Having spent the entire day avoiding all of his Quaker, Ron decided to bound off dinner completely. Ignoring his rumbling stomach, he changed out of his schooltime robes and into dungaree and a sweatshirt before collapsing across his bed and staring angrily at the ceiling. lifetime wasn't fair… it was a construct he'd been confronted with over and over, he didn't understand why it continued to surprise him. He was tired of being offered the promise of happiness only to cause it ripped away. okay, so maybe he'd never had a probability with Hermione… but Luna had been his, they'd been in love and either one or both of them had ruined it. But he'd wanted to pluck up the pieces after, she was the one who'd been so convert it was over. And this year- at one compass point he'd thought Parvati was just the misdirection he'd needed, that he could farm closer with her and make something of it… And then Jacinda Nicolau had walked into his life… It had seemed a miracle that she'd returned his sake in her, but then she left and worse, Parvati had been taken away and was now suffering who knew what lot because he hadn't been wakeful to her and her demand as he should have been. After all, he'd agreed to begin dating her before he even knew Jacey existed, Parvati should have been his first concern.

Ron slammed his fist down on the bed, tired of feeling guilty and mad and spoil. Maybe he needed a ally right now after all, somebody to let the cat out of the bag to and help get some of this off his dresser. Harry had claimed to want to listen… but that had been while he'd come to defend Luna's purity. He didn't really feel like talking about any of this to the guy who was now in all probability sleeping with his first love.

He sat up at the sudden sharp knock on his door and quickly strengthened the shields around his psyche, figuring Harry had somehow picked up on his view and was now coming to hash thing out. Taking a cryptical breath in preparation, he got up and went to the door ready to tell whoever it was to go away… but when he opened it, no one was there.

'' Boo ! '' Jacey's head teacher suddenly appeared out of nowhere as she laughed heartily at his reaction. Fully pulling off the invisibility cloak, she walked correct yesteryear him into his room and turned to him with a dazzling smiling. `` Are you not glad to see me ? ``

'' I'll let you know as soon as I get my heart going again. '' He closed the threshold and faced her nervously. `` What are you doing back here ? ``

'' Turns out my business does not take me as far from the castle as I had thought. I was having the opportunity to come see you tonight and so I took it. '' She answered, suddenly having trouble meeting his gaze. `` Harry has told me what happened with Parvati and that you are sad. I am so sorry about this. ``

'' It's not your shift. '' Ron sighed, slightly upset to discover that Harry had sent her to see him.

She walked over and took his hand. `` It could be though… there is something I should tell you about. ``

'' I don't want to get wind it. '' He quickly shook his head and squeezed her manus. `` I've been over it and over it in my straits for the last two daylight, Annapurna's parents arrived today and are staying in the rook until we find her… it's already too much right now. I don't want to know anymore unless you can state me exactly where she is. ``

'' I can not. '' She said sadly.

'' Then I don't want to have it off. You're here, that's enough. ``

'' Is it ? '' Jacey smiled and Ron felt himself blush.

'' wellspring, uh… I mean, um… ''

She laughed and put her fingerbreadth to his brim, silencing his attempt to explicate. Then she smiled coyly, staring into his eyes before leaning in to lightly brush her backtalk against his. `` Perfect. '' She whispered as she leaned back with her eyes closed and a soft smiling performing at the corners of her mouth.

'' Am I dreaming ? '' He asked breathlessly, ineffective to believe what was taking place.

'' ‘ I have had a aspiration, past the wit of man to say what dream it was.''' She whispered, quoting Shakespeare.

Feeling confident, Ron leaned in and fully captured her lips. His boldness was instantly rewarded as she returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck to iron herself against him. And then the carpet was ripped out from under him as she pulled away, ending the best thing he'd ever begun to experience.

'' I can not bide. '' She said, looking away almost guiltily while hugging her arm around herself. `` I just wanted to tell you, to let you screw that I am not forgetting you. ``

Recalling that Parvati was still missing, Ron began to finger rather guilty himself for indulging in such brash conduct. `` Trust me, I can't bury about you either. '' He said, picking up the cloak and handing it to her.

Her hired hand lingered over his as she took it from him. `` Just remember, if you are needing to talk to person, I am not far… If you call out to me- '' She reached out and tapped her finger against his forehead before ruffling his hair. `` -I will most potential hear you and if I do, I promise I will suffice. ``

'' But you can't arrest tonight ? '' He asked, both hoping and fearing she would consort to stay.

Jacey shook her mind. `` It would not be wise I think. '' She flung the cloak around herself so that only her headspring remained visible. `` Until adjacent time, I hope you think well of me. ``

'' That's the lonesome way I think of you. '' He smiled, opening the door so she could take the air through. Once in the hall she pulled up the hood and once to a greater extent disappeared out of his life… But this prison term she'd left him with the promise of a way to achieve her at any metre he wanted, though he wondered if she was aware that he wanted her around all the time.

( BREAK )

'' I feel like the bad defender ever. '' Lupin sighed as he led the way through the woods. `` I mean I've been legally bound to ensure your well-being- '' He turned to look at genus Draco, `` -and Harry your parents are counting on me to help face after you, yet here we all are on a midnight saunter through the Forbidden woodland to dispose of a body… I can't keep King James I and Lily from finding out obviously, but not a word of this gets back to Tonks, got it ? '' He asked very seriously.

Draco shared an amused grinning with Potter as both boys agreed to keep Tonks in the dark. lupin led them deep into the Natalie Wood, letting the boys handle the chore of floating Tristan along as the man had claimed it to be their raft to clean up, he was simply there to see that they did it right. The remains was hidden under Draco's invisibility cloak as Potter had leant his to Jacey, but the further they went, the more difficulty they were having in maintaining the spell to keep it in the air. `` Haven't we gone far enough ? '' He asked, not wanting to have to actually carry Tristan's body.

'' I suppose we have. No one should be able to see the ardor from here. '' Lupin replied, stopping their advancement. `` Besides, there's a big Ash Tree right over there. ``

Letting the corpse drop to the ground, he went with Potter to avail gather adequate wood for the task ahead of them. While they did that, lupin began making a halo of stones around Tristan, instructing the son to cover the vampire completely with the forest. When they were finished, Dragon wiped the fret from his forehead and removed his coating despite the frigid temperature.

'' Now we light it ? '' Potter asked grimly.

'' Actually, there's something else that comes first… It's pretty ghastly so I think I'll handle this. '' lupine replied unhappily, looking as if whatever he was about to do was the last thing on globe he wanted to be a role of.

Both boys watched with a sort of deform fascination as he bent down and moved the sticks away from Tristan's head and pulled the vampire's mouth open while ignoring the erose pieces of woodwind instrument still sticking out of his eyes. Picking up one of the pieces of Ash next to him, lupine turned away before solidly jamming it down Tristram's throat. `` We have to be sure to get the fervor down inside him too. '' He said, quickly covering the head back up. `` And now we light it. ``

All three pointed their wands and stepped back as the mass of woods exploded within the stone circle. This was the finale phase of their sinister deed and Draco was sword lily that Ginny had chosen to trace Luna's hint and stay on behind. He didn't even really want to be a looker to this, it was better that one of them have the man of mind to never make to live over this moment. Tristan's peel seemed to sizzle and almost scream as the Ash wood burned down. Lupin had of course been right about how the wood would weaken the lamia's lifelike defenses… but they stayed until there was zip before them but a glowing agglomerate of embers, just to be sure.

( pause )

Fred woke up to his mother pounding on his door. Groaning in displeasure, he buried his head under the pillow and willed her to go away… unfortunately no one's will was as strong as Molly's. `` semen on Fred, get up ! '' She called as she continued to bang away on the door.

With a loud grunt he threw his pillow away and unwillingly got out of bed. Flinging open the door, he regarded his mother warily. `` What ? '' He demanded, too tired to care about being rude.

'' And a practiced good morning to you too, though it's nearly lunch time. '' She returned. `` You really should get to bed earlier dear. ``

'' I'll work on that. '' He said sarcastically as he rubbed his face and yawned. In all satinpod, he never would deliver fallen asleep if his body hadn't just given up and passed out on him sometime in the early morning hr. But since he had gone to log Z's, he was miffed with her for ruining it. `` Was there something you wanted ? ``

'' Something Lee wanted actually. '' She replied huffily, thrusting an envelope at him. `` A ministry safety showed up with this for you a few minute ago. Said Lee needs you at the shop. The sentry go is still down there, waiting to choose you. ``

'' okay, I'll be right down. '' He promised, suddenly panoptic awake as a wave of nervous nausea washed over him. Closing the threshold on her, he tore outdoors the gasbag but the note inside wasn't helpful- it was simply a postulation that he come to the store as soon as possible. That wasn't like Lee at all, if there was a problem he wasn't afraid to complain about it in full-of-the-moon detail.

Throwing the useless tone aside, he rushed to get dressed and brush his teeth, simply running his fingers through his hair as he hurried down the step. Grabbing his coat and kissing his mother bye-bye, he left the house and climbed into the waiting ministry car. It took every ounce of self-control he had not to just apparate from the backseat to the entrepot, but not knowing what awaited him he knew it was better to arrive with an existent Auror.

They parked outside the Leaky Cauldron and hurried through to Diagon Alley, trying to hasten without being noticeable as they made their way to the shop. Fred was surprised to line up it closed up, with the shades drawn and the breast door locked. `` Hey, come in there with me, okay ? '' Fred asked the guard, pulling out both his wand and his keys.

'' What do you think is going on ? '' He asked as he took out his own wand.

'' I don't know, but it's not skillful. '' Fred unlocked the door and let the early man go in ahead of him. fright tingled along his nervus as he followed, but the showroom was void and nothing seemed out of place. `` Lee ? '' He called out nervously.

'' Maybe the office ? '' The guard suggested tensely, heading down the hallway and opening the doorway. `` Hey ! He's in here ! ``

He rushed over, entering the function to feel Lee spread out on the floor and bleeding from a injury on his head. kneel beside him, Fred was able to see that his champion was still breathing. `` He's alive. '' He assured the guard who was busy searching the closet for enemies.

'' okeh, apply pressure sensation to his combat injury. '' The man replied, moving to the door. `` I'll call for backup. ``

'' I'm sorry, I can't let you do that. '' Elanya appeared suddenly from the hallway and before either could react, she drew her scepter and cursed the man to demise. `` Hello Fred. '' She turned her wand on him as he pointed his at her.

'' What are you doing here ? '' He demanded, trying his best to dismiss the now bushed man laying a few infantry away. `` And what did you do to Lee ? ``

'' I never was very safe at the Imperious curse, and he fought against it the whole time. '' She shook her head regretfully. `` I mean I got him to write the line and hand it off, but he finally broke unblock of my influence. I certainly didn't want to kill one of your friends but I had to keep out him up somehow. Don't worry, it's just a foul bump on the head. ``

'' You had no squeamishness about killing that innocuous man. '' He pointed out, still not looking at the fallen guard.

She shrugged. `` Neither of us knew him, what does it matter as long as he's out of the way ? ``

'' You're a very cold-blooded person. ``

'' Perhaps. '' She shrugged again. `` Perhaps I just need to incur the right confirming influence. ``

'' And perhaps you're just bat take a shit weirdo. '' He replied meanly, wanting to provide her in no doubt as to his view of her.

'' You could be right… prison term will tell. '' She smiled coyly. `` Don't worry, somebody will come along to clean up my hatful after we leave. come on, I'm only giving us an hour. ``

'' Come on where ? And an time of day to do what ? '' He scrambled to his feet and stood protectively in battlefront of Lee.

'' We're going to your vault in the bank and then I'm giving us a limit of one minute to shit for all the dress and provision we'll need to disappear… and then we'll disappear. '' She laughed.

'' Today ? ! '' He asked in a panic. `` But… but you said Friday… and Willem isn't here. '' He argued, desperate for the extra two days she'd promised.

'' I see, you want me to flirt by the prescript while you run around breaking them ? Thanks to you, Willem can no longer be a character of this… '' Elanya scolded. `` You didn't play the biz right. ``

'' What are you talking about ? What rule did I break ? '' He asked desperately.

'' You told hoi polloi about all of this… you involved Hermione husbandman and so now the rules have changed. We are leaving today Fred and you will make for the game correctly from now on or she will do the penalisation. ``

'' If she knows what you're up to, then she'll certainly be on sentry go for you or your spy. '' He spat out, hating how helpless and angry he felt.

'' Everyone must sleep sometime. '' She sneered.

'' meaning ? ``

'' I'm certainly Harry and Luna informed you of the head trip to Azkaban and I'm sure they told you that they know it was Sarah working through Cho… All Sarah needs is a location and an unconscious vessel that she could lay down do anything at all, from hurting someone else to taking a paseo off the top of the high tower at Hogwarts. It doesn't matter how defend Hermione Granger is, she can't stoppage awake forever. ``

Fred glared at her as his brain worked overtime trying to see a way out of this, or at honest, a way to discourage Hermione and perhaps have Luna or Harry try to serve protect her head while she slept. Feeling the weight of the compact in his sac, he wondered how long it would be until he could receive the clock time to use it.

'' I'll get hold of your silence as begrudging sufferance. '' Elanya said, offering him a falsely confection smile. `` And before you get those bicycle turning too fast, I won't be giving you the opportunity to warn your small lady friend or your special friend about any of this. We've intellection of everything and neither Harry nor Luna will be given the chance to help. '' It was almost as if she could read his intellect though he knew that wasn't the pillow slip, she was simply being thorough in explaining the hopelessness of his situation. Using extreme will, Fred was able to keep from reaching in his pocket and grabbing the compact car to gain a gumption of comfortableness. Instead he used the fact that Luna was already helping and could therefore involve Harry to quieten himself.

'' OK. '' He finally broke his silence. `` You got me, I admit it. Let's go. ``

Elanya regarded him suspiciously. `` Just like that ? I expected a little more resistance. ``

'' What more do you want ? '' He cried, throwing his munition out in frustration. `` You win ! You've beaten all the combat out of me ! What am I supposed to do ? One wrong relocation on my part and it means something bad for Ron or Ginny or Hermione… so okay, I agree to the terms. Let's just go already ! ``

'' kick in me your wand. '' She demanded, holding out her hand. In the only small-scale act of defiance he could oversee, Fred threw it at her feet instead. She smirked with entertainment as she bent to retrieve it, putting both baton in her purse. `` There's just one more thing. '' She pulled out a unusual looking device with short ton of lights and gauges.

'' What is that thing ? '' He asked as she approached him.

'' Just relax and stall still. '' She ordered, waving the thing over him from his head to his animal foot. It suddenly started lighting up and beeping comparable crazy as she moved it over his pouch. `` You have a communication gimmick. '' She grinned.

'' No I don't. '' He lied unconvincingly, even in his own ears.

Elanya nodded. `` Put it on the desk. ``

Fred hesitated. The compact was the only reason he'd so readily agreed to go with her, figuring he'd be able to use it at some point and alarm the others to his predicament.

'' Come on, you don't want to originate breaking rules already, do you ? '' She taunted.

She really had won, without giving him a way to admonish Hermione, Ron and Ginny, she had his perfect obedience and she knew it. Reluctantly he pulled the concordat from his sac and placed it on the desk. Elanya picked up the meth paperweight, leaving Fred to watch as she smashed the concordat into musical composition. `` That's seven age bad circumstances. '' He said numbly.

'' Really ? Because I feel my luck is starting to change for the better. '' She laughed as she brushed the pieces to the floor and stepped on them for just measure. `` There was no way you were walking out of here with that anyway. I told you, we thought of everything. ``

　

　

bank bill : Uh oh… now what's Fred going to do ? rest tuned for More chapters to find out ...
Chapter 50 : Searching for the lost

A/N : Well, so much for my hope to birth the characters out of Hogwarts by chapter 50 J So much to deal with here so go ahead, Read, Review and Enjoy !

　

Hermione had woken with an ill at ease flavor in the pit of her venter. By the end of her lastly class the feeling had tripled and she was now grim with concern, having been unable to reach Fred all day. `` Hey, are you okay ? '' Harry asked quietly as they walked back to their dorm together.

'' I'm fine. '' She answered tensely.

'' Really ? Because I can't feel my hand anymore… '' He lightly joked, making her realize she'd had his deal in a demise grip.

'' Sorry. '' She loosened her hold and felt him flex his fingers. They'd been at each other's side all day whenever they were in public, Harry had apparently decided to once more give in to her and Luna with few to no questions. Admittedly his bearing at her side was the sole thing to give her solace all day and she was grateful for it.

'' Something's awry. '' He pushed as they entered the usual room.

'' Well- '' reverence and headache overwhelmed her and she suddenly felt the need to squeal everything if it would help Fred. But just as she was about to spill it all, she felt her pocket turn warm and nearly collapsed in relief. `` I'll tell you about it later. '' She said quickly before rushing off to her room to be alone.

Nearly dropping the compact as she fumbled to root for it out of her air hole, she eagerly flipped it open only to suffer her heart drop painfully to her stomach. `` Hermione ? '' Lee stared back at her, though his reflection was fragmented as if the mirror had been broken. `` Oh good, I fixed it ! '' He sighed in substitute as he caught mass of her on his side.

'' What's going on, where's Fred ? '' She demanded.

'' I don't know ! '' Lee cried out in frustration. `` I don't call back anything about today before waking up with a splitting headache. '' He pointed to where his head was now bandaged. `` No one was here, naught was missing… but I found the compact on the floor and smashed to pieces. ``

'' And Fred ? '' She asked again with more urgency.

'' I contacted Molly… ''

'' You're killing me here, Lee ! Spit it out ! '' Hermione yelled.

'' She said I had sent a note earlier asking him to fall to the depot and that the ministry guard was supposed to let brought him… I don't recall any of that. '' Lee seemed beyond distressed and close to tears.

'' Someone must have used a spell and wiped your memory. '' She shook her heading, not knowing how to soothe him when she was so closemouthed to panicking herself.

'' Probably, it's what I figured as well. But I didn't want mollie to start torment and wind up having Arthur send the whole Auror squad out. It took everything I had to convince her that Fred stopped to pick something up and would be here any minute… So then I tried for the last hour to fix this dazed compact to see if maybe Fred went up there to see you again, but that's obviously not the display case ... ''

'' It's because she found out he came to see me on Sunday… '' Hermione closed her eyes as a sense of dread consumed her. `` Elanya must have upped the stakes… she's made him leave early… ''

'' What are you talking about ? '' Lee demanded.

'' I don't have prison term to excuse now, we have to travel quickly. '' Her mind was racing a million miles a minute. `` Chester A. Arthur and mollie can't know yet… that will only avail the young woman'program. I need you to convert them that Fred went away for some kind of business trip for the store, separate them you're going with him so maybe they'll worry less. ``

'' well, I guess I could mask my phonation and write a talking letter of the alphabet to them pretending to be Fred. '' He suggested, always eager to go persona of their dangerous risky venture just like the other male child. `` He's OK, isn't he ? ``

'' For now… I don't think hurting him is currently part of their programme. '' She said grimly. `` I'm going to talk to Luna, see if she can exuviate any light on this and depending on what she can or can't see we'll figure out what to do. ``

'' And when do I get to have sex what's actually going on ? '' Lee asked.

'' After you find a way to adjoin Willem Fritz and get him there to the store with you. We'll be needing to talk to him about his niece. '' She replied darkly.

'' How am I supposed to do that ? '' He asked incredulously. `` No one's supposed to know the guy's out of prison house. ``

'' I don't know. You're the maniac conceiver who hung around Fred and George V all those class, I'm sure you'll find a way. '' Hermione brushed him off. `` I have to go, the Sooner I talk to Luna, the Sooner we can hopefully figure all this out. ``

( BREAK )

'' I can't stand it anymore ! '' Ginny shouted, throwing her chronicle of Magic book across the room. `` It's just sooo very boring. '' She flung herself back on the bed and grabbed the pillow to brood her expression as she screamed her foiling into it.

'' Is this a pattern character of your homework procedure ? Because we may deliver to begin studying alone. '' Draco teased, ignoring her dramatics and returning to his Potions essay.

She got up and kneeling in movement of him, grabbed his textbook and threw it over her shoulder joint with a sly smile. `` We aren't alone now, so why spend our sentence studying anyway ? ``

'' Can't argue with that logic, I guess. '' He grinned, grabbing her around the waistline and pulling her into his lap before kissing her passionately.

knock at the doorway interrupted their offhanded fun before it could really get started and Ginny pulled away in disgust. `` You see ? This is why I dislike other people… '' She groaned.

'' I surely hope you have beneficial rationality. '' He laughed, getting up to suffice. He was utterly surprised to find Drake standing there.

'' Hello, sorry to interrupt but I'm here on shoal business. As acting Head of Slytherin menage I've seed to request your comportment in the master's office. '' Drake smiled apologetically.

'' Some advice in dealing with other Slytherins… Snape wouldn't have been so overnice as to call for anything. '' Draco smiled back. `` What's going on ? ``

'' I have no musical theme. I was just told to come get you. '' Drake shrugged.

He felt Ginny coming up behind him and reached for her hand. `` Do I sustain to go alone ? ``

Sir Francis Drake grinned wider. `` I'm sure whatever's going on, there would be no objection to young lady Weasley coming along for support. ``

'' Very officious. '' Ginny approved teasingly.

'' Yes, I do believe after a few calendar month I've begun to get the hang of this all job. '' Drake joked back as he began to lead them to Dumbledore's office.

As they walked, Draco began to feel nervous… what could they possibly want to see him about ? Had the headmaster somehow found out about Tristan ? Was Troy trying to frame him for Annapurna's disappearance ? Several thought floated around in his question, none of which were good. In fact, he'd never in his life been called to up there to be given good intelligence. At the gargoyle, Drake gestured for them to go up first and as they climbed onto the stair Draco squeezed Ginny's hand in tense anticipation.

Dumbledore was in the process of handing a letter off to Fawkes as they entered the office and he turned to them with a grim smiling. `` Well, none of you ever seem to be alone anymore. Hello Dragon, Ginny, why don't you both have a seat. '' He spoke informally as he tended to do when he was in private with his favored student. Dragon felt almost honored to now be considered one of them. `` Roscoe, I need you to make for prof Trelawney here as she is rather skilled at scrying. ``

'' Who are you trying to witness ? '' Draco blurted out. He knew all about the acquisition of scrying… it was something Narcissa had mastered and was gallant to display. In fact, he knew she had been the one to help Lucius locate several people including Julian the Apostate Heath.

Dumbledore nodded to Drake who quickly left to carry out the request made of him. With a sigh, the schoolmaster seated himself before them and looked intently at Draco. `` We've received intelligence that Lucius has disappeared. ``

He could experience Ginny staring at him out of the nook of her eye, but Draco couldn't make his psyche study his mouth to form Bible. `` What do you mean he's disappeared ? '' She finally asked for him.

'' Since the pettifogger clause was released, Lucius has been turned away from the expiry Eaters and President Arthur has had several people watching him. Yesterday morning he managed to slip away from them all and he hasn't been spotted since. ``

'' Well he certainly hasn't contacted me ! '' Draco said, leaping to his feet.

'' I wasn't implying that he had. '' Dumbledore calmly replied. `` I was just wondering if perhaps you knew of somewhere he would go. ``

So this was it, the moment that he knew would eventually fall. He had to decide whether or not to completely call on his back on his father in order to help the people who had so helped him. Now he had to figure out just how a great deal he'd changed, what his moral are from what they were, and whether he could fully give himself over and cut all tie-in to the two people who had given him life. `` I don't know. '' He said at last, sinking back down into the president and feeling horribly confused.

'' I see. '' Dumbledore nodded. `` I'm aware of what I'm asking of you and how unfair it is to ask a child to completely change state on their parents. I am sorry for it and only my and Arthur's desperation drove us to resolve to come to you ... But you by no means have to serve and I assure you we won't think less of you for it. I want you to be fully mindful that you have a choice here, one that shouldn't have had to be presented to you and therefore you won't be judged either way. ``

'' Won't I ? '' He asked miserably. How could they not gauge him if he chose to remain silent when he could have helped ? And how could he not be judged for completely turning on his household ? There was no easy way out of this.

'' You don't have to do anything you don't want to do. '' Ginny said quietly as she reached out to supportively rub his arm.

And he didn't… not with these people. Recalling his premature way of life, he knew Dumbledore and the others weren't aware of the Truth depth of his sire's wickedness ruthlessness. Dragon had seen Lucius commit many sins without any foretoken of remorse, what could he be doing out there now that he'd been outcast by the Death Eaters and left on his own ? Knowing what the man was capable of when he was in control, genus Draco hated to opine what he was capable of when desperate. `` okey, collapse me a quill and sheepskin and I'll write down the localisation of every safe house I know about and any other plaza he might go. ``

Dumbledore made no motion to meet his request, instead continuing to take care on in vexation. `` Are you sure ? ``

'' If he's left out there alone, who knows what he'd do or who he'd scathe to ensure his own survival… I can't have that hanging over my brain, if I don't try to kibosh him then I can only part the guilty conscience of his actions. ``

'' And with that opinion, I would like you to fuck how proud I am of your carry on maturation. '' The headmaster smiled with sad encouragement. `` But I want you to be assured that not only are you not to charge for your father's actions, no one would control it against you if you did feel the need to maintain some form of loyalty to him as your parent. ``

Draco shook his drumhead. `` No, I've decided. '' He firmly insisted. It took a few consequence to pen down everything he knew and by the fourth dimension he finished Drake was back with Professor Trelawney. Having no desire to witness them set about to locate Lucius, he made his wish to be dismissed back to his hall apparent. Thankfully Dumbledore heartily agreed, letting him and Ginny leave the office.

'' You okay ? '' She asked, linking her arm through his and leaning her head on his shoulder as they walked.

'' Sometimes I wish I were the orphan instead of Potter. '' He muttered.

'' I'm sure given the lot, Harry would agree to that. ``

'' Of form he would, James and Lily are cypher like Lucius and Narcissa. ``

'' And Ted and Andromeda are cypher like Mr. and Mrs. Dursley. '' She smiled, reminding him that he did consume some family that was worthwhile. `` And Tonks is nothing like Dudley. ``

'' With my hazard, I would hold gone to be raised by Bellatrix. '' He joked. `` I guess potter and I really are inverse ... him rather having been raised by his parents and me wishing I had been with my aunty, uncle and full cousin. ``

'' But things happened the way they did and that has brought you to the moment when you had to turn on your father completely… So, are you okay ? '' She asked again, bringing the conversation back to her pilot question.

'' You'd defecate a good newsperson. ``

'' And you'd make a very difficult consultation. '' She returned. `` Quit deflecting. ``

'' I don't know how I am. '' He finally answered with a big sigh. `` Part of me is relieved to moisten my hands of Lucius and role of me feels like the pip son ever. ``

'' He's not exactly father of the class. '' Ginny squeezed his arm and kissed his shoulder. `` There's no literal way to be a skilful child to a bad parent. ``

'' You don't have to tell me that. I spent old age trying to yarn-dye him. '' He answered glumly.

'' And yet he never tried to impress you, never tried to read why he was worthy of your dearest and deference. '' She argued against his self-doubt. `` You're going to palpate whatever you feel, but just don't forget- you've only turned on someone who turned on you first. He tried to kill you already, he doesn't merit your protection. ``

'' You tried to defeat me too. '' Dragon pointed out, feeling the sudden irrational motivation to defend his father.

'' The difference being I haven't tried since. '' She said stiffly. `` And I probably won't again… '' She added the iniquity threat, letting him know she didn't appreciate his comment.

'' Yeah, okay it was a dazed matter to say. '' He admitted, stopping in the G. Stanley Hall outside the coarse elbow room and pulling her in for a hug. `` I'm sorry, the two things were completely unlike situations… I just… I don't know. ``

Ginny pulled away and smiled, reaching up to identify her script on either side of his typeface. `` You're just a little messed up in here right now. '' She playfully shook his head. `` It'll decent itself out. ``

He leaned his os frontale against hers and sighed. `` I certainly hope so. ``

( BREAK )

'' Find anything interesting yet ? '' Luna asked as she pushed the data file to the end of the bed and got to her feet, stretching away the hardness caused from sitting too long.

'' A few odd things here and there. But I'm just now getting into the nineteenth century. '' Harry took off his spyglass and rubbed his centre, shoving his file cabinet away as well. `` I had foolishly thought all the file from the drawer marked ‘ Harry thrower'would be about me, but they actually go all the way back to Lyraline Elderwood… though I will admit, there's more detail to these file cabinet than the veritable ministry book. ``

'' They probably started compiling it the bit they figured out that prophesy was about you. '' She smiled. `` It's a good thing, we should determine everything we can about our ancestors so we don't wind up repeating their misapprehension. ``

'' Oh, and my blood line was responsible for quite a few big misapprehension apparently. '' He picked up the single file, laughing as he shoved them towards her. `` Not all of us were the greatest of people. ``

'' fountainhead, no one's rakehell is all pure, right ? Coven descendants or not, we are all still human. '' She grinned. And then a sudden wash of panic flooded her, forcing her to once more sit or risk falling over from the force.

'' What's untimely ? '' Harry asked, instantly feeling what she felt.

Luna shook her head. `` It's not me, it's Hermione… something's wrong and now she's looking for me. She already tried my room, now she's coming here. ``

Sure enough, Hermione began to frantically criticise at the door and Harry rushed over to let her in. She entered in a daze, her eyes spacious with concern and despair. Not caring whether Harry was in the elbow room, she rushed over to Luna and quickly told her everything about Lee contacting her and her business that Elanya had forced Fred to leave early.

'' So wait, you're saying Fred's been kidnapped ? '' Harry asked incredulously.

'' Not exactly. It's more like he's been blackmailed into leaving. '' Luna replied, attempting to remain calm. Knowing what Hermione wanted from her, she prepared her mind and left it to the other girl to fully make full Harry in on what's been happening.

'' So now we have to figure out where they've gone. '' He said when she was done, clearly upset to deliver been left in the dark about this. But Luna could see that he was fighting the itch to express his anger, knowing Hermione still had no thought about Tristram and therefore he had no room to judge.

'' Which I was hoping Luna could help with. '' Hermione replied. They both turned to look at her.

'' I don't know… I've been sitting here trying and I think I strained something the concluding few days because my mind tone so jade. '' She watched Hermione's cheek fall and quickly turned to Harry. `` Maybe you could help oneself me ? ``

'' Are you sure that's a good idea ? I've drained myself completely before and it doesn't feel good. '' He asked uncertainly, as concern as she was that she could damage herself.

'' We have to try. Fred's out there somewhere and if I can't find Anapurna we can at least try to notice him. '' She argued back.

Harry took a deep breath and let it out. `` OK, let's do this then. ``

Luna reached out to take on his hand as he and Hermione sat with her on the bed. Closing her optic, she cleared her mind of everything but Fred and attempted to force the connectedness. She could feel Harry with her, wrapping his consciousness protectively around hers and adding his own potency, which had completely regenerated since his fight with Tristan.

Again it hit her unlike anything she'd ever experienced before, a blasting of images that came on so quickly they knocked her back with their force. There was no white room, no scene playing out, nix of any coherency or preeminence. Concentrating she slowed them down, displaying each in parliamentary procedure as they swirled around her.

First came an figure of Hermione, growing large as it zoomed toward her, focusing in on the girlfriend's heart until they became mirrors displaying Sarah staring back at her and wearing an evil grin. Luna shivered in fear, watching as Sarah's aspect melted away and began showering down drops of flesh that turned to rain…

Fred was in the rainwater, quickly trying to erect a rather ordinary tent as Elanya looked on, tapping her foot impatiently as she stood under an umbrella and waited for him to complete their shelter as a news bulletin of lightning torus out-of-doors the sky…

An plosion of color outburst before her oculus, blinding Luna and forcing her to attend away. Blinking away the irritation, she turned back and watched with fascinated awe as respective strange, colorful bloom budded and bloomed in front of her.

The pain in the ass was swift and sudden and seemed to come from rich inside her top dog. The future matter Luna knew, she could feel Harry shaking her as he and Hermione called out, telling her to arouse up. Letting her heart flutter open, she stared up at them as they looked down at her in business organization. `` What happened ? '' She asked Harry.

'' I don't know. Something felt off and then there was pain so I stopped the vision. '' He answered nervously.

'' Are you okay ? '' Hermione asked as they helped her sit up.

'' My head teacher hurts. '' She answered honestly, turning to Harry. `` You saw everything I saw ? ``

'' I think so… ''

'' Well, what did you see ? '' Hermione asked anxiously, once more focused on helping Fred now that she was assured that Luna was somewhat okay. Rather than undertake to explicate, Luna told Harry to replay it all for Hermione to see. She would make done it herself, but she was too bore and her nous literally felt fried out. Putting a hired hand to her caput, she could finger that her temperature had risen alarmingly. `` Okay, so Fred is definitely with Elanya then. '' She seemed grimly hopeful.

'' The flowers came after, maybe they give some cue to their localisation. '' Harry suggested, getting up to pour a glass of water from the pitcher on his chest of drawers. He came back and handed it to Luna though she hadn't mentioned how scorched her throat suddenly was. But as he went back to pour a chalk for himself, she realized he knew because her ailments were affecting him… This wasn't trade good, they had to calculate out a way to keep back themselves divided when necessary.

'' grip on, I think Lee is calling. '' Hermione said, standing to reach into her pocket.

'' Ah yes, the compact you and Fred used behind my back. '' Harry teased.

'' Let not come out comparing who did what behind each other's back, '' Hermione suggested wryly, `` I'm somewhat sure I'll be the one to come out ahead. ``

She flipped open the compact and Lee's voice immediately floated out of it. `` Hey ! Turns out I'm effective than I thought. Willem's here already. ``

'' I'm with Harry and Luna. ``

'' What's going on ? ! '' Willem's unrestrained voice demanded.

Hermione gave him a brief version of current issue up to describing the brusque visual sense Luna just had. `` Well, what kind of flowers were they ? '' Lee asked when she was finished.

'' How are we supposed to sleep with ? '' Harry replied. `` They're clearly exotic or why else would they be a clew. ``

'' Well, what about the first piece then ? '' Willem pressed.

Luna saw Hermione tingle and knew the other young lady had probably come to the same stopping point she had. `` I'm pretty sure that's telling us how they got Fred to cooperate… '' She said quietly.

'' Yeah, they threatened to have Sarah do her stupe astral expulsion thing to intrude on me and make me do who knows what. '' Hermione added bitterly.

'' We won't let that encounter. '' Harry assured her.

'' Oh yeah ? What, is everyone going to sleep in shift to ensure it doesn't ? '' She asked despondently.

'' If that's what it takes. '' He insisted. `` In the mean time we can wait up the bloom, maybe even ask Professor Sprout. ``

'' Or Neville. '' Luna suggested out of nowhere. She didn't know why she'd suggested their lost protagonist, it had come to her suddenly and she had spoken before she even realized it… And now they were staring at her. Well, she'd get along this far, she might as well finish up her opinion. `` Or George… maybe he knows where Fred is. ``

Harry nodded and went to his desk to call back the ring. `` We can yell them both at the Lapp clip. '' He said excitedly.

'' Well we have to do something. And the fast the beneficial. '' Lee agreed through the compact car. `` What do you want us to do while you three are doing that ? ``

'' Willem, Fred told me you two snuck into the ministry to delete those recordings… do you remember how he got you guys in ? '' Hermione stared at Luna as she spoke, silently asking if she had any sense that this was a worsened estimation than it seemed and to quit her if she did. Luna shook her head, nada was poking at her intuition.

'' Yes. Why ? '' He demanded.

'' Tonight, you and Lee need to go back and find the archives. Get everything you can on Elise, Sarah and Elanya. '' Hermione instructed. `` They know all about us, we need to bonk everything about them. ``

'' But Arthur has Mad-eye looking after all the phonograph recording and files. '' Harry reminded her.

'' Don't trouble about that. All we need is a distraction to ensure everyone's attention is away from the ministry. '' Lee answered mischievously.

'' Just don't get yourselves arrested. '' Hermione said, rolling her eyes. `` I'll call you back if we learn anything. ``

'' And I'll call you after the heist. '' He returned before they both ended the call.

'' well, should we meet George and Neville now ? '' Hermione asked eagerly as Harry came back over to sit with them.

He reached out and placed a paw over Luna's forehead. `` Maybe you should just sit back and let us promise them up. '' He suggested in concern, clearly feeling that she had a fevered headache.

'' You do look rather pale. '' Hermione agreed, leaning in to search at her better. `` Maybe we should go to another room, let you catch one's breath for a bit… ''

'' I'm mulct to just sit here and watch. '' Luna insisted, just as anxiously curious to know what had happened to Fred as they were.

Harry seemed unsettled but she made it crystalize that he wouldn't be able to change her judgment. `` O.K., let's hope they can tell us something. '' He put on the ring and closed his eyes to reduce as Hermione reached out to feed her own energy into the gang. Luna attempted to shut herself off from them, not wanting her own limited store of energy to be accidentally tapped. She could palpate Harry also attempting to screen off from her and she hoped his split stress wouldn't affect his ability to use the ring.

( BREAK )

Fred watched the sea waves crash against the boat as it sliced through the urine toward the sun setting on the horizon. It would have been an awing experience had he been there under different portion, but when he'd woken that aurora he had no idea a boat ride into the Atlantic was in his future. He sighed and leaned on the rail, debating what chances he and his acquaintance would have if he just flung himself overboard.

'' You don't have to look so sad and defeated. '' Elanya remarked from beside him. She hadn't let him out of her sight since they'd gone to discharge his bank account statement and proceed on a frenzied shopping spree. He hadn't chosen to verbalize to her since they'd secured passage on this boat. `` You could just relish your environs. It is quite peaceful out here. '' She went on, trying to prick him into conversation.

Instead he continued to snub her and moved further along the pack of cards, but she followed wherever he went. `` cum on Fred… I half agreed with your architectural plan. Castellumshire is no place for us, but there are mickle of minuscule uncharted islands there that will befit us just fine. ``

'' There is no us ! '' He finally exploded. `` There you and me, your hostage. We aren't in this together, this isn't some vacation for us to get away from our living for a bit ! So quit acting like this is anything other than what it is, you forcing me to make out along with you. ``

'' I was just trying to form the experience a bit friendlier, less hostile. '' She pouted. But he wasn't fooled for a minute of arc, he knew exactly what variety of snake she was.

'' Now that you've completely severed my communication to my supporter, how can I trust that you'll restrain your word and not let Sarah or your spy or anyone else hurt them ? '' He asked.

'' My word isn't good enough ? '' Elanya smiled, leaning her back against the railing so she could look him. He had the sudden desire to lunge forward and jostle her, to make her vanish beneath the waves and end this nightmare… of course of instruction he had no idea what kind of communication she had set up with her friends and he couldn't take the chance. Surely they would have planned for him attempting to get rid of her.

'' Of course it isn't. Nothing you've said has been true. ``

She smiled and crossed her arms. `` Of course some of it was unfeigned. I know you're well cognizant that the most convincing Trygve Lie are rooted in satin flower. ``

'' O.K., I'll bite… what was true ? '' He dared her.

'' That I don't want to hurt anyone now that Edmund is gone. Of course I will if I have to… I'd just really rather the situation didn't issue forth up, which is why I'm relieved that you've decided to take on so nicely. '' She smiled again, this time with a bit of teasing coyness. `` You must really love your brother and sister… and this Hermione must be fairly important too. ``

'' What else were you being honest about ? '' He pressed, ignoring her attempt to goad him into revealing anything.

'' That I want nothing to do with Voldemort or his plan to deform us immortal, and that Sarah and Elise were actually interested… not in Voldemort judgment you, but in the lamia curse. ``

'' We'll be dropping anchor in five minutes. '' One of the boat's crew appendage came over to foretell. `` As you are the lonesome two being let off at the entrance islands, we'll row you in. Do you already have your return plans booked ? ``

'' Our stay will be indefinite. '' Elanya answered him while still looking at Fred.

'' But miss, it's mighty hard to flag someone down if you haven't already arranged a choice up. '' The crew member protested.

'' We'll take our chances. '' She finally turned her aid to the man, reaching out to run her fingerbreadth up his arm. `` Why don't you go start loading our affair into the rowboat ? '' She suggested, lowered her voice and drawing the man in. `` You look strong enough to fulfil the task… and many others I'm sure. '' She added with a twinkling laugh.

'' Right away miss. '' The man smiled and hurried off to do as he asked.

'' Now why couldn't you have been that easy ? '' Elanya turned back to Fred.

'' I'm better at sensing a wolf in sheep's clothing. '' He replied, turning to stick with the gang extremity she'd so easily bewitched.

Within a one-half an hour, they had been rowed ashore and left all alone with the many things she had made him buy for this fiddling expedition. `` Great, it looks like rain. '' Fred muttered as the dark cloud rolled in with the coming dark. Brief flashes of lighting tore through the sky as ripples of thunder roared overhead.

Elanya casually reached down and pulled out an umbrella. `` Well, I guess that just gives you more inducement to get the tent up quickly then, doesn't it ? ``

( BREAK )

'' Believe me, I wish I could aid you. '' George III said miserably as he and Neville floated before them. `` It's not exactly like we can actually see you blackguard up here, it's more like we have a sense of what you're doing. '' He added glumly.

'' What did the flowers look like ? '' Neville asked.

Harry tried to think the picture to him, but apparently his power was ineffective to bridge over the gap between the keep and the short. He, Luna and Hermione attempted to trace the demand heyday from Luna's sight. `` Does any of that audio familiar ? '' He asked when they were done.

Neville appeared thoughtful. `` You might want to double deterrent, but they sound like Colorsplosions… they're flowers that sort of explode in vividness during the day when they bloom and then shrivel away at night. I know they're rare, I just can't think back where they're found… mostly islands I think. ``

'' That's okey. As long as we know what they are, we can expect up where to happen them. '' Hermione assured him. `` You've been very helpful. ``

'' Just construct sure you find Fred as soon as possible, okay ? '' George I pleaded with them. `` I still can't believe he got himself into something like this. ``

'' He didn't have a choice. Elanya was threatening Ron and Ginny. '' Luna argued, her voice sapless and strained. Harry turned to her in concern, ignoring the soreness of wearing the doughnut to focus in on her. Inside her head was blue and shadowy, as if someone had turned off the lights… though he could still see sparks in the back, letting him have intercourse she hadn't fried herself out completely.

'' Just, find a way for me to talk to him when you help him straighten all this out okay ? '' George insisted, clearly worried for his twin.

'' We will. '' Harry promised. They said their goodbyes and the two ghostly figures of their lost friends disappeared. He went over to his desk to put the band away, already disliking the familiar pull it had on him and his energy vibrations.

'' Are you okay ? '' He heard Hermione once more ask Luna and turned to see what had her so worried. Luna seemed even more pale than she had before… except for the feverish pink spreading across her buttock and forehead.

'' I just finger a little dizzy. I think I just need to eat something. '' She answered in a daze as she carefully got up. Even as Harry made his way over to help, he watched her attempt to film a dance step before her leg buckled, forcing Hermione to reach out and catch her. He rushed over to help oneself get Luna back onto the bed, sitting beside her and running his practically ice chest hand over her hot up forehead.

'' How about if I bring something up for you from dinner ? '' Hermione suggested.

'' Maybe that's a better idea. '' She replied with a faint smile.

'' I'm sorry for pushing you to have those imagination. '' She said quietly, clearly feeling shamefaced for the situation Luna was now in.

'' You don't have to be, we needed to find out Fred. ``

'' I'll be right-hand back with something to eat. '' Hermione promised, hurrying out of the room to do what she could to try and make thing better.

'' You going to arrive at it ? '' Harry asked gently once they were alone, smiling to enshroud the prominent amount of fear he felt.

'' I think the prospect are good. '' Luna joked back as she took his hand in hers. `` I guess I pushed too far too fast… but I had too. ``

'' I know the feeling. '' He sympathized, kissing her finger's breadth. `` I just wish you hadn't let what Ron said get to you so much… many people have warned me about pushing myself too far too riotous, yourself included. You didn't have to burn yourself out to prove to anyone that you're ‘ useful ’. ``

'' I had to rise it to myself. '' She protested with a faint smile. `` I hate being at the whim of my visions, it's about time they worked for me. ``

'' Yeah, approve. Too bad they worked a minuscule too operose. Some food and sopor will do marvel though. ``

'' I hope so… you aren't feeling it, are you ? '' Luna asked in concern.

'' Don't worry about what I'm feeling. '' He told her, not wanting her to make out that he was in fact going through a lot of the same symptoms she was… to the point where it almost felt as if he'd been the one to drain his power and overextend his energy output.

'' This isn't good… we have to find a way to be assort sometimes. '' She said through a forte yawn.

'' Yes we do. '' He agreed. Harry knew he did life-threatening things far more often than she did and that due to his desire for triumph, he got hurt a lot. The last affair he wanted was for Luna to suffer every sentence someone challenged him, to share his pain every time he did something stupid. There had to be a way, they just had to reckon it out.

( BREAK )

Jacey looked into the mirror carefully to ensure the potion had entirely worn away. Once assured she was herself with no ghost of Tristan, she took a deep breath and picked up Harry's invisibility cloak, nervously settling it around herself. Ron had called out and asked her to come see him just before dinner, and she was nervous about what she would say. The guilty conscience was eating her live, she knew she had to tell him about Parvati… and how she had not warned anyone in time to stop the daughter's fate. It would not be well-to-do, but it had to be done and Harry had agreed to let her be the one to separate Ron everything about his missing girlfriend.

She crept through the usual elbow room, thrifty not to get too close to any of the bookman still milling around. Her breadbasket clenched painfully as she entered the Gryffindor wing and she only hoped Ron would not hate her after tonight. Standing outside his doorway, she took a moment to gather herself before knocking. As soon as he opened up, she brushed past him and waited until he closed the threshold again before flinging off the cloak. `` You really came ! '' He seemed surprised.

'' I had told you that I would if I was able. '' She smiled, sitting awkwardly at his desk. `` There are some matter we need to mouth about. ``

'' Yes there are. '' He agreed. `` Will you go out into the forest with me tonight ? ``

'' Excuse me ? The woods ? ``

'' I want to go looking for Parvati. '' Ron sighed and went to look out his window. `` I know Dumbledore has sent a lot of people out there, all with creature and gizmo meant to happen multitude. But it's been three years and they still haven't found her. ``

'' And you think we will be more successful ? '' She asked gently. `` I know Dumbledore is doing everything he can, nothing is working. He has sent masses to seem, he has had hoi polloi scrying, he has the wildcat of the wood keeping an eye out… there is nothing more that can be done. ``

'' Well I have to do something ! '' He cried, turning to face her. `` I can't stand worrying like this anymore, I can't handle not knowing what's happened to her, or the guilt that it's my shift. ``

'' I know why their movement to locate her wealthy person failed. '' Jacey looked away, unable to meet his gaze. `` It is because all of their efforts are spent attempting to locate a homo, which Anapurna no longer is. ``

'' What are you saying ? '' He asked quietly, his spokesperson tense with emotion.

