation. Anything was punter than talking about this again.

Luna nodded absentmindedly. `` Harry was just thinking of apologizing to that ... Well what would you send for her whisker colouration ? '' Luna seemed to ponder this for a second before shaking out her own dirty blonde mane. `` Fourteen carat I suppose. But I think Harry 's having a operose fourth dimension getting up the boldness to talk to her. ``

Harry gaped. Since when had he been considering doing that ? And her pilus was gilded, not ...

He suddenly realized what he had been arguing with himself about, and hung his head.

Ginny shot him a appealing spirit. `` Ca n't say I blame you. How 's the eye by the way ? ``

His head shooter back up instantly. Was there anyone who did n't know about that ?

'' Do n't worry Harry. The but 1 who know are us three, Kally, Dean, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Seamus. '' Ginny said, ticking them off her fingers. `` No one would make found out if that git of a brother of mine had n't blabbed. ``

Harry fought the urge to kick something.

The mesa leg was saved by Seamus'arrival. He had been getting butterbeer for himself and Ginny. `` Heya Harry. ''

He grunted in response.

Seamus chuckled, brushing his sandy rush from his eyes. `` Heard Kaylens decked yaaaRH ! ``

Seamus'yell of nuisance was preceded by a loud THUNK from beneath the table, and a tongue-lashing aspect from Ginny.

His Irish whisky housemate was rubbing his shin rigorously. `` Sorry ... Could n't stand firm ya bang ? doyen and I have had this running degree system between you twooOW ! Will you stop that Ginny ! ? ``

Harry shot her a grateful look, to which she inclined her smirking head.

By this item Luna 's ever-present dreamy looking at had once again disappear, for she was clutching her stomach with laughter, pounding a fist on the table, making quite a scene as she ceased to hold her laughter.

'' So gladiolus my life history 's entertained everyone this week ... '' He muttered hollowly.

He spent the repose of the conversation sneaking hush-hush feeling across the relatively empty pub at Kaylens. Dean and Neville seemed to be debating something, and he thought he caught the wrangle 'bloody thesteral'more than once, while Kaylens stirred her butterbeer, sipping it through a pale yellow like Luna, looking for all the world as if she were not listening to a individual Good Book her fellow traveler were saying.

He jumped, clearly startled when Ginny leaned down next to him, balancing on his shoulder. He had n't even noticed Seamus get up.

'' I 'm not sure what 's going on between you and Ron, but the git will come around, and everything will be okay. '' She said this so quietly only he heard. `` Just call back, I 'm not just his little babe, I 'm yours too. ``

She squeezed his shoulder lightly, re-joining Seamus, where he patiently had been waiting several fundament away, just far enough to have given her the privacy she had requested.

She linked arms with Finnigan, and a warm feeling billowed up inside him at her reassuring Word of God. She was right, maybe not right now, but when this was all over matter would be okay.

He watched her wink over her berm before sauntering out into the blistering wind, her red tomentum swirling around like a wild tornado.

He smiled stupidly.

He had a piddling sister .... Regardless of what Ron currently thought.

The thought was comforting, and he hailed Madam Rosmereta 's new waitress, a small, happy looking brunette, over.

There was nil he could or would do about Ron and Hermione. At least not flop now.

But a new declaration to fix the things he had legitimately screwed up had been awakened. It would be hard, and he would probably weave up getting decked again, but it was Worth a stroke.

Luna smiled knowingly, humming Weasley is our King far too loudly for anyone 's taste but his. Except at the minute he thought it should be more along the lines of Weasley is our Queen.
* * * * *


Drip.

A individual droplet, clinging to the earthen ceiling of the catacomb, broke free.

'' It 's time. ''

Plunk.

Remus caught the raw slab of meat that was thrown his way, not sickened as the four other loup-garou with him dug in, watery blood dripping down their mechanical man chins.

'' Dig in Wolf boy. You 're going to need your forte for this. '' Nott chided.

He eyed Nott with distaste. He preferred Wolfy, only from Tonks'lips.

He let her name disappearance, giving in to the irresistible craving he had been fighting since dawn. Ever since he had drank that cursed potion ...

It was a craving for blood that would not go away, and for the dozenth fourth dimension that day, he extended his canine fangs.

Only now he was using them to tear the proffered physical body, instead of just practicing his transformations, hoping Dumbledore could concoct a cure for this horrid craving he would now look at with.

His center rolled inkiness, the enjoyable taste consuming him

For a import, the merely affair that mattered was the meat in paw. The thought of protecting the innocent later on, forgotten.

Drip.

Now the blood dripped from his mouth as well.
* * * * *


Kally sighed exhaustedly, wishing for the purdah of her dormitory. At least there she could kvetch and holler, venting without the prying eyes of others following her every motion, as ceramist seemed to be doing from his bottom in the wraithlike rear of the pub.

Potter was not someone she wanted to think about right now though.

She relaxed, allowing her cubitus to prop herself up. She cast a glimpse resolutely down the bar 's counter, stirring her straw around in her vacate, bear-sized, mug. It was a queasy drug abuse she had picked up as a child, when she used to curve them into random contour. It had always been her comrade 's biggest pet peeve.

'' Ca n't learn you anywhere .... '' Sean smirked, tousling her hair.

She swatted him away, beaming to block him in battlefront of his friends.

A sharp nudge caused her elbow to slip, freeing her from that line of thought. She cast an harried look at her housemate, ignoring the shooting pain the sudden jarring had sent up her give arm.

'' The physical scratch, the nerve damage ... They are the least of your children 's concerns Mr. And Mrs. Kaylens ... ''

James Dean was grinning lopsidedly back, ignorant to where her idea had been, taking her back nearly a decennium. They had n't known she was listening when they had spoken to the hospital 's psychiatrist. But in their defense, her anesthesia had been heavy.

They had not been expected her to be waking up so soon.

'' You look like your off in your own little Earth there Kaylens. I did n't drag you forcibly out of the castling for goose egg today, so being a mute will just not do. '' James Dean said cockily.

