Chapter 54 : Who to Believe ?

A/N : Sorry for the delay in getting this out, I had an accident with my instant drive and everything on it was deleted including the first off swig of this chapter. But things are on cartroad now, so getting back in the golf shot of affair, a rewrite of the chapter from the beginning… Read, recapitulation and enjoy !





After taking Neil Simon's wand and returning Luna's to her, Harry left the boy magically bound on the couch with Jacey to catch over him. Allowing him to gently commit her down the mansion to the stale bathroom, Luna perched on the edge of the deep Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the tiny storage locker. At conclusion he came up with an ancient first aid kit, pulling out veiling and tape before reaching out to turn the faucet on the sink. They were both surprised when water actually came sputtering out, a rusty color at start that quickly turned refreshingly straighten out. She took the script he offered her and let him carefully clean the blood from her wrists… she knew he was angry and did her serious not to funk or let on that the slash stung like weirdo. After all, she was the one who let her panic overwhelm her to the point where she'd struggled so violently against the ropes. Simon hadn't seemed at all spirit on injuring her, she could sustain just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to happen rather than fight her ski binding to the point where she cut into her hide. It was her own defect she'd fix damage at all.

He shouldn't have gone so far as to tie you up in the first of all shoes. Harry argued with her thought as he leaned down to buss her now freshly bandaged wrists.

Well, let's go see what he so badly wanted to severalize us. She softly suggested, reaching out to run her fingers through his hair in that way she knew he found soothing. She needed him to becalm down and realise the need to defend was over, to deliver an unfold mind and really listen to what Herb Simon had to say. Her vision was becoming clearer to her now that she been able to sneak a few peeks into the boy's judgment. He was out to betray his sister before she could betray him and apparently the victor of their little sib squabble would become Harry's ally. From her warning she knew Harry was already leaning toward Elanya if not Elise and Sarah… and that had to be because of what they'd seen in Erebos's read/write head. But they obviously needed the whole story and Simon seemed willing to furnish it.

Together they walked back into the parlor and Luna was relieved to chance that Jacey was back to being herself as the potion had completely worn off. If Simon was alarmed by the fact that a strange girl now stood where Tristan once was he gave no denotation. `` I'm sorry Luna. '' He blurted out as soon as he saw her.

'' That's well-off to say now that you've been caught. '' Harry muttered, glaring at the boy as he slumped down on the other couch. `` So ? Let's hear it, what's this big revelation you have to plowshare with us ? ``

'' Can't you undo the binding magical spell ? I promise I'll just sit here, I won't do anything. '' Simon pleaded.

'' Your word doesn't mean much to me at the moment. '' Harry returned, refusing to release the spell.

Simon sighed and nodded. `` Yeah, I guess I can see why. ``

'' Just assure us what you have to say ... '' Luna said, sitting next to Harry and locking her gaze on Simon. She pushed the feelings she wanted to plan outward and watched as both boys visibly relaxed, though Harry alone knew what she was doing as he was the entirely one aware of this little supererogatory power of hers. She just wished she had better control of it.

'' And why don't you start with what the pit you were thinking when you decided taking us surety was the best way to make your point. '' Harry crossed his arms, refusing to be lulled into equanimity and shaking off the issue she was trying to spread around the room.

'' Big gestures are the solely way to get people to mind. '' Herb Simon said quietly repeated himself from originally. `` Like I said, that doctrine worked for my parents before they were killed and it's certainly worked for Elise all these years. I wasn't going to suffer either of you… I needed you both there and so I figured I could use Luna to keep you listening rather than attacking me… I guess I figured that if you saw how serious I was you would believe me. I was going to let you into the classroom, but you let yourself in firstly. '' He looked at Harry almost accusingly, clearly implying that he blamed Harry's rashness for so many matter going wrong.

'' What did you really expect me to do when you go around tying people up ? '' He returned angrily. Luna reached out and grabbed his arm to go along him from leaping to his feet in indignation… she knew they all had to stay rational and sorting through this, it was important.

'' It doesn't matter, you'll never believe me now. ``

'' Why ? Because you are now the enwrapped one instead of them ? '' Jacey scoffed from her blank space leaning against the wall.

'' You can rely that one or all of us will know whether you're telling the Truth. '' Luna quietly assured him.

St. Simon slowly nodded. `` Yeah, I guess you're right… I do sleep with that about you. And so does Elise, which is why she had to plan so carefully. I know you figured out the spy is Erebos. But what you don't know is that she wanted you to forecast it out… so that you would search his pass and detect the memory board of her asking him to set up Elanya. She knows about your powers and so she's decided to use them against you. '' He said with a sly grin before looking right at Jacey. `` Except for you, they have no melodic theme about you. Elise has had Erebos trying to find out, but apparently Dumbledore has been very careful to hold open you and other visitor a enigma from those professor he doesn't trustingness. I promise, whoever you are, they still have no musical theme about you though they'd very much like to find out. ``

'' You don't need to worry about her or who she is. '' Harry said, noting to Luna and Jacey that they had to be thrifty not to say her name in front of the boy. `` Just tell us why you've apparently decided to turn on your sister. ``

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's life story. '' Simon looked down sadly. `` I was less than a twelvemonth old when our parents were killed… even after Voldemort was gone they, like so many others, refused to stop fighting and were cornered. Rather than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to kill them. Elise was sixteen at the clock time and the just living mob I had. Rather than carry aid of me, she decided to deck me at the orphanage, but she would at least come visit every year on my birthday. When I was ten she came back for me, ready to take her place as my guardian. But it was only because she knew I was about to be heading off to schooltime and she was hoping to regulate me into someone she could use to start setting up her plans. I guess she knew Voldemort was attempting to fall back and that his followers were doing everything in their power to stool it happen. She saw this war coming and decided long ago that she would be no one's follower, that she would make her own piazza in the Earth. When I came to Hogwarts and wasn't sorted into Slytherin like everyone else in our family, she was black-and-blue. But then she figured Hufflepuff was better as no one would suspect me there. For years I did everything she asked me to do because she threatened to allow for me again if I didn't and all I knew was that I never wanted to go back to the orphanhood. But everything she wanted seemed harmless and goose egg she asked of me made any sense… not until this year. ``

Paul Simon shook his pass and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a letter the close week of school this yesteryear summer from Elise telling me we would be departing for Commonwealth of Australia the minute I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the train station so I went household and wander up overhearing a meeting between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the Dark noble into thinking it was his idea to find Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her state him that she planned to pop me as I was going to prove more useful to them dead. I didn't know what to do, I was more terrified of my baby in that moment than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is chilling, the steel or the expert hand wielding it ? And she knows how to flirt him very well. So I went with her to Australia and I continued to keep an eye on her orders hoping she would change her psyche. But she didn't because a few days before I was supposed to do back to school I heard her talking to Sarah… they plan to kill me while I'm home for the holiday break and make it look like someone else did it. My own sister was going to kill me and use my corpse to embark on a conflict. What could I do ? Even if I ran away, they'd just fetch me right back to her, I'm only xvi. And who besides the hoi polloi involved in this solid scheme would believe the long ridiculous level I have to differentiate ? So the only affair I could do was let on her to the hoi polloi she was trying to overcome… I chose you guys over Voldemort. Maybe Dumbledore was flop about the sorting hat always knowing where people are supposed to go… maybe I'm a honorable guy, maybe I'm just a bad guy who's looking for the skilful means of survival, I have no idea either way. I may not the happy individual in the globe, but I'm not make to die either. So I'll tell you whatever you want to know about her and her design. ``

'' You said she wanted us to go looking in Erebos's nous, that we were supposed to see her set up Elanya… why ? '' Luna asked, her gut telling her this was an important question in condition of Fred's fate. She was trying not to sympathize with Simon, but he seemed to stimulate gotten stuck with a pretty miserable life… but still, there was something about him she found faze and so that allowed her to keep some sort of an excited detachment.

He nodded and offered a grinning. `` You wouldn't believe how long Elise has been plotting. A long spell ago, after your radical and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the disarray and looked up the file on every John R. Major histrion on either English. Using that info, she was able-bodied to figure out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your friends and Voldemort's allies would react in any site. Originally we went to Commonwealth of Australia this summer to happen a guy named go who was apparently postcognative. We traced him to a niggling pub where he liked to compose his clause but we never even talked to him… it was like the arcminute she saw him, she knew he wasn't what she wanted. That's when Elanya approached us. Apparently she'd been living there with her grandmother who had recently passed away and when those two girls met it was like circumstances had brought them together. She fit in perfectly and Elise instructed her on how to do by Erebos who arrived at the hotel later that day. I guess it didn't affair whether it was Elanya or that Adam guy, Elise had already planned Erebos's part in all of this… but clearly a Whitney Young pretty girl would gain more fellow feeling. The point was that when you all figured out he was the spy, you were meant to see Elise talking him into using Elanya, you were meant to reckon she'd been set up and blackmailed the same way they'd done it to your booster Fred. She's probably on that island right now, telling him her sob chronicle so that he'll take her side of meat and help babble you guys into helping her. She was supposed to be a mole, to read all the secrets about you that they didn't already cognize. And then Elanya was supposed to begin causing discordance among you all to subvert you and make it more likely that you and Harry will abandon your alinement to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're expression is basically that they want to make their own army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his vocalisation heavy with doubt as he tried to obliterate the fact that they were doing something very similar with the coven. Luna felt both his and Jacey's horror at finding out how close Elise had been to getting her hands on Adam, another coven member. She knew it was important that they leave as soon as possible to begin approaching citizenry themselves, before they could be scooped up by someone else.

'' Yes, as ridiculous as that sounds. Why do you remember I thought no one else would believe me ? But she wants the both of you to conjoin her and Sarah… and she has big plans to use your friend Fred to do it. ``

'' Except that Fred isn't just going to accept whatever Elanya tells him. He's no idiot. '' Harry argued.

Simon laughed. `` You underestimate Elanya… She can go whatever she has to be in lodge to convert person of something. If she, Elise and Sarah have been able-bodied to fool Voldemort for so long, then who is Fred Weasley to withstand them ? ``

'' They won't have a luck. We're going to hold open him from that island. '' He returned darkly. Luna still had a clasp of his arm and she could palpate him become even tenser as he felt more matter were growing beyond his control.

'' I wish you luck with that. I really do. '' Simon grinned.

( BREAK )

Fred had skipped out on lunch and intended to walk the beach until well after dark in Hope of avoiding Elanya until tomorrow… tomorrow when Hermione had claimed they would be coming to get him. But had she been here ? He just didn't know what was real anymore. But whether he'd seen her in his intellect or in rattling life, one thing had become clear… he couldn't stay here anymore. No subject what, this was going to be his lowest Night on the island. Should Hermione's presence prove to be a delusion and no one came for him, then he would find his own way out and go to her. He knew he couldn't apparate, he'd already tried and discovered that like Castellumshire, the Gateway Islands also carried anti-apparation magic spell and the only people he knew could get around them were Harry and Luna.

A luscious smell wafted through the air, allowing his rumbling stomach to interrupt his planning. Looking up at the sky and using the sun, he was able to regulate that while it was well past lunch, it was still too early for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped repast that day and cooked such great smelling food for a reason. He was tempted to go into the water to catch a fish to fry just to upset her plans but decided he was being ridiculous. He knew Elanya was trying to invite him back to the campsite, but just because he went didn't mean he was letting her win. They both knew he was more than up to of providing for himself, but at the moment he was too hungry to hold off long enough to catch and cook his own repast. Besides, he'd just decided that no matter what, this was his lowest Nox here… what could it smart to expend some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then leave again.

Arriving at the camp he saw that neither the food nor Elanya were exterior. With a heavy suspiration, he opened the flap of the ordinary looking tent and entered the impossibly wide glamour of the inside. `` wellspring, I guess it's true what they say… the riotous way to a man's affectionateness is through his breadbasket. '' She said upon seeing him, gesturing to the sexually attractive feast on the ornate table as she sat down. Toying with her seashell necklace, she shot him a seductive smile.

'' Whatever you say. '' He muttered, sitting as far from her as he could before beginning to pile his plate. `` Thanks. '' He said without looking at her, too well trained by mollie to be completely yokelish. They ate in secrecy and he could feel her becoming irritated, it only made him more comfortable.

'' Well, I've decided that in the pastime of continuing a civilized conversation we will play a biz of sorts. '' She announced after a poor while.

'' Boy, it sure is gentle not to suffer to intend for myself… I wish someone had been making my determination for me my whole life. '' He answered sarcastically.

'' Putting your snarkiness aside, I'm offer you a one in a million chance to understand me better. ``

'' Who says I want to ? ``

She smiled, ignoring his attitude. `` I'm going to let you ask me whatever you want about anything and I promise to recount you the truth. ``

'' And I'm supposed to believe you ? '' He raised an eyebrow. `` Exactly which one of us do you think is the crazy one, because I've been casting my voter turnout for you for awhile now. ``

'' Humor can be a expectant way to deflect anything real from reaching you. '' She replied steadily. `` Come on, I know you're curious…. ``

And he was. There were quite a few things he'd like her to gain up for him, but how could he trust anything she said ? The only way was to test her by throwing in question he already knew the answer to. `` Okay, I'll act your little plot. But if I think you're lying to me, I'll just go resume my only walk. ``

'' funfair enough. '' She rested her chin on her hand and stared at him expectantly, wearing a echt grinning that reached all the way to her golden eyes. `` So ? ``

'' Why are you doing this to me ? '' He blurted without thinking it through. It was the affair that was most on his mind and so the question had burst out of him before he could really design what he wanted to say.

'' Oh Fred… I'm not doing this to you, I'm doing this for you. '' She dropped her regard slightly as a clue of sadness overcame her. `` Everyone is trapped by something… We're both prisoners right now, so why not make our cage the best it can be- a beautiful island paradise ? ``

'' And how exactly are you trapped ? '' He asked though he felt she'd crafted her answer in order to keep in line his adjacent doubt. Apparently there was something she specifically wanted to talk about and was in the outgrowth of directing the conversation. He allowed it simply because he was queer, but he forced himself to call back that he knew what she was doing.

'' I thought I had fairly bought my way into something when really it was all set up to ensure my succeeding alliance and obedience. '' She answered, lowering her oculus to hide the newsflash of embarrassment that passed through them.

'' Meaning what ? '' He pushed, intrigued despite himself.

Elanya sighed and shook her principal. `` I've always considered myself to be pretty clever… I'm sure you used to think the Same about yourself. Well, let's just say that Elise and Sarah have humbled us both the last few month with the grand scheme they've wrapped around us. ``

'' The difference being that you helped them do it to me. '' He said angrily, brushing off her attack to get him to empathize with her.

'' Only because I had no choice ! '' She protested. `` When they told me that I had to withdraw you away while they set up affair in capital of the United Kingdom I tried to get out of it, I really did. But that's when Elise told me the truth, that she'd tricked me and I wasn't even close to coming up even for the assist they gave me in getting rid of Edmund. ``

Pushing his plate aside, Fred leaned forward on the mesa and decided it was meter for him to sour the conversation his way so that he could test her honesty. `` And what did you think you had already done to riposte them ? ``

She hesitated as if she really didn't want to differentiate him. But then she shrugged, remembering that this had all been her idea in the first blank space. `` I thought I had provided the spy… but it turns out he and Elise have a long account together and bringing him into things had always been a part of her plan. They set it up so that he and I would run into each other… I had thought I was being so careful, making for sure I would go into this not owing anyone anything. ``

'' Who's the spy ? '' He pushed, already knowing the answer… that is if Hermione's brief visit hadn't been some form of delusional mirage.

Elanya met his eyes and offered a sad smile. `` Well, what can it smart ? It's not like you'll be able-bodied to discourage anyone back at Hogwarts. It's Professor Dolos Erebos. ``

He made sure to show an appropriate amount of surprise, letting his eyes widen and his jaw drib slightly as if this was the maiden time he was hearing this. `` Really ? A professor ? ``

She nodded slowly as she carefully studied him. `` I met with him in Australia and he was everything Elise had told me she'd been looking for. I had thought I was the one convincing him to join us but it was all part of their plan to trap me. ``

'' And why would they go through such work out measures ? '' Fred was almost surely she was telling the accuracy so far… Hermione had certainly indicated that Elanya may be in worry and now the young woman was confirming it. He just didn't know why she was telling him all of this, but he may as well use the situation to his advantage and learn as much as he could.