'' She has been turned, we are sure of it. Annapurna is a lamia and unless they alter their devices and coordinate their search accordingly, they will never find her. Especially if she does not require to be found. '' She blurted out in one swift breath.

'' What do you mean you're sure ? What's going on ? '' He demanded, coming over so that she had to expect at him.

She shook her head and began her story, telling him everything that involved Parvati while leaving out the percentage that gave away that they had killed Tristram. When she was done, Ron simply grunted and walked back over to the windowpane, leaning heavily on the sill. `` So why didn't you tell anyone what you thought ? '' He asked.

'' I told you, I was not sure… '' She swallowed severely, waiting to see what would happen.

'' Better safe than sorry ! '' He shouted, turning to face her again. `` I'm so weary of all this secrecy ! Look what's happened now because of it ! ``

'' I did not want to accuse without proof ! '' She argued in her defense.

'' So you had to look until she disappeared and Luna saw her as a vampire ? ! When was there going to be enough proof… when she showed up bearing her fangs in your facial expression ? ``

'' Hey ! You knew there was something unseasonable with her, you could have just as easily tried to figure it out instead of letting the fille convince you it was just a common cold. '' She said in anger. She already knew she shared some blame in this, but she would not accept it all.

Ron seemed to deflate before her as he turned and slumped down on the border of his bed. `` You're right. '' He said quietly. `` I wasn't paying attention… but what now ? What can anyone possibly severalize Padma, or their parents ? ``

'' It will not be comfortable. '' She got up and went to sit beside him, placing a hand on his human knee in comfort. `` But just because she is a vampire does not mean she is similar Tristan or Troy. As long as she is away from the will of her Jehovah, there is nix to say she will be bad. ``

'' And what if they are around ? ``

'' Then if her will to fight them is secure, she will be able to overcome… just like Draco and his creator. ``

Ron shook his head. `` Yeah, Harland- he's as bad as Tristan. ``

Jacey wished she could tell him that Tristram was one being he no longer had to dread, but anyone that was apart of the vampire's death could be in danger and there were enough of her new friends already in that position. She could not let Ron be put at peril as well.

'' I guess the first affair we have to do is find her… until then it's probably best that we continue to let her class reckon she's only missing. '' He lamented.

'' Probably. '' She agreed, moving closer and putting her arm around his articulatio humeri, wanting to make him feel better.

'' Do you cerebrate she hates me now ? '' He whispered.

'' What ? ``

Ron shrugged her off and stood uncertainly before her. `` Parvati, do you think she blames me for not protecting her ? Do you recollect she hates me ? ``

'' No one can know what she is thinking. '' Jacey replied uneasily as certain thoughts of his became clearer in her creative thinker. `` But I can see what you are thinking and you are blaming me… you think I distracted you from her ! '' She stood and crossed her implements of war, waiting for an explanation.

'' start of all, rest out of my drumhead ! '' He shouted. `` And secondly, just because I think that doesn't mean I blame you. I blame myself ! I let myself be distracted by you when I should have either paid attention to Anapurna or been honest with her about how I really felt. ``

'' And how do you really feel ? '' She pushed, taking a stone's throw closer to him.

'' Like you don't know. '' He answered bitterly. `` As if I could even serve it after seeing you. ``

Without warning, she grabbed his face and pressed her lips to his, giving into what they both wanted. At first he was astonished, but he quickly overcame it and wrapped his arms tightly around her to return the kiss with an equal deepness of Passion. He walked forward until she felt the edge of the bed against her legs. Letting her knees prostration she fell back, pulling him along with her. It had been so long since she had experienced any kind of intimacy and even longsighted since she had done so with someone who craved her as much as she craved them. And oh how she wanted Ron… She had no explanation as to why he had so captivate her but he had, and to now feel his lips on her pelt, the exercising weight of him as he hovered over her, and the heat of his desire… it was everything she'd thought it would be and more. She had wanted this ever since she'd laid eyes on him and had come close to giving in last nighttime. Her own guiltiness had stopped her then, as his seemed to stop him now.

'' postponement. '' Ron said in a strangled voice as he pulled away. `` I'm sorry I can't do this. '' He gently rolled away from her and sat up, anxiously running his hands through his tomentum. `` I just can't let myself be happy while Parvati is out there. ``

She sat up and reached out to rub his dorsum. `` I understand. '' She said quietly.

'' I know you do. '' He smiled sadly.

'' I am going to leave alone. It will be easier for us both I think. '' Jacey suggested, moving to climb off the bed.

'' testament you stay put ? '' He asked, his eyes wide and wannabe. `` Will you just lay here and sleep adjacent to me so I won't feel so alone ? ``

She studied him carefully before giving in. `` okay, I do not require to be alone either. But I must exit very early in the morning. ``

'' I don't precaution. Some time with you is intimately than none. '' He agreed, climbing under the covers and motioning her to bring together him.

He turned out the Inner Light and lay back, both of them left staring at the ceiling as nervous latent hostility descended on them. Taking the opening move, she turned to Ron and wrapped her arm around him, resting her head word on his shoulder joint. She smiled in the dark as he responded, placing his own implements of war securely around her and pulling her close. For the initiative time in her life, Jacey felt safe… that there was someone who could manage for her more than they cared for themselves. It was a feeling he was bringing out in her that she was beginning to treasure and as she snuggled in finisher to him, she knew she would do anything to keep it.

( BREAK )

After more than a week had passed, Hermione felt like she was at the end of her R-2. After a disappointing conversation with professor Sprout, she'd learned that Colorsplosions were so rare they were thought to be extinct. But Luna was sure of what she'd seen and Neville had been somewhat sure of what they'd described. Hermione had spent every free moment in the library trying to find out anything about the exotic bloom but so far her search had yielded cipher. Just as she thought she was going to lose her head, she decided to shift her focus… but she needed to use one of the invisibility cloaks in club to get into the restricted sphere of the subroutine library where she knew the information she wanted was being kept.

Harry had been her number one stop but Jacey was still in self-control of his cloak and so Hermione had gone to Draco who had gladly handed his over with no questions. Now all she had to do was wait for the castling to shut down for the night. Locked away in her room, she pulled out the compact to check in with Lee for the millionth meter. `` No, we haven't found anything interesting yet ! '' He said decently away, clearly agitated with her ceaseless nagging.

She'd been beaming to learn he and Willem had been able to hook into the ministry and abscond with the necessary files. But that had been several twenty-four hours ago and she knew had she been the one in will power of those papers, she would sustain been able to have gone through them quite a few clock time by now. `` Why not ? '' She demanded.

'' I don't know, maybe because I also have to keep forging letters to Molly pretending they're from Fred… Maybe because there's a million things to take in these pudden-head files… and maybe it's because you keep calling every five minutes to distract me ! '' He said loudly. `` What about you ? Have you figured out where those flower grow yet ? ``

'' No, but I have programme to get into the limit part of the library tonight… while I'm there I'll face to see if there's anything about Colorsplosions. ``

'' fountainhead what else are you going there for ? ``

Hermione shook her forefront. `` Don't worry about it. How's Willem coming along in finding Elanya's grandmother ? ``

'' Not so good. Turns out the ministry didn't actually sleep with too very much about Jayalina Delamora… we can't even find her parents names. '' Lee answered in thwarting. `` But he's having Chester Alan Arthur see what he can do about helping amplify the search past our ministry's entropy. Willem told him that he wants to try and find any crime syndicate he may stimulate and thankfully Arthur hasn't questioned his motives too much. ``

'' We have to find them. '' She insisted. `` If Jayalina really did take in her parents keeping Elanya safe, then they may be capable to give Willem penetration into their granddaughter. ``

'' As soon as he knows who and where, he intends to go see them. '' Lee assured her. `` In the meantime, have me a few hours of public security and I might actually make headway into all of this information… trust me, if there was a way I could send it all to you without anyone finding out I would. ``

'' Sorry I'm being pushy. '' She sighed and fought back the raging tears threatening to come. `` It's just that it's been a week and none of us have heard from him… ''

'' I know, Hermione. I'm worried too. '' He said gently. `` How's Luna ? Is she able to take in visions yet ? ``

'' She's been trying but every fourth dimension she does, she gets a direful headache… I hope I didn't break her or anything by pushing her so much concluding week. '' Hermione was actually quite worried about Luna and feeling very hangdog for letting the girlfriend force herself that shoemaker's last time when she'd already looked so tire. And worse, they still hadn't been able-bodied to figure out the vision she'd clearly hurt herself to get for them. `` She has said she's been having dreaming about Fred and that so far she believes he's okeh. ``

'' Well, I guess if it's coming from Luna I can accept it as fact… I'm glad he's okay, but I wonder how he's doing otherwise, you know ? ``

'' I try not to think about it. '' She muttered. `` send for me back if you or Willem find anything okay ? Otherwise I'll just blab out to you again in the morning. ``

'' will do. '' He promised.

They ended their communication, leaving her with nix to do except wait. When she finally felt it was time, the clock had already struck midnight. Carefully wrapping Draco's cloak around herself, Hermione crept through the common room and out into the hallway. She tried not to make a single noise as she made her way to the library, not wanting to alert Filtch, his cat Mrs Norris, the ghostwriter or anyone else who may be awake and also wandering the Radclyffe Hall. She'd never felt so nervous before, sneaking out with one of her friends was one thing but she rarely did it on her own for the sheer fact that she just wasn't as well-to-do being sneak like the others. But she had to push aside her discomfort… being underhanded seemed to be the solely way to reach anything these mean solar day, it had certainly worked for Elanya, Sarah and Elise.

At finale she came to the library doors and she hoped Madame Pince hadn't locked them for the night. She let out a vast sigh of relief when she reached out and pulled, finding the door had easily opened. Moving over to the librarian's desk, Hermione grabbed the keys and a belittled lantern before rushing over to the restricted section. She unlocked the logic gate and with as small noise as potential, began making her way through the good deal in lookup of what she wanted. Stopping to seize a text on lost and uncharted islands, she quickly moved on to the metaphysical section.

The Advanced Art of Astral Projection. It was the firstly title to grab her eye and she instantly grabbed the book, figuring she could fancy out the basics of something she had slight time to con. Besides, she'd always found it well-situated to pick up things from a harder position than to be talked down to during the leisurely steps. Banned Acts of Astral ejection. Hermione grabbed that Quran too, figuring a few of the thaumaturgy Sarah had mastered would be covered there.

Hearing a randomness, she quickly extinguished the lantern and stood as still as a statue, not daring to even breathe. Even though she was able to see that she was still alone, her furiously beating fondness could no longer stand the paranoia that comes from breaking so many dominion. Tucking all three playscript under her arm, she hurried to lock the gate and retort the key before rushing back to her room. She had a lot of reading to do and she wanted to learn as fast as possible… She wanted to be able-bodied to do everything Sarah was capable of doing and while it may have taken the cleaning lady yr to subdue her skills, Hermione was sealed she could attain a certain level of mastery within 24-hour interval. Maybe she was being overconfident in her intelligence but she didn't care. They were always saying she was the sassy one, in Luna's sight even Elanya and Sarah had said so… Now it was time she prove it.

more than learning how to protect her own mind from Sarah's invasion, she wanted to learn how to leave her physical structure and locomotion to other places so that she could finally cause a way to pass along with Fred once more. She knew it was different than apparating, but since she had picked that up so quickly and stellar projection was a part of it, she had high promise that she could pull it off. Now it was just a matter of how quickly she could get through and apply the material covered in those al-Qur'an. Putting aside the one on islands until tomorrow, Hermione picked up The Advanced Art of Astral protrusion and began reading, eager to begin learning the desired skill.

( BREAK )

'' I don't want to go. '' Harry turned and buried his head under his pillow. He and Luna had been up former final night going through the ministry document as they were the only thing able to distract her from the fact that she hadn't been able-bodied to have a imagination since draining herself out last week. Despite the fact that they'd figured out two of the three remaining coven members, he'd barely been capable to go along his middle spread out by the end and the last thing he wanted to do so very early the next break of day was get up and get set to go to Hogsmeade.

'' It's your last trip there as a pupil. '' Luna tried as she sat up and began going through the newspaper publisher they'd read hold out night.

'' And there's nothing there I want. '' He emerged from under the pillows to put his forefront in her lap and look up at her with a devilish grinning. `` In fact everything I want is aright here and if I have to be arouse I'd rather drop my time doing something I want to do. ``

'' I'm sure you would. '' She rolled her eyes. `` But if Hermione and Ron can go and act normally then there's no reason for you not to. Besides, I'm going so you'd be left here all alone anyway. '' She bent over to osculate him before rudely moving out from under him to get down dressing for the day. `` You expert get going before anyone is awake enough to see you leaving my room. '' She teased.

'' You're mean. '' He said simply as he forced himself to get up.

'' I prefer hoodlum passion. '' Luna smiled.

Reluctantly Harry left to go to his own room, which felt very cold and lonely. But that's just how he felt about everywhere now whenever he and Luna were not in each other's sight. As he dressed, he realized it was a feeling he'd just experience to get used to… after all, they couldn't be side by side to each former all of the time.

He had just finished tying his shoes when someone came knocking on his door. `` Harry ? '' He heard Ron call through the door. While they'd all just sort of decided to get along, no one had yet attempted to make things right after the things he'd said and the way he'd been acting… And Harry was of the mind that they wouldn't be able to sort out matter out while Parvati was still missing. Ron had been going out of his way to avoid his friends- except for Jacey who said she was spending most Night with him, apparently just sleeping. Harry was confused as to why Ron was coming to him now.

'' Hey. '' He said, opening the door and remaining passive voice until he could cipher out his champion's motives.

'' You remember when you said you were willing to do whatever I wanted to help rule Parvati ? '' Ron asked immediately as he pushed his way into the room.

'' Yes… '' He answered cautiously.

'' Well, according to what Jacey catch Troy say, the end place he saw her was by Hogsmeade, right ? He thought she was heading into the mountains… ? ``

Harry hesitated. He knew that Jacey hadn't overheard anything, that she'd been the one to actually get that selective information out of Troy. But Ron still didn't know about Tristan or Jacey having to get him. He knew what his protagonist was about to ask of him and he worried what could bechance if he refused such a ridiculous idea. `` We can't just sneak out of the village. '' He tried.

'' Why not ? We sneak out of and into everywhere else. '' Ron crossed his arms. `` I can't rule any peace of mind until we find her Harry. I don't fear if she's a vampire, I just want to bring her rachis to her family ! ``

'' And what if she doesn't want to come back ? '' He countered.

'' Then at least I'll know it's her choice… and at least I'll have had a fortune to babble out her out of it. '' He was come together to begging. `` I just need to at least lecture to her… ''

Harry didn't know what to do… he had a feeling that if he didn't agree to go assistant find Parvati then Ron would simply attempt it on his own. He supposed it would be better if they could find Annapurna before Luna's visual modality came dead on target, after all, Troy would surely be looking for her and the last thing they needed was two neonate vampires out scuffling in the woods… especially if Troy came out the victor. `` Okay. '' He agreed, having talked himself into it. At least now he had a reason to go to Hogsmeade, though he knew Luna probably wouldn't be thrilled with the idea.

'' Really ? '' Ron seemed surprised, as if he'd expected to have to put up more of an argument.

'' Really, but we're asking lupine to come with us. '' He insisted, figuring that would stay both Luna and his own qualm about the plan. `` And everyone else stays behind inside the village rampart. The last thing we need is someone else getting bitten, even by stroke. ``

'' Do you think Jacey will be able to foregather us out there ? '' He asked hopefully.

Harry knew she had already taken the potion and had to go into the hamlet as Tristan. Being reminded of that, he felt a sudden pang of guilt. With first Parvati's disappearance then Fred's, with Luna frying herself out, with Draco dealing with his Father of the Church, none of them had focused on releasing Jacey from the obligation of playing their idle foeman. Whether or not they found Parvati today, he knew the adjacent thing he had to do was focus on how to construct Tristram disappear for good.

( BREAK )

Jacey climbed into one of the waiting carriages, feeling immensely uncomfortable with having to pretend to be someone else outside of Hogwarts. She had never been to this Hogsmeade village, but Tristram had and he would be companion with the home and the thing he had done there… she was not. Harry and Luna had tried to satiate her in during breakfast, thinking her all form of storage from their own time spent there. It was overwhelming and as Troy climbed in behind her, she suddenly felt very alone. A gumption of foreboding washed over her when Troy turned to fag and the others who had been about to also get in their stroller. `` You guys do encounter another one. Tristan and I need to verbalize. ``

They all looked to her and she simple nodded in correspondence, sending them scattering to get an empty pushchair. She and Troy sat in secretiveness until the caravan of bookman began moving. `` I don't appreciate being cornered like this. '' She said sternly, hoping to conserve her grip on Tristan's tone.

'' And I don't appreciate being lied to. Something is different about you. '' He accused, turning to look at her. There wasn't a drop of fear in his eyes and Jacey realized he was somehow on to her.

Not knowing what else to do, she quickly reached out and grabbed the boy by the throat, violently shoving him back against his seat. She brought her nerve close to his and allowed her dentition to grow. `` How dare you question me ? '' She demanded angrily. `` I made you, I can just as easily unmake you. ``

'' And Parvati Patil ? '' Ilion choked out. Thankfully he did not try to break off away from her as she knew her strength was nada compared to Tristan's. Her performance seemed to consume rattled him, making him LE certain that he had figured her out.

'' What about her ? '' She asked harshly, releasing her hold on the boy and once more settling comfortably in her seat as if nothing had happened.

'' What are your plans for finding her ? Surely you are going to find her ? '' He pressed.

'' I don't have to explain myself or my legal action to you or anyone else. '' She answered nonchalantly as she gazed out the window, trying to pretend to be disinterested.

'' No, but you are supposed to be telling me what to do, remember ? '' Troy sneered. `` So I am I going looking for Annapurna on my own today ? ``

'' You do nothing without me ! '' She roared.

'' And what of the plan to get Luna ? '' He went on, ignoring her fury. Jacey felt shaken, certain he didn't believe her to be Tristan because if he did, he would never have dared act so boldly. `` The others are all waiting for your didactics, I've told them you intend to go through with it today no matter what and they're all wetting themselves in their excitement to prove themselves to you. Unless you give them a specific programme, right now it's going to be a free-for-all once we get to the small town to see which Slytherin will get Luna for you first. '' He was so clearly setting a lying in wait, testing her to see what she would do as Tristan.

Forcing herself to rest equanimity, Jacey shrugged. `` Good, let them. That will go forth you and I free to go expression for Parvati. ``

Troy raised an supercilium. `` Really ? ``

Again she shrugged. `` I don't hold out a good deal hope for them, but if one does find success then all the in effect. If not, then I'll simply take maintenance of Luna myself once we've set things right with our new trivial vampire. ``

'' Okay then. I guess you and I will be taking a little trip through the Sir Henry Wood alone. '' He grinned viciously.

Hiding the shiver of fear that went through her, Jacey silently called out to Harry, Luna and Draco. Hey, I think we have a big problem.

( BREAK )

Okay, new plan. Harry linked his mind to Luna, Jacey, genus Draco and Ginny so that all of the conspirators could be in on the conversation. Luna, you're going to come with me, Ron and Lupin… there's no way in Inferno you're staying in Hogsmeade today. Draco, can you follow Jacey and Troy and help her out if she needs it ?

'' Why is everyone so calm ? '' Padma asked, having chosen to ride to the village with them. `` I feel like I'm losing my mind in the silence in here. ``

Ron took her hand and squeezed it in comfort. `` What is there to say ? '' He asked.

'' Don't worry, we'll be there soon enough. '' Lupin sighed. He'd agreed to add up assistance look for Parvati, but he wasn't pleased with the idea or the secrecy.

Yeah, I can follow them. Draco replied once they all descended into silence again.

Are you sure you and Jacey could take on Ilion alone ? Ginny asked in concern.

Do not occupy, he is much debile than Tristan was. Jacey reminded her.

Harry wondered how she was managing to concur herself together riding alone with Troy while knowing he suspected she wasn't who she claimed to be. For all their sakes, the four-in-hand couldn't get to the settlement soon enough. Ginny, I need you to realize certainly you and Hermione restrain out in the open, preferably near the Aurors… lupin said Kingsley is supposed to be there today. He suggested.

Ginny nodded slightly before glancing at Padma. We should probably keep an eye on her too… Padma looks a wreck. I can't imagine what she must be feeling not knowing where her sister is.

Harry felt a slight chill of guilt run through him and Luna at the Lapp time. Neither Ginny nor Ron were yet aware of Fred's predicament as they hadn't wanted to alarm them until they knew exactly where their brother was being forced to delay. Plus Ron was already overwhelmed with Parvati's disappearance, both he and Hermione had worried what telling him about Fred might make him do.

'' Finally… We're here. '' Hermione announced from her place beside the window. She took Harry's hand as they exited the bearing, both still wary of the fact that should Elanya's spy be watching they had to appear as a couple. She was certain Fred was going to maintain her insignificance to him while he was away and Harry was for sure that the less of a objective she seemed, the better off they'd be when they were finally able to go looking for Fred.

Together, they led the way behind the good edifice attempting to not draw too much care to themselves. `` Well, are we all ready ? '' Lupin asked nervously.

'' You guys be careful. '' Hermione told them, having only been informed that they intended to look for Parvati. `` Ginny and I will do our best to traverse the fact that you aren't here. ``

'' We'll try not to go out of scope. If you need us, name out and we'll come correct back. '' Harry squeezed her paw as she nodded in agreement.

Indicating that it was time, Luna took Draco's hand as Harry grabbed Ron and lupine. As one they all apparated away with Harry and Luna pushing through the barrier attempting to hold them back. They landed about a half a mile outside the village rampart. `` Is everyone okay ? '' Harry asked, wanting to be sure they'd all made it through in one piece.

'' There was so much pressure that at one gunpoint I thought I was going to collapse. '' lupine answered, shaking himself off and ensuring his talisman still hung around his neck opening. Ron and Draco agreed but Harry and Luna remained unaffected by the trip.

'' fountainhead, I better be off. '' Draco said.

'' Where ? '' Lupin asked in muddiness as he and Ron had no idea Jacey was out there with Troy.

Leaving Luna to silently fill him in, Harry ignored the question and turned to genus Draco who was absently clutching his amulet as it hung around his neck. `` Are you sure you can find them ? ``

'' This closing curtain to the full-of-the-moon moon, I'll catch their scent in no time… well hers anyway. '' He amended, clearly unsure whether even his heightened senses could detect Troy if he didn't want to be found. He'd already said as much about Annapurna a week ago when Harry had asked if he thought he'd be able to get her.

'' Who are you talking about ? '' Ron asked in summate confusedness, having no clue as to anything involving Tristram, Jacey or Troy… other than troy had admitted to being the one to turn Parvati. Ignoring him, genus Draco merely turned and ran off with more speed than a rule homo was able of.

'' fountainhead, let's try to find Parvati. '' Luna suggested, trying to get Ron's focus back onto their own mission.

Allowing lupine to pass the way just in compositor's case he was able to catch the girl's smell, Harry and Luna both sent their minds out in search of any signs of consciousness. Even as it began to pull the wool over someone's eyes, no one suggested the group turn back. They were all determined… they would not end the day without finding Parvati.

( BREAK )

'' Well, let's go see where Padma went. '' Ginny suggested right after the others left.

'' I suppose… do you think at some point we could quickly fudge into the bookstore ? '' Hermione asked as they walked out from behind the construction and surveyed the street before them. scholar and villagers milled around as storekeeper shouted out their holiday sales, attempting to bring in in client. `` There she is ! '' She pointed out Padma, walking toward the Three broomstick with Susan, Dean, Seamus and Hannah.

'' well, I guess she's in good mitt. '' Ginny remarked. `` So, to the bookstore then ? ``

'' I'll be quick, I promise. '' She insisted as they began walking together down the road. An awkward silence descended over them and Hermione knew Ginny was as mindful as she was that this was the starting time clock time the two girls had been left alone together since they'd had that fight at Harry's house during the summertime. She also knew they were both aware that they were different people from who they were then… but it didn't make things any lupus erythematosus tense between them.

'' Great, and now it's starting to snow. '' Ginny muttered before turning her posture around and attempting to get along. `` So, what are you looking for ? ``

'' Anything about alien flowers or stellar Projection. '' She answered simply as they entered the shop and began browsing the shelves.

'' Jeez, are they giving something away in here or what ? '' Ginny grumbled as they pushed their way through the great crowd.

'' More potential this is a just a estimable piazza for them to kibosh and get affectionate before heading back out into the Baron Snow of Leicester. '' She muttered while she scoured the rubric before her. Ginny walked off a bit, trying to help speed things along by searching out a different gangway. Just as she was about to give up and try another aisle herself, Hermione felt her pocket grow warm. Lee must sustain found something….

Quickly making sure Ginny wouldn't notice, Hermione ducked out of the shop and around the back away from prying eyes and spike. She didn't want to induce to explain to any of Fred's family that he was missing and so the last-place person she needed overhearing her was his sister. To her dismay it began to snow harder… she felt her heart hold as her sentiment returned to Halloween night, when she and Fred had shared their first kiss in the C covered courtyard. She shook her headway, ready to focus on bringing him home plate. `` Lee ? '' She asked as soon as she opened the compact.

'' Yeah, I think I may consume figured something out from these files. '' He answered uncertainly.

'' What ? '' She demanded eagerly.

'' Well, I think I know who they're using as a spy… and it's definitely not Simon Zelotes McKinney. '' Lee hesitated, clearly uncomfortable as he furrowed his brow in her transgress prototype of him in the mirror. `` You're not going to believe this… I'm not sure I believe it and I'm looking at the proof in front man of me. ``

'' So, who is it ? '' Hermione was on boundary, unable to bear the anticipation any longer.

'' Well… It seems Elise knows one of the professors up there at Hogwarts very well. '' He answered breathlessly.

( respite )

It didn't take long for Draco to catch Jacey's scent despite the falling snow, she had promised to touch as many Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree as potential to help conduce him to her… Troy he was unable to detect at all. I think I'm close. He thought out, hoping she would respond.

cum quick, I think he's working up the nerve to make a move. Jacey's occupy vocalization came back to him.

Pulling off his amulet, he shoved it in his pocket and stopped to close his eyes and concentrate. Draco focused on her smell while eliminating all the others. His auricle picked up something to the west and he immediately set off, careful to make as piffling noise as possible. At last he saw them walking and snuck up as close as he could to make up one's mind what the situation was.

'' Somehow, I have a feeling Anapurna is nowhere near here… I thought you said you'd be more adequate to to find her. '' Troy was saying.

Draco waited for Jacey to come upon out at the boy as Tristram would have had his word been questioned. But she didn't, instead attempting to keep him in lineage with terror alone. He began to see why troy had become leery, apparently the only affair Jacey wasn't able to properly imitate was Tristan's ruthlessness.

Sure enough, Troy stopped and violently grabbed Jacey's arm. `` You aren't Tristan Macnair, are you ? ! '' He demanded. `` What Anapurna said on Hallowe'en was true wasn't it ? Potter and Malfoy somehow managed to kill Tristram and you must be that surreptitious fiddling girl they've been hiding up at the castle ! '' He bared his teeth, his cuspid growing to acuate points. While not nearly as scarey as Tristan's, Troy's Fang looked just as dangerous.

Dragon was moving in an heartbeat, rushing the vampire and tackling him to the basis as Jacey pulled herself barren. The two boys snarled at each early, each very a great deal wanting to come out the predominant strength as they began taking swinging at each early. Just as Dragon was indisputable he'd hit operose enough to shatter the other's nose, Troy managed to connect as well, hitting with enough force to pink Draco back. Rising to his foot with his nozzle dripping blood, Ilium was greeted by the slew of Jacey with her hands up and cupping balls of flame. `` What the underworld are you ? '' He marveled.

Sensing Draco getting up behind him, Ilion must induce figured his sound hazard was to run. They quickly took off after him, determined to keep him from telling anyone what he'd figured out about Tristan. Jacey, being quite properly human, fell behind quickly as the two boys raced through the woods as fast as their hybrid speed allowed. While Troy wasn't exactly able to fly, he seemed to hover over the ground as he went and was therefore able to go a bit faster and with less maintenance than genus Draco who had to be suspicious of the multitude of obstacles covering the forest floor. But never once did he let the vampire out of his sight… the hunt was on and not only did he not know how to turn it off, he didn't want to.

( jailbreak )

'' Hey, here's one on astral project. '' Ginny grabbed the book and turned to find Hermione but the former girl wasn't where she'd been a back ago. Quickly scanning the memory board, she caught sight of her just as she was ducking out the doorway. What is she up to ? Ginny thought to herself. She debated whether or not to follow, knowing if alone it was safer to be here in this crowded store. But Hermione knew that too, so what had drawn her to do something as dangerous as walk the streets alone ?

Curious and slightly worried, she made her way towards the room access before she could talk herself out of it. Besides, if she was quick she'd be able to bewitch up to Hermione in no time. Stepping remote, she looked up and down the now deserted streets, but the former missy was nowhere to be seen. Trying to remain tranquillise and ordered, she figured Hermione must receive ducked into another store as it had begun to snow even harder. And then she saw footprints leading around to the back of the bookstall. They were quickly being filled in with new C. P. Snow and pulling her hood lower over her boldness, she set out to follow them, suddenly sealed they were Hermione's. But by the time she had made her way around the construction she realized the other girl had moved on. The footmark seemed to stop and then start again as she must have decided to get out of the snow after all.

With a sigh of thwarting, Ginny began to make her way back to the front. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught some movement and turning to look, she was able to make water out a figure in the space walking toward the orchard. Maybe she'd read the footprints wrong… after all the Snow was now practically coming down in midst, laborious sheets.

'' Hey ! Hermione ! '' She took off after the public figure, moving as fast as possible as she slipped and slid through the snow. But as she got closer she saw that she had made a mistake. The person ahead of her was far too tall to be her friend, and from the way they moved, she was certain it was a man. awe washed over her out of nowhere and she tried to turn around before he noticed her.

But it was too late, he had heard her calling. He turned, revealing himself to be Lucius Malfoy. `` You ! '' He narrowed his eyes and sneered at her as he raised his wand. Hers was tucked away in her coat air pocket, he would see any movement she made to recover it. affright flooded through her. `` I know who you are, you're the little miss who bedded and bewitched my son into turning on us, on me ! ``

'' And you're the one who tried to kill him and allowed Harland to be sent after him. '' She returned, determined not to let him see that she was afraid.

'' Two failed attempts to end his life, but I've come to terminate things today. Where is he ? '' He demanded, taking several long pace closer to her.

Unable to stop herself she tried to punt away but he lunged and grabbed her arm, waving his wand in her face. `` Where's Dragon ? '' He asked harshly, leering at her.

'' I don't know. '' She answered honestly.

'' fountainhead you better enter it out soon because if I can't find him, you're just as beneficial a catch… hell I might even be able to buy my way back in by bringing the minister's only daughter to the nighttime Lord… '' Lucius grinned.

'' I doubt it. '' She kept her voice even, determined to be brave. `` Nothing you do will interchange who your parents are, as Draco had the tough luck to instruct. ``

His oculus darkened and he gripped her arm tighter. `` If I have to drag you through the streets as bait, I will see my son today. '' He threatened. `` Now, do you know where he is or not ? ``

( falling out )

'' There are sign that someone has come this way very recently. '' lupin said, bringing them to a arrest a he examined the ground. `` Since I can't filling up on any aroma other than decaying earth, I can only take up it must be Parvati. ``

Ron shivered at the password the man used to describe what he smelled… it reminded him that Annapurna was in all actuality beat, that what she was now something entirely other than human.

'' Why wouldn't the Aurors have picked up on it ? '' Luna pondered dreamily though her regard was astute and focused.

'' Because they don't know what they're looking for. '' Lupin answered grimly. `` There are elbow room for them to find a vampire, but they believe they are searching for a student… and as we don't have a go at it how Parvati has taken to it, it's much wagerer that we find her before they do. ``

'' Meaning what ? That she could round ? '' Harry asked.

lupine shrugged. `` She's a newborn that has been left to wander on her own through nature for close to two weeks. Environment can absolutely bear upon the way someone can come out of this. For illustration, had Draco been bitten and left on his own in the Wood there's no telling whether he would have retained as much of his humanity as he had. The Lapplander goes for me, Anapurna and any other man infected by a mechanical man. ``

Determining she'd been there less than half an hr before, they quickly moved on. Ron's belly was tied in international nautical mile as they all started calling out for Parvati hoping the female child would show herself. `` Over there ! '' Luna pointed as her attention was suddenly drawn to a small-scale grove of trees.

'' Annapurna ! '' Ron cried out desperately, taking a few steps in that direction.

And then he saw her. She peeked her head out first before fully stepping away from the tree she'd been hiding behind, still wearing the retentive dress she used as a costume for the dance. It was in shred now, her hair was hanging in tangles around her articulatio humeri and her peel, normally a coloured creamy caramel, was now ash-grey and pale. She dropped to her genu in the snow in front of them and hung her top dog. `` I'm sorry. '' She whispered. `` I never wanted this. ``

Ron took off his pelage and moved to wrap it around her shoulders but she held out a hand to stop him. `` Don't come near me ! '' She shouted fearfully before once more falling into despair. `` It wouldn't help anyway. I don't really palpate the frigidity. ``

'' Anapurna ? '' Lupin tentatively stepped forward, tightly gripping his talisman. Ron, Harry and Luna all stepped to the side, letting their professor attempt to deal things. `` We have to fill you back, Dumbledore, your family, Chester Alan Arthur and the ministry… they can all helper you. ``

'' NO ! '' She leapt to her foundation. `` I don't want to go back, I can't ! Not like this ! ``

'' Please understand Parvati, this doesn't have to mean- '' Lupin stopped and whipped his head to the side at the same time Anapurna did, both obviously picking up on something the others couldn't.

Harry and Luna must possess caught whatever it was next because they both instantly had their wands out and had taken a few gradation in front of Ron as if to protect him… Though Harry had been sure to station himself at the front, keeping both Ron and Luna corralled behind him. minute later troy burst into their petty clarification, his eye quickly washing over them all as he took in the site. `` I've been looking for you ! '' He said, zeroing in on Parvati. `` I'll take caution of you if it's the final thing I do ! '' He screamed, rushing at her faster than Ron could perceive.

Parvati was ready but before he could even give her, Draco came out of nowhere, tackling troy weight mid-strike. Ron watched in stupefy horror along with the others as the two boys tumbled to the dry land, both quickly getting back on their feet and crouching low as they circled each other, waiting for the opportunity to attack.

'' Whoa, look out ! '' Ron yelled, catching sight of Tristan running through the Tree towards them. He raised his verge and took aim.

'' Ron, no ! That's not Tristan ! '' Luna shouted, knocking his arm just as he released his magic spell. Not quite understanding what she meant, he turned back in repugnance to find out whether she had stopped him in time.





NOTE : Who's the professor spy ? What will Lucius do ? What will happen with vampire Troy and Parvati ? Did Ron mistakenly hit Jacey with a trance ? What's going on with Fred ? breakthrough out adjacent chapter !


Chapter 51 : A dangerous Day in Hogsmeade

A/N : So in this chapter I name a professor as a possible spy… just to let you make love, I am changing thing up from how they were in the veridical Koran yet again by using an OC in space of an semi-established character. Let's all go with the flow on this : ) Read, revue and Enjoy !



Hermione entered the horticulture shed following to the flower shop and sat on the floor among the flower tidy sum before once to a greater extent eagerly pulling out the compact car. `` Lee ? ``

'' What happened ? Why'd you cut me off ? '' He demanded.

'' I heard someone coming and had to move. '' She explained. Just as the snow had begun to shine harder, she'd heard the evident strait of footsteps crunching around the bookstore to where she'd originally gone to talk to him. She'd had to close the compact car and quickly obliterate herself behind the woodpile before the improbable figure of a man walked past her toward the orchard. She hadn't bothered to enquiry who he was or where he was going, she'd been too queasy to take up talking to Lee. Instead she'd waited until the man was a few yards from her before dashing out and around the other side of meat of the construction toward the now deserted streets. Figuring the shed was her best bet not to run into anyone else while still getting out of the snow, she'd rushed there and closed herself in. `` You were saying the spy might be a prof ? '' She asked incredulously.

'' Yeah, I'm pretty sure. Seems Elanya had a mysterious crack that the ministry actually knew all about… According to the files, she and the professor involved had to give ear disciplinal hearings long time ago before she graduated but they were able-bodied to convince everyone that they were mistaken… or at least no one could prove the involvement. '' He answered, flipping through the documents to be for certain of what he was telling her.

'' None of that was in her Hogwarts file cabinet. '' Hermione argued.

'' Maybe not in so many Christian Bible, but if you go back and read it now, you might see that they alluded to it… What I have here seems to indicate that Dumbledore had wanted the professor to be banned from teaching but as they were unable to prove anything beyond a dubiety, he had to prevent the guy in utilization and keep both their record clean. ``

'' So, who is it ? ``

'' Dolos Erebos. '' He grimly announced.

'' The Arithmancy prof ? Are you indisputable ? '' Hermione had always enjoyed his social class, had been the only one in her house to attempt an OWL in the subject field. She couldn't believe he would have an affair with a student let alone propose to spy on and obliterate one.

'' That's what it says. And from what I'm sightedness of her recent change of location, I'm pretty sure they're still in touch- there was a report of them being seen together this summer in Australia. Let's see… she had entered the country to reportedly attend a family funeral. I have no idea why he was there obviously. You might want to look into the guy's files up at schoolhouse because I'm surely as hell not breaking back into the ministry… nearly had heart failure the finis time, I was so nervous someone would watch us. '' He shuddered as he recalled the experience.

'' I'll do that. Let me know if you manage to witness anything else. '' She answered distractedly as her mind whirled, trying to remember everything she knew of prof Erebos. While serious with a very no-nonsense attitude in his social class, he was also very approachable and spend time ensuring each of his students completely understood the material, even if he did publish mile long essays every hebdomad. He always offered a well-disposed smile in the hallways and was uncoerced to listen when a scholarly person had a job. Hermione had always considered Erebos to be a very effective instructor and goose egg she could cerebrate of now reconciled him with the simulacrum of a murderous spy. But then… it was right there in his gens, wasn't it ? Dolos Erebos, a epithet fully of shenanigan ... at least according to the antediluvian Greeks.

( suspension )

Luna watched in repugnance as her late vision of this event came to life before her eyes with a few new modification now that they had attempted to intervene with the future and people were making their own determination. No one seemed to be intimate what to do as Draco and Troy circled each early waiting for the opportune metre to strickle. And then Jacey, still disguised as Tristan had come running up and Ron perceiving the risk had mistakenly taken aim to try and help. She shouted and tried to shove his arm in clip before quickly whippng around to see whether she'd saved Jacey… she had, the early girlfriend was still coming towards them.

'' What do you mean that's not Tristan ? '' Ron demanded. Luna realized everyone had stopped what they were doing and were tensely waiting to see what would unfold.

'' Now is not the time to excuse. '' Harry said quickly.

'' I think it's the perfect prison term to explain ! '' Troy yelled, taking a step closer to Draco. Harry and Ron instantly pointed their baton, almost daring the vampire to make a move.

At lastly remembering that these were students and he was a professor, lupine came to his senses and stepped forward. `` Everyone arrest ! '' He shouted. Draco bristled at the dictation but Ilion gave no indication that he heard.

Instead he turned to Parvati. `` Come on, snap out of it ! Do what you were made to do and aid me avenge what they did to Tristan. ``

Parvati seemed uncertain, her face showed she was concentrating hard. `` No. '' She said at last. `` There's nothing to avenge. He's not my master. ``

'' But I am ! '' Ilion hissed. `` Now do as I say ! ``

'' Maybe you should have learned how to do this honorable before forcing it on me ! '' She screamed. `` I'll do nothing you say ! ``

And then they were both in gesture before anyone could even perceive that they had moved. Anapurna and Ilion clashed together, a tangle of teeth and claws. `` Stop ! '' Luna shouted, knowing neither had heard her.

'' Harry ! assist me sort them ! '' Lupin yelled, waving his wand. Harry stepped forward and focused, using his own powerfulness to grab hold of Troy and rip him from Parvati's appreciation as lupin pulled her away. Harry pinned Troy to the ground, allowing Luna to cast and bind him in place.

'' Hey ! '' Draco shouted. Luna spun around in time to see Parvati passado and attack him. She was on top of him on the ground and he was trying desperately not to hurt her while still keeping her nails and snapping fangs away from him.

Harry, Ron and lupine rushed over to help but the girl was in a feral state and any time anyone got too conclude, she'd gingersnap at them as well. `` Stop now ! '' Jacey shouted. Still bearing Tristan's appearance, she stepped forward and allowed the flames to collapse from her paw in warning.

Unlike Tristan, Parvati's shin wasn't impenetrable and could easily be burned. Her eyes were on Jacey's hands, transfixed by the fervidness. At last she seemed to issue forth back to her dope, giving up her attack on Draco and rolling to the side to earmark him to digest. He quickly pulled his amulet from his pouch and put it on as he backed away from her, holding it firmly in his manus. Luna knew they were lucky that he'd managed to cling on to himself, it had to feature been difficult for him to break Anapurna from the vampire she now was. It was make she'd lost herself and attacked him simply for what he was, her natural enemy… thankfully Dragon had been given more clip to get used to his loup-garou self.

'' I'm sorry. '' Anapurna said sadly as she sat before them in the snow.

'' It wasn't your fault. '' Lupin reasoned, though he was sure enough to sustain his distance from her as he also clutched his amulet.

Seeing that the position was under control, Jacey released the fervency she'd been holding, her work force now hanging at her English and smoking slightly. Luna held her breathing space along with the eternal rest of her Friend as Ron approached her.

'' Jacey ? '' He asked hesitantly, clearly unsure as the somebody before him looked everything like Tristan. `` What the Hades is going on ? ``

( fault )

Ginny tried to pull her arm loose, but Lucius dug his finger's breadth in, refusing to let her scarper so easily. `` This is your last chance, where's Draco ? '' He growled.

'' He's out in the woods somewhere, he's not here in the Greenwich Village ! '' She shouted at him before turning and screaming at the top of her lungs, hoping to alert someone to the fact that she was in trouble. But they were so far from the buildings, and the thickly falling snow muffled her voice even more.

'' Stupid girl ! '' He shook her and once more pointed his wand in her grimace. `` Do that again and I'll cut your tongue right out. '' He threatened.

And not doubting that he would, she kept her lip shut. terror was quickly settling in as she realized her silent calls for help were going as unanswered as her genuine belly laugh. Harry, Luna and Jacey must be too far into the forest and had gone out of range… at least that's what she hoped. Not wanting to make herself feel even worse, she refused to think that they weren't answering because something had happened to them out there.

'' So, he's out in the woods. '' Lucius stared off thoughtfully, gripping her arm even stiff. `` That's right, the replete moon is only two days away… they probably don't want him mixing with the scholar too much. Let me guess, he's out there with Remus Lupin. '' He sneered. Ginny remained silent, neither wanting to confirm nor abnegate anything he thought. He had no theme that Fred had found a way to help with those amulets so she was perfectly willing to let Lucius believe Draco was more out of controller than he was. `` Alright, we're going to sneak out of the hamlet and go looking for them. It's better we go out into the woodwind instrument anyway, less chance of being seen. '' He licked his sass, eager to sustain this confrontation with his son.

She didn't conflict as he pulled her along to whatever breach in the fencing he'd snuck in through. Ginny very much wanted him to involve her out there and closer to Harry and Luna… she had to severalise them to warn Draco. The last thing she was going to do was let Lucius ingest the element of surprise.

( gap )

Having finished talking to Lee, Hermione slowly made her way back out into the low snowstorm. She instantly headed towards the bookstall, feeling hangdog for leaving Ginny there alone for so long. As she walked, she began preparing her excuse for the early girl, trying to settle what to say to her and still not alarm her to the fact that her pal was missing. It was insensate and wet out, and Hermione was eager to get inside and warm up despite having to lie to one of her friends once she got there ... But just as she was approaching the door, she could induce sworn she heard someone shriek for aid. What's more, she thought it sounded like Ginny.

The nose candy was growing deeper, making it hard for her to steer her way around to the book binding of the building once more. She fell twice as she tried to run, and she shivered as her pants where now completely soaked. Even though she hadn't heard another scream, she was suddenly sealed that it was Ginny and she kept moving forward in metre to see two digit far ahead of her, one dragging the early into the grove. Hermione forced herself not to squall out, waiting until they were completely in the tree before going to observe, pulling out her wand as she went.

'' Hey ! '' She heard mortal claim from behind her.

turning, she found Crabbe and Goyle standing together. `` What do you two want ? '' She asked impatiently, gripping her wand tighter.

'' That's not Lovegood ! It's farmer. '' Goyle shoved Crabbe.

'' How was I supposed to be able to narrate through the snow ? '' He argued.

'' I really don't have time for an act from Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum. '' She called over the twist. `` Why don't you two just run along ? ``

'' Where's Luna ? We need to talk to her. '' Crabbe took a few menacing steps towards her, forcing her to arouse her wand.

'' Do you see her anywhere ? I have no idea where she is. '' Hermione answered nervously. `` And I doubt you have any reason to speak to her since neither of you are supposed to be in the village. You're supposed to be under theater stay back at shoal. ``

'' And you're supposed to be with your friends… yet here you are, claiming to be all alone. '' Goyle taunted.

'' You really expect us to consider the others aren't close by ? '' Crabbe leered.

'' I have always expected very little from either of you. And yet you still have the ability to disappoint. '' She shot back, refusing to prove fear in front of these two changeling. `` And I don't need anybody's help to be able to occupy charge of you. '' To examine her point, she shot a spell at their base, causing the snow to violently explode up into their faces.

It was sort out they would have liked to revenge, but their uncertainty that they could really take her on was too much. After all, they'd had years to see what she was capable of in class. `` Come on, let's go back to the village and look for Lovegood. '' Crabbe suggested. `` Granger's useless to us at the moment anyway since Potter's not around. '' He added, as if they were leaving only because she wasn't worth their time.

She let them go simply because she knew Luna was nowhere near the hamlet, though she did designate to warn both her and Harry that the Slytherins were looking for her. She tried calling out but soon realized they must induce moved far out of range of a function. Waving her wand, she dried her wearing apparel as best she could before turning and continuing on to the orchard, following the cryptic depression Ginny and her captor had left in the snow. At go, with her teeth chattering and her leg all but benumb, she came to a diminished cluster of bushes that was hiding a newly made hole in the bulwark surrounding the village.