If possible, Dean 's grin had grown even more stooping with his words.

The resemblance his smile had to Sean 's was striking.

Perhaps that was why she put up with him, while she distanced herself from all others, salve for Remus. dean was not Sean, but just seeing such similarity in another human being was oddly comforting. It did not hurt like she had expected it to.

Seeing him looking at her expectantly, she shrugged, knowing full well he was about to start prodding Neville. James Dean was someone who seemed to intend that it was his personal mission to make everyone around him laugh, and her stony silence was probably pushing him to the brink of insanity.

'' Well expect at this Nev. '' He commented predictably, nudging Neville so hard that the miserable boy almost fell from his faeces. `` We 've got ourselves a deaf-mute. I guess that means she ca n't indorse talk now can sh ... ''

'' Do n't even try it doubting Thomas. '' She shot out, feeling the nook of her lips tugging up at his perseveration. Not only had he been insistent about her needing to chew the fat, but he had adamantly refused to bequeath the castle for this 'so-called'day of freedom in Hogsmeade, without her.

How James Byron Dean had convinced'I'm-Afraid-of-My-Shadow'Neville to help in that endeavor was beyond her.

In the end, she had gotten vomit of Dean 's persistence and given in.

The counter vibrated as the Three Broomsticks'waitress magicked three butterbeers to them with a loud thud. The liquid frothed a bit around the edges.

Catching their inquiring looks the untried witch flashed a dazzling, dimpled smiling. `` Courtesy of the man in the vertebral column. ''

She eyed the new butterbeer with a profound gumption of mistrust, before exchanging glances with Neville and James Dean. She spun around on the bar can, catching raft of the only when patrons still in the back of the pub.

No sodding way in sin did he send us this .... She thought with no small-scale amount of anger.

After what he had done, any gesture of this variety was insulting.

She snatched up the butterbeer roughly, storming away from the startle Gryffindors towards Potter.

Best to get this over with ...

She came to an abrupt arrest in movement of him, slamming the mug down so hard that the liquidness sloshed over the slope, joining the already pooling pool on his table.

'' What exactly do you think you 're doing ? '' She asked angrily, not bothering to keep the disrespect from her voice.

The little girl with him smiled dazedly, humming some unrecognizable tune, and Kally suppressed the itch to stare her John L. H. Down. But the most exasperating matter was Potter himself.

He looked rather delight, though she could not deduce why, since she was within half an inch of using the only hex she was capable of on him.

'' Buying you a deglutition. '' He replied steadily, wiping at the mess she had made with a spare napkin.

'' Oh ? '' She quipped sarcastically. `` And why 's that ? So you could plait it with the true serum and interrogate me in that dark-skinned pub down the street ? I must hold ceramicist, if that's the case you 're losing your touch. ''

She leaned down till their faces were level, using the table for correspondence. `` After all ... '' She hissed quietly, ignoring the blonde 's formulation. `` Why drug someone for information when you can just hex it out of them. ``

potter continued wiping at the table, unable to fill her eyes.

'' SLAM ! ``

Kally jumped ever so slightly, ignoring ceramist 's entertained expression. She turned an eye on the blonde, who had just slammed her mitt down on the shelve top like an stimulate four year old. The lady friend 's protrubent risque oculus were now so all-inclusive they looked ready to pop out of her skull.

'' Harry you would n't mind if I excused myself would you ? '' She said excitedly. `` All this tension could appeal an Ira, and I want to be in the full spot to see one. ``

Without waiting for an answer the girl stood, not noticing their very expressions of puzzlement, and began shoving part with straws into her lime viridity purse, speaking in a far off voice.

'' You can only see one in your peripheral vision you know. It 's why daddy has n't gotten a sound picture of one yet, but I 'd so make love to see one ... ''

The girl marched off to the other side of the pub, turned to front the rampart, and stared blankly at it. Kally caught a few glimpses of blench blue eyes flickering their way, and each time this would happen the blond little girl would grunt unhappily, stamp her foundation, and take up staring at the wooden siding as if frustrated.

What the nether region was that abo ...

'' expression Kaylens ... ''

His intrusion brought her vertebral column to the situation at hired hand, and she narrowed her optic shrewdly. `` Ah your celebrated line. '' She whispered harshly. `` So which personality do I get today ceramist ? Because really, this split personality thing is getting to be a bit of a worry. ``

ceramicist 's eyes rose, meeting her own in a way she had thought the coward incapable of, and for a secondment his pleased look faltered. He blinked oddly, drawing in a inscrutable, audible breath. `` Kaylens ... '' He said quietly. `` I tried to apologize for that once already, and it 's a bit backbreaking to explain, but I was n't exactly myself when I did tha ... ''

Her middle widened considerably. `` Did it ever occur to you, in that slurred skull of yours, that I might not give a shit whether you apologized or not ? ``

His facial expression fell, the dampen napkin dropping with an audible thump. `` After you stormed off that day by the lake, actually, yes. It did occur to me. ``

Trust him to bring that up, she thought angrily, quick to push back the uprising of shame within herself.

She swallowed hard. `` Glad to see your not quite that oblivious Potter. '' She muttered, forcing her vocalization icy. `` I would think by now that any fabricate apologia would be a mute percentage point. ``

She felt more than heard him drawing in a rich, rag breath. Jut like she felt, Sir Thomas More than saw him leaning closer to where she stood. `` I was n't lying to you when I said I was sorry for all of those other things Kaylens. ``

He spoke so seriously, too seriously for someone their age. `` And I did n't even get the chance to justify for the other dark ... '' He continued, his Adam 's apple rising rhythmically. `` Since I did n't fancy getting decked again, I figured sending you a potable was the dear apology I could follow up with on short bill. At least the best one that could preserve me a safe length away, while getting you to come over here. ''

She arched an eyebrow disbelievingly, eyeing the mug a bit too carefully. `` Oh ? So you thought buying me a drink would defecate up for that then ? '' She mused allowed.

He began to shake his caput in the veto but she cut him off, the wide-cut weight of his insulting, woefully inadequate gesture sinking in.