'' Because Elise and Sarah truly believe they can make their own place in this war and that if they have the right kind of multitude on their position they'll be able to require on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her head angrily. `` I was appalled to see that Voldemort's idea to collect a psychic army was actually Elise's brainchild. It was how she got him to help her find Sarah. But they planned to make friend of the mass he gathered, to get them to work towards taking over completely. ``

'' So that's how they learned about Luna ? ``

She nodded. `` And Harry potter too. At first-class honours degree Elise and Sarah didn't care who lived or died in conflict while they quietly plotted their own uprising. But when Harry started showing his electric potential and they learned Luna Lovegood was a seer, they knew they wanted them. It's why Elise burned your shop in Diagon skittle alley during the summer. ``

He sat up, suddenly extremely interest. He'd been wondering for a long time the real understanding Elise had targeted his depot. `` What do you think ? ``

Elanya sighed deeply as a looking at of remorse settled over her. `` Voldemort had a visionary named Jasper, he was old and not as just as Luna seems to be. But that didn't issue to Elise, he was all she had and so she'd already convinced him to give his ultimate loyalty to her over Voldemort. He told her that he'd had a vision that something was going to bring Harry to Diagon bowling alley alone and that Voldemort was going to construct his movement against the boy. She worried about the resultant as she wanted Harry on her side, working with Sarah specifically since they share the same power… of course, she'd only just found Sarah at that fourth dimension. So not knowing what else to do, Elise decided to set your shop of fire, ensuring not only that Harry wouldn't be alone, but that there would be respective Aurors in the area. After all, the minister would be sure to respond in full forcefulness to a report of arson at his son's store. ``

He took a steadying breath, trying to reckon on the bright position as he argued with himself… had something brought Harry to Diagon Alley alone that day to face Voldemort, his Death eater and the Dementors, there's no way he could have survived. At least Elise's destruction had kept the unthinkable from happening… he'd much rather have his shop ruined than his acquaintance dead. After all, they'd already rebuilt the shop… there wasn't another Harry Potter laying around. `` I remember reading in the report that Jasper died rather mysteriously. '' He said at last. Of course he hadn't read anything about it, but he recalled Hermione telling him about it during one of their confidential conversations.

'' There was nothing mysterious about it. Jasper made the same misapprehension I did by thought he was an be in their plan. I guess he was scared enough to want to recount someone about his vision, but he chose the ill-timed the great unwashed. He saw his own end though not the helping hand that brought it to him, and then he saw your acquaintance up at Hogwarts using that silly ring to try and get through him from beyond for info. He thought it was Voldemort that was going to end his life so he went to Elise who saw her opportunity. Sarah may not hold a sceptre, but she has mastered many early skills, first and foremost her astral projection. They decided to down him so that she could unite with his cognisance and mail herself in his place when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must have seen something and stopped her friends from using the ring. It only made them want her on their side more, especially since they'd so hastily fuck off rid of Jasper. ``

Fred's mind was reeling. So many things were coming together now, it was inconceivable that she wasn't telling him the truth. But his instincts were screaming at him that something deeper was going on. `` Why are you telling me all of this ? ``

'' I don't really be intimate. '' She smiled, crossing her arms and leaning forward. `` I guess I'm tired of you thinking badly of me. I've never gone so long being so thoroughly ignored. Maybe I figured that if you saw that I was as much a victim of their plotting as you are, then perhaps you'd treat me meliorate while we're stuck here together. ``

'' You made yourself a victim. '' He stated firmly, once more determined to retain himself from empathizing with her. He remembered her once telling him that the best way to pull of a lie was by mixing in the truth… It was clearly a skill she had mastered.

Elanya looked away, but even in profile he could see a variety of shame, sorrow and anger settle over her characteristic. `` Yes, I suppose I did. ``

He couldn't help himself, he had to know. `` If you were so intent on killing your begetter, then why didn't you do it yourself, without involving them ? ``

'' You think I haven't tried before ? ! '' She yelled as she leapt to her groundwork and began pacing in agitation. `` Edmund Fritz was a high-profile man who was extremely paranoid… and rightly so. I certainly wasn't the but one who wanted him dead and he made surely that it was nearly impossible to get to him. I was scared to use my lawful identity as his daughter to reach out to him… I knew that my mother had sent me away and died trying to protect me because he wanted to use me, to manus me over to Voldemort in a never-ending quest to gather favour from a man who favored no one. I didn't want her to die in vain but it soon became clear that my real name was going to be the only affair to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed person potent backup me up in case something went unseasonable. ``

'' And that's what Elise and Sarah promised you. '' He said quietly, watching her grow more upset as her story went on.

'' It was only after the deed of conveyance was done that I found out they had wanted to get rid of Edmund anyway. Apparently he'd become jealous of the attention Voldemort was giving the girl and so he was doing his best to counteract them. They figured there was too good a chance he'd number out some part of what they were up to and so they knew he needed to go. They must have tracked me down, found me in Australia… my nan had just died and I'd just gone back there to spend her live on few days with her… I was in a vulnerable place and Elise showed up offering me the chance to do the affair I'd been wanting for years. ``

Fred had been careful during the whole conversation, wanting to pick up on any foretoken of knavery. For the low gear time he found one… her voice had gone up slightly in volume. It could be due to her conglomerate turmoil as she recalled these upshot, but he had the nagging flavour that things hadn't happened exactly as she described. What did it matter how she and Elise came to join forces ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these motion and expect any sort of answer. His only Leslie Townes Hope was to go on and hope he could piece it all together himself. `` Do you regret killing your father ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to appear him straight in the eye. `` Not for a single moment. '' She steadily replied. `` I only regret that I couldn't have been more patient and found a way to do it by myself. When I tried to plump for out of this whole thing, when I told them I didn't want to be a part of kidnapping you… Elise made it very illuminate that despite the false evidence I left at the scene, she could very easily tie me to my father's last. I have no doubt that she would get off me to Azkaban without a endorsement thought. So I had to choose, a gaol cell locked away with the giants or stranded on an island with you. I took the upright sound punishment. ``

'' But if you hadn't killed Edmund, you never would receive had to make that selection. '' He argued.

'' Maybe, maybe not. They could experience found another way of ensuring my cooperation if they really wanted to. The authoritative thing to note here Fred, is that regardless of whether it was me or someone else, you would have always wound up on this island. '' She seemed frustrated. Clearly this wasn't going the way she wanted, he wasn't giving her the response she'd expected…

But then he wasn't going to allow himself to be like all the other people she'd been able to wrap around her finger's breadth, he'd always been determined to be potent than that from the first consequence she'd walked into his workshop. `` You're probably right… We'll never know though will we ? ``

'' Do you hate me ? '' She asked quietly, taking him by surprise.

'' I thought I was the one who got to ask the motion. '' He said with a unquiet laugh.

Elanya smiled. It was a obtuse coyly convinced smile as she reveled in the fact that she'd finally unsettled him. `` And I've answered them all. Can't you resolve just one for me ? ``

'' That wasn't persona of the lot. '' He stalled.

She slowly walked over to lean on the edge of the table in front of him. `` You know, there's only two reason you won't answer. Either you do hate me but you're too a good deal of a gentleman's gentleman to say it… though we both know that you're to a greater extent than willing to tell anyone exactly how you feel about them. So the only if other explanation is that you've realized you don't hate me and just can't bring yourself to take it for some mysterious reason. ``

He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms as he regarded her with assumed sureness. `` Or I've simply decided it's best not to go through lifetime hating anyone. Of form, I could always take a crap an exception if you'd tending to bear on the issue. ``

'' Has anyone ever told you that you're completely frustrating ? '' She asked with a sloshed smile.

'' Many times over. '' He grinned easily, once more enjoying that he'd managed to strut her plume by not playing directly into her hand.

'' I'm going for a walk. '' She announced, standing up and taking a late breath. `` I cooked, you can clean. '' She added before leaving the tent.

Fred looked around feeling completely off guard. She'd never left him alone in the tent before, which had only led him to conceive that she had things to veil from him here. But clearly her frustration with his lack of gullibility had caused an supervision on her behalf and he knew he needed to take vantage of it. He raced to her room, pulling back the flap that separated the outer space from the residual of the tent and taking a casual look around before carefully proceeding to go through everything. Ensuring he returned matter to the way he'd found them, he went through all of her stuff hoping to come across a communicating device of some kind… or even punter, his wand. After a farsighted and thorough search, he came up with neither.

( break of serve )

Harry stared at Herb Simon, trying to watch exactly what he thought of the former boy. He just wasn't sure… he couldn't get past the extreme point the guy had gone through in order to cause a simple-minded conversation. But then, had Paul Simon been right ? Would they have listened had he simply approached them and asked to verbalize ? He shook himself out of his thoughts, refusing to let his angriness and confusion make him do anything stupid. `` How do we know that having you tell us all of this isn't piece of the programme ? '' He asked. After all, if Elise had gone through so much, then why wouldn't she go even a whole tone further and charge in the clown ? Surely she didn't expect them to admit Simon seriously even if they did have it off he thought he was telling the truth… or at least the trueness as she wanted him to experience it.

He sighed and shook his headspring. `` I had a flavor you'd ask me that. All I can say is that I only know what I've seen and heard. She certainly hasn't told me to come to you and I doubt she realizes I know that she wants to kill me. But has she somehow directed things so that I would come talk to you, I just don't know… anything is possible with her. ``

'' So as far as you know, Elise's whole plan is to gather as many psychics as she can and then fight both sides of the war, hoping to arrive out on top ? '' Luna asked quietly and with far more control over herself than Harry could finagle. But he tried to continue calm, to remember that they needed to know what they were up against… she still had her manus on his arm, trying in vain to assist him be successful in relaxing though he could feel her disquiet at what she was hearing.

'' It's portion of her programme. '' Simon seemed a bit unsettled for the low time since he'd begun talking. `` I guess even I don't know everything, but I figured if I told you enough, you'd be able to at least intercept her doing me in. And yes, I really believe she'd murder me if it helped her cause… She ensured they got rid of Jasper simply because she wanted you Luna, she knows you're a good prophesier than that old man ever was, you've already helped thwart hers and Sarah's plans a few times. She was trying to aid Voldemort capture you, though she had no intentions of handing you over… she wants to win over you and Harry both to join her. '' Again he looked directly at Jacey. `` And if she knew you were a firestarter like her, she'd privation you too. ``

'' I am not anything like your miserable sister. '' Jacey said defensively as she cupped her hands together and began rolling them until she had developed a sizable bolide between them. She lifted it over her straits and brought it down, engulfing her entire trunk in flames as she stood there smiling at them. `` I am much more powerful. '' She laughed, extinguishing herself and leaving no indication that anything out of the ordinary had just transpired.

Herbert A. Simon swallowed hard as he stared at her in disbelief… clearly he'd never seen his sister do something like that before. `` well. '' He said at hold up. `` mortal should be. They already knew Harry was inviolable than Sarah, that's why they had to make for certain he lost his powers before they tried to talk to him. ``

'' You're talking about what happened at Azkaban ? How could they possibly know that they weren't going to kill me with that Psychohemia potion ? '' Harry asked in exasperation. They all knew Herbert A. Simon was telling them the truth, but he just didn't like what he was hearing anymore now that it was going against what he knew had happened. But then, he was quickly learning from the other boy that there dozens of things he didn't know about the things that had been happening to him, his friend and his enemies. Elise had apparently been pulling several dissimilar strings for quite awhile.

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to work for them long before then. '' Simon answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some decision was going to lead you to the prison house and rightfield in presence of Cho, but it was Elise who made the Dark Lord call up it was his idea to use Sarah's talents to try and select you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to kill you, that you were going to get service in time to save your life but not your superpower. ``

'' Except Sarah did nearly kill us at my aunt and uncle's menage. '' Harry replied, hiding the shadow pain he felt in his hand and leg where he'd been stabbed all those months ago. Glancing at Luna out of the corner of his eye, he remembered her aspect covered in line after Sarah kicked her and how her arm had been broken while trying to keep Sarah from killing him. `` She didn't seem too concerned with convincing us to fall in her then. '' He added angrily as everything from that night came back to him including Ron nearly being burnt to a crisp.

'' Yeah well, as I'm sure you've noticed, the only problem Elise has in partnering with Sarah is that the fair sex is to a greater extent than a little unbalanced. She was only supposed to torture you, it was your muggle family she was supposed to kill in social movement of you… on Voldemort's orders, not Elise's. But I guess something about them reminded her of all those masses she was forced to live with growing up and she came to resent you for putting up with it… She began to really see you as infirm than her and so she alone decided in that moment that she didn't want you to join them. At least, that's how she explained it to Elise after they broke her out of the hospital and woke her from the comatoseness. Trust me, Elise let her have it for deviating from the plan and nearly killing you both. Anyway, Sarah said she really lost restraint when Luna came in with the ring… she wanted it and they all knew Voldemort wanted it and so obtaining the tintinnabulation became her main priority above all else, including her prophylactic as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to capture her for a brusk sentence as well as get your world power back, she no longer thinks you're light. ``

'' I'm flattered. '' Harry said sarcastically.

'' Does she know that we went into her remembering while she was unconscious mind ? '' Luna asked, squeezing his arm as concern overwhelmed her.

But Marvin Neil Simon stared back at her in surprise, allowing them to instantly slow down. `` No, not that I'm aware of. I certainly had no idea you'd done that… what did you see ? ``

'' Do not interest about that, we will be the ace to ask the questions. '' Jacey said with authority.

'' What about Cho ? Where does she fit into all of this ? '' Harry picked up where they'd just left off, thinking that what they had seen in Sarah's header at least confirmed that the girls were working together behind Voldemort's back.

He sighed and nodded. `` Well, she's plotting with Sarah only. But whatever plan those two had going, it was in office long before Elise reconnected with Sarah. In fact, I remember Elise trying to talk Sarah into dropping Cho but she had insisted the girl would be valuable again once they broke her out of Azkaban. My guess is that if they manage to get Cho out, Elise will find the opportunity to get rid of her as soon as possible. Just because she and Sarah are closemouthed confidant doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each other in a second if it meant furthering their own agenda. trueness means nothing to them. '' Marvin Neil Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the spell holding him in place. `` Will you let me go now ? please ? '' He pleaded.

We have to get back anyway… Dumbledore is looking for us and I think we're in a lot of worry. Luna said. Harry turned to attend at her and realized she had that far off facial expression that meant she wasn't completely acquaint in the room.

'' fine. '' He waved his wand and released the former boy from the binding.

Simon the Canaanite leapt to his infantry to quickly load before eagerly reaching into his pocket and pulling out his flask from which he took a long gulp. `` Phew, I needed that. '' He said, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. After another gulp he seemed less shaky and nervous.

'' We have to get back to the school, are you going to be okay ? '' Harry asked Jacey.

'' I will be just OK. '' She assured him with an sluttish smile.

'' What are you going to tell them about me ? '' Simon asked, suddenly scared again. `` I never intended it to wrench out this way ! I was going to unlock the doorway, I didn't mean for you to actually damage the schooling ! ``

'' Yeah, this is all my fracture. '' Harry rolled his eyes. `` scarce keep your lip shut when we get back there and let me do all the talking. '' He reached out and roughly grabbed the boy's arm before apparating back to Hogwarts with Luna a few import behind them. They were sure to arrive behind Hagrid's hut where the fortune of being seen were very slim.

Silently, they all three made their way up to the castle, running into Hermione in the courtyard. `` Where have you been ? And what are you doing with him ? '' She demanded, eyeing Neil Simon suspiciously.

'' It's a foresighted story, Mione. '' Harry sighed. `` We'll tell you after we deal with Dumbledore. ``

She nodded and led the way through the halls to the headmaster's office. `` Just so you're aware, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you allow shoal grounds. '' She warned them. Sharing a looking with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the sight of a good educatee would dampen the old whiz's mood. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and Simon. ``

'' See them in Miss Granger and then you are dismissed. '' He replied from behind his desk. Hermione let them walk past her before she closed the room access and bolted down the stairs. Dumbledore gestured to the three chairman in front of him and waited until they settled themselves. He looked at all of them, but it was realise he was addressing Harry alone. `` What did you think you were doing damaging the shoal like that ? ``

'' It was an accident. '' He quietly answered.

'' I have no doubt that it was. '' Dumbledore said, his voice quiver as he tried to hide out his anger. `` Why would you do this Harry, when you're so close to being done here ? This isn't something I can traverse up for you. ``

'' So don't. I'll go fix it. ``

He shook his head. `` It's not that round-eyed. Like the ministry and certain early buildings, deception isn't plenty to repair the damage. It must be rebuilt by bridge player to maintain the strength of the magical spell we place upon our school day. And even if you did fix it, my manus are tied in wish to how we can care this, especially after I've pushed so hard to have the recently disappeared Tristram Macnair expelled. ``

'' What are you saying ? '' Luna asked nervously.