Hermione didn't know what to do. The thinking of going out into the woods alone while Anapurna and Troy were out there wasn't too appealing, not to mention she wasn't sure just how dangerous this secret man was who had taken Ginny. But looking behind her, the idea of going back to the village alone while the Slytherins were out on the hunt for Luna didn't seem like the gravid plan either. She had no thought where any of her protagonist were or how long it would make before she was in mountain chain to contact them… and even if she did go after them, she was already so cold, how long would it be until she actually caught pneumonia or frostbite ? But going back to the village to warm herself would mean giving up on Ginny and would make her tactile property like the regretful person ever.

bout of foiling slid down her cheeks, instantly freezing to her skin… she felt so sap, so make to generate up. She didn't know what to do. She sat down in the snow, giving into the spiritlessness spreading over her. Pulling out the compact, she held it in her gloved script wishing she could just open it and see Fred's face… to spill the beans to him and have him tell her it was alright and that she had to get up and go on. But that wasn't going to happen, only Lee waited at the former end and he had goose egg comforting to offer. Never had she felt so alone.

( rift )

Harry had been off with lupin trying to make up one's mind what to do next when they heard Luna sidesplitter. He turned to see genus Draco pull in her out of the way as Annapurna tore past them to attack Ilion, sinking both her claws and teeth into his neck. He and Lupin rushed over at the same time Draco did and they all grabbed an arm to pull one lamia off the other. troy weight, still bound in lupin's spell, could only twist in pain as blood spewed from his neck ... she'd torn his throat out. Parvati was fighting them, trying to get back to her fair game but they held on tight… though Harry could clearly see they'd been too late.

As soon as Ilium stopped moving, his middle glazing over with destruction, Parvati went hobble and gave up her struggle to get away. `` I was so hungry… '' She said quietly, both sad and determined as the boy's line dripped down her chin and stained her finger. `` Better it was him than any of you. ``

Harry shook his head… Luna hadn't described any of this in her visual sense. Apparently Anapurna was making her own choice right along with everyone else and changing the future- hopefully for the better.

Lupin appeared dazed. I've never known of a neonate to turn so quickly on their creator. He thought to Harry, trying to make logic of what he'd just witnessed. I suppose he did abandon her out here… and he was a newborn himself. He took out his hanky and handed it to Luna to feed to Parvati so she could attempt to clean herself up.

'' Now what ? '' Ron asked as he and Jacey rushed over. The potion had worn off as she hadn't had the chance to conduct another dose and so she was once more looking like herself… which only seemed to wee Ron more knock over, as if being confronted with evidence of everything they'd told him suddenly made it all true up to him.

'' Just quiet down. '' Harry said, his judgment whirling as he attempted to piss sense of the things he'd just seen. `` Let's all think about this rationally. ``

Ron shook his chief angrily. `` Okay, how do we rationally explain Ilium not coming back to the rook with everyone else ? ``

'' Why would we have to ? The utmost somebody he was seen with was Tristan. '' Draco argued.

'' Exactly. '' Harry said grimly as it clicked together, how they could use this tragedy to their reward. `` Tristan will be the one to sustain to answer for Ilium, if Jacey plays it right, she could pass Dumbledore a way to finally expel him for just cause. ``

'' And me ? '' Parvati asked miserably. `` How are you going to tie up this easy end ? ``

'' You must come in back with us. '' Lupin once more insisted. `` There are many who live almost completely normal sprightliness with the vampire curse, there's no reason you can't do the Lapplander. ``

Anapurna shook her brain. `` I can't, and I won't let you make me. Tell my parents, Dumbledore and everyone else I'm dead ... I may as well be anyway. ``

'' What about Padma ? '' Ron asked quietly as he slowly approached the girl.

She turned to look up at him with snag in her eyes. `` Yes, I do want to see her one more metre before I disappear… ''

'' I can't in soundly scruples let you just run off on your own. '' lupin sighed. `` There is a place I know of where you can go… a settlement that takes in new lamia and helps them adjust to a convention life. I will not tell your kinfolk you are stagnant, but I am leave to let them go on to think you are missing until you are in a punter frame of nous to adjudicate how you would like to proceed. ``

'' Where is this place ? And how do you know about it ? '' Ron asked doubtfully.

'' I don't know where it is, for obvious reasons my kind would never be told no matter how in control we are. But it is my clientele to recognise these affair exist and I know exactly who to contact to conduct her there. '' lupine replied defensively before turning back to Parvati. `` I can receive them meet you outside Hogsmeade by morning. ``

She nodded slowly, clearly having no skillful plan. `` Okay. ``

Harry sighed in stand-in before realizing they still had the matter of disposing of yet another consistency. `` What about him ? '' He gestured to Troy.

'' Well, I suppose we spread out and find an Ash tree. '' lupin said slowly. `` Any woodwind could work for him, but let's get Ash just to be sure. ``

Dragon was the first to blemish the group of trees they needed and they quickly went to help pull together enough woods to shroud Troy's body. Once they'd accomplished the labor, Jacey stepped up and pointed her digit, emitting a stream of fervour that instantly lit their macabre bonfire.

Harry ? Luna ? He vaguely heard Ginny's voice susurration through his psyche. Turning to Luna he saw her nod to argue she had heard it too. Reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder, he was nearly knocked off his feet as their flux energy amplified Ginny's distant phone call. HARRY ? LUNA ? Can you try me yet ?

Ginny ? What's wrong ? Luna answered anxiously.

Lucius Malfoy found me while he was in the village looking for Draco. I told him he was out in the woods so now we are too. I can't get away from him ! She desperately reported.

Where's Hermione ? Harry asked.

I have no idea. Ginny said quickly. She walked out of the bookstore and I haven't seen her since.

Can you get Ron and Jacey back to Hogsmeade by yourself ? Harry asked Luna.

I believe so. She replied uncertainly, not glad with the estimate of splitting up their chemical group even more.

Okay, when you get there stay near Jacey if you can and try to quash the places you know the Slytherins might be. Try and feel Hermione and Kingsley and joystick with them. He was uneasy about Luna going back to the village without him but he couldn't exactly have her and the others stand out here in the woods with a vampire who was barely in control of herself. Hey, hombre ? We have a slight problem. He thought out to everyone but Ron, bracing himself for Draco's reaction to the news.

( BREAK )

Jacey watched as Ron walked away from the others and knew he was beyond angry… there may not even be a Bible strong enough for what he was feeling. It was a glowering mixture of ferocity, treason, disgust, guilt and outrage. He knew as everyone prepared to entrust that there was now something else he was not being told… but seeing how he was reacting, she felt Harry had made the right decision in not telling him that his Sister was in the clutches of her boyfriend's male parent. For all they knew, Ron would wrick his emotional tirade on genus Draco and blame him for what Lucius had chosen to do. And seeing how badly Dragon himself had taken the intelligence, Jacey knew it would be bad if Ron tried to start anything. `` Hey, I am sorry I did not state you I was pretending to be Tristan. '' She said softly as she approached him.

Ron shook his caput. `` All those nights you came to see me as yourself… and I had no idea that I was still with you everyday… how could I have not known it was you ? How could you own lied to me so easily ? ``

'' It was not loose. And I did not lie exactly. ``

'' You said you were leaving the castling ! '' He angrily turned on her. `` That you were doing things for the coven ! And really you were taking over the biography of the vampire you helped toss off ! ``

'' I said I had to go away but that I would be close by ... that was entirely rightful was it not ? '' She argued. `` Once I was Tristan I was not myself and therefore I was gone, but I was never further than a few hallways from you. And I did do this for the coven… Harry and Luna are coven member are they not ? Tristan wanted to turn over Luna and paw her over to Voldemort- not only would that induce been bad for the coven, it would get destroyed Harry, how could I not have tried to help break it ? ``

He let out a caustic laugh. `` Yeah, Harry, Luna, Hermione, Fred, Ginny… you're just like everyone else, always capable to find justification. I'm tired of being on the outside ! ``

'' We wanted to maintain you safe… I wanted to keep you safe. This is why we did not tell you ! '' She said, knowing he did not remember it a well enough reason.

'' And what's everyone not telling me now ? Why are Harry, Malfoy and Lupin really staying out here ? '' He countered.

'' They already told you, they're staying to help me. '' Parvati said quietly from behind them. They spun around to confront her, both surprised by how easily she had crept up on them… Jacey more than Ron as she had not sensed the vampire to be anywhere near them. `` Sorry to disturb, I couldn't help but overhear. ``

Thank you for keeping the secret about Ginny. She thought out.

He's already dealing with sufficiency right wing now. Parvati thought back, her articulation tense and full of malice. Jacey was flying to agnise the former girl did not like her at all, and it was directly as a consequence of the acquaintance she seemed to share with Ron… A jealous vampire… She did not know what to retrieve, though she was struck by the absurd idea that Parvati had laid claim to him first. And seeing how he instantly softened his mental attitude, it was clear the guilt he felt over the girl's lot was solid, bonding him to her in an obligatory alliance.

'' I can stick around too. '' Ron offered.

Parvati shook her head. `` No, you go assist determine Hermione. She and Luna are going to need you to look after them… but will you do me a party favor ? volition you please match me outside Hogwarts tonight with Padma so I can talk to her before I leave ? ``

'' Yes. '' He instantly agreed. `` Whatever you want. ``

Jacey felt uneasy knowing he would probably do anything Anapurna asked now… that his own conflict would wee-wee it nearly impossible to deny her. And she could understand- driven by a desire to please rather than by guiltiness, she would do anything for Harry or Luna… and she would do anything for Ron as well. But what she could not and would not do, was tolerate herself to be bested by a vampire. As soon as she was done being Tristan she intended to throw affair right with Ron and impatient to make that happen, she was prepared to begin ruining the Macnair reputation the minute they returned to school.

( BREAK )

'' Be deliberate. '' Harry warned one last meter, reaching out to grasp Luna's paw. They were standing alone, lupin had pulled Draco aside and they were talking quietly to each other while Ron, Jacey and Parvati conversed off in the distance. Taking the opportunity, Luna wrapped her arms around Harry's waist and held herself close against him, already hating that they were about to be separated. He ran his hands up her back, taking her expression in his hands and leaning down to kiss her deeply.

'' We will. '' She promised quietly as they broke apart and rested their heads together. Wanting to hide her own discomfort, she offered a small grinning to try and relieve his headache. After all she wanted him focused on himself while out looking for Lucius, not on her.

'' well, I drank the potion, I guess it's time to direct back. '' Jacey announced as she, Ron, and Annapurna returned. `` I will do my best to talk to the Slytherins. '' She promised.

Parvati stood near Ron though she didn't allow herself to get too close. `` Don't bury what you promised. '' She said quietly.

He nodded and shuffled his invertebrate foot. `` I won't. We'll be there this evening. ``

Luna felt bad that they hadn't told him exactly what was going on, having not wanted to alert him with the fact that Ginny could be in bother. In fact, he'd only been told that Harry, Dragon and lupine were staying behind to control Parvati could find her way back to the rook and she couldn't aid but feel it was a bad idea not to tell Ron. But at the like time she didn't want him to tag along and possibly get hurt in his despair to help oneself his sister… It was bad enough Harry and lupin would have to be keeping Dragon in check.

Luna quickly leaned up to kiss Harry again and assured that Jacey had completely turned back into Tristram, she reached out to catch her and Ron and whisk them back to the village before she could change her creative thinker. They arrived outside the scream hut, the only place she was sealed there would be no bookman. Sure enough the spot was deserted, and even though the Snow began to let up as they walked they soon saw the streets of Hogsmeade were pretty much clear of people.

The first thing Luna wanted to do was retrieve Hermione, she was worried about what had happened to her friend and she knew Harry was too. Closing her eyes, she tried to focus in on her while Ron and Jacey stood watch. `` Well ? '' Ron asked after a few second. `` We can't stand here all day and let people see us hanging out with ‘ Tristan ’. '' He added, clearly still bitter about being kept in the dark.

'' She's in the orchard and we'd better hurry. Something's really incorrectly. '' She told them, coming back to herself after a dark and solitary trip-up through Hermione's head.

They ran off, letting her deal the leash as she followed the missy's dim stream of consciousness. Running through the Tree and right up to the paries, Luna frantically pushed the President Bush aside to reveal Hermione huddled into herself as she sat in a hole. Her teeth were chattering and her lips were drab, her face red and raw from the cold. The small fire she'd made for herself was dying out and she had clearly been prepared to let it. `` Hermione ! '' Ron rushed to draw out her to her ft, wrapping his arms around her in an endeavor to provide warmth.

I couldn't decide what to do, depart or quell. Hermione looked at Luna, ineffectual to make her sass form words as she shivered. Her optic were so despondent, so lost and unsure.

It's okay, you aren't alone anymore. Luna assured her, stepping up to contrive her blazonry around the girl as well. Jacey quickly broke off various leg, laying them down and lighting them in a colossus blaze, her magic fire yet again rendering the nose candy inconsequential and therefore making her flaming stronger than the ones Hermione had attempted to use to keep herself warm. Luna and Ron moved her closer, wanting to aid their supporter thaw out.

Why is Tristan here and lighting things on flak ? Hermione asked, her eyes all-encompassing with fear while her vox maintained a numb indifference.

It is me, Jacey. She answered for herself.

It's a yearn story I'll tell you about later. Luna added.

Again Hermione looked to her and her alone. Please don't leave again. She begged. Her mind was a jumble of a mess, even she didn't know what she was thinking anymore early than that she was scared, coldness and alone.

I won't. She promised, holding her friend tighter as they edged her even closer to the flak for Sir Thomas More warmth.

Once certain her flames were properly contained, Jacey turned to them. `` I will go gather as many Slytherins as I can and try to get them to yield up their lookup for you. '' She told Luna. `` Once I have I will let you recognise that it is secure to come back into the Village. ``

'' Well be warm about it. '' Ron said angrily. `` Hermione needs to get indoors. ``

'' F-feet f-fr-frozen. C-can-n't w-walk. '' Hermione stammered out through her chatter dentition. Jacey took off in a rush with more than her concern driving her. It was clear that she didn't want to be around Ron while he was displeased with her.

'' What were you doing out here anyway ? And where's Ginny ? '' Ron demanded as he fed more woodwind to the flaming. Luna and Hermione looked away from each other, neither wanting to come up with an solution to that. But he caught on anyway, realizing they were both keeping something from him. Luna watched as a shadow passed over his boldness and she knew he had reached his breaking point with secrecy, that this was the utmost chaff. He balled his manus into clenched fist at his sides and strode up to tower menacingly over her. `` I said, where's my Sister ? '' He said in a hush yet threatening tone.

( rupture )

The minute thrower had told him what Ginny had said, Dragon saw red. He had to walk away from the chemical group to gather himself, to occur to term with the fact that today may just be the day he had to kill his father… And it would sure as snake pit come to that before he'd let Ginny get hurt. Taking several deep breaths, he urged the others to plan faster, wanting nothing more than to incur Lucius and let him know what a mistake it was to put anyone, especially Ginny, in the middle of their familial feud.

He felt lupine come up behind him and turned to face him. `` Just remember to try and keep yourself in control. '' lupine said gently as he reached out to reassuringly squeeze play Draco's shoulder. `` And remember, Harry and I are going to be with you… nil is going to happen to Ginny and we won't let you or Lucius do anything either of you will regret. ``

'' Why is he here ? '' genus Draco asked miserably. `` I gave Dumbledore all the mode I knew how to find him, why haven't they caught him yet ? Why is he still unblock to come here and torment me ? ``

He shook his header. `` I have no idea. But when we catch him, we'll hired man him over to the Aurors in the Greenwich Village. ``

'' That's if everything goes well. Lucius isn't one to play by the rules. ``

'' Neither are you and Harry. '' He reminded him. `` There's a lot about you that your Fatherhood won't be expecting Draco, and that's his own error because he placed limits on you in his own psyche. I'm just glad you've managed to prove to yourself that you're more than he ever thought you could be. Don't let him goad you just because he doesn't think you're serious to him. ``

'' I just want him to get out Ginny alone and disappear out of my life. '' He said, shrugging him off and crossing his arms defiantly.

'' And we will make that happen, but in a way that doesn't end with anyone else dying today. '' lupine insisted.

'' Hey, they left for Hogsmeade. '' ceramist said as he and Parvati cautiously approached them. `` I'm pretty sure I've caught Ginny's consciousness… if you're ready. ``

'' Of course I'm ready, she's already been with him too long. '' genus Draco took a deep breath and set himself.

'' And you're certain you can get back to Hogwarts ? '' Lupin asked Parvati.

She nodded eagerly. `` Yes, just go so that I can be alone to get ready. '' Draco knew what she meant… she was going to chance something to eat before coming face to grimace with humans again.

ceramicist reached out and seize hold of him and Lupin, apparating them away and to where he sensed Ginny to be. Within seconds they were mile away back near the village, but no one was there. `` We must have just missed them. '' Lupin pointed out the deep footprints in the snow.

Dragon sniffed the air and instantly picked up the syncope scent of the coconut meat application Ginny used. He raced ahead of the other two, grimly eager to once more face his father. Seeing them ahead in the aloofness he slowed and waited for Lupin. Leaving ceramist to cover them, the two lycanthrope removed their amulets and placed them carefully in their sac where they wouldn't make contact with their skin. Draco could still feel the effects of it and longed to shake off the affair far away from him… but he knew better. Without the Wolfsbane, the amulets were the only matter keeping them sane in these finish two days before the moon and he needed that in Holy Order to ensure he go on his wit and didn't accidentally hurt the wrong person.

Without a word to each other, they allowed the wildcat to awake within them, heightening their senses and setting out to do what they were meant to- hunt. Breaking off from each other they noiselessly moved over the Charles Percy Snow in face-to-face directions before running line of latitude, looking to gird their prey and leave no dodging. Ginny, we're here. Draco heard Potter silently call out to assure her as Lucius continued to drag her unwillingly along behind him.

As soon as he was assured they were all properly situated, Draco gave the signaling and he and lupin leapt from behind their Tree with their sceptre out, trapping Lucius from either side and the front. He leapt back in surprisal, clutching Ginny closer to him and spinning around to find Potter behind him brandishing his baton with several heavy branches circling in the air around him. Backing up against a tree as they all three closed rank and file, Lucius swung Ginny into his body and crushed his arm against her throat to keep her from escaping while using her as a sort of human shell. He waved his wand at all of them threateningly though his eyes were locked on Draco. `` I've been looking for you, son. '' He said as a dangerous grin bed cover across his face.

Draco could see Ginny shivering and knew it was more than the frigidity, she was clearly scared about what was going to happen. He wanted to keep himself together, to go on her concern about herself and not him… but facing Lucius, seeing the hatred his founding father now had for him, he couldn't stop himself. Pulling the amulet from his pocket, he angrily tossed both it and his wand in the C and threw his arm out tauntingly. `` I'm right here. ``

( BREAK )

Crabbe and Goyle were the first two Jacey found, which made sense seeing as how they were forced to digress the streets in order to not be seen and thus reported for breaking their house arrest. As Tristan, she ordered them to gather as many of the others as they could and consume them meet her in the scream Shack. Quickly going from building to edifice, she found the rest of the Slytherins and gave them all her orders before heading up to the deserted house herself.

When she entered the dusty parlor, she saw that most everyone was already there. A few stragglers came in after her and she was surely to stare daggers at them to let them cognise she was displeased. `` Everyone pay closelipped attention because I've already had a bad day and I'd hate to bear to micturate it speculative by repeating myself. '' She looked around to control all attention was on her. `` troy weight and I ran into some problems while out looking for Parvati Patil. Suffice to say, neither of them will be joining us and it is best that you all forget they even existed. '' A low cardiac murmur of confused articulation rang out and she knew she'd have to dedicate them more. `` All you need to know about the situation is that they became unruly and I was forced to sell with them. ``

'' None of us can bump Lovegood. '' milksop said cautiously. She was clearly as eager as the others to ask about Troy, but thankfully they weren't as perceptive as the vampire had been and her threat were enough to hold back them in check… for now.

'' It's just as well. '' Jacey waved her off. `` I had arranged a encounter in order to hand her off only to instruct that my military mission has changed. ``

'' The dark master doesn't want Lovegood anymore ? '' Millicent asked doubtfully.

'' I didn't say that. '' She snapped, startling the early young woman into quiet. `` There are a lot of things going on that none of you can even begin to comprehend. I suggest you give up trying and simply listen and stick to guild, l you wind up like troy weight and Anapurna. '' No one dared speak and she nodded in favourable reception. `` That's more like it. Now, our main target is no longer Luna Lovegood… instead it is being left to us to figure out who the mystery girl is that thrower and Dumbledore are hiding at the palace. It seems the wickedness Lord has taken a exceptional stake in her. ``

Jacey knew Harry and Luna were going to be upset that she was turning their attention on herself… but she figured this was the easily way to keep everyone safe until they could forget school day at utmost. After all, how could the Slytherins possibly find her when she was busy hiding right in front of them ?

( BREAK )

Luna was stunned into taking a stair back, away from Ron. She'd never seen him so angry before. `` I don't know where Ginny is. '' She answered honestly.

'' You better not be lying to me. '' He said, stepping forward and forcing her to take another step back.

'' I'm not ! '' She yelled, upset to be so scared of one of her friends… of someone she'd once loved. `` I don't know where she is, but Harry, Draco and Lupin are with her. '' She admitted, hoping that would be enough to gentle him. But of course of instruction it wasn't.

'' So wait, they lied about why they were staying out there ? '' He roared, shouting in her font. `` What the bloody hell is going on ? ! And how does my babe fit into it ? ``

'' St-stop yell-yelling ! '' Hermione shouted out of nowhere. Having been so involved in their argument, they'd forgotten she was still there, hunched over the blast with her hands spread out over it. `` W-w-whatever's hap-happened to G-Ginny isn't Luna's f-fault and th-the others are out th-there looking f-for her, s-so you sh-sh-should be grateful. If you w-want to b-bl-blame s-someone f-for something hap-happening to Ginny, th-then bl-blame m-me. I'm th-the one w-who ab-b-bandoned her in th-the bookshop. '' She stammered out as she shivered.

Ron was nearly shaking as he attempted to control his rage. `` And why did you do that ? '' He asked through clenched teeth.

'' T-to t-talk t-to Lee. '' Hermione looked directly at him. `` Fred s-sent him up h-here w-with s-some quest-t-tions ab-about th-the quickcures and I st-st-stepped alfresco t-to service f-figure it out. '' She lied smoothly, her anger helping take her into remaining calm and believable. After all, now that Ron knew Ginny was missing, there was no reason to alert him to the fact that Fred was as well. He'd been exposed to plenty truths today… one too many actually, if his rapidly reddening face and darkening center were any indication.

'' Don't talk to me, either of you. Not unless it's to let me get laid Jacey has given the all unclutter to go back to the village. And after, I don't want to talk to any of you at all. '' He said, turning his back on them to go sit alone on a tree stump a few yards away. Clearly he still cared enough not to abandon them, but the aura of his ira was suffocating.

Luna carefully sat beside Hermione in the expanse Jacey had cleared away of coke. `` Are you okay ? '' She asked the former girl who's teeth were still chattering as puffs of air passed through her wild blue yonder lips.

'' J-just re-really c-c-cold. '' She answered. Lee figured out who the spy is. She thought, not wanting to use vigor talking.

And ? Luna prompted.

It's prof Erebos. He had an affair with Elise while she was here at school though no one can prove it. Lee believes there's evidence that they've continued to stay in liaison. Hermione quickly explained.

Well, I could certainly see him more capable of killing someone than Simon. Luna answered. aught came to her saying they were damage and so she had no reason not to consent Lee's research as a plausibleness. But Simon is working for them somehow… That she was sealed of. hunch had been poking at her since she'd agreed to dance with him at the Costume clod, now it was downright shoving her in it's insistence that there was something off about that boy.

After awhile, Jacey finally called out to silently tell Luna that it was as safe to get into the small town as it was going to get. She helped Hermione to her foot and left it to her to order Ron that it was time to go. Despite his keep fury, he silently stomped over to help Hermione paseo. Together they guided her between them, eager to finally get her out of the frigidity. Glancing behind her past the paries, Luna hoped Harry was alright out in the woodwind though she was more than positive that she would know instantly if he weren't.

( BREAK )

Ginny tried not to face directly at Dragon as Lucius pressed his arm against her throat, not wanting him to see just how scared she was. After all, she wasn't being hurt, Lucius seemed more concerned in using her as a hostage or shield than hurting her. But seeing Draco remove his amulet and cast it away, seeing the fury in his eyes that had built up after years of dealing with his father… she had no melodic theme what was about to happen but she was horribly afraid that this wasn't going to end well.

'' I'm right here. '' Dragon taunted his father, clearly trying to get him to take the bait and release Ginny.

But Lucius was no half-wit, he'd been surviving for a farseeing time and knew that she was the simply thing keeping Draco, Harry and lupin at bay. He wouldn't let go of what was currently keeping him safe and the others at his whim. `` Yes you are, wandering in the woods like an animal. '' He sneered at his son. `` I'd have thought Potter would own put you out of your misery by now… Apparently he's no different that his foolish father and your mother's moronic cousin, keeping around a untamed wildcat because they're too spineless to do the decent thing. ``

Ginny couldn't helper the tiny shriek that escaped her as Lucius dragged her along to the side to sidestep away from the thick branch Harry had sent flying at him as he insulted James, Sirius and Lupin. Looking up, she saw several to a greater extent ramification still dancing in the air around Harry as he glared down Lucius, almost daring the man with his gaze to say something else derogatory about the multitude he loved. `` careful ! '' genus Draco shouted, upset that Ginny could receive been hit as well.

'' It was just a warning. '' Harry said with traitorously calmness. `` It didn't even get near them. ``

'' It is my understanding that you allowed Harland Myers to rest secretly in your house for a decennary. '' lupine said stiffly, stepping slightly between the son and Lucius to keep anything else from happening. He appeared calmness, only his eyes indicated the loathing he had for the former man. `` Where was your spine then ? Why would you have let someone so dangerous to you and your family penetrate your life ? ``

'' Make no mistake, if I had a choice in the matter, Myers would have never come near my house. '' Lucius answered bitterly. `` As it is, he proved useful all these old age later… except none of you did what you were supposed to ! I should suffer figured they'd let Draco live, after all, they kept you around all these years. Quite outlived all your friends, haven't you ? '' He taunted. lupine remained silent but Ginny could see the ferocity written in every line of his face. genus Draco and Harry were holding their breath as they stood alert, waiting… they were all waiting for their chance. Lucius went on, his own ira slowly leaving his command. `` Of course there always more than to still take away- your friend's son and his friends, your blushing bride… your new make-shift son. You think I don't know that you signed your name to papers claiming care of Draco ? ``

'' What do you care ? '' Dragon snapped.

'' I care ! '' Lucius shouted violently, squeezing down his hold on Ginny without realizing it. She reached up to pull at his arm and return her full flow of oxygen, but his grip was tight and all she could do was struggle to continue breathing as the others closed ranks further. `` stoppage back ! '' Lucius warned them as he turned his wand on her. `` Two words and her life is over before any of you can break me. '' He turned his attention back on genus Draco. `` Whatever happens, you are a theatrical role of me, my pulp and ivory, my genes. And now not only have you willingly allowed another family to be responsible for you, you've completed your perfidy by telling the minister of religion where to find me ! I may have tried to belt down you Draco, but I expected more of you. You should have come and found me yourself if you wanted revenge, but I see spending so much sentence with these people has made you weak. ``

'' No, you were right. I am still your son and here we are side to face… but you're the one who's still hiding behind somebody else. Are you that scared of me now ? '' genus Draco yet again taunted his beginner, wanting him to free Ginny and come after his real target. She shivered, scared that he'll miss and even more frighten away about the more likely outcome- that he'll win. Either way, after today, she knew Draco was going to be different.

( BREAK )

Ron sat opposite Luna and Hermione in front of the fervor in the Three broomstick. Despite the revel and loud voices all around them, they three remained tacit each lost in their own idea. Again he wished he could have been the one to understand minds, that he could rip open those miss heads and memorise all the enigma they were still keeping from him. He felt torn in a million different piece and didn't know what to feel first, which resulted in a continuous shift of wrath, sadness, guiltiness, obligation, green-eyed monster, betrayal, and confusion.

His mind still couldn't fully comprehend what had happened to Parvati or what he'd seen her do to Troy. He'd never stopped blaming himself since she'd disappeared, and then finding out Jacey had been to blame as well… that she had known what was possibly wrong with Parvati and hadn't said anything… it had been overwhelming. Today had sufficiently blown his mind. How could Jacey deliver slept beside him each nighttime knowing that she was lying to him everyday ? And her rationality for keeping him in the wickedness was the Lapp bull Harry and Dumbledore had been feeding them for years- to celebrate him safe. But he didn't finger very protected.

bad than his anger and confusion over Jacey, it felt there would never come a time when he'd find heartsease over Annapurna's fate… how was he supposed to live his life knowing he'd allowed hers to be destroyed. She'd seemed so hopeless out there in the wood, so resigned to an eternal living of loneliness. How could he forgive himself or Jacey for any of it ? Tristan and Troy, the two really responsible were dead and the only ace left to blame were the animation who had allowed it to bechance. Ron dropped his nous in his bridge player, unsure of everything except that he was tired of thinking.

'' Hey, have you guys seen Dean and Padma ? '' Seamus asked, walking up to their tacit trio and taking in their somber faces. `` Whoa, who died ? ``

'' I haven't seen them, but I think they're at Honeydukes. '' Luna answered softly, never raising her gaze from the floor.

'' I'll go with you to look for them. '' Ron offered, needing a moment away from the girls. After all, one had left his Sister and let who knows what happen to her and the other was Luna, who he just couldn't make heads or tails of anymore… he was torn, wondering if perhaps he was actually starting to hate her. After all she was the sluttish to find fault for everything going wrong, from her sight or lack of them to her untasted ability to keep a hugger-mugger to her swooping in on Harry and shaking up their altogether group. It didn't matter if Hermione claimed that without Luna she and Harry would possess still broken up because he knew it wouldn't have happened. Fred nor anyone else could have turned her head if she wasn't sealed Harry no longer wanted her and Ron didn't care how a great deal they protested to the contrary. And now because Hermione was engaged chasing Fred's favourable reception, she'd left Ginny to an uncertain fate… He turned to look at both girls, trying to hide some of what he was feeling about them. `` You two are planning on staying here in these exact billet, right ? ``

'' I'm certainly not going back outside until it's metre to go back to school day. '' Hermione muttered, sinking further into her tooshie to get her invertebrate foot closer to the attack. She was examining her digit, which were the same bright pink as her cheeks, wind and forehead. Ron found he was relieved to not to see any obvious signs of frostbite… hopefully she'd warm up and at worst, come out of this with a bad cold.

Satisfied that they were safety in the crowded inn until the others came back, Ron left without another word to either of them. He walked past Jacey who was sitting as Tristan at a table by the doorway with poof and Millicent. It was take in she'd hail there to help prevent an eye on him, Luna and Hermione should anything go wrong. He ignored her completely as he went out, finding it didn't much bother him that he had to pretend to dislike her ... after all, there wasn't much pretending at the moment. Lost in his own head, he followed Seamus down the route to the confect store.

The snow had stopped and Ron looked around, hoping to catch sight of his sister as people once more began filling the streets. But of course she wasn't here dependable in the hamlet. She was out there in the woods in some kind of untold peril and his friends had decided he didn't need to bed about it. He took a few mysterious breaths to try and calm himself, not wanting to alert anyone to the fact that Harry and Ginny weren't where they were supposed to be unless he had to. As mad as he was, Ron trusted Harry to direct forethought of Ginny… and push come to shove, he trusted genus Draco to as well. With lupin completing the tercet, he knew his sister's social welfare was in proficient hands- he just wished he knew what was going on.

'' There they are… '' Seamus said as they entered Honeydukes, pointing to a back paries where Dean and Padma were standing and talking very close together. Ron let out an involuntary shiver as he recalled the concluding time he'd been in this storehouse. They'd avoided it the last few times they'd come to Hogsmeade for a reasonableness after all, none of them wanted to think of what had happened there finish year or anything else about that battle. Ron straightened himself up and prepared what he was going to say to convince Padma to leave the palace with him tonight without right field out telling her about Parvati…

( BREAK )

Harry held his breathing time as genus Draco continued to tease his father but again Lucius refused to take the bait. All any of them needed was one luck, one moment where Ginny could go innocent but it was apparent he wasn't going to pass it to them. For all his hard talk of the town, it was clear Lucius was the one who was most daunt as none of them were hiding behind anyone else… Draco had even thrown his wand away, though Harry wished he had held onto the talisman. After all they wanted to enamor Lucius, not shoot down him.

'' I'm not scared of you. '' Lucius sneered.

'' essay it ! '' Draco shouted. `` Stop hiding behind a girl and occur try to end my life if that's what you want ! I'm not scared of you either ! ``

'' I suppose that's why you told them about the safe sign of the zodiac ? ! '' He yelled back. `` Imagine my surprise when the one I'm at is surrounded and I'm forced to fight my way out ! And then every single berth I go to after is already swarming with Aurors. Your female parent would never dare, but you ! You're just spineless enough to institutionalize someone else to clean up for you. So I came here to show you what it's like to be a man and face your demons… I came here looking for you Draco. station your new acquaintance away and I'll let the minister of religion's daughter go with them. ``

'' That's not going to occur. '' lupine said quickly. Neither he nor Harry was going to give Dragon alone with Lucius. `` You have no motility to bring in here, think about it. You can't apparate without leaving a trace and these woods are already swarming with Aurors looking for a missing scholarly person. It won't take often for them to see you wherever you go. No one is going to let you hurt Ginny or try to hurt your son. And no one is going to let Draco smart you either, that's something he shouldn't have to dish out with. ``

'' As if he could hurt me. '' Lucius spat out. `` I know my son better than you ever could. I find it laughable that within a few calendar month you seem to think you can just waltz in and surrogate parent the little snake. Keep one thing in mind, he may now be a stray dog like you, but you are not his family. I am. ``

'' And so is Nymphadora Tonks-Lupin. '' Draco shot back. `` For full or worse, he married into this family… in fact, he's your nephew by marriage which makes him my cousin and a member of the merely part of this class I wish to go to. I don't even know you, and I don't precaution to any farsighted. ``

Harry watched a dark shadow passport over Lucius's face. He knew that despite whatever the man felt towards his son, he believed him to be his to deal with. `` You've foiled me your unharmed spirit, I don't know why I expected today to be any different. wait at how weak you've let yourself grow… Tell me, if I ended all of their lives right now what would you do ? Would you violently avenge them or would you just sit down in the C. P. Snow and cry ? '' It was well-defined he was upset to larn that there were masses Draco was bequeath to put before him. Even more, he was upset to get wind that there were people who actually cared about what happened to Dragon while he was left completely alone and on the run.

'' That's an impossibleness and there's no need to ponder the unimaginable. '' Harry said. His judgment was growing tired with keeping the branch in the air and though he could feel Luna sending him her strength and energy, he knew something had to be done soon. Okay, we need this to end. He thought out to his friends.

I couldn't agree more. Draco's strangled reply reached him. He was clearly having trouble holding himself in check and Harry could almost see the More key and instinctual mentation of the wolf inside him as it prepared for it's chance.

'' I've lived long enough to get it on that there is no such thing as the insufferable. '' Lucius said aloud, ignorant of the fact they were all conversing around him.

'' So then the interrogative is, how much longer you'll be living. '' genus Draco returned.

When I give the signal, I'll throw another branch. When he ducks, Ginny, I want you to complain, prick whatever you have to do to get him to loosen his grasp if not let go completely. Harry told her.

I have absolutely no job with that. She replied though her knowingness seemed dimmer.

Draco instantly picked up on the distraint in her voice. So let's do this then !

wait ! I want to be sure we cover all the slant so no one gets hurt by accident. Harry insisted, trying to remain calm himself. lupine, as soon as he moves, disarm him. And Draco… just don't wipe out him, okay ?

We'll see what happens. He thought back darkly.

I'm fix when you are. Lupin said, either unaware or dismissive of the violent smell Draco was experiencing.

'' The Saame question could be posed to you. '' Lucius replied to Draco's spoken words. `` Whether I end you today or someone else comes for you tomorrow, you will not be around long. There are too many looking to ruin you my son. You've made far too many of the incorrect kind of foeman. Clearly you were expert off when it was only potter's hollow menace you had to deal with. ``

'' I'm still breathing. '' genus Draco replied coolly as an explosion of revenge swirled within him. `` Clearly I'm not as bad off as you might mean. ``

Now ! Harry shouted in his creative thinker, whipping the braggy tree branch directly at Lucius so he could see it coming. Like before the man tried to dodge out of the way, dragging Ginny with him. But this time she was ready for it. As soon as Lupin shouted `` Expelliarmus ! '' she bit down on Lucius's arm. Moving with the saving grace of a dancer, she swung her elbow back at the same time she kicked her leg, catching him in both the gut and kneecap and sending the man sprawling. Luckily she managed to roll out from under him and before he'd fully touched the ground, Draco was on him and wrapping his hands tightly around his father's throat.

'' No ! '' Harry raced forward with Lupin, both desperately pulling at Draco's atomic number 26 grip. Nothing they were saying could achieve him, he was in his own humankind now. Glancing behind him, Harry saw Ginny furiously digging in the C. P. Snow and knew she was trying to find the amulet they'd all foolishly let Draco throw away.

pull lupine away, Harry wrapped genus Draco protectively in his mind before pulling with everything he had, sending the boy flying through the air to shoot down gently a few M away. Then he quickly turned to bind Lucius in lieu. lupine rushed over to Draco, pulling off his amulet and kneeling to rate it over the boy's head before leaning down to quietly talk to him. Harry reached out to break off Ginny from going over. `` I don't attention how certainly we both are that he won't hurt you, this is something Lupin needs to help oneself him with. '' Harry said gently, wrapping his arms around her as they both watched their friend attack to convey Dragon back from the edge.

'' They should hold drank the Wolfsbane before coming out here. '' She shook her top dog angrily. `` Drake should have had it set up. ``

'' Draco wasn't supposed to take the amulet off, they didn't think they'd need it until tomorrow and we weren't exactly expecting Lucius. '' Harry answered. `` Are you okay ? ``

'' Yeah, my arm hurts a bit from being dragged around but I don't think he was very occupy in hurting me, it was clearly Dragon he wanted. I just let him believe he was out here alone. '' She said with a little smile.

Something poked at Harry's hunch and he turned to see Lucius had rolled himself several foundation to snaffle wait of Draco's discarded wand and costless himself of the binding placed on him. `` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Harry shouted but Lucius shielded just in time, whipping his own spell back at Harry. He shielded, protecting both him and Ginny as she pulled her wand out and spud a stunner. Again Lucius shielded before pointing the sceptre at the tree next to them. Harry grabbed Ginny's handwriting and pulled her out of the way, shoving her to the soil and throwing himself over her before casting a buckler as a shower of wood and Charles Percy Snow rained down from the explosion.

lupin rushed forward with his own wand out sending spells so fast Lucius could only screen himself. Draco came up and took his father's wand from Lupin, joining in the cast as Harry and Ginny unburied themselves from the heavy junk. Harry caught the spark of lighter from the corner of his eye and turned to see Lucius pull out and thrust two belittled daggers with great f number and accuracy from behind his shield.

Harry couldn't travel along both and was only able to wiretap the one that had been flying straight at Draco's heart, using his intellect to labor it off course where it buried its entire length harmlessly in a tree. The indorsement hit its target, embedding itself in Dragon's leg. He fell to the side with a grunt of pain. Once again, Harry kept Ginny from rushing over, keeping her carefully behind him as he focused on Lucius who was obviously broken that he'd once more been stopped from killing his son. The man waved his scepter with a boom while shouting an unfamiliar incantation.

'' Harry ! '' Ginny shrieked. He turned to see her fighting off the tree that had suddenly come to life and reached down to snaffle her. He tried to help but by this time he was now fighting off the branches himself. Lucius had bewitched the tree diagram to serve him, keeping Harry and Ginny busybodied while he quickly turned back to Draco.

'' expect out ! '' Harry shouted a warning to Lupin who was crouched over Draco trying to make sure he was okay. Hearing him, they both looked up to see Lucius pointing his wand at them.

'' I will not reserve you to have got my son. He is mine to let hold up or die. '' Lucius sneered down at Lupin before waving his wand. `` Avada- ''

'' NO ! '' Draco roared, shoving lupin away and ripping the dagger from his own leg while ripping the talisman from his neck and hurling it far away. Fuelled by wild human madness and calculating brute instinct, he leapt to his ft and lunged at his father, driving the blade deep into the man's belly.

Everything and everyone stopped moving including the bewitched Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Harry saw Lucius's eyes develop panoptic with shock and something almost like superbia. Draco still had his hired man on the handle of the dagger as he glared his father down. `` surmisal I'm capable after all. '' He said quietly.

Harry felt Ginny cliff to the ground and once more feel for the amulet and he let her, figuring it was best both werewolves had them back. Besides, it kept her busy. He certainly wasn't going to try going near Draco at the moment and he wasn't going to let her either. Lupin picked himself up off the dry land and being the only one in the billet to reach out to Draco he did. `` cum on. '' He said gently. `` Now we can select him to Albus. ``

'' You'll take me nowhere ! '' Lucius burbled out. `` Now my son and I will complete this ! '' Before anyone could discontinue him, he grabbed Dragon's shoulder and they were gone in a flash as he apparated them both away.

'' Draco ! '' Ginny leapt to her feet and ran to the empty billet where they'd just been standing.

'' That was stupid. '' lupin muttered. `` We have to ascertain them before the Aurors do. And they'll be sure enough to be heading this way now that they'll have an get-up-and-go tracing to investigate. ``

'' Why not let them receive Lucius and Draco ? '' Harry asked. `` They'll be capable to take Lucius into detention and we'll be done with it. ``

lupin shook his head. `` No, they'll ingest Draco too. He has no mastery right now, there's no telling what he'll do if someone unfamiliar to him tried to get along between them. They won't expression at him like we do, all they'll see is a mechanical man out of control… trust me, I've been arrested several sentence for much less in my younger old age. ``

'' Dumbledore wouldn't let that bechance. '' Ginny said, more to ascertain herself than them.

'' He won't have a pick. '' Harry answered grimly.

'' Exactly. And if they find Dragon out of control so close to both Hogsmeade and the schoolhouse, they'll blame me and annul mine and Tonks guardianship… I won't be able to help him and he'll be lost in the endless red tape recording of bureaucracy. ``

'' So, where did they go then ? '' Harry asked. `` I mean, Lucius was hurt, he couldn't have gone far. '' He sent out his mind and caught a faint trace of Draco.

lupin sniffed the air and pointed south toward the settlement and the mountains. `` That way. I can faintly smell out Lucius's blood. ``

( BREAK )

And that's it, there's nil else you're leaving out ? Hermione asked.

After Ron had left with Seamus, Luna had taken it upon herself to silently severalize Hermione everything that had been happening. After all, if Ron now knew there was no reasonableness she couldn't… especially if they were planning to wee-wee Tristan disappear as soon as possible. She could differentiate the former girl wasn't mad, that she knew she was guilty of keeping enigma just as large involving the unanimous matter with Fred and Elanya. But she was hurt that they hadn't trusted her and there was nothing Luna could do to make that better.

That's it. So now Jacey just has to accept the blame as Tristan for troy weight's disappearance and hopefully we can end this… until or unless soul connects it to us. She answered, absently staring at the students around them, jealous of their simpler lives.

poor Parvati… no wonder Ron tone so wicked. Hermione took another sip of her hot chocolate.

There are a lot of reasons for why he's so worried, she is one of them. She said glumly before turning things around and focusing on her booster. `` So, are you okay ? '' She asked aloud.

'' Finally starting to sense warm up and I can jiggle all my finger and toes so I think I'm O.K.. '' She answered, staring off into the fervency. `` I don't have it away what happened to me… it was like I couldn't make a decision so I just take to do nothing at all. ``

'' We all lose ourselves for a little while and we're all dealing with so much… even you had to break eventually. '' Luna reached out to rub Hermione's shoulder in comfort.

'' Do you think Ginny's okey ? '' She asked quietly, her guilt feelings over leaving the former girl alone quite apparent.

'' I have no reason to think otherwise- '' She cut herself off as the boom started in her ears.

'' I guess you spoke too soon. '' Hermione said, having recognized the preindication of a coming vision.

Her sightedness blurred, whatever it was, it was coming fast no matter how hard she tried to hold it off. I can't do this out here in front of everyone. She thought out desperately. Hermione took her arm and guided her through the building and down a long hall to the back bathrooms, settling her pile on the small waiting sofa before locking the door.

Luna let herself go, giving into the vision… her first since she'd fried out her head. She was excited in a way, as this had to intend she hadn't broken herself. It was the Edward D. White room, a sharper, hopeful interpretation than ever before. Harry was beside her and instantly Sarah, Elise and Elanya were there, reaching out their weapon and beckoning them to get along over. She felt a pulling, a desire to go and see what they had to offer. Simon the Canaanite suddenly walked by, much nigh than the others and grinning at her menacingly as he too reached out a hired hand to her and her alone. Harry disappeared from her face and she recoiled, once more cognizant of herself and the fact that she wanted nothing they had to declare oneself. But that moment of uncertainty, she knew that was a clue as much as anything she was being shown… This entire warning was clearly for her alone and she had to pay skinny tending to everything.

Coming out of it, she felt dizzy and extremely thirsty. `` Hold on, just hold here and get your heading. '' Hermione said, looking at her in vexation. `` I'll go get you some juice or something equally sweet, I think your stemma cabbage might own dropped… you're awfully sick. ``

Luna lay back down and gratefully let her go, trying to pass off through the discomfort she was feeling. But Hermione had only been gone a few here and now when a deep sense of foreboding washed over her. Forcing herself to her human foot and ignoring the dizziness, she suddenly felt the need to be back in the main way with heap of people. Opening the doorway she peeked her school principal out and instantly felt someone else nearby. She rushed to close the door, but soul collided against it and began trying to push their way in. `` Come on Luna ! I just want to talk to you ! ``

She recognized Herbert Alexander Simon's articulation and shoved harder against the room access to hold him out. `` Go away ! '' She pleaded.

He managed to get his foot in the door, ensuring she wouldn't be able to shut away him out. `` Just a wide-eyed conversation, that's it, I promise. ``

Not knowing what else to do, Luna closed her center and apparated herself away to the first space she thought of- the woodlet. It was readable right away that she'd made the amiss choice as her coat was still sitting on the sofa by the nice warm fire at the Three Broomsticks… but she'd wanted to get as far from Simon the Zealot as possible and this was where she'd injury up. shivering, she wrapped her arms around herself and began to quickly make her way back to the inn. No one was supposed to be able-bodied to apparate around the village and luckily she'd figured out that the ghost she and Harry left when they did so went unnoticed by the Aurors… But still, she couldn't just come along back at the inn, anyone could see her do it and she knew it was always best to obliterate your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Quickly linking idea with Hermione, she told the fille what had happened so that she wouldn't be caught unawares by Neil Simon. Jacey, sustain an eye on Hermione. I had to duck out but I'm on my way back. She thought out, wanting as many the great unwashed to know the place as possible.

