Chapter 54 : Who to trust ?

A/N : Sorry for the delay in getting this out, I had an accident with my flash thrust and everything on it was deleted including the first draft of this chapter. But thing are on track now, so getting back in the jive of things, a rewrite of the chapter from the beginning… Read, review and enjoy !





After taking Simon Zelotes's wand and returning Luna's to her, Harry left the boy magically bound on the couch with Jacey to watch over him. Allowing him to gently force her down the hall to the dusty lavatory, Luna perched on the edge of the cryptical Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the flyspeck console. At last he came up with an antediluvian first aid kit, pulling out gauze and taping before reaching out to move around the faucet on the sinkhole. They were both surprised when water actually came sputtering out, a rusty color at first of all that quickly turned refreshingly clear. She took the hand he offered her and let him carefully clean the blood from her wrists… she knew he was angry and did her best not to wince or let on that the track stung like crazy. After all, she was the one who let her panic overwhelm her to the point where she'd struggled so violently against the roofy. Simon hadn't seemed at all intent on injuring her, she could let just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to happen rather than fight her bindings to the distributor point where she cut into her hide. It was her own fault she'd gotten trauma at all.

He shouldn't have gone so far as to tie you up in the first off topographic point. Harry argued with her thinking as he leaned down to buss her now freshly bandaged wrists.

wellspring, let's go see what he so badly wanted to tell us. She softly suggested, reaching out to run her fingerbreadth through his hair in that way she knew he found soothing. She needed him to calm down and clear the demand to fight was over, to experience an assailable idea and really listen to what Simon the Zealot had to say. Her vision was becoming clearer to her now that she been able to snarf a few peeks into the boy's mind. He was out to cheat on his sister before she could stag him and apparently the victor of their little sib squabble would become Harry's ally. From her warning she knew Harry was already leaning toward Elanya if not Elise and Sarah… and that had to be because of what they'd seen in Erebos's chief. But they obviously needed the wholly story and Herbert Alexander Simon seemed volition to supply it.

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

'' That's easy 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 parcel with us ? ``

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

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

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

'' Just order us what you have to say ... '' Luna said, sitting next to Harry and locking her gaze on Simon. She pushed the feeling she wanted to project outward and watched as both boys visibly decompress, though Harry alone knew what she was doing as he was the only one aware of this short extra top executive of hers. She just wished she had better control 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 sleeve, refusing to be lulled into calmness and shaking off the effects she was trying to propagate around the room.

'' Big gestures are the only way to get people to listen. '' Simon the Zealot said quietly repeated himself from sooner. `` Like I said, that philosophy worked for my parents before they were killed and it's certainly worked for Elise all these years. I wasn't going to bruise either of you… I needed you both there and so I figured I could use Luna to keep you listening rather than attacking me… I guess I figured that if you saw how serious I was you would believe me. I was going to let you into the classroom, but you let yourself in 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 expect me to do when you go around tying people up ? '' He returned angrily. Luna reached out and grabbed his arm to keep on him from leaping to his feet in indignation… she knew they all had to ride out rational and sort through this, it was important.

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

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

'' You can intrust that one or all of us will jazz whether you're telling the truth. '' Luna quietly assured him.

Paul Simon slowly nodded. `` Yeah, I guess you're right… I do jazz that about you. And so does Elise, which is why she had to plan so carefully. I know you figured out the spy is Erebos. But what you don't know is that she wanted you to visualize it out… so that you would seek his head and find the memory 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 smiling before looking right at Jacey. `` Except for you, they have no idea about you. Elise has had Erebos trying to find out, but apparently Dumbledore has been very careful to celebrate you and other visitant a secret from those professors he doesn't trust. I promise, whoever you are, they still have no thought about you though they'd very much like to bump out. ``

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

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's life. '' Simon the Canaanite looked down sadly. `` I was lupus erythematosus than a year old when our parents were killed… even after Voldemort was gone they, like so many others, refused to stop combat and were cornered. rather than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to defeat them. Elise was sixteen at the sentence and the only living class I had. Rather than claim concern of me, she decided to dump me at the orphanhood, but she would at least cum visit every twelvemonth on my birthday. When I was ten she came back for me, cook to choose her blank space as my protector. But it was only because she knew I was about to be heading off to schoolhouse and she was hoping to mold me into soul she could use to pop out setting up her plans. I guess she knew Voldemort was attempting to come back and that his followers were doing everything in their office to name it find. She saw this war coming and decided long ago that she would be no one's follower, that she would make water her own place in the earthly concern. When I came to Hogwarts and wasn't sorted into Slytherin like everyone else in our kin, she was livid. But then she figured Hufflepuff was better as no one would surmise me there. For days I did everything she asked me to do because she threatened to go forth 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 year. ``

Simon the Canaanite shook his drumhead and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a letter of the alphabet the last week of school this by summer from Elise telling me we would be departing for Australia the minute I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the train station so I went dwelling house and bruise up overhearing a confluence between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the Dark Lord into thinking it was his idea to find Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her say him that she planned to kill me as I was going to establish more utile to them dead. I didn't know what to do, I was more frightened of my sister in that bit than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is scarier, the steel or the expert hand wielding it ? And she knows how to play him very well. So I went with her to Commonwealth of Australia and I continued to fall out her monastic order hoping she would transfer her creative thinker. But she didn't because a few twenty-four hours before I was supposed to come back to school I heard her talking to Sarah… they plan to vote down me while I'm home plate for the vacation faulting and make it look like individual else did it. My own sister was going to kill me and use my corpse to set out a combat. What could I do ? Even if I ran away, they'd just bring me right back to her, I'm only sixteen. And who besides the people involved in this unscathed strategy would believe the long farcical level I have to distinguish ? So the only thing I could do was break her to the mass 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 proficient guy, maybe I'm just a bad guy who's looking for the outflank means of endurance, I have no musical theme either way. I may not the happiest person in the world, but I'm not gear up to die either. So I'll tell you whatever you want to sleep together about her and her design. ``

'' You said she wanted us to go looking in Erebos's head, that we were supposed to see her set up Elanya… why ? '' Luna asked, her gut telling her this was an important query in terminal figure of Fred's luck. She was trying not to sympathize with Herb Simon, but he seemed to deliver gotten stuck with a pretty miserable life… but still, there was something about him she found unnerve and so that allowed her to retain some form of an emotional detachment.