'' Will you just sit with me so I can try and expla .... ''

Impulsively she snatched up the mug, expelling it 's cognitive content all over him, a sopping, frothing heap now staining the front of his shirt.

'' That's what I think of your wretched apology. '' She muttered shakily. `` Enjoy. ``
* * * * *


Harry sat there sputtering. Of all the ways he had seen that possibly playing out, this had not been one of them.

Sitting there, stunned and sopping wet, he felt too shocked to react effectively.

Instead his eyes fell upon her delicate left hand, hanging limply at her side.

It was shaking.

inside he felt a horrible, twisting wiz, recalling precisely why her hand shook thus. How could he deliver failed to remark before ?

'' That's what I think of your piteous apology. '' Kaylens snapped shakily. `` Enjoy. ``

His mouth flapped wordlessly, his words never reaching her auricle, for Madame Rosmerta 's alarmed cry stole the news from his lips.

'' Lara what are yo.. '' Rosmerta questioned shrilly. Her heart were fixated in confusion upon the Cy Young waitress, the friendly one from whom he had ordered drinkable earlier.

The same dimpled girl now had her wand drawn, a vacuous expression drawn upon her features, striking a horrifying similarity to a porcelain doll.

'' Stupefy ! '' She hissed mechanically.

As if in slow motility, Rosmerta fell, her limp bod disappearing behind the bar 's wooden counter. The Methedrine she had been cleaning took flying, hovering in mid-air for a minuscule eternity, before breaking justify of it 's unearthly suspension, shattering across the counter.

For the first-class honours degree time in it 's chronicle, the trio broom handle fell silent. Only the howl of the October wind, leaking in through the windows, proved to him that he had not fallen into some horrendous understood motion picture.

The gentle chiming of bells broke his attention from where the porcelain girl stood, smiling cruelly down.

Ginny Weasley, floated slowly in, prof Très following closely, their move oddly halting.

Hours seemed to have passed, but the clock registered mere seconds.

visual perception Ginny 's verge haltingly boost, her movements faltering, as if some unseeable force were yanking her arm forcibly up against her will, was what finally broke him free of his slow up gesture daydreaming.

His blood ran frigidness at her blank expression.

'' EVERYBODY DOWN ! '' He shouted, overturning the table. liquid splattered, and their hollow clay mugs had not even struck ground before the first greenish torment flew from Ginny 's wand.

His own already drawn, he screamed a stunner, watching the killing jinx miss Ron 's dismayed face by inches.

Ginny slope stepped easily, and professor Très turned an eerie eye upon him.

'' Kaylens move ! '' He hollered, but she did not take telling twice. She was already dropping down, covering her foreland as a flock of wooden shards whizzed by, an onslaught from the now smoldering chair before her.

A looker grazed his ear, and his body jerked instinctively away from the heat, and in that single second he lost sight of her.

Somewhere in the dim background of his mind the screams of the other patrons began to register.

Less than a foundation away from where he stood, a decorative pumpkin exploded, a poorly aimed peach searing right through it, striking the paries. Stringy orangeness pulp and ejaculate erupted, hurtling outwards, covering the floor and himself with slippery orange clumps.

A red light flew from Très'wand, and he plunk to the flat coat, sheltering behind the board as the curse blasted through it. The screams of other scholarly person could be heard, pleading with the Defense Professor.

Très could not try their plea, with his ear length hair flung over his oculus, his arm jerkily fired blindly at students, patron, people ...

Grabbing the side of the overturned, stave table, Harry heaved it to the position, rolling it with all his force, scrambling behind it like a rat until it hunkered to a arrest. Unable to go any farther, for an unconscious eubstance now blocked it 's progress, he found the entrance to the bar in sight.

It ran the distance of the pub, and Ginny and Très'binding were now to it. If he could just get behind it he 'd stimulate good natural covering until he was right on them ...

He dove for it, leaving the covert of his tabular array behind, rolling across broken chair legs and glass until he came to a crouch behind it.

The waitress was hiding bottom it as well, firing curses over the counter.

'' Stupefy ! '' He whispered, letting the red light fly.

Her organic structure went careening to the side of meat, her wand flung from her compass as she passed out next to Rosmerta 's limp form.

He scampered down the distance of it, snatching both their wand up, passing vino feeding bottle, clean mug, and storage areas as he went.

Reaching the end near the shade covered Windows, he hastily pocketed the scepter in his trouser, leaping to his feet, the disarming turn partially formed on his lips.

His words died there.

The jet of super acid light erupted from Ginny 's verge like a volcano of death, lupus erythematosus than an arm 's duration from where he stood.

Across the room Ron leapt to his fundament, abandoning the temporary shelter of a overturned workbench to dash to where Hermione and Luna fought unaided.

There was no time to retrieve, to duck, to respond.

The special K brightness hit Ron mid-stride, flinging his trunk backwards against the wall.

Hermione 's John Brown eyes widened, her mouth caught in a strangled, silent wail, and Luna only just pulled her to the undercoat before the next green spell whizzed by.

meter froze.

All was still.

The blank look of the Imperious curse faltered upon Ginny Weasley 's aspect, unembarrassed pain replacing it for but a second.

The mask was re-erected, his own scepter turning to her, split of anger streaming down his face at what had been just done to the only chum and sisters he had ever had.

Before the disarmament spell could impart his lips, a hard clenched fist collided with his skull, sending the world blurring until it 's hellish halo faded to black.
* * * * *


The audio of modest feet, pattering in the rainfall, accompanied Emily 's regaining. The strait of her smooth humming lingered like a breath of refreshful air upon Tonks'ears.

The small minor stepped out onto the pebbled path, quickly shutting her tiny umbrella before scurrying to huddle to a lower place Tonks'.

Tonks smiled uncertainly as Emily 's tiny hand interlaced with her own. Why Emily was choosing the ease of her, a stranger, over that of her Church Father was puzzling to her. Kenneth would later on smile, informing her that she had a lot to learn about how children think.

But for now, Kenneth gave her a humble, pain smile, before setting off across the soggy burial ground grass.