She had just reached the bookshop when two people jumped out in front of her. She leapt back, startled to find oneself Crabbe and Goyle, both looking half frozen as they'd clearly spent all of their time outside. `` Hey look, we finally found Lovegood ! '' Goyle nudged Crabbe.

'' Yeah, when we aren't supposed to be looking for her anymore. '' He grumbled. Luna remained mum, not wanting to absorb their attention as she reached in her spinal column pocket for her wand… but it wasn't there. Either she'd left it with her coat or she'd dropped it in the lav while struggling to retain Simon the Zealot out.

'' Aren't we ? '' Goyle countered. `` Tristan said she's not the main priority, but she's still a target isn't she ? ``

'' I don't know… I suppose. '' Crabbe scratched his head.

Letting them figure out whether or not they were supposed to cop her, she slowly backed away before turning and entire out running back toward the grove. `` Hey ! Get her ! '' She heard one of them shout, not stopping to look back and see which one or whether they were gaining on her. Panic set in and with the cramp iron in her face, her frozen limbs and her racing heart, she knew she wouldn't be able to outrun them no matter how lightly her rebuff stature let her fly across the C. P. Snow. She could find out them barreling after her, it was only a matter of time before they caught her. Seeing the paries ahead, she closed her middle and thought herself on the other side of it. Within second she was back outside the village and running through the woods with no idea where she was or how far she'd sent herself.

Sudden suspicion flooded through her and she knew she was going the wrong way. Her foot toppled out from under her as she tried to blockade them and she slid forward down pitcher's mound through the tree. She raised her arms to protect her face, wildly trying to seize onto a branch to slow down her progress. They all broke in her hired hand and she let out a loud scream as she felt the ground fall out from beneath her as she slid right over a large cliff. Turning she made a desperate grab and caught the end of a jagged tree root sticking out from the face of the cliff. Staring down, she felt her stomach leapt into her pharynx as she perceived the earth a few C feet below her. She screamed again, outloud and in her judgment, hoping Harry or anyone else was near.

Taking a few deep, trembling breaths, she tried to calm herself and apparate away but the affright wouldn't let her focus. Looking up, she saw the top of the drop-off only about six feet above her with a few early smaller rootage poking through the suspend dirt. Fixing her grip, she swung her legs up, trying to catch onto the branch she currently dangled from. After four endeavor she managed it, scratching herself horribly as she righted herself. Not daring to block up now, she carefully stood and flexed her numb fingers before reaching up for the following offset, ensuring she also found a stalwart foothold to help hoist herself up. It seemed to take forever but at death she was eye-level with the land and was surprised to see two large boots standing before her. Looking up, she felt the last of her strength leave her as she took in Lucius Malfoy's vicious grin, his face marred with jaggy scratches.

'' I know who you are. '' He said quietly, his smile widening even as he was slightly doubled over holding his haemorrhage tummy. `` Oh how funny fate can be… You're Lovegood's girl aren't you ? You don't have to reply, I know that you are. I already had his offices burned down for that article but I had no idea just how much a few words would smash my spirit. I think it's only bonny now that I completely ruin his… say with the exit of his early child. ``

'' Don't. '' Was all she could say, her fear and loathing of this man overwhelming her.

'' Why not ? I already killed your chum, and in a very similar fashion might I add. '' He laughed cruelly before lifting his foot and bringing it down on her rooted digit. She screamed feeling her already tenuous grasp loosen even more.

( BREAK )

As soon as they arrived wherever it was in the woods that his father had brought him, Dragon viciously pulled the dagger from Lucius's body. The man staggered back, a demented grin across his case that couldn't mask the pain in his eyes. `` You think I haven't had worse. '' He spat out.

'' I think I'm about to chip in you worse. '' Draco threatened, throwing the obelisk away and crouching in training of the attack. Now they were both completely weaponless, both wounded by the other and both on equal footing. Except they weren't and he smiled as he thought of all the ways he knew he was going to best Lucius.

'' If you think you can. '' Lucius challenged, reaching in his pocket and pulling out a third dagger… apparently they weren't both weaponless, well it didn't bother Dragon as he was still certain he would come out on top. `` I was saving this one just for you son. '' He lunged forward and swung, forcing Draco to leap out back.

Ducking low and ignoring the pain in the ass in his leg, he tackled Lucius at the knee, bringing them both down into the snow. He shouted in torment as he felt the dagger thrust his shoulder joint blade, his father had stabbed him as they fell. Slashing out, his fingernails violently ripped across Lucius's face, tearing his physique. Stumbling to his feet, Draco reached behind him and pulled out the dagger. The human in him wanted to jam it down Lucius's throat… the wolf in him had no idea what the weapon was for and wanted to make it away simply so it wouldn't be used on him again. He tossed it aside… there were no amulet here, no potions to control him. The humanness grew dimmer and he let it, already feeling the flow of blood from his wounds slow as he began healing himself.

He could smell out the fear from the man as he climbed to his feet, vaguely he had a sense that this man was kin to him… but Draco also knew that the man had been cast out, banned from the inner circle and was therefore an enemy. A low warning growl escaped him as the man faced him down. `` That's it Draco, act like the creature you now are. '' He smiled.

The words meant nothing. He could barely interpret their substance any tenacious, all he knew was that he had to end this threat to his gang. There was blood in the air, and it wasn't all his own. Baring his tooth, he crouched low and enjoyed the wide look of terror in the man's eyes. Draco was about to strike when a sudden scream tore through the air.

He perked up instantly, recognizing the vocalisation as one belonging to him, someone he cared for. It was a severe conflict, but Draco managed to bring a minor piece of himself back and was almost startled to see his father before him. A instant ago, he'd been unrecognizable as anything former than prey. `` Well, let's go see what that's about, shall we ? '' Lucius said, becoming more confident as he realized his son was distracted.

He rushed forward but he was too tardy. Lucius had apparated away. Another scream tore through the silence, forcing Draco to move. He ran faster than he ever had before, hoping whichever of the girls were in hassle he got there in sentence to help oneself. As he went he forced his mind to get control over itself but that was impossible. Without the amulet, it was just too airless to the full Sun Myung Moon to turn off the wolf completely. So putting it to his advantage, he used his skunk to conduct him, at last catching Luna's scent. Carefully making his way down the steep side she'd clearly slue down, he arrived in time to see Lucius hovering over her as she struggled to hang on to the slope of the cliff. `` Don't. '' Draco heard her plead.

'' Why not ? I already killed your brother, and in a very interchangeable fashion might I add. '' Lucius laughed, throwing his premature evilness against her menage in her face as he lifted his understructure and stomped down on her fingers.

'' No ! '' He ran forward. Turning and seeing him coming, Lucius dove out of the way… but it wasn't him Draco was after. Lunging down to the ground, he reached over the side of the cliff and caught Luna just as she lost her grasp completely. Her hand was icy coldness, her fingers too stiff to properly go for onto him. Feeling himself begin to slide over as well, he quickly kicked out and hooked his foot on one of the Tree before reaching down to firmly grab her wrist.

'' fountainhead, well. What a compromising situation. '' Lucius sneered as he walked over to leer down at them. `` Looks like now I get two for the price of one. Revenge on Xeno and the final end of my treacherous son. '' He laughed and cruelly lashed out, kicking Dragon in the incline and knocking the breath out of him. Luna screamed again as his grip on her slipped and he struggled to preserve his hold. `` As much as I would screw to depict this out, unfortunately I don't have all day. Your new defender was right, I can let the Aurors trace me… especially not before I pay a visit to the Tonks and Lupin menage and personally give them my thanks for their participation in turning my son so thoroughly against me. ``

Draco looked down into Luna's frightened nerve. He tried to apparate them away from this, but he couldn't find that section of his humanity that knew how. The wolf was too awake and at the same time he had too lots of himself in him to do anything useful. His instinct was to free up one hand and lash out at Lucius to hopefully ping him over, but he also knew he couldn't hold onto Luna with one hand… he couldn't apologize her dying for his Church Father's. Lucius kicked him again and he felt his foot begin to slip. If something didn't happen soon, he and Luna were both going over… but if that happened, he sure as hell was going to bestow Lucius down with them.

( BREAK )

'' How much farther ? '' Ginny asked anxiously as Harry suddenly stopped.

So many matter didn't feel right to him at the consequence, he was inexplicably panicked, pock and very cold. `` I think I sense them over this way. '' He answered distractedly, letting lupin take over the James Henry Leigh Hunt now that they were penny-pinching. Before they'd left in lookup of Draco, they'd been sure enough to regain both amulets… he hoped they were in prison term for them to show useful.

HARRY ! Luna's voice tore through his mind at the same clock time her wow echoed through the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. He was moving in an instant, at hold up realizing everything he'd been feeling was because of her. He heard Lupin and Ginny calling out as they chased after him, but he ignored them. His center was in his throat as he heard her scream again and then again. He was an idiot not to induce paid attention to what he'd been feeling simply because he'd thought her to be safely back in the village… he should live by now that none of them were secure, ever.

He let his instinct guide him as her scream once more echoed around him, seeming to come from all directions… and then he heard Draco too, shouting in pain. Coming to a plunge gradient, Harry made his way down as quickly and carefully as possible. It was clear a few masses had come this way and he knew he was in the proper place.

Through the tree diagram, he was able to see the sharpness of the drop-off before him. Lucius was standing there, staring down with a demented smiling as he yet again kicked Draco in the side of meat as he dangled headfirst over the bound. auditory sense Luna scream again, Harry nearly had a heart attack as he realized why Dragon wasn't retaliating… Luna was dangling from his custody. `` Lucius ! '' Harry called out, slipping and sliding the rest of the way down while attempting to wave his wand.

'' Too of late ceramist ! '' He yelled. This time he kicked his son's leg, loosening his keep on the tree and sending him and Luna over the side. Draco whipped around to snaffle his Father of the Church's ankle, pulling the man over with them.





note : Wow… next chapter, the results of the Hogsmeade visit and the search for Fred, aspect for it soon !


Chapter 52 : cope With Disappointment

A/N : Read, Review and Enjoy !



Harry rushed to the edge of the cliff, nearly going over the side himself in his panic. He'd sent his mind out in an attempt to catch Luna and Draco as soon as he saw they were going over… the elderberry bush Malfoy was an after persuasion. Peering down, he sighed in easement to see that he'd caught them all, though as he felt the drain on his energy, he was more than bequeath to let Lucius go to preserve the early two. But using everything he had left in him and tapping into a bit of Luna's vigor, he was able to blow them all up and back on solidness terra firma, his wand instantly out and pointed at Lucius. He couldn't allow himself to be distracted with his vexation over Luna and Draco until the scourge to them all was fully neutralized. `` It's over now. '' He said with authority.

'' It's never over Potter. Let the Aurors vestige me, I will live to fight again ! '' He shouted. genus Draco lunged at the same prison term Harry shape in an attempt to hold open the man there, but they were both too late. Lucius had apparated away.

'' Harry ! '' He heard Lupin and Ginny calling after him.

'' Over here ! '' He yelled back before turning to his two supporter still on the ground. `` Are you okay ? ``

'' I've been better. '' Draco muttered, obviously upset that his beginner had escaped.

Luna simply nodded though she was huddled into herself, with no coat and her typeface, arms and hands covered with low scratches. Unzipping his coating, Harry helped her to her metrical foot and pulled her into his dead body, wrapping the jacket crown around her humble, shivering form. He could palpate the coolness of her skin through his clothes and hoped his own body heat and coat would aid thaw her out. He held her tightly, trying to prepare himself really consider she was alive so that his eye would block up racing so painfully. `` What the sin happened ? What are you doing out here ? '' He asked quietly as Lupin and Ginny crashed their way through the trees and downhill to them. She shook her read/write head and merely pulled herself closer against him.

Ginny ran up to Draco, kneeling and throwing her munition around him as her ministration at finding him alive overwhelmed her. He held her back, his eyes at last softening as he reached to choose the amulet lupin quickly held out to him. Pulling away to slip it over his neck opening gave Ginny the opportunity to take stock of him and finding her hands all-fired she immediately inspected his shoulder joint. `` He stabbed you again ? '' She asked, her voice heavy with concern.

'' It was zero, I barely feel it anymore. '' He answered glumly, rising to his feet and wrapping his good arm around her.

'' Where's Lucius ? '' Lupin demanded as he looked them all over for serious injury.

Harry and genus Draco both shrugged, each feeling different waves of anger and disappointment. `` He disappeared, we tried to stop him but… '' Harry trailed off uncomfortably. They had been too distracted to focalise on the foeman as they should take and as much as he hated that Lucius got away, he was also grateful that Draco had sufficiency ascendancy over himself to put Luna's base hit above his deep desire for vengeance against his father.

Lupin shook his top dog. `` It's okay. I'd rather it end this way with you both breathing. '' He told both boys before looking at Luna who was still huddled inside Harry's coat with him. `` And what are you doing back out here ? ``

They all turned to Luna, matter to to know what Harry had been heroic to detect out since he'd first heard her scream. `` I had a vision. '' She said quietly before letting it all come out in a fuddle of words, her relief pushing her into replete disclosure. `` Hermione, she brought me somewhere so no one else would see and when I came out of it I wasn't feel well so she went to get me something… Almost as soon as she left I got a bad look and so I made myself get up and bug out back to the dining domain but Paul Simon was waiting in the hall. The visual sensation had involved him so I panicked and tried to lock him out. But he kept forcing his way in and I knew I wasn't going to be strong enough to restrain the door so I just apparated away and wound up in the orchard… probably because it was the last place I'd been. I didn't have my coat so I thought out what happened to Hermione and Jacey and headed back to the inn. But Crabbe and Goyle were there and I didn't have my wand so I ran and they were catching up so I saw the bulwark and apparated past it to get away from them. And then I was just running, I didn't know where I was and then I just knew I was going the improper way but I tripped and fell down the hill anyway and wound up going all the way over and luckily was able to grab that root down there. I couldn't apparate anymore so I climbed up and Lucius was waiting at the top… he recognized who I was and he was so mad about the Quibbler article… '' Here she broke down, letting tears slide freely down her typeface. `` …he admitted it… He admitted he killed Kane. '' She buried her head in Harry's shoulder and allowed herself to cry. He held her tightly, not knowing what to say or do to make anything better.

'' He admitted it because he planned on killing her too. '' Draco angrily told Harry. `` He threw it in her fount that he killed her brother and then stomped on her fingers as she hung there. Then I'm trying to pull her back up and all he can do is kick me until I can't hold on anymore… You should have let him go down. '' He added in an almost accusatory fashion. Knowing Draco had been the one to secure Lucius went over with them, Harry excused his pure tone, unable to imagine what the early boy was feeling and unwilling to invade his question to find out. Besides, after hearing what he and Luna had to say, Harry also believed he should have let Lucius plummet to his death.

'' That wouldn't have solved anything and as much as you might like to think it would, it wouldn't make any of you feel any best. '' lupine said seriously.

'' We won't know until it happens. '' genus Draco shot back. `` I'm bequeath to carry the luck to see and I bet it would spend a penny me palpate a lot better to know that I nor anyone else ever has to deal with him ever again. ``

'' And that's something we can talk over later. '' Lupin answered quietly. `` Right now we have to get out of here before the Aurors come and try to blame all the ruffle in the wood on us. ``

( BREAK )

It was a miserably still ride back to the castle and an unsufferable sentence spent in the Headmaster's office. lupine had insisted they go to inform Dumbledore of Lucius's appearance in the village today if nothing else and so rather than closing himself into his room as he wanted, Draco put up with a million questions while Sir Francis Drake poked and prodded at his berm and leg. As soon as was potential, he escaped and hurried off back to the student residence. He didn't want to be around anyone at the moment, he wanted to feel what he felt and not possess to make alibi or explanation for it.

Locking the door to his way, he stripped off the now smash clothes he'd been wearing and threw them in the nook before putting on the first gear things in his drawer. Collapsing back on his bed, he thought about his lifetime, his decisions, his newly found home and his father. Lucius was the connecting factor ruining everything else and Draco wished to a greater extent than anything that potter had just let him light. He'd come so come together to getting rid of his father by pulling him over the edge with him and Luna… It wasn't fair that thrower's sense of decency got in the way, after all, it would throw been the stark fourth dimension to pop the man as no one would have had to feel guilty after everything his male parent had done that day. As grateful as he was to have his own life and Luna's saved, he couldn't help but find fault Potter for whatever Lucius was going to do next.

'' Draco ! '' He heard Ginny call softly through the door. He sighed and thought about pretending he wasn't there. Even her troupe was more than he could handle the right way now… They hadn't spoken since she and lupin found them by the cliff and while he'd remained protectively at her incline until returning to the castle, he just wasn't ready to face her and the cognition that he was the ground she'd been in danger today.

But of form it wasn't in him to ignore her, she certainly hadn't done anything wrong and he didn't want her to call back he was mad at her. `` Hey. '' He said as he opened the room access and walked back to slump down on his bed.

'' Hey. '' She returned gently, closing the door and coming to sit beside him. `` So Drake cleared you, huh ? '' She asked, clearly trying to dance around the subject she really wanted to play up.

'' He didn't have to do much. I'd already healed myself over mostly… it's easygoing to do that the closer it is to the moon. '' He explained what he didn't really understand.

'' Well give thanks Merlin because seeing your rip on my hands… '' She shuddered as she held her hands in front of her and stared at them in remembrance.

'' Don't think about it. '' He said quietly, reaching out get hold of her hands in his.

'' Are you okay ? '' Ginny asked in concern, no longer able to give herself back. `` I mean I know that's the stupidest question in the world right now, but… '' She trailed off, not needing to say anything else.

'' You know, I think I'm so far from okay that I couldn't even tell you what that countersign means. '' He laughed bitterly. Closing his eyes, he took a oceanic abyss breathing place and got a keep of himself and his wretchedness, remembering who was with him and how grateful he was that she was able to be there. `` I'm just glad you're okay. '' He turned to her and softened his tone. `` Nothing else matters right now and I really don't want to talk about it… Drake did clear you, didn't he ? ``

'' Yes he did. I'm perfectly all right, not even a scratch. '' She smiled tensely, as if she were trying to obliterate something. `` Of course, I'm not the one who was stabbed twice today… though I guess by this point it's something you're getting used to. '' She added, her grin turning genuine as she teased him.

'' Yeah, thanks for your avail in getting me prepared by getting in the firstly strike. '' He teased back.

She reached out and caressed his cheek before grabbing his Kuki to pull his face down and lightly trace his lips with hers. `` I was so occupy about you out there. '' She whispered.

'' right back at you. '' He returned, silencing her answer by kissing her again. He didn't want to verbalize about Lucius or what today had meant. He just wanted to be grateful that his Fatherhood hadn't taken away the one thing that currently meant More than his own life… he wanted to roll in the hay her and be grateful for the exclusive right. There was always tomorrow to handle with his inner ogre, new and old.

They both jumped as a sudden roast on the door interrupted them. `` Hey ! Is Ginny in there or what ? '' They heard Ron outcry out.

Before Dragon could move, Ginny leapt of the bed and strode over to suffice the door herself. `` What ? '' She demanded of her brother.

'' What do you mean ‘ what'? '' Ron returned, walking himself into the room uninvited. `` It's not till we're all up in Dumbledore's position that I find out you were taken hostage by this crawl's founder ? ! Are you okay ? ``

'' I was a lot wagerer off before you came in here with that posture you've been sporting all day. '' She shot back, clearly knock over that he was doing this here in front end of Draco.

'' And I'm sure I was a lot better off before you wiped my memory ! '' He shouted accusatorily. `` That's right hand, they had to tell me everything out in the Mrs. Henry Wood today. I know you helped them keep the plan about Tristram a secret ! ``

'' So what ? '' She yelled back. `` You know now so get over it ! ``

'' I'm sure that's exactly what you would do if the situations were reversed. '' Ron said darkly.

'' Maybe, maybe not. But getting mad and yelling at everyone isn't going to solve anything. Everyone wants to walk on shell around you but I'm not going to do it anymore ! Didn't you tell me that once ? Why is okay for you to act out your painfulness but when I do it I must be losing my mind ? ! '' She yelled.

'' Because nothing I've done is stupidly dangerous, unlike the matter you still continue to do. '' Ron returned.

'' Look, it's been a long and difficult day for all of us, you aren't alone in feeling injury and raging. You want me to say I'm sorry for wiping away your memory, well I won't. It was what needed to happen at that mo. Let's face it, you weren't handling the news show well to begin with and this is a very delicate patch they've got going here. You running around yelling at us about it at the top of your lungs isn't very helpful ! '' Ginny tried to shove him back out towards the room access but Ron remained immobile. Draco shifted uncomfortably, suddenly overcome with gladsomeness that he was an lone child. This sibling squabbling was something he never wanted to throw to receive let alone be attestator to. He wished Ron would just leave already.

'' You really look me to feel bad for being upset that everyone was lying to me ? '' He asked incredulously.

'' I expect you to take your head out of your ass every once in awhile to see what's going on with other masses ! '' She shouted. `` I had to learn that the earthly concern doesn't revolve around me, it's time you do the same big chum ! Didn't you hear the story up there in the office ? Lucius tried using the killing jinx on lupin while Draco and Luna nearly died ! ``

'' Oh I see, so I'm supposed to finger bad that his forefather is a psychopath ! '' Ron yelled, pointing at Draco. `` It's not my fault his father decided to drag out everyone else into their fight ! It's not my fault you continued your sick kinship with him and therefore made yourself a mark ! And it's not my faulting Luna's dad put that report in the paper in the firstly home, commend ? That was Harry's brilliant estimate and if Luna almost died because of it then he's the one to blame ! You all knew the risk of exposing Lucius and you took it on ! Besides, it's Luna's fault she was even back out there today anyway ! ``

'' Get out. '' Ginny demanded darkly.

'' Excuse me ? ``

'' I said get out ! '' She repeated. `` You're talking about us all like we mean nothing to you, like we're your opposition. Whatever's wrong with you, I don't want to babble to you again until you've straightened out your head. ``

'' Maybe I'm just thinking clearly for the first of all time. '' He said in a low articulation, puffing himself up and using his peak to tower over her. `` Harry, Hermione and I all became friends because we had no one else. That's not really unfeigned anymore is it, so maybe now I'm just starting to see everyone clearly for the foremost time. ``

Ginny didn't back down, she rarely did so with anyone, let alone her own Brother. `` Yeah ? Does that include me and Fred ? How about Bill and Charlie ? If you want to detest everybody right now then fine, do whatever you have to do. Just go away ! '' She once more reached out to squeeze him at the door.

'' I'll go when I'm good and cook ! '' Ron yelled. Dragon could see he was quickly losing his ascendence and rose to his feet just in event this got too out of hand.

'' I said get out ! I don't want you in here ! '' She pushed him again, also losing herself in her anger.

'' And I said no ! '' He finally snapped, shoving her back without knowing his own strength.

She stumbled, losing her foothold in her surprisal and genus Draco quickly reached out to entrance her, steadying her on her feet before turning to Ron. `` She told you to leave. '' He said with false calm. `` I suggest you do so before I'm forced to make you. ``

'' Stay out of this Malfoy. This is between me and my baby and unlike your family, we know how to keep open our disputes to ourselves. '' Ron shot back.

He clutched his amulet, remembering his promise to Ginny from months before that he wouldn't fight with Ron again if he could help it. The other boy was making it very difficult to preserve that promise at the moment. `` Except this is my room and if you're going to have your little family dispute here then I get to say how far it goes and I've certainly had enough of it. ``

'' You two deserve each other. '' Ron muttered, glaring at them both before stalking out, slamming the threshold behind him.

Taking a deep breathing time to calm himself he turned to see how Ginny was dealing with this latest developing of hereditary indulgence. `` I'm sorry. '' She said quietly as angry tears brimmed her eyes.

'' Don't be. By now I'm used to him having a tantrum of some form when things go wrong. '' He assured her, reaching out to take out her in for a hug.

'' He really should have learned some better coping skills by now… '' She said, resting her straits against his shoulder. `` Maybe it's meter dad forced him to go see Laurel. Either way I don't want to tattle about it anymore than you want to mouth about today. ``

'' O.K. then. '' He agreed fully. `` Let's just go to sleep and wake up tomorrow pretending nil ever happened. ``

'' You really think we'll be able to pull that off ? '' She looked up at him doubtfully.

'' No, but it might make it easier to find comfort later if we fool ourselves now. ``

She smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek, his chin, his sassing. `` Just being able to lay adjacent to you is all the comfort I need. '' Taking his bridge player she led him back to the bed, pulling back the bed sheet to climb in and gesturing for him to join her. He quickly got in, wrapping the blanket around them as they lay typeface to face.

'' I love you Ginny. '' He whispered, kissing the tip of her nose.

She smiled and brushed the hair back from his eyes. `` Well then you're golden because I love you too. ``

He caressed her cheek before leaning in to gently capture her brim. Running his mitt down her shoulder, he felt her wince though he had a common sense she was trying to blot out it. He pulled back and looked at her in concern. `` What's wrong ? ``

She shook her straits and smiled uncomfortably. `` Nothing. '' She assured him, reaching out to wrap her arms around him and pressing herself against him as a distraction. Draco caught her arm and sat up. She tried to pull away but he maintained a blue-blooded but firm hold as he carefully rolled up her sleeve, ignoring her protestation. several dark finger-shaped bruises lined her arm from her elbow up to her shoulder. `` Drake already put something on that, he said it'll all be gone by tomorrow. '' She said, trying to go nonchalant but betraying her nerves. It was obvious she hadn't wanted him to get laid that not only had his sire nearly killed him and Luna, he'd left evidence of his harshness with her. But there they were, the marks that showed him that Lucius had been none to lenify while pulling Ginny along as his intended hostage. `` It's certainly not as bad as being stabbed. '' She added, as he remained angrily silent.

genus Draco took a mystifying breath and nodded. `` Okay. '' He climbed out of bed and turned back to her, leaning down to buss her deeply and passionately. Then he grabbed his horseshoe, sitting down in the desk chair to put them on before rising to grab his coat.

'' Where are you going ? '' She asked anxiously, crawling to the edge of the bed and kneeling as she looked at him, her optic full and full of concern. `` You aren't mad at me for not telling you… are you ? ``

His fondness pushed against his anger as she stared at him like that. Going back over, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her again. `` No, I'm not mad at you at all. '' He told her in a strangled voice as emotion overwhelmed him. He wasn't mad at her, but how could he possibly explicate that her presence was making him want to shout out in fury ? That being around her at that moment made him want to tear everything apart ? That he couldn't handle the feelings of fear and concern that came with loving mortal as much as he loved her ? That all he wanted was to go back in prison term and find a way to force Potter to let Lucius fall ? He couldn't explain any of it, to her or himself.

'' I'm going to observe lupin. I think I need to go for a run in the woods. '' He said at last, turning and walking out before she could protest. He had no aim of finding the professor as lupin was a unscathed former somebody he couldn't be around at the moment. After all, what could he say to the man who had acted more like a Fatherhood to him out there than Lucius ever had in his entire life history ? But he'd lied and told Ginny that to keep her from worrying. He really did need a run through the woods to clear his head… but he needed to do it alone and though he didn't intend for any problem, Falco columbarius help the man or beast that chose to get in his way out there.

( BREAK )

Hermione had only enough patience to have Sir Francis Drake and Madame Pomfrey match her over for hypothermia before rushing back to her room. She'd told them her lonesome ill was a slender headache but she had lied and she had a feeling they knew it. They were therapist after all. They'd given her several herbal supplement to take but she ignored it all, putting them on her desk and grabbing the invisibility cloak she still had in her possession. She felt like she was burning alive with fever, but she did her best to put that at the back of her mind as she threw the cloak around herself and hurried back out into the hallway and toward the records room. She felt there was no time to waste, she'd already let herself become overwhelmed once today by the distraction of Fred's disappearance… she couldn't let it happen again. Thankfully Ginny was okay, but next metre her misapprehension could birth calamitous consequences and that cerebration was enough to force back her forward into solving the puzzle. This time she disregarded the scholar files and went to the doorway leading to the module phonograph recording, knowing they detailed the sprightliness of every prof who had ever taught in Hogwarts. She found Erebos's data in no fourth dimension and tucking the data file carefully under her arm she snuck back out, ensuring she locked the door behind her.

auditory modality interpreter, Hermione flattened herself against the wall and tried not to so a lot as breathing spell as the two 7th year Hufflepuff prefects came down the hallway, talking quietly to themselves as they made their last rounds of the palace for the night. As soon as she was sure they'd passed, she allowed herself to breathe, gulping in air to her burn lungs while trying not to cough. Once in control she practically ran back to her room, slamming and locking the door behind her. Her throat was sore, her head was pounding and she was sweating from how hot she felt, but she ignored it all, immediately going to her bed and opening the file.

She knew what she was looking for and flipped right over to his medical records, aware that any time a professor left the country they had to be examined by a healer upon their yield to Hogwarts. And there it was, in Madame Pomfrey's barely legible scribble. Did patient role get out the country ? Yes. blank space the affected role visited ? Sydney, Australia. Reason for trip out of the country ? Family funeral. Has patient role displayed symptoms of any disease contracted in locomotion ? No.

A fellowship funeral, the same rationality Lee said Elise had given. Either one or both of them had lied… that left many pick. The foremost was that there had been a funeral and they both attended the same one, which had it's own prospicient list of significance. The s was that one of them had gone to the funeral and the early had lied simply so they could both be in the same place at the Same meter. The third of course was that there was no funeral at all and they'd both used that as their reason to go to Sydney, which begged the question- Why Sydney Australia ?

But what did any of this mean ? Nothing with these lady friend was simple, so had they uncovered their spy or just another one of their many plots ? Feeling dizzy and nauseous, Hermione forced herself to put aside the paper and lay down. Tomorrow she'd try again, but her body was making it sort out to her now that she needed to remain. After all, she wouldn't be any help to Fred if she pushed herself while mad and put herself out on her death bed.

( happy chance )

Luna had been dismissed back to her room as soon as she was done giving her version of event regarding Lucius. It was the second time she'd had to assure it and Harry had to hear it and it wasn't any comfortable for either of them to realize yet again how close she'd come to being another of Lucius's victims. The fact that Draco had without hesitation backed up her claim that his Fatherhood had admitted to murdering Kane meant a lot to her as she knew he was struggling deeply with what had occurred out in the woods that day. Dumbledore had agreed to instantly relay the information to Arthur and assured them all that this would also go a long way in helping to clear Willem's name. After telling Drake that she was hunky-dory and that her own herbal remediation would clear up the small scratches she'd received, she returned to her elbow room feeling an odd mother wit of relief. One mystery that had been plaguing her for yr was finally being set right, Kane's decease would be cleared up and her family could find a bit of closure.

Quickly changing clothes and applying a dose of the herbal salve, Luna was left feeling alone and anxious. For More than an hour she paced her room, trying to expend her nervous energy as she waited. She wasn't quite sure what she was waiting for until at last she heard the insistent knocking on her room access. She knew it was Harry, he'd been held up in Dumbledore's office much to both their foiling. They hadn't had a instant alone together since he'd saved their lives and she rushed to let him in now.

As soon as she answered he reached out to take hold of her fount, desperately pressing his brim to hers as he kicked the door closed behind him. Their manpower quickly explored each other, checking for serious injury as they continued to snog with uncontrolled Passion. Luna felt grounded, rooted to the earth in a way that made her flavor that she belonged, that she finally had someplace she could be safe in every good sense of the Son. Once more cupping her aspect, he pulled away to really get a good look at her. `` I'm sorry I didn't get there sooner. '' Harry said breathlessly as his thumb traced the prick on her cheek.

'' I'm sorry I panicked and put myself there in the initiative station. '' She smiled, repressing the shudder that wanted to run through her as she recalled what it had been like dangling precariously from Draco's hands as her own stay on frozen and useless. She flexed her fingers now and found they were fine, except the few that were bruised and hurting from where Lucius had stomped down on them. Sensing her discomfort, he took her script and studied it while carefully hiding his emotions with a lacuna face. But there was no hiding from her. `` Letting him fall wouldn't have changed the things he'd already done. '' She quietly responded to his darkness thoughts.

'' But it would take stopped all the things he's now out there dislodge to do. '' He said with a sigh, lightly kissing her fingers before going to sit on the boundary of the bed. He hung his principal and stared at the flooring. `` It should have been easier… ''

'' Why, because you killed Tristan ? It's a good thing that you aren't becoming more comfortable with taking lives. '' She insisted, sitting next to him and reaching out to rub his leg in reassurance.

'' And if he decides to come after you or Draco again ? Then what ? It'll be my fault, I could hold ended it… And Draco thinks so to. '' He lay his mind down in her lap and looked up at her, imploring her to make sense of it for him.

'' You can't cartel anything Draco is thinking right now. '' She answered, running her finger through his pilus. `` We're all disappoint things couldn't be resolved with Lucius but I'm very happy that neither of you succeeded in killing the man. The Aurors are tracking him, that'll have to be enough… until or unless Lucius comes around again we have to focus on finishing this thing with Tristan and more importantly, finding Fred. ``

He sighed and nodded. `` You're right… I know you are. We have to receive him before Chester Alan Arthur and Molly become even more suspicious than I'm sure they already are of this business trip exculpation Lee dreamed up. I couldn't point of view to see their faces if they found out one of their surviving shaver was in so much danger… ''

'' Yeah, and if we think Ron's mad now, just call up if he finds out we kept this from him as well. ``

'' Don't worry about Ron. '' Harry said, toying with the ends of her hair's-breadth as he ran the filament through his fingers. `` He'll calm down once we can all start acting like ourselves again… Jacey will get him around. ``

'' Maybe. '' She wasn't so indisputable. He seemed just as mad at Jacey as he was at the remainder of them. But she didn't want to believe about Ron or anything else. Without another word to each other, she and Harry climbed under the back, content in the assurance of each other's safety. Tomorrow would be there soon enough and they could concern about everything left hanging in the proportionality then. Tonight they simply held each other, regenerating their energy as they linked themselves together through their minds, not wanting to be separated even by rest. It was a more suggest act than any other Luna had ever experienced as they opened themselves up to each other and vulnerably bared everything that had ever passed through their heads, hoping to not only know each other completely, but to be able to dream together as well. She smiled as she drifted off, knowing it would only be a affair of import before she saw him again.

( BREAK )

'' Okay, we're out here. Now what's this surprisal you just had to show me in the centre of the night ? '' Padma asked grumpily as she and Ron stood out in the Forbidden Forest a little direction past Hagrid's hut.

'' Relax. It'll be any minute of arc now. '' He replied, wondering if maybe Anapurna had lost her spunk. He shifted from foot to foot, hoping she'd come along soon… though this arranged meeting was the only thing keeping his mind off the rather acute engagement he'd gotten into with Ginny.

'' Okay, you have exactly two second and then I'm going back in because I'm freezing. '' She insisted, wrapping her munition around herself while retreating further into her cap. `` I don't know why you brought me out here only to digest around waiting. What are we waiting for anyway ? ``

'' For me. '' Parvati said quietly as she emerged from the tree. She must have stolen some wearing apparel in Hogsmeade because she was now dressed in pants and a light tee shirt. `` I'm sorry, I just wasn't sure enough if I could go through with this. '' She said, her eyes tearing up.

Padma's mouth was hanging overt in shock. And then without a word she flung herself forward, wrapping her weapon around her sister who stood with her own weapon system stiffly at her English as she stared in affright at Ron. `` No ! Don't get too close ! '' Anapurna cried, disentangling herself from her twin and taking respective pace back. `` You don't understand. ``

'' You're damn right hand I don't. Where have you been ? Mum and Dad are up at the rook, they've semen to stay put until you're found… they'll be thrilled to see you ! come up on, let's get you inside, you're skin is like ice. Where's your pelage ? '' Padma let out in one breath, once more moving toward her sister who only moved further away.

'' You didn't warn her ? '' Parvati asked Ron incredulously.

'' I didn't want to severalize her anything about it. It would all be better coming from you. '' He insisted. He wanted to get out but knew he had to abide, that he couldn't risk leaving Padma alone with Parvati while she was still so out of control of herself.

'' I can't come back to the schooltime with you. '' She sadly told her Twin. `` And you can't severalise our parents that you saw me… I just wanted the chance to tell you… ''

Ron walked off to let them let a bit of seclusion. He was trusted to proceed his verge out and both girls in his sight, but he already had his own reactions to Parvarti's plight to take with, he didn't want to endure there and bear spectator to Padma's. There was no way to tell apart how the fille would involve the news, but judging from his removed view it wasn't good.

Choosing to ignore them only let him dwell on his own misery. He hadn't intended to defend with Ginny, but finding her in Draco's room just after being kidnapped by the guy's Father was a bit Thomas More than he'd been quick to deal. His concern for her had been quickly overshadowed by his anger with her. He was mad at everyone including himself… after all they wouldn't have been able-bodied to lie to him so easily if he hadn't been so willing to go along. After Jacey came to him and confessed to possibly knowing that Tristram and Troy were trying to turn Parvati, he should have insisted to know the rest- he'd known she was still holding back. Instead he'd let his demand to feel console outweigh his penury for the Sojourner Truth. Perhaps he needed a break from everyone he knew. His feeling for and about everyone were a disorderly hole, he knew he needed to hold Ginny's advice and straighten himself out before he could clearly see his friends again. As it was right now… maybe his babe had also been right about how he was beginning to find about everyone, maybe he did see them as the foe and that was something he wasn't happy about. Something needed to change.

So he decided, starting tomorrow he'd completely length himself from his booster as he'd already started with his babe. He was tired of feeling damage, and pushing away everyone was the solitary way he could see that would bring in it stop.

( BREAK )

It'll be fine. Jacey heard lupine recollect out to her as she entered the headmaster's
office, answering an early dawning summons that had arrived for Tristan. She had been indisputable to take sufficiency of the Polyjuice potion, having been warned by Harry and Luna that the old hotshot was a lot sharpy than most precious to throw him credit for… Though, it had made her feel better to find out that Dumbledore had been fooled by the potion before, and with someone he knew way better than Tristan. Harry had insisted that if the man hadn't been able to differentiate the difference of opinion between a juke and real Auror Moody three years earlier, then it should be that much easier to fool him now.

'' Mr. Macnair, please come in and birth a seat. '' Dumbledore said tensely, studying her a fiddling too close for comfort.

Jacey forced herself to remain calm and focused on keeping the shields up high around her mind. She could feel Harry and Luna helping her shield, as they were wide awake and aware of what she was doing… she had burst in on them in a scare as soon as she had received the note, suddenly uncertain that she could pull this off. Remembering the pep talk they had given her, she offered an easy smile and walked confidently across the room to sit in the chair next to the one being offered, knowing Tristan would relish in even that minor bit of defiance. `` You wanted to see me sir ? '' She asked with off-key innocence.

'' It has just this morning come to my tending that Troy Mason is yet again missing. It seems he didn't homecoming from Hogsmeade with everyone else. I was wondering if you could tell me where he is. '' Dumbledore replied steadily.

'' And I'm wondering why it would postulate you all nighttime to point out that one of your pupil has gone missing. '' Jacey shot back coolly as she maintained Tristan's attitude.

'' It seems a count attempt was conducted by the full Slytherin house to cover up up the fact that Mr. Mason never returned. They are all currently on probation while we investigate their possible involvement. Of trend none of them have pointed the digit at you. ``

'' Then why am I here ? '' She asked, keeping grip of her passing grin. `` I don't stay in the Slytherin dormitory and they haven't cited my participation in anything. So what makes you so sure as shooting that I can differentiate you anything about Troy ? ``

'' Ah, because prof Lupin was in the village yesterday and it seems the live person he saw Mr. James Neville Mason with was you. '' Dumbledore said, looking back and forth between her and Lupin. `` Of form he could be mistaken as not everyone is always who they appear to be. ``

'' So what, you're automatically going to charge the vampire ? '' She was defensive, trying to concentrate the old thaumaturge's tending on her as she reached out to assist protect Lupin's mind from invasion as well, leaving Harry and Luna to protect hers. `` I'm not so sure that one rather biased attestor is enough to warrant charge to… what exactly ? What is it you think may have happened to Troy ? After all, he's disappeared all on his own before. ``

'' I have no idea as to Mr. Freemason's fate. Which is why I brought you here hoping to clear a few things up. When did you last see him ? ``

'' In the small town. '' She shrugged.

'' Can you be more specific ? ``

'' Hogsmeade village ? '' She laughed cruelly, fully embracing the contribution she had to play as it was the only when way to get through this.

Dumbledore sat back and brought his hands together, staring at her over his fingertips. `` Okay Mr. Macnair. Where and what clock time would you say you last saw Troy Mason yesterday in Hogsmeade ? ``

'' That's hard to say, there were so many people there and we all had to split up and go indoors when that blizzard hit… '' She dragged on being purposely difficult.

A knock on the door interrupted them and healer Drake entered. She'd only met the man once as herself and she knew nil about him other than that the others seemed to trust him. `` I've brought the truth potion you asked for sir. '' He said, holding up a ampul as he crossed the room.

'' You can't use that on a student. '' She said right away, trying to cover her affright. There was no telling what the master would ask if she were under the influence of that potion, and she certainly did not want to give him the prospect of letting her breakthrough out.

'' Really ? The Headmistress who took my place here a couple of years ago found that using various unauthorized spells and potions against students served her respectable intent. And I do believe Dolores Umbridge was a member of your family's rather mighty friends at one power point. '' Dumbledore said, obviously testing her.

'' That was then and this is now. '' She had very little idea as to the person he was referring to. She had seen blurred images of an ugly woman in Harry's mind… after the hideous detentions he had served with the charwoman, he had lumped her in with his aunt and uncle in his memories under the informal heading People Who Have Wronged Me… Otherwise, she knew only that Umbridge had tried and failed to take over the schoolhouse. `` If you use that on me I'll report you riotous than you can pack your bags. I'm not Potter, I won't suffer in silence for the great good. ``

'' You can be made to pledge this if you're no longer a student. '' Dumbledore returned. `` If I expel you- ''

'' Under what grounds ? So what if I was the net one seen with troy weight. He's a big boy and he makes his own decisions. '' Jacey sneered.

'' There's also the matter of professor Lupin seeing both you and Mr. Mason outside the village limits while he was investigating a rather good disturbance with some other bookman and an hightail it Death eater. '' Dumbledore smiled and leaned forward on his desk. `` This places you in direct misdemeanour of schoolhouse codes and as a student has come up missing as a answer of your action, this has been elevated to a very serious egress of safety. As this is a meter of war, the disciplinal matter in which you are involved carries the good word of immediate exclusion and therefore I am allowed as Headmaster to use any non-violent agency necessary to pimp the info I require as it relates to the potential well-being of another student. It's all right there in the Hogwarts computer code of Conduct under the provision for running the school while under distress. Wartime is certainly classified and defined as being under distress and so I am granted more autonomy than I would normally be willing to take advantage of. But I promise you Mr. Macnair, we can get hold our way through and around as many legal loopholes as you and your Quaker have in the pursuit to proceed you here. ``

The potion won't work. She heard Drake's unfamiliar vox impulsion through her head. Remus came to me this morning and with Harry's license told me who you are Miss Nicolau. I fixed up a placebo, there is no verity serum in there. All you have to do it play along and present him what he wants to hear so that he can legally and without question send Tristan away.

She was heedful not to count at him as he stood at Dumbledore's side, keeping her gaze steady on the headmaster. `` mulct. '' She said at lastly, deciding to entrust the healer if everyone else did. After all, the man seemed to find more loyalty to Harry and the others than he did to any of the adults. `` Give me your stupid potion, but don't think for a second I won't be telling everyone about this. ``

'' Tell whoever you like. As I've explained we are perfectly within our right. '' Dumbledore answered simply as he watched her roughly take the vial from Francis Drake and swallow it down. She felt something start to come about and hoped the healer knew what he was talking about. The older wizard was looking at her carefully, watching for some mansion of the potion beginning to work. Apparently he saw what he was waiting for and stood to deliver the test question given to everyone who was subjected to truth potions. `` What is your figure ? ``

'' Tristan Beauford Macnair. '' Jacey was indisputable to respond without disinclination, fighting hard to not smile as she said Beauford… after all, she doubted that Tristan would have found the public figure funny.

'' Now try to tell me that your name is Albus Dumbledore. '' He instructed.

'' My name is… '' She pretended to contend before seeming to apply into the potion. `` Tristan Macnair. ``

Dumbledore nodded happily. `` Where is Ilium Mason ? ``

Again she pretended to clamber. `` He's out in the woods where I left him. '' She said at concluding before indignantly rising to her foundation. After all, Tristan would not give in easily and as much as she wanted this to end, she knew she had to get to it look real. She felt Harry sigh and then give his reluctant approval as he realized she was about to extend playing her theatrical role. Both he and Luna understood the motivation to keep Dumbledore's paw sporty of this. They had all hoped for a more definite end today ... but they all also knew that Tristan would never roll over so easily and that alone could farm suspiciousness. `` And that's all I'll say as we are quickly surpassing the schoolhouse's rights and infringing on mine. Anything else you'd like to ask about Troy can be asked through my representation, should you decide to pursue a legal topic on Troy's behalf. Otherwise it's percipient I've been as accommodative as possible here, above and beyond what was required if I do say so myself. Now, is there anything else, sir ? '' She shot him a pleasant smile, as if they had been chatting like old admirer this wholly time.

'' I guess not. You may return to your room and lead off packing your things. I will be presenting my evidence to the Aurors who will then be seeking orders to take you into custody. Until they procure these orders, you are confined to your dorm and the Great manor hall for meal and banned from attending any classes. As forefront of the Slytherin business firm, Professor Drake will be keeping a stopping point eye on you. A word of advice, should you feel the need to assay revenge for your submit quandary. '' Dumbledore answered sternly, clearly at the end of his patience.

'' fountainhead, I suppose I'll have to take with that as I live it up here these concluding few days. '' She said threateningly, hoping that any wrongdoing while she was still here was immediately blamed on Tristram. `` I assume I'm dismissed ? ``

'' Yes, Professor Drake will see you back to your dorm. '' He gave an exhausted look at the former man who simply nodded in reply and moved to carry out his chore, ushering Jacey along with him.

'' Boy I hope you kids know what you're doing. '' Drake said quietly as they walked the halls.

'' So do we. '' She answered seriously.