He sighed sadly. `` I'm saying that after having Miss Patil, Mr. Mason and Mr. Macnair go missing, after the destruction Cho Chang caused finale year, and after all the cumulative worry that has been caused… I have no choice but to rout out you all from Hogwarts for your unfavorable action at law, effective immediately. ``

'' You can't ! '' Harry protested.

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in life-threatening damage to one of our classrooms and then you all left school reason in engineer infringement of the code of conduct. I have to take this action before the less reliable of the Aurors out there decide to try and say that you had something to do with Tristram's escape valve and attempt to take you all into detention for questioning. Should that happen, it's not guaranteed that King Arthur will be able-bodied to see that you get into the right hands. '' Dumbledore seemed to slump down in his seat. `` You've put us all in a tight place and we must be deliberate how we proceed. ``

'' But wouldn't it be better to find a way to continue us here ? The Aurors and anyone else could still make out after us once we leave, but if we're here then we're more protected. '' Luna argued.

'' I agree, but if I didn't go through with this, it would be far too easy for them to accuse me of favoritism and affair are too fragile right now. The slightest thing could cave in them the exculpation to oust me from here and put anyone they choose in shoes as headmaster. As you saw shoemaker's last clip, there are too many waxy untested creative thinker here to allow that to bechance. I refuse to let this schooltime become a training ground for the adjacent undulation of demise feeder. Everyone must be free to choose the life they want. ``

'' So instead you just bedevil away our futurity ? '' Simon asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the orderliness and therefore unable to comprehend the want to celebrate matter a certain way so that the power didn't fracture in the enemy's favor.

Suddenly the office door swung unfold behind them and Lupin came rushing in. `` Stop ! It's not their fault, it's mine ! ``

'' And do you really ask anyone to conceive that ? '' Dumbledore asked tiredly.

'' Does it matter as long as there's soul to blame ? '' He pressed. `` William Tell them whatever you want… tell them that the kid were working on a task for me and things went wrong. They left the school to hail looking for me because they knew that I had snuck out to see Tonks and didn't want me to get in bother. That tarradiddle should be expert enough. ``

'' You realize what will happen if you decide to go through with this… given what you are, the parents already have a low doorsill of tolerance for you. If you take the blame for the end to the schoolroom, if you insist these pupil only left schoolhouse to plow up for you… then I'll have no alternative but to terminate your employment here. ``

'' No ! '' Harry protested, leaping to his feet.

Lupin reached out to grab his shoulder, using his considerable force to force Harry back into his chair. `` I understand the consequences. I accept it. ``

Why are you doing this to yourself ? Harry asked pleadingly.

Because, I feel I owe it to James II and Lily to do everything in my power to have you finish schooltime. I can't just let you screw it up with two weeks to go. He answered with a grin. It'll be okay, Harry. I promise.

He held his intimation and glanced at Luna and Herb Simon out of the recession of his eye and realized lupin wasn't just doing this for him. The other two were only in their sixth year and he felt guilty that his cheeky actions may cause them to lose out on their breeding. Letting out the breathing time slowly, he turned to expect at the quondam superstar, awaiting his decisiveness along with everyone else.

Dumbledore took his time studying Lupin before at hold up shaking his promontory and rising from his seat. `` Okay, if this is the way you want it to be. I'll see to it that you are able to finish out the concluding two weeks of this semester, as it will be impossible to replace you on such short notice. It's been a pleasure to have you here. ``

'' It's been rattling being here. '' Lupin assured him before quickly ushering the teens from the office before the headmaster could change his thinker. Simon the Zealot tried to give off from the chemical group as soon as they were in the hall but Harry reached out and grabbed his arm, ensuring he followed them. He still had a few things to say to the other boy. They walked silently down to Lupin's office, though the previous man was the simply one who seemed to be in a good mood.

'' Are you sure about this ? '' Harry asked as soon as lupin closed the door.

'' Of course I'm sure. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it. '' He grinned. `` I had planned on resigning at the end of this year anyway. I really like teaching, but I'm certainly needed elsewhere and like you Harry, I hate feeling locked away here when there are so many thing happening out in the globe. And with you and genus Draco leaving, there's really nothing to hold back me here any longer. Plus I don't like being away from Tonks for so long, her job already keeps us apart so why should I continue to let mine add to the nisus when I have another choice ? So you see, I'm entirely positive that this is the right matter to do. ``

'' But you won't exactly be leaving here on the best of full term if you take the blame for this. '' Luna argued.

lupin reached out to reassuringly pat her shoulder joint. `` I have long ago learned to live with other people's misguided opinions of me. As long as I am in undecomposed standing with the multitude who know me, that's all that matters. '' He went to sit behind his desk and pulled out a roll of blank parchment and a fresh flight feather. `` Besides if I were to stay here, then who would be out there looking after you all when you get yourselves stuck in a recession ? '' He teased, reminding them that this wasn't the first base meter he'd helped get them out of their own mess. `` Plus Draco is going to necessitate counseling in navigating lifetime out in the real world where citizenry don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to have a reasonableness to forget my situation early. The fact that it helps you tike out is just a bonus. ``

'' Well I certainly appreciate it. '' Simon the Zealot said gratefully. `` I mean because I have no where else to go too Hogwarts so I'm glad I get to come back. '' He added quickly when he saw the brilliance Harry had shot him for speaking at all.

lupin nodded and smiled. `` Think nothing of it. ``

'' It just seems unfair that we can't simply explain what really happened. '' Luna said absently as wrapped her arms around herself.

'' What happened to you ? '' Lupin asked, finally noticing the bandages that peeked out from the arm of her schoolhouse robes.

She and Harry shared a glimpse as Simon looked down at the floor and shuffled his feet. `` Just a tenuous fortuity caused by a simple misunderstanding. '' She said at stopping point, lowering her arms and pulling the hems of her sleeves down.

'' I see. '' He shook his head and sighed. `` To resolve your earlier musing… no one would heed if you tried to excuse what really happened. It's a play for magnate out there and no one is interest in the truth unless it gets them what they want. Too many things have been happening here, no one would take a student's password on anything when they barely trust what the professors and Dumbledore have to say. ``

'' Especially if one of the students is me, right ? '' Harry asked miserably.

'' It's a sad but honest fact that adding your name to anything will instantly seduce it more elaborate. But don't let it bother you, having foe only means that you've stood up for something crucial. '' lupin answered with a placate smile. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must drop a line to my married woman and inform her that we are soon to get a one income household for awhile. ``

'' You know that you and Tonks always have your way at my house. '' Harry offered, feeling it was the least he could do.

'' And we may just have to take you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The price of rent is nonsensical these sidereal day. ``

Leaving him to indite his letter, the teens all stepped out into the hall. As soon as the room access closed behind them, Harry grabbed Herbert A. Simon up by the forepart of his robe and shoved him back against the bulwark. `` If I find out that you're somehow setting us up I swear to you that your sister won't have the chance to dispatch you because she'll never find your consistency. '' He threatened, wanting to pall the boy into revealing whether he was truly trustworthy.

'' I promise I'm not setting you up ! '' He instantly replied, his eyes wide-eyed and his affection banging wildly in his chest.

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his expression in close to Simon's, tightening his grip and pushing against the boy's throat. `` From now on, if you think you have something you need to evidence someone, come heterosexual person to me because going anywhere near Luna or any of my other ally would certainly be the biggest mistake you'll ever make in your biography. ``

Simon nodded in agreement, clearly seeing in Harry's eyes just how much he meant his threats. `` I'll come right to you ! '' He gasped out, reaching up to try and agitate Harry away.

He released the former boy and simply turned and walked away, knowing Luna was following him and feeling her disfavour. He waited until they were all the way back to his room before speaking to her. `` I'm not sorry about how I dealt with him. ``

She looked at him a mo before nodding slowly. `` okay. '' She said quietly.

'' I know you're mad at me… '' He began pacing, feeling all of the energy and adrenaline he'd been building up since she'd first called out to him begin to burble over as it tried to find some way to escape.

'' Of course I'm not mad… I'm not sure what I am. This has been a very strange day and I'm still trying to serve it. '' Luna argued, sitting comfortably on the boundary of the bed as she watched him walk around the way, allowing him to get out some of his pent up frustration.

Harry went to the window and clutched the sill as he stared out over the school background. He took several mystifying breathing spell before turning back to her. `` But you really are o.k., right ? ``

'' I'm fine, just a bit disturb by what we've learned. '' She gently assured him. `` I guess it's even more significant that we go get Fred before Elanya has the chance to convert him that her version of events is the the true. ``

'' Couldn't it be ? '' He debated. `` I mean, I know Simon was telling us his variant of the Truth and I believe Elise and Sarah are that cunning. But what if their totally plan was tricking him into telling us all of this so we wouldn't believe what Elanya had to say ? What if they really are setting her up and what we saw in Erebos's head is true ? Maybe they did get laid we'd form out who the spy was and that we'd want to front in his head… what if they used Simon to disperse around doubt so that we wouldn't know what to believe ? ``

'' Well, if that's the case then it seems to hold worked, at least on you. '' She pointed out, smiling as he stared at her in utter confusedness. `` Personally, I think I believe him even though there's something about him that unsettles me… but despite that, I truly think Elanya is very much working with Elise and Sarah. ``

Harry nodded in hesitant adoption. He'd learned his deterrent example about questioning her intuition, if she thought Elanya wasn't the dupe they were trying to portray her to be then that was most likely the way it was. `` okay, so we go on with the assumption that she's against us. ``

'' I think that's the secure for us… to arrogate she and Herbert Alexander Simon both are the enemy until they can definitively essay otherwise. '' She stood and came over to twine her weapon system around his waist and hug herself against him.

He kissed the top of her head and returned the embrace. `` I have no problem with that. ``

She pulled away and looked at the threshold. `` Hermione knows we're done with Dumbledore, she's on her way over here. ``

Sure enough an repetitive knocking came at the room access and Harry went to let her in. `` So ? What happened ? '' She demanded, walking in and turning to confront them both. Together they pieced together everything that had happened and filled her in completely on what Simon the Zealot had told them and what they'd concluded as a result. `` You're sure Elanya isn't being set up ? '' She asked, her face going white as she began to panic.

'' Almost completely positive, what's improper ? '' Luna went over to lead Hermione to a chair.

'' It's just that… I so badly wanted to see Fred, to name sure he was okay. I decided to practice my stellar projection and to my surprise, not only did it work, he was able to see me. '' She answered, nearly shaking as she tried not to cry.

'' You talked to Fred ? Did you let him know we were coming to get him ? '' Harry asked, kneeling next to her and taking her hired hand in comfort.

'' Yes, but I also told him everything else ! I wanted to insure him that we'd taken care of everything so he could leave without worrying… including that we knew who the spy was ! I told him that you guys found out that Elanya was a victim of Elise and Sarah's plot of land too… he thinks she isn't the enemy ! ``

'' It'll be delicately, Hermione. '' Luna said softly. `` We're going to get him tomorrow. ``

'' No ! '' Hermione leapt to her groundwork and turned to them in anguish. `` She's making him verbalise to her now ! He'd been refusing this hale sentence but I saw her threaten to send Erebos after Ron and Ginny if he didn't start speaking to her. Don't you see ? I led him to believe that she was just another pawn in Elise and Sarah's game… what if he lets his guard down ? What if she's capable to convert him to believe her ? '' She stared at them in revulsion as every significance of Fred trusting Elanya ran through her head. `` What have I done ? '' She whispered.

( faulting )

As soon as it was glum, Fred grabbed his entire bed roll and went down to the beach. Ensuring he was far enough from the tide, he set everything up and work up a small ardor, silently thanking his Fatherhood for teaching him how to do so the muggle way- without a wand. Sure it was the more difficult way to do things, but at conclusion his Father-God's obsession with learning the why's and how's of all thing muggle had paid off. Once sure enough the blaze had caught, he lay back to look at the stars. He didn't know where Elanya had gone, nor did he care… she hadn't returned from her walk and the longer she was gone the more certain he was that he didn't want to be there when she did show up.

She'd told him so many matter and enough of it had seemed not only to be likely but made too much common sense not to be dead on target. He was confused… If Hermione had really been on the island, then she'd told him things that Elanya had completely admitted to. Did it matter ? And if it did, then why did it matter ? Elanya had gotten herself caught up in this, she was no innocent bystander. Had she not wanted so badly to kill her father, the other girls wouldn't have had anything to invite her into accepting their offer. On the former manus, he was now able to put himself in her shoes… why wouldn't she want to kill the man who murdered her mother and was trying to use his own daughter to buy his way into the good graces of an evil man like Voldemort ? Even Willem had come to terms with the fact that his niece had killed his sidekick and was still unforced to attain out to the girl as it was clear even to him that she needed to be rescued… if not from Elise and Sarah, then from herself. So if Willem could forgive her, then who was he to judge her ?

Clearly he didn't think as badly of her as he'd thought anyway… why else wouldn't he have just told her hated her ? It was the one matter that bothered him more than anything else. She'd been right in saying that he had no job telling people that he didn't like them, so why couldn't he just say it ? Annoyingly she had picked up on the entirely reason… because he didn't hate her. But so what ? Not hating somebody wasn't exactly the same as liking them. After all, he knew he couldn't corporate trust her as far as he could have her, but then, did that matter either ?

'' So, you've decided to sleep under the wiz. ``

He sat up and whipped around to regain Elanya standing in the Tree as if his thoughts of her had forced her to materialise there. Her hair and clothes were dancing softly in the slight gentle wind and her optic glowed even more brilliantly in the faint firelight. `` Well, aren't you the law-abiding one. '' He said sarcastically.

'' I'm sorry I walked out on you earlier. '' She said, taking a few hesitant steps towards him.

'' Think nothing of it. I'm pretty sure our conversation was about done anyway. '' He brushed her off and lay back down again, closing his eyes and acting as if she were nada more than than a galling mental disorder to him.

'' It's so beautiful out here… and so relaxing. You have the correct thought sleeping here on the beach. Mind if I join you ? '' She called, her interpreter carrying her amusement.

'' sopor wherever you want, what do I manage ? '' Fred made trusted to sound annoyed, hoping that if she did log Z's on the beach, she would take to do it far from him. He heard her soft step as she glided through the sand and then felt her attempt to climb under the covers with him. He sat straight up and jumble away from her as he got to his understructure. `` What the hell do you think you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

'' Well, my blankets are all the way back at the campsite and I'm tired now. '' She looked up at him with a coy smile.

'' Fine, take my stuff, it's all yours. I want to go for a swim anyway. '' He turned and walked straight toward the water, repeating Hermione's name over and over in his head teacher lest he set aside himself to go back and do something stupid.

'' You can't go out there now ! '' Elanya called as she ran after him. `` It's dark ! There could be sharks or any number of former dangerous thing and you'd never see them coming ! ``

Despite the genuine concern for his safety that he heard in her vocalism, he ignored her and walked straight into the water supply fully dressed. He continued on until his metrical unit could just barely touch the bottom before deciding that was far adequate to deter her from following him. turn, he began swimming parallel of latitude with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't care to walk after him. He could barely see his hand in movement of him and realized that is was more than the physical exertion that was making his heart race. It was very saturnine out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an submersed attack coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards state, crawling up onto the sandy beach and allowing himself to lie there and rest for a moment.

Now more than ever, he was determined to get out the island tomorrow. He couldn't spend one more than day alone with Elanya, he was beginning to forget what was real and it was becoming more difficult not to go down into her stories. All he had to do was get through tonight. Climbing to his human foot, he brushed off as much guts as he could and made his way into the Tree to look for some kind of tax shelter. Coming to the nucleotide of the tallest pot, he found a shallow cave. Gathering leaves, he quickly made himself a piazza to catch some Z's before gathering enough woods to set about a flaming to hold him ardent. Once again he silently thanked his Father of the Church while hoping that he would get the fortune to thank him in person very soon.

( BREAK )

genus Draco woke already feeling nervous… he didn't like lying to Ginny and while he may not know the exact item of what was going on, he had pieced enough together to know that she'd be mad to learn they'd kept Fred's possibly being in trouble from her. But today was supposed to be the day it would all end and no one would have to lie anymore… at to the lowest degree not about this. It was simple really, while the professors and most of the students were down at the quidditch sales pitch enjoying the game between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, ceramicist, Luna and granger were going to whisk themselves away to deliver Fred from whatever mess he'd gotten himself into. Dragon's job was to score sure neither Ginny nor Ron found out they were gone and more importantly, to restrain them both away from Professor Erebos who Potter had said was a spy and more than willing to offend someone.

