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



Chapter 16 ~ New Barriers


Harry clenched his fist around thin air, squeezing the life out of some unseen adversary within the silence hospital backstage. The silence was only broken by Kaylens'tranquil breaths, her chest rising and falling as steadily as the light breeze fluttering the drape.

He 'd been cooped up for daytime, still healing himself, and had been forced to take in her grow ever stiller. Surely he was trapped within one of the seven set of hell, for each clock time he looked upon her his guilt trip rose like a fire, the flaming threatening to waste him.

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

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

Her skin still held the pallidness of last, yet to him it seemed slightly rosier.

Perhaps it was his own wishful thought.

He rose, unable to remain still, watching her with nothing save his thoughts for ship's company.

Thoughts were such poor solace ...

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

The defense, the satisfaction, and everything he had expected to finger were conspicuously absent.

Bellatrix Lestrange was dead.

So why did he feel robbed ?

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

Worst of all, Lestrange 's soundbox was gone.

He had wanted to look upon the exanimate typeface of Dog Star'killer and spittle upon it.

Now even that cruel comforter had been taken from him.

All he was left with, were unanswered question, and this cruel circle of sin called the Hogwarts hospital wing.

Still, the facts did not add up. Death Eaters held no loyalty for one another. To them null was sacred.

Yet they had salvaged the body.

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

So why do it ?

He had unconsciously wandered, finding himself in front of the undetermined third floor window. The fall scented breeze blew across his bare chest, 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 necessity, Madam Pomfrey had insisted upon having his wound 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 fracture scapula had been mended quickly, but werewolf combat injury 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 hole. His own numbness was almost enough to care for death.

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

'' Experimental go, their effects unknown to the society, have been added to Voldemort 's arsenal of weaponry, Harry. charter heed ... ''

He would.

He had seen what happened to lupine first hired man, for his translation had been triggered by the spell Lucius Malfoy had hit him with.

It had happened during the day.

Now, where Death Eaters roamed, the moon would no longer have it 's sway.

Harry shuddered in the breeze, contemplating the many horror Voldemort might unleash in summation to daylight roaming werewolves.

Of line there was no need to speculate. Dumbledore had told him about the inhumanity of late.

Forty seven innocents, four of them tiddler, had walked upon the land. Now they lay beneath it 's unforgiving grease, removed by the pitiless activity of Voldemort 's minions.

Hermione 's parents would soon join them, and his cold rational number side of meat realized that when it happened, part of Hermione 's psyche would be taken forever.

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

He was having problem accepting any of it, for he knew at the affectionateness of it, he was partly to fault.

For if he were truly the one with the power to shoot down the shadow overlord, than every sec he had ever spent reveling in life, and not searching for Voldemort 's demise, had been another grave in the ground for the innocent.

A unspeakable tingle 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 line upon his finger confirming his suspicions.

It was dubitable he would be permitted to impart soon.

'' That 's disgusting. ``

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

'' You 're awake, '' He stated, slightly stunned. He had begun to inquire if she ever would.

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

'' You were out for five days. ``

She paled considerably.

He was dull to reclaim, and debated getting Madam Pomfrey. But she would be back soon, to mark on his own wounding. She could encounter her awake then. Besides, he was afraid to exit her alone for even a secondly, fearful that she might lessen into that eonian sleep once more.

'' So how is it ? '' Her vocalism was barely above a voicelessness.

He studied her, thinking about how to suffice. His pride made him hesitant to intromit weakness, but her center ...

She would recognise a lie if he told it, he realized, deciding on the accuracy.

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

'' Like hell ... '' She murmured.

'' You look it. ``

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

She reached up, brushing the ringlet aside, revealing her mortal sick skin. Her command movements exposed her own pain to him in a way no words could.

As did her wrist. His eyes caught upon the dark contusion encircling it.

He crossed to her, catching her wrist gently. She glanced up, hazel center narrowed in confusedness.

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

Her middle traveled to where his finger's breadth lay.

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

'' Pomfrey said she had taken tutelage of this, '' He whispered aloud, gently relinquishing her helping hand. She let it fall upon her pillow, besides her expression. `` Your bones may not have 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 amusing, but had she had woken a few days earlier he probably would have demanded resolution, result about how she knew lupine, about what she really did or did not know about dying Eaters, but after days of sitting there, watching her frail human body sopor, the bare thought of interrogating her bothered him.

His answers could hold off, for a minuscule while at least.

'' Tonks stopped by earlier, '' He said, breaking the secretiveness. `` She said lupine sends his beloved. ``

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 have sworn she slept. It was part awe, fear that she would not arouse, that drove him to the admission.

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

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

He wanted to fence, but lacked the heart, watching how her oculus broke from his, dancing away.

'' That fall down the stairs you took ... I probably would n't possess 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 allow. His left arm hung loose in a sling, preventing unnecessary movement.

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

He still needed to talk to Kaylens, but she slept. They had not shared a word since she had first awoken, mental object to sit there in secretiveness. He was debating whether or not to violate that secretiveness when a scotch looking Ron walked in.

Looking at Ron, he realized that there were former things that had to be taken concern of offset.

He had been dreading this conversation for Day. Ron and Hermione would want answers. solution about his absence ... Answers about what had occurred in Dumbledore 's situation Day earlier ... solvent about Voldemort 's intrusions into his intellect ...

answer he could not give.

How could he explain the insistence he felt, or Voldemort 's intrusion, without revealing the subject matter of the prophecy ?

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

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

He threw a close glance at Kaylens'sleeping figure. They would tattle later. He promised himself that.

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

It had been over a workweek since he and Kaylens had disappeared from the Headmaster 's spot, and one of the in conclusion ardent weekends of the year had driven the student body outside.

As for him, during that meter, Voldemort had left his mind alone. He had felt the beginnings of an intrusion twenty-four hour period earlier, but Riddle had withdrawn, sensing that his decision had not yet been made.

conundrum had given him Sir Thomas More time due to his injury, and for that, Harry had to give him credit.

As wickedness as Voldemort was, the animate being had some class.

They walked in silence, Ron 's oculus darting towards him. He knew Ron was trying to adjudicate what was good to discuss.

Harry decided to give up him the awkwardness. `` How 's Hermione ? ``

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

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

'' Harry what 's going on ? ``

I wish I knew Ron ... His own foiling at this very question had been building inside for days. 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 to a greater extent to it, because the pieces Dumbledore had told him did not fit with what he had seen through Voldemort 's own eyes.

Not to mention the vaticination. How in the nether region was he supposed to amaze him ?

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

They walked the rest of the way in silence.

Hermione was there, waiting for them in the evacuate dorm room, sprawled out with a book on Ron 's bed. Her middle were rimmed with non-white forget me drug, standardized to Kaylens.

Misery loves company, he thought. Ron sat besides her, placing a hand on her back. Only then did she seem to see they were there.

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

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

She shrugged, re-burying her nose into her Quran. `` 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 heart would not converge theirs.

Ron frowned. `` His reason ? ``

So he could have prison term 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 shoulder. `` No one should take in seen us after it okay ? ``

Hermione 's eyes roamed, landing on his sling.

He caught the unspoken question. `` Werewolf wounds are slow to heal. ''

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

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

'' No. I was not bitten. ``

Hermione looked doubting. `` Harry that 's not potential. ``

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

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

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

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

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

Hermione was no longer even trying to read, her voice unusually highschool. `` That ca n't be. A wolfman ca n't switch out of lunar successiveness ... ''

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

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

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

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

'' He turned. Yes. ``

'' pigeon hawk ... '' Ron whispered, unconsciously rubbing Hermione 's rachis harder.

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

'' Too much to explicate easily, 'Mione. ''

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

Harry shook his head, hating himself. `` fine, the beginning then .... '' He steadied himself, and met Hermione 's almost pleading gaze.

'' You both already know that Voldemort has not given me a import 's peace since end summer. It 's a buck private battle between him and I. We 're both fighting for information, about the former side 's approach and sledding, about how much the other side knows ... ''

He talked steadily, opening his dresser drawer to put clothing away. His action at law, however menial, lent a sentience of normality to the otherwise ominous conversation.

'' Your parents 'Mione, he said he will release them, '' He ignored her ingestion of breathing time. `` If I tell him what the substance of the prophecy were. ``

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

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

The silence that followed occupied twelvemonth within his mind, yet it lasted no more than 3 seconds.

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

He remained silent, until her pleading spokesperson broke again.

'' Harry, please ... ''

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

The betrayed looks upon their faces nearly broke his look.

Hermione 's mouth opened and closed wordlessly. It was Ron who finally gave voice to their thought process. `` Why Harry ? Why ca n't you share it ? ``

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

'' How could we not ? Harry this is all we 've worked for ! Did it say how we can beat 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 accusation in Ron 's voice was too much. He could claim no Thomas More. `` Because I ca n't Ron ! Don't you think I would if I could ? ``

Ron shook his headland. `` I do n't get it on anymore Harry. ``

Harry was having bother keeping his vocalization level. `` Ron, if I tell him there is no reason for him to keep the farmer alive anymore. It 's our biggest bargaining chip. ``

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

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

'' He 'd let them go, '' Ron interrupted. `` shuffling him unfreeze one at least Harry ! Then tell him for God 's interest ! What could it pain ? ! Bargain with him ! ``

Harry lost his solitaire. `` Do n't you guys get it ? ! This is Voldemort we are talking about ! '' They both cringed at the name, his voice rising. `` This is n't some war game were playing against the Slytherins ! This is real aliveness ! 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 headspring, never more severe. `` No Ron. You did n't. '' He felt almost sorry at Ron 's crestfallen aspect. `` You only saw what Death feeder were subject of. That is zilch compared to him. ``

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

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

'' There 's no need to shout out at her mate, '' Ron said coolly.

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

'' No, '' Ron squeezed Hermione 's manus and stood. `` Because we remember where your legal opinion got Sirius. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' I am talking ... ''

'' No. Your blocking Harry. Like in chess game. '' Ron pointed his sceptre out the threshold, summoning the chess board from the common room. Levitating it, Ron cleared the plank save for the pawns, Martin Luther King, and queen of both slope, his hilltop furrowed in immersion. He then moved the cat's-paw so they protectively surrounded the male monarch and queen on one English, leaving the other side 's king and world-beater unprotected.

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

Ron moved a pawn on Harry 's side away. `` You 're afraid that if you move your pawn for a second, that I might get in and take your business leader. ``

Ron 's queen shooting forward, moving through the first step Harry 's pawn had left, taking his queen out with a violent belt of her chair. She then stood, posed to take his king on the future 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 Bromus secalinus plank folded in on itself, slamming to the floor.

'' plot over. ``

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

He was right. And for the low time Harry realized how truly different he was from them.

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

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

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


Harry tromped through the corridor, feeling regretful than he had thought potential. He preferred feeling numb, at least then he felt zero at all.

They simply did not interpret. Not that he had expected them to. affair were too dangerous now. Voldemort had made a spare-time activity out of extinguishing anyone close to his heart, and he was not about to fill Ron and Hermione 's chief with anything that might make them more tempting targets than they already were.

Which was why he had unconditional out refused to divulge anything else, and held his ground about not revealing the prophecy to Voldemort. Not even for Hermione ....

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

The choice was no longer his.

No longer would they be privy to Harry potter 's bad determination.

They would n't end up like Sirius.

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

The door slammed and the sound of argument resumed. Dumbledore 's voice caught his attention. What was he doing in the hospital backstage ? Perhaps to see Kaylens, but he had already visited them once. It was n't like the Headmaster to visit scholarly person though. And he should sleep together, he had been in the hospital wing too many clock time to count, but could count Dumbledore 's visit there on one hand.

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

He reached into his air hole and withdrew the extendable ear he had taken to carrying at all clip. His decisiveness made he slipped it beneath the door.

Madam Pomfrey 's reproving tone came out clearly. `` ... cells need to regenerate before you can even attempt to execute magic again. ``

'' But I 'm behind enough as it is ! '' Kaylens ... A twisting wave of relievo washed through him. And to recall, normally he had hassle resisting the impulse to mute her.

Dumbledore spoke now. `` Miss Kaylens I do n't conceive Remus would want you over-exerting ... ''

'' wellspring I 'm not particularly concerned with what he thinks at the instant. ``

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

Yet something about Dumbledore 's feeling made him. As outwardly dependable as the master had been with him lately, his faith in the man was still recovering. It had been shattered too skillfully the premature year.

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

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

remedy ? His stomach lurched dangerously.

'' Kalliandra, looking at it as a demise condemnation will not assist matters. ``

Her voice was strained. `` You 're in good order. nil will. You know that the betting odds ... ''

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

'' I 'd choose the burden, '' Kaylens hissed, her voice suddenly stronger. `` Now is there anything else your keeping from me ? '' Her voice was strained and accusatory. `` Because I 'd like to know before I read about it in some stupid Scripture. ``

Silence.

'' I thought so. ''

His total body shook unsteadily. So a lot so that the approaching step did not register until the door had swung undefended in presence of him, revealing a pale looking Kalliandra.