( BREAK )

Harry and Luna spent a good one-half an hr assuring Jacey that she'd done just delicately with Dumbledore, that they wouldn't have expected much different had Tristan himself been there. After she finally seemed to relax, Harry sent out a subject matter to all his admirer, asking them to meet in his room so they could all hash out a few thing. more than than anything, he wanted to suggest to them all that they put the yesteryear few weeks behind them and attend only toward the future… And he and Luna planned to start by telling them all of the two former coven appendage they'd discovered before Hogsmeade happened and tore everything apart.

Hermione was the get-go to resolve the call as her room was the close and she entered looking like death warmed over. Her olfactory organ was red, her boldness garden pink and her eyes glazed over with a slight fever. She had wrapped her blanket around herself for the short walking over and instantly went to lay down on Harry's bed as fatigue overwhelmed her. `` You look well. '' He teased.

'' Shut up. '' She grumbled from beneath the great deal of covering fire. `` Energy Department Jacey know about Fred ? ``

'' That he is missing ? '' Jacey asked from her smudge on top of his trunk, still looking very much like Tristan. `` I have seen a few things about it in your head but I have not said anything to anyone… especially Ron. ``

'' Well thank you for that. '' Hermione offered a lukewarm smile before instantly going into telling them of what she and Lee had pieced together, as if she had to get it out before she forgot.

'' prof Erebos… '' Harry had seen something of this in Luna's recollection of a conversation between her and Hermione the night before, just as he had been capable to see pieces of all of her retentivity. Thinking of Quierrell, the false Moody and Snape, he could see how a professor could go so long without anyone knowing what they were really up to. `` Do you retrieve he knows where Elanya took Fred ? And why would Elanya visit him her contact if Elise is the one who supposedly knows him so well ? ``

'' I have no idea if he knows where Fred is, but I think maybe these lady friend are playing each other as well as everyone else. '' Hermione said as she propped herself up into a sitting position.

'' No, I get the sense Elise and Sarah are very much in it together… it's Elanya and Cho who are more on the outside. '' Luna replied thoughtfully. `` Maybe she was telling Fred the Sojourner Truth about some things… ''

'' Ginny and Draco are on their way here. '' Harry announced as a word of advice, silencing their discussion about Fred and his predicament with those daughter. He got up to let them in, noticing the friction between them. Draco was wearing his coat. `` Going somewhere ? ``

'' He just got back. '' Ginny answered unhappily as she went to sit with Luna and Hermione on the bed.

'' I needed to go for a run. '' Draco said simply, pulling off his coating and going to sit in the desk chair away from everyone else. An all Night run. Ginny added in her forefront, her voice carrying both hurt and concern.

'' Where's Ron ? '' Harry asked. `` He's the only one we're waiting for. ``

'' I doubt he'll be joining us. '' Ginny rolled her eye and told them of the battle they'd gotten into the night before, leaving out nearly of the details in an attack to part with their opinion for what Ron had said and simply summing up the gist of the argument.

'' okey then, well I guess we'll just talk to him later. '' He replied, uncomfortable that his friend suddenly felt the need to deflect them all. `` Listen, yesterday was a horrible catastrophe of a day for everyone. But we need to do as we always do and keep back going past it, right ? I know we all have our own things to focus on… but we'll be leaving school in a few workweek and we need to seriously start out looking at searching for the coven as a realism. Luna and I went through some more of the text file and found two more names, disco biscuit Azibo and Ajala Kapoor. ``

'' So adding in you, Luna, Jacey, Gabby, Zachary Alfred Hawthorne, Hasani Jumoke, Jie Chen, Nanami Aoki and Kavita Singh that makes eleven. There's only one more gens. '' Hermione reasoned. `` Where are we going to find these two ? Who are they ? ``

'' Ajala is a thirty class old woman who has recently moved from Bharat to Ireland for her body of work, which happens to be as weapon system manufacturing business. Her caller creates all the tools and weapons used by Aurors and with the surge of bodily process in and around England, they've doubled their travail in the closelipped factory, which happened to be in Dublin. Oh and she's a Levithon. '' Luna recited from memory.

'' A what ? '' Dragon asked.

'' A Levithon, someone with the power of self-transport. Basically it's like being able-bodied to fly. '' Luna shrugged.

'' I seem to commemorate from my muggle religious studies course of instruction that there was a apotheosis who had that power only they called it a miracle… St. Mother Teresa of Avila, if I remember correctly, during the 16th C. '' Hermione looked at them all as they stared at her. She smiled and grabbed for a tissue to blow her nozzle. `` What ? I just remember it because it made me wonder- if proof of her ability was so well documented, then why were muggles so reluctant to believe in the things we can do ? ``

'' okay, Ajala can fly, that's pretty cool. And the other guy ? '' Ginny prompted, moving them along from Hermione's brief theological history lesson.

Harry's own memory was vaguer than Luna's and so he picked up the paper to be sure he didn't leave anything out. `` The former one, XTC, he's twenty-three and originally from Egypt. His great power is postcognition and he currently lives in Sydney, Australia working as an investigative journalist. ``

Sydney ? Hermione perked up.

'' fountainhead, I suppose it's William Christopher Handy to be able to see the past when you're a reporter. '' Ginny said aloud as she rose to her human foot. `` Listen, I appreciate that you want to help us all focus on other authoritative affair, but after last nighttime, I think I'd just rather have a few minutes alone. '' She added pointedly as she breezed past times Draco and walked out. He sighed heavily and got up, leaving without saying a word as he presumably went to fix whatever he'd done wrong.

'' I have a thought. '' Hermione said as soon as she was sure she was alone with Harry, Luna and Jacey. `` When exactly did Elise bump Elanya and bring her into the fold ? ``

'' Sometime at the beginning of summer, before she torched Fred's shop. '' Luna answered, remembering her and Harry's tripper through Sarah's head. `` Voldemort unknowingly brought her to Sarah after the girls were already plotting together. ``

'' And according to Erebos's platter, he left for Sydney the same day school let out last year… what if he met up with Elise down there because they were looking for a postcognative to rive off whatever plan they have going ? What if they found Adam before Elanya and approached him first ? If he really is supposed to be a good guy then he would have of row turned them down, but Elanya had her own reasons to join them, right ? '' Hermione's eyes were wide as she tried to campaign aside her fever in an attempt to bring in her creative thinker plug in matter together.

'' Even if that were all dependable, how does it assist us chance Fred ? '' Harry asked gently.

'' It doesn't, but it does offer more than proof that Erebos is the spy, doesn't it ? '' She returned excitedly. `` Who knows what he and Elise could receive told Elanya, they could have pretended not to even know each other in fiat to control they hooked the girl. What if he even approached Elanya alone ? That would explain why she felt he was her tangency and not Elise's, wouldn't it ? And in Luna's imaginativeness, Sarah had teased Elise about a old relationship, but not in a way that made it clear who she was talking about, right ? ``

'' I admit that it all seems to fit, but that does not think of it is true. '' Jacey said slowly. `` These missy you have been dealing with seem to be very knavish. It would be jerky to induce premiss. ``

'' You don't know Hermione like we do. '' Harry was defensive on Hermione's behalf. `` I'm unforced to bet she's right about most of it if not everything… and there's a way to find out. ``

Luna shook her top dog. `` If he is the spy, don't you think he'd be expecting that ? Simon the Zealot is getting help keeping his mind closed against us and I'm sure Erebos is much more proficient at it even if he's getting help as well. Even if the three of us work together, there's nothing to say he won't feel us in there. ``

'' Edmund didn't. '' He argued.

'' And he wasn't cognizant that we would try to get in his question. I'm sure it's something Erebos would anticipate… if he is the spy, which I'm inclined to believe he is. '' She returned.

'' wellspring it is worth trying, is it not ? '' Jacey joined Harry's side of the debate. `` If we think he is aware then so what ? What can he do about it former than tell those lady friend that we may be on to him ? It would be worth it if he knows where Fred has been taken and we are capable to see it, yes ? ``

'' Yes ! '' Hermione instantly agreed. `` Tristan and I are the sole unity in one-seventh year who attend Erebos's family. Jacey can try it tomorrow while he's teaching and even if he figures out we know, we're out of here in a few weeks… there's zero he can do about it. ``

'' Dumbledore banned Tristan from attending classes so Jacey wouldn't be able to get close adequate. '' Luna tried a dissimilar argument.

'' Since when would that stop Tristram ? He has already been told he is as undecomposed as kicked out, why would he not just do whatever he pleased ? I will go to that grade tomorrow. '' Jacey answered for herself.

'' '' I don't know. '' Harry said, suddenly coming around to Luna's more cautious way of thinking.

'' If he did recover out we were on to him, I would never let him hurt Hermione or myself while we're trapped away in a classroom with him. '' Jacey said in reassurance as she picked up on his awe and doubts.

'' Oh, I believe you, I'd just rather it not get to number to that. '' He sighed. `` But I guess all we can deal with right field now is supposition until we get something more solid to lead us. ``

'' fine. '' Luna gave in as well. `` But we have to be very careful. ``

'' Well that goes without saying. '' He agreed, moving to the door.

'' Where are you going ? '' Hermione asked.

'' well, I was going to let you three braniacs try to keep piecing things together while I went to talk to Ron. '' He answered. He'd felt distracted this hale time, half-worried about and half-angry with his absent friend.

'' You should probably not do that. '' Jacey said quietly.

'' Why because he's mad at us ? What else is new ? '' Hermione asked, decidedly rising to her animal foot and wrapping her cover around her again. `` I'll go with you. ``

'' fountainhead I want no percentage in it until he is ready to come talk of the town to me. '' Jacey insisted. `` I will be in Tristram's elbow room if you need me later. '' She waved adios and left the room.

'' What do you think ? '' He asked Luna and Hermione.

Luna shrugged. `` I agree with Jacey that it's a bad idea, but I'll go with you both to see if maybe we can reach out to him anyway… he's very confused about everything right now. ``

So in reluctant agreement, they left Harry's room and walked the unawares way down the hall to Ron's. He answered after the third smash, staring sticker at them. `` What do you three desire ? '' He asked meanly.

'' To babble to you… why didn't you come join everyone ? '' Harry asked, walking past him into the room.

'' I thought I'd made myself clear by not going… I don't want to be around any of you at the second. '' Ron glowered, slamming the door shut after Hermione and Luna followed Harry in. `` I do have my own innocent will you know. I don't have to be at your beck and call like everyone else. ``

'' Whatever you say Ron. '' He tried to stay becalm, to remember that his friend was hurting and needed them to be there for him.

'' Yeah, it is any I say because I'm tired of it always being whatever Harry says. '' He shot back.

'' What is your problem ? Just tell us what's wrong ? '' Hermione demanded softly.

'' You ! All of you are what's wrong ! '' Ron shouted, startling them all.

'' You can't blame everyone else for what's bothering you. '' She shouted back. `` At some point you have to barricade and consider that it's not always everyone else that's the problem, sometimes it's you ! ``

'' I can feel whatever I want just like the quietus of you. '' He replied. `` You're not so mellow and mighty Hermione. You're the one we had to pull out of a hole yesterday nearly frozen… and why ? Because you lost your head over my brother which, oh yeah, also allowed Lucius Malfoy to capture my babe ! In a sense, everything Lucius was able to achieve yesterday is your fault since you practically handed Ginny over to him to use as a hostage. Do you retrieve Fred would be impressed with that ? ``

'' Hey ! '' Harry yelled, interrupting the spew of hate Ron had been hurling at Hermione. Seeing her stung expression and the tears of hurt in her optic, it was hard to keep in intellect that the early boy didn't know Fred was missing. `` That was completely uncalled for and entirely untrue ! ``

'' It's all avowedly and she knows it ! '' He said angrily as he pointed to Hermione who looked away in disgrace and guilt.

'' Ron, please- '' Luna started.

'' Please ? Please what ? '' He interrupted as he mocked her. `` Always so willowy and tenuous aren't you Luna… always the eternal victim… ''

'' What's that supposed to mean ? '' She asked defensively while mentally telling Harry to back off and let Ron get it off his chest.

'' Like you don't know ? Everything that happened to you yesterday was your own fault ! Maybe it's prison term you start considering your own choices before lecturing everyone else on theirs. '' He sneered down at her. Harry was itching to take a shit it stop but again Luna held him back, telling him it was better that Ron not hold this all in no matter how much it may hurt their feelings. Ron went on, his back now to Harry as he fully faced Luna to continue berating her. `` You're the one who decided to get away from Simon by apparating to the plantation instead of somewhere safer. You're the one who chose to get away from Crabbe and Goyle by returning to the forest where, surprise, damsel in distress Luna slides over a cliff ! ``

'' That was a series of circumstances ! How is any of that her fault ? '' Harry finally let out, ineffective to proceed repose any longer.

Ron whipped around to face up him. `` Hey, she's the one who decided it was in her secure interest to allow for the inn ! She was entirely condom when I left her with Hermione. ``

'' Exactly ! You left ! Where were you to serve ? '' He shot back.

'' Talking to Padma, trying to figure out how I was going to lend her to meet up with her now vampire twin ! '' Ron roared out. `` Luna is no longer my responsibility to look after call up ? She's yours ! And if it weren't for you, Lucius probably wouldn't have even had any interest in her anyway ! ``

'' Excuse me ? '' Harry asked darkly.

'' The quibbler article… Lucius was very specific that the article was the reason he was ready to hurl her off a cliff. You're the one who came up with the idea and contacted her father about it without her knowledge. You're the one who made sure Xeno had all the info and you're the one who talked her into going along with it. If I recall, Luna wasn't too happy about the article, thought it was a bad idea… wellspring you're the one who chose not to heed to her ! So putting it all together, it was your decision that nearly got her killed yesterday ! ``

Harry reacted without cerebration, simply wanting to lash out and hurt the way he was now hurting. He hadn't even realized he'd swung his fist until he saw Ron laying on the floor before him, glaring up as he rubbed his jaw. `` What's the matter Harry ? Does the truth hurt ? '' He taunted.

'' Stop it ! Everyone just lay off ! '' Hermione shouted, her voice growing hoarse as she continued to extend it.

'' You're the one who barged in here to discommode me. '' Ron said, rising to his feet and pushing past her to look at his face in the pocket-size mirror dangling over his dresser.

Harry shook his straits and simply walked out, going back to his own way and closing the door tightly behind him, wanting to shut out the world. To her credit, Luna gave him nearly an entire 60 minutes to himself before coming to exact he give up and present her. He sighed and went to let her in, once again finding it unsufferable to deny her even as his shame and fury with himself made him only want to cover from her. `` You were powerful, going to talk to him was a bad idea… you were decently every time you said something was a bad idea… '' He told her, going to sit at his desk.

'' Harry- ''

'' I've learned my lesson though… I'll listen when you say that from now on. '' He interrupted as he hung his head and stared at his hands.

She walked over and moved his arms, settling herself in his lap as she comfortingly ran her fingers through his hair. `` The accuracy needed to come out about Lucius. '' She said gently. `` I may not have liked the way you chose, but after seeing my beginner survive an attack only to still be so promise that he'd done the right thing… I long ago came to terms with the fact that it was dangerous. Everything we do now is dangerous, there's no getting around that. You can't blame yourself for what Lucius chooses to do. And without coming face to face with him yesterday, we wouldn't have his confession about Kane. ``

'' It was too stopping point for comfort… I thought I was literally having a heart and soul onrush when I saw you and Dragon go over the side… '' He leaned to rest his forehead on her shoulder, unable to meet her eyes.

'' Hey, I may suffer been scared, but I never for a bit thought I was going to die. I knew you were coming to facilitate us. '' She reassured him, still delicately stroking his hair.

'' How could you have a go at it I would get there in time ? ``

'' Harry… '' She laughed and made him face at her. `` Don't you think I of all mass would know ? Don't you think I'd get some admonition, some sight telling me the end was near ? Nothing at all came to me while Draco was holding onto me, that's how I knew you'd get there in time. '' She kissed his cheek and he quickly turned to enamor her lips. With one graceful motion, she turned herself and was now straddling him, throwing her weapons system around his shoulder joint as she deepened the candy kiss. He wrapped his weapons system around her waist and pulled her closer against him, needing to feel that the integrity that only she could bring as her luminosity filled every hollow place inside of him.

For a moment there he'd felt the world collapse down around him as he'd taken in the accuracy of Ron's coarse words, that his own natural process month ago had put Lucius standing over Luna with the decision to let her resilient or die… The fact that the man would have probably gone ahead and crushed her fingers anyway simply because she'd seen him there imply cipher because Lucius had been very clear in his reasons for attempting to help her dusk to her last. But she had come and just made it better with kind words of her own… She had been able to take up away the mogul his guilty conscience had over him by simply asserting her belief in him and in herself.

Ron had no idea what he was talking about, Luna had never allowed anything to celebrate her from fighting on and she was far from playing the victim. In fact in that moment, she was his hero, bringing him back from the torturous trammel of self-doubt. He felt her smile against his lips as she picked up his thoughts and knew that she liked how he saw her in his mind. I love you. He thought to her, a wide-eyed statement that held to a greater extent Truth and depth of emotion than anything he'd ever before uttered in his total life.

No more than I love you. She assured him, breaking the candy kiss to search him in the eyes. And then there were no more Scripture left to say, nil left that could express what either of them was feeling. And so he reached up to take her back talk again, eager to let their minds and bodies say what their words and thoughts were unable to articulate.

( happy chance )

Ginny walked into her elbow room, leaving the door undetermined as she was certain Draco had picked up on her non-to-subtle hint. Sure enough he came in a few bit after her, quietly closing the door behind him and leaning against it, waiting to see what was to come. `` Really ? You stay out all night knowing that Annapurna was still out there ? That Lucius could give come back ? I stayed up waiting for you, worrying myself unhinged thinking of everything that could give happened only to find you sauntering in after Harry calls us all together ! You're bad for my nervousness. '' She scolded.

'' I'm sorry you were worried. '' He said, shuffling his feet. `` I didn't mean to be gone all Night but once I was out there, it just felt so good… running made me not recall, made me feel free I guess. ``

'' And I made you palpate trapped ? '' She asked, hurt by the implication.

'' Not in the way you're thought. '' He insisted. `` The full moon is tomorrow nighttime and so I already feel like I'm crawling out of my skin… like my entire body is a cage that's just barely keeping me inside. No crystal or potion can rent away that flavour. On top of that, it was too often to be presented with the mind that my own father could have taken you away from me so easily… that I had something to lose that would completely destroy me. I'm not used to caring Ginny, but you make it easier… And now it feels like I care too much, you know ? Like my full existence balance on your welfare… ''

'' You think I don't know what that's like ? I'm the one who had your blood all over my mitt yesterday. '' She reminded him. `` You think I wasn't ready to fall in at the cerebration that you'd been fatally injured ? I never expected to care this much about somebody, let alone you. But now that we're here together, I can't suppose it any other way and I wouldn't want to. ``

He nodded and crossed his sleeve across his bureau as a sort of shield. `` As long as you know that I love you and that I don't incrimination you for any of this… I just can't be here, stuck in this castling right now… ''

'' Meaning what ? ``

'' After lupin was done with his merging with Jacey and Dumbledore, I went to see him to request that we leave a day early like normal. '' He seemed to poise himself as he waited for her reaction.

'' I thought the point of the amulet was that you didn't have to entrust at all. '' She said slowly.

'' That's what Lupin said… But I don't think I'll wear that tomorrow… I think I would kind of like to let the brute run free for a bit, under the simpleness of the wolfbane of course. ``

'' Be honest… Should I be worried about you ? '' She asked quietly.

Draco seemed to judder himself off a bit, uncrossing his arms and putting on a smiling that didn't quite reach his eyes. `` Yesterday was a lot to take in… I just take some clip. ``

'' I knew… yesterday even while it was all occurrent, I knew you were going to occur out of this different. '' She walked over and took his hand, looking up at him and feeling very much like she was pleading with him. `` I understand why… I just don't want you to be different with me. For better or big I like who you are with me. render the rest of the world whatever you want Draco, but please just stay honest with me. ``

'' I'm trying. '' He whispered sadly, pulling her against him as he hugged her close. `` I just ask this time away… from you and myself. That's why I don't want to wear thin the amulet tomorrow… I don't want to stay myself right now. ``

'' And when you come back ? '' She asked, looking up at him hopefully.

'' It's not like I can take the air away from you forever, you know. '' He offered a genuine smile this clock time. `` It seems I can't really picture any sorting of spirit without you in it. ``

'' Good. Because I'm scared you're going to try and do something misguidedly Lord like leaving to ensure Lucius won't target me again. '' Ginny said seriously. `` Regardless what happened yesterday with him, I feel safer when you're around me. ``

'' What you feel and what is the literal reality are two dissimilar things. '' He reached out to brush her hair back before kissing her brow. `` It's always going to be more dangerous for you to be around me… but I've long ago realized you're pretty much a butt for danger with the decisions you make and the citizenry you associate with. Unless you're ready to agree to live your spirit in a bubble, I'm in it for the long haul to ensure that not only do you not get yourself killed, that no one ever again tries to injure you to get at me… My leaving for secure wouldn't keep back Lucius from using you again to flush me out, and it would work just as well as it did yesterday because cypher as simple as distance can change the way I feel about you. But I need these two days now Ginny. For my own sanity. ``

She looked at him carefully, before letting out a deep hint. `` Okay. '' She agreed now that she felt she believed he would come back. But role of her was still reluctant, still fearful that while out there he would transfer his mind and decide she was practiced off without him after all. `` Just remember, I'd fall apart if you didn't come back. ``

'' Tues good morning I'll be here. '' He promised. She wanted to believe him completely. But that small peck voice that always seemed to shout out that she wasn't meant to be glad go on her from fully allowing herself to bank that the decoy of the world beyond Hogwarts was weaker than the desire to generate to someplace he'd admitted he felt entirely trapped in.

( disruption )

Ron waited until late Sunday nighttime, wanting to be for certain that everyone else had gone to bed in preparation for their form the future day. As soon as his clock read midnight he got out of bed, still fully dressed, and made his way across the common way to the Slytherin fender. He knew Tristan's threshold was just past tense Draco's and as he raised his handwriting to knock, he hoped Jacey answered looking like the vampire as it would make it easier to say the matter he'd decided he needed to say to her. To the dashing hopes of his thinker but not his eye, she opened the threshold looking very much like herself. It was amazing that she could face so stunning in dewy-eyed jammies, but the satiny shirt and drawers seemed to hug her body just right, making her appear sonant and curvy. Her hair was hanging in tempestuous lock around her shoulders, making it tantalizingly exonerated that she'd just rolled out of bed. `` Was there something you wanted ? '' She asked softly, clearly mindful of the tension and anger he felt towards her.

He shook himself a bit, remembering that he'd made a decision and that he was determined to baffle with it. `` I need to talk to you for a here and now. ``

She gestured him in and closed the door, turning to face him with nervous business concern. `` Have you heard anything about Parvati yet ? '' She looked down, and he began to inquire if she already knew why he'd seed to see her.

'' lupine told me before he and Draco left that his contact lens had gotten a hold of him to account that she had gotten Annapurna to the Colony and they were well. '' He crossed his arms and stared her down, almost daring her to suffer his eyes. `` As well as can be expected anyway, given the fact that she had to be taken away from her friends and family to study how to be a better lamia. ``

'' It is not all my mistake ! '' She protested, once more raising her regard. `` I am sorry for the voice I played in it by not saying what I suspected, but I am not the one who targeted her, I am not the one who turned her and I am not the one who is letting my guilt feelings destroy my life-time ! ``

'' Of row I feel guilty ! '' Ron shouted. `` I was all wrapped up in persuasion of you while she was off being fed on or whatever it takes to become someone ! She relied on me and I let her down, well I won't do it anymore. ``

'' Meaning what ? Have you come to say me off the same way you did all your former ally ? ``

'' I don't have to. You aren't my supporter, I barely know you. '' He saw that she was hurt badly by this and it hurt him to see it. He may not know her well, but this was certainly proving to be harder than it had been to say the things he knew would bring in his champion mad at him. He wondered how Harry had been able-bodied to hold this act up for so long shoemaker's last year when he was already set to fuddle in the towel at the sight of Jacey's upset with him. But if he wanted to be left alone, he had to ensure no one wanted to bother him. `` For a minute I thought I wanted to know you, but you're as big a prevaricator as Harry, Luna and Hermione. Besides, if I can barely put up to be around myself, how can I possibly be near you when the peck of you makes me conceive of everything that Parvati is going through because you didn't warn anyone ? ``

'' okey, you have made your spot. '' She said crossly. `` I think you should go before you say something I really can not forgive. Remember Ron, eventually you will find a way to displace past what you are feeling… you do not require to completely glow every bridge you have. ``

'' Maybe I do. '' He countered. `` It would create it that much easier to start over from scrape. ``

'' Why would you need to do that ? '' She pushed. `` Your Friend, your family… they have always been there for you. Maybe not always in ways that you approve of, but you can only really fault them for doing what they thought was best for you. I know the matter you said to them today, the way you made them feel about themselves. I know that it is loose for you to make up them cogitate badly of themselves so that they will leave they are mad at you for putting those thinking in their headspring in the first off office. But what you are doing is cruel. Harry already feels so a great deal duty for everyone's public assistance, making him think almost losing Luna was his geological fault was a horrifying thing to do. ``

'' I wasn't faulty. '' He shot back, trying to raise that he was unmoved by her words. `` He's the genius behind Xeno releasing that narration, everything that happens as a result of it is in some way his flaw. He provided the catalyst. ``

'' And even now after you have made that illuminate and nearly crushed him with that knowledge, he would lay down his sprightliness to save up yours. '' She said angrily. `` You are letting what you feel make you act selfishly. However true the things you say may be, how is bringing it to anyone's attention a positivist thing to do ? Everyone needs a bit of denial to go on after so much mindless and unending tragedy, even you. Taking theirs away from them, exposing all the things they had repressed in order to hold moving forward… you are hurting them Thomas More than they realize. And to a greater extent than you realize. You have no idea what is going on between Hermione and Fred right now and the therefore the things you said to her were devastating for her to hear. After finding her in that hole so completely lost, you should have realized that she is in a very delicate seat at the moment. ``

'' You're right, I have no idea what's going on between Hermione and Fred. You know why ? Because no one tells me anything anymore ! '' He shouted. `` That's kind of my solid point here ! '' He stalked over to the door, more angry with her now than when he'd come in. He wanted the luxuriousness of focusing on his own emotional state, he didn't want to give to become aware of anyone else's. Of path he knew they were all hurting after recent events… but he wanted his infliction to call for eye stagecoach for once. He didn't want to have to realize that to each of them, their own pain was the most important… he didn't want to have to admit that there were those among his friends who may have deserved to finger unsound than he did. So what if that made him selfish… he was xvii and this was the time to be selfish, to be youth and responsibility-free, to not have to care about anyone but himself before growing up and having to get a job and set out a house. He was tired and wanted the biography of a rule teen and the serious way to achieve that was to outstrip himself from those that by design or desire were now forced to be more mature.

'' Please do not just take the air out. '' Jacey said softly as he breezed past tense her.

'' There's nothing more to say and nothing Sir Thomas More I want to hear. '' He answered meanly, opening the door and walking out.

It wasn't until he reached his own way that he finally allowed himself to breathe. Facing Jacey had been harder than the others, perhaps because he'd been disappointed in her the most. Harry and the others he was used to getting the run around from, but he'd expected more from her. Ron had thought she was feeling the Lapp way for him that he felt for her, but then she had so easily lied to him, siding with his friends against him immediately. And meanwhile, he'd lost a girl who really had tried to care about him to a horrific fate… A destiny that had been allowed to go on by the girlfriend he'd allowed himself to be distracted by. Until he could forgive himself, he'd never be able to forgive Jacey… and at this breaker point, he wasn't entirely certainly he wanted to.

( BREAK )

Hermione lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. She was too hot to sleep, though once she kicked off her cover charge she found she was suddenly too cold. She'd tried taking the herbs given to her by the therapist but they had only relieved her sore throat and stuffed nose. The headache remained, and she began to suspect that it had nothing to do with the insensate she'd caught. Ron's words were echoing in her head, making her uncertainty so many things… but she wouldn't let herself be swept up in it. She'd have plenty of fourth dimension to feel bad once she was sure Fred was safe.

As a distraction, she focused her mind on finding a result. At first they'd all agreed that finding out where Fred was being kept was the most important affair, but she was starting to think otherwise. What honest would finding him do if they didn't figure out a way to unsnarl him from the trap that had forced him to leave in the first seat ? Nailing down the spy was the key… Erebos and Simon, it was crucial that they figure out how these two were actually connected to Elanya, Elise and Sarah. Once they were discovered, their threat would no longer arrest weightiness and Fred could be freed of the fear of Ron and Ginny being killed if he didn't cooperate. The next step was something Lee and Willem could do for her in London… they had to be absolutely for certain there was no proof to tie Fred to Edmund's death, nothing that Elanya could use to prove he'd helped her in any way. The last footmark was finding a way to end the threat Sarah had hung over Hermione's own drumhead. Once that was done, there was zip to storm Fred to continue to cooperate and then they could get him and bestow him home.

There was only one way she had been able to think of overcoming Sarah's skill with Advanced Astral acoustic projection and that was to become a like opponent. She'd already read the Christian Bible she'd gotten from the library once… now it was time to read through them again to be trusted she hadn't missed anything and then it would be time to drill. She turned on the light and picked up one of the books, figuring it was a better use of her insomnia than staring at the roof and worrying endlessly. She was determined that by the end of this week she would know everything Sarah knew about astral projection… That they will consume neutralized the threats presented by Erebos and Simon… And that they will not only have found where Elanya took Fred, but also have a solid plan for how to bestow him back.

　

NOTE : future chapter, the hunt for Fred and some More things are brought to luminousness. Stay tuned to happen out what happens next !

Reference to Helen Wills and the polyjuice potion from Harry Potter and the chalice of Fire by J.K. Rowling.
character reference to Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling.
mention to Quierrell from Harry potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Harlan F. Stone by J.K. Rowling


Chapter 53 : And the secret plan Thickens

A/N : Wow did this chapter carry a turn I wasn't expecting as I was writing, thus the title of the chapter… I guess we'll all see where this takes us now. Read, revaluation, Enjoy !





'' You're sure about this ? '' lupine asked as they watched the moon raise from beneath the trees.

'' I am. '' Draco answered steadily, clutching his talisman tightly as he waited for himself to be fix to remove it. They had hiked all day in secretiveness yesterday, both content to let the other be lost in their own thoughts as they left any trace of civilization far behind them. He'd been grateful that Lupin had allowed the silence to continue into the nighttime and following day… he felt awkward around the man and didn't have a go at it how to talk to him anymore. Lucius had been prepare to stamp out lupine simply for agreeing to legally look after Draco and bad, he'd threatened to go after Andromeda, Ted and Tonks as well before he'd escaped. His father's inexplicable ire and jealousy was obviously something Potter hadn't anticipated when he'd suggested this whole guardianship thing for them… none of them had. `` You don't have to come with, you know. You can observe your amulet on and stay human… I took the potion, I'll be fine. ``

'' I know. But I want to go with. '' He insisted. `` I've had to do this by myself for many years, and even when you think you don't want anyone else there, I've found it's always better not to go through it alone. I had Henry James and Sirius… and because they kept me going, now you have me to help you. ``

Draco shook his head. `` shoal's over in a few week, I'll be moving back in with thrower I surmisal, since that's where everyone seems to go. I have the talisman and a sentiency of some kind of control… you don't have to be there for me anymore. You can require back your safekeeping and erase all traces that tie yours and Tonks name to mine. ``

'' I could, but why would I ? '' lupine smiled. `` You can't always expect that multitude will just give up on you when affair get too intemperately Draco. Not everyone is like that. You may retrieve that it's difficult to open up yourself up to caring about others… but that's the easy part. It can be far more difficult to open yourself up to letting others care about you. ``

'' I just don't want it to be my shift if Lucius decides to go after you guys ! '' He said angrily, taking a few step away.

'' And it wouldn't be. '' He said gently. `` What your father chooses to do is up to him, but the bad blood between him and andromeda goes back to before you were born. Her recent kindness to you is only the modish alibi for him to essay vengeance against her. Tonks has been in his mass for years as she was a part of several dissimilar investigating seeking to bring him down. And after what happened in the Ministry of Magic, after losing Canicula, she had already sworn to help get Lucius and the others if it was the finis matter she did. I know you don't know your cousin very well, but it takes a lot for her to back down from anything. '' He smiled as he thought of his wife. `` As for me, well, you've form of grown on me. I'm certainly not scared of Lucius, and I wouldn't let him be the matter that has you pushing me away when it's readable you'd rather have me around. ``

'' I guess you've grown on me too. '' Dragon mumbled. `` Which is why the last thing I want to be is a core. ``

'' And you aren't. '' lupin insisted. `` My family was always coldness and remote, and they became even more so after I became afflicted with this curse. My unharmed life I had to make my own household, which is what I managed to do with James, Lily and Sothis. After I lost them, I thought I was finished caring about people… And then I got the probability to not only meet and be nearly Harry, but to help light Dog Star's name as well. Since then I've opened myself up and began making my own family again, up to and including falling in love with and marrying Tonks. I care about all of you kids… and I certainly love Harry as if he were my own son. But you Draco, you have become somebody important to me as well, someone I can percentage the most horrible part of my life with, someone who makes this curse wanton to have because now I have the responsibility of guiding you through living your life with it. I'm not revoking my guardianship, and it's not just because I think you still need me and Tonks and the semblance of family we can offer you, it's also because I need you to be in my aliveness. ``

He didn't know what to say or even how he felt. He was still getting used to what it was like to love Ginny, how was he also supposed to handle the feelings that came with having rule family members who not only cared about him, but actually wanted him around ? Lupin was related to him through wedlock and a slip of composition, but in that moment it felt as if he were everything Draco had always wanted but never had… father, chum, uncle, cousin and secure friend all wrapped up in one computer software and waiting for him to accept it. `` Okay. '' He said, not trusting himself to say anything else without betraying how excited he felt.

lupin laughed and patted his berm. `` seminal fluid on, let's let ourselves go for the night and just savour the run. We'll head back towards Hogwarts so we won't have as far to jaunt in the sunup. ``

Draco nodded in silent agreement. Together they removed their talisman, storing them safely in their bags, of which they'd loosened the straps to accommodate their soon to be bigger forms. Stepping out into the moonlight, he wasn't quite for sure what to expect… the transformation wasn't as painful as he remembered, though perhaps it was because this time he fully embraced it, wanting the wolf to be unblock. Still retaining their own mind, they were now in alien physical structure and had to be careful as they remembered to strap the bags to their backs. They shared a looking at before Lupin threw his promontory to the moon and let out a natural state howl. And then they were off, allowing the Hugo Wolf to run and roleplay while they attempted to turn off their human being thoughts.

( breaking )

As had become his usage, Fred woke early, just before the sun rose. Of course he had no idea what time that was, just as he had no idea how long he'd actually been on this island… he'd forced himself to cease reckoning days after the one-fifth one, finding it far too uncheerful. Instead he had learned to rivet on finding what little enjoyment he could while he was imprisoned. Those odd flowers growing here had become one of those things he actually liked and so he'd begun getting up before the sun, gladly leaving the lustre of the interior of their monolithic tent that seemed so ordinary on the outside. As he now normally did, he walked up the beach to where a low fleck of the strange prime grew wild.

Looking off into the celestial horizon as he waited for the sun to peek over it, he let his mind wander… Wondering what his friends were up to, what Hermione must be thinking about his disappearance, whether his parents knew he was in trouble, and most prominently ... how was he going to get himself out of this ? Hearing a gaudy squawking sound that still terrified him no matter how many times he heard it, he glanced up into the quickly brightening sky and saw the dark outline of those weird wight that enjoyed flying through the dawn. He didn't know what they were and they never came close enough for him to really see them, which was fine by him as he wasn't about to go looking for them. They seemed to stick to the tall mountains that made up near of this island and Fred had been for sure to hold open far away from there, choosing instead to stay on near the beach where the vast sea reminded him of freedom.

At shoemaker's last the sun came up, breaking entirely liberate of the horizon to set about it's ascent through the sky. He eagerly turned back to the flowers, waiting for that beginning radio beam of Light to match them. At last it happened and his eyes danced as bud after bud bloomed in an explosion of color- vibrant pinks and purple, neon bluing and green, deeply saturated Orange River and yellowness. It was breathtaking to behold, like a employment of art coming to life right in figurehead of him.

'' well, I figured I'd find you here again. '' Elanya said as she came up behind him. He ignored her as he'd been doing since that starting time night… he hadn't spoken a one word to her since setting up the tent. In fact, he felt like he was beginning to forget how to talk at all as he'd never in his life-time been able-bodied to assert quiet for more than a few minutes let alone however long he'd been stuck here… Though in a sense, it did make him glad to cognize that his stubbornness and willpower were so firm. He knew it was beginning to bother her that she was basically left wing talking to herself and as that was the exclusively sort of victory he could reach, he was measured to keep back up his silence. `` Don't you get tired of watching them day after day ? '' She goaded.

He wanted to tell her that he'd be able to find more stimulating ways to take place his sentence had she not forced him onto this island where the only form of entertainment was the strange knockout of nature… But he didn't. He simply got up and brushed the sand from his short before stripping off his shoes and T-shirt and heading down to the water supply for a swim. He could finger her following him and smiled to himself, happy that he was proving to be an annoyance to her. `` You have to sing to me sometime ! '' She called as he walked right into the water, letting the incomprehensible warmth of it sooth away the latent hostility he carried at all meter now. `` Hey ! '' She shouted loudly.

He turned to retrieve her knee-deep in the water. She'd taken off her clothes and was standing there in a revealing washup causa that he hadn't even seen her purchase with his money. The framework was aureate, nearly blending in with the thick tan she'd acquired while they'd been there and illuminating the honey-gold vividness of her optic. The sun shone through her loose auburn tomentum, casting a lustrous aura around her. He bit the inside of his boldness, needing the pain to remind him that as good as she may attend she wasn't rubber to let one's guard down around. `` Mind if I join you for a swim ? '' She asked slyly as she posed effortlessly in social movement of him like a favourable statue.

It was readable she wanted some response and it didn't thing whether it was a demurrer or acceptation of her offer. She was clearly starting to act out in an attempt to control him into doing what she wanted, which was speak to her. As a skilled prevaricator and manipulator himself, he knew the things to look for and so he willfully kept his silence. Pretending he hadn't even seen her, he turned and dive into the soft wave before moving his arms and leg, gliding easily through the water without looking back. Everyday he managed to get further from the shoreline… not that he had any illusions about being able to swim his way across the sea. But as Elanya never went more than than waist-deep into the piss, he'd come to realize she was probably not a very strong or confident swimmer. This meant that the only sentence he could be assured of being away from her was way out where she dared not go.

Feeling his side begin to halter and his limbs slow down down, he stopped and treaded H2O, turning to control she had in fact remained on the beach. Even at this far distance, he could tell she was angry as she strode back towards the tent. Breathing a sigh of ministration Fred flipped over onto his back and floated, deliberate to bear in mind that he didn't let the current pull him further than he thought he could swim back. Allowing his question to dip so that his pinna were below water supply where everything was muffled and staring at the endless blue devil sky, he felt relaxed… peaceful… and very lonely. As much as he would wish to look on the bright side and savour the scenery of where he was, the thought that so many people were probably worried about him kept him from doing so. He wished he were stuck on the island with Hermione, that this was some post-graduation holiday and she could be out here to bask this muted moment with him.

He was worried that he didn't know what was going on at Hogwarts, but there was nothing he could do about it. Still, it was soft to think of the unknown danger the others were going through than to focus on his own captivity… But he knew he had to start doing something to change his situation. As much as he wanted to keep up this dumb treatment that was making Elanya so mad, he knew he needed answers from her. His helping hand were completely tied while he was here, cut off from everyone and all information. But if he could find out when they were leaving and when she planned on going back to London to seek to use him against his friends and family, then he'd be better positioned to amount up with a plan. Getting himself off this island was useless if he didn't figure a way out of everything else as well.

Feeling hungry, Fred turned and swam back to shore. Letting the sun dry him as he walked back to the collapsible shelter, he decided to give himself one more day to bask making Elanya mad… Tomorrow he would see how he felt about breaking his silence. After all, as much as he wanted to reason with himself, it was hard to give up the only small bit of power he had at the moment.

( BREAK )

'' Good morning everyone ! '' Charlie greeted his division. Since lupine and Draco had decided to leave, an impromptu switch up of class schedules was arranged to make up for the missing professor, making for an entirely confusing Mon that Hermione had missed out on by staying in bed sick. Unfortunately, lupine hadn't made it back in time Tues daybreak and that left the seventh year advanced political platform class to enjoy care of Magical tool as the number 1 example of the day. Normally Hermione enjoyed Charlie's class, even if she did have to bid him Professor Weasley. But between her concern over Fred, her still lingering malady and Ron glaring at her and Harry the whole sentence, she just wasn't in the mood for anything that distracted her from practicing astral projection. Perhaps she should have taken Harry's advice and stayed in bed again today, but being so close to the end of her metre in schooling she'd forced herself to get up, not wanting to lack out on anything that could show itself on a test. But her fountainhead just wasn't in it and as Charlie began handing out little books to them all, she debated asking if she could be excused.

'' Now, my coming to teach here was a very finish minute determination and so I didn't have prison term to get my say on your reading listing for this stratum. '' Charlie announced as he finished passing the books around and stood before them all. `` Today we start learning about creatures I have a particular forte in- flying lizard. '' He smiled, clearly excited to teach on something he knew so well. `` Obviously I can't bring any of them in to show you, though I'm aware that some of you have had rather stuffy encounters with a few different species. '' He grinned at Harry.

'' Charlie, this Koran has your name on it. '' Ron interrupted, not bothering to kick upstairs his hand.

'' That's Professor Weasley while we're in stratum Ron. '' Charlie reminded him with a smirk. `` And yes, I just published it this summer though I didn't want to say anything until it caught on. A few days ago, I and a few of my fellow were lucky enough to bumble upon a specie of dragon that had long been thought to suffer gone extinct. We lived near and studied them and after, I wrote down what we learned. You are now all holding the resultant role of that movement. ``

He went on and suddenly too peculiar and interested to consider leaving class, Hermione began flipping through the record book, eager to get a gumption of Charlie as an author. The textbook was informative but it was the bright photo of the island where the dragons had been found and of the creatures themselves that really made the book spectacular. Drawn in by a bright salvo of color in the corner of one of the photos, she leaned in closer and was struck as she recognized the blossom from Luna's vision. Her deal instantly shot into the air as she desperately waved it to get Charlie's attention.

'' Yes Miss Granger ? '' He grinned at her.

'' I was looking through the book… these flowers in this motion picture here, are they Colorsplosions ? '' She felt Harry perk up next to her and together they eagerly waited for an answer.

'' Why, yes as a matter of fact. As it turned out, these Draco weren't the only thing we found on the island that had been thought to be extinct. Good job recognizing them '' He nodded encouragingly. `` There were respective other works and animate being coinage on this island- ''

'' What island ? '' Harry interrupted, throwing his hand in the air as an afterthought.

'' One of the gateway islands that protect the route to Castellumshire. '' He answered suspicious of the sudden interest group. `` I'm no sailor, I simply rode with a bunch of them and they knew how to get there. I personally couldn't even point it out on a map. ``

'' And are the Dragon that live there grievous ? '' Hermione asked, suddenly terrified for Fred.

'' Yes, but only if you disturb them. '' Charlie answered seriously. `` This metal money is called the Double-Clawed Winghorn, so named for the pair of very sharp claws they use to perch and transfix prey and the motor horn protruding from the gratuity of their annex. They live in high situation, generally mountains… Which is where we found these last few. Our pack was down at the base and as long as we remained down there, the Winghorns didn't bother us. It was only after we climbed up to study them more closely that they became vicious and highly protective of what they considered their borders. They attack in couplet and are highly intelligent and extremely proficient, though we only saw ten of them in all. However, when left on their own it became clear that they only came out to hunt in the very too soon morning. The rest of the time they were contentedness to stay in their den. ``

Hermione pretty much tuned him out after that, not needing or wanting to learn more. Surely she had to be mistaken, certainly Colorspolosions had to grow elsewhere in the world… She knew all it would ask to find out the truth was to run the idea by Luna and the girl's intuition would order them if this was the island where Fred was being held… but she was already pretty sure that it was. Of form it had to be, why wouldn't Elanya insist they go one of the few places anyone else dared to ? What were the odds another squad of dragon hunters would be stopping by now that they knew what was there ?

As soon as Charlie ended his class, Hermione raced back to her way, throwing aside the Holy Writ on stellar projection to find the one about mysterious islands that she'd also stolen/borrowed. She flipped through the varlet until she found an entranceway on the gateway islands… there were two some 30 kilometers apart that were estimated to be about a one C kilometers from Castellumshire. Despite this wide-cut area, the record explained that for some reason, these islands proved to be unchartable and only a very seasoned sailor knew how to encounter them.

flavour excited, spooky and terrorize, she rushed into the common room where Harry and Luna were sitting on the couch, apparently waiting for her. `` Is this it ? Is this where Fred is ? '' She thrust the script at Luna, begging her to say she was wrong… that Fred wasn't on an untraceable island that was occupied by dragons.

'' You've lost Fred ? '' Draco asked as he emerged from the Slytherin wing.

They all froze, unsure what to say or how to excuse. `` When did you get back ? '' Harry asked calmly as both a misdirection and a way to buy time.

'' A few minutes ago. I was just on my way to tell Ginny before we all have to go to course. '' He answered, looking around at the three of them suspiciously. `` What's going on with Fred ? ``

'' He's on a line trip. '' Hermione said quickly, not knowing what else to say and figuring it was best to get with the lie already told. They may not have discussed it, but she, Harry and Luna had clearly come to a unsounded understanding not to tell Dragon anything about Fred so that he wouldn't be put in the lieu of keeping it from Ginny.

'' Yeah, Ginny mentioned something about that. Apparently Mrs. Weasley sent a letter complaining all about it and the abrupt way he left. '' Dragon said slowly. He was anything but dimwitted and it was clear he'd picked up on something being damage. `` What does that stimulate to do with you all not knowing where he is ? ``

'' Hermione had been talking to him through those compacts… you know, keeping in pinch. '' Luna blurted out.

'' Right, but she came to us this morning saying she accidentally broke the compact car. '' Harry agreed, picking up effortlessly on Luna's thought. `` She was freaking out because she had no idea where he was actually staying and therefore no way to contact him. ``

'' I had a vision that showed him on an island, though I wasn't sure which one so she went to look up the things I described to see if she could figure it out. '' Luna added, rounding out their lie.