He nodded and offered a grinning. `` You wouldn't believe how retentive Elise has been plotting. A prospicient while ago, after your mathematical group and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the mix-up and looked up the files on every major instrumentalist on either side. Using that information, she was able to figure out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your friends and Voldemort's ally would react in any situation. Originally we went to Australia this summer to see a guy named hug drug who was apparently postcognative. We traced him to a little 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 nan who had recently passed away and when those two girls met it was wish luck 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 subject whether it was Elanya or that Adam guy, Elise had already planned Erebos's share in all of this… but clearly a untried pretty female child would gain more sympathy. The power 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 friend Fred. She's probably on that island right now, telling him her sob tarradiddle so that he'll take her side and service talk you guys into helping her. She was supposed to be a mole, to teach all the enigma about you that they didn't already cognize. And then Elanya was supposed to begin causing dissension among you all to soften you and establish it more in all probability that you and Harry will give up your bond to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're saying is basically that they want to create their own army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his articulation heavy with doubt as he tried to shroud the fact that they were doing something very similar with the coven. Luna felt both his and Jacey's repulsion at finding out how shut down 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 begin approaching multitude themselves, before they could be scooped up by someone else.

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

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

Simon laughed. `` You underestimate Elanya… She can go whatever she has to be in order to convince someone 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 probability. We're going to spare him from that island. '' He returned darkly. Luna still had a hold of his arm and she could feel him get even tenser as he felt more affair were growing beyond his control.

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

( breakage )

Fred had skipped out on tiffin and intended to walk the beach until well after dark in Bob Hope of avoiding Elanya until tomorrow… tomorrow when Hermione had claimed they would be coming to get him. But had she been here ? He just didn't know what was real anymore. But whether he'd seen her in his mind or in real life, one thing had become clear… he couldn't stay here anymore. No issue what, this was going to be his conclusion night on the island. Should Hermione's presence prove to be a head game and no one came for him, then he would get hold 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 charm and the simply people he knew could get around them were Harry and Luna.

A Delicious olfactory property wafted through the air, allowing his rumbling stomach to disturb his planning. Looking up at the sky and using the sun, he was able to determine that while it was well preceding lunch, it was still too early for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped repast that day and cooked such great smelling nutrient for a intellect. He was tempted to go into the urine to catch up with a Pisces to fry just to turn over her architectural plan but decided he was being ridiculous. He knew Elanya was trying to lure him back to the campsite, but just because he went didn't mean he was letting her win. They both knew he was Sir Thomas More than capable of providing for himself, but at the minute he was too hungry to wait long enough to trance and ready his own meal. Besides, he'd just decided that no matter what, this was his last night here… what could it pain to drop some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then leave again.

Arriving at the summer camp he saw that neither the food nor Elanya were alfresco. With a clayey sigh, he opened the flap of the ordinary bicycle looking collapsible shelter and entered the impossibly spacious glamor of the inside. `` fountainhead, I guess it's true what they say… the fastest way to a man's pith 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 plate. `` Thanks. '' He said without looking at her, too well trained by Molly to be completely unmannerly. They ate in silence and he could feel her becoming irritated, it only made him more comfortable.

'' fountainhead, I've decided that in the interest of continuing a civilized conversation we will play a game of form. '' She announced after a short while.

'' Boy, it sure is loose not to have to think for myself… I wish individual had been making my decisions for me my whole life history. '' He answered sarcastically.

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

'' Who says I want to ? ``

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

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

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

And he was. There were quite a few matter he'd like her to acquit up for him, but how could he rely anything she said ? The only way was to try her by throwing in motion he already knew the resolution to. `` okeh, I'll recreate your footling secret plan. But if I think you're lying to me, I'll just go resume my solitary walk. ``

'' fair enough. '' She rested her Chin on her hired man and stared at him expectantly, wearing a true smiling that reached all the way to her golden centre. `` So ? ``

'' Why are you doing this to me ? '' He blurted without thinking it through. It was the thing that was most on his judgment 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 cage the best it can be- a beautiful island paradise ? ``

'' And how exactly are you trapped ? '' He asked though he felt she'd crafted her answer in gild to manipulate his side by side question. Apparently there was something she specifically wanted to blab out about and was in the process of directing the conversation. He allowed it simply because he was odd, but he forced himself to think back that he knew what she was doing.

'' I thought I had fairly bought my way into something when really it was all set up to ensure my future alliance and obedience. '' She answered, lowering her optic to obscure the photoflash 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 moderately clever… I'm sure you used to think the same about yourself. Well, let's just say that Elise and Sarah have humbled us both the finale few months with the grand outline they've wrapped around us. ``

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

'' Only because I had no option ! '' She protested. `` When they told me that I had to take you away while they set up things in British capital I tried to get out of it, I really did. But that's when Elise told me the true statement, that she'd tricked me and I wasn't even cheeseparing 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 time for him to turn the conversation his way so that he could test her honesty. `` And what did you think you had already done to repay them ? ``

She hesitated as if she really didn't want to evidence him. But then she shrugged, remembering that this had all been her mind in the first lieu. `` I thought I had provided the spy… but it turns out he and Elise have a long account together and bringing him into things had always been a part of her program. They set it up so that he and I would run into each other… I had thought I was being so thrifty, 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 legal brief visit hadn't been some sorting of delusional mirage.

Elanya met his eyes and offered a sad smile. `` Well, what can it hurt ? It's not like you'll be capable to admonish anyone back at Hogwarts. It's professor Dolos Erebos. ``

He made certain to show an appropriate amount of surprisal, letting his middle widen and his jaw free fall slightly as if this was the first clock time he was hearing this. `` Really ? A professor ? ``

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

'' And why would they go through such elaborate measures ? '' Fred was almost sure she was telling the truth so far… Hermione had certainly indicated that Elanya may be in trouble and now the fille was confirming it. He just didn't know why she was telling him all of this, but he may as well use the office to his advantage and learn as much as he could.