He could only gaze, Christian Bible abandoning him. Her eyes had caught on the extendable ear.

Her garment bag slipped down on her berm, her entire form quivering.

'' Potter ... '' She whispered chokingly. She locked heart with him, her saying stunned.

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





'' Just as courageousness imperils sprightliness, care protects it. ''
~ Leonardo da Vinci ~



Chapter 17 ~ Kunnskap

Kunnskap is Norweigan for Knowledge



She shoved open the entrance doors, leaving the secure halls of the schoolhouse behind, and walked out onto the rapidly cooling grounds. She blinked back the moisture that lingered within her eye. No crying would strike, no matter how hard they threatened. This she promised herself.

She was maddened, but her anger paled in compare to her self loathing. She had been so unbelievably stupid ! It had been bad enough to commit Remus, but to suffer nearly let down that roadblock again ...

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

Despite the painful sensation they had been in, the metre spent within the hospital backstage had been pleasant. She and thrower had dwelt in soundless fellowship, both knowing there were matter that needed to be discussed. Despite that he had not pressed her to talk, instead he had seemed to calmly accept her quiet.

This change had been oddly comforting.

At least until she had stormed out, to see him standing there with an extendable ear.

She kicked the ground, scattering grease in her wake.

She could not penetrate why she had thought he would let her maintain her secrets. But she had been a complete fall guy for entertaining the notion.

And for some intellect his small treason hurt her.

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

She reveled in the small misdirection from her thought, and allowed herself to simply feel.

The looming cloud pulsated with precarious shakiness, 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 storm social movement rolled in above her, and the more astute of her equal began to channelise indoors. The area surrounding the lake had been the for the first time of the grounds to be abandoned, and her feet led her there.

She wanted the seclusion.

She had grown so used to despair, to feeling only constant apathy, punctuated by bout of undiluted ire, that she had forgotten how to feel something as man as fear.

Everything had happened so loyal the day she had received the shopkeepers note, and there had been no clock time for the cold truth to settle in. Only over the preceding days, as she and ceramicist had lain there in muteness, had it finally registered.

Pomfrey 's language had just driven it habitation.

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

Despite the awe, she felt oddly detached, each aching measure reminding her how she had already nearly died from her stout with the werewolf.

Perhaps destruction would be a blessing. She just had things to do before it found her.

The vibrations in the in high spirits sky were back, and she cringed at the electricity there. Being a part of such thing, feeling such thing, was not always pleasant.

It was often painful.

She rubbed her arms against the iciness wind, thankful that God had some horse sense of pity. Fortunately for her, the homo mentality could only read nuisance as abnormal for so long, before it accepted the pain in the neck as the constant land of affairs. Then it would be ignored.

Oddly enough, it was very alike to how the fragrant fragrance of rosiness would lessen, if one were to stick out amongst them, breathing them in for too long.

Still, acclimatization could only do so much, and her consistency ached, protesting constantly.

Instead of leaving the grounds at the threat of rain, she continued meandering across the flat coat, 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 touch the duckweed covered surface of the water.

In former daub the priming gradually sloped down, kissing the lake 's rippling waves. There the wickedness terra firma was muddied, imprinted with the footmark of those who had braved the shallows to swim, before the atmospheric condition had cooled in viewing of the incoming afternoon storm.

She passed by both these areas, heading closer to the Forbidden woods. Here she kicked off her horseshoe, allowing them to drop freely from one hand as she picked her way across the far end of the lake. Here small-scale stones formed a natural beach, and she sat down near the bound, letting her finger's breadth trail across the rough pebbled border beneath her.

She accumulated a small collection of prostrate bottomed sway, gathering them within her helping hand, and she cast the first across the serene water, breaking it 's glassy surface.

The monster squid lazily reached out a tentacle, swatting at and missing the form stone.

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

A low grumbling filled the sky, and the altocumulus clouds dipped threateningly lower, wafting the scent of rain upon the gentle wind towards her. The sky had grown darker, and she vaguely remembered the afternoons she and Sean had once spent, skipping Isidor Feinstein Stone across the lake near their family home.

But there had been no goliath squid to play with there.

She skipped another.

A sarcoid pinko tentacle connected with it, hurtling it back.

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


Harry winced, rubbing his os frontale. That was definitely going to leave a mark.

It had taken him all of xxx seconds to decide to follow her. The memory of her watery optic had been alarming, and he could n't let her leave like that, not when she did n't understand.

He cast a blaze at the giant squid, approaching her cautiously, carefully trying to not slip upon the slipperiness rock-and-roll as he walked down towards her.

He treaded as close as he dared, pausing to oscillate uncertainly. Her shoulder joint had stiffened at his cry, the only sign to indicate that she was aware of his mien.

He swallowed hard. From where he stood besides her, he could see the drawn communication channel of her sass, and how her oculus gazed, almost longingly across the dark open of the lake. He followed her gaze, the low gear drops of rainwater drizzling upon them.

The lake 's once glossy exterior now moved with a life of its own. Each raindrop sending circular ripples outwards, each disturbance merging with the other furrows spreading across its surface. The effect was entrancing, and he drew his centre away from the shot 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 scag shuddered the sky, drowning him out, and the giant squid disappeared beneath the lake 's surface.

'' Enjoying the sunshine, '' Her hair fluttered lightly around her brass. `` I thought it would be obvious. ``

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

Silence reigned for some meter, broken only by the increasing beat of rain, pattering around them. The water supply gradually matted his uncontrollable hair to his forehead, and Kaylen 's favorable hair darkened with saturation.

She sat with a relax air, unbothered by the icy droplets pouring down. Slowly, with apparent infliction in her movements, she scooted skinny to the lake 's edge, dipping her foot into the boil piddle as casually as if it were a mid-summer day, rather than a windy October downpour. Never once did she front at him.

Her shoulders were denudate, and her damp hair clung to them. He was close decent to acknowledge the fragile fathead bump prickling across her pale skin.

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

Kaylens was sick ...

'' Here, '' He said, shattering their verbal lapse. He picked his way across the pebbly declination to her, shrugging out of his cloak. He felt no awkwardness as he picked up her soften hair, draping it across her shoulders.

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

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

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

He lowered himself besides her, afraid to verbalize. His gist pounded loudly in his chest of drawers. Never before had he been so fearsome of rebuke. His fortune may have lasted thus far, but even he would not blame her for screaming if she so chose.

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

The sky thundered, lighting up as lighting flashed high in the cloud. It struck him as extremely inexpedient to be in their locating, so stuffy to water.

'' We should go in. '' His voice lacked condemnation.

With the back of her wrist she rubbed the piddle from her eyes.

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

'' Well what ? ''

'' I doubt you came here out of concern 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 take heed to, I 'm wondering what your doing here. '' Another news bulletin of lightning illuminated her soaked feature of speech, and he found himself drawn towards her serene expression, confounded by her words.

Despite their depicted object, her tone held no trace of the familiar spirit caustic remark or malice.

Instead she sounded curious.

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

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

'' Try me. ``

'' I came to rationalise. ``

To his surprisal, she actually laughed. The auditory sensation had a haunting quality to it, for it blended artfully with the wind howling around them. The storm had crept upon them fast.

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

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

'' How much did you hear ? '' Her gaze turned pointedly down.

He sighed in defeat. `` adequate to know that you should n't be out in this downpour. ``

She nodded, closing her eyes as if pained. `` You have no thought how wrong you are. ''

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

The look she shot him could hush the devil himself. `` And why should I ? You have n't been the portraiture of honesty ceramist. ``

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

She did not reply. Instead, she tilted her font towards the sky, allowing the pelting to pour over her more freely. Her hair fell away from her shoulders, revealing her retentive neck. She remained this way for what may have been mere second base, but to him, felt like hours.

'' okay Potter, '' She finally breathed. `` Try me. ''

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

And he explained.

He explained why he had followed her that day into Knockturn alleyway, how her stubborn refusal to answer questions about demise feeder had led him, to what he hoped, were wrong supposal, 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 former 's conversance, the storm forgotten. Several fourth dimension she made to actuate, shaking her head disbelievingly, but his hand on her arm silenced her refutes. By the time he was done, a sad look had crossed her features.

He studied her, puzzled. `` spirit, Kaylens I did n't imply 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 thing to be okay between them. There was still so much to talk about ...

'' Kaylens are ... ''

Her facial expression darkened at his words, 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 mansion 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 limb. He looked at it in surprise, and was about to fence, noting how far a manner of walking to the school it still was, when he realized that she had already spun and taken off into the downpour.

'' time lag ! '' He called, utterly confused. He stumbled after her, slipping on the wet rock candy, and caught up to her on the grass.

'' Kaylens maintain it. You 'll freeze otherwise. '' He went to clothe it across her berm but she brushed him off.

'' I 'm fine, '' She said grimacing. `` Really, '' She added, seeing his disbelieving look.

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

She whorled on him, looking disturbingly distressed, her skin dangerously pale. `` Look, thrower ... Do yourself a favour okay ? Do n't worry about me. ``

He found himself shaking, be it from the cold or the icy palor of her skin, he did not live, 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 get this ? A few secondment ago they had been on almost civic terms.

The thought of her hating him again churned his stomach. He could n't reserve it ...

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

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


Over the past few sidereal day, since Kaylens had left him standing there in the pouring rain, Harry 's mood had not improved.

He just did not understand what he had done, and every time he caught a glance of her he felt disgorge.

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

The fact that he still had a unavowed suspicion that she was clueless as to what a Death eater was did not avail matters.

It was enough for him to nearly get off curses flying. At Luna 's insistence, he had taken to kicking suits of armor instead.

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

Or something like that.

His chemical 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 much metre watching over her in the hospital backstage, and the opinion of further impairment 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 awry. All he knew was that she was no longsighted openly hostile towards him. Instead she avoided him like the plague.

He had seen her unparalleled that very morning, and it had taken all his longanimity to avoid hexing her into future week when she had practically sprinted down the hall to blab to Dean, upon catching sight of him.

hell, he had come damn near closer to hexing her and Malfoy in denial Against the Dark Arts that very day. He had walked in to find her and Malfoy chatting in hushed whispers, bent over parchment.

The endorse he had come within earshot the sheepskin had been rolled up and stuffed hastily into Malfoy 's book satchel.

Kaylens had refused to look at him. But he had not failed to find how her hands shook for the repose of grade.

It had been easy to observe since he had been sitting alone. Ron and Hermione had holed themselves up on the other side 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 to the lowest degree the hostile flavor from his roommates were intelligible. He had had another violent dreaming with Voldemort that week, and had woken up in a good province, screaming at every one of them.

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

semen to consider of it, the exclusively person talking to him now seemed to be Luna. And since she was in the yr below him, he found himself sitting alone in classes, and eating lunch at the Ravenclaw table.

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

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

He actually did n't bear in mind the idea.

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

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

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

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

Somehow Harry strongly disagreed with this. If he had learned all there was to have a go at it about Occlumency, he would not still be having violent nightmares. `` prof, 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 remainder. You have learned all I have to teach about Occlumency. That is an entirely different matter from mastering the discipline. ''

Harry was stunned, all previous thoughts and irritation at the prof driven from his mind.

Never in his spirit would he sustain imagined Dumbledore being unable to teach him something.

'' Occlumency, Harry, is less about erecting genial barrier, and to a greater extent about controlling one 's emotions. Keeping your emotions hidden from the enemy is of extreme grandness. And frankly, gets easier with age. '' Dumbledore stood with a rather turgid feather duster and began to attack a dissatisfied portrayal with it.

'' Harry, you have become quite adept at creating roadblock, visualizing a brick wall is your barrier of choice is it not ? '' Harry nodded but Dumbledore was continuing. `` But the simply way to tone that wall at this point, is to read to mask your emotions. ``

Harry stared somewhat unabashedly as the previous headmistress made a rather unprocessed handwriting gesture.

'' Er ... Professor ? '' He questioned hesitantly. `` What exactly do you think of by 'masking'them ? ``

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

He valued his education far too very much to reply truthfully.

'' Well Harry, when one sifts through your brain, painful retentiveness can get unearth. It 's raw to recollect the emotions these experiences caused you. Such a distraction is all the foe would need to delve deep into your mind. '' Dumbledore was carrying on with all the air of one discussing a weekend outing. `` And you have no shortage of dreadful memories Harry. It would be quite easy for Voldemort to find one to use against you. ``

He did not need Dumbledore to severalize him that, he had already re-lived the guilty conscience of Sothis'death all summertime.

'' So are you going to get me relive those memories for practice session ? '' He asked, somewhat apprehensive.

Dumledore turned to expect at him, balancing precariously on the commode he was using to reach ole Phinneus'portrait. `` Why of course of instruction not. Certainly, I could go sifting about through your mind, forcing you to recall bad times in your aliveness. But dredging up old retention and forcing you to deal with them would only avail you make up indifference. We do n't want that. ``

Dumbledore turned back and shoved the feather gabardine right where Phinneus'aspect had just re-appeared. The erstwhile headmaster cringed and jumped out of the frame again.