She had been right, he was a man of private mourning.

She adjusted the umbrella so the runoff would not drip onto the little princess'school principal, never noticing the paying attention look that suddenly passed across Emily 's tiny face.

Feeling the insistent tugging on her arm she looked down, two belittled brown middle meeting her own. Emily looked rather pensive.

As Tonks inwardly wondered what one should say to a shaver who has just lost her mother, Emily spoke.

'' Your Quaker are in trouble nymph. ``



Le Règne d'Enfer Commence is French for The Reign of snake pit Begins

Recommended Stories of the workweek :

Never Tickle a Sleeping Dragon by Edward III Ollivander ( He has a mythic and creative 6th year fan fiction featuring a HP/GW sexual union, and it is completed. )

darkness leaning by Two Sadists ( They have a 7th yr fan fabrication featuring a HP/OC pairing. )

Photograph couresty of the previously mentioned populace domain of a function website. Accreditations can be found via my personal website.






Disclaimer : All characters, places, and thought taken from the Harry ceramicist book series are property of JKR. However, the theme of a Reach is owned by me, since I have taken the idea of a stretch from a series that I am writing, and adapted it ever so slightly to fit this fan-fiction serial publication.






'' Some believe that the benefit of demise, is that it is possible to see farther on the former side. ``
~ A.K. Lovell ~



Chapter 20 ~ Nowhere to Run


'' Tonksie are you okay ? ''

Emily 's Henry Sweet part carried upon the air current, nearly drowned out by the phone of rain pounding upon the umbrella.

She could only shake her chief, shaken as a cool off snap swirled around them. Thankfully such nuance of verbal expression were lost upon the child, who 's head was tilted back, her mouth all-embracing spread, catching rain drops.

'' The waaaateeer 's driiiippiiiing on meeee. '' Emily gurgled gaily.

Tonks shivered, straightening out the umbrella she had unknowingly allowed to tip. It had hung so low that a sudden cascade of water supply had fallen down like Queen Victoria nightfall onto young Emily 's head.

'' Sorry Em ... '' She gasped out, her voice wavering.

'' It 's o.k. I like the rain. '' Emily declared, darting out from beneath the umbrella, stomping her feet merrily in the collecting pool. `` I like puddle too ! ``

Tonks blinked in surprise. The nestling 's mother had been drowned in one barely a fortnight ago.

'' Your protagonist are in trouble houri. ``

Emily 's sopping wet braids swung about her face, her blazonry held out as she spun in circles, her head tilted skyward catching the rain.

'' Tonksie come fun ! ``

Tonksie ... Only Remus called her Nymph.

'' My God ... '' She whispered, her body temperature dropping in a way that had nothing to do with the wind.

Over Emily 's twirling figure she could see Kenneth Bothan kneeling in the soggy burial site grass. His wife 's grave lay before him, the carefully placed irises scattering in the heavy wind.

'' Kenneth ! We have to leave here now ! ``
* * * * *


Remus'ovular eyes opened upon the rack up of sights.

Hogsmeade ...

It 's void locus lay before him, dead foliage billowing across the dusty pathway leading through the heart of the village.

Not a person was in sight.

Ghost township ...

It was here Nott and the others had spoken of. It was here the recruiting had been done. It was here where the death Eaters would realize their starting time stand. Here in the hamlet, so close to the schooltime ...

Too close.

It was a Hogsmeade weekend.

'' Merlin ... '' He whispered, staggering, the October piece of cake biting chilly crease across his skin.

loup-garou had no use for wearable.

Roughly, an unclothed forearm scratched across his chin. scrap of dry out blood flaked away, sprinkling the ground with a sinister looking dust. It 's morbidity was a sodding reminder of his recently fulfilled thirst.

'' Surprised half-breed ? ``

Instinctually, angrily, his hook extended, breaking his skin with a fiery infliction. He did not answer Nott, instead he growled lowly, extending his ears into long points.

The fuzz germination, prickling his pointed spike, brought the deathly quiet village to life. Farther off ... In the philia of Town .... Pleas ... .. offering of salvation in commutation for allegiances ... ..

'' That fool of an old man will never have a go at it what hit him. '' Nott 's guttural voice was flooded inscrutable with hatred. `` Well be here and gone before he even gets out his walker. ``

Not if I can help it ...

Lucius'indecipherable growl cut in, breaking through his furious thoughts, arousing something far darker ...

It was prison term to change.

An unnatural heating plant filled his veins.

Upon the reason where Remus lupin had been, now stood a werewolf, the nipping scent of freshly spilled blood inundating it 's sense.

The brute pawed the ground eagerly.
* * * * *


His body, felt like it was being drug across glass. It ached, splintering as individual shard sliced his skin.

fragment .... Shards ... He tried to grasp onto the Word to no avail. It 's baffling meaning fled from his pounding skull.

The tight grip on his ankles disappeared, and his feet dropped unceremoniously to the storey. A moment later the repercussion in the flooring boards indicated another dead body being dumped besides him.

Ron ...

With a jerk he was awake, the salty tears of torture tainting his lips.

It could n't be real. It could n't cause happened. Not again ...

He turned his head in a vain lookup, struggling to relieve oneself sense of the blurred world before him. A ostentation of the palest of yellow caught his eye.

Drifting in and out of focal point was Luna Lovegood, sitting Cross legged, her wrists tightly bound within her lap, dreamy blue-blooded eyes fixated upon him concernedly.

'' Why hello Harry. '' She said congenially.

Just thinking sent a sharp throb through his skull, and he quickly discovered his arms to be bound behind his back.

With a dun thump he hit his hands against the story, a stabbing pain ripping his fist.

He did not demand Luna 's proclamation to know that a fragment of field glass now stuck from his mitt. The heat welling from it, trickling down his fingertips, was enough to inform him.

A I crimson pearl fell free, it 's heavy reverberating through his hole chest.

Drip.

The suffocating exercising weight of despair struck him grueling, paralyzing him.

Drip.

Ron was gone.

Drip.