'' Because Elise and Sarah truly believe they can make their own piazza in this war and that if they have the right form of multitude on their side they'll be able to take on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her head angrily. `` I was appalled to learn that Voldemort's thought to collect a psychical U. S. Army was actually Elise's brainchild. It was how she got him to avail her find Sarah. But they planned to fix ally of the people he gathered, to get them to knead towards taking over completely. ``

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

She nodded. `` And Harry ceramicist too. At maiden Elise and Sarah didn't attention who lived or died in struggle while they quietly plotted their own rebellion. But when Harry started showing his potency and they learned Luna Lovegood was a seer, they knew they wanted them. It's why Elise burned your workshop in Diagon alleyway during the summertime. ``

He sat up, suddenly extremely interested. He'd been wondering for a long time the real cause Elise had targeted his store. `` What do you mean ? ``

Elanya sighed deeply as a facial expression of remorse settled over her. `` Voldemort had a seer named Jasper, he was old and not as right 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 collapse his ultimate loyalty to her over Voldemort. He told her that he'd had a sight that something was going to fetch Harry to Diagon alleyway alone and that Voldemort was going to clear his movement against the boy. She worried about the resultant as she wanted Harry on her position, working with Sarah specifically since they share the Same power… of course, she'd only just found Sarah at that time. So not knowing what else to do, Elise decided to set your workshop of flame, ensuring not only that Harry wouldn't be alone, but that there would be several Aurors in the region. After all, the minister would be sure to reply in full force to a news report of arson at his son's store. ``

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

'' There was nothing inscrutable about it. Jasper made the like fault I did by thinking he was an equal in their plans. I guess he was scared enough to desire to assure someone about his vision, but he chose the wrong hoi polloi. He saw his own last though not the script that brought it to him, and then he saw your friends up at Hogwarts using that silly ring to try and get through him from beyond for information. He thought it was Voldemort that was going to end his life so he went to Elise who saw her opportunity. Sarah may not have a wand, but she has mastered many other science, first and foremost her astral projection. They decided to pop him so that she could blend with his consciousness and send herself in his berth when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must stimulate seen something and stopped her friends from using the ring. It only made them want her on their side more, especially since they'd so hastily gotten rid of Jasper. ``

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

'' I don't really roll in the hay. '' 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 goody me better while we're stuck here together. ``

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

Elanya looked away, but even in visibility he could see a mix of shame, regret and anger settee over her feature film. `` Yes, I suppose I did. ``

He couldn't helper himself, he had to have it off. `` If you were so aim on killing your don, 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 certainly that it was nearly impossible to get to him. I was scared to use my dependable 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 hired hand me over to Voldemort in a never-ending pursuit to arrive at favor from a man who favored no one. I didn't want her to die in vain but it soon became clear that my real number gens was going to be the only when matter to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed soul strong backing me up in typeface something went faulty. ``

'' 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 covetous of the attention Voldemort was giving the girls and so he was doing his best to counteract them. They figured there was too good a probability he'd human body out some function of what they were up to and so they knew he needed to go. They must make tracked me down, found me in Australia… my grandmother had just died and I'd just gone back there to expend her last few days with her… I was in a vulnerable place and Elise showed up offering me the chance to do the thing I'd been wanting for days. ``

Fred had been thrifty during the whole conversation, wanting to pick up on any signboard of dishonesty. For the first fourth dimension he found one… her voice had gone up slightly in book. It could be due to her gathering inflammation as she recalled these events, but he had the nagging feeling that things hadn't happened exactly as she described. What did it matter how she and Elise came to link forces ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these doubtfulness and expect any variety of solvent. His only hope was to go on and hope he could piece it all together himself. `` Do you regret killing your Padre ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to look him straight in the eye. `` Not for a exclusive moment. '' She steadily replied. `` I only regret that I couldn't have been more patient and found a way to do it by myself. When I tried to support out of this whole thing, when I told them I didn't want to be a part of kidnapping you… Elise made it very well-defined that despite the false grounds I left at the scenery, she could very easily tie me to my father's death. I have no doubt that she would send me to Azkaban without a second thought. So I had to opt, a jail prison cell locked away with the giants or stranded on an island with you. I took the substantially fathom punishment. ``

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

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

But then he wasn't going to allow for himself to be like all the other people she'd been able to wrap around her finger, he'd always been determined to be stiff than that from the first moment 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 questions. '' He said with a nervous laugh.

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

'' That wasn't part of the deal. '' He stalled.

She slowly walked over to lean on the sharpness of the mesa in front of him. `` You know, there's only two grounds you won't answer. Either you do detest me but you're too much of a gentleman to say it… though we both know that you're more than willing to separate anyone exactly how you feel about them. So the only other account is that you've realized you don't hate me and just can't bring yourself to allow in it for some orphic reason. ``

He leaned back in his president and crossed his arm as he regarded her with false assurance. `` Or I've simply decided it's upright not to go through liveliness hating anyone. Of course, I could always make an exception if you'd tutelage to push the egress. ``

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

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

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

Fred looked around feeling completely off guard. She'd never left him alone in the tent before, which had only led him to believe that she had things to obliterate from him here. But clearly her foiling with his lack of gullibility had caused an superintendence on her behalf and he knew he needed to aim advantage of it. He raced to her room, pulling back the tizzy that separated the space from the rest of the tent and taking a perfunctory aspect around before carefully proceeding to go through everything. Ensuring he returned things to the way he'd found them, he went through all of her stuff hoping to descend across a communicating gimmick of some kind… or even serious, his baton. After a hanker and thorough search, he came up with neither.

( breach )

Harry stared at Simon, trying to determine exactly what he thought of the other boy. He just wasn't sure… he couldn't get past the extremes the guy had gone through in order to have a simple conversation. But then, had Simon the Canaanite been right ? Would they take listened had he simply approached them and asked to talk ? He shook himself out of his thought process, refusing to let his anger and confusion make him do anything stupid. `` How do we know that having you tell us all of this isn't part of the architectural plan ? '' He asked. After all, if Elise had gone through so much, then why wouldn't she go even a gradation further and post in the clown ? Surely she didn't expect them to take Simon the Canaanite seriously even if they did live he thought he was telling the truth… or at least the verity as she wanted him to eff it.

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

'' So as far as you know, Elise's whole plan is to gather as many psychics as she can and then fight both slope of the war, hoping to come out on top ? '' Luna asked quietly and with far more controller over herself than Harry could get by. But he tried to remain quiet, 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 assist him be successful in relaxing though he could sense her uneasiness at what she was hearing.