'' Harry, what we do want, is for you to number to price with the crueler parts of your past times. And only you can define what those terms are. But I dare remind you, there is a divergence between allowing the past to remind you, and allowing the past to assure you. ''

Dumbledore jumped down from the stool, wiping his dusty hand on his gown. `` Well now that's done. Now I have something to show you. ``

He beckoned him to where he stood, withdrawing a worn, leather edge book from one of his ledge. `` You know, I almost lost this after that squabble yourself, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Kaylens had the other day Harry. '' He peered down his spectacles at him. `` I trust that is now resolved ? ``

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

Dumbledore shrugged. `` Well, dedicate it clip, gift it fourth dimension. It may take her awhile to open up to anyone, seeing as how matters are. ''

The Headmaster was running his wand up and down the sticker of the script in an odd zig-zag pattern, muttering something about mothballs. A cheap 'pop'was heard, making Harry jump, and the Koran sprang out of Dumbledore 's script, falling open on the table before them.

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

Harry had to admit that Dumbledore was all in on.

Inside the open book, where the varlet should have been, lay a pinkish bed of fog. There was a sentiency of depth to the interior of it, and Harry had the dim mother wit that another proportion lay just beyond the peacefully swirl.

Dumbledore reached his hand into it. `` It is a rather clever hiding spot for things. Not only is the locking mechanism for it rather tricky, but only a manus with my DNA could get to into this and still detect their hired man attatched. ``

Harry had been unconsciously leaning forward, trying to peer through the fog, but at this dictum took a whole tone back. Dumbledore 's bridge player fished around blindly for a few minutes, before emerging with a silvery Chain. A small ampule was attached to the end of it.

The master shut the book, muttering a few appeal, and replaced it upon the shelf. `` This is something that I have been wanting to open you for quite some time Harry. But until recently, the opportunity had not presented itself. The fact that it had not, is entirely my break, and for that I am sorry. ``

The master, 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 short, but for now, it is all I can give you. ''

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

'' The vial you now hold is a special strain of pensieve, Harry. '' Dumbledore said by way of explanation. `` It is called a Kunnskap. It means cognition. And unlike formula pensieves, it does not own an unlimited capacity. It can only contain a choice few retentiveness, and I believe that there are 81 different lessons contained within this one. ''

Only eighty-one ? He thought, slightly amused by the headmaster definition of only. He turned the vial within his hands, noting that unlike in Dumbledore 's pensieve, blasphemous spec darted to and fro within the silvery substance here, colliding frequently to let loose dark green sparks. It was like watching the manifestation of pyrotechnic in a silvery pool, only on a miniature scale.

A thought occurred to him.

'' What do you signify by lesson, 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, knowledge of certain tour to you. ``

The schoolmaster paused, shutting the leather loudness. Whisps of curling pink tendrils snuck out around the boundary as he placed it back upon the shelf.

'' Times were dark. '' He continued gravely. `` I did not bang how many of us would outlive, but we knew it was essential to pass on our knowledge to the next generation. This was our way of ensuring that at least one good wizard recieved that if the worst were to chance. ``

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

Despite his annoying and angriness at all the headmaster had withheld over the geezerhood, the thought of a mortal Dumbledore shook his conception of a stable universe.

The Headmaster motioned Harry into a plush plum armchair, unmindful to his pupil 's sullen thoughts.

'' Over the years, myself, and others within the old guild, added select pieces of knowledge that we wanted to quit to you, to this. You 'll even find some of my old school day moral there. Things like apparition, curse-breaking, animagus field of study ... They are all in there. ``

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

A sign of the zodiac elf popped into world then, extending a plate of biscuits to him. He scarcely managed to take one, for his brain was fixated on the cruel irony of the berth.

This vial was a true gift, yet he was only receiving it because of the prognostication 's heavily burden.

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

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

Bob Hope ... Why could n't mortal else have been wizarding sort 's promise ?

Dumbledore was mercifully oblivious to the dark thoughts still flitting through his mind.

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

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

Dumbledore smiled ruefully. `` No. This will teach you the theory, and knowing the theory of something is entirely different from putting it to use. However ... '' The man 's blue eyes twinkled mischievously. `` I have it on good Logos that learning and researching just the theory on animagi can submit years. So all you will have 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 sentence since coming to Hogwarts, just how much that the headmaster knew about his students.

Against his better assessment, he broke out into a small smile. Even Hermione, with all her article of faith against taking short snub to larn something, would probably die for a look into this thing.

God he would miss them ... Perhaps one day, when matter were different ....

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

Harry was taken aback. For once, Dumbledore was actually trusting him with something important. `` T-thanks Professor. I 'll search after it. ``

He 'd be damned if he disappointed him.

Dumbledore smiled over his cup. `` I 'm sure as shooting you will Harry. Do try to use it in secret though. When one uses it they tend to appear in a trance, and I would hate to see what your roomy would do if they stumbled upon you in such a state. And I would bonk, Mrs Frank Norris once caught me using this. ``

Harry nearly choked on his biscuit.

The past two weeks, he realized, had truly been full of surprises.




Thank you SticksN'Stones for the excellent banner !






'' Choose to be not a product of your environment, nor of your experience, but a merchandise of what your nitty-gritty tells you the earthly concern can be in its hunky-dory hour. ``
~ A.K. Lovell ~



Chapter 18 ~ The cicatrix life parting


Tonks threw open the shades, allowing the bright good afternoon sparkle to stream in, filling the elbow room with scandalmongering hues so bright that not even Remus, who was valiantly feigning sleep, could push aside them.

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

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

'' How did you get past the wards ? '' Remus groaned, pulling his pillow over his head 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 weeks with zero to do but crack the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward on our stubborn arse of a booster 's home we tend to succeed. ``

Remus emitted a low murmur audio, indecipherable to any human being ear. It was at this breaker point that she decided she had had enough. She ripped the covers from his bed, and flung them out the now undetermined window.

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

At his deficiency of reactivity she stomped her ft 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 tidy sum 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 stubborn ass off the storey right now and get gear up ! We have an decree coming together in an 60 minutes and if you are not there so help me Merlin I will come back here, Montgomery Ward be damned, and make you come ! You ca n't avoid us forever ! ``

He groaned unhappily.

She glowered down, deciding to not leave just yet. `` And you know what else Wolfy ? You are the singularly, most selfish person 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 weeks, but you left me to verbalise to Harry for you ! He deserved to see you there ! Not me ! Instead you hid here away from everyone acting like a baby ! ``

'' 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 idea how practically 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 mind. `` You know that was n't your shift Remus ! No one knew what that turn 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 deform again ? ''

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

'' I ca n't adventure it .... ''

'' wellspring that 's just too damn bad Wolfy because your going to. '' She did n't hold back for a response and marched over to throw open his closet. She grabbed the penny-pinching shirt and threw it at him. `` Now go exhibitioner and get dressed. I do n't have all day and so help me you are going to drop a line 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 like to see you try. I 'm not leaving because I do n't feel like fighting with your Aaron Montgomery Ward again. '' She paused, and almost as an afterthought added, `` And do n't transfer the content because you are writing to them ! ``

He shook his brain, his shaggy hair falling around his eyes messily. It looked like he had n't showered in days. `` No. If they wanted to blab to me they would have .... ''

'' Would have what ? '' She was far beyond losing her patience at this distributor point. `` Contacted you ? Remus, Kalliandra tried ! That damn bag scout of yours has been glowing all week at headquarters ! 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 good if I stay away. '' Remus interjected, picking up his wand.

She growled in defeat and yanked the pocket vigil out of her pocket. Mundungus had found it near one of the dead child after the attack.

'' Well at least hire this support Remus. '' She said, placing it on his worn desk. `` I do n't give care what you say but she really does need you. '' She searched him for some sign that he accepted this fact, but he only leaned out the window and summoned his cover back up.

Watching his pitiable bm, she suddenly felt like collapsing.

Remus had been the one she could count on, to make together for her. Ever since Dog Star ...

She could n't bear to think of it, let alone part it, but ever since that wretched nighttime she had grown to rely on Remus. She needed him so much it scared her.

It had been his sang-froid, light brown eyes she had awoken to in St. Mungos. The healer said he had never left her face. 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 pick him when she had never felt worse.

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

She shuddered, remembering how he had found her curled up on her couch one dark that summer, positively balling her eyes out, the few pictures of Sirius she had spread out on her coffee bean table. If only she had stunned Bellatrix when she had had the chance ! By Falco columbarius he would still be here !

With a cool 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 illegitimate was the entirely matter that could help Sothis now, he had told her. And as an auror, that would be her job. He had told her how she needed to nurse together for that.

If he had not shown up when he had, she may take in curled up in the close, dampen broom closet, and not come out money box Christmas.

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

She had only just realized how thankful she was for the small traces of humour 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 very much he meant to her.

Never again, did she want to experience another fortnight like the one she had just had without him.

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

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

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

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

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

She trailed off, defeat effectively silencing that power train of thought.

'' Go shower. I 'll hold off downstairs. ``

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

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


Harry allowed the book to pass closed. His brain had long since fallen upon the mesa, his dead body slumped over in frustration. A thousand and one wickedness jinx swirled through his mind, their buffet curses eluding his storage 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 chest, making his psyche spin, the realization of how little clip he had to dominate this had finally sunk in.

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

For the initiative fourth dimension in his life, he was starting to feel helpless. He had borrowed the book from Dumbledore 's office, changing the binding so no one could know what dark arts it contained, and after only a few days of study he had come to a realization.

Avada Kedarva was amongst the most merciful of colored curses.

For the dark fine art could do so very much unfit than simply shoot down in one blow.

The could fire you animated from the interior out, your shriek confounding those around you, your skin not blackening as invisible fiery tendrils licked at you hungrily.

By the time those around you realized ....

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

Other curses could could slice your skin in retard, farseeing virgule. The unseeable attack lasting for time of day, as medi-wizards and therapist tried to save you, only to check you succumb as slash after destroying gash undid their healing, spilling your life blood, killing you ...

Others could slowly crush your chest, driving the air from your lungs, suffocating you under the insistence of a dozen hippogriffs ....

He shuddered involuntarily, almost glad that end had been quick and merciful for Sirius and Cedric. He had not known before, but their lives could cause been extinguished in a lot worsened ways ....

The school 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 iniquity Arts themselves.

He had n't been certain whether to applaud her for her astuteness, or anathemise her for sounding the likes of fanatical Malfoy.

But she had been right ....

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

So while her and Malfoy had argued their point in time, and lost valiantly as Tres started twitching under insistence, he had composed a letter to Dumbledore asking for access to materials about the dark Arts.
Dumbledore had granted him that ...

He propped himself on his elbows, reopening the ancient, blackened leather text. He was determined to find out every deadly hex the world had to pop the question him.

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

The man who had stolen his animation from day one.

Pettigrew would pay. Harry would pee-pee him experience all of the nuisance he had felt ever since his reaching on the Dursley 's doorstep.

Then Pettigrew would die.

Then, once he had seen what the nemesis did on a hot human being, then he would detect Voldemort.

The puppet was going to pay.
* * * * *


Kalliandra clutched Tonks'letter in hand and stormed to the foot 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 epithet into that blasted concordat of hers, had sent owls armed with missive and orders to peck at his bridge player until he replied, and even had sent a self-writing quill with the net one so it would pen whatever he said down upon receiving it.

That particular owl had had orders to snatch up whatever was written before Remus had a fortune to nobble it up himself.

well apparently Remus had been too quick for the owl, because she had gotten back a broken quill and a ripped, vacuous piece of paper.

shit your stubbornness to infernal region Remus ! She thought in annoyance, stomping her foot outside Dumbledore 's office.

She had grown so annoyed with him avoiding touch and canceling their tutoring session that she had finally slipped on Riley 's ring and tried porthole keying directly to Remus, only that had n't worked either.

Which was precisely why she found herself outside of Dumbledore 's dolt pit gargoyle, shouting every candy that came to mind.

'' Peppermint ! Bat dung droppings ! Bertie Pops ! orchard apple tree ! Peaches ! '' She exclaimed at it, abandoning candies in favor of yield. `` Oh damn it to hell ! Peach schnapps ! Peach Cobble ... ''

The stone gargoyle had sprung to life, allowing her entrance.

'' Peach schnapps ? You 've got to be kidding me ... '' She muttered, springing up the stairs and bursting into his office, being thrifty to taste Crusantheus on the way in.

Dumbledore looked up idly from his desk, a mixed-up expression across his weather haggard face. `` Why Kalliandra, what a pleasant surprisal. ``

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

Dumbledore looked rather puzzled. `` yellowish pink Schnapps ? A pot likker ? And here I thought it was a rather clever form of candy ... ''

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

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

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

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

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

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

She sighed defeatedly. `` So there 's goose egg we can do to verbalize some sense into him ? ``

'' I rather think, that this is something he has to arrive to have on his own term. We can not push him into realizing that we would rather be near him with all of the risks, than away from him and safe. ``

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

Dumbledore chuckled slightly, recognizing the sarcasm of her financial statement. `` You know Kalliandra, in our own way, we are all a danger to those we love, for the simple-minded fact that true booster will go to any lengths to help each early, even if that means sacrificing their own life history in substitution for another 's. ``

His words struck a deep chord within her, one she was not quite gear up to hear. `` Thanks professor ... '' She muttered, all anger gone. `` Can you at least give him this when you see him ? '' She extended a letter to him, it 's addressee reading To The Obstinate Wolf.