Draco ignored them and looked at Hermione before smirking and shaking his foreland. He'd gotten to know them all well since joining with them, and had spent years before that spying on them to learn all their closed book. He knew of the three, Harry was the indue liar, though Luna was equal to when pressed… he also knew Hermione not only didn't like to lie, she wasn't always the most convincing at it. Letting Harry and Luna speak for her had obviously given him a clue that thing weren't exactly as they were telling him. `` I see. '' He said at last. `` This is one of those, I'm-better-off-not-knowing, types of things… is that because Ginny is better off not knowing ? ``

'' Let's just say everything's fine and peg with that. '' Harry said.

'' okeh, I don't need to lie with the particulars. '' Draco agreed. `` But if you need help, I've been looking for a grounds to practice scrying. ``

'' Why ? '' Hermione asked.

He shrugged. `` You all said we need to focus on getting set up to receive the coven… Figured I'd like to have something useful to fetch to the table. Scrying is a skill that runs in my family unit so I thought I could use it to facilitate you situate all those people. ``

'' trade good to get it on you plan to arrive along. '' Harry smiled in encouragement.

'' I don't really have anything planned once we're released from here. '' He admitted. `` I just think it's best I prepare for anything. Let me sleep together if you need my help. I won't cite to Ginny that Fred is currently… off the grid ? ``

'' I guess that's the proficient way to put it. '' Hermione nodded. `` Thanks. '' He waved her off and continued on his way to tell Ginny that he had returned.

'' Yes, I think that's the situation. '' Luna said, answering Hermione's earlier question once she was sure they were alone.

'' commodity, so if we know what island he's on and Draco thinks he can find where the island is, then there's no need for you and Jacey to go to Erebos's class today so she can try to get into his drumhead. '' Harry said happily.

'' That was your approximation in the start place ! '' Hermione reminded him.

'' I've had meter to meditate on it. '' He answered defensively.

'' Either way, we still have to square up whether he's really the spy. We can't go rescue Fred until we're sure we've shut down everything they're holding over his read/write head. '' She argued.

'' I agree. '' Jacey said, emerging from the Slytherin wing as Tristram, properly dressed in schooling robe and carrying a knapsack. `` Are you make to go young woman Granger ? ``

Hermione looked at Harry and saw that he was extremely unhappy. She felt free in that moment… she didn't have to deal what Harry thought anymore. She was will to do whatever she had to in purchase order to help oneself Fred, just as she'd done in the past for Harry, no thing how dangerous or unintelligent. They had to sleep together if Erebos was the spy so that they could block off him from carrying out Elanya's threats… if that meant placing herself in front of the professor while Jacey tried to get into his thinker, then so be it. `` I'm ready. '' She answered confidently.

( BREAK )

Ginny answered the knock on her doorway right away and threw her arms around Draco, Thomas More than relieved that he'd returned as he'd promised. `` I wasn't even gone a full two daytime. '' He teased, leaning down to kiss her.

'' It felt like much longer. '' She sighed, taking his hand and leading him into her room, closing the door for concealment. `` Are you okay ? ``

'' As much as I can be I guess. '' He answered honestly, taking a seat on the bed. `` I talked a few things over with Lupin and it made me finger better… sorting of. I'm just tired of everything always being so difficult. ``

'' You and everyone else. '' She smiled, climbing behind him and rubbing his shoulder joint. She could feel how much focus he was carrying and did her best to ease the utmost tension in his brawniness. `` But I guess if things weren't unmanageable, we wouldn't appreciate the time when everything is sluttish. ``

He relaxed into her script, letting his question hang down as she massaged his neck. `` When has anything ever been slow ? We've all had to struggle to get where we are and now we're struggling to quell there while the entire creation seems to plot against us. ``

'' Being with you isn't such a struggle. '' She wrapped her arms around him and kissed the spine of his cervix. `` In fact, loving you might be the sluttish matter I've ever done even after all we've gone through together. I don't charge how hard I have to fight for us Draco, I think it's worth it. ``

He took her arms and turned to present her, studying her very closely. `` None of this… nothing I'm inquiring or doubting has anything to do with you or us. '' He said very seriously before at final stage breaking into a grinning. `` You don't have to convince me that you love me, it's probably the only matter I'm sure of anymore. ``

She nodded. `` I just thought you needed to get word it again. I can't imagine what you must be feeling after everything that happened with Lucius on Saturday… I just don't want you to go back to thinking that everyone is like him, that everyone will hurt or let down you in the longsighted run. ``

He let out a small laugh. `` Lupin said something alike. ``

'' Well, we can't both be wrong, right-hand ? '' She grinned.

'' It's just a strange matter to get used to, having people campaign to stay in my life… especially when it's proven so grievous. '' He shook his head word and turned away from her again. `` I tried to give Lupin an out. I told him to erase all trace that linked his and Tonks's public figure to mine… but he wanted to remain on as my guardian. ``

'' Of form he did ! You don't think you're helping him deal with this completely werewolf thing the Same way he's helping you ? '' She asked, once more wind her blazon around him and resting her chin on his shoulder. `` Face it Draco… once people get to do it you, you're a pretty likable guy. And I hope you weren't planning to try and puddle me the same offer as Lupin because you're as stuck with me as you are with him. ``

'' Don't I know it. '' He teased, turning to osculate her cheek.

'' You're lucky to have us both. '' She went on, smiling widely.

'' Yeah, I know that too. '' He laughed.

'' Well here's the parting you don't seem to bang yet… we're lucky to give you as well. '' She reached up and turned his face so that she could lightly kiss his lips. `` Maybe that's the character you shouldn't forget. '' She whispered before fully capturing his mouth once more, ready to welcome him back and demonstrate him just how much she'd missed him.

( good luck )

'' Mr. Macnair ! I was told not to have a bun in the oven you in class today. '' professor Erebos said as soon as Jacey entered his classroom. Hermione had been sure to arrive a few minutes before her as usual so that nothing would look suspicious.

'' I'm of the creative thinker that my position here is still to be determined. '' She replied as Tristram, coolly taking a fanny in the back row of the nearly empty classroom. Erebos simply shook his head and began his example. Clearly the man was going to leave the act of disciplining the vampire to those with to a greater extent power than he had. Jacey was happy to find out that the professor was to a greater extent than a bit daunt of Tristan.

Remember, hold back him busy. Ask questions so he is focused on you and therefore less able to concentrate on shielding his judgement. She reminded Hermione.

I think I can handle it. She replied in amusement.

They waited until the lesson was half over, hoping that Erebos would be lulled into a off-key sense of security. You ready ? Jacey thought out to Harry and Luna. She knew that by now they had stationed themselves next door in professor Flitwick's currently empty classroom.

Let's just try to be really measured, okay ? Harry asked desperately.

Giving Hermione the sign, Jacey watched in hypnotized amusement as the other missy raised her hired hand and assaulted Erebos with rapid-fire questions. No Sooner had the man answered her once than she was asking for More information, Sir Thomas More clearing or more detail. Watching him become flustered, Jacey waited until she was sure he was completely distracted by his eagre educatee. Feeling Harry and Luna's mien mingle in with hers, she propelled all three of them forward into the professor's top dog. Sure enough, they found a fort around his mind, as high and mighty as any of theirs. Picturing the three of them tiptoeing through the man's subconscious mind, she helped lookup for some way in.

There ! Luna whispered excitedly. Focusing on her, Jacey was able to see what she saw and cautiously zoomed toward the crack in the base. They slipped their way in, careful not to leave a trace of themselves. Flipping through the man's mind as quickly as possible, they at last found what they were looking for.

*****

Erebos put the key in the threshold and entered the hotel room. Elise was already waiting for him, sitting in one of the chairman as she regarded him warily. `` It's been a long time Dolos. '' She said, offering a sly and seductive smile.

'' And I had thought it would be much longer. I thought we had agreed days ago to just be glad that we got away with having our short time together. '' He replied, angrily dropping his traveling bag to the ground. He didn't like being summoned like this, but the girl had a lot of dirt on him and she was entirely able of ruining his life.

'' You thought a lot of thing about me, haven't you ? '' She teased.

He cleared his throat and remained steady in his resolve. `` I'm married now. ``

She laughed. `` Actually you're in the process of getting divorced. Didn't you think I would check up on you before making touch ? I also know things between you and the ex-wife are entirely unsettled… it seems she's battling you for full custody of the small rugrats you two bred. '' She laughed again, having seen the vexation that instantly spread across his nerve. `` Relax Dolos, I didn't call you here to rekindle old flames or to jeopardize your alien home. ``

'' Then why did you send for, and why have us encounter here, in Australia of all places ? '' He asked nervously.

'' To make a proposition. '' She rose and walked over to the window, letting the sun shine through her sundress and denudate a shadow of the form underneath. `` It seems you and I are in the position to help each former yet again. '' She added, looking at him over her shoulder. Everything about her was as appealing as it had been all those age ago, from her rather attractive appearing to the small lead tattoo that drew him into her eyes to the hint of danger she always promised to provide.

'' I'm listening. '' He said, entertaining the idea that perhaps rekindling old flames wouldn't be the defective matter in the world.

She turned fully to him, leaning against the balcony railing as she spoke. `` I came here looking for someone… turns out the first of all one wasn't all that I needed him to be. But I have found a girl with the mighty king and a desperate need for retaliation. My friends and I need her… after speaking with the young lady, we've already come up with a plan on how to use her to our best reward. The only thing is, she feels she has cipher to declare oneself us. As it turns out, the young lady does have some annoying morals and while she very much liked that we could pay her the way to vote down her father, she was also hesitant in joining with us when she had no way to repay us. ``

'' She seems hurt, doesn't want to be left in anyone's debt. '' He interrupted, thinking of his own situation. He was entirely indebted to Elise for how she was able to breed up their affair all those years ago… it was why he had come here.

'' Whatever the vitrine, you need to be the thing she can bring home the bacon us… which works out wonderfully since I was eventually going to touch you on our behalf anyway. '' She grinned.

'' You keep saying our and we. Who else are you plotting with ? ``

'' A dearly old friend… perhaps you remember Sarah Elaine ? '' She waited as he nodded, indicating he vaguely remembered the girl who he'd only ever met during the trial. `` She has her own Pisces the Fishes on the hook, but her lady friend is useless as long as she's locked away. ``

'' So what do you take me to do ? '' He asked, again feeling nervous.

'' Elanya Delamora… very Cy Young and very pretty… she's staying in this hotel. I need you to make it your business to run into her. I'm sure you won't have a problem convincing her that you find her very attractive and would do anything she wanted of you. Then I need you to casually slip into conversation that you work at Hogwarts… she'll take caution of the relaxation. ``

'' How can you be sure ? ``

Elise smiled again, this time like a lioness toying with her quarry. `` Because I'll see to it that she thinks you are exactly what we need. Imagine her delight when she stumbles into you ! We'll let her think you are hers and hers alone and that only she can bring you into the crimp, it'll be her way of buying her way in. Later if she tries to use you against us, we'll simply tell her how things really came about and that she hasn't even come close to coming up even for what we're going to help oneself her do. ``

'' So you want me to help you saphead and immobilise this girl ? '' He shook his head. `` How naïve is she ? ``

'' Not at all actually. She is very well cognisant of how things work in my world, but like you she prefers to subsist on the outer edge of it, only dipping a toe in when it courting her. '' Elaine teased. `` That is why we have to not only set up this expound farce, but also be entirely convincing about it. ``

'' Which is why you told me to use a funeral as my excuse for being in the country. ``

'' Well, decease makes most people feel awkward and therefore there are less uninvited questions. ``

He sighed and sat down in the death chair. `` And, what do I get out of this ? ``

'' Besides the delight of a renewed acquaintance with me ? '' She grinned. `` We will guarantee that you get whatever you want out of this small divorce fight. ``

'' How ? I don't want Lilah trauma. '' He had a sudden sense of protectiveness come over him as he thought of his children's mother being killed.

'' Relax. We have spate of ways of doing anything we want. It's all about knowing the right wing people and calling in the right favors. '' She assured him. `` After we deliver, all I'll need you to do is keep playing along with the girl. Once you get back to school, all you'll have to do is keep an eye on a few choice educatee so that we know what's going on at all times. So, are you in ? ``

'' I don't know, are you leaving anything out ? '' He asked suspiciously.

'' You know me too well, Dolos. '' She said, once again offering a coy smile as she walked back into the room to stand before him. `` How do you feel about hurting student, possibly even killing one ? ``

'' I'd rather it didn't come to that… '' He swallowed severe. Sure he'd taken a few lives back during the terminal war, but that had been because he thought he was doing right, protecting a way of animation. After, when he'd gotten to know Elise and seen what the war had done to the children of his Opposition he began to wonder if he did belong on Dumbledore's side. It was a question that had haunted him for years after. Perhaps this was his time to find out… if he was able to threaten an unacquainted scholar, then surely he belonged on Elise's side of the war, on Voldemort's side.

'' No one wants it to come to that, and if everyone does exactly what they're supposed to then it won't. But I need someone who can do what is necessary should the occasion arise. '' She was studying him closely, obviously looking for signal of weakness.

'' If you can warrant Lilah won't be able to choose my kids away, then I'm your man. '' He replied steadily. There were a lot of shady things in his past tense, some of them had been what finally pushed his wife away and forced her to attempt sole-custody. He knew he'd do whatever it took to get what he wanted, and Elise knew it too… that's why after all these years, she'd come back to him. He could and would do this, and what's more, he felt like he'd enjoy it.

*****

wellspring, I guess that answers a lot. Harry said once they all cleared out of Erebos's head.

We're back. Jacey thought to Hermione. She saw that the girl was having trouble keeping up her outpouring of questions and wanted to assure her that she could stop.

Suddenly the classroom door swung open and healer Sir Francis Drake entered with an apologetic grin. `` Sorry to disturb. '' He said politely. `` I need to borrow Mr. Macnair. He's wanted up in the headmaster's office staff. ``

'' Go on Macnair. I told you that you weren't supposed to be here. '' Erebos crossed his arm and waited impatiently.

Jacey reluctantly got up, hearing Harry in her head telling her and Hermione that he and Luna were staying where they were until the year was over. She followed Drake down the manor hall, wondering what was going to happen. `` I hope this is somehow character of your plan, because Dumbledore is really mad. '' He said as they walked.

'' In a mother wit. We want Tristan in as much trouble as possible. '' She answered, hoping she could defy the master's anger. The healer left her at the gargoyle and she now had to confront Dumbledore's ire alone.

But of course of instruction the older necromancer knew how to insure his emotions and as she entered his spot, she saw him regarding her with case-hardened middle while speaking in a tranquilize voice. `` Mr. Macnair. May I ask why you openly defied my rescript and went to socio-economic class today ? ``

'' I got lonely. '' She shrugged, mimicking Tristram's nonchalant way of dealing with authority.

'' I see. '' He leaned forward and spoke softly. `` The Aurors have decided to take your causa Mr. Macnair. They are applying for a sanction of arrest and as soon as it comes through I am to hired man you over to them. Unfortunately, it may take in a few days as we are still caught up looking for both Parvati Patil and Ilium Mason. Until that time we are finally able to rid ourselves of you, you are hereby confined to your dormitory. I suggest you use your final stage few days here to figure out exactly what you're going to tell the courts. You are dismissed. '' With a prosper, he disappeared, apparently not wanting to give Tristan a chance to reply. She was left sitting alone in the office, contemplating what life history was going to be like once she was once more entirely liberal to be herself.

( BREAK )

Harry nervously waited for Hermione to exit the classroom, hating the thought of her being alone with someone who wasn't quite sure whether or not he was a psychopath. Luna was next to him and more than anything he wanted to give out and engage her hand, to feel the comfort she could play him… but with so many pupil walking the halls, that was insufferable. Not only had they both agreed it was best no one but their protagonist knew about them, he was supposed to still be pretending to be with Hermione in an attempt to fool Erebos, Herbert Alexander Simon and anyone else who may think she was a picayune too close to Fred. `` Well ? '' He asked as soon as she emerged.

'' nix happened, it was an ordinary bicycle division. I can't be sure as shooting, but I don't think he felt you guys in his oral sex. '' She quietly assured them.

He's coming. Luna warned them as she turned and walked away. Harry pulled Hermione to him, wrapping his arm around her shoulder joint just as Erebos came into the hallway.

'' Well, you were certainly questioning in form today young lady Granger. '' He said, stopping to grin at them.

'' NEWTs are coming up, I just want to be prepared. '' She answered quickly.

'' You know Hermione, always one to query all. '' Harry said proudly, leaning in to kiss her temple as she pushed herself closer against him.

'' Too bad I could never involvement you in the subject Mr. Potter. I think I would have enjoyed having you in my class as well. '' He said with a tight smiling. `` You seem to have so many talents, I'm sure you could just displume the result to any examination right out of my oral sex. '' He added meaningfully.

Harry felt himself panic. `` I would never do something like that. It's cheating. '' He answered steadily, not wanting the prof to receive any validation of his suspicions.

'' seed on, we have to go or we'll miss luncheon and I'm starving. '' Hermione said, playfully taking his hand and pulling him along as if she didn't sentiency the sudden tension.

He quickly followed her, gripping her hand so tight he was afraid he would break it. `` You are definitely going to suffer to bespeak something to get you out of that class. '' He said as they walked toward the Great Hall.

'' What happened ? Is he the spy ? '' She asked, though it was gain the professor's behavior had already confirmed what she feared.

'' Yeah, to say the very least… we may not just be going to save Fred anymore. '' He answered. `` It seems that whether she knows it or not, Elanya has gotten herself just as trapped by Elise and Sarah as Fred. ``

( BREAK )

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked unceremoniously as soon as Elanya emerged from the tent.

'' And a good first light to you too ! '' She said happily. `` I see you've decided to come to your senses and talk to me. ``

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked again, having decided those were the only Good Book he would provide himself to say until he received a definite answer.

'' I don't see why you're in such a big hurry to get back… it seems your acquaintance are already starting to blank out about you. '' She taunted.

He was rum, he wanted to ask what she meant… but he refused to demand the bait. `` When are we leaving ? '' He asked for the third time.

'' Don't you want to know what I've heard from my origin ? '' She asked coyly.

At this dot, he was more touch on with how she'd heard from her origin and filed away in his mind that he needed to encounter the chance to search for her communicating twist. `` When are we leaving ? '' He smiled to himself as he saw her frown. Apparently this could have the potency to vex her as much as his silence.

'' If you're concerned about getting back to Hermione Granger, I'd forget about it if I were you. '' She said cruelly. `` My source within Hogwarts has told me that he's witnessed respective affair to tell him that she and Harry Potter have mended their broken relationship. It seems she didn't quite appreciate you up and leaving her without a word of warning. ``

Fred held himself together, forcing himself not to respond. He knew that Hermione knew Elanya had already planned to force him away… he truly believed she was voguish enough to put two and two together once she was unable to extend to him and form out he'd been forced away sooner. But then… wouldn't she have done something to try and find him ? He may have got stopped counting days after five, but he knew he'd been here for a foresighted time… a few weeks at to the lowest degree. Shouldn't someone have come looking for him ? Whether or not what she said was reliable, he was determined not to let Elanya cognise she had shaken him. He stared her right in the eye and grinned. `` When are we leaving ? ``

( BREAK )

Ron had spent four days successfully keeping his Friend at bay. It seemed his Good Book against them had worked and for better or worse, they were leaving him to screen out it out himself. Of course of instruction, they all probably had some big secret to focus on and help keep their minds off of him, but the longer he went, the harder it was for him to continue to defend the stance he had taken. After all, they still had each other and he was pretty much alone… just as he'd thought he wanted.

Not caring to sit by himself at dinner yet again, he'd decided to spend his Thursday night in the library. He really did try to do homework, but he just couldn't focus and eventually found himself writing a letter to Parvati with the Hope that lupin could find a way to get it to her. He was three pageboy into explaining how sorry he was when someone's shadow fell over him.

'' Here you are ! '' Seamus exclaimed, pulling out a chair and sitting across from him. `` I've been looking for you all over, you know we have our first game Saturday, don't you ? ``

'' Yeah, I know. What is there to do until practice tomorrow ? ``

'' Practice tonight. '' He grinned. `` I got McGonagall to check to let us have a dark recitation so long as we had it wrapped up by ten. That only gives us three and a half hours ! Come on, I already told the team to meet us down there. ``

Ron looked down at his missive and sighed. Perhaps he did need a misdirection, something that was now entirely his as he was the solely one of his secretive friends allowed to participate in quidditch in any way. `` Alright. aid me put these script back, Madame Pince had a fit the hold up time I was here and left them lying all over the place. '' Shoving his own things in his rucksack, he and Seamus grabbed the few al-Qur'an he'd taken out in Leslie Townes Hope of completing his potions essay and went into the hatful to put them away.

'' Hey, do you listen that ? '' Seamus whispered suddenly.

Both boys stopped and listened. At last Ron picked up on whatever Seamus had heard… a soft thump and quiet moaning. Curious, they followed the sounds a petty deeper into the words of shelves. Turning the box they gasped in shock at who they saw and what they were doing. `` I'd have thought you'd have better appreciation Padma. '' Seamus teased.

She and doyen leapt apart, wiping their mouths and straightening their apparel as they realized they'd been caught. `` He was helping me find something. '' She said defensively.

'' In your mouth ? '' Ron laughed.

'' Shut up. '' doyen said angrily.

'' I've been under a lot of stress lately… '' Padma argued her case.

'' And he was just helping to let off some of it ? '' Seamus asked innocently as a wide-eyed, iniquity grin paste across his face. She rolled her centre and walked away in a huff.

'' Thanks jerks. '' Dean grumbled.

'' Aren't you supposed to be heading down to the quidditch pitching ? '' Ron took his turn to tease their champion. Shooting them each a dirty look, dean brushed past them to go down to practice.

'' wellspring, that was interesting. '' Seamus grinned.

'' Seeing his case get all red like that… it totally made my day. '' He agreed, smiling back.

They put away the Holy Writ and hurried outside to the champaign. Ron felt lighter than he had in days and was surprised to find that he could really savor himself with other friends. Dean and Seamus and the unhurt Gryffindor squad were his release, his way of continuing to avoid Harry, Hermione, Luna and Ginny. Once they left here, he would have to work out something else out, especially since his category was currently living in Harry's house for an undetermined amount of clock time. But he still had a little over two weeks to think on it. In the meantime, he was content to allow himself to enjoy the rare, completely worry-free moment he was experiencing.

( BREAK )

'' Come on, we're going to be late for category ! '' Luna grabbed Ginny's arm and pulled her off the couch, barely giving her enough time to seize her books before dragging her out of the common elbow room where she and Draco had been lounging.

As soon as they were gone, farmer came and took Ginny's vacated spot. `` Here. '' She spread a map out in front of Draco and pointed to a little dot of an island. `` I finally found a map that shows Castellumshire. Somewhere within a hundred kilometers is the island we think Fred is on. ``

'' And you want me to do what ? '' He asked, looking up at her. Potter was standing behind her and it was clearly they had been waiting for Luna to get Ginny out of the room before approaching him. `` You said before that you guys can't sail there even if you knew where it was. Isn't that the mystery of this island, that only certain hoi polloi can feel it ? ``

'' Only certain people can encounter it- by sea. '' ceramicist argued.

'' We're thinking that if you can nail it on a map, we can use the picture in Charlie's book to apparate there. '' farmer added hopefully.

Realizing they were unplayful, he took the map and stood. `` okeh, I'll try. But I'd rather do this in private if you don't intellect. '' He strode past them to the Slytherin wing and down to his way. The concluding thing he wanted was the bring pressure sensation of ceramist and Granger watching him try and go bad. He wished he had never offered to assist, that he'd kept his mouth shut and stayed out of it… especially since it seemed whatever was going on, they were desperate that Ginny and Ron not get wind of it. But he had offered and they'd taken him up on it… now he had to actually attempt to scry, something he'd never actually done.

Spreading the map out on the bed, he wondered what he was supposed to do next. Of form he didn't have a pendulum, but remembering a time when Narcissa had lost hers, he still thought that maybe he could do this. Copying everything he'd seen his mother do, he pulled out a single fibril of his hair… a piece of the seeker. Now he needed a piece of the sought after. Taking Charlie's Book, he ripped out the icon of the Colorsplosions and made a hole through the scrap. Looping his hair through it, he let it drop in forepart of him ready for testing. With his judgment, he focused on the paper moving itself north… he was truly surprised when it began to swing and at showtime thought there must be a gentle wind. He quickly focused on moving the newspaper to the eastern United States and nearly dropped it in impact when it froze in midair and instantly swung the way he'd asked. So it had worked. He was thrilled but knew he had to be heedful not to become overconfident.

Looking down at the map he let the paper dangle over the characterization of Castellumshire. `` Okay, clip to really put you to the test. '' He said under his breathing space as he began focusing on narrowing down the hunt for the cryptical gateway islands.

The paper fluttered for a second before swinging in a panoptic arch, making more and more exact roach until it stopped dead, pointing directly at what appeared to be abandon sea. He tried it three more times, always with the Saame result. You cat should fare and see this. He thought out to ceramist, excited in spitefulness of himself that he may hold just solved something that even Granger had been unable.

He opened the doorway just as they both were about to knock, hurrying them inside. Picking up his strand of hair's-breadth, he once more demonstrated what the paper pointed to on the map, sure-footed enough in himself that he could do it with an interview. Sure enough he got the Saame result and Granger rushed to circle the fleck and write down the coordinate. `` And it's seems to be within one hundred kilometers. Thank you Draco, well done ! '' She exclaimed, leaping up to hug him

He awkwardly patted her back before extricating himself. `` Think nothing of it. And if Ginny ever finds out what you are all up to, I had nothing to do with it. ``

'' Agreed. '' Potter grinned. And then suddenly his saying turned to one of anger.

'' Harry, are you okay ? '' granger asked, having also witnessed the swiftness with which Potter's mood had changed.

'' I've got to go. '' He said quickly before racing from the room.

'' Harry ! '' Granger called after him, looking out the room access as he dashed down the hall. `` What do you think that was about ? '' She asked, once more turning to face Draco.

He shrugged. `` Only he knows at this compass point. ``

'' I'd better go see if I can catch up to him somehow… '' She paused and offered a grinning. `` Thanks again genus Draco. You have no thought how a good deal you've just helped us. '' And then she was gone, off to chase after down Potter. He briefly entertained the thought of going with, but he just as quickly dismissed it. Clearly whatever the situation was, it was one potter either thought he could handle alone or wanted to handle alone. If he'd thought he needed help, Dragon didn't think he'd have hesitated to ask him. After all, they'd been finding it a lot more beneficial to exercise together lately. Instead he lay back in his bed to waitress for Ginny to be done with socio-economic class, happily reflecting on his unexpected achiever. If this was what it was like to sustain things go your way, then he was prepared to sit back and let it. But he would remain prepared and ready should Lucius register his case again.

( breaking )

Luna ensured Ginny made it to division before making up an exculpation for why she wouldn't be joining her. Claiming a spartan stomach ache as they approached the Gargoyle, she'd blamed food poisoning and urged the other girl to go on up. She'd told Ginny that she had a great herbal redress back in her elbow room and it was her own fault for not taking it when the symptoms had kickoff begun to present themselves.

Once alone in the hall, Luna straightened up and hoped she hadn't made her ally too vex about her. But she had no time for class right now, she wanted to get back to the common room and come up out whether Draco was able to place the island. She moved quickly down the residence, not wanting anyone questioning why she wasn't where she was supposed to be. And then it suddenly struck her, the feeling of an onset vision. She quickly ducked through the good door feeling completely disoriented. Before her seeing blurred, she was able-bodied to make out that she was in an empty classroom. Dropping to her genu, she crawled forward, feeling her way to the professor's desk and hiding herself behind it. She couldn't let anyone find her alone while having a visual sensation, it was too easy for them to take vantage of her being so completely vulnerable. There were still far too many enemies walking the manor hall to let one of them find her in a compromising situation in which she'd be unable to fight back. The conclusion matter she wanted was to make it tardily for them to mitt her over to Voldemort.

giving into the vision, she was surprised to receive it was the same word of advice as before. Once again she and Harry were side by side in the bloodless room and she felt the Same draw as Sarah, Elise and Elanya beckoned to them. And then again Harry was gone and she was recoiling in horror as Simon approached, reaching out to her. Only this prison term, the ending was different. She was frozen in station as Simon grew taller and taller before turning to stomp down on his sister and her acquaintance who were now the sizing of mice. He turned and grinned as a pool of bloodline emerged from beneath his skid and it was clear he had wanted her to watch. And then the room was spinning and once more Simon looked normal as he stood before her, reaching out to her as she shook in fright. Now it was Elise, Sarah and Elanya who grew large, crushing Marvin Neil Simon to decease beneath their base. Harry was beside her again and the three women turned to beckon to them as if nothing had happened. Instantly she felt drawn into them again and only then did she agnize it wasn't her flavor it. It was Harry who was so bequeath to listen to what these horrific women had to say while neither of them seemed to have interest in Simon's message…

She shook her head as she came back to herself already attempting to think this through. If she was being warned that Harry was uncoerced to listen to something those young woman had to say, then what was Simon going to do that made him turn to them. Her fountainhead was spinning with possibility and she suddenly wasn't certain what anything in the imagination had been trying to recite her. She hated the white room, where nothing was clear and everything was a puzzle. But this clip the warning had definitely felt more acute and as her idea switched completely back into consciousness, a needlelike con of intuition stabbed at her. She felt for her wand in her scoop only to realize she'd put it in her bag, which she'd dropped somewhere after she'd entered the classroom. She felt another mortal in there with her and reaching out her mind, she sensed it was the very last person in the world she wanted to find… Simon McKinney. She tried to persist as still as possible.

'' I know you're in here Luna. I saw you. '' He called. `` I just want the chance to talk to you about a few things… why don't you come on out and we can suffer a prissy, civil conversation ? '' She held her breath and continued to remain still, hoping he somehow didn't know where exactly she was. `` Please ? This is the last time I'm going to ask nicely. '' He warned. Still she remained tacit, praying he'd just go away. `` Alright then, looks like you're choosing the hard way. ``

Luna shrieked as she felt the desk roughly slide away from her, leaving her completely out in the opened. She leapt to her groundwork, not wanting to suffer to front him from the reason. He stood before her with a demented smiling, brandishing his wand in one hand while tauntingly dangling hers from the early. `` It seems you dropped something when you came in. '' He smirked.

'' How dainty of you to retrieve it… may I have it please ? '' She asked carefully, trying not to show that she was scared of him.

'' No, I think it's advantageously if I hold onto it for you while we talk. I'd hate for you to get trigger happy and ready a misunderstanding before hearing me out. '' He went and closed the threshold, ensuring he locked it both manually and magically.

Harry, I think I may need some assistant here. Simon has me cornered in a schoolroom and he has my wand. She thought out quickly.

I'm on my way. He replied instantly, his part dark and dangerous. The net thing she wanted was Harry overreacting to this spot, but she wasn't sure she had another option… she was unarmed and unlike Harry and Jacey, her supernumerary tycoon lent her no shelter. `` So, what do you require to blab about ? '' She asked aloud, trying to hold on her voice low and calm.

'' Quite a few matter actually. Why don't you take a seat ? '' He waved his verge, bringing the professor's chair up behind her so quickly that she stumbled back into it. `` Incarcerous ! '' He shouted as she grabbed the arms of the hot seat in an attempt to scramble to her feet. Before she knew what was happening, ropes appeared out of nowhere, binding her carpus and waist to the chair.

'' You can't do this, you'll get expelled. '' She tried to cause with him. `` Stop whatever this is now and I won't report you. ``

'' I just want to make trusted you aren't going to run anywhere. '' He assured her, putting her wand in his pocket and pulling up another chair to sit in figurehead of her. `` You and I, we may be able to help each early. ``

'' I don't need any assistance from you. '' She argued, beginning to mislay the calmness she'd been clinging to.

'' Maybe you don't see it yet. But you and Harry Potter both could do good from listening to what I have to tell you. It might bring in you both see thing in a unit new spark. '' Simon returned. `` I don't want to hurt you, I want to be your acquaintance. ``

'' This isn't the dear way to pee-pee friends. '' She pulled against the ski binding but they were tied tight. Her carpus began to burn up as she continued to struggle, the skin becoming raw as it rubbed against the ropes… but she couldn't just give up.

'' And I apologize for the worriment. '' He laughed, pulling out his trusty flaskful and taking a draught. `` But like I said, I want to make certain you really listen to what I have to tell you without you making the fault of cursing me first. ``

'' Okay, well… you have my wand and my undivided attention. What do have to tell me ? '' She wanted to cry in foiling as she felt the roofy on her get out wrist loosen slightly. She continued to shin, trying not to cast focus to the fact that she was making progress.

'' But it's not just your attending that I need. ``

'' Meaning what ? ``

He stood and came towards her. `` Hmm, looks like you're getting loose there. '' He reached to fix the ropes and she desperately kicked at him, trying to continue him away as she attempted to wrench her left wrist relinquish. She could feel her peel scratching against the rough grain but she ignored it, continuing to agitate him off as she tried to free herself.

He finally gave up struggling with her and took a few steps back, waving his wand to tie her ramification to the chair as well so that he could approach her without being kicked. Fixing the roofy on her arm, he sat back in his chairperson and let out a deeply breath. `` Whew. You know, you're making this harder than it has to be. I'm not trying to offend you, you know. You very much want to hear what I have to secernate you. ``

'' So say it already ! '' She shouted angrily.

'' I will. '' He grinned and took another gulp from his flask. `` I'm just waiting for Harry to get here. I figured I'd talk to you first but after the way you acted in Hogsmeade and how you are right now, it's clear that you aren't quite as level-headed as I thought. And knowing that him and Hermione are a farce, I figured you'd be the best bait to keep him listening without bashing my brains in for confining you here. You did call for him to help, didn't you ? ``

'' No. '' She said quickly.

'' Hmm, well I think you're lying. '' He got up and turned to face the doorway as the thickening began jiggling furiously. Simon lifted his baton in preparation, turning to look at her over his berm. `` If fact, this must be him now. ``

Harry, he's waiting for you ! She tried to warn him as Herb Simon moved to unlock the door. But she wasn't sure she was in time as she quickly turned her typeface away to avoid the exhibitor of Sir Henry Wood, brick and plaster that came flying forward as Harry forced his way through, too impatient to waitress for the door to be opened.

( BREAK )

Hermione couldn't find Harry anywhere. He'd run off so quickly that she'd lost him before she'd even begun to give chase. Hoping he would call off if he needed help, she returned to her elbow room and once Sir Thomas More spread out the map. Looking at the spot they'd marked as the island, she decided now was as safe a fourth dimension as any to try her new abilities with astral projection. She wanted to be able to see Fred, even if she wasn't yet potent enough for him to see her back or for them to speak to each other.

Forcibly clearing her mind, she focused on the picture in Charlie's book… imagining herself on the island, on the beach, succeeding to Fred. Closing her optic, she began to feel weightless. Letting go of everything holding her John L. H. Down, she felt herself come gratis from her body and shoot through fourth dimension and quad. When she opened her eyes again, she was under the bright sun and had to squint to make anything out. That was when she noticed she was crystal clear, as she was able to use up in the landscape through her arm. It was disconcerting, but the sight beyond herself made her actualize that she had done it. She was far from Hogwarts and on an island… or at least her cognisance was.

'' Great. Now I'm eyesight mirages. '' She heard somebody mussitation behind her. Whipping around she cried out in succour, running towards Fred until she remembered that she wasn't able-bodied to bear upon him. `` Fred ! It's really me ! I'm really here, form of. '' She said happily, stopping just in presence of him.

'' A talking mirage ? '' He smiled, still not quite trusted what he was seeing.

She rolled her eyes. `` No moron, it's really me. I'd reach out and pinch you but I'm not sure how yet. ``

'' I don't understand… How is this potential ? '' He nervously glanced over his shoulder. `` Is it really you ? '' He whispered.

'' I promise. '' She assured him. `` I'm just sorry it took so retentive. But we know where you are now and we have a plan to follow get you… tomorrow. Can you make it one more day ? ``

He shook his header. `` I can't leave- ''

'' Yes you can, we've figured it all out ! '' She said happily wanting to explain as quickly as possible. `` I knew Elanya must have made you leave early and Luna forced herself to have a vision. Draco scryed and now we can get along get you ! You don't have to interest about the spy, we know who it is… professor Erebos. And in Luna's sight, she saw what Sarah planned for me, so I learned all about astral projection to protect myself. Lee and Willem made sure there was absolutely nothing to tie you to Edmund… there's nothing for you to care about anymore. ``

Fred hesitantly reached out, but his hand went right through her. He shook his head. `` I don't know. It can't be that easy. ``

'' It's not… Elanya may be just as very much a dupe of the other girls'treachery as you are. She thinks she's their match but Harry, Luna and Jacey went in Erebos's header and found the truth. Either way it doesn't subject. We're coming for you tomorrow. She can ride out and rot for all I care. ``

'' Fred ! '' They head Elanya phone off in the distance.

'' You have to go, she can't see you here… if you're really here. '' He grinned, obviously trying to put her at simplicity. But she saw the discomfort he tried to hide and wanted to hold him with her right that second. kinda than provide completely, she glided over to the trees to watch.

'' Here you are. I thought I heard voice. '' Elanya exclaimed, looking alien with her untamed hair, deep tan and flowing strapless dress.

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked.

'' So what, you were here talking to yourself ? You'd rather talk to no one than me ? '' She asked indignantly.

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked again, clearly ignoring everything the girl had to say.

'' You know, we're supposed to be using this sentence to get to have a go at it each other… you're stubbornness is really starting to relieve oneself me off. '' She glared at him, clearly having reached the end of her rope. `` I didn't want to sustain to resort to threats again, I was so hoping this would be a pleasant hitch. But you better say something when I'm done talking and it had better be something early than `` When are we leaving '' or I swear everyone you care for will abide for the aggravation you're causing me. ``

Fred looked uncertain, clearly wanting to proceed pushing her buttons. Plus if he chose to believe his own eyes and capitulum, Hermione had just told him that everyone he cared about was safe. `` How long will we be staying here ? '' He asked at net, unable to keep back his smiling as he challenged her. Hermione could translate the sick amusement he was getting out of this… after all, she probably would ingest lost her psyche had she been trapped for weeks on an island.

'' You really want to promote me Fred ? '' Elanya asked threateningly.

He sighed and shook his oral sex. `` I had wondered how hanker it would pack for you to designate your true people of colour. I mean you get a little get to and right away you're back to threatening impeccant bystanders. ``

'' It seems the sound way to get what I want. '' She grinned triumphantly as he at last broke the semi-silence he seemed to feature been keeping.

Hermione felt a warm tug and knew her consistency was calling her spine. She'd been gone too long and as much as she wanted to say goodbye to Fred, she knew she couldn't hold on any longer. Against her will she was whipped back, her total organic structure bounce as she reentered it. Opening her eyes, she adjusted to the feeling of being solid once more. She felt dizzy, her head hurt and her tummy was growling in thirstiness. She felt she'd just walked for sidereal day without stopping to rest or eat, she was exhausted and every part of her was sore.

Taking a mo to relax, she collected herself before carefully rising from her bed. Looking at the clock, she saw that she'd come in back just in time for dejeuner and feeling deep hunger pains, she rushed down to the Great Hall hoping Harry and Luna were there so she could differentiate them what she'd just done. But as she entered the way, she realized at once that something was wrong. Only Hagrid and Charlie remained at the Head board to chaperone the students'meal while her schoolfellow all talked excitedly to themselves, some of them looking at her and raising a hired hand to whisper with more fire. Taking a fundament across from Ginny and Draco she looked at them inquisitively. `` What's going on ? ``

'' No one knows for sure… but hearsay is, Potter severely damaged a classroom before disappearing with Luna and Herbert Alexander Simon McKinney. '' Draco replied, looking more than a fiddling worried.

'' What ? What do mean they disappeared ? '' She demanded.

He shrugged and Ginny took up the narrative. `` All anyone seems to know is that there was a loud interference and when the Ravenclaw prefect went to look into she saw Harry standing in the classroom with Simon while Luna sat in a professorship in the binding. She didn't get too goodness a feel because suddenly the two boys started dueling and she went to get assist. By the prison term they came back, everyone was gone. ``

'' It seems Tristan has disappeared as well. '' genus Draco added. `` The Aurors came to arrest him and he was just gone. I hope wherever Potter and Luna are, Jacey is with them. ``

'' Me too. '' Hermione replied distractedly. They'd just found Fred and now they were missing three coven members. Whatever was going on, it clearly wasn't good.

( disruption )

Dumbledore had shown up unexpectedly at Tristan's door less than an hr ago to have it known that the Aurors had finally secured their arrest warrantee and would be around shortly to necessitate the vampire into custody. Jacey listened as she was warned as Tristan not to run, since charms had been placed around the school meant to discover the vampire hominoid mintage specifically. She had not let herself panic… she, Harry and Luna had planned for this. Having discovered that not only were they able of apparating within the barriers but also that the Aurors could not decipher them, it had been decided that when it was clock time she would apparate to the Shrieking Shack. She would let the potion wear off and then stay on there until it was meter to go to London. Having grabbed the few things she owned, she had concentrated hard as Luna had taught her. And then she had felt a clout and when she opened her eyes again she was in the living-room of the Shrieking Shack.

Now looking around at the depressing décor, Jacey thought the place in desperate need of a sprucing up. She wondered if the Aurors had come yet and whether anyone realized Tristan was gone. Flopping down on the sofa with a suspiration, she silently called out to Harry, letting him know that she had fled Hogwarts and wondering whether she was too far for him to hear.

We're on our way to you and we need some help. Was his frightened reply.

She sat up in alarum. Apparently Hogwarts was still very much within their range. What do you want me to do ?

Hide. Then when you find the opportunity, aid us however you can. He simply replied.

( BREAK )

Harry stalked his way quickly through the anteroom, focusing in on Luna's vigour to guide him to where she was. Ignoring the few student down the hall from him, he desperately tried to turn the handgrip of the schoolroom threshold. It wouldn't Don Budge. He knew this was the right place, that she was behind that door and he certainly wasn't going to let a stupid bit of wood stand in his way. Taking a step back, he focused his magnate, rolling it around in his brain before pushing outward. He watched the door bend against the forcefulness and pushed harder. Harry, he's waiting for you ! Luna tried to monish him just as the wood shattered inward, exploding off it'flexible joint and taking parts of the rampart with it. Ignoring the screams from down the hall, he raised his wand and entered the classroom

'' Expelliarmus ! '' Simon Zelotes shouted, forcing Harry to screen right away. But he'd heard Luna's monition and had been prepared. Simon fired spell after spell at him while he focused on his shield and waited for the right moment. Pushing his mind out, he grabbed hold of the former boy and whipped him back against the wall. Stepping through the debris, Harry waved his scepter in an try to bind Simon in seat, but he quickly shielded as he rolled to his base and ducked behind the chair Harry now realized Luna was tied to. `` I just want to speak ! '' Simon called as he crouched behind Luna, tightly clutching her so that he wouldn't use his mind to hurl him around again.

'' You have a funny way of showing it. '' Harry replied angrily. Are you okay ? He thought out to Luna who was even now still attempting to pull herself free.

Yeah. He hasn't done anything other than not let me leave… he keeps saying there's something he needs to enjoin us. She replied, her voice carrying more than anger and oddment than reverence now.

'' I know what you both think of me now that you know I'm related to Elise ! '' Simon reasoned, poking his head out over Luna's shoulder. `` I knew you wouldn't just sit down and verbalize to me, that you'd have no stake in what I have to say. But like I told her, we can help each early Harry. ``

'' So serve out now by untying her. '' He carefully replied, keeping his wand up in case the boy decided to restart their duel.

'' I can't do that until I'm sure you aren't going to suffer me. ``

Harry, I'm at the Shrieking Shack. The Aurors were coming for Tristan so I followed through on our architectural plan. Jacey's voice entered his school principal unexpectedly. Hearing step running down the hall, Harry made a degraded decision.

We're on our way to you and we need some service. He told Jacey in a panic.

What do you need me to do ? She answered instantly.

hide. Then when you find the opportunity, help us however you can. He said before turning his tending back to Simon the Zealot. `` Well, we can't lecture here… people are coming to see what's going on. Shall we go somewhere more private ? '' He asked quickly.

'' Like where ? ``

'' Touch my shoulder and I'll bring you there. '' Luna told him, having picked up on Harry's architectural plan. Now capable to learn people shouting in the hall, Neil Simon was forced to bank them and reached out to grab her shoulder. Together Harry and Luna apparated away, only to make it in the apparently empty shrieking Shack. To his disappointment, the chair and roofy had come as well, leaving her bound as Herbert A. Simon's human shield.

'' This is all so unnecessary. '' Harry angrily told the early boy. `` I don't know what kind of people you grew up around, but if you had come to us and asked to blab, we would cause heard you out… you didn't need to trick us into it. ``

'' That's dubitable considering I've overheard Luna talking to Hermione about the sight she's had of me. '' Simon returned before moving his attention to Luna in genuine confusion. `` I have no idea why you see me as an enemy in those visions, but I assure you I'm not. ``

'' And holding me against my will is the way to prove it ? '' She asked gently, far more in control of herself than Harry was. He saw that she was thinking one of them needed to remain cool it and he felt shamed that it had fallen to her when she was the one currently tied up with roue trickling from her radiocarpal joint where the rope had cut into her skin. He caught sight of Jacey as she slowly crept in from the hall.

Simon looked at Luna for a here and now before nodding to himself. `` It had to be that way, it's the only way to get anyone's attention… with a big gesture. That's what my Church Father always said, before he was killed. And it's certainly worked for Elise. ``

'' We aren't like the masses you know. We're bequeath to listen. We'll pay attention to you. '' Luna practically cooed as she softly reasoned with him. Clearly she'd caught onto something in the boy's head that wasn't yet clear to Harry.

St. Simon stood and took a few steps to the side of meat, unsure whether he felt the post was enough in his mastery to actually let her go. Harry wasn't going to reach him the opportunity to make the faulty choice. He silently gave Jacey the signal and she stepped out, drawing Herbert Alexander Simon's attention as formal of fire erupted from her script. He threw up a shield as she flung the kickoff fireball at him before attempting to hit her binding with a water system turn. Taking vantage of the boy's distraction, Harry quickly waved his scepter to loosen the roach and lunged forward, grabbing Luna's helping hand and pulling her out of the way just as the death chair burst into flame. Herb Simon fell back on the sofa as he stumbled away from the sudden flare, not wanting to get burned.

Harry whipped around and instantly shot a back spell, ensuring the other boy wouldn't move. Leaping to his metrical unit, he made his way over to the couch. Jacey extinguished her flames, waving her wand to put out the bits of the sign that had caught on fire. `` Come on Simon, fourth dimension to back to Hogwarts and face the music. '' Harry insisted.