'' It's share of her program. '' Simon seemed a bit uncertain for the initiatory 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-bodied to at least stop her doing me in. And yes, I really believe she'd slaying 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 seer than that old man ever was, you've already helped thwart hers and Sarah's plans a few metre. She was trying to serve Voldemort gaining control you, though she had no aim of handing you over… she wants to convince you and Harry both to join her. '' Again he looked directly at Jacey. `` And if she knew you were a firestarter like her, she'd want you too. ``

'' I am not anything like your abject babe. '' Jacey said defensively as she cupped her hands together and began rolling them until she had developed a respectable fireball between them. She lifted it over her question and brought it down, engulfing her entire eubstance in flames as she stood there smiling at them. `` I am much more sinewy. '' She laughed, extinguishing herself and leaving no reading that anything out of the ordinary had just transpired.

Simon the Zealot swallowed hard as he stared at her in disbelief… clearly he'd never seen his sis do something like that before. `` well. '' He said at live on. `` individual should be. They already knew Harry was stronger than Sarah, that's why they had to make believe 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 Herbert A. Simon was telling them the truth, but he just didn't like what he was hearing anymore now that it was going against what he knew had happened. But then, he was quickly learning from the former boy that there portion of thing he didn't know about the things that had been happening to him, his friends and his opposition. Elise had apparently been pulling respective different twine for quite awhile.

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to run for them long before then. '' Simon Zelotes answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some conclusion was going to lead you to the prison and rightfulness in front of Cho, but it was Elise who made the Dark Lord reckon it was his musical theme to use Sarah's talents to try and take you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to kill you, that you were going to get help in prison term to save your life but not your baron. ``

'' Except Sarah did nearly belt down us at my aunt and uncle's planetary house. '' Harry replied, hiding the apparition pain he felt in his hand and leg where he'd been stabbed all those calendar month ago. Glancing at Luna out of the recession of his eye, he remembered her face covered in blood 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 join her then. '' He added angrily as everything from that night came back to him including Ron nearly being burnt to a crisp.

'' Yeah well, as I'm sure you've noticed, the only problem Elise has in partnering with Sarah is that the charwoman is more than a little derange. She was only supposed to torture you, it was your muggle family she was supposed to pop in front line of you… on Voldemort's orders, 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 decrepit than her and so she alone decided in that moment that she didn't want you to get together 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. confidence me, Elise let her have it for deviating from the plan and nearly killing you both. Anyway, Sarah said she really lost ascendance when Luna came in with the ring… she wanted it and they all knew Voldemort wanted it and so obtaining the anchor ring became her main antecedence above all else, including her refuge as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to conquer her for a short time as well as get your power back, she no longer thinks you're weak. ``

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

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

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

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

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

He sighed and nodded. `` Well, she's plotting with Sarah only. But whatever plan those two had going, it was in stead yearn before Elise reconnected with Sarah. In fact, I remember Elise trying to talk Sarah into dropping Cho but she had insisted the girl would be valuable again once they broke her out of Azkaban. My hypothesis is that if they manage to get Cho out, Elise will bump the chance to get rid of her as soon as possible. Just because she and Sarah are close confidants doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each other in a second if it meant furthering their own agenda. Loyalty means nothing to them. '' Neil Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the spell holding him in station. `` 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 hassle. Luna said. Harry turned to look at her and realized she had that far off expression that meant she wasn't completely award in the room.

'' Fine. '' He waved his verge and released the early boy from the binding.

St. Simon leapt to his feet to quickly stretch before eagerly reaching into his pocket and pulling out his flaskful from which he took a long swig. `` Phew, I needed that. '' He said, wiping his backtalk with his sleeve. After another gulp he seemed less shaky and nervous.

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

'' I will be just fine. '' She assured him with an well-fixed smile.

'' What are you going to tell 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 fault. '' Harry rolled his middle. `` just now keep your mouth shut when we get back there and let me do all the talking. '' He reached out and roughly grabbed the boy's arm before apparating back to Hogwarts with Luna a few import behind them. They were for sure to arrive behind Hagrid's hut where the chance of being seen were very slim.

Silently, they all three made their way up to the castle, running into Hermione in the courtyard. `` Where have you been ? And what are you doing with him ? '' She demanded, eyeing Simon the Canaanite 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 Charles Martin Hall to the Headmaster's power. `` Just so you're aware, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you left school background. '' She warned them. Sharing a look with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the visual sense of a honorable student would soften the old sensation's mood. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and Simon the Zealot. ``

'' See them in Miss Granger and then you are dismissed. '' He replied from behind his desk. Hermione let them walk past her before she closed the doorway and bolted down the stairs. Dumbledore gestured to the three electric chair in front man 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 imagine you were doing damaging the school like that ? ``

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

'' I have no doubtfulness that it was. '' Dumbledore said, his voice quivering as he tried to shroud his wrath. `` 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 head. `` It's not that simple. Like the ministry and sealed former edifice, conjuration isn't enough to repair the damage. It must be rebuilt by hired man to maintain the strength of the magic spell we place upon our school. And even if you did fix it, my men are tied in esteem to how we can palm this, especially after I've pushed so operose to have the recently disappeared Tristan Macnair expelled. ``

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

He sighed sadly. `` I'm saying that after having young lady Patil, Mr. Mason and Mr. Macnair go missing, after the destruction Cho Chang caused last year, and after all the cumulative hassle that has been caused… I have no alternative but to release you all from Hogwarts for your unfavourable actions, in force immediately. ``

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

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in severe equipment casualty to one of our classrooms and then you all left schooling reason in direct violation of the code of conduct. I have to engage this military action before the less honest of the Aurors out there determine to try and say that you had something to do with Tristan's escape and attempt to accept you all into hold for questioning. Should that happen, it's not guaranteed that Chester Alan Arthur will be able-bodied to see that you get into the good work force. '' Dumbledore seemed to decline down in his tooshie. `` You've put us all in a tight place and we must be careful how we proceed. ``

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

'' I agree, but if I didn't go through with this, it would be far too well-off for them to impeach me of favoritism and things are too fragile right now. The slightest thing could give them the excuse to oust me from here and put anyone they choose in place as Headmaster. As you saw concluding time, there are too many waxy Whitney Young minds here to set aside that to happen. I refuse to let this schooltime become a education ground for the next wave of Death eater. Everyone must be release to choose the life they want. ``

'' So instead you just throw away our futurity ? '' Simon asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the decree and therefore unable to grasp the need to observe affair a certain way so that the power didn't work shift in the enemy's favor.

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

'' And do you really expect anyone to consider that ? '' Dumbledore asked tiredly.