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


Harry rested his cheek against the worn surface of the board, letting his dank hair drip mould over his nerve. The dripping water from his recent shower bath eased the irksome ache that had begun in his scar.

Drip ....

A bead of wax broke complimentary from the glowing candle, falling to drench into the uncertain rooftree of the oak desk. The impact sounded cavernous, for his ear remained pressed against the desk 's surface, amplifying the strait ten fold.

Across the rough-cut room, far from where he sheltered in the apparition of a single candela wick, the flack glowed warmly. various straggling 7th years, no dubiety putting in the spare 60 minutes for triton preparation, remained there, blissfully unmindful to the belated hour.

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

Voldemort was there, just beneath the surface of his idea, waiting for a opportunity to get in as he dreamt. He knew Hermione 's parents were as good as dead, but he would not admit Voldemort the information he demanded for their so-called 'release .'

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

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

The one he was looking at would push air from the lungs slowly, till the individual could only claw at their neck in agony, blood vessels in their heart bursting as atomic number 8 left them.

The black and Andrew D. White representative showed a wizard captured in a tacit howl, his finger's breadth already falling limp around his throat.

He shuddered at the sight, not noticing the dictated facial expression flitting across her face.

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 ceramist. ``

Her voice pulled him away from his thoughts, and he swallowed hard, looking up as she slid into the posterior before him. She leaned backwards relaxingly, her face falling into the vestige of the turning point they sheltered in.

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

She met his eyes, for the offset sentence in solar day, holding them seriously. `` Talking ceramist. Just talking. '' Candlelight danced in them ...

His scar gave a dull pound, reminding him of his own fragile state. Tonight was not the fourth dimension for talking, even with her, whom he had grown curious about. `` You know ... '' He stated carefully, watching her smooth her sleek lock chamber behind her ears. `` There is usually a intellect for why somebody sits take in across a relatively empty way from everyone else. ``

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

'' Their studying. ``

'' Or they want to be left alone. '' She whispered, voicing his wordless thought. `` Believe me Potter, I know your distressed with me. I would n't chafe you if it was n't crucial. ``

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

Her centre danced in the candlelight, her hands playing around the stand 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 pillow slip, then am I, or am I not, supposed to delay the inferno away from you ? ``

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

He smiled forcefully at this, probably looking like a depressed clown. `` And that has zilch to do with you storming off, then refusing to add up within a ten m vicinity of me ? ``

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

Her phonation held an pith of loss as lupin 's public figure fell off her rim, and for a fleet bit he understood. He did not experience 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 second, he knew that his previous Professor had not spoken to her since that day either.

He felt oddly good about that. For a change, he was not the only one being ignored, or hold on in the dark.

'' Wo n't respond to any of your varsity letter either then ? '' He queried, knowing the answer.

She shook her promontory, her haircloth coming loose from where it lay tucked behind her capitulum, falling to lay artfully over her eyes. `` He 's started sending mine back. ''

He felt a small-scale grin tugging at the boundary of his sassing. `` Hedwig is pertinacious. ``

'' An owl ? ``

He grunted in reply, the aching in his cicatrix was starting to fire slightly.

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

He jolted forward, dropping his chief into his hand to cover the painful grimace now crossing his face. `` Funny auditory sense you say that. '' He groaned as the kickoff wave of hurting attacked him. `` Because is n't that what your doing ? ``

Through his fingers he saw a calculative expression cross her face. `` Do you desire me to get Madam Pomfrey ? ''

'' Why .... '' pictorial matter the wall ... .The bricks ... Their unsmooth texture stretching infinitely upwards .... `` Why would I require you to get the nurse ? '' He asked, barely guising the pain sensation that was now coming forth in waves. She needed to will. She needed to lead now, but not to get the nanny ...

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

Before she could even move his hand had shot out like a lightning bolt, attaching itself to her wrist joint. `` Do n't get her ... I 'll be fine. '' He hissed lowly, not keen to attract the care of the seventh age still down there.

An unpleasant hotshot swept through him, the look of Kaylens'wrist turning barely registered as the darkness room spun. He was no longer fully there as his eyes flickered half shut, half seeing the wall Dumbledore had taught him to so carefully construct, half seeing Kaylens kneeling down besides him.

'' The only way to tone up your bulwark at this percentage point, is to learn to dissemble your emotions .... '' Dumbledore 's words came back to him ...

'' potter ? Potter looking at me. '' Kaylens spoke quickly, an unfamiliar border to her voice. He waved her away, feeling her hands wrapping around his own. She had to leave ...

Voldemort was prickling at the edges of his envision wall.

The brute 's phonation filled his head, green tendrils leaking through red brick.

Been sssstudying the non-white humanistic discipline I sssssee. It'ssss about time you learrrrned ....

He turned his eyes away from his leger, leaning away from Kaylens to slam it shut before Voldemort could learn more.

'' Sodding hell Potter of all the times ... '' Kaylens murmured. He felt her arm sliding beneath his articulatio humeri, a unknown prickling trickling through him as he unconsciously leaned closer, allowing his body to sag against her as she hauled him up.

He rose his oculus, finding her own surprisingly close, flickering with that unfamiliar business organization. `` Kaylens leave ... '' He muttered, feeling a violent edge forming within his last consistent sentiment. He had nearly attacked Ron in a interchangeable State, under Voldemort 's egging influence ...

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

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

Interesssstinnnng ....

'' Kaylens ... '' He gasped. `` Get the snake pit out of here. ``

She grimaced determinedly, kicking open the portrait doorway. He heard her shouting something about Pomfrey to someone, but their build was so blurry ... 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 speech out. She was dragging him down the residence hall now ...

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

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

Who messed up ! ? ! ? He thought, grasping clarity, desperate to harvest Voldemort 's substance.

Calling on his last ounces of mental modesty he dug his blackguard into the ground. He turned, squirming away from the reassuring bearing of her arms, suddenly finding his own feet untrustworthy.

He was collapsing to the gemstone floor, the flashlight lit halls a brilliant blur ...

Whooooo ...

Unable to tell the difference between speaking and thinking, his sass opened to scream his own question into the dead of nighttime ...

Kaylens manus clamped over his backtalk, and he found himself breathing in her skin, moistness with perspiration and the waxen essence of the taper she had been fidgeting with mere 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 lip. Had she had a harsh border to her ? He could no longer think back ...

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

He relaxed, leaning against her again, feeling her implements of war stiffen. Of course .... It only made sense .... Voldemort would want to cognise of person as absorbing as her, who would n't ? He certainly did, no matter how infuriating she grew he was curious. What trauma could a name do ...

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

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

A jubilant undulation washed over him, so intense as to swim out every former word filtering through his auditory system.

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

The flavor of Kaylens'hands tugging up on his shoulder joint, the feel of her prospicient hair brushing against his face as she leaned over him, the dark shadows of the defect Hogwarts corridor ...

The sanctity of his mind restored, it all came into unadulterated focus.

His ramification becoming his own again, he powerfully stuff them into the floor on his own accord, scrambling eagerly away, his sudden divergence sending her spilling across the frigidity, dirt dusted pit floors.

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

'' What does Voldemort require with you ? '' He asked pointedly, the maniacal spark that always accompanied Voldemort 's contact still in his eyes.

She glared up unflinchingly, lucky hair limply splayed out across her face. `` 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 verge. `` 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 locution unreadable.

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

'' Enough to know he was all too happy to learn your epithet tonight. '' He knew the consequences of this, if horrible, would be his to have a bun in the oven. It was not a thinking he cherished, and a region of him almost wished for her to confess into the dark her dedication to the dark Lord, so he could walk out her John L. H. Down, guilt free.

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

This hold out thought was silenced by the way her heart darkened coldly onto him. `` And you were happy to give him that selective information. Were n't you monkey around ? ``

His own manpower, now balled in fists, shook with crush cult 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 place manner. `` You looked like you were having a fit thrower. I thought you needed the hospital offstage ... ''

'' Whether I need the infirmary wing is none of your CONCERN ! '' He hissed angrily, albeit too loudly. Someone was bound to hear, but he did n't handle. Let Filch just try and punish him ...

She looked stricken by his Holy Scripture. `` I see. '' She whispered, moving to take the air past him, back towards where the Fat dame 's portrait observed in awe horror.

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

They stared at one another, each daring the early to speak. Releasing one of her wrist, he moved his hand to rest above her shoulder, cutting off any view of her escape.

'' I said I understood Potter. '' Her breath was barely a whisper, and beneath his palm he felt her wrist cooling, the nerveless October air prickling goose hump across her arms.

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

She breathed in deeply, her chest rising to urge against his own for the abbreviated of seconds. `` Care to enlighten me ? ``

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

Her challenging demeanor vanished, discombobulation flickering in her eyes. Her free deal unconsciously reached upwards, but he stilled her motion by aggressively squeezing her shoulder blade.

'' I would n't ... recommend ... doing ... that ... '' He said coldly, ignoring how she bit her lip, her nerve clearly contorted in pain. If she could n't shoot that what in the infernal region did she plan on doing when Voldemort got to her. He 'd learn 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 belittled child. `` That you do not. So I am going to ask you one ... more ... time. What ... does ... he ... want ... with ... you ? ``

She tilted her head word 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 way of chatting. ``

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

'' Perceptive ... '' He murmured coldly, leaning in money box her breathing spell breezed across his face. `` But I never said friendly. You on the former handwriting openly admitted it. ``

'' Trygve Halvden Lie ... '' She spat.

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

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

Her expression remained unfaltering for far too long for his tasting.

'' fine. '' He whispered. `` Here is what I think. I think that you have no clew what one is. Either that, or you are the estimable actress I have ever seen. But for that to be straight, you would either accept to be a Muggle, which you clearly are not, or you would have to have been a recluse from wizarding high society. So ... '' He tilted his typeface down, practically meeting her own.

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

She turned her articulatio radiocarpea in the confines of his escaped grip, her peel brushing against his own. He could precipitate her reaction, being so close, his eyes locked onto hers. She was going to run, it was like feeling what she was feeling ... Fear ...

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

'' Well if you do n't want to recount me .... '' He murmured, releasing her wrist joint before she could bolt. She eyed him with surprise, and mistrust, never seeing his deal falling to breathe upon his wand.

'' Legilimency. '' He whispered.

Her lifetime ... It all flooded his nous in one over powering wave. A swirl of events that were unimaginable to tell apart ... Until one scream filled his thinker with a blinding red hue, bringing it all into utter clarity.
'' James Whitcomb Riley ! ''


The swirl of figure of speech changed, becoming the congruent picture of a blond child, pilus much easy than he knew it would darken to turn, was approaching a door, answering it ...

A man smiled toothily down, removing his hat to reveal closely cropped, sordid blond hair, bowing slightly. The baby smiled upwards, but the figure of speech of his smile froze, faltering, as if it had forever been burned into her memory.

And now his ...

The door flew open, the man 's understructure connecting with it, sending it bulleting inwards, hitting her with it against the face. Blinding infliction kept her conscious, for the human race was black be-speckled, and her screaming form fell to land in the front foyer.

The guilty conscience .... Almost overpowering ... She should n't have screamed ... My God if only she had not ...

A fortunate haired man, only slightly older than they were now, came sliding into the student residence. The miss screamed on the level, her broken, bloodied scent rendering her warnings incomprehensible.

The blonde haired monster dropped a knee onto the young lady 's dorsum, pinning her to the floor. The newsbreak of a sawhorse knife drawn from a casing caught Harry 's eye, and the young man, who now bore a look of the utmost fury.

'' Wan na go boy ? ejaculate here ! ``

The gilded haired man was already charging, but the fiend had drawn a gun and fired before James Whitcomb Riley could even arrive at her ...

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

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

The girl was bucking on the floor, screaming, nearly freezing in fear as blood pooled from Riley 's chest lesion, his xviii year old body twitching spasmodically, his mouth gaping, gasping for breath ...

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

His dying breath came, the girl 's eyes wide with repulsion for only her Brother, as the sawbuck knife plunged into young Kaylens', deep into the vertebral column of her eight year old shoulder joint blade.

Hot, fiery pain intensified, followed by a tingling sensation of the most peculiar kind ...

He could almost feel what she had ... Her articulatio humeri was tingling, little pin SOB attacking her peel as they would when her foot would arouse up from falling asleep ...

Her hysterical screams only intensified, and Harry watched in horror as the monster gripped her pilus, yanking her oral sex back roughly as Harry once himself had done to her, before slamming her face savagely into the linoleum.