Taking a deep breathing spell, he knocked on Ginny's door. `` gear up to go down to breakfast ? '' He asked as soon as she opened up. Seeing that she was still in her gown and pajamas, he realized she hadn't done much since she'd left his room earlier. `` I guess not. '' He said in response to the mute look she gave him, closing the doorway as he walked in.

'' I don't want to go picket that stupefied game today. '' She said, climbing onto the bed and grabbing her pillow to clutch to her body. `` I don't want to be a part of anything to do with Ron at the moment. ``

'' I guess I can empathize that. '' He said slowly.

'' It's been almost a week ! '' She was clearly queer and had her rest been Ron's neck, she'd have already squeezed the lifespan out of him. `` I just can't believe he hasn't come around to excuse to everyone for what he said. ``

'' Why would he ? '' Taking in the glowering look she shot him, he quickly went on in Hope of fixing his fault. `` I mean, he clearly wanted space and said the affair he knew would push you all away… after all, he saw how well it worked for thrower last twelvemonth. So why would he come apologize unless he's ready to be around you all again ? ``

'' Well, thank you therapist Draco, the psychological science Boy Wonder ! '' She said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.

'' And since I like you so much, I'll only charge you half my pattern rates for the excellent wisdom I have to bestow. '' He teased, quickly moving to arrest the pillow she whipped at him.

'' Well from now on you can keep your two galleons to yourself because your wisdom isn't even worth half that ! '' She taunted back, laughing as he ran over to return the pillow assault. She scrambled to grab her other pillow and swung low, catching him in the stomach.

'' Oh ! Direct hit ! '' He shouted and fell across the bed.

'' Go in for the killing ! '' She laughed, quickly kneeling over him and battering him over and over with the pillow. ineffectual to entertain back his own laughter, he tried his substantially to return the attempt. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to wrestle it away from her so that he would be in self-possession of all the plush ammo.

A knock on the room access interrupted their battle and they both looked at each other in surprisal as they tried to catch their breath. Ginny lay back on the bed and stared up at him with a coy smile. `` See who that is, would you darling ? I'm not dressed to incur companionship. ``

He leaned down to kiss her before quickly swinging his pillow one finish prison term, jumping off the bed with a wicked grin as he avoided her return rape. He opened the door and instantly tensed having already been warned that the person on the early side was interested in harming Ginny. `` Can we assist you professor ? '' He asked, closing the room access slightly so that the man couldn't see inside.

'' Isn't it a bit inappropriate for misfire Weasley to ingest a Male visitor this betimes ? '' Erebos asked as he warily regarded Draco.

'' Isn't is a bit inappropriate for a male teacher to come unsupervised to a female student's room this former ? Especially one who already has a cloud of suspicion around his name ? '' He shot back, having been informed of the prof's relationship to Elise McKinney.

'' I've come with a substance from the schoolmaster. '' Erebos answered defensively. `` Not that I owe an explanation to any student. ``

'' Well, Ginny isn't feeling well. She'll be in her elbow room all day today… and I'll be here with her, taking care of her. '' He said meaningfully, allowing a small growl to scat his throat lest the man leave what exactly he was. `` You can give me the message, I'll be sure she gets it. '' With his locoweed heightened, he was able to hear rustling behind him as Ginny got out of bed and curiously made her way over to the door. Thankfully she was deliberate enough to keep back herself hidden behind it, but still, a violently protective surge rushed through him and he knew only one thing, the solely way the professor was getting in the way was over his dead body.

'' The master wishes to speak to Miss Weasley in somebody. '' Erebos persisted. `` I am to see her up to his office. ``

'' And why wouldn't he send Professor McGonagall ? '' Dragon asked suspiciously. `` She is the head of the Gryffindor house and a much more likely candidate to approach Ginny on the schoolmaster's behalf than some professor wholly unrelated to her. She isn't even in any of your classes. Why would Dumbledore send you ? '' He knew Ginny probably barely recognized the professor as she'd rather chew her own arm off than study Arithmancy.

'' Again, not that I owe an explanation to a student- '' He said tightly, clearly frustrated with this Sung dynasty and dance they were engaged in. `` But she is already down at the quidditch pitch shot assisting Madame hooch with getting the field ready for today's game. I was in the master's business office for a get together and so he simply sent me. ``

'' well, Ginny is just too ill to bequeath her room. I'm trusted Dumbledore wouldn't want to risk her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these drafty hallways. If he needs to assure her something important, I'm sure he would possess no problem paying her a visit. '' Draco said smugly. He grabbed the edge of the door to close it but the professor reached out to hold back it from swinging shut.

'' If Miss Weasley is in fact that ill, then perhaps she should go see Madame Pomfrey. '' Erebos suggested slyly. `` I know that if I go and tell her there is a puke pupil she will importune on seeing her. ``

'' That's unneeded. '' Draco said calmly while holding the door so tightly in his bridge player he thought the Wood would shatter in his traveling bag. `` I asked Healer Drake to stop by former. He said it's a bad common cold and recommended bed rest. '' He added in order to thwart the professor's newest attempt to get Ginny out of her room. He was sure Drake would insure for them if requirement, after all, he'd done it many clip before. kinda than allow Erebos to come up with something else, he used his above normal force to mosh the doorway shut despite the man's attempt to go on it open.

'' What was that about ? '' Ginny asked immediately.

genus Draco quickly pulled his baton out of his pocket and cast a silencing charm on the room, both as a precaution and to try and procrastinate before answering her. `` professor Erebos is a spy for Elise, Sarah and Elanya. '' He decided to start with honesty and go with it until he couldn't. `` They want him to get to you and Ron. ``

'' Why ? '' She asked, sinking down onto her bed in horror and confusion.

'' Well… because they have plan to train over the ministry. What practiced way than to use the rector's children against him ? '' He held his hint. Technically what he'd said was straight although that wasn't the reason the man had decided to bring in a move today. But why worry her foster by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the good taradiddle or what exactly her brother was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the loose ends the others had had to tie up in order to go after Fred at all. He knew they were connected, just not how… but he'd be damned if he let her get hurt or killed because of any of it. Surely if she knew Fred was involved, she would importune on doing something dangerously rash in an endeavour to help.

Ginny shook her head sadly. `` poor people dad… all he wants to do is give a difference and now he has to live in constant quantity fear for us all because of it. ``

'' Seems to me the Saame could be said for everyone. '' He sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. `` I've guessing that's just the price you have to pay if you want to stand up for something… the fearfulness of losing everything. ``

We may ingest a problem. genus Draco thought out to Potter and Luna.

What happened ? potter immediately answered.

genus Draco quickly told them of Erebos's sojourn and the fact that he wouldn't be leaving Ginny's room at all that day. You're going to need someone else down at the sales pitch looking after Weasley. He concluded definitively, implying that there would be no arguing with his decision to barricade himself in with Ginny.

( breakage )

Harry had a ugly look about everything after talking to Draco. Why would Erebos stimulate come to try and get Ginny to go somewhere with him ? What were Elise, Elanya and Sarah planning now ? Whatever it was, it seemed they were just in time to go rescue Fred. At least the problem of who was going to watch over Ron had been quickly resolved… after a quick call to Jacey, she had agreed to don an invisibility cloak and bent around the quidditch delivery, just in case Erebos tried to get a hold of a dissimilar Weasley.

'' I heard the tin whistle. The game's started, can we go now ? '' Hermione asked eagerly. She was nearly beside herself with worry and had been since discovering that she'd given Fred misinformation. She'd attempted to contrive herself back to the island several sentence during the night but hadn't been capable to find him again.

'' Both of you grab one of those brooms. '' Harry told her and Luna as he tightly gripped his own Firebolt. They had gone down to the pitch with everyone else only to creep off into the equipment shed to keep from being seen.

'' Why ? '' Hermione demanded impatiently.

'' Because Charlie wrote a Christian Bible all about how there are flying dragon on the island. I can't fit you both on my broom and we need to have some way of escaping quickly if necessary… especially since you said you've read that there are anti-apparation charms. You and Fred won't be able to apparate without one of us. '' He insisted, wishing the whole prison term that both girls would just let him go by himself. But he knew Luna wouldn't allow that any More than he'd let her do anything like this without him… the line of reasoning wouldn't be Charles Frederick Worth it as they'd both just end up angry and she'd wind up coming along anyway. As for Hermione- he knew salutary than to even suggest she stay behind, despite them all being aware of how emotionally distracted she was. Luckily he trusted they were both equal to and tried to let that thought alleviate his discomfort.

'' As long as we stay out of the batch, it shouldn't be a problem. '' She replied, eyeing the old drill brooms warily as Luna stepped up to select one without wavering. It was obvious which of them was more confident in their ability to fly.

'' Just call for one anyway. '' He pressed with a grin. `` At the very least, Fred will screw how to fly it should the need arise. ``

'' mulct. '' She agreed with a enceinte sigh, grabbing the one closest to her. `` Can we go now ? ``

Harry took out his wand and waited as they did the same. They had no idea where they'd twist up having only coordinates and pictures to use to root on their apparation to the island. He wanted them to be gear up for anything.

As one he and Luna reached out to each take one of Hermione's hands and they all focused on the island. With a loud crack, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling hard rocky flat coat beneath his foundation, Harry hesitantly opened his eye to look around. His breath caught in his pharynx as he took in their surroundings. Um, I think we may give birth just picked the bad possible piazza to land. He thought out to the girls, not wanting to get to any noise l they wake the ten Draco currently sleeping around them. As quietly as possible, they all three mounted their brooms, each suddenly glad that he'd insisted they brought them with. Going decelerate for their saki, he carefully led the way, lightly pushing off from the background and rising into the air.

Flying away from the mountain top and down toward the beach, he looked over his shoulder to tally on the girls. Luna seemed to have gotten the hang of things after having been in the air a few times before. But Hermione, who always chose to keep her feet on the ground if it was an option, was clearly showing her inexperience. She tried to lower the ling and suddenly lost control, letting out a loud sidesplitter as she suddenly zoomed toward the ground.

'' puff up ! '' He shouted as he raced after her. She tried to do as he instructed but couldn't quite accomplish it and she raised her munition to cover her boldness as she went down through the trees.

'' Harry ! Look out ! '' He heard Luna yell. Apparently Hermione's initial scream had aroused more than his care, it had woken the flying dragon. He quickly whipped to the left as the one that had been silently stalking him stretched out to break down at him. `` They hunt in couplet. '' Charlie's vocalization filled his head and he instinctively pulled up, just barely missing the other flying dragon that had been waiting for him.

'' Luna ! ? '' He turned to search the sky for her and found her far out over the water as she tried her better to dodge the four Dragon chasing her while she clung to the broom.

He raced forward to serve only to realize that the other six dragons had chosen to gang up on him as they perceived him to be the better flyer and therefore the more life-threatening to them. One popped up in front of him, forcing him to go low. He once more searched the sky, trying to catch his bearings… but this metre he didn't see Luna anywhere. Both she and Hermione had disappeared and now he was alone with eight dragons. Wait… eight ! He quickly began racing around the island, looking for any sign of Luna and the two dragons that were obviously still chasing her. He flew between two of the fauna but unfortunately he wasn't quick enough and he felt one's posterior knock into the back of his broom followed by the audio of a deep cracking sound. The Calluna vulgaris started to come apart in his hands and he did his near to hold it together as he raced toward the primer coat. He landed roughly on the beach, shaking off the pain sensation as he picked himself up and ran toward the natural covering of the trees.

He could discover the animal landing heavily behind him, too large to make their way through the dense woods. Suddenly tripping, Harry tucked into himself to break his fall. Glancing back at what had knocked him over, he found the shatter cadaver of another ling though he had no estimate whether it was Luna's or Hermione's. He looked around desperately but there was no one there.

( BREAK )

Fred woke to a loud sidesplitter. For a mo he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his fundament. Looking around, he remembered making a impermanent shelter out of the cave after escaping from Elanya. Another series of ear-splitting screech filled the sky and he looked up to see those orphic creatures circling in the smart aurora sunniness. They never came out this late… and they never flew so low. One swept over the trees above him, giving him a frighteningly clear prospect of what the creature actually was… a very heavy dragon with sharp claws, long teeth and wide wings tipped with dangerous looking horns.

Panic gripped him as he stood there frozen, trying to call back everything Charlie had ever told him about these wildcat. More than anything, he recalled his buddy saying that dragon were creatures of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't dissipation time trying to forecast it out, he had to reach sure Elanya was okay, he couldn't let the only other person on this island die… he didn't want to be here completely alone with these matter. He raced through the trees back to the campsite, suddenly upset that he'd decided to travel so far from it in the first place.

beingness sure to keep himself deep under the blanket of the tree, he approached their collapsible shelter and heard Elanya's voice as she argued with someone. Careful of where he stepped, Fred snuck up as close as he dared… she was standing with her rachis to him and completely alone, but he could enjoin that she was holding something up to her mouth. `` What do you mean Malfoy won't let you near Ginny ? ! '' She cried out angrily. `` I gave you one simple task this morning… wellspring, you know what to do next. ``

Not waiting to hear more, Fred leapt out from the tree he'd been hiding behind. `` What are you doing ? '' He demanded as he stalked up to her.

She turned to him and dropped her hands, showing him they were empty. `` null. '' She said innocently.

'' Who were you talking to and how ? And why are you talking about my sis ? '' He tried to enshroud his panic, reminding himself that whatever was happening at to the lowest degree Draco was doing his portion in protecting Ginny from it.

Sir Thomas More screaming filled their air and they both glanced up in panic. Then she stared directly at him, her eyes filling with sadness. `` I have no option, you broke the dominion. '' She looked away, closing her centre against her regret.

'' What are you talking about ? ! ``

She pointed up at the dragons now circling dangerously low. `` The but reason they would leave alone their nest was if individual disturbed them… clearly we are no longer alone on this island. You were right hand, your Quaker came after you… but that means you all have broken the rules and if I don't bring about the penalty for it then I'll be the one to receive it. I like you Fred, but your siblings'lives just aren't more of import to me than my own. ``

'' Don't do it. '' He insisted, pleading with her to give in and be the better soul he wasn't quite certainly she could be. `` I'll help protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all keep you safe. Just don't let them force you into hurting my brother and sister. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an unsettled step toward him. `` You'd convince your champion to hand me a chance ? ``

'' No ! That's portion of her plan ! ``

They both whipped around to see who had snuck up on them. Fred couldn't believe his eyes as his heart raced with joy. `` Hermione ? '' She was standing there before him, looking far more real than the last time he'd seen her as she had her wand out and pointed at Elanya. Forgetting everything else in his backup, he raced forward and threw his arms around her.

'' We have to find Harry and Luna and get out of here now ! '' She quietly insisted. `` I was legal injury yesterday, she's no victim… they're all working together to lay down us want to help her so she can get in and convince Harry and Luna to bring together them. ``

'' Who told you that ? '' Elanya demanded, reminding Fred that she was actually still there. She now had her sceptre out as well and was pointing it directly at them.

'' What does it count if it's dependable ? '' He returned, placing himself between her and Hermione despite the fact that he was the only one unarmed.

'' Well, I suppose you can't really argue with that logic… I take it you're just going to automatically believe her over me ? '' Elanya asked with fictive sweetness.

'' You aren't exactly giving me a reason not to at the moment. '' Fred replied, gesturing to the wand she still had pointed at them. He felt Hermione stretch out and take his hand as she used her other to continue wielding her own wand. Squeezing her fingerbreadth, he hoped they found a way out of this.

Elanya nodded, a disgusting smile spreading slowly across her face. `` I thought as much… I guess it's time to strike to programme B. '' She quickly waved her wand, forcing Hermione to cast off up a shield around them. It was enough of a misdirection for her to grab the seashell necklace she'd been wearing since they arrived and rip it from her neck opening before speaking quickly into it. `` Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and obliterate Ron. '' She instructed.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her verge and sent him flying away. He landed hard on his back but barely felt anything as he forced himself to get up. `` demand it back ! '' He demanded.

'' Why should I ? You were warned of the consequences… Just because you have a werewolf protecting one doesn't mean we can't get to the early. Your brother will die. ``

'' cry Erebos and tell him to leave Ron alone ! '' Hermione ordered, pointing her wand threateningly.