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

'' You realize what will chance if you decide to go through with this… given what you are, the parents already have a low room access of tolerance for you. If you take the blame for the end to the classroom, if you insist these students only left schooltime to cover up for you… then I'll have no choice but to cease your exercise here. ``

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

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

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

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

He held his breath and glanced at Luna and Neil Simon out of the recession of his eye and realized Lupin wasn't just doing this for him. The early two were only in their sixth year and he felt guilty that his brash action at law may have them to fall back out on their Education. Letting out the breath slowly, he turned to look at the old wizard, awaiting his decision along with everyone else.

Dumbledore took his time studying Lupin before at last shaking his question and rising from his tush. `` okay, if this is the way you want it to be. I'll see to it that you are able-bodied to finish out the final two weeks of this semester, as it will be inconceivable to replace you on such forgetful notice. It's been a pleasance to consume you here. ``

'' It's been wonderful being here. '' lupin assured him before quickly ushering the teenager from the authority before the master could shift his mind. Simon tried to stop off from the mathematical group as soon as they were in the hallway but Harry reached out and grabbed his arm, ensuring he followed them. He still had a few affair to say to the other boy. They walked silently down to lupin's office, though the older man was the only one who seemed to be in a good mood.

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

'' Of track I'm sure. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it. '' He grinned. `` I had planned on resigning at the end of this year anyway. I really like instruction, but I'm certainly needed elsewhere and like you Harry, I hate feeling locked away here when there are so many things happening out in the world. And with you and Draco going away, there's really cipher to retain 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 stock when I have another choice ? So you see, I'm entirely overconfident that this is the compensate affair to do. ``

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

lupin reached out to reassuringly pat her berm. `` I have long ago learned to live with former masses's misguided opinions of me. As long as I am in good standing with the hoi polloi who know me, that's all that matters. '' He went to sit behind his desk and pulled out a drum roll of space parchment and a bracing quill. `` Besides if I were to abide 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 first clock time he'd helped get them out of their own lot. `` Plus genus Draco is going to need guidance in navigating aliveness out in the substantial earth where mass don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to take a reasonableness to depart my place early. The fact that it helps you kids out is just a fillip. ``

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

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

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

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

She and Harry shared a glance as Herbert Alexander Simon looked down at the floor and shuffled his metrical foot. `` Just a little accident caused by a bare misapprehension. '' She said at last, lowering her arms and pulling the hems of her sleeve down.

'' I see. '' He shook his head and sighed. `` To answer your other musing… no one would hear if you tried to explain what really happened. It's a play for power out there and no one is concerned in the true statement unless it gets them what they want. Too many things have been happening here, no one would take a student's word on anything when they barely trust what the prof and Dumbledore have to say. ``

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

'' It's a sad but lawful fact that adding your gens to anything will instantly make it more complicated. But don't let it incommode you, having foe only means that you've stood up for something important. '' Lupin answered with a blue-blooded smile. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must write to my wife and inform her that we are soon to become a one income household for awhile. ``

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

'' And we may just bear to exact you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The Leontyne Price of rent is ridiculous these days. ``

Leaving him to write his varsity letter, the adolescent all stepped out into the manse. As soon as the threshold closed behind them, Harry grabbed Simon the Canaanite up by the front of his gown 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 chance to murder you because she'll never find your soundbox. '' He threatened, wanting to scare away the boy into revealing whether he was truly trustworthy.

'' I promise I'm not setting you up ! '' He instantly replied, his middle wide and his nitty-gritty banging wildly in his chest.

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his face in penny-pinching to Simon the Zealot's, tightening his clutch and pushing against the boy's throat. `` From now on, if you think you have something you need to say someone, total straight to me because going anywhere near Luna or any of my former friends would certainly be the biggest mistake you'll ever make in your life-time. ``

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

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

She looked at him a moment before nodding slowly. `` OK. '' She said quietly.

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

'' Of course of study I'm not mad… I'm not sure what I am. This has been a very strange day and I'm still trying to process it. '' Luna argued, sitting comfortably on the edge of the bed as she watched him walk around the 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 schoolhouse terra firma. He took several deep breathing place before turning back to her. `` But you really are ok, right ? ``

'' I'm fine, just a bit riotous by what we've learned. '' She gently assured him. `` I guess it's even more of import that we go get Fred before Elanya has the chance to convince him that her variation of effect is the truth. ``

'' 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 unhurt 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 dead on target ? Maybe they did know we'd figure out who the spy was and that we'd want to look in his head… what if they used Simon to scatter around doubt so that we wouldn't know what to believe ? ``

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

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

'' I think that's the safest for us… to assume she and Simon both are the enemy until they can definitively evidence otherwise. '' She stood and came over to roll her arms around his waist and hug herself against him.

He kissed the top of her oral sex and returned the embrace. `` I have no job 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 door and Harry went to let her in. `` So ? What happened ? '' She demanded, walking in and turning to present them both. Together they pieced together everything that had happened and filled her in completely on what Herb Simon had told them and what they'd concluded as a solvent. `` You're sure Elanya isn't being set up ? '' She asked, her case going white as she began to panic.

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

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

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

'' Yes, but I also told him everything else ! I wanted to assure him that we'd taken care of everything so he could go forth 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 patch too… he thinks she isn't the enemy ! ``

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

'' No ! '' Hermione leapt to her metrical foot and turned to them in anguish. `` She's making him talk to her now ! He'd been refusing this hale clock time but I saw her threaten to send Erebos after Ron and Ginny if he didn't start speaking to her. Don't you see ? I led him to believe that she was just another pawn in Elise and Sarah's game… what if he lets his guard down ? What if she's able-bodied to win over him to trust her ? '' She stared at them in horror as every implication of Fred trusting Elanya ran through her head. `` What have I done ? '' She whispered.

( BREAK )

As soon as it was dark, Fred grabbed his entire bed roller and went down to the beach. Ensuring he was far enough from the tide, he set everything up and work up a little fire, silently thanking his father for teaching him how to do so the muggle way- without a sceptre. Sure it was the more difficult way to do things, but at terminal his father's obsession with learning the why's and how's of all thing muggle had paid off. Once sure the blazing had caught, he lay back to take care at the stars. He didn't know where Elanya had gone, nor did he care… she hadn't returned from her paseo and the longer she was gone the more sealed he was that he didn't want to be there when she did render up.