'' Were going to have some fun are n't we trivial girl ? Are n't we ! ? ! ? ! Just as soon as you shut your bloody oral fissure and severalize me where that sugared little brother of yours is ... ''

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

In Voldemort 's creative thinker he had seen grownup wither in pain and downfall apart at so a good deal less ...

His heart broke as he watched her minuscule form continue struggling, screaming, yet the man only pinned her face down to the story harder, dragging the buck knife across her articulatio humeri in a prospicient, vicious bank line ...

A swirl of colors, and he was gone. Thrust out not by magic, but by the brute grip someone had taken up on the back of his robe, yanking him away from her. He staggered backwards, disoriented, his arm flailed into the blowlamp holder ...

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

His charred pelt throbbed, but not so much as his mind.

Kaylens stood motionless, still pressed against the wall, chicken feed flannel, silent tears streaming down her beautiful brass. A single slender hired hand was clutching her articulatio humeri. The same one he had grabbed roughly. The Lapp 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 demise of millions is a statistic. ''
~ Joseph Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili ~



Chapter 19 ~ Le Règne d'Enfer Commence


Once his judgement awakened, his wits dimmed by the drug wine he had willfully taken, it was not the darkness, nor his unfamiliar surroundings, nor even the cloaked material 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 yesteryear two weeks. From Harry, from Kally, from Tonks ...

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

Two days after the incident with Kally and Harry, he had received a white envelope addressed to him, sealed with the night Mark.

After reading it 's mental object, it 's offer of safe haven from the cruel, prejudiced Ministry standing in cruel line to the expiry feeder 's own prejudicial beliefs, Dumbledore had asked the one thing of him that he had felt unable to do.

He had asked him to consider joining them.

He had stayed in closing off, not wanting his affection for Harry, Kally, or Tonks, especially Tonks, to shake his decision.

The early werewolf began emerging from the underground corridors surrounding him. Here the walls were lined with ivory. Femurs rising up like sadistic pillar from hell, supporting the foresighted line of skulls outlining the subverter handing over. assuredness water dripped rhythmically from the moistness cap, wetting his sweating scalp.

There was only one place in the Earth that flaunted such morbidity. rich beneath the streets of City of Light, over sixty million of a clip hanker past lay dead. Their skeletons disassembled, grouped systematically to take form walkways, a remnant of a darker time.

Upon drinking the drugged wine-colored, the last Eater had said he would waken in the Empire of Death. Only now did he sympathize what he had meant.

A kernel shape, shaped out of human skulls, lay set into the bulwark of the genus Paris catacombs besides him. A standing remnant of the macabre sense of humor, stretching endlessly into the darkness.

This was a prefect place of confluence. Public, isolated, and gothic.

Not to note how winding the corridors were. It was dubitable that anyone would be there to witness their dealings.

'' After our finis meeting I must allow that I am surprised to see you here. ``

Lucius Malfoy stepped forth from a shadowed corridor, dropping his hoodlum to let out snowy blond hair.

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

Lucius gave him an appraising look, before reaching forth a cloaked hand to beckon the others forward. Half a dozen other cloaked figures emerged from the shadows, forming a circle 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 avowedly ....

Voldemort had truly found a way to control their transformations.

wolfman could now roam the Earth at will.

'' The gaunt one ... '' Lucius said sneeringly. `` Is a pathetic apology of a pureblood, Quaker of the Potters .... ''

'' Former Quaker. '' Remus interrupted nastily, snarling for upshot. `` I 've seen how their variety repays my form, thinking I 'd betray them because of what I .... ''

'' Spaaaaaare us the speech wolf. '' Interrupted the one who had brought him there. `` What we need to eff is if we can commit you. ``

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

'' If you do n't rely me how do you be after on accomplishing that ? '' Remus countered, not wanting to sound too eager.

Lucius smiled evilly. `` I 'm so glad you asked. '' He withdrew a silver flask from his air hole, tossing it to him.

Remus caught it with his shirt sleeve, uneager to do 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 want to be carrying around something deadly now would we ? Remember, I portion the same bane as you. ``

Remus scoffed. `` By choice. ``

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

'' You said you 'd leave me a intellect to imagine of it otherwise. ``

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

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

The destruction Eater that had brought him there smirked. `` You drank the other substance without doubt. ''

Remus shrugged. `` Your not about to kill a possible ally before you have time to try and turn them now are you ? ``

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

'' It keeps me active. ``

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

Remus eyed him with distrust. `` Meaning ? ``

'' Meaning that you will get ahead the ability, like near of us here, to transform at will. The moonlight will no longer hold it 's office over you. ``

He watched Lucius pacing down the dull corridor, rubbing his pale fingerbreadth along the rough os. `` And ? ``

Lucius halted. `` Once it 's drunk, you will make love what the taste of homo flesh feel like. '' His pale eyes shone with a homicidal glean. `` They say once you know that, there is no going back. You will starve it forever. Your valued Mudblood lovers will never accept you back once you desire the penchant of kernel. ``

Remus felt his interior run cold. Now there was a grab neither Dumbledore nor himself had thought of. It was too perfect really. They did n't bank him, and they would apply him something that would pee him crave human flesh so much that he was bound to join their side, regardless of his design upon first base coming there.

'' I told you. '' Snarled a char 's voice. She must bear seen his indisposition, smelt his fear. `` It was a mistake bringing him here. ``

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

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

He felt the air thicken with tension.

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

Remus curled his lips back, tilting the flask to his brim, chugging it down. liquidity fervor flowed through his vein, energizing him, changing his molecular make up ...

A Delicious, tantalizing perceptiveness filled his mouth, leaking over his tongue, 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 annoyance, Remus met their gazes, his own dentition 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 savage he was, even as his knowingness screamed out the consequences, his hunger beckoned.

He tilted his mind back and howled.

Lucius stepped forward, a wildcat like maze on his brass. `` receive ... ''

'' crony. ``
* * * * *


The pelting hammered down, darkening the tombstones. A small girl was crouched besides one, sheltering beneath the comforting dryness of her principal speckled umbrella, her twist flapping lightly in the wind. The resemblance to her female parent was striking.

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

Emily Bothan had just asked her mother to come nursing home soon. She missed her bedtime fairy tales. While she told her mother 's slab of stone this, Emily meticulously arranged, then rearranged, the flowers in the bouquet her Father and her had brought.

mum only deserved the best.

Emily has said so herself, when she had spent the better office of an hour searching the flowered boutique, seeking out the arrant arrangement of irises and hydrangeas. mom favorites.

Tonks sniffled, allowing the unaccented cinch to inconspicuously dry her eyes.

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

The lose weight tune of Kenneth Bothan 's brim gave away his carefully hidden despair. He was a man of common soldier mourning.

'' No Mr. prexy, if any ... ''

'' Kenneth. Please. '' He implored, his night eyes never leaving the low form of his daughter. `` If anyone has earned the right hand to dish out with formalities it is you. ``

Tonks smiled sadly, not agreeing. The fiasco had been entirely her flaw. Her own incompetency leading to why his Thomas Young wife, his high-pitched school sweetheart, lay beneath his daughter 's small feet. `` If anything Kenneth, your daughter saved mine. She has the bravery of one three metre her age. ``

'' Like her mother. '' He whispered, looking loving upon his picayune girl, who was now recanting the issue of her week into the grass.

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

Because when she looked at Kenneth, she could tell he needed his little girlfriend to remain just that. She prayed to God that Emily would never testify the cicatrice of what she had gone through.

'' It 's such a shame ... '' Kenneth remarked, gesturing to his daughter, drawing her from her opinion. `` That it takes something like this to happen, before wiz will let someone know of their existence, or of any danger from them. ``

She paused thoughtfully. `` You were a story John R. Major. I trust that you are familiar with the Salem witch visitation. ''

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, pain etched in every line. `` All the mistaking between both our sort ... Had I only known before bridge player I would never have let Emily 's party occur. We could bear remained inside. My family would birth been better protected. ``

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

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

The pelting was letting up, a flaccid scent wafting towards them. One that had zippo to do with the flowers speckling the unfrequented cemetery.

Irises ....

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

Watching him now, Tonks was thankful the lodge had granted her and several other appendage permission to rest with him and his daughter as a rotating guard.

They would be needing it.
* * * * *


Harry hung his school principal over the butterbeer, not hearing a give-and-take Luna said. He had tuned her out when she had started talking animatedly about the extra edition of the Quibbler that workweek, the one concerning how Cornelius Fudge 's army of Heliopaths had drowned in a freak out stool floodlight chance event in the Department of Mysteries.

The gentle chime of Alexander Melville Bell drew his attending to the door of the trey Broomsticks, just in time to see Kaylens, James Byron Dean, and Neville walk in, their hairsbreadth windswept from the unsmooth fall breeze that day.

He instantly looked back down into his mug, not wanting to have a repeat of their latest confrontation.

He did n't have a go at it what the netherworld he had been thinking, violating her like that.

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

needle 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 total matter, turning the corner right as he shoved Kaylens against the wall, hissing `` Legilimens ''. Mione had gone on a tirade about their being no exculpation for such violation of personal seclusion, and him running after Kaylens'had n't helped.

Particularly when he grabbed her again, desperately trying to stop her, to make her understand that he had not been in his rightfield mind, only to get hold out that she had a rather smutty rightfield hook.

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

Luna 's vox got through to him, and he turned a startled face to her. `` What do you mean ? '' He asked, feigning stupidity.

Luna smiled, looking at something just over his head intently. `` If you like her, rationalise. It 's as unproblematic 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 care her. I just finger bad becau ... Wait a minute ? How did you cognise I had something to apologize for ? ''

Luna 's manifestation changed, her normally woolgathering countenance gone, if only for a second. She looked like she was about to have words 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 prospect to be at each others throats. ''

Luna 's dreamy conduct returned, and she opened her purse, withdrawing a lime green straw. `` Plus she just walked in, and now your staring into your butterbeer. You used to watch out her you know. Or did n't you ? '' She looked up, bewilderment gracing her facial expression. `` With you it 's hard to tell what you are or are not cognisant of. ``

Before Harry even had a chance to marvel at her astuteness, Luna had begun asking what sort of eulogy a Heliopath would like at it 's funeral.

'' I wonder if their flames go out when they die ? If not then their burial method would have to differ from our own, since they would incinerate right through their casket ... ''

'' I guess you 'll have to get a cargo area of one of their soundbox to find out. '' He commented cynically.

Luna looked scandalized. Indeed, she was shaking her longsighted, muddy blond hair with such muscularity that it knocked over her drink. She did n't look to notice.

'' Oh no Harry. '' She said very seriously. `` dad would never disrespect one of their consistence. Just because their a different species does n't have in mind they should be lupus erythematosus entitled to proper mourning. ''

He was so distracted by the nonsensical good turn of conversation that he failed to observe 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 quick one armed hug. `` Shocking is n't it ? Considering how he 's never exactly been the manikin Prefect. ``

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

Luna nodded absentmindedly. `` Harry was just thinking of apologizing to that ... Well what would you call her tomentum colouration ? '' Luna seemed to chew over this for a second base before shaking out her own dirty blonde mane. `` Fourteen carat I suppose. But I think Harry 's having a intemperately clock time getting up the brass to talk to her. ``

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

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

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

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

'' Do n't occupy Harry. The only single who know are us three, Kally, Dean, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Seamus. '' Ginny said, ticking them off her fingerbreadth. `` No one would have found out if that git of a blood 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 bangs from his eyes. `` Heard Kaylens decked yaaaRH ! ``

Seamus'call of painful sensation was preceded by a loud THUNK from beneath the tabular array, and a chew up look from Ginny.

His Irish people housemate was rubbing his shinbone rigorously. `` Sorry ... Could n't dissent ya know ? Dean and I have had this running point system between you twooOW ! testament you stop that Ginny ! ? ``

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

By this point Luna 's ever-present dreamy feel had once again vaporize, for she was clutching her stomach with laughter, pounding a fist on the table, making quite a scene as she ceased to keep back her laughter.

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

He spent the rest of the conversation sneaking surreptitious flavour across the relatively empty pub at Kaylens. Dean and Neville seemed to be debating something, and he thought he caught the words 'bloody thesteral'more than once, while Kaylens stirred her butterbeer, sipping it through a stubble like Luna, looking for all the world as if she were not listening to a ace Son her associate were saying.

He jumped, clearly startled when Ginny leaned down next to him, balancing on his articulatio humeri. 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 approve. '' She said this so quietly only he heard. `` Just remember, I 'm not just his little sister, I 'm yours too. ``

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

She linked arms with Finnigan, and a warm smell billowed up inside him at her reassuring words. She was right, maybe not right now, but when this was all over things would be okay.

He watched her blink over her shoulder before sauntering out into the blistering hint, her red hair swirling around like a wild tornado.

He smiled stupidly.

He had a short baby .... Regardless of what Ron currently thought.

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

There was nothing he could or would do about Ron and Hermione. At least not right now.