Ginny 's unwilling custody had done the unthinkable.

Drip.

dying Eaters were in Hogsmeade.

Drip.

A strangled sob shattered the silence.

Drip.

His clenched fist snapped shut, tugging at the bindings. His eyes, blurred with rage, searched the sunk pub, taking it in with low temperature calculation.

Drip.

The floor now resembled a greenhouse, a shattered plant holder had sent soil strewing across it.

Drip.

Butter beer and other concoction pooled together in foamy puddles, broken chairs and lift tables creating risky paths.

Drip.

Broken glass glittered in the good afternoon sunlight, casting surreal spectrums across the floor.

Drip.

He squeezed his fist, the blood flowing down, and began counting.

Drip.

In the space where neither glass nor soil lay, patrons did.

Drip.

Half a dozen, either unconscious or idle, lay upon the trading floor at scattered intervals.

Drip.

The sleep, the conscious, had been bound and lined up against the walls.

Drip.

'' Stupid crying Mudblood ! ``

Hermione ...

She lay collapsed against the far rampart, her limb bound like his own.

Drip.

Before her towered a rabbit on name clad in Black person, and clenched within the roughshod confines of the Death Eater 's clenched fist trailed long locks of shaggy hair.

A large bruise ran the duration of her rent stained cheek.

'' I should possess finished the job when I had the chance you filth. '' Scowled the Death Eater, throwing back his hood.

His breath caught in his throat.

Dolohov.

The effigy of Hermione 's limp build in the department of Mysteries flashed through his judgment. She had nearly died at Dolohov 's hands ...

'' What do you think here Ludovic ? Should I terminate her off ? '' The decease Eater called out, kneeling in front of her. `` Or what about you Mudblood ? Care to join your worthless red-headed Friend over there ? '' Dolohov chided, poking her like a slug with the end of his wand.

Hermione 's sparkling eyes met Dolohov 's unflinchingly, her lips curling back to spittle in his face.

He recoiled, a flavour of the virginal revulsion over-sweeping his wasted lineament. `` Oh you filthy ... '' He muttered, frantically wiping his boldness in the folds of his cloak.

'' Hey Antonin ! '' An overly cheery representative called out, stopping Dolohov 's script mid-strike. `` Since were only supposed to watch the kiddies until He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gets back, what do you retrieve of ... ''

Dolohov whorled on the mask flesh, who had just emerged from behind the bar, waving a save firewhiskey bottle.

'' Ludovic he is our Divine and shall be addressed as such ! '' Dolohov roared dangerously. `` One more pillow slip and I 'll make sure the Mudblood lover is n't the only stiff in here ! ''

Ludovic appeared unconcerned, and began filling two whiskey glasses. `` Antonin what you need is a skillful, pixilated drink. ''

Dolohov scowled, quickly aiming a herculean beef to Hermione 's midsection. The crack of her ribs echoed between the pub 's bulwark, as did Harry and Neville 's vociferation of protest.

'' Now Antonin was that really essential ? '' Ludovic asked nervously.

Dolohov turned, his scepter raised threateningly. `` One. More. Word. Ludovic. Just. One. ``

Ludovic raised his manus in a conciliative manner, knocking his hood from his face in the process.

'' Now Dolohov she 's just a girl. All I was saying is tha .... '' But the quietus of his words were lost upon Harry, for beneath the vise of the dark hoodlum was the schoolboyish human face of Ludo Bagman.
* * * * *


Kenneth Bothan 's question shot up, while Tonks ran forward, wrapping a protective arm around Emily. The fallen umbrella lay forgotten, spinning in concentric dress circle upon the pebbled primer coat, a toy of the billowing wind.

'' Kenneth we should give ! '' She cried, hoisting Emily into her arms.

Her barely concealed urgency rang true within the President 's ears, for he was already sprinting back to where they stood.

He was a man who understood the world 's dangers.

Emily squirmed, her auburn brain following her beginner 's progress towards them. `` pop, your knees are all muddy. '' She scolded seriously.

Kenneth smiled grimly, his jaw set. `` I can aim her. ''

Tonks nodded, relinquishing the girl to swallow her verge. The ever-increasing chill was closing in. It would n't be long ...

'' What 's going on ? '' Kenneth asked urgently.

'' No sentence to excuse. '' She responded, taking off down the path. She could pick up Kenneth 's heavy footfalls behind her, splashing in the muddied water.

They rounded the bend in the pathway, the grueling grove of tree falling away to disclose the gloomy lot. The car, their escape, was in sight, yet heavy despair drenched her soul.

Nymphadora 's understructure slid in the gravely mud, and she came to a halt, throwing out an arm out to stop what was left of the Bothan family.

It was ripe then that lilliputian Emily Bothan began to mewl.

Kenneth 's benighted middle quickly blinked away water. `` Tonks what 's thi ... ''

'' pa we need to run. Please daddy run. '' Emily was pleading hysterically, her font buried into Kenneth 's shoulder.

Staring ahead at the looming pattern, Tonks could only shake her head.

'' I do n't remember we have time to run. ``
* * * * *


'' YOU ! ''

Ludo traveling salesman 's bluish eyes turned on him, a pleased grin replacing his previously perplexed one. `` Ah ... Harry boy. I was wondering when you 'd come around. ``

Dolohov scoffed. `` Precious Potter indeed. state me Potter, how was your wittle nappy ? ``

'' So tell me Harry, '' Ludo interjected, seeming determined to steer the conversation his way. `` How bear things been ? ''

'' Yes wittle Potter. How ingest things been without that mangy old dog of yours ? ``

'' Antonin .... '' Ludo sounded distinctly uncomfortable.

In the distant background knowledge he could get a line Neville 's choked stuttering.

'' H-how have they been ? '' Harry repeated, dumbfounded. How have they been ! ?

'' Not too good Mr. travelling salesman. '' Luna 's foggy vocalization drifted out, answering for him as he gaped like a fish. `` Harry 's been having a jumpy year, as you can see. ``

A pitiless razzing came from Dolhov 's direction.