She'd told him so many affair and enough of it had seemed not only to be likely but made too much gumption not to be honest. 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 affair ? Elanya had gotten herself caught up in this, she was no innocuous bystander. Had she not wanted so badly to belt down her father, the former girls wouldn't have had anything to tempt her into accepting their offer. On the other bridge player, he was now able-bodied to put himself in her shoes… why wouldn't she want to belt down the man who murdered her mother and was trying to use his own daughter to buy his way into the good free grace of an evil man like Voldemort ? Even Willem had come to terms with the fact that his niece had killed his blood brother and was still willing to hand out to the girl as it was illuminate 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 gauge her ?

Clearly he didn't think as badly of her as he'd thought anyway… why else wouldn't he have just told her hated her ? It was the one matter that bothered him more than anything else. She'd been right in saying that he had no problem telling people that he didn't like them, so why couldn't he just say it ? Annoyingly she had picked up on the only if reason… because he didn't hate 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 sleep under the star. ``

He sat up and whipped around to incur Elanya standing in the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree as if his thoughts of her had forced her to happen there. Her tomentum and wearing apparel were dancing softly in the thin breeze and her center glowed even more brilliantly in the faint firelight. `` Well, aren't you the observing one. '' He said sarcastically.

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

'' Think aught of it. I'm pretty sure enough our conversation was about done anyway. '' He brushed her off and lay back down again, closing his eye and acting as if she were nil more than a pestiferous disturbance to him.

'' It's so beautiful out here… and so decompress. You have the powerful idea sleeping here on the beach. Mind if I join you ? '' She called, her articulation carrying her amusement.

'' eternal sleep wherever you want, what do I care ? '' Fred made sure to sound annoyed, hoping that if she did catch some Z's on the beach, she would prefer to do it far from him. He heard her soft footsteps as she glided through the sand and then felt her attempt to mount under the covers with him. He sat straight up and scrambled away from her as he got to his ft. `` What the blaze do you mean you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

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

'' fine, take my stuff, it's all yours. I want to go for a swim anyway. '' He turned and walked straight toward the water, repeating Hermione's name over and over in his head lest he appropriate 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 dangerous things and you'd never see them coming ! ``

Despite the echt concern for his base hit that he heard in her interpreter, he ignored her and walked straight into the H2O fully dressed. He continued on until his feet could just barely touch the backside before deciding that was far enough to deter her from following him. Turning, he began swimming latitude with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't care to walk after him. He could barely see his bridge player in front of him and realized that is was more than the drill that was making his nerve race. It was very dark out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an underwater flak coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards acres, crawling up onto the sandy beach and allowing himself to lie there and breathe for a moment.

Now more than ever, he was determined to leave the island tomorrow. He couldn't spend one more day alone with Elanya, he was beginning to blank out what was rattling and it was becoming more difficult not to fall into her write up. All he had to do was get through tonight. Climbing to his feet, he brushed off as much gumption as he could and made his way into the trees to await for some kind of shelter. Coming to the al-Qa'ida of the tall great deal, he found a shallow cave. Gathering leaves, he quickly made himself a piazza to log Z's before gathering enough wood to start a fire to maintain him warm. Once again he silently thanked his sire while hoping that he would get the fortune to give thanks him in somebody very soon.

( falling out )

genus 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 hump 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 have to lie anymore… at least not about this. It was simple really, while the professors and most of the students were down at the quidditch pitch enjoying the game between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, thrower, Luna and granger were going to whisk themselves away to rescue Fred from whatever mess he'd gotten himself into. Draco's job was to induce sure neither Ginny nor Ron found out they were gone and more importantly, to keep them both away from prof Erebos who ceramist had said was a spy and more than unforced to offend someone.

Taking a deep breath, he knocked on Ginny's doorway. `` cook to go down to breakfast ? '' He asked as soon as she opened up. Seeing that she was still in her gown and pyjama, he realized she hadn't done a great deal since she'd left his room earlier. `` I guess not. '' He said in reception to the silent face she gave him, closing the door as he walked in.

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

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

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

'' Why would he ? '' Taking in the glowering looking at she shot him, he quickly went on in Bob Hope 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 ceramist hold out year. So why would he come apologize unless he's cook to be around you all again ? ``

'' Well, thank you healer Draco, the psychology Boy Wonder ! '' She said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.

'' And since I like you so much, I'll only boot you half my normal pace for the first-class wisdom I have to bestow. '' He teased, quickly moving to hitch the pillow she whipped at him.

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

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

'' Go in for the kill ! '' She laughed, quickly kneeling over him and battering him over and over with the pillow. Unable to hold back his own laughter, he tried his best to take back the tone-beginning. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to wrestle it away from her so that he would be in possession of all the plush ammo.

A rap on the doorway interrupted their conflict and they both looked at each other in surprise as they tried to capture their breathing time. 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 incur troupe. ``

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

'' Isn't it a bit inappropriate for Miss Weasley to possess a male visitor this former ? '' Erebos asked as he warily regarded Draco.

'' Isn't is a bit incompatible for a male teacher to come unsupervised to a female student's room this too soon ? 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 Headmaster. '' Erebos answered defensively. `` Not that I owe an explanation to any pupil. ``

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

'' The headmaster wish to speak to miss Weasley in individual. '' Erebos persisted. `` I am to escort her up to his federal agency. ``

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

'' Again, not that I owe an account 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 hootch with getting the field of view ready for today's plot. I was in the master's position for a meeting and so he simply sent me. ``

'' Well, Ginny is just too ill to leave her room. I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't want to hazard her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these drafty hall. If he needs to tell her something important, I'm sure he would bear no trouble paying her a visit. '' Draco said smugly. He grabbed the sharpness of the door to close it but the professor reached out to block off it from swinging shut.

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

'' That's unnecessary. '' Draco said calmly while holding the door so tightly in his hand he thought the woods would shatter in his clasp. `` I asked Healer Drake to discontinue by former. He said it's a bad cold and recommended bed rest. '' He added in edict to queer the professor's young try to get Ginny out of her room. He was sure Drake would underwrite for them if necessary, after all, he'd done it many times before. Rather than allow Erebos to come up with something else, he used his above formula intensity level to slam the door shut despite the man's attack to keep it open.

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

Draco quickly pulled his wand out of his pocket and cast a silencing appealingness 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 start with satin flower 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 repulsion and confusion.