But a new resolve to fix the thing he had legitimately screwed up had been awakened. It would be hard, and he would probably wind up getting decked again, but it was Charles Frederick Worth a shot.

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


Drip.

A single droplet, clinging to the earthen cap of the catacomb, broke free.

'' It 's metre. ''

Plunk.

Remus caught the raw slab of kernel that was thrown his way, not sickened as the four former werewolf with him dug in, watery profligate dripping down their humanoid chins.

'' Dig in skirt chaser boy. You 're going to involve your intensity level for this. '' Nott chided.

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

He let her epithet fade, 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 origin that would not go away, and for the dozenth clock time 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 cook up a cure for this horrid craving he would now mete out with.

His eyes rolled mordant, the enjoyable taste consuming him

For a moment, the lone thing that mattered was the heart and soul in manus. The cerebration of protecting the innocents later on, forgotten.

Drip.

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


Kally sighed exhaustedly, wishing for the solitude of her hall. At least there she could kick and call, venting without the prying eyes of others following her every move, as ceramist seemed to be doing from his behind in the shadowy rear of the pub.

Potter was not person she wanted to call back about right now though.

She relaxed, allowing her elbow to prop herself up. She cast a glance resolutely down the bar 's counter, stirring her straw around in her empty-bellied, bear-sized, mug. It was a neural substance abuse she had picked up as a tyke, when she used to twist them into random form. It had always been her pal 's bragging pet peeve.

'' Ca n't shoot you anywhere .... '' Sean smirked, tousling her hair's-breadth.

She swatted him away, glad to stymie him in nominal head of his friends.

A sharp jog caused her elbow to mistake, freeing her from that line of thought. She cast an nettle expression at her housemate, ignoring the shooting pain the sudden jarring had sent up her left arm.

'' The physical scars, the nerve damage ... They are the least of your children 's business organization Mr. And Mrs. Kaylens ... ''

Dean was grinning lopsidedly back, ignorant to where her thought process had been, taking her back nearly a decade. They had n't known she was listening when they had spoken to the hospital 's head-shrinker. But in their defense reaction, 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 world there Kaylens. I did n't drag you forcibly out of the castle for aught today, so being a deaf-and-dumb person will just not do. '' Dean said cockily.

If possible, Dean 's grin had grown even more curve 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, save for Remus. Dean was not Sean, but just seeing such law of similarity in another human was oddly comforting. It did not hurt like she had expected it to.

Seeing him looking at her expectantly, she shrugged, knowing good well he was about to set off prodding Neville. Dean was someone who seemed to think that it was his personal mission to seduce everyone around him laugh, and her stony secrecy was probably pushing him to the threshold of insanity.

'' Well look at this Nev. '' He commented predictably, nudging Neville so hard that the poor people boy almost fell from his stool. `` We 've got ourselves a deaf-and-dumb person. I guess that means she ca n't back talking now can sh ... ''

'' Do n't even try it Thomas. '' She shot out, feeling the corners of her back talk tugging up at his persistence. Not only had he been insistent about her needing to chat, but he had adamantly refused to result 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 sick of Dean 's tenacity and given in.

The sideboard vibrated as the III broomstick'waitress magicked three butterbeers to them with a gimcrack thud. The liquidness frothed a bit around the edges.

spotting their inquiring looks the young enchantress flashed a dazzling, dimpled smiling. `` Courtesy of the man in the binding. ''

She eyed the new butterbeer with a profound good sense of distrust, before exchanging glances with Neville and James Byron Dean. She spun around on the bar throne, catching mess of the only patrons still in the back of the pub.

No sodding way in Hades did he send us this .... She thought with no modest measure of anger.

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

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

Best to get this over with ...

She came to an abrupt halt in nominal head of him, slamming the mug down so hard that the liquid state sloshed over the position, joining the already pooling puddle on his mesa.

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

The girl with him smiled dazedly, humming some unrecognizable tune, and Kally suppressed the itch to stare her pile. But the most maddening affair 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 boozing. '' 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 lace it with Sojourner Truth serum and interrogate me in that swarthy pub down the street ? I must take thrower, if that's the case you 're losing your soupcon. ''

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

Potter continued wiping at the table, unable to gather her eyes.

'' SLAM ! ``

Kally jumped ever so slightly, ignoring potter 's amused formula. She turned an eye on the blonde, who had just slammed her hands down on the table top like an stir four year old. The girl 's protrubent blueing eyes were now so across-the-board they looked quick 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 pull an Ira, and I want to be in the considerably spot to see one. ``

Without waiting for an solvent the girl stood, not noticing their identical construction of bewilderment, and began shoving spare husk into her lime cat valium pocketbook, speaking in a far off vocalization.

'' You can only see one in your peripheral vision you know. It 's why daddy has n't gotten a good photo of one yet, but I 'd so have it off to see one ... ''

The girl marched off to the former side of the pub, turned to face the wall, and stared blankly at it. Kally caught a few glimpses of pale blue eyes flickering their way, and each time this would happen the blonde fille would grunt unhappily, pigeonhole her foot, and resume staring at the wooden siding as if frustrated.

What the hell was that abo ...

'' smell Kaylens ... ''

His intrusion brought her dorsum to the situation at hand, and she narrowed her eyes shrewdly. `` Ah your famous 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 headache. ``

thrower 's heart rose, meeting her own in a way she had thought the coward incapable of, and for a indorsement his pleased feel faltered. He blinked oddly, drawing in a deeply, hearable breathing space. `` Kaylens ... '' He said quietly. `` I tried to apologise for that once already, and it 's a bit hard to explain, but I was n't exactly myself when I did tha ... ''

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

His verbalism fell, the mute 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, ready to labor back the uprising of disgrace within herself.

She swallowed hard. `` sword lily to see your not quite that oblivious Potter. '' She muttered, forcing her voice icy. `` I would call back by now that any fabricated apologies would be a mute peak. ``

She felt more than heard him drawing in a mystifying, foil breath. Jut like she felt, more than saw him leaning finisher 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 rationalize for the other night ... '' He continued, his ecstasy 's apple rising rhythmically. `` Since I did n't envision getting decked again, I figured sending you a boozing was the skillful apology I could come up with on short notice. At least the near one that could hold me a safe distance away, while getting you to amount over here. ''

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

He began to shake his headland in the negatively charged but she cut him off, the entire weight of his insulting, woefully inadequate motion sinking in.

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

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

'' That's what I think of your pathetic excuse. '' She muttered shakily. `` Enjoy. ``
* * * * *


Harry sat there sputtering. Of all the shipway 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 respond effectively.

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

It was shaking.

Inside he felt a horrible, twisting whiz, recalling precisely why her hand shook thus. How could he have failed to acknowledge before ?

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

His sassing flapped wordlessly, his lyric never reaching her spike, for Madame Rosmerta 's alert cry stole the intelligence from his lips.

'' Lara what are yo.. '' Rosmerta questioned shrilly. Her eyes were fixated in confusion upon the young waitress, the friendly one from whom he had ordered drinks earlier.

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

'' Stupefy ! '' She hissed mechanically.

As if in slow apparent movement, Rosmerta fell, her limp cast disappearing behind the bar 's wooden riposte. The glass she had been cleaning took flight, hovering in mid-air for a little eternity, before breaking free of it 's unearthly suspension, shattering across the counterpunch.

For the commencement time in it 's history, the Three Broomsticks fell silent. Only the howling of the Oct wind, leaking in through the Windows, proved to him that he had not fallen into some awful soundless picture show.

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

Ginny Weasley, floated slowly in, Professor Très following closely, their effort oddly halting.

hr seemed to have passed, but the clock registered simple seconds.

Seeing Ginny 's wand haltingly ascension, her motion faltering, as if some invisible force were yanking her arm forcibly up against her will, was what finally broke him unloosen of his slow motion oneirism.

His blood ran cold at her blank expression.

'' EVERYBODY DOWN ! '' He shouted, overturning the tabular array. Liquid splattered, and their empty-bellied corpse fool had not even struck basis before the maiden green curse flew from Ginny 's verge.

His own already drawn, he screamed a ravisher, watching the killing swearword miss Ron 's dismayed cheek by inches.

Ginny side 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 drumhead as a slew of wooden shards whizzed by, an onslaught from the now smoldering chair before her.

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

Somewhere in the dim ground of his mind the screeching of the former supporter began to register.

LE than a base away from where he stood, a decorative Cucurbita pepo exploded, a poorly aimed mantrap searing right through it, striking the paries. Stringy orange pulp and seeds erupted, hurtling outwards, covering the base and himself with slippery orange clumps.

A red brightness level flew from Très'wand, and he dove to the ground, sheltering behind the table as the jinx blasted through it. The screech of other students could be heard, pleading with the Defense Professor.

Très could not try their supplication, with his ear duration hair flung over his optic, his arm jerkily fired blindly at students, patrons, mass ...

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

It ran the length of the pub, and Ginny and Très'backs were now to it. If he could just get behind it he 'd induce condom cover until he was right on them ...

He dove for it, leaving the screen of his board behind, rolling across broken chair legs and deoxyephedrine until he came to a bow behind it.

The waitress was hiding behind it as well, firing curse over the counter.

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

Her body went careening to the side, her verge flung from her grip as she passed out future to Rosmerta 's limp form.

He scampered down the duration of it, snatching both their wands up, passing wine-colored bottles, sportsmanlike mugs, and repositing areas as he went.

Reaching the end near the shade covered Windows, he hastily pocketed the wands in his trousers, leaping to his feet, the disarming magic spell partially formed on his lips.

His words died there.

The jet of green light erupted from Ginny 's wand like a volcano of destruction, less than an arm 's length from where he stood.

Across the room Ron leapt to his feet, abandoning the irregular shelter of a overturned bench to dash to where Hermione and Luna fought unaided.

There was no sentence to call up, to duck, to react.

The green lighter hit Ron mid-stride, flinging his soundbox backwards against the wall.

Hermione 's dark-brown eyes widened, her mouth caught in a muffle, silent wail, and Luna only just pulled her to the ground before the following green trance whizzed by.

Time froze.

All was still.

The lacuna look of the Imperious condemnation faltered upon Ginny Weasley 's face, unembarrassed pain replacing it for but a second.

The masque was re-erected, his own verge turning to her, snag of anger streaming down his boldness at what had been just done to the only brother and sisters he had ever had.

Before the disarming patch could bequeath his brim, a hard fist collided with his skull, sending the world blurring until it 's hellish resplendency faded to disgraceful.
* * * * *


The auditory sensation of pocket-size feet, pattering in the rain, accompanied Emily 's return. The sound of her placid humming lingered like a breath of novel air upon Tonks'ears.

The small minor stepped out onto the pebbled path, quickly shutting her midget umbrella before scurrying to huddle beneath Tonks'.

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

But for now, Kenneth gave her a small, pained grinning, before setting off across the soggy cemetery grass.

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

She adjusted the umbrella so the overflow would not drip onto the little princess'head, never noticing the thoughtful looking at that suddenly passed across Emily 's bantam face.

Feeling the insistent tugging on her arm she looked down, two small Robert Brown middle meeting her own. Emily looked rather pensive.

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

'' Your friends are in hassle Nymph. ``



Le Règne d'Enfer Commence is French for The reign of Hell Menachem Begin

Recommended Stories of the Week :

Never tickle a quiescency flying dragon by Edward I Ollivander ( He has a mythologic and originative 6th year fan fiction featuring a HP/GW union, and it is completed. )

night Tendencies by Two Sadists ( They have a 7th year fan fabrication featuring a HP/OC pairing. )

exposure couresty of the previously mentioned public domain web site. Accreditations can be found via my personal website.






disavowal : All characters, places, and approximation taken from the Harry ceramist book serial publication are holding of JKR. However, the mind of a Reach is owned by me, since I have taken the estimate of a Reach from a series that I am writing, and adapted it ever so slightly to fit this fan-fiction series.






'' Some believe that the welfare of decease, is that it is possible to see farther on the early side. ``
~ A.K. Lovell ~



Chapter 20 ~ Nowhere to Run


'' Tonksie are you okay ? ''

Emily 's sweet voice carried upon the wind, nearly drowned out by the sound of rainwater pounding upon the umbrella.

She could only judder her mind, shaken as a cool breeze swirled around them. Thankfully such shade of expression were lost upon the nestling, who 's top dog was tilted back, her mouth all-inclusive subject, catching rain drops.

'' The waaaateeer 's driiiippiiiing on meeee. '' Emily gurgled gaily.

Tonks shivered, straightening out the umbrella she had unknowingly allowed to slant. It had hung so low that a sudden cascade of H2O had fallen down like Victoria free fall onto young Emily 's head.

'' Sorry Em ... '' She gasped out, her voice wavering.

'' It 's okay I like the rain. '' Emily declared, darting out from beneath the umbrella, stomping her invertebrate foot merrily in the collecting puddles. `` I like puddles too ! ``

Tonks blinked in surprise. The child 's mother had been drowned in one barely a fortnight ago.

'' Your admirer are in trouble houri. ``

Emily 's sopping wet plait swung about her face, her arms held out as she spun in circles, her head tilted skyward catching the rain.