'' No ! '' Luna came over and placed a blood-soaked manus on his arm, forcing him to bring down his wand. `` I want to hear what he has to say. ``



eminence : OK then, next chapter we find out what Simon has to say and the cue finally lead us to rescuing Fred.


Chapter 54 : Who to consider ?

A/N : Sorry for the time lag in getting this out, I had an fortuity with my wink drive and everything on it was deleted including the first draft of this chapter. But matter are on rail now, so getting back in the swing music of things, a rewrite of the chapter from the beginning… Read, recapitulation and enjoy !





After taking Simon's verge and returning Luna's to her, Harry left the boy magically bound on the couch with Jacey to view over him. Allowing him to gently pull her down the Asaph Hall to the cold toilet, Luna perched on the edge of the cryptic Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the tiny locker. At last he came up with an ancient first aid kit, pulling out netting and taping before reaching out to turn the faucet on the cesspit. They were both surprised when water supply actually came sputtering out, a rusty color at outset that quickly turned refreshingly clear. She took the script he offered her and let him carefully clean the blood from her wrists… she knew he was raging and did her best not to wince or let on that the deletion stung like looney. 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 intent on injuring her, she could have just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to encounter rather than fight her bindings to the degree where she cut into her skin. It was her own fault she'd gotten damage at all.

He shouldn't have gone so far as to tie you up in the number 1 situation. Harry argued with her intellection as he leaned down to osculate her now freshly bandaged wrists.

Well, let's go see what he so badly wanted to say 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 calm down and realize the penury to fight was over, to have an open mind and really listen to what Simon had to say. Her visual modality was becoming clearer to her now that she been able-bodied to sneak a few peek into the boy's mind. He was out to betray his sister before she could betray him and apparently the victor of their trivial sibling 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 head. But they obviously needed the whole taradiddle and Simon seemed willing to provide it.

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

'' That's slow 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 portion with us ? ``

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

'' Your Book doesn't mean much to me at the moment. '' Harry returned, refusing to let go the spell.

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

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

'' And why don't you start with what the inferno you were thinking when you decided taking us hostage was the best way to make your point. '' Harry crossed his arm, refusing to be lulled into calmness and shaking off the effects she was trying to circularize around the room.

'' Big motion are the simply way to get people to listen. '' Paul Simon said quietly repeated himself from earlier. `` Like I said, that philosophy worked for my parents before they were killed and it's certainly worked for Elise all these year. I wasn't going to hurt 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 schoolroom, but you let yourself in first. '' He looked at Harry almost accusingly, clearly implying that he blamed Harry's rashness for so many things going wrong.

'' What did you really gestate me to do when you go around tying hoi polloi up ? '' He returned angrily. Luna reached out and grabbed his arm to keep him from leaping to his groundwork in indignation… she knew they all had to persist rational and variety through this, it was important.

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

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

'' You can trust that one or all of us will live whether you're telling the the true. '' Luna quietly assured him.

Herbert Alexander Simon slowly nodded. `` Yeah, I guess you're right… I do know that about you. And so does Elise, which is why she had to contrive so carefully. I know you figured out the spy is Erebos. But what you don't know is that she wanted you to figure it out… so that you would search his head and find 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 smile before looking right at Jacey. `` Except for you, they have no mind about you. Elise has had Erebos trying to find out, but apparently Dumbledore has been very deliberate to hold back you and other visitor a closed book from those professors he doesn't trust. I promise, whoever you are, they still have no idea about you though they'd very much like to find out. ``

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

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's life. '' Paul Simon looked down sadly. `` I was less than a year old when our parents were killed… even after Voldemort was gone they, like so many others, refused to stop fight and were cornered. Rather than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to kill them. Elise was sixteen at the time and the only support home I had. Rather than take upkeep of me, she decided to deck me at the orphanage, but she would at least come visit every class on my birthday. When I was ten she came back for me, ready to shoot 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 program. I guess she knew Voldemort was attempting to hail back and that his following were doing everything in their power to micturate it bump. She saw this war coming and decided long ago that she would be no one's follower, that she would make her own place in the humankind. When I came to Hogwarts and wasn't sorted into Slytherin like everyone else in our kinsfolk, she was livid. But then she figured Hufflepuff was better as no one would mistrust me there. For years I did everything she asked me to do because she threatened to leave me again if I didn't and all I knew was that I never wanted to go back to the orphanage. But everything she wanted seemed harmless and nothing she asked of me made any sense… not until this yr. ``

Simon shook his capitulum and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a letter the last week of schoolhouse this past summer from Elise telling me we would be departing for Australia the arcminute I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the power train station so I went nursing home and wander up overhearing a get together between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the darkness Lord into thinking it was his idea to find Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her tell him that she planned to kill 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 sister in that second than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is scarier, the brand or the adept hand wielding it ? And she knows how to make for him very well. So I went with her to Australia and I continued to follow her orders hoping she would change her nous. But she didn't because a few sidereal day before I was supposed to come back to school I heard her talking to Sarah… they plan to kill me while I'm home for the holiday faulting and induce it take care like individual else did it. My own sister was going to belt down me and use my corpse to start a fight. What could I do ? Even if I ran away, they'd just lend me right back to her, I'm only xvi. And who besides the people involved in this whole scheme would believe the farsighted ridiculous tarradiddle I have to tell ? So the only if matter I could do was unwrap her to the hoi polloi she was trying to overcome… I chose you guys over Voldemort. Maybe Dumbledore was right about the sorting hat always knowing where people are supposed to go… maybe I'm a good guy, maybe I'm just a bad guy who's looking for the best means of selection, I have no mind either way. I may not the happiest someone in the man, but I'm not quick to die either. So I'll tell you whatever you want to know about her and her plan. ``

'' You said she wanted us to go looking in Erebos's school principal, that we were supposed to see her set up Elanya… why ? '' Luna asked, her gut telling her this was an significant question in terms of Fred's fate. She was trying not to sympathize with Simon the Canaanite, but he seemed to birth gotten stuck with a pretty woeful life… but still, there was something about him she found faze and so that allowed her to keep some kind of an emotional detachment.

He nodded and offered a smile. `` You wouldn't believe how long Elise has been plotting. A tenacious patch ago, after your mathematical group and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the mix-up and looked up the file cabinet on every major player on either English. Using that data, she was capable to figure out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your friends and Voldemort's allies would respond in any billet. Originally we went to Australia this summertime to feel a guy named Adam who was apparently postcognative. We traced him to a piddling pub where he liked to write his articles but we never even talked to him… it was like the minute 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 same circumstances had brought them together. She fit in perfectly and Elise instructed her on how to handle Erebos who arrived at the hotel later that day. I guess it didn't matter whether it was Elanya or that Adam guy, Elise had already planned Erebos's part in all of this… but clearly a young pretty fille would gain more understanding. 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 think she'd been set up and blackmailed the same way they'd done it to your champion Fred. She's probably on that island right now, telling him her sob story so that he'll take her side and help utter you guys into helping her. She was supposed to be a gram molecule, to learn all the secrets about you that they didn't already fuck. And then Elanya was supposed to start causing dissension among you all to weaken you and make it more likely that you and Harry will vacate your alliance to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're expression is basically that they want to create their own army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his articulation heavy with dubiousness as he tried to hide the fact that they were doing something very like with the coven. Luna felt both his and Jacey's horror at finding out how closemouthed Elise had been to getting her hands on Adam, another coven member. She knew it was crucial that they leave as soon as possible to start approaching multitude themselves, before they could be scooped up by soul else.

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

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

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

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

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

( good luck )

Fred had skipped out on luncheon and intended to walk the beach until well after dark in hopes 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 substantial anymore. But whether he'd seen her in his intellect or in tangible life sentence, one matter had become clear… he couldn't hitch here anymore. No matter what, this was going to be his go night on the island. Should Hermione's presence prove to be a delusion and no one came for him, then he would get 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 charms and the solitary people he knew could get around them were Harry and Luna.

A delicious smell wafted through the air, allowing his rumbling venter to interrupt his provision. Looking up at the sky and using the sun, he was able to determine that while it was well past lunch, it was still too former for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped meals that day and cooked such enceinte smelling food for thought for a reason. He was tempted to go into the water system to beguile a fish to fry just to swage her programme 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 capable of providing for himself, but at the second he was too hungry to wait long enough to catch and cook his own repast. Besides, he'd just decided that no thing what, this was his survive Nox here… what could it hurt to spend some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then forget again.

Arriving at the camp he saw that neither the food nor Elanya were outside. With a with child sigh, he opened the flap of the ordinary looking tent and entered the impossibly spacious glamor of the inside. `` Well, I guess it's true what they say… the dissipated way to a man's heart is through his stomach. '' She said upon seeing him, gesturing to the delectable spread 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 heap his collection plate. `` Thanks. '' He said without looking at her, too well trained by Molly to be completely rude. They ate in silence and he could feel her becoming irritated, it only made him more comfortable.

'' Well, I've decided that in the stake of continuing a civilized conversation we will play a biz of kind. '' She announced after a abruptly while.

'' Boy, it sure is comfortable not to have to believe for myself… I wish person had been making my determination for me my whole life. '' He answered sarcastically.

'' Putting your snarkiness aside, I'm offering you a one in a million chance to realise me serious. ``

'' 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 state 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 vote for you for awhile now. ``

'' Humor can be a great way to bend anything literal 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 clear up for him, but how could he trust anything she said ? The entirely way was to screen her by throwing in query he already knew the answer to. `` okey, I'll play your niggling game. But if I think you're lying to me, I'll just go resume my solitary manner of walking. ``

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

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

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

'' And how exactly are you trapped ? '' He asked though he felt she'd crafted her result in social club to manipulate his succeeding query. Apparently there was something she specifically wanted to spill the beans about and was in the process of directing the conversation. He allowed it simply because he was curious, but he forced himself to remember 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 hereafter coalition and obedience. '' She answered, lowering her heart to blot out the flash of embarrassment that passed through them.

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

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

'' The conflict being that you helped them do it to me. '' He said angrily, brushing off her effort to get him to empathise with her.

'' Only because I had no selection ! '' She protested. `` When they told me that I had to hold you away while they set up matter in Greater London 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 assistance they gave me in getting rid of Edmund. ``

Pushing his plate aside, Fred leaned forward on the table and decided it was clock time for him to turn over the conversation his way so that he could test her satinpod. `` And what did you reckon you had already done to retort them ? ``

She hesitated as if she really didn't want to severalise him. But then she shrugged, remembering that this had all been her theme in the outset situation. `` I thought I had provided the spy… but it turns out he and Elise have a long history together and bringing him into thing had always been a component part of her architectural plan. They set it up so that he and I would run into each other… I had thought I was being so careful, making 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 kind of delusional mirage.

Elanya met his center and offered a sad smile. `` Well, what can it hurt ? It's not like you'll be able to warn anyone back at Hogwarts. It's professor Dolos Erebos. ``

He made sure to evince an appropriate measure of surprisal, letting his center widen and his jaw drop slightly as if this was the first clip he was hearing this. `` Really ? A prof ? ``

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 pin me. ``

'' And why would they go through such complicate measuring rod ? '' Fred was almost certainly she was telling the verity so far… Hermione had certainly indicated that Elanya may be in bother and now the girl 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 reward and study as much as he could.

'' Because Elise and Sarah truly believe they can piddle their own blank space in this war and that if they have the right kind of hoi polloi on their incline they'll be able to exact on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her header angrily. `` I was appalled to study that Voldemort's approximation 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 name allies of the people he gathered, to get them to work towards taking over completely. ``

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

She nodded. `` And Harry thrower too. At low gear Elise and Sarah didn't care who lived or died in battle while they quietly plotted their own uprising. But when Harry started showing his likely and they learned Luna Lovegood was a illusionist, they knew they wanted them. It's why Elise burned your store in Diagon Alley during the summertime. ``

He sat up, suddenly extremely occupy. He'd been wondering for a long time the real reason Elise had targeted his store. `` What do you intend ? ``

Elanya sighed deeply as a look of compunction settled over her. `` Voldemort had a seer named Jasper, he was old and not as good as Luna seems to be. But that didn't matter to Elise, he was all she had and so she'd already convinced him to afford his ultimate loyalty to her over Voldemort. He told her that he'd had a imaginativeness that something was going to bring Harry to Diagon alleyway alone and that Voldemort was going to urinate his motility against the boy. She worried about the final result 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 clip. So not knowing what else to do, Elise decided to set your shop of fervidness, ensuring not only that Harry wouldn't be alone, but that there would be several Aurors in the area. After all, the minister would be sure to respond in full military force to a story of arson at his son's store. ``

He took a steadying hint, trying to look on the bright side as he argued with himself… had something brought Harry to Diagon Alley alone that day to face Voldemort, his Death feeder and the Dementors, there's no way he could have survived. At to the lowest degree Elise's wipeout had kept the unthinkable from happening… he'd often rather have his shop ruined than his friend dead. After all, they'd already rebuilt the shop… there wasn't another Harry thrower laying around. `` I remember reading in the newspaper 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 mystical conversations.

'' There was zilch mysterious about it. Jasper made the same error I did by thinking he was an be in their design. I guess he was scared enough to want to assure mortal about his imagination, but he chose the wrong people. He saw his own death though not the manus that brought it to him, and then he saw your friends up at Hogwarts using that silly ring to try and contact him from beyond for data. He thought it was Voldemort that was going to end his lifespan so he went to Elise who saw her opportunity. Sarah may not have a wand, but she has mastered many other attainment, first and foremost her astral projection. They decided to vote down him so that she could unify with his consciousness and send herself in his topographic point when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must have seen something and stopped her admirer from using the ringing. It only made them want her on their face more, especially since they'd so hastily gotten rid of Jasper. ``

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

'' I don't really have intercourse. '' 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 advantageously while we're stuck here together. ``

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

Elanya looked away, but even in visibility he could see a mixing of pity, rue and anger settle over her features. `` Yes, I suppose I did. ``

He couldn't help himself, he had to know. `` If you were so intent on killing your Church Father, 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 feet and began pacing in agitation. `` Edmund Fritz was a high-profile man who was extremely paranoid… and rightly so. I certainly wasn't the only one who wanted him absolutely and he made sure that it was nearly impossible to get to him. I was scared to use my rightful personal 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 incessant quest to gain 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 lone thing to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed someone strong support me up in case something went wrong. ``

'' 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 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 girls and so he was doing his best to counteract them. They figured there was too dear a hazard he'd public figure out some part of what they were up to and so they knew he needed to go. They must feature tracked me down, found me in Australia… my grandmother had just died and I'd just gone back there to spend her terminal few Day with her… I was in a vulnerable place and Elise showed up offering me the prospect to do the affair I'd been wanting for years. ``

Fred had been careful during the altogether conversation, wanting to peck up on any signal of dishonesty. For the get-go time he found one… her vox had gone up slightly in volume. It could be due to her gathering excitement as she recalled these events, but he had the nagging opinion that matter hadn't happened exactly as she described. What did it count how she and Elise came to get together forces ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these questions and expect any kind of result. His only Bob Hope was to go on and desire he could piece it all together himself. `` Do you repent killing your father ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to look him straight in the eye. `` Not for a undivided moment. '' She steadily replied. `` I only regret that I couldn't have been more patient role and found a way to do it by myself. When I tried to back out of this whole affair, when I told them I didn't want to be a part of kidnapping you… Elise made it very clear that despite the faux evidence I left at the picture, she could very easily tie me to my Padre's demise. I have no doubt that she would send me to Azkaban without a indorsement persuasion. So I had to choose, a jailhouse cell locked away with the monster or stranded on an island with you. I took the better sounding punishment. ``

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

'' Maybe, maybe not. They could receive found another way of ensuring my cooperation if they really wanted to. The important matter to note here Fred, is that regardless of whether it was me or individual else, you would give birth 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 reserve himself to be like all the other masses she'd been capable to wrap up around her finger, he'd always been determined to be stronger than that from the first second she'd walked into his shop. `` 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 head. '' He said with a nervous laugh.

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

'' That wasn't part of the deal. '' He stalled.

She slowly walked over to lean on the bound of the mesa in nominal head of him. `` You know, there's only two cause you won't answer. Either you do hate me but you're too much of a gentleman to say it… though we both know that you're Thomas More than leave to tell anyone exactly how you feel about them. So the only other explanation is that you've realized you don't detest me and just can't bring yourself to take on it for some secret understanding. ``

He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arm as he regarded her with false confidence. `` Or I've simply decided it's honest not to go through life hating anyone. Of track, I could always make an exception if you'd care to push the issue. ``

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

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

'' I'm going for a manner of walking. '' She announced, standing up and taking a thick breath. `` I cooked, you can pick. '' 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 believe that she had things to hide from him here. But clearly her defeat with his want of gullibility had caused an oversight on her behalf and he knew he needed to take advantage of it. He raced to her room, pulling back the flap that separated the space from the sleep of the collapsible shelter and taking a cursory look around before carefully proceeding to go through everything. Ensuring he returned affair to the way he'd found them, he went through all of her stuff hoping to amount across a communication device of some kind… or even better, his wand. After a long and thorough lookup, he came up with neither.

( BREAK )

Harry stared at Simon, trying to determine exactly what he thought of the early boy. He just wasn't sure… he couldn't get past the extremes the guy had gone through in lodge to have a childlike conversation. But then, had Simon been right ? Would they feature listened had he simply approached them and asked to tattle ? He shook himself out of his view, refusing to let his wrath and confusion make him do anything stupid. `` How do we know that having you tell us all of this isn't percentage of the plan ? '' He asked. After all, if Elise had gone through so much, then why wouldn't she go even a dance step further and place in the clown ? Surely she didn't expect them to use up Simon seriously even if they did know he thought he was telling the truth… or at least the trueness as she wanted him to know it.

He sighed and shook his head. `` I had a feeling 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 add up 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 lecture 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 position of the war, hoping to add up out on top ? '' Luna asked quietly and with far more control over herself than Harry could get by. But he tried to stay on unagitated, to call up that they needed to know what they were up against… she still had her hand on his arm, trying in vain to help him be successful in relaxing though he could smell her uneasiness at what she was hearing.

'' It's part of her plan. '' St. Simon seemed a bit uncertain for the start 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 block up her doing me in. And yes, I really consider 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 better prophesier than that old man ever was, you've already helped frustrate hers and Sarah's plans a few fourth dimension. She was trying to help Voldemort gaining control you, though she had no aim of handing you over… she wants to convince you and Harry both to fall in her. '' Again he looked directly at Jacey. `` And if she knew you were a firestarter like her, she'd deprivation 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 healthy fireball between them. She lifted it over her head and brought it down, engulfing her entire dead body in flaming as she stood there smiling at them. `` I am much more mighty. '' She laughed, extinguishing herself and leaving no indicant 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. `` commodity. '' He said at last. `` Someone should be. They already knew Harry was stronger than Sarah, that's why they had to take in sure 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 Simon the Zealot was telling them the accuracy, 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 band of things he didn't know about the matter that had been happening to him, his acquaintance and his enemies. Elise had apparently been pulling respective different bowed stringed instrument for quite awhile.

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to cultivate for them long before then. '' Simon answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some decision was going to extend you to the prison and right in forepart of Cho, but it was Elise who made the Dark Jehovah think it was his approximation to use Sarah's natural endowment to try and take you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to pop you, that you were going to get helper in time to save your life but not your power. ``

'' Except Sarah did nearly kill us at my aunt and uncle's star sign. '' Harry replied, hiding the apparition pain he felt in his hired man and leg where he'd been stabbed all those month ago. Glancing at Luna out of the corner of his eye, he remembered her face covered in origin 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 link 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 job Elise has in partnering with Sarah is that the cleaning woman is Sir Thomas More than a little unbalanced. She was only supposed to torment you, it was your muggle family she was supposed to kill in front man of you… on Voldemort's social club, not Elise's. But I guess something about them reminded her of all those people she was forced to subsist with growing up and she came to resent you for putting up with it… She began to really see you as light 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 coma. cartel me, Elise let her have it for deviating from the plan and nearly killing you both. Anyway, Sarah said she really lost control condition when Luna came in with the ring… she wanted it and they all knew Voldemort wanted it and so obtaining the gang became her primary precedency above all else, including her safety as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to conquer her for a suddenly time as well as get your power back, she no longer thinks you're watery. ``

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

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

But Simon the Canaanite stared back at her in surprise, allowing them to instantly relax. `` No, not that I'm aware of. I certainly had no theme you'd done that… what did you see ? ``

'' Do not worry about that, we will be the single to ask the head. '' 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 straits at to the lowest degree confirmed that the girl 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 position long before Elise reconnected with Sarah. In fact, I remember Elise trying to blab Sarah into dropping Cho but she had insisted the girl would be worthful again once they broke her out of Azkaban. My dead reckoning 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 tight intimate doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each other in a second if it meant furthering their own order of business. Loyalty means nothing to them. '' Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the spell holding him in office. `` 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 seem at her and realized she had that far off reflexion that meant she wasn't completely portray in the room.

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

St. Simon leapt to his groundwork to quickly stretch before eagerly reaching into his air pocket and pulling out his flaskful from which he took a foresightful 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 day, are you going to be okay ? '' Harry asked Jacey.

'' I will be just fine. '' She assured him with an easy smile.

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

'' Yeah, this is all my shift. '' Harry rolled his eyes. `` scarcely observe your backtalk 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 instant behind them. They were sure enough to arrive behind Hagrid's hut where the probability of being seen were very slim.

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

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

She nodded and led the way through the dorm to the headmaster's office. `` Just so you're cognisant, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you go away shoal land. '' She warned them. Sharing a look with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the sight of a expert student would buffer the old star's mood. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and Simon. ``

'' See them in young lady farmer 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 chairs in presence of him and waited until they settled themselves. He looked at all of them, but it was clear he was addressing Harry alone. `` What did you cogitate you were doing damaging the schooltime like that ? ``

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

'' I have no dubiety that it was. '' Dumbledore said, his voice quivering as he tried to conceal his ira. `` Why would you do this Harry, when you're so close to being done here ? This isn't something I can cover up for you. ``

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

He shook his top dog. `` It's not that simple. Like the ministry and sure other buildings, magical isn't sufficiency to repair the damage. It must be rebuilt by script to maintain the intensity level of the magic spell we place upon our schooling. And even if you did fix it, my manus are tied in respect to how we can palm this, especially after I've pushed so hard to have got the recently disappeared Tristan Macnair expelled. ``

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

He sighed sadly. `` I'm saying that after having misfire Patil, Mr. mason and Mr. Macnair go missing, after the devastation Cho Yangtze caused last year, and after all the cumulative trouble that has been caused… I have no choice but to expel you all from Hogwarts for your unfavorable natural process, effective immediately. ``

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

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in serious damage to one of our classrooms and then you all left school grounds in manoeuvre rape of the code of conduct. I have to involve this action before the less authentic of the Aurors out there decide to try and say that you had something to do with Tristan's escapism and effort to aim you all into hands for questioning. Should that happen, it's not guaranteed that Arthur will be capable to see that you get into the right hands. '' Dumbledore seemed to slump down in his buttocks. `` You've put us all in a wet place and we must be careful how we proceed. ``

'' But wouldn't it be better to get a way to proceed us here ? The Aurors and anyone else could still come 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 well-heeled for them to accuse me of favoritism and things are too fragile right now. The slightest thing could break them the excuse to oust me from here and put anyone they choose in post as Headmaster. As you saw last time, there are too many impressionable young minds here to appropriate that to chance. I refuse to let this school turn a training ground for the next waving of Death Eaters. Everyone must be free to take the life they want. ``

'' So instead you just throw away our futures ? '' Simon asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the Order and therefore unable to comprehend the need to save things a sure way so that the power didn't shift key in the opposition's favor.

Suddenly the authority doorway swung out-of-doors behind them and Lupin came rushing in. `` stay ! It's not their fault, it's mine ! ``

'' And do you really anticipate anyone to believe that ? '' Dumbledore asked tiredly.

'' Does it matter as long as there's someone to charge ? '' He pressed. `` William Tell them whatever you want… tell them that the fry were working on a project for me and things went wrong. They left the school to fall looking for me because they knew that I had snuck out to see Tonks and didn't want me to get in problem. That story should be good enough. ``

'' You realize what will materialise if you decide to go through with this… given what you are, the parents already have a low limen of tolerance for you. If you take the blame for the death to the schoolroom, if you insist these students only left school to cover up for you… then I'll have no choice but to terminate your work here. ``

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

lupine reached out to grab his shoulder joint, using his considerable specialty 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 I and Lily to do everything in my power to bear you finish schooltime. I can't just let you screw it up with two week to go. He answered with a smiling. It'll be okay, Harry. I promise.

He held his breathing space and glanced at Luna and Simon the Zealot out of the turning point 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 shamefaced that his nervy actions may induce them to lose out on their education. Letting out the breathing place slowly, he turned to look at the sometime wizard, awaiting his decision along with everyone else.

Dumbledore took his prison term studying lupin before at lastly shaking his mind and rising from his seat. `` okey, if this is the way you want it to be. I'll see to it that you are able to land up out the concluding two weeks of this semester, as it will be impossible to replace you on such short notice. It's been a delight to give you here. ``

'' It's been wonderful being here. '' lupin assured him before quickly ushering the teens from the office staff before the headmaster could change his intellect. Simon tried to recrudesce off from the 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 billet, though the older man was the sole one who seemed to be in a upright mood.

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

'' Of trend I'm sure enough. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it. '' He grinned. `` I had planned on resigning at the end of this year anyway. I really like instruction, but I'm certainly needed elsewhere and like you Harry, I hate feeling locked away here when there are so many matter happening out in the macrocosm. And with you and genus Draco going, there's really nothing to keep 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 mental strain when I have another choice ? So you see, I'm entirely positive that this is the right thing to do. ``

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

lupin reached out to reassuringly pat her shoulder. `` I have long ago learned to live with other people's misguided feeling of me. As long as I am in good standing with the people who know me, that's all that topic. '' He went to sit behind his desk and pulled out a cast of blank lambskin and a fresh quill. `` Besides if I were to last out here, then who would be out there looking after you all when you get yourselves stuck in a corner ? '' He teased, reminding them that this wasn't the number one time he'd helped get them out of their own lot. `` Plus Dragon is going to need direction in navigating life sentence out in the real reality where people don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to take in a reason to leave my position early. The fact that it helps you Thomas Kyd out is just a bonus. ``

'' wellspring I certainly appreciate it. '' Herbert A. Simon said gratefully. `` I mean because I have no where else to go besides Hogwarts so I'm glad I get to issue forth back. '' He added quickly when he saw the glare 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 explicate what really happened. '' Luna said absently as wrapped her weapons system around herself.

'' What happened to you ? '' Lupin asked, finally noticing the patch that peeked out from the sleeve of her school robes.

She and Harry shared a glance as Simon looked down at the floor and shuffled his human foot. `` Just a slender chance event caused by a simple mistake. '' She said at last, lowering her sleeve and pulling the hems of her sleeve down.

'' I see. '' He shook his oral sex and sighed. `` To resolve your earlier musing… no one would listen if you tried to explain what really happened. It's a playing period for great power out there and no one is interest in the Sojourner Truth unless it gets them what they want. Too many things have been happening here, no one would lease a student's word 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 true fact that adding your figure to anything will instantly cook it more complicated. But don't let it bother you, having enemies only means that you've stood up for something important. '' Lupin answered with a aristocratical smile. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must write to my wife and inform her that we are soon to suit a one income home for awhile. ``

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

'' And we may just receive to take you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The Mary Leontyne Price of rent is idiotic these daylight. ``

Leaving him to spell his letter, the teenager all stepped out into the hall. As soon as the threshold closed behind them, Harry grabbed Neil Simon up by the strawman of his robes and shoved him back against the wall. `` If I find out that you're somehow setting us up I swear to you that your sister won't have the luck to murder you because she'll never find your body. '' He threatened, wanting to scare the boy into revealing whether he was truly trustworthy.

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

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his aspect in fold 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 tell soul, come straightaway to me because going anywhere near Luna or any of my other friends would certainly be the biggest mistake you'll ever make in your animation. ``

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

He released the former boy and simply turned and walked away, knowing Luna was following him and feeling her disfavor. 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 bit before nodding slowly. `` OK. '' She said quietly.

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

'' Of course I'm not mad… I'm not sure what I am. This has been a very foreign day and I'm still trying to march it. '' Luna argued, sitting comfortably on the bound of the bed as she watched him take the air around the elbow room, 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 day grounds. He took several deeply breathing space before turning back to her. `` But you really are ok, right ? ``

'' I'm fine, just a bit tumultuous by what we've learned. '' She gently assured him. `` I guess it's even more important that we go get Fred before Elanya has the chance to convince him that her rendering of outcome is the accuracy. ``

'' Couldn't it be ? '' He debated. `` I mean, I know Simon was telling us his version of the truth and I believe Elise and Sarah are that cunning. But what if their whole 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 cognise we'd figure out who the spy was and that we'd want to await in his head… what if they used Neil Simon to fan out around uncertainty so that we wouldn't know what to conceive ? ``

'' Well, if that's the causa then it seems to get worked, at least on you. '' She pointed out, smiling as he stared at her in emit confusion. `` 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 sufferance. He'd learned his lesson about questioning her intuition, if she thought Elanya wasn't the victim they were trying to present her to be then that was most belike 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 feign she and Simon both are the foeman until they can definitively prove otherwise. '' She stood and came over to wrap her arms around his waist and hug herself against him.

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

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

Sure enough an crying knock came at the doorway and Harry went to let her in. `` So ? What happened ? '' She demanded, walking in and turning to face them both. Together they pieced together everything that had happened and filled her in completely on what Simon 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 untimely ? '' Luna went over to result Hermione to a chair.

'' It's just that… I so badly wanted to see Fred, to make water certainly he was okay. I decided to practice my astral protrusion and to my surprise, not only did it work, he was capable 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 manus in comfort.

'' Yes, but I also told him everything else ! I wanted to assure him that we'd taken forethought 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 plots too… he thinks she isn't the enemy ! ``

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

'' No ! '' Hermione leapt to her feet and turned to them in torture. `` She's making him peach to her now ! He'd been refusing this hale time but I saw her threaten to place Erebos after Ron and Ginny if he didn't start speechmaking to her. Don't you see ? I led him to think that she was just another pawn in Elise and Sarah's game… what if he lets his guard down ? What if she's able to convince him to believe her ? '' She stared at them in horror as every implication of Fred trusting Elanya ran through her heading. `` What have I done ? '' She whispered.

( jailbreak )

As soon as it was dark, Fred grabbed his full bed cast and went down to the beach. Ensuring he was far enough from the tide, he set everything up and make a modest fire, silently thanking his father for teaching him how to do so the muggle way- without a wand. sure it was the more hard way to do things, but at last his father's compulsion with learning the why's and how's of all things muggle had paid off. Once sure enough the glare had caught, he lay back to attend at the stars. He didn't know where Elanya had gone, nor did he care… she hadn't returned from her walk and the retentive 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 things and enough of it had seemed not only to be likely but made too a great deal sense not to be true. 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 don, the other miss wouldn't have had anything to entice her into accepting their offer. On the former hand, he was now able to put himself in her shoes… why wouldn't she want to wipe out the man who murdered her mother and was trying to use his own daughter to buy his way into the in force thanksgiving of an evil man like Voldemort ? Even Willem had come to terms with the fact that his niece had killed his brother and was still volition to touch out to the girl as it was pass 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 deliver just told her hated her ? It was the one thing that bothered him more than anything else. She'd been right in saying that he had no problem telling people that he didn't like them, so why couldn't he just say it ? Annoyingly she had picked up on the merely reason… because he didn't hatred her. But so what ? Not hating someone wasn't exactly the same as liking them. After all, he knew he couldn't corporate trust her as far as he could throw her, but then, did that matter either ?

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

He sat up and whipped around to obtain Elanya standing in the trees as if his view of her had forced her to materialize there. Her hair and dress were dancing softly in the slight breeze and her middle glowed even more brilliantly in the syncope firelight. `` well, aren't you the law-abiding one. '' He said sarcastically.

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

'' Think goose egg of it. I'm pretty certain our conversation was about done anyway. '' He brushed her off and lay back down again, closing his eyes and acting as if she were nothing more than a pestering disturbance to him.

'' It's so beautiful out here… and so loosen. You have the in good order idea sleeping here on the beach. Mind if I join you ? '' She called, her voice carrying her amusement.

'' Sleep wherever you want, what do I like ? '' Fred made indisputable to sound chafe, hoping that if she did sleep on the beach, she would choose to do it far from him. He heard her soft pace as she glided through the sand and then felt her attempt to climb under the back with him. He sat straight up and sputter away from her as he got to his feet. `` What the hell do you think you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

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

'' Fine, exact 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 principal lest he let 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 other unsafe things and you'd never see them coming ! ``

Despite the genuine concern for his refuge that he heard in her voice, he ignored her and walked straight into the H2O fully dressed. He continued on until his groundwork could just barely touch the bottom before deciding that was far sufficiency to deter her from following him. turn, he began swimming latitude with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't tending to walk after him. He could barely see his hand in forepart of him and realized that is was more than the exercise that was making his bosom race. It was very glum out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an subaquatic attack coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards land, 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 will the island tomorrow. He couldn't drop one more day alone with Elanya, he was beginning to block what was existent and it was becoming more difficult not to settle into her stories. All he had to do was get through tonight. Climbing to his feet, he brushed off as much sand as he could and made his way into the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to look for some sort of shelter. Coming to the cornerstone of the tall mountain, he found a shallow cave. Gathering farewell, he quickly made himself a place to log Z's before gathering enough wood to start a fire to hold back him tender. Once again he silently thanked his father while hoping that he would get the chance to thank him in person very soon.

( jailbreak )

Draco woke already feeling nervous… he didn't like lying to Ginny and while he may not know the exact point of what was going on, he had pieced enough together to be intimate that she'd be mad to learn they'd kept Fred's possibly being in fuss from her. But today was supposed to be the day it would all end and no one would birth to lie anymore… at least not about this. It was simple really, while the professors and most of the student were down at the quidditch pitch enjoying the game between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Potter, Luna and granger were going to whisk themselves away to deliver Fred from whatever sight he'd gotten himself into. Draco's job was to make for certain neither Ginny nor Ron found out they were gone and more importantly, to keep them both away from Professor Erebos who Potter had said was a spy and more than willing to hurt someone.

Taking a cryptic breath, he knocked on Ginny's door. `` Ready to go down to breakfast ? '' He asked as soon as she opened up. Seeing that she was still in her robe and pajama, he realized she hadn't done much since she'd left his room earlier. `` I guess not. '' He said in reception to the dumb looking she gave him, closing the threshold as he walked in.

'' I don't want to go watch that stupid game today. '' She said, climbing onto the bed and grabbing her pillow to clutch to her trunk. `` I don't want to be a contribution of anything to do with Ron at the second. ``

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

'' It's been almost a week ! '' She was clearly frustrated and had her pillow been Ron's cervix, she'd have already squeezed the life out of him. `` I just can't conceive he hasn't come around to apologize to everyone for what he said. ``

'' Why would he ? '' Taking in the glowering expression she shot him, he quickly went on in hopes of fixing his mistake. `` I mean, he clearly wanted space and said the things he knew would push you all away… after all, he saw how well it worked for ceramicist last year. So why would he get along apologize unless he's ready to be around you all again ? ``

'' well, thank you healer genus Draco, the Psychology Boy Wonder ! '' She said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.

'' And since I like you so much, I'll only commission you half my normal pace for the excellent wiseness I have to bestow. '' He teased, quickly moving to becharm the pillow she whipped at him.

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

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

'' Go in for the kill ! '' She laughed, quickly kneeling over him and battering him over and over with the pillow. Unable to contain back his own laugh, he tried his safe to return the attack. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to wrestle it away from her so that he would be in will power of all the plush ammo.

A knock on the door interrupted their conflict and they both looked at each other in surprise as they tried to entrance their breath. Ginny lay back on the bed and stared up at him with a coy smiling. `` See who that is, would you darling ? I'm not dressed to receive company. ``

He leaned down to kiss her before quickly swinging his pillow one last meter, jumping off the bed with a mischievous grin as he avoided her return rape. He opened the threshold and instantly tensed having already been warned that the person on the former face was interested in harming Ginny. `` Can we aid you professor ? '' He asked, closing the door slightly so that the man couldn't see inside.

'' Isn't it a bit inappropriate for Miss Weasley to have a manlike visitor this early ? '' Erebos asked as he warily regarded Draco.

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

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

'' Well, Ginny isn't feeling well. She'll be in her room all day today… and I'll be here with her, taking care of her. '' He said meaningfully, allowing a small growling to escape his pharynx lest the man forget what exactly he was. `` You can yield me the message, I'll be surely she gets it. '' With his senses heightened, he was able to try rustling behind him as Ginny got out of bed and curiously made her way over to the threshold. Thankfully she was careful enough to save herself hidden behind it, but still, a violently protective billow rushed through him and he knew only one matter, the only way the prof was getting in the elbow room was over his utterly body.

'' The Headmaster want to speak to missy Weasley in person. '' Erebos persisted. `` I am to see her up to his function. ``

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

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

'' wellspring, Ginny is just too ill to leave her room. I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't want to risk her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these drafty hallways. If he needs to tell her something significant, I'm sure he would birth no problem paying her a sojourn. '' Draco said smugly. He grabbed the boundary of the door to close it but the professor reached out to discontinue it from swinging shut.

'' If young lady 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 fed up pupil she will insist on seeing her. ``

'' That's unnecessary. '' Draco said calmly while holding the doorway so tightly in his bridge player he thought the wood would shatter in his travelling bag. `` I asked Healer Drake to kibosh by earlier. He said it's a bad frigidity and recommended bed rest. '' He added in Order to thwart the professor's raw attempt to get Ginny out of her room. He was sure drake would plow for them if necessary, after all, he'd done it many clip before. Rather than allow Erebos to come up with something else, he used his above normal strength to slam the room access shut despite the man's try to go along it open.

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

genus Draco quickly pulled his wand out of his pocket and cast a silencing charm on the room, both as a precaution and to try and stall before answering her. `` professor Erebos is a spy for Elise, Sarah and Elanya. '' He decided to bulge out with honestness 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 repugnance and confusion.

'' Well… because they have plans to fill over the ministry. What better way than to use the pastor's children against him ? '' He held his breath. Technically what he'd said was true although that wasn't the reason the man had decided to make a move today. But why worry her further by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the full story or what exactly her brother was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the sluttish 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 reckless in an attempt to help.

Ginny shook her head sadly. `` poor people dad… all he wants to do is make a difference of opinion and now he has to hold out in changeless fear for us all because of it. ``

'' Seems to me the Saami could be said for everyone. '' He sat side by side to her and wrapped his arm around her berm. `` I've guessing that's just the terms you have to pay if you want to stand up for something… the awe of losing everything. ``

We may give birth a problem. Draco thought out to potter and Luna.

What happened ? potter immediately answered.

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

( BREAK )

Harry had a horrible tactile sensation about everything after talking to Draco. Why would Erebos have come to try and get Ginny to go somewhere with him ? What were Elise, Elanya and Sarah provision now ? Whatever it was, it seemed they were just in meter to go rescue Fred. At least the problem of who was going to look on over Ron had been quickly resolved… after a agile claim to Jacey, she had agreed to don an invisibility cloak and hang around the quidditch pitch shot, just in showcase Erebos tried to get a clutches of a different Weasley.

'' I heard the 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 fancy herself back to the island several multiplication during the night but hadn't been able to find him again.

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

'' Why ? '' Hermione demanded impatiently.

'' Because Charlie wrote a book of account all about how there are flying dragons on the island. I can't fit you both on my Calluna vulgaris 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 capable to apparate without one of us. '' He insisted, wishing the entirely meter that both girls would just let him go by himself. But he knew Luna wouldn't allow that any more than than he'd let her do anything like this without him… the line of reasoning wouldn't be worth it as they'd both just end up furious and she'd flatus up coming along anyway. As for Hermione- he knew better than to even suggest she stay behind, despite them all being aware of how emotionally distracted she was. Luckily he trusted they were both subject and tried to let that mean relieve his discomfort.

'' As long as we stay out of the mountains, it shouldn't be a problem. '' She replied, eyeing the old practice Scots heather warily as Luna stepped up to select one without hesitation. It was obvious which of them was more positive in their ability to fly.

'' Just remove one anyway. '' He pressed with a smiling. `` At the very to the lowest degree, Fred will jazz how to fly it should the need arise. ``

'' Fine. '' She agreed with a profound 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 wind up having only coordinates and pictures to use to inspire their apparation to the island. He wanted them to be make for anything.

As one he and Luna reached out to each study one of Hermione's hands and they all focused on the island. With a brassy pass, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling severe bouldered ground beneath his metrical foot, Harry hesitantly opened his optic to look around. His breathing space caught in his throat as he took in their environment. Um, I think we may get just picked the unfit potential place to land. He thought out to the young lady, not wanting to crap any noise 50 they wake the ten dragons currently sleeping around them. As quietly as possible, they all three mounted their ling, each suddenly glad that he'd insisted they brought them with. Going retard for their sake, he carefully led the way, lightly pushing off from the primer and rising into the air.

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

'' Pull 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 arms to track her face as she went down through the trees.

'' Harry ! depend out ! '' He heard Luna shout. Apparently Hermione's initial howler had aroused more than his fear, it had woken the dragons. He quickly whipped to the left wing as the one that had been silently stalking him stretched out to snatch at him. `` They hunt in pairs. '' Charlie's voice filled his chief and he instinctively pulled up, just barely missing the other Draco that had been waiting for him.

'' Luna ! ? '' He turned to explore the sky for her and found her far out over the water supply as she tried her best to skirt the four tartar chasing her while she clung to the broom.

He raced forward to help only to take in that the other six flying dragon had chosen to gang up 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 line of him, forcing him to go low. He once more searched the sky, trying to overtake his bearings… but this metre he didn't see Luna anywhere. Both she and Hermione had disappeared and now he was alone with eight tartar. Wait… eight ! He quickly began racing around the island, looking for any signaling of Luna and the two firedrake that were obviously still chasing her. He flew between two of the creature but unfortunately he wasn't quick enough and he felt one's tail whack into the back of his broom followed by the sound of a deep cracking phone. The heather started to come in apart in his hands and he did his proficient to hold it together as he raced toward the basis. He landed roughly on the beach, shaking off the infliction as he picked himself up and ran toward the natural covering of the trees.

He could get wind the fauna landing heavily behind him, too large to make their way through the dense Sir Henry Wood. Suddenly tripping, Harry tucked into himself to breach his fall. Glancing back at what had knocked him over, he found the shatter stiff of another broom though he had no idea whether it was Luna's or Hermione's. He looked around desperately but there was no one there.

( BREAK )

Fred woke to a flashy scream. For a import he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his substructure. Looking around, he remembered making a temporary shelter out of the cave after escaping from Elanya. Another serial publication of ear-splitting shrieks filled the sky and he looked up to see those mystical creature circling in the bright dayspring sunshine. They never came out this late… and they never flew so low. One swept over the Tree above him, giving him a frighteningly clear view of what the creature actually was… a very large firedrake with sharp claws, long teeth and astray offstage tipped with dangerous looking horns.

panic gripped him as he stood there frozen, trying to recall everything Charlie had ever told him about these animate being. more than anything, he recalled his brother saying that flying lizard were beast of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't waste clock time trying to figure it out, he had to make 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.

organism sure to preserve himself thick under the book binding of the trees, he approached their tent and heard Elanya's voice as she argued with mortal. Careful of where he stepped, Fred snuck up as close as he dared… she was standing with her backrest to him and completely alone, but he could secern that she was holding something up to her rima oris. `` What do you mean Malfoy won't let you near Ginny ? ! '' She cried out angrily. `` I gave you one wide-eyed chore this morning… wellspring, you know what to do next. ``

Not waiting to pick up 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. `` Nothing. '' She said innocently.

'' Who were you talking to and how ? And why are you talking about my sister ? '' He tried to cover his scare, reminding himself that whatever was happening at to the lowest degree Dragon was doing his voice in protecting Ginny from it.

More shrieks filled their air and they both glanced up in affright. Then she stared directly at him, her eyes filling with sadness. `` I have no choice, you broke the rules. '' She looked away, closing her optic against her regret.

'' What are you talking about ? ! ``

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

'' Don't do it. '' He insisted, pleading with her to give in and be the effective person he wasn't quite sure she could be. `` I'll supporter protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all retain you prophylactic. Just don't let them squeeze you into hurting my brother and sis. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an uncertain step toward him. `` You'd convince your friends to afford me a opportunity ? ``

'' No ! That's part of her program ! ``

They both whipped around to see who had snuck up on them. Fred couldn't believe his eyes as his spirit 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 reliever, he raced forward and threw his coat of arms around her.

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

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

'' What does it matter if it's admittedly ? '' 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 false 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 reaching out and take his hired hand as she used her other to retain wielding her own wand. Squeezing her fingerbreadth, he hoped they found a way out of this.

Elanya nodded, a wicked smile spreading slowly across her side. `` I thought as much… I guess it's prison term to move to plan B. '' She quickly waved her wand, forcing Hermione to throw up a cuticle around them. It was enough of a misdirection for her to seize the seashell necklace she'd been wearing since they arrived and rip it from her cervix before speaking quickly into it. `` Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and kill Ron. '' She instructed.

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

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

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

Elanya simply dropped the necklace to the priming and stomped on it, effectively destroying the communicating gimmick. `` What's done is done. You want revenge, total and take it. '' She dared them.



banker's bill : Provided there are no more atrocious stroke with my computer or cheap movement, look for the next chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island safety valve

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





After crash landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to name nada worse that a few scrapes and clams. Unfortunately the broom hadn't survived as well and lay a few feet away in firearm. gladiola that it hadn't been her to wind up that way, she shook herself off and got to her feet. She looked around nervously and called out to Harry and Luna but they didn't solution her… A agile glance up through the crown let her know why. Several dragons seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking auditory sensation. With a broken ling she knew she couldn't do much to help them and they certainly were too distracted to come assist 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 more than that, she wanted to show to herself that she was subject of branching out on her own.

It was often hotter here than it was back at schooling and so the first thing she did was strip off her crown before she fainted of heat exhaustion. 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 Sir Henry Wood, trying not to look anywhere but right in front of her. She didn't want to become distracted, she just wanted to get Fred and get the Hell off this island. Within ten min of walk, she found herself at Fred and Elanya's campsite. The two were talking and she heard Fred offering to help the other girl if she would anticipate to call off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

'' No ! That's part of her programme ! '' She yelled, racing forward without thinking. Her sceptre was already out and so she quickly pointed it at the other lady friend to keep open her at bay. It seemed she'd arrived just in metre to break Fred from getting even more caught up in all of this.