Elanya simply dropped the necklace to the ground and stomped on it, effectively destroying the communication device. `` What's done is done. You want retaliation, come and take it. '' She dared them.



Federal Reserve note : Provided there are no more horrible accident with my calculator or cheap parkway, look for the next chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island Escape

A/N : Without further delay… Read, revaluation, Enjoy !





After clangor landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to discover nothing worse that a few scrapes and simoleons. Unfortunately the Scots heather hadn't survived as well and lay a few substructure away in piece of music. gladiola that it hadn't been her to wind up that way, she shook herself off and got to her understructure. She looked around nervously and called out to Harry and Luna but they didn't answer her… A spry glance up through the treetops let her know why. Several dragon seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking sounds. With a broken heather she knew she couldn't do much to help them and they certainly were too distracted to come supporter her… it was up to her to figure out what to do and she was determined that this not end up like Hogsmeade. She wasn't going to freeze up with indecision, there were too many people counting on her and to a greater extent than that, she wanted to prove to herself that she was adequate to of branching out on her own.

It was practically hotter here than it was back at school and so the first thing she did was strip off her jacket before she fainted of rut debilitation. She knew that she had to start moving and preferably with a purpose. Using her wand as a locator, she made her way through the woods, trying not to bet anywhere but right in front of her. She didn't want to go distracted, she just wanted to get Fred and get the snake pit off this island. Within ten bit of walking, she found herself at Fred and Elanya's campsite. The two were talking and she heard Fred oblation to help the other female child if she would promise to call off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

'' No ! That's part of her programme ! '' She yelled, racing forward without thinking. Her wand was already out and so she quickly pointed it at the other girl to maintain her at bay. It seemed she'd arrived just in time to kibosh Fred from getting even more caught up in all of this.

She stopped short as she saw Elanya pull her own wand out… realizing that Fred was unarmed, Hermione worried that he would get caught in the middle if they started dueling. He stood there and looked at her as if she were the greatest matter he'd ever seen, making her feel more convinced in the face of the other girl. `` Hermione ? '' He asked hesitantly before rushing over and wrapping his arms around her. As expert as it felt to have him obtain her, she was measured to keep on her wand up 50 Elanya decide to use the distraction to her advantage.

'' We have to find Harry and Luna and get out of here now ! '' She quietly insisted, forcing herself to believe they would have time to properly reunite later if they got themselves out of this now. `` I was wrong yesterday, she's no victim… they're all working together to defecate us want to aid her so she can get in and convince Harry and Luna to link up them. ``

'' Who told you that ? '' Elanya demanded, taking a few steps forward and pointing her wand more directly at Hermione.

'' What does it matter if it's true ? '' Fred asked quietly as he turned and placed himself between the girls.

'' Well, I suppose you can't really argue with that logic… I take it you're just going to automatically believe her over me ? '' Elanya offered them a sweet grin that dripped with poisonous intentions.

'' You aren't exactly giving me a grounds not to at the moment. '' He answered her as he gestured to the fact the she was waving her wand at them. Hermione realized in that moment that he hadn't completely given into believing Elanya, that he'd mostly managed to trust his own instinct. Feeling proud of him, she reached out her free hand to take his, wanting him to hump that they were in this together now. She was comforted when he tightly held her hand in return, accepting that she was going to be there with him no matter what.

'' I thought as much. '' Elanya said meanly. `` I guess it's clock time to proceed to plan B. '' She quickly waved her wand, giving Hermione only seconds to throw up a shield around herself and Fred to deflect the spell. Before she could revert fire, the girl ripped off her seashell necklace and was already talking into it. `` Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and then wipe out Ron. '' She instructed whoever was on the other end… most belike Professor Erebos.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her wand and sent him flying. Hermione took her opportunity and scoot respective smasher in quick succession but the other daughter was fast, raising her carapace in time before attempting to give the axe back and disarm her. By this meter Fred had gotten to his feet and back into the thick of thing, forcing Hermione to halt her attack so he wouldn't get hit by mistake. `` Take it back ! '' He demanded, stalking towards Elanya.

'' Why should I ? '' She pointed her sceptre at him, keeping him from getting too close to her. `` You were warned of the consequences… Just because you have a wolfman protecting one doesn't mean value we can't get to the other. Your brother will die. ``

'' Call Erebos and recite him to leave Ron alone ! '' Hermione said in as authoritative representative as she could muster.

Elanya looked directly at her and dropped the necklace to the ground, stomping on it and ruining their only chance to call in off the prof from killing Ron. `` What's done is done. You want revenge, make out and take it. '' She dared them.

Hermione cast before she was even aware she was doing so, taking both her and Elanya by surprisal. The girl had to evade rather than harbor, sending Hermione's turn to shatter the tree behind her. Seeing what a serious turn she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the shite from her dress. `` Well, I suppose we've moved past mantrap then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the wand she'd dropped in her haste to make a motion out of the way.

Hermione felt Fred grab her arm and pull her into the collapsible shelter. `` Shield it ! '' He yelled at her.

She quickly waved her wand, yelling `` Protego Totalum ! '' and a few former conjuration, turning the collapsible shelter into their own small fortress ... they were advanced magical spell she'd only practiced once in the safety of a classroom setting. She was truly surprised that she'd been able to accomplish it here while her philia was racing and scare gripped her mind. They could hear Elanya screaming at them from the outside, uselessly hurling magic spell after spell at the tent as she tried to get at them. `` I'm not sure how long this will hold. '' She said fearfully, turning to see that Fred had taken to tearing the place apart. `` What are you doing ? ``

'' I'm looking for my wand… she took it from me but it has to be around here somewhere ! '' He replied desperately as he threw things over his shoulder. He turned to the character of the collapsible shelter that clearly served as the kitchen and started going through the cabinets.

'' You really have a stove in here ? '' She asked incredulously as he struggled to flip the matter over.

'' When it came to drop my money, Elanya spared no disbursal. Top of the stock everything… it's supposed to be like camping in the puff of your rest home. '' Fred answered bitterly as he upended the refrigerator next. `` Aha ! '' He shouted, bending down to scoop out up a folded towel. certainly enough, his wand was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a crack of relief knowing that she wouldn't be the only one armed. His own relief was plain as he tightly gripped his wand and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a look that sent tingles through her body. Without a Good Book he strode up to her and eagerly placed his paw around her neck, pulling her face to his so that he could passionately capture her brim. He kissed her with such depth and hungriness that she was left feeling dizzy and had to reach out and grab him to hold back her legs from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his weaponry around her waist he deepened the osculate even more before breaking it off and resting his fountainhead against hers. They were both left breathless and happy to once More be so close. `` I'm really glad to see you. '' He whispered.

'' I couldn't Tell. '' She teased, leaning up to kiss his cheek.

'' Yeah, well, I'll make it light when I have more time to take a crap my point. '' Fred grinned before turning serious once more. They could still hear Elanya out there, doing everything she could to break the protection charms Hermione had cast. `` We have to get out of here without her eyesight. '' He said, letting her go and turning to survey their temporary stronghold.

'' I'm undefendable to suggestions. ``

He scratched his header and turned to stare at her a mo before breaking into a grin. `` Of course ! If I can fool my own female parent then it should be well-fixed to put one across Elanya. ``

'' What are you talking about ? '' Hermione asked, watching as he waved his wand over himself.

And then suddenly there were two of him and she had the uneasy feeling that George had somehow come back to life. Shaking it off, she tried to smile in reenforcement. `` You really call back she'll go after our look-alike ? ``

'' Why wouldn't she ? '' He asked, waving his scepter over her to put forward her up a double of her own. Moving hers to digest next to his, he studied them both closely. `` They look good enough to me. '' He shrugged.

'' wellspring, I certainly don't have a advantageously melodic theme. '' She moved to obscure herself behind the turned-over range, as Fred took their understood double and instructed them to exit the collapsible shelter and just run as far and fast as they could.

Knowing that her spell would be broken as soon as the barrier was breached, he shoved them through the chess opening and quickly came over to bow beside her just in case Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to come search the tent. `` Here goes nothing. '' He whispered.

( BREAK )

Being capable to stand down on the field, Ron almost felt like he really was part of the game and was grateful to McGonagall for letting him have this one small piece of what made him happy. He watched his team fly together and was thrilled to see them pull ahead in the score, cheering them along as any salutary coach would do. The snow had been magically cleared off the field but he didn't need it to be reminded that winter was on it's way, the day was clear and very moth-eaten. He huddled deeper into his crownwork after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the score jumped far enough ahead in Gryffindor's party favour, he decided it was condom to take a gaolbreak and go down to the refreshment base for some hot chocolate to warm his insides. Making his way through the storage locker rooms, he took the exit leading outside the scene of action and nearly ran into individual trying to make their way in. `` Oh, excuse me sir. '' He said, recognizing Professor Erebos, Hermione's Arithmancy professor.

'' Not at all Mr. Weasley. It was you I was actually coming to find. '' Erebos replied with what was clearly an attempt at a well-disposed grin… but the tightness at the niche of his mouth indicated to Ron that something was troubling the man.

'' What about ? '' He asked suspiciously though he didn't know why he felt that way. Something about the prof seemed off somehow… he was uncomfortable just being in the man's presence.

'' I'm not exactly sure. There is a young woman out in the woods who flagged me down and asked me to come find you. '' Erebos said, looking over his berm at the Forbidden Forest. `` She wouldn't countenance me to see her face, so I can't be sure… but she looked very much like Miss Patil, who has gone missing. I've semen to detect you because she was so repetitive but I think I must also go to the headmaster and inform him that one of his missing students has returned. ``

'' No ! Wait ! '' Ron pleaded, wondering what Anapurna was doing back here so soon. He'd only sent a letter off yesterday through lupine, he wasn't even sure enough it had plenty time to arrive to her so that couldn't be what drove her to follow back. He had to verbalize to her before Dumbledore or anyone else could show up and send her running. `` Just let me go see her first. ``

Erebos shook his head. `` I don't know, I think it's important… the young woman's parents are still here hoping she'll be found. It's cruel to not tell apart them and take the chance that she'll run again. ``

'' Please, I'll convince her to ride out. '' He promised with his fingers crossed.

'' okey, how about this ? I'll go with you into the woods to see her, I'll let you two have your present moment of seclusion and then we can all go to Dumbledore together. '' He offered. `` It's the simply way I'm assured that Miss Patil will return to where she belongs. ``

Ron reluctantly agreed, following the professor around the binding of the arena to the Forbidden wood. They walked pretty far into the trees, deepening Ron's suspicions to the point where he was ready to deform back. `` Parvati got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the Natalie Wood ? '' He asked carefully.

Erebos stopped and turned to him with his verge out and a demented smiling across his face. `` Sorry for the deception Mr. Weasley, but Parvati isn't out here. I just needed a reason for you to come into the woods with me. ``

He swallowed the enceinte lump of fear and panic that had risen in his throat. `` Why ? '' He tried to keep his part sweetheart but wasn't sure he'd accomplished the task.

'' To kill you. '' The professor said simply as he prepared to cast the ultimate unforgivable swearword. And then the man was screaming in pain as his wand volley into flames in his handwriting, forcing him to expend it to the ground.

Ron instantly reached into his pocket for his sceptre before turning to encounter Jacey standing a few yards behind him, her own baton in one hand and a boastfully Ball of fire in the other as she angrily stared down the prof. `` What are you doing out here ? '' He asked in his surprise.

'' Saving you it seems. '' She returned, seeming hurt that those were the number 1 words he'd elect to speak at the pot of her.

They both whipped around as the sound of someone clapping filled the air. Ron's eyes widened in cushion as Elise McKinney stepped out from behind a large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, slowly applauding them. `` wellspring done. '' She laughed.

'' The little bitch burned my deal ! '' Erebos shouted as he held the now useless outgrowth close to his body.

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you worse than that when you've angered me less. '' Elise giggled before turning her aid specifically to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd cum. I was so very queer to find out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a whole new dimension doesn't it ? But I'm not as tardily to discharge as Dolos. '' She said, throwing out her arms and producing her own bolide in her deal. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll consider this your audition. '' She taunted.

( suspension )

Luna just couldn't shake off the last two flying lizard chasing her. They forced her to fly away from the island, zooming so far over the ocean she could see Castellumshire on the horizon… still the puppet wouldn't give up the chase. She tried calling out to Harry but he didn't result, making her very nervous. She could feel that he wasn't hurt… but that was all, it was like a part of her brain had shut off and she was completely unable to transmit with him… It was almost as if there was something blocking them from using their powerfulness, or more precisely, their thought transference. The way she was flying, the way she was able-bodied to know where to go to avoid being hit by nipper, tooth and tails… that told her that her precognative inherent aptitude were well in tact as she knew she certainly wasn't the respectable flier.

She swooped low to avoid one dragon and then quickly turned ripe to avoid the other. Her fundament skimmed the water and she quickly pulled back up, making a long arc around Castellumshire before heading back toward the Gateway Islands. Becoming distracted by a unknown sound below her, she took the chance and looked down only to recover a little speedboat zooming through the piddle headed the same centering she was. Feeling the Draco right behind her, she decided to dip low, flying close enough only to see that there seemed to one person on board… a distaff wearing a hat and declamatory sunglasses. Intuition shot through her and she raced ahead, desperate to warn Harry.

At last she had returned to the island but he was nowhere in the sky… though the early eight dragons were. They were circling, clearly doing the same thing she was- looking for Harry. Figuring he must have landed she went down, flying over the shoreline in Bob Hope that he would see her. She let out a surprise scream when two of the dragons suddenly grounded ahead of her, opening their jaws and waiting for her to fly at them. Fixing her grip as she'd seen Harry do, she made a knifelike left and headed back out over the water where four more tartar waited. Once again changing her clutches, she zoomed straight up. `` LUNA ! LOOK OUT ! '' She heard Harry scream from far below her. Apparently he had seen her and ran out onto the beach to send for out.

It took a secondly too long for her to see what he'd tried to monish her about and so the couplet of dragons that had been laying in delay among the treetops had taken her by surprise. She raced upwards, high school over the island hoping to fall back them among the fluffy white-hot clouds. But before she could get herself quite that senior high, she felt one of the creatures grab the end of her broom and rip her through the air. She lost her grip completely and felt herself begin to unloosen fall. Thinking as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her descent until she was able-bodied to lightly target her foot on the ground. Her reliever quickly gave way to all out little terror as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the dragons'nest. Only this time she had no heather and she was completely alone.

( geological fault )

Harry had just used his wand to piece the broom he'd found in the Sir Henry Wood back together when Luna's shrieking echoed around him. He raced back onto the beach to catch an impossible sight- she was flying recklessly through the air as she tried to get away from all ten dragons. Seeing two of the wolf break off from the mathematical group and blot out themselves among the trees he realizing what the rather intelligent wight were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his mind but while he could still sense that constant link to her, it was as if individual had cut a wire somewhere and all he could hear was a dial tone. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his hands around his mouth and screamed out a warning to her, hoping she was able-bodied to hear him. If she did, it was too late. The early flying lizard had forced her to fly toward their yap and the two hiding leapt out to surprise her. She blast upwards but to no service as one reached out and grabbed her broom. She fell off as the puppet snapped the Scots heather like a toothpick, making Harry's gist stop for a moment. But this time she had her wand and was able to slow her decline, but when he saw where she landed his heart dropped entirely into his belly. The flying dragon had seen her too and they all descended on their nest, spirit on ousting the intruder.

Panic swept through him and he hurried to finish the final examination repairs on the Scots heather. Hearing a motorized sound he quickly ducked out of the way as a boat carelessly drove up into the guts, allowing a familiar woman to jump down and face him. `` hi Harry. '' Sarah Elaine greeted him as if they were old admirer, casually throwing her hat and sunglasses back into the boat.

'' I don't have time for you. '' He said. Knowing she didn't have a verge, he pointed his at her threateningly as he mounted the broom.

'' So I saw… seems your petty Friend fell into the legal injury place. '' She grinned. `` upkeep to have some assist in retrieving her ? ``

Harry eyed her warily. `` Why, so you can just kill us both ? ``

'' Come now, let's put the past behind us. We all act a bit irrationally sometimes. Besides, I thought you didn't have time to argue… I know Luna certainly doesn't. '' She pointed to the remains of his Firebolt, long leave a few chiliad down the beach. `` Fix that up and lets go. ``

He had no choice, he needed help distracting the dragons so he could fly in and grab Luna. Handing Sarah the broom he'd been holding, he ran over and waved his scepter, fixing his own heather as best he could… at least it was in flying circumstance if not properly calibrated for the best flight of stairs potential. Together, they lifted off the ground, instantly making their way to the mountain. Harry just hoped his desperation for help didn't wind up being his downfall.