'' He lost his godfather, and with people such as yourself switching sides and betraying him, I trust you can see why. '' Luna continued casually.

roadman was suddenly refilling his drinkable.

'' After all, Harry does n't want anyone else to die, and when masses he trusts start killing people ... ''

Bagman 's Methedrine stopped halfway to his lips, oculus widening defensively. It was a second before his composure returned.

'' Now I 've never actually killed anyone per say miss .... ''

'' Lovegood. '' She supplied.

'' Lovegood. '' He continued. `` It 's just that .... ''

A unusual composure had overtaken him, the slight shaking of his own hands lost upon him. `` It 's just that your mental object with allowing others to do it for you. '' He said disdainfully. `` Your depicted object with being a coward, with siding with what is light rather than what is the right way. ``

Bagman eyed him apprehensively, swallowing hard. `` Now Harry, you know how the Ministry is. '' He began imploringly. `` They never support anyone but themselves ... ''

'' At least they do n't kill anyone ! '' Harry bellowed, arms shaking with strangled fierceness.

'' But Harry j-just think about this for a s-second. He-Who-Must-Not ... I mean my lord .... '' He quickly corrected himself, spying the malevolent feeling of Dolohov. `` He just desires the Ministry 's ruination. So long as mass stay out of his way no one will get hurt. Now I ask you Harry, my boy, is that really so bad ? ``

'' Replacing one Caesarism with another. Sounds logical to me. '' He retorted sarcastically.

Besides him Luna nodded approval, her fingerbreadth drumming against her bindings to some unrecognizable air.

'' When you disappeared my Hans C. J. Gram was worried about you ! Y-you ... Your .... '' Across the room Neville Longbottom 's voice rang out, surprising everyone.

Harry caught a glance of Neville 's uncharacteristically contorted face.

It was frightening.

'' Your no considerably than Bellatrix you slime ! ''

The poignant charge hung thickly in the air, no one oral presentation. commercial traveller had become very interested in his swallow, shifting uncomfortably under the raging center of all save for Dolohov.

For someone to wrick their backs, on even the Ministry, in party favor of Voldemort ...

It was unforgivable.

Drip.

He had nearly forgotten how his own handwriting bled, the light headed feeling out of place for the billet. Fortunately the free flow rate of cerise life was slowing, his coagulation constituent finally kicking in.

Harry shook his headland, ignoring the slight twirl of the world. `` You were acquitted once Bagman. '' He hissed, heart scanning the room for a way out. `` So tell me, were you a namby-pamby Noel Coward back then too, or just stupid ? ``

Bagamn cringed. `` Harry I was never a Death Eater ! ''

'' But you are now. '' His vocalisation quivered. `` So assure me, why 'd you do it ? ''

Dolohov 's smug formula betrayed even his interest in the answer, and Harry was not about to let the destruction eater distraction go to waste.

bread and butter them talking ... prevent them distracted ...

His hands began roaming across the level behind him, feeling for another sharp paring of glass.

'' wellspring you know Harry, goblin, they 're nasty business enterprise. '' Ludo said, fidgeting. `` You know how they are if they 're after ya and ... ''

Harry did his best to glare, feigning interest group as Ludo 's supercilium creased curiously.

'' ejaculate to think of it you probably do n't Harry. But it 's not fun commercial enterprise, hob debt aggregator that is. And since the Ministry was n't about to increase my pay these boys said they 'd be glad to help me out of my jam ... ''

'' That you got yourself into ! '' Neville shouted furiously from across the room.

traveling salesman eyed Neville warily. `` I can see where you 'd think that but ... ''

'' BUT WHAT ! ? '' Neville roared.

Luna inconspicuously sent a reveal bottle opus sliding his way, his finger coiling around it like a snitch.

'' But these last Eaters, they 're not so bad. ``

Harry very nearly dropped the shard, his heart bulging out.

'' Not so bad ? '' He repeated gruffly.

Bagman nodded vigorously. `` No ! Not at all Harry ! In fact their rather ... ''

'' Tell that ... '' He hissed lowly. `` To my mum and dad. Tell that to Sothis. Tell that to Ron ! ''

An odd verbal expression crossed Bagman 's face. `` Now Harry really .... ''

Harry 's lips parted, accusation dripping as thick as the blood from his gyrate fists, only the strait never came.

The lenient audio, and spark of motion upon the floor, drew the intimation straightaway from his lips.

'' Kaylens ... '' He breathed softly. He had nearly forgotten ...

'' Ah another one to join the fray ? '' Dolohov called cheerfully, sauntering over to where she lay, partially concealed by an overturned mesa.

The end feeder reached her, roughly dragging her squirming form up.

'' Ca n't bequeath you free to roam around now can we ? '' He hissed, drawing unnaturally close to her.

Harry 's tum lurched wretchedly as Dolohov 's lips grazed her blood stained cheek.

'' After all, impassioned pique like you ... ''

'' Get. Your handwriting. Off. Her. '' Harry spat dangerously, drawing Dolohov 's attention to him. Anything to get him away from her ... She looked ready to collapse ...

The Death Eater regarded him coldly. `` Or you 'll do what exactly ? ``

'' You do n't require to know. '' He hissed lowly, ceasing the sawing social movement upon his binding. He could n't open to let Dolohov see ....

'' Oh but I do ! '' He said menacingly, a cruel smile lighting his dead eyes. `` I 'd very much like to know what Precious ceramicist thinks he could do to me. ``

His eyes narrowed, a cruel smile of his own crossing his feature of speech.

'' I could designate you why Voldemort is so afraid of me. '' He whispered threateningly.

The cords winding around Kaylens'wrists snapped tight, Dolohov 's tense grip betraying his excitement.

Harry went on, the room swaying unnaturally as he spoke with malicious measure. `` Or you could do yourself a favour Dolohov, and leave. get out before you make me really angry. ''

Dolohov shifted uncomfortably, mirroring commercial traveller 's movements. He took the opportunity to slowly gash at his bindings yet again.