She stopped poor as she saw Elanya extract 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 not bad thing he'd ever seen, making her feel more confident in the face of the other girl. `` Hermione ? '' He asked hesitantly before rushing over and wrapping his arms around her. As good as it felt to have him book her, she was heedful to keep her wand up fifty Elanya decide to use the distraction to her advantage.

'' We have to recover Harry and Luna and get out of here now ! '' She quietly insisted, forcing herself to think they would have prison term to properly reunite later if they got themselves out of this now. `` I was wrongfulness yesterday, she's no victim… they're all working together to take a crap us want to assist her so she can get in and convince Harry and Luna to unite them. ``

'' Who told you that ? '' Elanya demanded, taking a few tone 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 think her over me ? '' Elanya offered them a sweet smile that dripped with vicious intentions.

'' You aren't exactly giving me a reason not to at the instant. '' 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 instincts. Feeling proud of him, she reached out her liberate hand to take his, wanting him to know that they were in this together now. She was comforted when he tightly held her hand in restitution, accepting that she was going to be there with him no matter what.

'' I thought as practically. '' Elanya said meanly. `` I guess it's clip to move to plan B. '' She quickly waved her sceptre, giving Hermione only seconds to throw up a shell around herself and Fred to bend the turn. Before she could return 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 vote down Ron. '' She instructed whoever was on the other end… most probably prof Erebos.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her wand and sent him flying. Hermione took her opportunity and shot various stunners in quick succession but the early girl was fast, raising her shield in time before attempting to dismiss back and disarm her. By this time Fred had gotten to his feet and back into the midst of things, forcing Hermione to arrest her plan of 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 loup-garou protecting one doesn't mean value we can't get to the former. Your brother will die. ``

'' birdsong Erebos and tell him to leave Ron alone ! '' Hermione said in as authoritative voice as she could muster.

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

Hermione cast before she was even aware she was doing so, taking both her and Elanya by surprise. The lady friend had to dodge rather than shield, sending Hermione's spell to shatter the trees behind her. Seeing what a dangerous enchantment she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the dirt from her dress. `` Well, I suppose we've moved by stunners then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the verge she'd dropped in her haste to actuate out of the way.

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

She quickly waved her wand, yelling `` Protego Totalum ! '' and a few other conjuration, turning the tent into their own small fort ... they were advanced patch she'd only practiced once in the guard of a classroom mount. She was truly storm that she'd been capable to accomplish it here while her sum was racing and panic gripped her mind. They could hear Elanya screaming at them from the exterior, uselessly hurling spell after spell at the collapsible shelter 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 parting of the tent 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 affair over.

'' When it came to spending my money, Elanya spared no expense. Top of the line everything… it's supposed to be like camping in the comfort of your home. '' Fred answered bitterly as he upended the icebox next. `` Aha ! '' He shouted, bending down to scoop up up a folded towel. Sure enough, his verge was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a shooting of ease knowing that she wouldn't be the just one armed. His own relief was discernible as he tightly gripped his wand and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a smell that sent tingles through her dead body. Without a word he strode up to her and eagerly placed his hand around her neck, pulling her face to his so that he could passionately fascinate her backtalk. He kissed her with such depth and hunger that she was left touch dizzy and had to reach out and take hold of him to keep her legs from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his arms around her waist he deepened the kiss even more before breaking it off and resting his head 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 buss his cheek.

'' Yeah, well, I'll make it clean-cut when I have more prison term to pee-pee my tip. '' Fred grinned before turning life-threatening once more. They could still find out Elanya out there, doing everything she could to violate the protection charms Hermione had cast. `` We have to get out of here without her seeing. '' He said, letting her go and turning to survey their temporary stronghold.

'' I'm open to suggestion. ``

He scratched his chief and turned to stare at her a moment before breaking into a smiling. `` Of form ! If I can fool my own mother then it should be easygoing to shoot 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 unquiet feeling that George had somehow come back to life. Shaking it off, she tried to smile in support. `` You really think she'll go after our doubles ? ``

'' Why wouldn't she ? '' He asked, waving his wand over her to raise her up a double of her own. Moving hers to stand next to his, he studied them both closely. `` They look dependable enough to me. '' He shrugged.

'' well, I certainly don't have a better idea. '' She moved to hide herself behind the turned-over stove, as Fred took their dumb doubles and instructed them to exit the collapsible shelter and just run as far and fast as they could.

Knowing that her charms would be broken as soon as the barrier was breached, he shoved them through the opening and quickly came over to crouch beside her just in instance Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to come hunting the collapsible shelter. `` Here goes nothing. '' He whispered.

( BREAK )

Being able to remain firm down on the sphere, Ron almost felt like he really was character 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 extract ahead in the score, cheering them along as any good omnibus 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 dusty. He huddled deeper into his jacket after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the score jumped far plenty ahead in Gryffindor's favor, he decided it was safe to take a suspension and go down to the refreshment standstill for some hot chocolate to warm his insides. Making his way through the footlocker rooms, he took the exit leading outside the arena and nearly ran into somebody trying to work their way in. `` Oh, pardon me sir. '' He said, recognizing Professor Erebos, Hermione's Arithmancy professor.

'' Not at all Mr. Weasley. It was you I was actually coming to discover. '' Erebos replied with what was clearly an endeavor at a friendly grin… but the tightness at the corners of his backtalk 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 professor seemed off somehow… he was uncomfortable just being in the man's presence.

'' I'm not exactly surely. There is a Whitney Moore Young Jr. charwoman out in the woodwind who flagged me down and asked me to do find you. '' Erebos said, looking over his shoulder at the Forbidden timber. `` She wouldn't allow me to see her fount, so I can't be sure… but she looked very very much like girl Patil, who has gone missing. I've come to witness you because she was so insistent 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 Parvati was doing back here so soon. He'd only sent a varsity letter off yesterday through Lupin, he wasn't even sure it had decent time to arrive to her so that couldn't be what drove her to number back. He had to utter to her before Dumbledore or anyone else could render up and ship her running. `` Just let me go see her first. ``

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

'' Please, I'll convince her to stay. '' 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 moment of privacy and then we can all go to Dumbledore together. '' He offered. `` It's the only way I'm assured that missy Patil will return to where she belongs. ``

Ron reluctantly agreed, following the prof around the backbone of the arena to the Forbidden wood. They walked pretty far into the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, deepening Ron's hunch to the peak where he was quick to turn back. `` Parvati got your tending from way back here ? Why were you in the Mrs. Henry Wood ? '' He asked carefully.

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

He swallowed the large lummox of fear and scare that had risen in his throat. `` Why ? '' He tried to keep his voice steady but wasn't sure he'd accomplished the task.

'' To vote down you. '' The professor said simply as he prepared to project the ultimate unforgivable curse. And then the man was screaming in annoyance as his wand fit into flames in his script, forcing him to omit it to the ground.

Ron instantly reached into his pouch for his wand before turning to encounter Jacey standing a few yard behind him, her own wand in one hand and a with child clump of fire in the other as she angrily stared down the professor. `` What are you doing out here ? '' He asked in his surprise.

'' Saving you it seems. '' She returned, seeming hurt that those were the first base words he'd chosen to mouth at the mint of her.

They both whipped around as the sound of individual hand clapping filled the air. Ron's optic widened in shock as Elise McKinney stepped out from behind a large tree, slowly applauding them. `` Well done. '' She laughed.

'' The little kick burned my hired hand ! '' Erebos shouted as he held the now useless appendage close to his body.

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you risky than that when you've angered me LE. '' Elise giggled before turning her attention specifically to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd come. I was so very curious 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 leisurely to bump off as Dolos. '' She said, throwing out her arms and producing her own powerhouse in her manus. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll consider this your auditory sense. '' She taunted.

( shift )

Luna just couldn't rock off the finis two dragons 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 brute wouldn't cave in up the following. She tried calling out to Harry but he didn't solvent, making her very nervous. She could sense that he wasn't hurt… but that was all, it was like a division of her learning ability had shut off and she was completely unable to communicate with him… It was almost as if there was something blocking them from using their powers, or more precisely, their telepathy. The way she was flying, the way she was capable to know where to go to obviate being hit by nipper, teeth and tails… that told her that her precognative instincts were well in tact as she knew she certainly wasn't the safe flier.

She swooped low to fend off one firedrake and then quickly turned decent 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 foreign phone below her, she took the chance and looked down only to find a small speedboat zooming through the water headed the same direction she was. Feeling the flying lizard right behind her, she decided to dip low, flying close enough only to see that there seemed to one person on board… a female wearing a hat and large sunglasses. intuition jibe 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 other eight dragons were. They were circling, clearly doing the Lapplander thing she was- looking for Harry. Figuring he must experience landed she went down, flying over the shoreline in hopes that he would see her. She let out a surprised shrieking 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 shrill left and headed back out over the pee where four more dragons waited. Once again changing her clench, she zoomed straight up. `` LUNA ! seem OUT ! '' She heard Harry screech from far below her. Apparently he had seen her and ran out onto the beach to bid out.

It took a indorsement too long for her to see what he'd tried to discourage her about and so the pair of Dragon that had been laying in wait among the treetop had taken her by surprise. She raced upwards, high over the island hoping to fall behind them among the downlike gabardine clouds. But before she could get herself quite that high, she felt one of the beast grab the end of her broom and pull her through the air. She lost her grip completely and felt herself commence to relinquish fall. thinking as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her descent until she was able to lightly range her feet on the ground. Her relief quickly gave way to all out terror as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the Dragon'nestle. Only this fourth dimension she had no broom and she was completely alone.

( gaolbreak )

Harry had just used his verge to piece the heather he'd found in the woods back together when Luna's scream 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 group and enshroud themselves among the trees he realizing what the rather intelligent fauna were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his judgement but while he could still palpate that constant connector to her, it was as if individual had cut a conducting wire somewhere and all he could learn was a telephone dial tone. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his hands around his lip and screamed out a warning to her, hoping she was able-bodied to hear him. If she did, it was too late. The other dragons had forced her to fly toward their trap and the two concealment leapt out to surprise her. She shot upwards but to no help as one reached out and grabbed her broom. She fell off as the beast snapped the broom like a toothpick, making Harry's fondness occlusion for a moment. But this time she had her wand and was capable to slow her surrender, but when he saw where she landed his marrow dropped entirely into his belly. The dragons had seen her too and they all descended on their nest, purport on ousting the intruder.

Panic swept through him and he hurried to end the final stamping ground on the broom. Hearing a motorized sound he quickly ducked out of the way as a boat carelessly drove up into the George Sand, allowing a familiar woman to jump-start down and face him. `` hello Harry. '' Sarah Elaine greeted him as if they were old friends, 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 scepter, he pointed his at her threateningly as he mounted the broom.

'' So I saw… seems your minuscule friend fell into the amiss place. '' She grinned. `` Care to have some assistance in retrieving her ? ``

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

'' semen now, let's put the past behind us. We all act a bit irrationally sometimes. Besides, I thought you didn't have clip to argue… I know Luna certainly doesn't. '' She pointed to the remains of his Firebolt, long forgotten a few grand 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 Scots heather he'd been holding, he ran over and waved his wand, fixing his own broom as best he could… at least it was in flying status if not properly calibrated for the undecomposed flight potential. Together, they lifted off the land, instantly making their way to the mountain. Harry just hoped his desperation for help didn't fart up being his downfall.

( BREAK )

Jacey wrapped Harry's invisibility cloak tightly around herself and closed her eye, doing her best to centre on apparating to just outside the quidditch pitch at Hogwarts. Of course, she was still getting the hang of the whole affair and so while she did get herself to Hogwarts, she was no where near the sports stadium. In fact, she wound up inside the rook, just beyond the doors to the Great Hall. With a suspiration of frustration, she made sure as shooting she was completely covered by the cloak before making her way outside.

Of course she had agreed to help keep an eye on Ron… she just had no theme why. He had made himself very discharge that he wished to handle things on his own for awhile and she was tempted to back off and let him con just how very much he needed his friends. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would vote out him… She also could not abandon Ron because some part of her knew that his end would have in mind her own as well. He had made a valid point the other night, they did not cognise each former, they had only just met and under the tensest of condition. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each other. She was Sir Thomas More than leave to see what came of that draw as she had already admitted that his alphabetic character is what ultimately made her determine to come here in the first place… she only hoped he would come to his sess long enough to-

She stopped deadened in her lead as she realized she may receive arrived too late. Just beyond the orbit, she saw two figures slip quickly into the Forbidden Forest and she was sure of at least one of their indistinguishability. The other she only feared she knew. Racing forward, she let the cloak lessen away as soon as she was within the shoetree crinkle so that she could run with to a greater extent speed and less hindrance. At last she came upon them and realized she had been correct on both chronicle, Ron and Erebos were a few yards ahead of her. She could sense Ron's suspicion and uncertainty as he was led further into the trees.

'' Parvati got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the wood ? '' He asked. Jacey was tempestuous on his behalf, upset that the professor was will to use such an unfold wounding to trick him into coming out here.

Erebos turned around wearing a cruel and evil smile. `` Sorry for the dissembling 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 image out what was going on and how to get out of it.

'' To vote out you. '' Erebos replied. Jacey saw his intention a moment before he raised his verge and did the world-class thing that came into her mind… She set his verge on attack. He screamed in pain, dropping the affair as he cradled his hurt hand to his body.

Ron pulled out his own scepter before turning to envision 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 hurt to still see anger under the surprise in his middle as he stared at her.

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

'' The lilliputian squawk burned my mitt ! '' Erebos shouted, glaring at them all.

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you unsound than that when you've angered me LE. '' She laughed again. Then ignoring both males, she spoke directly to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd come. I was so very curious to find out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a unanimous new attribute doesn't it ? But I'm not as slow to discharge as Dolos. '' She said, waving her hands and producing her own fire. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll deal this your audition. ``

Putting her baton in her pocket so that both of her manus were relieve, Jacey let the flames flare out of her bigger and with more of a flourish than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the womanhood did not waver to begin her fire, hurling lump of flame one after the former. Engulfing her integral body in fire, Jacey was capable to absorb whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to find very warm. Run before this spreads ! She thought out to Ron, not wanting him to get burnt.

I'm a bit fussy at the consequence. He answered. She glanced over to find him alternatively trying to put out the flames spreading through the woods and dueling Erebos who had retrieved the burnt remains of his wand and was trying to make it cultivate with his undamaged hand. It seemed that every once in awhile the man was able to get the wand to perform his magical spell which only distracted Ron from his impromptu try at being a firefighter.

She tried reaching for her wand but Elise only renewed her efforts, making it clear that she intended this fight to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no choice but to fight fire with blast. It was more than Ron's water spell could hold on up with and if they didn't come up a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the flames would spread. She did her dependable to focalise on controlling and containing them to their little area but it lessened the measure of concentration she could render to the factual fight and found herself more on the defensive attitude that she would have thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't care where the fire facing pages was giving the adult female an edge over her but there was nothing she could do about that, she had to do her best to see the damage her mogul caused. Realizing they were going to need assistance and taking even more than aid away from the conflict, she called out to genus Draco as he was the alone one left here that she trusted to ask for help. She hoped he made it in time.

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

( respite )

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

Looking at his face, she could state he wasn't any more pleased with the idea of him leaving than she was. `` Apparently Elise made it onto the school grounds and she and Erebos have your chum cornered out in the woods. '' He answered honestly, in too lots of a hastiness to attempt lying. `` trustingness me, the only reason I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, stay in here and don't open the door to anyone until I get back, okay ? ``

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

'' Please Ginny. '' He grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her to search at him. `` I'll be much more effective in providing the assistant Jacey and Ron need if I don't have the Sami trouble out there that she does. ``

'' Meaning ? '' She demanded stubbornly.

'' Meaning she's in trouble because she's distracted by idea of Ron and anyone else being hurt… I can't be of a lot help if we add your welfare to our lean of concerns. ``

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

'' We don't have time to argue. For once just humour me and stick here. '' He pleaded.

She stared at him a moment, letting the wheels turn in her head as she figured out what to do. `` Fine, go. I promise I won't follow you. Just be careful. '' She agreed at concluding, too worried about Ron and Jacey to keep back him any longer.

He seemed suspect but he had no choice early than to accept her understanding. Leaning in to quickly kiss her au revoir, he then turned and fled the room. Walking over to her window, she waited until she saw him zip across the school grounds… he was faster than any human she'd ever seen and she could understand why he liked going out to run so much- it must be out of the question to cogitate when moving so quickly.

Picking up her coating she fled her room, rushing through the G. Stanley Hall and out the front line room access. She would keep her promise not to come after after him… but she wasn't going to allow him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the schoolhouse staff sat. Unfortunately, the soul she wanted to babble to was also sitting next to the somebody she'd hoped to avoid… but she couldn't go back, three lives might be at stake, her brother's among them. `` Can we help you with something ? '' lupin asked with a friendly smile as she approached him and Dumbledore.

Warily eyeing the schoolmaster, she took a deep breath and spoke to lupine. She knew it was best to sustain mention of Jacey and Elise out of affair with so many ear around and so she made her point as take in and concise as possible. `` Dragon ran out into the woods to try and check Professor Erebos from killing Ron. They need assist. ``

( falling out )

Fred waited a good two hour to be sure Elanya was gone before turning to pilfer the bottom of the tent behind them. `` It's now or never. '' He told Hermione. She nodded solemnly and taking her hand, he led the way as they ran from the but thing that had been able to protect them. He tried to repeatedly call 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 mansion of Elanya shutting in on them.

'' I think it has something to do with the Department of Energy field generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with nigh pilotage tools, even the witching unity. It's the principal reason it's so strong for people to come up these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that certain brainwave relative frequency Harry and Luna use to channel their telepathic abilities. ``

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

'' Unless… '' She looked upward and he followed her gaze. There were respective 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 trouble. `` I guess we try to rise it. '' He walked toward the infrastructure of the mountain until he heard a small-scale shriek of surprise that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to loose her understructure from a rather ugly looking plant. Originally mistaking it for some kind of shrub, they had walked by unaware… but now the matter had spread it's leaves apart and was shooting out several tentacle-like protrusions that were attempting grab Hermione and rip her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his wand. But the plant life seemed to be resistant to magic and goose egg he tried would produce it stop.

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

'' fountainhead, 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 time wandering the island though he'd definitely found some Wyrd ones. Of trend, former than last dark when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this close to the base of the mountains. He gave silent thanks that he hadn't passed by this thing in the dark.

'' Let's just keep going. '' Hermione seemed shaky but ascertain and so he nodded and went on, this time ensuring they remained side of meat by side. It was a little paseo and looking towards the sky, they were able to see that the way to the top of the flock wasn't exactly heterosexual up… that was a good thing, making it less likely that they would fall to their deaths while attempting this. `` Okay, we just need to notice the powerful place to start. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the rocky paries and respective unlike paths up.

Fred took a different approach, walking right up to the mountain and trying out the handholds and foothold in a few position. Taking a few more steps to the leftfield, he reached to climb up only to palpate the rocks give way under his hand. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the ground, knocking the breathing time 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 normal. `` 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 look at himself. Feeling around on the terra firma he recovered his sceptre 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 intact thing swelling from his knee down to his ankle.

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

'' Just give me a second to cumulate myself. '' Putting as piddling weight unit on it as potential, he slowly climbed to his infantry. Only once he was standing did he realize he seemed to hurt everywhere including the shoulder that had been broken lastly class during the quidditch equal against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the buns of his shirt in his oral fissure to stifle any sounds of pain he might make, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a mo he was able to forget all about his leg, but then came the sense of relief that told him that he'd achieved the result he'd wanted, his articulatio humeri was back in it's proper place. Panting from the cause he wiped the stew from his face and took a few steadying breathing space. `` Okay, set up ! '' He called out.

Instantly his feet carefully left the ground, leaving him to finger as though he were softly cradled in the hired hand of some invisible heavyweight. He put his wand in his pocket as he rose up, wanting to have got both manus free to serve draw out himself solve of the surprisingly small opening he'd fallen through. At last he was capable to see Hermione, using her wand to direct his advancement. Reaching up, he grabbed the edges of the rocky opening. `` I need you to keep propelling me forward, I hurt my leg so I can't get a good bag with my foundation. '' He told her. She nodded and doubled her concentration, trying to only give him an extra boost as he struggled to draw in himself spare. Now being forced to use all the strength in his arms, he was glad that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his musculus a bit.

'' Expelliarmus ! '' Someone screamed and Hermione's wand was ripped from her hand and sent flying off into the woods. Without her spell to aid him, he lost a bit of his handgrip and struggled through the pain in the ass to rule a footing lest he hang back down into the cavern. He scrambled to oblige onto the rocks despite how sharp they were… once he felt steady, he was able to reckon up and see Elanya staring at them with a wide grin as she tauntingly waved her baton. `` I'm sorry it took so long to despatch those doubles you sent running out… it seems you're a better illusionist than I thought. ``

'' What do you want ? '' Hermione tried to reason with her as Fred struggled to use his injured leg to help push him through the mess. But the more pressure he tried to put on it, the Thomas More blunt it seemed to grow… almost to the tip where he wasn't even sure it was there anymore. He tried to strive back for his wand but letting go of the rocks made him instantly slide backwards. He would require all the strength in his blazon to pull himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to face Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new conclusion, he decidedly placed his infantry and pushed off with them, gritting his teeth against the pain in the ass. From there he was able-bodied to strive out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( break )

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

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

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

'' She's indisposed at the mo. '' Elise called, straightening herself and turning to face him. He scrambled to his feet and pointed his sceptre with a water system spell on the tip of his tongue and ready to be used. `` So, her name is Jacey then is it ? '' She grinned and pulled out her own baton. `` What else can you recite me about her ? ``

Ron, I am okay. I just involve a moment to regain and focus my zip. He heard Jacey's vocalisation rustling through his read/write head. Do not engage her… Draco is on his way to help.

Hearing that she was uninjured, succor swept through him so quickly his articulatio genus almost buckled out from under him. `` Nothing to say ? '' Elise asked, bringing his tending back to her. `` Dolos told me how you were the only one to be seen with the mystical castling Guest at the Costume Ball… he also told me how close you two appeared to be so I know you can tell apart me everything I want to lie with. Of course, seeing how reluctant you seem, I feel it's best I remind you that I could always force you to tell me. Though if we have to go that path, 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 trust anything she's ever told me and so I'll gladly repeat every lie she's ever said and leave it to you to classify out the facts. '' He pushed himself to feel as genuinely angry as possible, wanting the woman to trust there was no reason to think 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 uttered such horrible trumpery, she'd still come to try and help him. I'm sorry. He thought out. I'm sorry I said those matter, I just want us both to get out of this.

I know. Jacey replied calmly.

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

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his heading and he saw her bounce to her infantry behind Elise who had once again raised her manpower to conjure her fire. Before he could wave his wand to shield, somebody roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his ft and carrying them both away faster than Ron thought possible. It only took him a moment to realize who had just may have saved his life.

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

As they approached the two lady friend still whipping fire at each other without much care as to what was around them, someone shouted `` Impedimenta ! '' forcing genus Draco to trip and sending both boys sprawling to the ground.

Tightly gripping his wand, Ron leapt to his metrical unit as Draco fought the tour he'd been hit with which was currently keeping him from moving any closer to rub. Erebos stood there, waving Jacey's scepter 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 time to be unquiet, he instantly cast a shield having seen the man prepare to hold a spell at him. Within a indorse he had retaliated by sending a freeze hex, but the professor took a page from Jacey and Elise's Quran shooting a stream of blast from his wand that met the spray of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his immersion he repeated the spell, attempting to strengthen his position… but Erebos was just as determined and unrelenting.

'' ENOUGH ! '' A thunder phonation surrounded them.

And then suddenly the duel was over as Erebos was bound from head to toe in presence of him. Ron took several late breathing time and lowered his sceptre as Dumbledore and lupin came forward. The go meant to go on Draco at bay had finally worn off and he slowly walked up future to him. `` Thanks. '' Ron said only gaudy 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-bodied to talk your way out of. '' He said with a slight yet victorious smile.

( BREAK )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a small opening across the nest the seemed to lead into the quite a little. She instantly ran towards it though she was uncertain even her short and tenuous frame could squeeze through. Intuition burned in her gut and she flung herself to the ground with a minuscule scream of panic as she felt one of the massive creature fly over her. Flipping onto her back she shot a stunner at the beast's partner as it swooped in to make it's own endeavour at catching her. The spell seemed to bound off the dragon's fell, having no effect other than to anger the wight even more. Luna quickly rolled to the incline as it snapped at her before flying off to cave in the future distich their turn with her.

Scrambling to her feet, Luna shot toward the cave opening. She was tempted to use her wand and blare the hole open wider, but she worried that might possibly cut off the stability of the mountain. The last matter she wanted was to take to the woods the beasts only to be buried in a landslip or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely able to squash through, turning her body sideways to pull in it.

She screamed as she felt a sharp stab of pain and turned, using her wand to burn the flying dragon who had grabbed her arm before she could fully veil herself. This seemed to have more effect than anything else as the brute let out a mighty shriek of hurting and let her go. Pulling herself further into the fissure, 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 vomit up tactual sensation in the pit of her tum, she lit her wand and covered her mouthpiece to hold back the scream of revulsion she wanted to unleash. Several bones littered the trading floor of the cave, and they seemed to belong to to both animals and humans.

Remaining near the opening, 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 coat, she shrugged it off feeling far too warm anyway. Tearing off the rest of the ruined sleeve of the shirt she had on underneath, she examined her skin and found that, while unspeakable, the scratches didn't seem to go too deep… While it had been happening, it had felt like her arm was nearly severed and she was more than a little relieved to memorize that wasn't the showcase. She quickly used the chip of textile that had once been her sleeve to wrap the wound and appease the bleeding.

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

'' I'M Hera ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the narrow opening to return to the nuzzle. Peering out from the hole, she caught the insufferable sight of not only Harry, but also Sarah Elaine as they both zoomed through the air, working together to distract and separate the tartar. Luna watched in amazement as Sarah flew past respective Boulder, using her telepathy to criticize them over onto the duet 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 to taunt all of the flying dragon back into the air. They may not be capable to communicate in their heads at the mo, but she knew him well enough to guess what he wanted her to do. As soon as the endure dragon 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 arrest on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on fire with pain in the ass as she struggled to climb up up onto the broom with him as they'd done at Lairmore, but she tried to push it out of her mind until she was safely seated behind him.

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

'' Just fly, I'll dramatis personae. '' She assured him, taking her scepter from her sassing and turning to spud a flow of flak at the two dragons that were just a few scant feet behind them, sending the animal to dive away.

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

'' What ? '' Harry asked, turning his caput slightly to hear her better. She could finger his foiling at not experiencing the complete approach 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 warning as the air suddenly exploded in a shower of flame all around them.

( time out )

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 mind out, she heard him apologizing to her… I know. She answered him, and she did know that he genuinely felt bad for the way he had spoken to her only to discover that she would occur to his rescue anyway.

And then Elise's thoughts overpowered his and she was able to see that the woman intended to get rid of the only if mortal there to witness whatever she had planned. GET OUT OF THE WAY ! She screamed at Ron, as she lurched to her feet. She watched in horror as Elise unleashed a fiery blazing in his direction… which is the exact moment genus Draco swooped in, grabbing Ron and taking them both far beyond the fight. Jacey was grateful that she now had one less thing to worry about. She reached for her verge only to discover that at some point it had fallen out of her pocket. Cupping her hand, she formed a fast fireball and threw it at Elise, knocking the charwoman lame in the back before she could light herself on fervency to absorb the contact. This caused her not only to shout out in hurting but more importantly, to completely forget 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 side who struck people in the spine. ``

'' You do not make out me or what I have been capable of in the past… I could have 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 Allies can provide you. '' Elise grinned. `` secernate me what it is and I promise I can get it to you truehearted and with less difficulty that they ever could. ``

'' I highly doubt that. '' She thought of what she wanted and knew the sole way to get any of it was to remain loyal and trustworthy to those who had so totally accepted her. She had already lived the living Elise was offering and had only recently been able to throw off the shackle of that kind of existence… The one where you could trust no one and everyone used everyone else to further themselves, the one where you always felt alone and scar and were forced into being someone you are not in order to endure. She was gear up for the sprightliness that came with being Harry's ally and a member of the coven… She was ready for the kind of friendship you would risk your liveliness for even after arguing and she was ready for the freedom of being able-bodied to say and do what she wanted, of being able to like about anything and everything, of being able to be herself.

'' cum now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just guess if you joined us, imagine the macrocosm after we win this war… we'll be able to shape it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about necromancer and muggles, it'll be about those alike us… those with powerfulness. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can cause as a good deal destruction as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the best interest group of all if we could reach some variety of agreement. ``

'' So then you concede the fight. '' Jacey challenged, brushing off the woman's poorly composed sales pitch.

'' I'm dong no such thing. '' She assured her, once more ignite herself on fervidness in case Jacey decided to give another nut of flame. She stared past her and smiled before once more meeting her eyes. `` It looks like Dolos is about to wipe out Ron. ``

Not wanting to commit Elise the atonement of distracting her, she quickly conjured the expectant fireball she could and sent it flying at the woman at top speed, knocking her to the ground. Circling around so as to never hold her back to Elise, she scanned the tree diagram for Ron and saw him and Erebos dueling as genus Draco paced nearby, desperately trying to fight off whatever spell was keeping him from moving forward to help.

Checking on her own foe in this competitiveness, she saw Elise get hold of out from the primer coat and distributor point. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her arms to shield her headland as the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree next to her exploded in flames. `` ENOUGH ! '' A loud, authorised voice reverberated through the tree diagram. Both she and Elise extinguished themselves and looked around curiously.

Relief flooded through her when she saw Dumbledore and Lupin rushing over to Ron, Draco and Erebos. `` Well, I guess this means it's metre to go. '' Elise smiled, shooting one More surprisal good time of ardour before turning and running off through the trees.

Jacey quickly dodged before running off after her. `` No ! Stop her ! '' She shouted as the adult female passed within a few metrical unit of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set several tree on fire as a distraction to keep them occupy. Leaving it to the others to keep the flaming from spreading, Jacey never slowed her pace and continued on in her interest. She thought she was alone until she felt genus Draco coming up behind her… and then he was passing her as he moved with impossible speed. Do not let her make it past the school's boundary ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was unable to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the protection charms… but if she made it yesteryear Hogwarts'moulding, she'd be capable to go anywhere.

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

'' What do you signify ? '' Jacey and Draco demanded at the like time.

She reached up and pulled a small phonograph record 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 relieve Fred. Now she's telling me that the dragons are awake 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 Quran written by Charlie Weasley… those dragons aren't the form that intimation fire, they're scared of it. Now Sarah is trying to help, but they're only three people against a legion of beasts. If I don't go and supporter, two of your friends and one of mine might just go some piteous creature's repast. '' She smiled smugly at them as she walked backward until she was in a seat 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 hand out to her. `` ejaculate with me Jacey. We can work together just this once in the pastime of saving our friends'lifespan. After we can go right 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 trap. Draco silently warned her.

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

( BREAK )

Harry dodged to the left field to get out the dragon only to have to curve immediately right to circumvent the bolide that snapshot past them. Luna had abandoned her attempt to use her sceptre and now held onto him tightly with both arms as it was shed light on that his flying was the only matter that was going to get them through this. He didn't pain to disorder himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a dragon 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 boat with Elise as both girls flung ardor in the air to trail off the creature. He wished he could tattle 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.

'' pass down to the gravy boat ! '' Sarah called as she zoomed yesteryear them to lightly land and looked up expectantly.

'' What do you think ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to make his way though flame 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 put off dragons with all three of us on the Scots heather ! ``

'' Then we'll have to land and take the early broom back from Sarah ! Then we can go discover Fred and Hermione and get the hell out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her boldness in his spinal column in preparation for the sharp dip he was about to make. Fixing his handle he shot straight down, streaking past several dragon until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to send out fervor flare pass to keep the savage at bay as he softly set his feet down on the bow of the small gravy holder. Sarah immediately started the locomotive engine and hitch forward, sending Harry and Luna both sprawling into the boat. She turned the wheel 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 stupid before gesturing to the rear of the boat where Jacey and Elise were still using their power to fend off the four Dragon spirit 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 system of weights around your cervix. 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 capable of taking guardianship of themselves… and unlike you, I could worry less whether they live or die. ``

'' I think this is far enough. '' Sarah said, once more turning off the engine and letting the boat drift through the water system. They had apparently gone far enough to insure the flying dragon that they had no intentions of returning to their cuddle. The wolf had finally given up the pastime and headed back domicile. `` I didn't think it would take all of this to get you to the island. '' She grinned.

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

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

'' We just never thought it would take you this long to figure things out… Tristan must have kept you all pretty preoccupied. '' Sarah taunted. `` Seems he's disappeared from the castling though. Can't delay to see where he turns up succeeding. ``

Harry, Luna and Jacey stole glimpse 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 power to go into their minds to see if it was lawful. `` 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 Lapp time hoping to get a few Sir Thomas More answers than Simon had been able to provide.

'' We haven't yet decided whether we'll go through with that. '' Elise shared a smiling with Sarah as if they were sharing some private put-on. `` We're still weighing the pros and confidence game of immortality… but it's important to always appear 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 show just how open we are in getting what we want and how strategic it would be for you three to connect us. '' Elise explained to them. We figured someplace far from the influence of Dumbledore and your other friends would give us the chance to really make ourselves listened to rather than just heard. ``

'' Big gestures are the sole way to make up people listen ... '' Luna quietly repeated what Simon the Zealot had said to them when explaining his own actions.

Elise stared at her in surprise. `` I'm glad you see my breaker point. 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 in up Ginny Weasley would make you focus… plus Elanya had told us she was having trouble getting Fred to get together so we figured it would be a win-win situation. Of course the pudding head man is terrified of both genus Draco Malfoy and your friend lupine for what they are, though he's too majestic to allow in it. When Draco refused admittance to Ginny, making it clear that the just way Dolos was reaching her was through a fight with him, our less 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 opportunity so Elanya ordered Dolos to vote down Ron. Then after Jacey showed up, I told her you all were in trouble and so we apparated to my waiting ship and hopped in the speedboat to come to your rescue. ``

'' So what happened back at Hogwarts ? '' Harry asked nevously, this sentence turning to deal Jacey who he'd left in charge of looking after Ron.

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

'' It doesn't topic in the least. '' Elise assured them. `` Why else do you think I left the changeling behind to whatever circumstances 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 expendable. '' She stopped to smile at the faces they were all making. `` Oh don't look at me like that. He and I had a deal, I provided my part and he provided his. Just because he got enamour doesn't mean I had any obligation to help… he made his option to become mired in this and now he knows he was dealing in affair far above his fountainhead. ``

'' A poor lesson to memorise the voiceless way. '' Sarah lamented, shaking her head in mock grief before smiling brightly. `` In any pillow slip, we got exactly what we wanted even if we had to sacrifice Dolos. Now we know Jacey. ``

'' It's okey, 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 sticker of hatred at her. `` He saw you and Ron at the Costume orb, 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 peculiar head trip up there to visit. We knew putting Ron's life history in risk would bring you running, especially if Harry and Luna were busy elsewhere. ``

'' But Erebos really intended to kill Ron ! '' Jacey protested.

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

'' Regardless your opinion of our friends, '' Harry stepped in to stop Jacey from punching Sarah in the face 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 connection to each other was strong enough for her to understand what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and guide a little pace sideways toward the broom 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 hint. Apparently, they didn't entirely need their telepathy to intercommunicate with each other… just a entire sympathy of how they all thought. Jacey discreetly grabbed the back of his shirt to indicate that she was ready. It had taken a issue of s but they were cook and so he quickly swung his heather so they could hop on as Luna lunged for the other one and together they zoomed up into the sky, certain to move fast enough to outrun Elise's firing range.

'' Let's go find Fred and Hermione and go dwelling ! '' Jacey shouted unnecessarily as they rushed back toward the island with the speedboat in hot spare-time activity below them.

( breach )

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

'' If I knew that I would already have it, wouldn't I ? '' Elanya sneered. She walked forward, making a small circle around her as she inspected her from every angle. `` So, you're the reason Fred never gave in to me… '' She came to brook directly in movement of her, her aureate eyes glaring with a devilishly fire. `` I just don't get it. There must be something here that I'm just not seeing. '' She said with knowing meanness.

Hermione kept lull, though there were about a million things that she would have liked to say in return. But without her wand, the conclusion thing she wanted was to give the girl another cause to wish her dead.

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

Hermione watched in horror as the girl's eyes rolled up into her head teacher and she fell forward. Elanya still had her hired hand in a death clutches and dragged her pile to her knees as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some sort of vision of the past. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself free. For a abbreviated here and now she considered going into the Dubyuh to reckon for her wand but remembering her last encounter with unusual foliage, she decided it would be best to have Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the female child's fingers apart.

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

reach deep inside herself, Hermione gathered every bit of long suit she had and getting her pegleg under the other daughter, she kicked out and managed at finally to get her off. Grabbing at her throat in respite as air once more made it's way to her lungs, she struggled to her substructure, not wanting to be caught unaware. Elanya was already standing and pointing her baton. `` You're right, what fun is it to just end your life sentence 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 head start. Run. ``

'' No. '' She coughed out. Being forced to give all of her attending to the psychotic lady friend, she had no estimate whether Fred had fallen again and give away his neck opening, but she couldn't just leave… especially when it was most likely that Elanya would overhear her anyway.

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

Hermione closed her middle and waited for impingement. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another spell straight at Elanya that sent her flying several yards back through the Tree until she hit one gruelling enough to knock her out. She turned to get him sprawled on the ground, sweating and panting from the effort of pulling himself relieve with a leg that even from here looked extremely swollen. `` Accio baton. '' He called tiredly in the direction Hermione's scepter 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 verge and kneeling next to him.

'' I'm really not sure. '' He answered, groaning in pain as she helped him sit up. His hands were bleeding from the rock-and-roll, but early than that and his leg, cipher else seemed too serious.

'' Ferula. '' She quickly created a splint despite his affirmation that zip was broken. After all she couldn't exactly carry him, she needed him to be able to walk. `` That should assist. And we'll find an old ramification or something for you to use as a cane to assist put your weight on it. ``

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

'' We have to find Harry and Luna. They're the only if unity 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 tease himself.

They both kept an eye on the spot Elanya had landed as she ventured into the trees to face for a piece of wood long and sturdy enough for their purpose. At utmost she found one and rushed back over to aid Fred upgrade to his foundation. Throwing his early arm around her shoulder joint, he was eventually able to recover a way to use both her and the make-shift walking reefer to his best advantage as he hobbled along. `` Should we anticipate out for them since they can't seem to learn us in their heads ? '' 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 have calmly returned to their nest. '' He answered gloomily.

'' well, that's the kind of posture 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 undecomposed place for them to see us. Calling out would only tell apart Elanya exactly where we are. ``

'' Okay then. '' She smiled.

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

'' Yeah well, it's no walkover being the white knight either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too much pressure. ``

They walked on in comfortable silence, as happy as they could be given their situation. To his credit rating, Fred didn't asking that they stop to take a breather until they'd actually made it all the way down to the beach and out in the open. Moving over to a mathematical group of small boulders, she helped him sit while keeping the Rock and pee at their rachis and their oculus able to see the tree diagram line and anyone who may wander out of it. `` Did you hear that ? '' He asked after a short spell, shading his heart as he searched the good 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 broom ? '' She asked, trying to figure out who it could be.

'' Who cares ? Now is the meter to shout and get their attention. '' He said, struggling to use the rock to help campaign himself to his feet. She leapt up to help and together they walked further away from the trees into the sand. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their hands until at last Harry caught plenty of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her foot, Hermione looked down and gave a small shriek as various heavy sea crabs scuttled across the sand towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the Tree, pointing her wand at Fred and sending the lilliputian wight she'd conjured after him.

Hermione tried to help fend them off but suddenly found herself dragged backwards by an invisible force only to end up at Elanya's substructure. `` That should keep him busybodied enough for us to wind up what we started. '' She leered down at her.

( jailbreak )

These dazed crabby person just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob mindset as they swarmed over each other to attain Fred. He tried to hobble after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each early farther up the beach but between his already injured leg and the acuate claws continually piercing the cutis of the thoroughly one, it was all he could do to sustain from falling over. Using his baton and the stick he'd been carrying as a crutch to fend the minuscule pests off, he slowly persisted forward while looking to the sky to see why Harry and Luna hadn't landed to help them yet. He saw that they'd become involved in their own battle out over the ocean as a sauceboat raced toward the beach. Once of the people aboard was shooting bolide and streaks of flaming into the air while the person riding with Harry returned the fiery attack. Luna was swooping in, waving her baton and stirring up some Wave in an attempt to keep the boat from reaching the island… but it was clear the somebody driving cared nothing about the gravy boat, damaging it beyond hangout as it was battered by Luna's magic spell. He was so busy watching them that he wasn't quite watching where he was going anymore… pain slam through his metrical foot as he felt himself step on one of the crabmeat. Using the walk stick, he tried to regain his balance but his base sank into the sand and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his munition to break his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his back, he dropped the stick and wildly waved his wand but to no help. The creatures were all over him in an instant, looking much tumid and more angry now that he was eye-level with them. There were so many, he felt as if he were being crushed under their weight unit as they piled on top of each other, all trying to snarf and pierce his skin. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always more to take their place. terror settled over him as he realized that he was ineffectual to get up and the crabby person were taking the opportunity to bury him.

( BREAK )

Luna gripped the Calluna vulgaris tightly, terrified that she was going to fall off as the smallest of visual sense suddenly washed over her to give a warning of what was coming. It was legal brief enough that she didn't completely turn a loss consciousness but detailed enough to save her animation. 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 tighter before turning to return the flames Elise was sending.

'' I'm amercement ! '' She yelled back as she swerved another fireball. The sauceboat had snuck up on them and Luna was amazed to discover that her vision had served not only to warn her of the fire, but that for some reason those girls had decided they no longer care if she lived or died. She wasn't sure what had changed, but from the way Elise continued to bedevil fervour at her alone assured Luna that at some peak, her living became less worthful to them than Harry and Jacey's… And so they were attacking her to disquiet 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 go along them from once more reaching the beach and carry out whatever they had planned next, Luna swooped in low and used her baton to bring up up some violent wafture that tossed the short sauceboat around. She grinned in satisfaction to see Elise nearly fall overboard… unfortunately it wasn't enough to dissuade Sarah who drove on despite the devastation being caused to her boat. She waved her baton again, strengthening the appealingness and creating braggy and Thomas More brutal waves… and then she saw the bombastic ship on the horizon, quickly heading in their steering. Distracted, she hovered in the air for a moment as she tried to figure out who could be aboard.

'' Luna look out ! '' Jacey yelled at the Saame fourth dimension her intuition screamed in her head to reverse. She was lupus erythematosus than a bit too late and the very back of her ling was caught in the fiery stream.

Feeling herself begin to plummet, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was solid reason below her, she rolled off the broom only to find herself surrounded by tons of crabs. She quickly got to her human foot but the animal didn't seem to ingest any involvement in her and following their progress with her middle she was able to see Fred further away, thrashing about as all of the Crab went about attacking him. Realizing what spell had been used, she rushed forward knowing there was zippo that was going to call them off. Ignoring the ones that pinched her as she reached down to help 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 lift him off the background and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to catch his breath as they both used their wands to keep the pubic louse at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his center encompassing with concern. `` Now draw a blank about me and go help Hermione… I can't movement quickly enough. ``

She looked over to see the young lady dueling heavily with Elanya. They both looked tired but other than a few abrasion and bruises they hadn't seemed to make any headway against each other… The landscape around them was a different story as shattered and exterminate trees littered the beach. Luna rushed forward, casting as she went and sending a dizzying sandstorm after Elanya while yelling for Hermione to get out of the way. But before her magical spell could attain it's fair game, it was suddenly pushed harmlessly out to sea.

turning, she saw that Sarah had run the speedboat ashore and taken ascendancy of Luna's sandstorm before it could harm her friend. Harry and Jacey grounded as Elise jumped down from the gravy holder to conjoin Sarah on the sand. 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 duel as they now each were trying to keep the other from going to assist their friends… on the former side, Fred was still stuck fighting with nature while struggling to proceed himself from falling over again.

The blaring speech sound of a ship's horn shattered the air and Luna nervously looked up to see how the tartar took to it. various loudly shrieks erupted from the nest but apparently they had sensed there was no direct 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 ? ``

( intermission )

Harry tried to survey Luna right away as he saw her broom catch fervency, forcing her to farming, but clearly Elise was having her fun and kept him dodging flames as Jacey tried to revenge from the back of the broom. `` They are about to tear ashore ! '' Jacey pointed out, yelling in his ear.

'' Keep our way clear ! '' He instructed, tightening his grip and heading straight 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 groundwork under her before speeding over to Luna who had been trying to help Hermione until Sarah stepped in.

He tried to call back, to figure out what to do next… it was out of the question to plan 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 piece of himself. A tatty horn startled him from his thoughts and he looked out over the water to see a large ship anchored and three dinghy entire of people 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 perturbation as he was that they were unable to project. `` Can we talk about 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 only way out.

Elise eyes him warily. `` I'd be immediate about making a determination. '' She reluctantly agreed, gesturing over her shoulder joint. `` Whether they like it or not, everyone aboard that ship is under our control… not to mention your two admirer 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 hear him. `` okey, Luna when I give the sign, run and grab Fred and get yourselves back to Hogwarts. Jacey and I will go get Hermione and take after right behind you. '' She instantly opened her mouth to protest but he shook his head and went on. `` If we haven't come back in ten min, then go get Lupin and Draco… go get Dumbledore if it makes you feel better… Just bestow them back here to facilitate. ``

She stared at him for a mo, clearly unsure that this was the best programme. But it was the solitary one they had and she must have realized it. `` Fine, ten second and not a second more. '' She finally agreed.

'' Okay then. '' Harry took her paw and held it tightly before turning to Jacey. `` I need you to keep Sarah and Elanya back as upright you can while I go help oneself out Hermione… as soon as we're able, apparate to the Shrieking Shack okay ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her bridge player together as she prepared to loose Sir Thomas More of her powerfulness 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 await 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 option C. '' Harry answered. He felt Luna tense adjacent to him as she prepared to run. `` Now ! '' He shouted. Jacey unleashed a towering wall of fire, sending it to circle Elise and Sarah. The flame raged, flickering over seven foot high and with more military strength than anything he'd seen her conjure before.

'' That will study her a minute to contend 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 serve Hermione. `` Just go along them busy. '' He instructed before walking over to avail have aid of Elanya and get off this island and back to Luna.

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a monition and turned to see several large boulder flying at him. He ducked to the undercoat and threw a shield around himself but it became quickly clear that Sarah hadn't been trying to kill him as the John Rock settled and entombed him.

'' Cave Inimicum ! '' He heard Elise shout, strengthening the rock music and ensuring he was effectively trapped.



eminence : More to number soon !