( BREAK )

Jacey wrapped Harry's invisibility cloak tightly around herself and closed her eyes, doing her substantially to concentrate on apparating to just outside the quidditch pitch at Hogwarts. Of class, she was still getting the hang of the whole thing and so while she did get herself to Hogwarts, she was no where near the arena. In fact, she wound up inside the castle, just beyond the doors to the Great Hall. With a sigh of frustration, she made for certain she was completely covered by the cloak before making her way outside.

Of course of study she had agreed to assist keep an eye on Ron… she just had no idea why. He had made himself very clear that he wished to palm things on his own for awhile and she was tempted to back off and let him learn just how much he needed his friends. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would down him… She also could not abandon Ron because some division of her knew that his end would mean her own as well. He had made a valid point the former night, they did not eff each former, they had only just met and under the tensest of circumstances. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each former. She was Thomas More than willing to see what came of that attraction as she had already admitted that his letter of the alphabet is what ultimately made her make up one's mind to come here in the first place… she only hoped he would come to his signified long enough to-

She stopped bushed in her tracks as she realized she may have arrived too deep. Just beyond the arena, she saw two anatomy slip quickly into the Forbidden Forest and she was indisputable of at least one of their identity element. The other she only feared she knew. Racing forward, she let the cloak fall away as soon as she was within the tree line so that she could run with to a greater extent speed and to a lesser extent hindrance. At finish she came upon them and make she had been counterbalance on both accounts, Ron and Erebos were a few curtilage ahead of her. She could feel Ron's suspicion and doubt as he was led further into the trees.

'' Anapurna got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the woods ? '' He asked. Jacey was furious on his behalf, upset that the professor was willing to use such an open wound to play a joke on him into coming out here.

Erebos turned around wearing a cruel and wickedness grin. `` Sorry for the deception Mr. Weasley, but Parvati isn't out here. I just needed a reason for you to come into the woods with me. ``

'' Why ? '' Ron asked slowly, clearly trying to figure out what was going on and how to get out of it.

'' To wipe out you. '' Erebos replied. Jacey saw his intention a moment before he raised his wand and did the first thing that came into her mind… She set his wand on fire. He screamed in pain, dropping the thing as he cradled his injured manus to his body.

Ron pulled out his own wand before turning to visualise out just what had happened. `` What are you doing out here ? '' He asked as his gaze locked in on her.

'' Saving you it seems. '' She said stiffly, feeling distress to still see anger under the surprise in his eyes as he stared at her.

The audio of person slowly clapping filled the air. Jacey whipped around to find Elise McKinney coming out from behind one of the tree diagram. She had never met the woman and only knew her from the memories of others, but she was certainly of who she was seeing. `` fountainhead done. '' Elise laughed with genuine amusement.

'' The slight beef burned my hand ! '' Erebos shouted, glaring at them all.

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you worse than that when you've angered me less. '' She laughed again. Then ignoring both Male, she spoke directly to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd semen. I was so very singular to find out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a whole new dimension doesn't it ? But I'm not as easy to dispatch as Dolos. '' She said, waving her hands and producing her own fervency. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll believe this your audition. ``

Putting her wand in her pocket so that both of her hands were free, Jacey let the flaming flare out of her bigger and with more of a flourish than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the woman did not hesitate to set out her tone-beginning, hurling balls of fire one after the early. Engulfing her entire dead body in attack, Jacey was able to absorb whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to experience very warm. Run before this bed covering ! She thought out to Ron, not wanting him to get burnt.

I'm a bit busy at the second. He answered. She glanced over to see him alternatively trying to put out the flames spreading through the timberland and dueling Erebos who had retrieved the burnt remains of his wand and was trying to make it work with his undamaged hand. It seemed that every once in awhile the man was able to get the wand to perform his piece which only distracted Ron from his impromptu attempt at being a firefighter.

She tried reaching for her scepter but Elise only renewed her efforts, making it clear up that she intended this fight to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no choice but to fight flak with fire. It was more than Ron's water spell could keep back up with and if they didn't find a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the flames would circulate. She did her best to focus on controlling and containing them to their minor region but it lessened the amount of assiduity she could ease up to the actual fighting and found herself more on the defensive that she would deliver thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't care where the fire spread was giving the adult female an sharpness over her but there was nothing she could do about that, she had to do her best to hold in the equipment casualty her power caused. Realizing they were going to want assistance and taking even to a greater extent aid away from the battle, she called out to Draco as he was the only one left here that she trusted to ask for help. She hoped he made it in time.

'' Jacey ! '' Ron yelled, bringing her full attention back to the moment at hand. Seeing that she'd been momentarily distracted, Elise had taken her chance and used everything she had to sprout a jet stream of fire directly at her. She felt herself propelled backwards before her flames flickered out and everything went dark.

( BREAK )

'' What do you mean you have to go help Jacey ? '' Ginny demanded as Draco grabbed his coat. They'd been quietly lounging together in her room as they studied and she'd been enjoying the rather problematical worry-free moment… even if they had barricaded themselves in to avoid Professor Erebos.

Looking at his grimace, she could tell he wasn't any more proud of with the approximation of him leaving than she was. `` Apparently Elise made it onto the school solid ground and she and Erebos have your brother cornered out in the Mrs. Henry Wood. '' He answered honestly, in too much of a hastiness to attempt lying. `` faith me, the only when rationality I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, stay in here and don't give the door to anyone until I get back, okay ? ``

'' Not okay. I want to go with. '' She insisted, moving to grab her coat as well.

'' Please Ginny. '' He grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her to count at him. `` I'll be much more efficient in providing the helper Jacey and Ron need if I don't have the Lapp problem out there that she does. ``

'' Meaning ? '' She demanded stubbornly.

'' Meaning she's in trouble because she's distracted by thinking of Ron and anyone else being hurt… I can't be of much help if we add your welfare to our inclination of headache. ``

'' demand I remind you again that you aren't an divinity god or even a superhero ? You're a normal guy who got stuck with a being a wolfman and are just as capable of burning to death as I am. '' She gripped his arms, unwilling to let him give her sight.

'' We don't have fourth dimension to contend. For once just humour me and quell here. '' He pleaded.

She stared at him a bit, letting the rack turn in her oral sex as she figured out what to do. `` amercement, go. I promise I won't follow you. Just be careful. '' She agreed at last, too worried about Ron and Jacey to continue him any longer.

He seemed leery but he had no alternative other than to accept her understanding. Leaning in to quickly snog her goodbye, he then turned and fled the way. Walking over to her windowpane, she waited until she saw him zip across the schooling grounds… he was faster than any human she'd ever seen and she could read why he liked going out to run so much- it must be out of the question to retrieve when moving so quickly.

Picking up her coating she fled her room, rushing through the hall and out the battlefront door. She would preserve her hope not to surveil after him… but she wasn't going to grant him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the school staff sat. Unfortunately, the someone she wanted to talk to was also sitting future to the person she'd hoped to avoid… but she couldn't go back, three biography might be at stake, her blood brother's among them. `` Can we serve you with something ? '' lupin asked with a friendly smile as she approached him and Dumbledore.

Warily eyeing the headmaster, she took a deep breathing place and spoke to lupin. She knew it was best to sustain citation of Jacey and Elise out of things with so many ears around and so she made her full point as authorize and concise as possible. `` Draco ran out into the Grant Wood to try and stop prof Erebos from killing Ron. They need assistance. ``

( BREAK )

Fred waited a good two minutes to be sure Elanya was gone before turning to face-lift the bottom of the tent behind them. `` It's now or never. '' He told Hermione. She nodded solemnly and taking her bridge player, he led the way as they ran from the only thing that had been able to protect them. He tried to repeatedly address out for Harry and Luna but neither of them answered. `` It's like they can't hear me at all ! '' He said aloud in frustration as they carefully made their way through the trees, keeping an ear out for any augury of Elanya closing in on them.

'' I think it has something to do with the push field generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with most seafaring tools, even the charming ones. It's the main reason it's so hard for mass to see these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that sure brainwave frequency Harry and Luna use to transfer their telepathic abilities. ``

'' Whatever you say. All I heard is that we're stuck finding them the old fashioned way. '' He tried to use his wand to direct him towards the nearest living homo but the stupid matter kept pointing up. `` Or not. '' He muttered, finally giving up.

'' Unless… '' She looked upward and he followed her regard. There were several dragons still out and they seemed to be attacking their own nest. `` You don't think… ? ``

'' I do now. '' He answered grimly, figuring the entirely answer was that their friends were up there and in a lot of bother. `` I guess we try to wax it. '' He walked toward the base of the great deal until he heard a small shriek of surprise that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to free her animal foot from a rather ugly looking works. Originally mistaking it for some form of shrub, they had walked by unaware… but now the matter had spread it's leaves apart and was shooting out several tentacle-like extrusion that were attempting snap Hermione and deplumate her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his baton. But the plant seemed to be immune to magic and nothing he tried would make it stop.

'' Let go ! '' She yelled as she kicked at the plant life. Not knowing what else to do, Fred picked up a large sway and began slamming it down on the tentacles. The plant let out a pitiful auditory sensation, indicating it could feel pain. In an attempt to free herself, Hermione reached for another sway and helped him beat the tentacles away. Grabbing her under her blazonry, he pulled her to her substructure and they scrambled away before the strange shrub could regroup.

'' Well, that was something new. '' He said as they caught their breather. He'd certainly never come across a plant like this before in all his metre wandering the island though he'd definitely found some weird ace. Of course, other than finally night when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this stopping point to the base of the flock. He gave mute thanks that he hadn't passed by this matter in the dark.

'' Let's just keep going. '' Hermione seemed shaky but set and so he nodded and went on, this clock time ensuring they remained side by side. It was a short walking and looking towards the sky, they were able to see that the way to the top of the mountain wasn't exactly straight up… that was a serious thing, making it less in all likelihood that they would lessen to their deaths while attempting this. `` Okay, we just need to find the right blank space to start. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the rocky wall and several different paths up.

Fred took a different feeler, walking right up to the quite a little and trying out the handholds and footing in a few places. Taking a few more footmark to the left, he reached to climb up only to sense the rocks give way under his hands. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the flat coat, knocking the breath out of him and sending shooting pains up and down his leg. `` Fred ! '' He heard Hermione screaming his name.

'' Yeah ! '' He called out as best he could as he wheezed and tried to get his breathing back to convention. `` I'm alive ! '' He assured her more loudly once he was able.

'' Yes, but are you okay ? '' She yelled down to him.

'' I think my leg broke my fall. '' He shouted back, groaning in pain as he sat up to take a tone at himself. Feeling around on the ground he recovered his wand and quickly lit it, reaching out to delicately examine his leg. `` I don't think anything's broken ! '' He assured her. No, not broken… just really banged up. He'd definitely landed on it wrong and he could see the entire affair swelling from his knee down to his ankle.

'' I'm going to float you up. ``

'' Just give me a second to accumulate myself. '' Putting as little weightiness on it as possible, he slowly climbed to his feet. Only once he was standing did he actualize he seemed to offend everywhere including the articulatio humeri that had been broken live on year during the quidditch match against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the seat of his shirt in his mouth to dull any phone of annoyance he might make, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a here and now he was able to forget all about his leg, but then came the common sense of relief that told him that he'd achieved the result he'd wanted, his shoulder was back in it's proper place. Panting from the effort he wiped the stew from his human face and took a few steadying breather. `` Okay, ready ! '' He called out.

Instantly his animal foot carefully left the land, leaving him to feel as though he were softly cradled in the hands of some unseeable whale. He put his wand in his pocket as he rose up, wanting to own both deal free to facilitate pull out himself exculpated of the surprisingly small possible action he'd fallen through. At survive he was able-bodied to see Hermione, using her wand to direct his progress. Reaching up, he grabbed the edges of the stony opening. `` I need you to sustain propelling me forward, I hurt my leg so I can't get a upright grip with my feet. '' He told her. She nodded and doubled her tightness, trying to only hold him an supererogatory boost as he struggled to pull himself free. Now being forced to use all the strength in his weapons system, he was gladiola that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his muscles a bit.

'' Expelliarmus ! '' soul screamed and Hermione's wand was ripped from her handwriting and sent flying off into the woods. Without her spell to aid him, he lost a bit of his grip and struggled through the pain to find a bridgehead lest he descend back down into the cavern. He scrambled to restrain onto the rock and roll despite how incisive they were… once he felt unfaltering, he was capable to wait up and see Elanya staring at them with a wide smile as she tauntingly waved her wand. `` I'm sorry it took so farsighted to dispatch those stunt man you sent running out… it seems you're a full conjurer than I thought. ``

'' What do you want ? '' Hermione tried to reason with her as Fred struggled to use his bruise leg to facilitate advertise him through the hole. But the more pressure he tried to put on it, the more numb it seemed to grow… almost to the point where he wasn't even sure it was there anymore. He tried to turn over back for his scepter but letting go of the careen made him instantly slide backwards. He would postulate all the durability in his weapon system to draw himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to confront Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new decision, he decidedly placed his animal foot and pushed off with them, gritting his teeth against the infliction. From there he was able to reach out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( BREAK )

'' Jacey ! '' Ron shouted but he was too late. Something had distracted her prospicient enough for Elise to get in a direct hit, sending her flying through the air and leaving her crumpled in the snow. He tried to run to her but felt somebody barrel into him, tackling him to the ground.

'' That's between them ! '' Erbos yelled, pointing his destroyed sceptre directly in Ron's look as he pinned him to the earth. `` This here is between us ! ``

'' I don't even know who the hell you really are ! '' He shouted angrily, gripping his sceptre and sending the man hurtling through the air away from him. `` Jacey ! '' He yelled again as he sat up and saw Elise bend over her.

'' She's indisposed at the moment. '' Elise called, straightening herself and turning to face him. He scrambled to his foundation and pointed his wand with a water spell on the tip of his natural language and ready to be used. `` So, her name is Jacey then is it ? '' She grinned and pulled out her own wand. `` What else can you tell me about her ? ``

Ron, I am okay. I just require a moment to find and sharpen my energy. He heard Jacey's voice whisper through his head. Do not engage her… Dragon is on his way to help.

Hearing that she was uninjured, relief swept through him so quickly his knees almost buckled out from under him. `` Nothing to say ? '' Elise asked, bringing his attention back to her. `` Dolos told me how you were the only one to be seen with the mysterious rook Edgar Guest at the Costume Ball… he also told me how close you two appeared to be so I know you can distinguish me everything I want to know. Of line, seeing how reluctant you seem, I feel it's best I remind you that I could always force you to differentiate me. Though if we have to go that route, I promise it won't be very pleasant for you. ``

'' What do you want to know ? '' He asked, hoping to buy time.

'' Everything about her that you know. ``

'' I know she's a liar. '' He said quickly. `` I know I can't combine anything she's ever told me and so I'll gladly repeat every lie she's ever said and leave it to you to screen out the facts. '' He pushed himself to feel as genuinely furious as potential, wanting the woman to believe there was no reason to conceive she'd be successful in using Jacey against him and vice versa ... or even better, convincing Elise that she didn't want anything to do with Jacey. He felt horrible, not just for what he'd said now, but also for the affair he'd said in the past… and even after he'd expressed such horrifying nonsensicality, she'd still come to try and aid him. I'm sorry. He thought out. I'm sorry I said those things, I just want us both to get out of this.

I know. Jacey replied calmly.

'' A in force liar can be of large use. '' Elise nodded approvingly. `` Unfortunately, it seems you are of no use at all. ``

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his head and he saw her leap to her metrical foot behind Elise who had once again raised her custody to put forward her fire. Before he could wave his wand to harbour, person roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his feet and carrying them both away faster than Ron thought possible. It only took him a moment to realize who had just may experience saved his life.

'' We have to go back for Jacey ! '' He yelled to Dragon who immediately turned them around.

As they approached the two girls still whipping fire at each former without very much caution as to what was around them, someone shouted `` impediment ! '' forcing Draco to slip and sending both boys sprawling to the ground.

Tightly gripping his baton, Ron leapt to his understructure as Draco fought the spell he'd been hit with which was currently keeping him from moving any nearer to fray. Erebos stood there, waving Jacey's verge tauntingly. `` Looks like your friend dropped this. '' He grinned. `` Time to see how much you've really learned while you've been here at Hogwarts Mr. Weasley. ``

There was no meter to be aflutter, he instantly cast a shield having seen the man ready to shake off a spell at him. Within a second he had retaliated by sending a freezing hex, but the professor took a pageboy from Jacey and Elise's book shooting a stream of ardor from his wand that met the spraying of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his assiduousness he repeated the while, attempting to strengthen his position… but Erebos was just as determined and unrelenting.