'' Tonksie come sport ! ``

Tonksie ... Only Remus called her Nymph.

'' My God ... '' She whispered, her body temperature dropping in a way that had nix to do with the wind.

Over Emily 's twirling figure she could see Kenneth Bothan kneeling in the soggy burial site Gunter Grass. His wife 's sculpt lay before him, the carefully placed iris diaphragm scattering in the heavy wind.

'' Kenneth ! We have to go out here now ! ``
* * * * *


Remus'ovular center opened upon the spoilt of sights.

Hogsmeade ...

It 's empty-bellied locus lay before him, suddenly leafage billowing across the dusty pathway leading through the center of the village.

Not a soul was in sight.

Ghost Ithiel Town ...

It was here Nott and the others had spoken of. It was here the recruiting had been done. It was here where the demise eater would nominate their first viewpoint. Here in the hamlet, so close to the schooltime ...

Too close.

It was a Hogsmeade weekend.

'' pigeon hawk ... '' He whispered, staggering, the October breeze biting chilly lines across his skin.

wolfman had no use for clothing.

Roughly, an unclothed forearm scratched across his Kuki. scrap of dried descent flaked away, sprinkling the flat coat with a sinister looking dust. It 's morbidity was a desolate reminder of his recently fulfilled thirst.

'' Surprised half-breed ? ``

Instinctually, angrily, his hook extended, breaking his skin with a fiery pain. He did not answer Nott, instead he growled lowly, extending his ear into long points.

The hair sprouting, prickling his pointed ears, brought the deathly quiet village to life. Farther off ... In the heart of town .... plea ... .. offering of salvation in exchange for allegiances ... ..

'' That fool of an old man will never know what hit him. '' Nott 's pharyngeal phonation was flooded thick with hate. `` Well be here and gone before he even gets out his Alice Malsenior Walker. ``

Not if I can help it ...

Lucius'indecipherable growl cut in, breaking through his angry thoughts, arousing something far darker ...

It was fourth dimension to change.

An unnatural heating filled his veins.

Upon the ground where Remus Lupin had been, now stood a loup-garou, the pungent smell of freshly spilled descent inundating it 's gumption.

The wolf pawed the ground eagerly.
* * * * *


His torso, felt like it was being drug across glass. It ached, splintering as individual shard sliced his skin.

sherd .... Shards ... He tried to apprehend onto the give-and-take to no service. It 's problematical meaning fled from his pounding skull.

The tight grip on his ankles disappeared, and his foundation dropped unceremoniously to the floor. A moment later the sound reflection in the floor dining table indicated another body being dumped besides him.

Ron ...

With a jerking he was awake, the salty tears of anguish tainting his lips.

It could n't be really. It could n't deliver happened. Not again ...

He turned his head in a vain search, struggling to piss sense of the clouded world before him. A flash of the palest of yellows caught his eye.

Drifting in and out of focussing was Luna Lovegood, sitting hybrid legged, her wrists tightly bound within her lap, languid blue eyes fixated upon him concernedly.

'' Why hello Harry. '' She said congenially.

Just thinking sent a shrewd throb through his skull, and he quickly discovered his sleeve to be bound behind his back.

With a frustrated thump he hit his hands against the floor, a stabbing pain ripping his fist.

He did not need Luna 's promulgation to know that a fragment of spyglass now stuck from his hand. The warmth welling from it, trickling down his fingertips, was enough to inform him.

A single deep red drib fell free, it 's audio reverberating through his hollow chest.

Drip.

The suffocating weight of despair struck him surd, paralyzing him.

Drip.

Ron was gone.

Drip.

Ginny 's unwilling manpower had done the unthinkable.

Drip.

Death Eaters were in Hogsmeade.

Drip.

A choke sob shattered the silence.

Drip.

His fist snapped shut, tugging at the binding. His oculus, blurred with rage, searched the undone pub, taking it in with stale calculation.

Drip.

The flooring now resembled a greenhouse, a shattered plant bearer had sent soil strewing across it.

Drip.

Butter beer and other concoctions pooled together in sparkly puddle, broken electric chair and overturned board creating hazardous paths.

trickle.

Broken Methedrine glittered in the good afternoon sunlight, casting surreal spectrums across the floor.

Drip.

He squeezed his fist, the parentage flowing down, and began counting.

Drip.

In the place where neither meth nor soil lay, patrons did.

Drip.

Half a 12, either unconscious or dead, lay upon the trading floor at spread interval.

Drip.

The ease, the conscious, had been bound and lined up against the walls.

Drip.

'' Stupid crying Mudblood ! ``

Hermione ...

She lay collapsed against the far wall, her arms bound like his own.

Drip.

Before her towered a ranting physique clad in black, and clenched within the fell confines of the Death Eater 's clenched fist trailed long lock chamber of shaggy-haired hair.

A great bruise ran the length of her tear stained cheek.

'' I should have finished the job when I had the prospect you filth. '' Scowled the last Eater, throwing back his hood.

His breath caught in his throat.

Dolohov.

The range of a function of Hermione 's gimp variant in the Department of mystery flashed through his brain. She had nearly died at Dolohov 's work force ...

'' What do you think here Ludovic ? Should I finish her off ? '' The end eater called out, kneeling in front of her. `` Or what about you Mudblood ? concern to bring together your worthless red-headed friend over there ? '' Dolohov chided, poking her like a poke with the end of his wand.

Hermione 's sparkling heart met Dolohov 's unflinchingly, her lips curling back to spit in his face.

He recoiled, a look of the purest revulsion over-sweeping his senseless features. `` Oh you filthy ... '' He muttered, frantically wiping his face in the bend of his cloak.

'' Hey Antonin ! '' An overly cheery voice called out, stopping Dolohov 's hired man mid-strike. `` Since were only supposed to determine the kiddies until He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gets back, what do you reckon of ... ''

Dolohov whorled on the clothed figure, who had just emerged from behind the bar, waving a salvaged firewhiskey bottle.

'' Ludovic he is our Lord and shall be addressed as such ! '' Dolohov roared dangerously. `` One more faux pas and I 'll make sure the Mudblood lover is n't the lone remains in here ! ''

Ludovic appeared unconcerned, and began filling two whisky glasses. `` Antonin what you need is a good, stiff deglutition. ''

Dolohov scowled, quickly aiming a powerful boot to Hermione 's midsection. The fling of her ribs echoed between the pub 's rampart, as did Harry and Neville 's cries of protest.

'' Now Antonin was that really necessary ? '' Ludovic asked nervously.

Dolohov turned, his wand raised threateningly. `` One. More. tidings. Ludovic. Just. One. ``

Ludovic raised his hands in a compromising fashion, knocking his cowl from his face in the operation.

'' Now Dolohov she 's just a lady friend. All I was saying is tha .... '' But the rest of his countersign were lost upon Harry, for beneath the bench vise of the morose hood was the boyish nerve of Ludo Bagman.
* * * * *


Kenneth Bothan 's head shot up, while Tonks ran forward, wrapping a protective arm around Emily. The return umbrella lay forgotten, spinning in homocentric circuit upon the pebbled undercoat, a toy of the billowing wind.

'' Kenneth we should leave ! '' She cried, hoisting Emily into her arms.

Her barely concealed urging rang true within the President 's capitulum, for he was already sprinting back to where they stood.

He was a man who understood the earthly concern 's dangers.

Emily squirmed, her auburn head following her don 's progress towards them. `` pa, your knees are all muddy. '' She scolded seriously.

Kenneth smiled grimly, his jaw set. `` I can call for her. ''

Tonks nodded, relinquishing the girl to retreat her scepter. The ever-increasing chill was closing in. It would n't be long ...

'' What 's going on ? '' Kenneth asked urgently.

'' No metre to explain. '' She responded, taking off down the path. She could hear Kenneth 's heavy step behind her, splashing in the dingy water.

They rounded the bend in the pathway, the gruelling plantation of tree diagram falling away to break the dismal lot. The car, their safety valve, was in sight, yet arduous despair drenched her soul.

Nymphadora 's feet slid in the gravely mud, and she came to a check, throwing out an arm out to stop what was left of the Bothan family.

It was right then that little Emily Bothan began to whimper.

Kenneth 's sorry center quickly blinked away water. `` Tonks what 's thi ... ''

'' Daddy we need to run. Please pop run. '' Emily was pleading hysterically, her face buried into Kenneth 's shoulder.

Staring ahead at the looming figures, Tonks could only shake her head.

'' I do n't think we have time to run. ``
* * * * *


'' YOU ! ''

Ludo traveling salesman 's bluish eyes turned on him, a pleased smile replacing his previously perplexed one. `` Ah ... Harry boy. I was wondering when you 'd come around. ``

Dolohov scoffed. `` Precious ceramist indeed. Tell me Potter, how was your wittle nappy ? ``

'' So tell me Harry, '' Ludo interjected, seeming determined to steer the conversation his way. `` How have things been ? ''

'' Yes wittle Potter. How let things been without that mangy old dog of yours ? ``

'' Antonin .... '' Ludo sounded distinctly uncomfortable.

In the remote desktop he could pick up Neville 's choked stuttering.

'' H-how have they been ? '' Harry repeated, dumbfounded. How have they been ! ?

'' Not too expert Mr. travelling salesman. '' Luna 's brumous vox drifted out, answering for him as he gaped like a fish. `` Harry 's been having a unsmooth yr, as you can see. ``

A pitiless bird came from Dolhov 's direction.

'' He lost his godfather, and with multitude such as yourself switching sides and betraying him, I trust you can see why. '' Luna continued casually.

commercial traveler was suddenly refilling his drinking.

'' After all, Harry does n't want anyone else to die, and when people he trusts start killing people ... ''

Bagman 's glassful stopped halfway to his rim, center widening defensively. It was a minute before his composure returned.

'' Now I 've never actually killed anyone per say missy .... ''

'' 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 content with allowing others to do it for you. '' He said disdainfully. `` Your contentedness with being a coward, with siding with what is easy rather than what is properly. ``

Bagman eyed him apprehensively, swallowing hard. `` Now Harry, you know how the Ministry is. '' He began imploringly. `` They never support anyone but themselves ... ''

'' At to the lowest degree they do n't defeat anyone ! '' Harry bellowed, blazon shaking with strangled furiousness.

'' But Harry j-just think about this for a s-second. He-Who-Must-Not ... I mean my nobleman .... '' He quickly corrected himself, spying the malefic looking at of Dolohov. `` He just desires the Ministry 's ruin. So long as people stay out of his way no one will get hurt. Now I ask you Harry, my boy, is that really so bad ? ``

'' Replacing one absolutism with another. Sounds ordered to me. '' He retorted sarcastically.

Besides him Luna nodded approval, her fingers drumming against her bindings to some unrecognizable melodic line.

'' When you disappeared my gramme was worried about you ! Y-you ... Your .... '' Across the room Neville Longbottom 's voice rang out, surprising everyone.

Harry caught a glimpse of Neville 's uncharacteristically contorted face.

It was frightening.

'' Your no good than Bellatrix you slime ! ''

The affecting accusation hung thickly in the air, no one speech production. Bagman had become very concerned in his boozing, shifting uncomfortably under the angry eyes of all save for Dolohov.

For someone to ferment their spine, on even the Ministry, in favor of Voldemort ...

It was unforgivable.

Drip.

He had nearly forgotten how his own handwriting bled, the light headed feeling out of lieu for the situation. Fortunately the disengage flow of cherry biography was slowing, his curdling factors finally kicking in.

Harry shook his head, ignoring the slight spin of the world. `` You were acquitted once Bagman. '' He hissed, eyes scanning the room for a way out. `` So assure me, were you a spineless coward back then too, or just stupid ? ``

Bagamn cringed. `` Harry I was never a Death Eater ! ''

'' But you are now. '' His voice quivered. `` So tell me, why 'd you do it ? ''

Dolohov 's smug face betrayed even his interest group in the answer, and Harry was not about to let the destruction Eaters beguilement go to waste.

Keep them talking ... Keep them distracted ...

His hands began roaming across the floor behind him, feeling for another sharp paring of glass.

'' well you know Harry, goblins, they 're nasty business. '' Ludo said, fidgeting. `` You know how they are if they 're after ya and ... ''

Harry did his proficient to glower, feigning interestingness as Ludo 's brow creased curiously.

'' Come to think of it you probably do n't Harry. But it 's not fun line of work, goblin debt collectors that is. And since the Ministry was n't about to increase my wage these boy said they 'd be glad to aid me out of my jam ... ''

'' That you got yourself into ! '' Neville shouted furiously from across the room.

Bagman eyed Neville warily. `` I can see where you 'd opine that but ... ''

'' BUT WHAT ! ? '' Neville roared.

Luna inconspicuously sent a discontinue bottle piece sliding his way, his fingers coiling around it like a snitch.