'' Well… because they have architectural plan to take over the ministry. What better way than to use the Minister's nipper against him ? '' He held his breathing time. Technically what he'd said was rightful although that wasn't the cause the man had decided to reach a motion today. But why worry her promote by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the wide-cut tarradiddle or what exactly her brother was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the loose ends the others had had to tie up in society 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 insist on doing something dangerously foolhardy in an attempt to help.

Ginny shook her head sadly. `` Poor dad… all he wants to do is build a difference and now he has to live in constant awe for us all because of it. ``

'' Seems to me the Lapp could be said for everyone. '' He sat succeeding to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. `` I've hypothesis that's just the price you have to pay if you want to stand up for something… the fear of losing everything. ``

We may have 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 need someone 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.

( intermission )

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

'' I heard the whistling. The biz's started, can we go now ? '' Hermione asked eagerly. She was nearly beside herself with vexation and had been since discovering that she'd given Fred misinformation. She'd attempted to project herself back to the island several meter during the night but hadn't been able to find him again.

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

'' Why ? '' Hermione demanded impatiently.

'' Because Charlie wrote a Book all about how there are flying dragons on the island. I can't fit you both on my Calluna vulgaris and we need to deliver some way of escaping quickly if necessary… especially since you said you've read that there are anti-apparation charms. You and Fred won't be able to apparate without one of us. '' He insisted, wishing the whole time that both girls would just let him go by himself. But he knew Luna wouldn't allow that any more than he'd let her do anything like this without him… the debate wouldn't be worth it as they'd both just end up raging and she'd wind up coming along anyway. As for Hermione- he knew dear than to flush indicate she stay behind, despite them all being aware of how emotionally distracted she was. Luckily he trusted they were both capable and tried to let that imagine ease his discomfort.

'' As long as we stay out of the mass, it shouldn't be a job. '' She replied, eyeing the old practice brooms warily as Luna stepped up to pick out one without reluctance. It was obvious which of them was more positive in their ability to fly.

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

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

Harry took out his sceptre and waited as they did the same. They had no idea where they'd wind up having only co-ordinate and word picture to use to pep up their apparation to the island. He wanted them to be ready for anything.

As one he and Luna reached out to each take one of Hermione's hands and they all focused on the island. With a gaudy crack, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling knockout rocky flat coat beneath his feet, Harry hesitantly opened his oculus to look around. His breathing time caught in his throat as he took in their environs. Um, I think we may have just picked the rack up possible place to body politic. He thought out to the girls, not wanting to relieve oneself any noise lest they wake the ten tartar 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 slow for their sake, he carefully led the way, lightly pushing off from the ground and rising into the air.

Flying away from the hatful top and down toward the beach, he looked over his shoulder to check into on the daughter. Luna seemed to have gotten the hang of matter after having been in the air a few times before. But Hermione, who always chose to keep her feet on the ground if it was an option, was clearly showing her inexperience. She tried to lower the broom and suddenly lost control, letting out a flashy shrieking 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 fulfill it and she raised her weaponry to cross her face as she went down through the trees.

'' Harry ! count out ! '' He heard Luna yell. Apparently Hermione's initial screaming had aroused more than his fear, it had woken the dragons. He quickly whipped to the left as the one that had been silently stalking him stretched out to bust at him. `` They hunt in yoke. '' Charlie's voice filled his head and he instinctively pulled up, just barely missing the other Draco that had been waiting for him.

'' Luna ! ? '' He turned to search the sky for her and found her far out over the H2O as she tried her salutary to dodge the four dragons chasing her while she clung to the broom.

He raced forward to help only to realize that the former six dragons had chosen to gang up on him as they perceived him to be the better throwaway and therefore the more dangerous to them. One popped up in battlefront of him, forcing him to go low. He once more searched the sky, trying to catch his bearings… but this sentence he didn't see Luna anywhere. Both she and Hermione had disappeared and now he was alone with eight dragons. Wait… eight ! He quickly began racing around the island, looking for any sign of Luna and the two Draco that were obviously still chasing her. He flew between two of the animate being but unfortunately he wasn't quick enough and he felt one's nates knock into the back of his broom followed by the sound of a deep cracking audio. The ling started to come apart in his hands and he did his best to oblige it together as he raced toward the priming coat. He landed roughly on the beach, shaking off the pain as he picked himself up and ran toward the top of the trees.

He could listen the animals landing heavily behind him, too boastfully to take their way through the dense woods. Suddenly tripping, Harry tucked into himself to break his fall. Glancing back at what had knocked him over, he found the shattered remains of another broom though he had no estimation whether it was Luna's or Hermione's. He looked around desperately but there was no one there.

( pause )

Fred woke to a aloud scream. For a minute he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his animal foot. Looking around, he remembered making a irregular 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 orphic creatures circling in the promising morning sunlight. They never came out this late… and they never flew so low. One swept over the trees above him, giving him a frighteningly elucidate view of what the fauna actually was… a very orotund dragon with crisp nipper, long teeth and across-the-board wings tipped with dangerous looking horns.

panic gripped him as he stood there frozen, trying to call back everything Charlie had ever told him about these beast. More than anything, he recalled his comrade saying that dragons were creatures of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't waste clock time trying to cipher it out, he had to make for certain Elanya was okay, he couldn't let the only other somebody on this island die… he didn't want to be here completely alone with these things. He raced through the Tree back to the campsite, suddenly upset that he'd decided to journey so far from it in the first place.

Being sure to hold himself mystifying under the cover of the Tree, he approached their tent and heard Elanya's spokesperson as she argued with someone. Careful of where he stepped, Fred snuck up as close as he dared… she was standing with her backbone to him and completely alone, but he could tell that she was holding something up to her mouthpiece. `` What do you mean Malfoy won't let you near Ginny ? ! '' She cried out angrily. `` I gave you one uncomplicated task this morning… wellspring, you know what to do next. ``

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

She turned to him and dropped her work force, showing him they were hollow. `` Nothing. '' She said innocently.

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

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

'' What are you talking about ? ! ``

She pointed up at the dragons now circling dangerously low. `` The only rationality they would allow their cuddle was if somebody 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 rules and if I don't bring about the punishment for it then I'll be the one to receive it. I like you Fred, but your sibling'lives just aren't more authoritative to me than my own. ``

'' Don't do it. '' He insisted, pleading with her to pay in and be the better individual he wasn't quite sure she could be. `` I'll helper protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all stay fresh you safe. Just don't let them pull you into hurting my brother and babe. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an unsure stair toward him. `` You'd convince your booster to give way me a probability ? ``

'' No ! That's part of her architectural plan ! ``

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

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

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

'' What does it matter if it's true ? '' 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 consider her over me ? '' Elanya asked with traitorously sweetness.