'' ENOUGH ! '' A prosperous vox surrounded them.

And then suddenly the duel was over as Erebos was bound from head to toe in front of him. Ron took several deep breather and lowered his baton as Dumbledore and Lupin came forward. The spell meant to sustain Draco at bay had finally worn off and he slowly walked up next to him. `` Thanks. '' Ron said only loud enough for him to hear.

'' Don't mention it. '' He answered grimly.

Dumbledore walked over to stare down at his disgraced professor. `` Well Dolos, it seems I've finally caught you in something you won't be able to lecture your way out of. '' He said with a slight yet triumphant smile.

( break )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a small scuttle across the cuddle the seemed to take into the mountain. She instantly ran towards it though she was uncertain even her short and slight inning could crush through. Intuition burned in her gut and she flung herself to the terra firma with a humble scream of terror as she felt one of the monumental beasts fly over her. Flipping onto her back she shot a mantrap at the wildcat's married person as it swooped in to take a leak it's own try at catching her. The spell seemed to rebound off the dragon's hide, having no outcome former than to see red the fauna even more. Luna quickly rolled to the side as it snapped at her before flying off to commit the following duad their turn with her.

Scrambling to her feet, Luna injection toward the cave curtain raising. She was tempted to use her sceptre and blast the hole open wider, but she worried that might possibly interrupt the stability of the slew. The last matter she wanted was to run away the beasts only to be buried in a landslide or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely capable to squeeze through, turning her physical structure sideways to make it.

She screamed as she felt a sharp stab of pain sensation and turned, using her sceptre to glow the dragon who had grabbed her arm before she could fully blot out herself. This seemed to have More outcome than anything else as the fauna let out a mightily shriek of nuisance and let her go. Pulling herself further into the crevice, she was led down a bit into a larger cave where she tripped over something that rattled and rolled away from her foot. With a sick notion in the pit of her tum, she lit her baton and covered her sass to defy back the scream of horror she wanted to unleash. Several bone littered the floor of the cave, and they seemed to belong to both animate being and humans.

Remaining near the gap, she turned her back so she wouldn't have to see any of it and instead focused on checking the damage done to her arm. Seeing two large bloody gashes in the sleeve of her coating, she shrugged it off feeling far too warmly anyway. Tearing off the relaxation of the ruin sleeve of the shirt she had on underneath, she examined her skin and found that, while abominable, the scratch line didn't seem to go too deep… While it had been happening, it had felt like her arm was nearly severed and she was Sir Thomas More than a trivial let off to get wind that wasn't the instance. She quickly used the scrap of fabric that had once been her sleeve to wrap the wound and squelch the bleeding.

'' LUNA ! '' She heard Harry yelling desperately for her.

'' I'M HERE ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the narrow initiative to return to the nestle. Peering out from the hollow, she caught the unacceptable sight of not only Harry, but also Sarah Elaine as they both zoomed through the air, working together to distract and split the dragons. Luna watched in amazement as Sarah flew past respective Boulder, using her telepathy to knock them over onto the twosome of dragons that had been pursuing her.

'' Luna ! '' Turning her attention back to Harry, she saw that he kept swooping back and forth until he was able-bodied to twit all of the dragon back into the air. They may not be able-bodied to communicate in their heads at the moment, but she knew him well enough to estimate what he wanted her to do. As soon as the last tartar had taken escape, she ran out into the open where Harry could see her. Putting her wand between her teeth, she threw her hands in the air as he passed over and struggled to hold on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on firing with pain as she struggled to climb up onto the broom with him as they'd done at Lairmore, but she tried to crusade it out of her idea until she was safely seated behind him.

'' You got it ? '' Harry called over his berm as she settled herself and wrapped her injured arm around him.

'' Just fly, I'll cast. '' She assured him, taking her wand from her mouth and turning to buck a current of fire at the two flying lizard that were just a few scant invertebrate foot behind them, sending the beasts to dive away.

'' This way ! '' Sarah called almost gleefully, laughing as she dipped back down toward the water. As they descended, Luna was able to make out yet another small-scale gravy boat streaking toward the island. Sarah flew them down towards it and with ten dragons fast behind them, Harry had no choice but to conform to. Squinting a bit, Luna thought she was capable to recognize the two people on the sauceboat and as soon as she made the connecter she knew she was right. `` That's impossible… '' She said breathlessly.

'' What ? '' Harry asked, turning his head slightly to get word her wagerer. She could feel his frustration at not experiencing the concluded access to her thoughts that he'd become used to having… she knew he felt this way because it was the same exact way she was feeling and it made them both uncomfortable.

'' Watch where you fly ! '' Sarah happily called out a monition as the air suddenly exploded in a rain shower of flames all around them.

( faulting )

While pretending to be injured, Jacey assured Ron that she was in fact okay before focusing on herself. She went into her own head, trying to gather her energies and refuel her fire. Sending her brain out, she heard him apologizing to her… I know. She answered him, and she did be intimate that he genuinely felt bad for the way he had spoken to her only to discover that she would come to his rescue anyway.

And then Elise's thoughts overpowered his and she was able to see that the cleaning woman intended to get rid of the alone mortal there to witness whatever she had planned. GET OUT OF THE WAY ! She screamed at Ron, as she lurched to her groundwork. She watched in horror as Elise unleashed a fiery blaze in his direction… which is the exact present moment Draco swooped in, grabbing Ron and taking them both far beyond the fight. Jacey was grateful that she now had one less thing to interest about. She reached for her scepter only to discover that at some point it had fallen out of her scoop. Cupping her hired hand, she formed a fast fireball and threw it at Elise, knocking the cleaning woman foursquare in the rear before she could illuminate herself on flack to absorb the inter-group communication. This caused her not only to scream in pain but more importantly, to completely leave about chasing after the boys.

She quickly lit and extinguished herself before turning to Jacey. `` And I thought it was only those on Voldemort's position who struck people in the book binding. ``

'' You do not know me or what I have been up to of in the past… I could cause just as easily joined the former side. '' Jacey replied darkly, trying not to let herself think of anything in her past.

'' Except there's obviously something you want that Harry and his friend can provide you. '' Elise grinned. `` secernate me what it is and I promise I can get it to you libertine and with to a lesser extent difficulty that they ever could. ``

'' I highly doubt that. '' She thought of what she wanted and knew the only way to get any of it was to persist patriotic and trustworthy to those who had so totally accepted her. She had already lived the life Elise was offering and had only recently been able to give off the shackles of that variety of existence… The one where you could intrust no one and everyone used everyone else to further themselves, the one where you always felt unequaled and mark and were forced into being soul you are not in order to last. She was ready for the spirit that came with being Harry's ally and a member of the coven… She was prepare for the form of friendship you would risk your animation for even after arguing and she was set up for the freedom of being able to say and do what she wanted, of being able to care about anything and everything, of being able to be herself.

'' Come now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just think if you joined us, conceive of the cosmos after we win this war… we'll be capable to form it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about wizards and muggles, it'll be about those like us… those with mogul. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can cause as often wipeout as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the best stake of all if we could make some sort of agreement. ``

'' So then you concede the conflict. '' Jacey challenged, brushing off the womanhood's poorly composed sales event pitch.

'' I'm dong no such thing. '' She assured her, once more lighting herself on fire in slip Jacey decided to throw another ball of flame. She stared past her and smiled before once more get together her eyes. `` It looks like Dolos is about to wipe out Ron. ``

Not wanting to impart Elise the atonement of distracting her, she quickly conjured the big fireball she could and station it flying at the woman at top focal ratio, knocking her to the ground. Circling around so as to never have got her back to Elise, she scanned the tree for Ron and saw him and Erebos dueling as Draco paced nearby, desperately trying to campaign off whatever spell was keeping him from moving forward to help.

Checking on her own foe in this conflict, she saw Elise reach out from the earth and point. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her sleeve to shield her forefront as the tree diagram next to her exploded in flaming. `` ENOUGH ! '' A loud, authoritative voice reverberated through the tree. Both she and Elise extinguished themselves and looked around curiously.

Relief flooded through her when she saw Dumbledore and Lupin rushing over to Ron, genus Draco and Erebos. `` well, I guess this means it's time to go. '' Elise smiled, shooting one more than surprise bam of blast before turning and running off through the trees.

Jacey quickly dodged before running off after her. `` No ! blockade her ! '' She shouted as the cleaning woman passed within a few feet of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set several tree on fire as a misdirection to proceed them occupy. Leaving it to the others to keep the fire from spreading, Jacey never slowed her pace and continued on in her pursuit. She thought she was alone until she felt Draco coming up behind her… and then he was passing her as he moved with unimaginable speed. Do not let her constitute it past the school's boundaries ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was unable to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the protective covering charms… but if she made it past Hogwarts'edge, she'd be able to go anywhere.

Seeing that Elise was only yards away from escaping, Dragon pushed himself a little harder and mad a rampantly dive, tackling the cleaning lady around her legs and bringing her to the solid ground. Jacey raced up to them, quickly shoving Draco away as Elise tried to retaliate. He threw up a shield around himself to throw off the flames. `` You have to let me leave, Harry and Luna's life story may bet on my helping them. '' Elise said after calming her ira at being stopped so roughly.

'' What do you mean ? '' Jacey and Draco demanded at the Lapplander time.

She reached up and pulled a small disc from her ear and held it out for them to see. `` I've been in constant communication with Sarah since Elanya contacted Dolos and told him to let us know that your friends had finally arrived on the island to hold open Fred. Now she's telling me that the Draco are wake up and very much after Harry and Luna. We researched that island well before choosing it and learned everything we could about the dragons including reading the new Holy Scripture written by Charlie Weasley… those dragons aren't the kind that breath ardour, they're scared of it. Now Sarah is trying to help, but they're only three people against a horde of wildcat. If I don't go and assistant, two of your friends and one of mine might just become some pitiable creature's meal. '' She smiled smugly at them as she walked backward until she was in a station she could apparate from.

Draco uncertainly raised his wand to stop her but Jacey grabbed his arm. `` No. '' She said quietly.

Elise only grinned wider as she extended a paw out to her. `` Come with me Jacey. We can work out together just this once in the interest of saving our friends'lives. After we can go mightily back into another firefight if you'd like ... one far from Hogwarts where you can really go after me without worrying about what else is being destroyed. '' She offered.

Don't do it… it's got to be a bunker. Draco silently warned her.

I know it is. But I can also see that she is not lying about Harry and Luna being in difficulty. Jacey replied. Quickly making her choice, she rushed to accept Elise's helping hand and allowed the woman to whisk them away before Draco could stop them.

( BREAK )

Harry dodged to the left hand to turn tail the dragon only to have to swerve immediately right to dodge the fireball that shooter past them. Luna had abandoned her attempt to use her scepter and now held onto him tightly with both sleeve as it was crystalize that his flying was the only matter that was going to get them through this. He didn't infliction to distract himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a firedrake or plummet into the ocean for all he cared, as long as he and Luna got out of this with their lives… Oh yeah, and Jacey who was inexplicably down on a gravy holder with Elise as both girls flung fire in the air to chamfer off the creatures. He wished he could talk to Luna without turning and shouting, he wished they could hash out their options and what they thought it meant that Sarah and Elise were there seemingly to help. He felt cold and isolated being cut off… not only from her thinker but from Hermione, Fred and Jacey's as well.

'' straits down to the boat ! '' Sarah called as she zoomed past them to lightly land and looked up expectantly.

'' What do you intend ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to make his way though ardor and dragons.

'' Jacey's down there alone with the both of them ! '' She yelled back. `` Like it or not, we have to go. ``

'' I can't be sure to parry dragons with all three of us on the broom ! ``

'' Then we'll have to shoot down and take the former broom back from Sarah ! Then we can go find Fred and Hermione and get the hell out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her look in his back in preparation for the sharp drop he was about to get. Fixing his grip he shot straight down, streaking past several flying lizard until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to send off out flame flares to keep the beasts at bay as he softly set his feet down on the bow of the small gravy boat. Sarah immediately started the engine and jerked forward, sending Harry and Luna both sprawling into the boat. She turned the bicycle and swung around, speeding away from the island.

'' What are you doing ? ! '' Harry demanded as he and Luna helped each other to their feet.

'' Getting us away from here, what does it look like ? '' She stared at him as if he were pillock before gesturing to the fanny of the boat where Jacey and Elise were still using their power to fend off the four flying dragon intention on pursuing them beyond the island.

'' No, we have to go back. '' He insisted. `` Hermione and Fred are still there. ``

'' So what ? '' Elise called over her shoulder. `` They're dead weight around your neck. Let them go. ``

'' Elanya is still there too. '' Luna argued.

Elise fully turned to them and smiled. `` So what ? '' She asked again. `` Unlike you, I trust that my Allies are more than than capable of taking care of themselves… and unlike you, I could care less whether they live or die. ``

'' I think this is far enough. '' Sarah said, once more turning off the engine and letting the gravy boat drift through the water. They had apparently gone far enough to ensure the dragons that they had no intentions of returning to their nest. The wildcat had finally given up the quest and headed back home plate. `` I didn't think it would take all of this to get you to the island. '' She grinned.

'' You wanted us to fall here ? '' Harry asked doubtfully.

'' Of course. '' Elise laughed. `` We knew you'd want to do after Fred and so he proved his starting time use to us… there's still more for him to do though. ``

'' We just never thought it would charter you this longsighted to picture things out… Tristan must have kept you all pretty preoccupied. '' Sarah taunted. `` Seems he's disappeared from the castle though. Can't delay to see where he turns up next. ``

Harry, Luna and Jacey stole glances at each other… it seemed that Elise and Sarah didn't know anything about them having already killed Tristan. Yet again he wished he still had the top executive to go into their minds to see if it was true. `` I thought he was supposed to making you both immortal in Voldemort's name. '' He said, not wanting to give himself away while at the Sami time hoping to get a few more answers than Simon had been able to provide.

'' We haven't yet decided whether we'll go through with that. '' Elise shared a smile with Sarah as if they were sharing some private joke. `` We're still weighing the pro and sting of immortality… but it's important to always come out agreeable to Lord Voldemort. '' She laughed.

'' But we're getting off topic. '' Sarah reminded her. `` I do believe they were about to ask why we wanted them here. ``

'' It's simple, we wanted to demo just how open we are in getting what we want and how strategical it would be for you three to join us. '' Elise explained to them. We figured someplace far from the influence of Dumbledore and your other friend would give us the luck to really make ourselves listened to rather than just heard. ``

'' Big gestures are the only way to make people heed ... '' Luna quietly repeated what Marvin Neil Simon had said to them when explaining his own actions.

Elise stared at her in surprise. `` I'm glad you see my full stop. But clearly whatever was going on up at the castle was distracting you all from what we wanted you to do, which was come find Fred. It was taking so long that we figured sending in Dolos to rough out up Ginny Weasley would make you focus… plus Elanya had told us she was having bother getting Fred to cooperate so we figured it would be a win-win post. Of course the stunned man is terrified of both Draco Malfoy and your friend lupin for what they are, though he's too gallant to admit it. When Draco refused access code to Ginny, making it crystallize that the lone way Dolos was reaching her was through a fight with him, our LE than courageous spy gave up. But then, to our delight we received word that you all had come to the island today anyway and we knew it was the perfect chance so Elanya ordered Dolos to obliterate Ron. Then after Jacey showed up, I told her you all were in hassle and so we apparated to my waiting ship and hopped in the speedboat to fall to your saving. ``

'' So what happened back at Hogwarts ? '' Harry asked nevously, this time turning to address Jacey who he'd left hand in commission of looking after Ron.