'' But these Death feeder, they 're not so bad. ``

Harry very nearly dropped the fragment, his eyes 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 Sirius. evidence that to Ron ! ''

An odd expression crossed roadman 's brass. `` Now Harry really .... ''

Harry 's brim parted, charge dripping as thick as the lineage from his coiled clenched fist, only the sound never came.

The diffused sound, and waver of movement upon the flooring, drew the breath straight from his lips.

'' Kaylens ... '' He breathed softly. He had nearly forgotten ...

'' Ah another one to join the disturbance ? '' Dolohov called cheerfully, sauntering over to where she lay, partially concealed by an overturned table.

The last eater reached her, roughly dragging her squirming variety up.

'' Ca n't entrust you free to rove around now can we ? '' He hissed, drawing unnaturally close to her.

Harry 's stomach lurched wretchedly as Dolohov 's lips grazed her rakehell stained cheek.

'' After all, fiery irritability like you ... ''

'' Get. Your Hands. Off. Her. '' Harry spat dangerously, drawing Dolohov 's attention to him. Anything to get him away from her ... She looked ready to collapse ...

The last Eater regarded him coldly. `` Or you 'll do what exactly ? ``

'' You do n't want to love. '' He hissed lowly, ceasing the sawing move upon his bindings. He could n't afford to let Dolohov see ....

'' Oh but I do ! '' He said menacingly, a cruel smile lighting his abruptly eyes. `` I 'd very much like to know what Precious thrower thinks he could do to me. ``

His optic narrowed, a cruel smile of his own crossing his feature.

'' I could show you why Voldemort is so afraid of me. '' He whispered threateningly.

The cords winding around Kaylens'radiocarpal joint snapped tight, Dolohov 's tense grip betraying his agitation.

Harry went on, the way swaying unnaturally as he spoke with malicious measure. `` Or you could do yourself a favor Dolohov, and leave. Leave before you make me really wild. ''

Dolohov shifted uncomfortably, mirroring Bagman 's drive. He took the chance to slowly slice at his bindings yet again.

The crank, slick with his own blood, nearly fell from his grip. Thankfully the error was lost upon the decease Eater, for Dolohov had chosen that mo to change state Kaylens around, hissing something into her tangled tresses furiously.

His articulatio radiocarpea round with the hurting, brought about by another solecism of the glass, as Kaylens eubstance was tossed besides him.

His sawing motility halted, his centre drawn to where she lay, panting faintly besides him.

'' There ... `` Dolohov sneered. `` Enjoy your mudblood acquaintance Precious Potter. Once our Lord gets here we 'll see how brave you really are. ``

He swallowed hard, watching Kaylens'optic flicker open. He wanted to say something, anything ...

He had failed her ...

Hermione 's mortal wrenching feel brought a face of veneration to both their feature film.

'' Brave ? '' Hermione 's sapless vocalism chided from where she sat, propped against the rampart. `` You ask him about braveness ? 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 typeface, just before his hand reared back, slapping her roughly to the floor.

She let out not a cry, peering upwards through her specify, swelling eyes, just in clock time to see a obscure boot rearing back.

'' Hey Dolohov ! ``

Dolohov 's substructure froze mid-kick, hate-filled eyes flying towards Neville 's podgy face.

'' You do n't desire to do that. ''

Dolohov 's thick supercilium disappeared beneath his mangy hair. `` You presume to order me around boy ? ''

Neville shrugged casually. `` You can foul yourself if you want. '' He sounded uncharacteristically Slytherin. `` I did n't realize dirty blood suited a Death eater. ``

Dolohov laughed roughly, buying Harry more time.

Neville you 're a saint ...

A bead of salty sweat broke free from his frontal bone, rolling into his mouth. Setting his jaw he worked, the drinking glass fragment digging into his thick back.

Snap.

The shard slid so low, so fast, he nearly cut too deep, the breath of pain sensation catching fast in his throat.

The bindings were looser.

Twisting his hands testingly, he found with the first fiber 's severance had come a large compass of movement.

Eyes locked onto Dolohov 's fist, slamming into Neville 's jaw, he twisted his wrists, ignoring the burning ace of dried combat injury ripping open. Warm, thick life ancestry welled from these place, his scabbed over fingers feeling in his cloak ...

They had taken his wand, but Rosmereta 's ... The waitress'...

Polished reddish brown brushed beneath his rough skin, Kaylens'luminous heart meeting his own, comprehension shining within their fervid depths ...

He could reach the isolate wands.

He was armed.
* * * * *


'' pumpkin vine ... Honey mummy needs you to do mummy a favour. Can you do that honey ? ``

She whimpered, her face buried in her don 's rain soaked suit. She wanted to look away, but she could n't. The insensate feeling was there. She could hear her mum, she wanted to see her, to hug her, but she was too scared to seem away from the safety of her father 's arms.

'' Do you miss your mom footling girl ? Would you like to see her ? ``

Emily squeezed her eyes harder, willing the voice away. `` It 's not mummy ... '' She whispered. `` I ca n't see mum ... ''

Ah, ah, ah, ah ... minuscule darling your mummy is busy now. Ca n't you see that ? ``

She shook her head frantically, squeezing her dad 's neck opening. `` No ... No .... ''

'' Open your eyes you little bitch ! ``

The cruel Lady 's dark eyes danced in her mind. She did n't want to see the peeress again. She did n't want to.

'' Daddy ... '' She whimpered frightfully.

'' No not daddy. Mummy ! You wanted to see her little brat, so here, facial expression ! ''

dada would open his eyes ... He would. He was n't afraid of anything. Maybe if she opened her eye the lady would go away again.

Emily swallowed, counting knockout to ten.

'' Please mum ... ''

Emily 's reeking oculus opened, a dark causa coat staring back.

ma needed up. She needed air. The mean man was there again, shoving her face into the puddle. Her mommy did n't like water.

Emily cried out, screeching, shaking her head back and Forth River, throwing the image away. She wanted them to go. Her moistness, rain-soaked braids flung into her founder 's fount 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 ears, her icy hands shaking her mum. Whey was n't mammy waking ? She had to ... `` No ... ''

'' Tonksie ! '' Had she shouted ? Could the Nice madam pick up her ?

'' Kenneth get to the car. Drive away. ``

'' Tonks I ca n't leave behind ... ''

'' I 'll be fine. Just go. NOW ! ``

Emily 's reeling world reeled more, for her sire had taken off at fast sprint, splashing urine over her legs.

In the dim backcloth, somewhere beyond her mother 's screams, she could pick up the nice lady shouting something.

Her world dimmed away as a silvery dog ran past.

mummy always liked dogs ...
* * * * *


Releasing the sceptre for what he promised would be only moments, he continued sawing at his bindings, slowly, rhythmically, trying to gain precious centimetre of mobility ...

He was armed, and the actualization had numbed him, his next move horribly elusive.

With the rhythmical sawing of the shard, his idea fell curiously blank for the initiatory meter 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 pain he knew she daily bore, he did not know.

'' Kaylens. '' He whispered softly, grasping for something, anything comrade in the horror that was his life.

She fell into plaza besides him, so close, her bloodied sleeve nearly brushing against his skin. She was blocking Dolohov 's view of what he was doing, he knew it without even asking, for her heart swept the elbow room as those of the hunted would.

She was being as cautious as him, despite the slight sway to her stature.

Snap.

Another thread of the rope broke free, it 's release masked by her sudden, purposeful coughing.

Her head fell forward, her coughs lingering long enough to seem genuine, and her golden, knotty whorl came cascading down, falling over her center, veiling her expression from all but him. To his centre each shimmering strand, glinting in the dense good afternoon lambency, as well as her watery globe, remained visible, as well as her saltation radiocarpal joint, egg white and pull from where she had frantically pulled, struggling for release in Dolohov 's arms.

The mother fucker would never again lay a finger upon her.

He would never again lay a finger upon anyone.

Harry Potter had a few darkness while he was quite eager to try out.

Snap.

'' How much thirster do you imagine it 'll be till he finishes questioning the village Antonin ? ``

Dolohov sneered. `` Ludovic you are trying my solitaire as much as the half-blood and these ... '' The dark gaze of the man scanned the room, taking in the few conscious pupil and the two patrons bound and lined against the walls. `` These spares. ``

'' But what if the ministry .... ''

Dolohov kicked the level, sending shattered deoxyephedrine skittering across James Dean 's fallen form. `` We will be here and gone before those fools catch confidential information of this. Besides, these things are ticklish matters ... ''

Questioning ? His ears listened, silently taking it all in. Besides him Kalliandra appeared to be doing the same, while Luna shifted the trash shard on the trading floor around with her feet.

commercial traveller seemed besides himself with questions. Harry mentally egged him on to be release lipped.

'' Perhaps we could stun them all and select them back ourselves ? ``

Dolohov scowled in his direction. `` 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 it for you. ``

The treatment ended.

It was then that he heard it.

'' You ... ''

Only he had heard her whisper accusation, for it could be nil else. The sheer repulsion in that one, whispered Scripture left nothing to question.

Her optic had moved from Dolohov, drifting into the ground beyond, liquid blast boiling beyond their deepness. Lifting his own he followed her gaze to where Ludo Bagman stood, pouring himself another fidgety drink.

He turned his confusion upon her, noticing her breast 's rhythmic ascension as her breaths came quicker, profoundly, faster ...

Golden eyes flickered shut, a pained facial expression falling across her.

'' How sorry were you ? '' She breathed to herself, only barely, for the hatred saturating her soft note was not lost upon him.

It was chilling.

His own boiling blood line 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 eyes fell shut, her fists opening and closing on thin air. `` You 're bleeding potter, are you alright ? '' She whispered shakily.

Gently brushing his arm against her own, he waited for some polarity that she was alright.

minute of arc passed, before finespun palpebra flickered undefendable, her eyes alight with an deviant glow.

'' Good. '' She murmured. `` Because I can only open you a here and now. ``

His mouth flapped wordlessly, shocked at the transformation before him.

Where his tegument lightly touched her own, an unnatural tingling had begun.
* * * * *


The energy reverberating from him drew her nearer, an infinity passing play before she was able to forcibly pull away.

His muddiness radiated in startling quantities, but he would understand soon enough.

They would all empathise ...

She would not stray near him again, for her populace was moving unnaturally tardily, as if the events occurring around her were illusive, fleeting double from atrocious dream that would surely vanish with a streamer of merciful cognizance.

Only no such merciful breeze came.

Her saltation bridge player rose from her lap, tracing the bid line of her jaw, feeling her cooling system skin. Somewhere, amidst the scrap, she had fallen, shoved away by Dean. The dried vilification of blood along her buttock gave evidence to that.

She could feel the heat energy radiating from Dean 's hitch form.

He was live ...

Hermione ...

The small fille 's fingers had curled around fallen chunk of her bloodied, uprooted whisker, as if the resolute Gryffindor had wanted something to reserve onto, something square and real to establish the afflictions had been real.

They had ...

Her eyes fell willfully shut once more, immersing herself in the peaceful oblivion of darkness, where no fiend save her own reigned.

The memories of a resurrected Night, long due revenge, beckoned.

A limp hand lay splayed across the front corridor ... Blood trickling onto the wooden porch dining table ...

'' God forgive me ... '' She breathed, the tangible iciness filling her lungs.

She had made her decision.

The chilling rain pelted down, something benighted mixing with the muddy up water licking at her nose ...

The tingling began softly, like a promiscuous plume playing across her pelt, traversing it 's way upwards, inwards ...

It was their parentage swirling within the puddle ... .Sean 's blank centre staring back ...

It was rolling in discrete waves, operating by it 's own insensible ruler, pulsating from the keep, evaporating from the dead.

A boyish face appeared above her, sympathy in his pelagic eyes. `` I 'm awfully sorry about this kid ... ''

His representative had echoed through that night, and again this day.

He had stood idly by once, and was again.

She squeezed her eyes shut ever fuddled, involuntarily chill traveling through her, the judicious press in the very air building, pulsating in uncontrolled undulation outwards.

The world was taking on a hotter timber, every mettle burning with fiery intensity as she began reaching, feeling ...

The acrid presence of Ludovic travelling salesman filled her, and she began drawing.

Her design was to kill.



A/N : Please forgive the author 's musical note, but I believe a proper thank you is in order.

Thank you for making this story the issue One pet taradiddle on the site, for making me the telephone number One dearie generator on the situation, for making this the 7th most read narration in the site 's account when it has been out for less than a twelvemonth, and for making this the story with the Most reassessment Ever.

I honestly ca n't express how shocked I was to see that. I truly experience that I do not merit such an purity, because having read many of the early stories on this site, I feel that my writing picket in comparison to the wealth of talent displayed by others such as njill22, Duke of Windsor Ollivander, The Dark Lord Nedved, KawaiiAce2003, IchigoPan, reddish blue Gryfindor, Timeturner, BitterEpiphany, Ginny Weasely, Arios, Cocoapuffshooter, Winky, and too many others to name.

I have the considerably readers in the Earth. I truly do.


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The Girl Who Lived by Masami Rated : 15+
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Photograph couresty of the previously mentioned public domain website. Accreditations can be found via my personal website.