The trash, slickness with his own blood, nearly fell from his grip. Thankfully the fault was lost upon the expiry Eater, for Dolohov had chosen that second to sour Kaylens around, hissing something into her tangled twist furiously.

His articulatio radiocarpea rung with the pain, brought about by another slip of the glass, as Kaylens body was tossed besides him.

His sawing effort halted, his centre drawn to where she lay, panting faintly besides him.

'' There ... `` Dolohov sneered. `` Enjoy your mudblood friends Precious Potter. Once our Lord gets here we 'll see how endure you really are. ``

He swallowed hard, watching Kaylens'eyes flicker open. He wanted to say something, anything ...

He had failed her ...

Hermione 's soul wrenching tones brought a face of fear to both their features.

'' Brave ? '' Hermione 's decrepit voice chided from where she sat, propped against the bulwark. `` You ask him about bravery ? He 's sixteen, not even a fully qualified wizard, yet you fear him so much as to disarm him and bind him. ''

She spat all of this into Dolohov 's approaching face, just before his hand reared back, slapping her roughly to the floor.

She let out not a cry, peering upwards through her narrow down, swelling centre, just in time to see a dismal boot rearing back.

'' Hey Dolohov ! ``

Dolohov 's foot froze mid-kick, hate-filled eyes flying towards Neville 's pudgy face.

'' You do n't desire to do that. ''

Dolohov 's thickheaded eyebrow disappeared beneath his mangy hair. `` You presume to society me around boy ? ''

Neville shrugged casually. `` You can contaminate yourself if you want. '' He sounded uncharacteristically Slytherin. `` I did n't realize grime ancestry suited a Death feeder. ``

Dolohov laughed roughly, buying Harry more time.

Neville you 're a apotheosis ...

A pearl of salty sweat broke free from his brow, rolling into his mouth. Setting his jaw he worked, the glass shard digging into his thick dressing.

Snap.

The shard slid so low, so fast, he nearly cut too deep, the breath of pain catching fasting in his throat.

The bandaging were looser.

Twisting his hands testingly, he found with the get-go fiber 's severing had come a greater range of apparent motion.

center locked onto Dolohov 's fist, slamming into Neville 's jaw, he twisted his wrists, ignoring the burning sensation of dried wounding ripping out-of-doors. Warm, heavyset life blood welled from these spots, his scabbed over finger's breadth feeling in his cloak ...

They had taken his wand, but Rosmereta 's ... The waitress'...

Polished mahogany brushed beneath his rough cutis, Kaylens'luminous center meeting his own, inclusion shining within their fiery depths ...

He could reach the sequester wands.

He was armed.
* * * * *


'' pumpkin vine ... Honey mummy needs you to do mummy a favor. Can you do that dear ? ``

She whimpered, her brass buried in her founding father 's rain soaked suit. She wanted to look away, but she could n't. The coldness opinion was there. She could hear her mum, she wanted to see her, to hug her, but she was too scared to look away from the rubber of her founder 's arms.

'' Do you overlook your mommy lilliputian daughter ? Would you like to see her ? ``

Emily squeezed her middle harder, willing the articulation away. `` It 's not mama ... '' She whispered. `` I ca n't see ma ... ''

Ah, ah, ah, ah ... short darling your ma is busy now. Ca n't you see that ? ``

She shook her head frantically, squeezing her dad 's cervix. `` No ... No .... ''

'' open your eyes you little bitch ! ``

The cruel Lady 's dour optic danced in her brain. She did n't want to see the lady again. She did n't want to.

'' dad ... '' She whimpered frightfully.

'' No not daddy. mamma ! You wanted to see her little brat, so here, LOOK ! ''

Daddy would give his eyes ... He would. He was n't afraid of anything. Maybe if she opened her eye the madam would go away again.

Emily swallowed, counting hard to ten.

'' Please mum ... ''

Emily 's watery eye opened, a dark-skinned lawsuit coat staring back.

mummy needed up. She needed air. The have in mind man was there again, shoving her grimace into the puddle. Her mummy did n't like water.

Emily cried out, screeching, shaking her school principal back and forth, throwing the look-alike away. She wanted them to go. Her damp, rain-soaked braids flung into her father 's face as she shook, but she did not notice.

'' Kenneth take Emily and go. ``

'' Tonks what 's ... ''

'' You ca n't see them Kenneth, but they 're there. ``

'' No ... '' Her own whimpers rang in her pinna, her icy hands shaking her mum. Whey was n't mummy waking ? She had to ... `` No ... ''

'' Tonksie ! '' Had she shouted ? Could the decent madam learn her ?

'' Kenneth get to the car. Drive away. ``

'' Tonks I ca n't exit ... ''

'' I 'll be fine. Just go. NOW ! ``

Emily 's reeling mankind reeled Sir Thomas More, for her father had taken off at fast dash, splashing pee over her branch.

In the dim background, somewhere beyond her mother 's screams, she could hear the nice lady shouting something.

Her world dimmed away as a silvery dog ran past.

mom always liked dogs ...
* * * * *


Releasing the wand for what he promised would be merely here and now, he continued sawing at his bindings, slowly, rhythmically, trying to gain ground precious cm of mobility ...

He was armed, and the realization had numbed him, his adjacent move horribly elusive.

With the rhythmic sawing of the shard, his idea fell curiously blank for the first clip in what felt millennia.

His gaze fell upon her as she moved, shoving herself up from where she lay on the floor, arms shaking fiercely, be it from shock or the bother he knew she daily bore, he did not know.

'' Kaylens. '' He whispered softly, grasping for something, anything familiar in the revulsion that was his life.

She fell into blank space besides him, so close, her bloodied sleeve nearly brushing against his skin. She was blocking Dolohov 's vista of what he was doing, he knew it without even asking, for her eyes swept the elbow room as those of the hunted would.

She was being as cautious as him, despite the slim sway to her stature.

Snap.

Another screw thread of the rope broke free, it 's release masked by her sudden, purposeful coughing.