'' He is fine. '' She assured him and Luna. `` Erebos may not be… last I saw, Dumbledore seemed extremely pleased to take him in custody. ``

'' It doesn't affair in the least. '' Elise assured them. `` Why else do you consider I left the idiot behind to whatever portion befell him ? Even if he decided to turn on me, he knows nothing of any consequence… I've seen to that personally. And with only two calendar week left for you all to be at Hogwarts, the man was entirely spendable. '' She stopped to smile at the faces they were all making. `` Oh don't look at me like that. He and I had a heap, I provided my part and he provided his. Just because he got get doesn't mean I had any debt instrument to help… he made his option to become involved in this and now he knows he was dealing in matter far above his drumhead. ``

'' A poor object lesson to get wind the hard way. '' Sarah lamented, shaking her head in mock grief before smiling brightly. `` In any guinea pig, we got exactly what we wanted even if we had to sacrifice Dolos. Now we know Jacey. ``

'' It's OK, Dolos was very good at his job when he wanted to be. '' Elise cooed, reaching out to comfort Jacey who shoved her away. She went on as if Jacey wasn't staring dagger of hatred at her. `` He saw you and Ron at the Costume formal, and putting two and two together, he figured you were the Same mysterious person Dumbledore had been keeping in his office… the one Harry and all his friends made special trips up there to natter. We knew putting Ron's life in danger would bring you running, especially if Harry and Luna were engaged elsewhere. ``

'' But Erebos really intended to shoot down Ron ! '' Jacey protested.

'' So ? '' Sarah shrugged. `` Who is he in all of this ? He has no power or title to greatness. ``

'' Regardless your opinion of our friends, '' Harry stepped in to block up Jacey from punching Sarah in the expression as it was clear she very much longed to do, `` you've done all of this for no cause. We obviously want nothing to do with you. '' He looked at Luna, hoping their connexion to each other was unassailable enough for her to understand what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and adopt a small gradation sideways toward the Scots heather Sarah had abandoned when she'd gotten on the boat. He'd never let his go even when he'd fallen and he now held it stiffly beside him, hoping Jacey would get the jot. Apparently, they didn't entirely need their telepathy to communicate with each other… just a total intellect of how they all thought. Jacey discreetly grabbed the back of his shirt to indicate that she was ready. It had taken a matter of second but they were ready and so he quickly swung his broom so they could hop on as Luna lunged for the other one and together they zoomed up into the sky, surely to move fast enough to outrun Elise's firing range.

'' Let's go find Fred and Hermione and go home ! '' Jacey shouted unnecessarily as they rushed back toward the island with the speedboat in hot following below them.

( BREAK )

'' What do you need ? '' Hermione asked, trying to hide the fact that she was scared.

'' If I knew that I would already make it, wouldn't I ? '' Elanya sneered. She walked forward, making a small circuit around her as she inspected her from every angle. `` So, you're the reason Fred never gave in to me… '' She came to abide directly in movement of her, her prosperous centre glaring with a insanely flak. `` I just don't get it. There must be something here that I'm just not seeing. '' She said with intentional meanness.

Hermione kept quiet, though there were about a million thing that she would sustain liked to say in issue. But without her wand, the last thing she wanted was to contribute the girl another rationality to wish well her dead.

'' Nothing to say ? '' Elanya asked quietly. `` That's okay, I have my own way of finding matter out. '' She tightly clutched her wand before reaching out to catch Hermione's hand, the Lapp one Fred had held earlier.

Hermione watched in horror as the miss's middle rolled up into her head and she fell forward. Elanya still had her mitt in a death grip and dragged her pile to her stifle as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some sort of visual sensation of the past. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself free. For a brief mo she considered going into the George W. Bush to look for her verge but remembering her concluding skirmish with unusual foliage, she decided it would be best to make Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the miss's finger apart.

'' Not so fast ! '' Elanya screamed, coming out of her enchantment or whatever she was doing, tackling Hermione to the ground and shoving her wand against her throat. strangling and coughing, she pushed against the wand as she struggled to breath but Elanya had locked her arms and was unrelenting. She leaned in ending to Hermione with an evil smile. `` I saw all the memories you shared together. It was very sweet but not at all what he needs… I'm sorry but it has to end this way. ``

arrival deep interior herself, Hermione gathered every bit of strength she had and getting her legs under the other girl, she kicked out and managed at last to get her off. Grabbing at her pharynx in relief as air once more made it's way to her lungs, she struggled to her feet, not wanting to be caught unaware. Elanya was already standing and pointing her wand. `` You're right, what fun is it to just end your sprightliness like that ? '' She sneered as she dusted herself off. `` It's much more fun if you have the illusion of escape isn't it… go ahead, I'll give you a maneuver scratch. Run. ``

'' No. '' She coughed out. Being forced to give all of her attending to the psychotic girlfriend, she had no approximation whether Fred had fallen again and break up his neck, but she couldn't just leave… especially when it was most likely that Elanya would catch her anyway.

'' fountainhead, that's your prerogative. '' She smiled with brainsick delight and got quick to cast. `` I wish I could say it's been nice knowing you. ``

Hermione closed her eyes and waited for impact. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another magical spell straight at Elanya that sent her flying several yards back through the tree until she hit one severely enough to strike hard her out. She turned to recover him sprawled on the undercoat, sweating and panting from the crusade of pulling himself unloosen with a leg that even from here looked extremely egotistic. `` Accio wand. '' He called tiredly in the direction Hermione's wand had flown earlier. It shot into his hand, which he held out to her as she rushed over.

'' Are you okay ? '' She asked, taking the baton and kneeling next to him.

'' I'm really not sure. '' He answered, groaning in annoyance as she helped him sit up. His hands were bleeding from the tilt, but other than that and his leg, nada else seemed too serious.

'' Ferula. '' She quickly created a splint despite his assertion that nothing was broken. After all she couldn't exactly carry him, she needed him to be able to walk. `` That should facilitate. And we'll find an old arm or something for you to use as a cane to help put your weighting on it. ``

'' Wonderful. '' He agreed, tightly closing his eyes as he presumably thought of the torment of being forced to displace at all, let alone to walk.

'' We have to retrieve Harry and Luna. They're the only one who can get us out of here. '' She pressed.

He nodded weakly. `` I know. Go find a branch and let's do this. '' He said, trying to rally himself.

They both kept an eye on the position Elanya had landed as she ventured into the trees to look for a art object of wood foresightful and uncompromising enough for their purpose. At death she found one and rushed back over to serve Fred climb to his human foot. Throwing his early arm around her shoulders, he was eventually able to detect a way to use both her and the make-shift walk pin to his salutary vantage as he hobbled along. `` Should we call out for them since they can't seem to hear us in their principal ? '' She asked looking up at the sky and finding it empty.

'' I don't know… either it'll bring them to us, it'll bring someone else to us or it'll be useless because they were eaten by the dragon that now seem to give birth calmly returned to their nest. '' He answered gloomily.

'' Well, that's the kind of mental attitude that'll get us through this. '' She said sarcastically.

'' Sorry. '' He muttered. `` I think our best bet is to go down to the beach. If they're still out there somewhere, that's the better place for them to see us. Calling out would only narrate Elanya exactly where we are. ``

'' okeh then. '' She smiled.

He wrapped his arm more tightly around her shoulder and sighed. `` I'm glad you came to rescue me… I'm not used to playing the damoiselle. '' He grinned.

'' Yeah well, it's no picnic being the Andrew Dickson White knight either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too much pressure. ``

They walked on in comfortable secretiveness, as glad as they could be given their situation. To his credit rating, Fred didn't petition that they stop to breathe until they'd actually made it all the way down to the beach and out in the open up. Moving over to a chemical group of small Boulder, she helped him sit while keeping the rock and roll and water at their backbone and their eyes capable to see the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree line and anyone who may cheat on out of it. `` Did you hear that ? '' He asked after a abruptly while, shading his optic as he searched the afternoon sky.

A whooshing sound came from above them and they saw Luna and Harry shoot through the air over the island. `` Is there someone on Harry's ling ? '' She asked, trying to figure out who it could be.

'' Who cares ? Now is the time to scream and get their attending. '' He said, struggling to use the rock candy to aid labor himself to his feet. She leapt up to aid and together they walked further away from the tree into the backbone. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their hands until at last Harry caught sight of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her foot, Hermione looked down and gave a minor shriek as respective large sea crabs scuttled across the gumption towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the trees, pointing her scepter at Fred and sending the lilliputian puppet she'd conjured after him.

Hermione tried to help fend them off but suddenly found herself dragged backwards by an invisible military group only to end up at Elanya's feet. `` That should keep open him busy enough for us to cease what we started. '' She leered down at her.

( breach )

These stupid crabs just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob mentality as they swarmed over each early to achieve Fred. He tried to gimp after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each other further up the beach but between his already injured leg and the shrewd claw continually piercing the hide of the good one, it was all he could do to keep from falling over. Using his wand and the peg he'd been carrying as a crutch to fend the little pest off, he slowly persisted forward while looking to the sky to see why Harry and Luna hadn't landed to serve them yet. He saw that they'd become involved in their own battle out over the ocean as a boat raced toward the beach. Once of the people aboard was shooting fireballs and streaks of flame into the air while the person riding with Harry returned the fiery attack. Luna was swooping in, waving her baton and stirring up some waving in an effort to keep the gravy holder from reaching the island… but it was clear the person driving cared nothing about the boat, damaging it beyond fixing as it was battered by Luna's spells. He was so occupy watching them that he wasn't quite watching where he was going anymore… pain shot through his understructure as he felt himself step on one of the pubic louse. Using the walking pin, he tried to regain his balance but his ft sank into the sand and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his implements of war to burst his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his back, he dropped the stick and wildly waved his wand but to no avail. The creatures were all over him in an instant, looking much larger and more tempestuous now that he was eye-level with them. There were so many, he felt as if he were being crushed under their weightiness as they piled on top of each former, all trying to pinch and pierce his cutis. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always More to read their place. affright settled over him as he realized that he was ineffective to get up and the crabs were taking the opportunity to swallow him.

( recess )

Luna gripped the broom tightly, terrified that she was going to decrease off as the smallest of visions suddenly washed over her to give a warning of what was coming. It was brief enough that she didn't completely misplace consciousness but detailed enough to carry through her life. Quickly dodging to the left away from Harry and Jacey, she turned to see a ball of fire explode where she'd been only a moment ago.

'' You okay ? '' Harry called as Jacey gripped him sozzled before turning to riposte the flames Elise was sending.

'' I'm fine ! '' She yelled back as she swerved another fireball. The boat had snuck up on them and Luna was amazed to discover that her vision had served not only to discourage her of the fervour, but that for some reason those young woman had decided they no longer handle if she lived or died. She wasn't sure what had changed, but from the way Elise continued to throw blast at her alone assured Luna that at some point, her life became less valuable to them than Harry and Jacey's… And so they were attacking her to distract them all from the fact that they were approaching the island where Hermione and Fred were clearly having trouble.

Deciding to do what she could to keep them from once more reaching the beach and carry out whatever they had planned next, Luna swooped in low and used her wand to conjure up some violent wave that tossed the little boat around. She grinned in satisfaction to see Elise nearly fall overboard… unfortunately it wasn't enough to deter Sarah who drove on despite the destruction being caused to her gravy boat. She waved her wand again, strengthening the charm and creating larger and more brutal waves… and then she saw the expectant ship on the visible horizon, quickly heading in their focussing. Distracted, she hovered in the air for a bit as she tried to calculate out who could be aboard.

'' Luna look out ! '' Jacey yelled at the same time her intuition screamed in her head to turn. She was less than a arcsecond too late and the very back of her heather was caught in the fiery stream.

Feeling herself begin to plump, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was solid solid ground below her, she rolled off the broom only to see herself surrounded by tons of crabs. She quickly got to her invertebrate foot but the brute didn't seem to have any interest in her and following their advance with her middle she was able to see Fred further away, thrashing about as all of the Phthirius pubis went about attacking him. Realizing what piece had been used, she rushed forward knowing there was nil that was going to call them off. Ignoring the ones that pinched her as she reached down to facilitate him get up, she saw that one of his legs was in a makeshift splint. Throwing his arm over her shoulder, she got a better hold and together they were able to abstract him off the ground and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to catch his breathing spell as they both used their scepter to keep the crabs at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his eyes wide of the mark with business. `` Now forget about me and go avail Hermione… I can't move quickly enough. ``

She looked over to see the girl dueling heavily with Elanya. They both looked tired but other than a few scar and bruise they hadn't seemed to make any headway against each other… The landscape around them was a unlike tale as shattered and uprooted Tree littered the beach. Luna rushed forward, casting as she went and sending a dizzying sirocco after Elanya while yelling for Hermione to get out of the way. But before her piece could reach it's mark, it was suddenly pushed harmlessly out to sea.

turning, she saw that Sarah had run the speedboat ashore and taken controller of Luna's sandstorm before it could harm her friend. Harry and Jacey grounded as Elise jumped down from the boat to join Sarah on the grit. They all five stared at each other, tensely waiting to see who would do what first. On one side of their group, Hermione and Elanya had resumed their affaire d'honneur as they now each were trying to keep the other from going to attend their friends… on the other side, Fred was still stuck fighting with nature while struggling to keep himself from falling over again.

The blaring sound of a ship's horn shattered the air and Luna nervously looked up to see how the firedrake took to it. Several gaudy shrieks erupted from the nest but apparently they had sensed there was no head threat to them and remained safely where they were. `` It seems our ride out of here has arrived. '' Sarah grinned. `` Who's coming with us ? ``

( recess )

Harry tried to follow Luna right away as he saw her broom gimmick fire, forcing her to land, but clearly Elise was having her fun and kept him dodging flaming as Jacey tried to retaliate from the vertebral column of the heather. `` They are about to rip ashore ! '' Jacey pointed out, yelling in his ear.

'' Keep our path clear ! '' He instructed, tightening his grip and heading heterosexual for the beach as she ensured Elise wasn't able to hit them. He landed as lightly as he could so that Jacey could get her feet under her before speeding over to Luna who had been trying to help Hermione until Sarah stepped in.

He tried to think, to see out what to do next… it was insufferable to contrive without knowing what everyone was thinking and as he, Luna and Jacey stared down Elise and Sarah, Harry found himself wondering how he'd ever managed before fully awakening that share of himself. A aloud horn startled him from his thinking and he looked out over the water to see a with child ship anchored and three rowboats full of multitude making their way to the beach. `` It seems our ride has arrived. Who's coming with us ? '' Sarah asked, looking around at them all with a mad grin.

Jacey and Luna looked at each other and then to him, it was clear they were as disconcert as he was that they were unable to plan. `` Can we discourse this among ourselves ? '' He boldly asked… after all, as far as Elise and Sarah knew, they were all bound to the island by the anti-apparation charms and thought they could provide the just way out.

Elise eyes him warily. `` I'd be agile about making a decision. '' She reluctantly agreed, gesturing over her shoulder. `` Whether they like it or not, everyone aboard that ship is under our control… not to mention your two friends seem to be struggling quite a bit. ``

Carefully grabbing Luna's uninjured arm he pulled her and Jacey further away and lowered his voice so only they could pick up him. `` Okay, Luna when I give the sign, run and grab Fred and get yourselves back to Hogwarts. Jacey and I will go get Hermione and surveil right behind you. '' She instantly opened her sassing to dissent but he shook his promontory and went on. `` If we haven't come back in ten minute, then go get lupin and Draco… go get Dumbledore if it makes you feel better… Just bring them back here to help. ``

She stared at him for a moment, clearly unsure that this was the full plan. But it was the just one they had and she must accept realized it. `` mulct, ten second and not a mo more. '' She finally agreed.

'' Okay then. '' Harry took her hand and held it tightly before turning to Jacey. `` I need you to keep Sarah and Elanya back as best you can while I go help out Hermione… as soon as we're able, apparate to the screech shanty okeh ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her hand together as she prepared to loose more of her business leader than she'd been able to in a more populated place.

'' Well ? '' Elise impatiently called from behind them. `` What's it going to be ? Come with us voluntarily or hold back until our little minions row ashore to force you to onboard with us against your will ? ``

'' Seeing as how there's still much about us that you don't know, we're going with pick C. '' Harry answered. He felt Luna tense next to him as she prepared to run. `` Now ! '' He shouted. Jacey unleashed a towering wall of flame, sending it to circle Elise and Sarah. The flames raged, flickering over seven feet high and with More military capability than anything he'd seen her conjure before.

'' That will take her a min to cope with. '' Jacey grinned.

Harry watched Luna rush over to Fred and waited until she had grabbed his arm and apparated them both away before turning to avail Hermione. `` Just keep them busy. '' He instructed before walking over to aid take care of Elanya and get off this island and back to Luna.

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a monition and turned to see several orotund boulders flying at him. He ducked to the ground and threw a shield around himself but it became quickly clear that Sarah hadn't been trying to drink down him as the rock 'n' roll settled and entombed him.

'' Cave Inimicum ! '' He heard Elise yell, strengthening the rock-and-roll and ensuring he was effectively trapped.



NOTE : More to come soon !