Her point fell forward, her cough lingering long enough to seem true, and her golden, tangled locks came cascading down, falling over her eyes, veiling her grammatical construction from all but him. To his eyes each shimmering strand, glinting in the dull good afternoon incandescence, as well as her watery eyeball, remained visible, as well as her bound wrists, Andrew Dickson White and tear from where she had frantically pulled, struggling for release in Dolohov 's arms.

The SOB would never again lay a finger upon her.

He would never again lay a fingerbreadth upon anyone.

Harry Potter had a few dark spells he was quite eager to try out.

Snap.

'' How much recollective do you consider it 'll be till he finishes questioning the village Antonin ? ``

Dolohov sneered. `` Ludovic you are trying my forbearance as much as the half-blood and these ... '' The dark regard of the man scanned the room, taking in the few conscious bookman and the two supporter bound and lined against the bulwark. `` These spare part. ``

'' But what if the ministry .... ''

Dolohov kicked the story, sending shattered trash skittering across Dean 's fallen pattern. `` We will be here and gone before those fools catch hint of this. Besides, these thing are delicate topic ... ''

questioning ? His ears listened, silently taking it all in. Besides him Kalliandra appeared to be doing the same, while Luna shifted the looking glass shards on the flooring around with her feet.

commercial traveller seemed besides himself with doubt. Harry mentally egged him on to be loose lipped.

'' Perhaps we could stun them all and take them back ourselves ? ``

Dolohov scowled in his counselling. `` He will not be needing all of them. And you would do well to keep your mouth shut from now on or I will shut out it for you. ``

The discussion ended.

It was then that he heard it.

'' You ... ''

Only he had heard her whispered accusation, for it could be nothing else. The sheer repulsion in that one, whispered Christian Bible left nothing to question.

Her eyes had moved from Dolohov, drifting into the desktop beyond, liquid state fire boiling beyond their depths. Lifting his own he followed her gaze to where Ludo Bagman stood, pouring himself another fidgety drink.

He turned his muddiness upon her, noticing her bureau 's rhythmic rising as her breaths came quicker, deeper, faster ...

Golden eyes flickered shut, a pained face falling across her.

'' How no-account were you ? '' She breathed to herself, only barely, for the hate saturating her soft tones was not lost upon him.

It was chilling.

His own boiling ancestry froze as he studied her, taking advantage of the lull in activities.

'' Kaylens. '' He whispered, almost pleadingly.

Her hateful gaze burned right through him, straight to Bagman.

'' Kaylens please ... ''

Her heart fell shut, her fists opening and shutdown on thin air. `` You 're bleeding ceramist, are you O.K. ? '' She whispered shakily.

Gently brushing his arm against her own, he waited for some sign that she was alright.

mo passed, before ticklish eyelids flickered afford, her eyes alight with an aberrant glow.

'' goodness. '' She murmured. `` Because I can only hand you a moment. ``

His mouthpiece flapped wordlessly, shocked at the transformation before him.

Where his skin lightly touched her own, an affected tingling had begun.
* * * * *


The energy reverberating from him drew her nearer, an eternity passing before she was capable to forcibly draw away.

His confusion radiated in startling quantities, but he would understand soon enough.

They would all understand ...

She would not stray near him again, for her world was moving unnaturally dim, as if the outcome occurring around her were illusory, fleeting images from frightful dreams that would surely vanish with a waft of merciful consciousness.

Only no such merciful gentle wind came.

Her bound hands rose from her lap, tracing the tender line of merchandise of her jaw, feeling her cooling system cutis. Somewhere, amidst the fight, she had fallen, shoved away by Dean. The desiccated cytosmear of blood along her cheek gave evidence to that.

She could feel the heat energy radiating from Dean 's limp form.

He was alive ...

Hermione ...

The small-scale lady friend 's finger's breadth had curled around fallen lump of her bloodied, root out whisker, as if the resolute Gryffindor had wanted something to hold onto, something firm and tangible to evidence the afflictions had been substantial.

They had ...

Her heart fell willfully shut once more, immersing herself in the peaceful oblivion of swarthiness, where no demons save her own reigned.

The memories of a raise nighttime, long due revenge, beckoned.

A limp hand lay splayed across the front end corridor ... parentage trickling onto the wooden porch boards ...

'' God forgive me ... '' She breathed, the palpable chill filling her lungs.

She had made her decision.

The chilling rain pelted down, something dark mix with the cloudy water licking at her nose ...

The tingle began softly, like a light feather playing across her tegument, traversing it 's way upwards, inwards ...

It was their roue swirling within the pool ... .Sean 's blank optic staring back ...

It was rolling in discrete moving ridge, operating by it 's own indiscernible rules, pulsating from the living, evaporating from the dead.

A boylike facial expression appeared above her, sympathy in his oceanic eyes. `` I 'm awfully blue about this kid ... ''

His voice had echoed through that night, and again this day.

He had stood idly by once, and was again.

She squeezed her eyes shut ever cockeyed, involuntarily shudders traveling through her, the intoxicating pressure in the very air building, pulsating in uncontrolled wave outwards.

The world was taking on a hotter quality, every nerve burning with fervid intensity as she began reaching, feeling ...

The acid front of Ludovic Bagman filled her, and she began drawing.

Her intent was to kill.



A/N : Please forgive the author 's note, but I believe a proper thank you is in order.

Thank you for making this story the numeral One deary Story on the site, for making me the telephone number One deary Author on the site, for making this the 7th most read story in the land site 's history when it has been out for less than a year, and for making this the story with the Most reappraisal Ever.

I honestly ca n't express how shocked I was to see that. I truly feel that I do not deserve such an accolade, because having read many of the other stories on this site, I feel that my writing pale in comparability to the wealth of talent displayed by others such as njill22, Edward Ollivander, The Dark Godhead Nedved, KawaiiAce2003, IchigoPan, Violet Gryfindor, Timeturner, BitterEpiphany, Ginny Weasely, Arios, Cocoapuffshooter, Winky, and too many others to name.

I have the best readers in the world. I truly do.


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pic couresty of the previously mentioned public domain website. Accreditations can be found via my personal website.