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

Elanya nodded, a wicked smiling spreading slowly across her case. `` I thought as much… I guess it's time to go to plan B. '' She quickly waved her wand, forcing Hermione to throw up a shield around them. It was enough of a misdirection for her to snap up the seashell necklace she'd been wearing since they arrived and rip it from her neck before speaking quickly into it. `` Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and belt down Ron. '' She instructed.

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

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

'' Call Erebos and separate him to provide Ron alone ! '' Hermione ordered, pointing her wand threateningly.

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



annotation : Provided there are no more frightful accident with my computing machine or heartbeat parkway, face for the future chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island Escape

A/N : Without encourage delay… Read, Review, Enjoy !





After collapse landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to get wind zippo worse that a few scrapes and scratches. Unfortunately the broom hadn't survived as well and lay a few foundation away in pieces. Glad that it hadn't been her to scent up that way, she shook herself off and got to her metrical unit. She looked around nervously and called out to Harry and Luna but they didn't answer her… A immediate glance up through the treetop let her know why. Several dragons seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking sounds. With a broken broom she knew she couldn't do much to aid them and they certainly were too distracted to add up help her… it was up to her to fancy 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 raise to herself that she was equal to of branching out on her own.

It was much hotter here than it was back at school and so the first of all matter she did was strip off her jacket before she fainted of heat exhaustion. She knew that she had to startle moving and preferably with a determination. Using her wand as a locater, she made her way through the woods, trying not to depend anywhere but right in presence of her. She didn't want to become distrait, she just wanted to get Fred and get the hell off this island. Within ten minute of arc of walk, she found herself at Fred and Elanya's campsite. The two were talking and she heard Fred offering to avail the other girl if she would promise to call off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

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

She stopped short as she saw Elanya displume her own baton out… realizing that Fred was unarmed, Hermione worried that he would get caught in the middle if they started dueling. He stood there and looked at her as if she were the greatest affair he'd ever seen, making her feel more convinced in the cheek of the other young lady. `` Hermione ? '' He asked hesitantly before rushing over and wrapping his blazonry around her. As good as it felt to have got him hold her, she was deliberate to proceed her wand up lest Elanya decide to use the beguilement to her advantage.

'' We have to retrieve Harry and Luna and get out of here now ! '' She quietly insisted, forcing herself to trust they would have fourth dimension to properly reunify later if they got themselves out of this now. `` I was untimely yesterday, she's no victim… they're all working together to make us need to help her so she can get in and convince Harry and Luna to fall in them. ``

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

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

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

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

'' I thought as much. '' Elanya said meanly. `` I guess it's clip to move to plan B. '' She quickly waved her verge, giving Hermione only seconds to throw up a carapace around herself and Fred to deflect the spell. Before she could return fervor, the missy ripped off her seashell necklace and was already talking into it. `` Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and then obliterate Ron. '' She instructed whoever was on the other end… most likely professor Erebos.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her verge and sent him flying. Hermione took her opportunity and flash several stunners in quick taking over but the other girl was fast, raising her carapace in time before attempting to fire back and disarm her. By this clock time Fred had gotten to his human foot and back into the thick of affair, forcing Hermione to hold her attempt so he wouldn't get hit by misapprehension. `` Take it back ! '' He demanded, stalking towards Elanya.

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

'' Call 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 merely chance to squall off the professor from killing Ron. `` What's done is done. You want revenge, amount and lease it. '' She dared them.

Hermione cast before she was even aware she was doing so, taking both her and Elanya by surprise. The girl had to dodge rather than shield, sending Hermione's spell to shatter the Tree behind her. Seeing what a serious spell she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the soil from her apparel. `` Well, I suppose we've moved past ravisher then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the wand she'd dropped in her hurry 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 verge, yelling `` Protego Totalum ! '' and a few former incantations, turning the tent into their own small fortress ... they were get on spells she'd only practiced once in the safety of a schoolroom mount. She was truly surprised that she'd been able to attain it here while her nub was racing and scare gripped her psyche. They could get word Elanya screaming at them from the outside, uselessly hurling while after spell at the tent as she tried to get at them. `` I'm not sure how long this will defend. '' She said fearfully, turning to see that Fred had taken to tearing the post 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 matter over his articulatio humeri. He turned to the part 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 thumb the thing over.

'' When it came to spend my money, Elanya spared no expense. Top of the line everything… it's supposed to be like camping in the comfort of your nursing home. '' Fred answered bitterly as he upended the refrigerator next. `` Aha ! '' He shouted, bending down to lift out up a fold towel. Sure enough, his wand was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a shot of ease knowing that she wouldn't be the only one armed. His own ministration was evident as he tightly gripped his wand and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a look that sent tingles through her physical structure. Without a parole he strode up to her and eagerly placed his helping hand around her neck, pulling her expression to his so that he could passionately capture her mouth. He kissed her with such depth and hunger that she was left opinion dizzy and had to achieve out and grab him to keep open her peg from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his implements of war around her shank he deepened the buss even more before breaking it off and resting his mind against hers. They were both lead 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 osculate his cheek.

'' Yeah, well, I'll make it absolved when I have more fourth dimension to micturate my level. '' Fred grinned before turning serious once more. They could still try Elanya out there, doing everything she could to gap 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 opened to prompting. ``

He scratched his head teacher and turned to stare at her a moment before breaking into a smile. `` Of course ! If I can cod my own female parent then it should be sluttish to fool Elanya. ``

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

And then suddenly there were two of him and she had the ill at ease feeling that George V had somehow come back to animation. Shaking it off, she tried to smile in support. `` You really cerebrate she'll go after our doubles ? ``

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

'' Well, I certainly don't have a better estimation. '' She moved to hide herself behind the turned-over cooking stove, as Fred took their silent doubles and instructed them to exit the tent 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 hunker beside her just in casing Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to come search the collapsible shelter. `` Here goes zip. '' He whispered.

( BREAK )

Being capable to stand down on the field, Ron almost felt like he really was part of the game and was grateful to McGonagall for letting him possess this one belittled piece of what made him felicitous. He watched his team fly together and was thrilled to see them draw ahead in the score, cheering them along as any good motorcoach would do. The coke 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 shed light on and very cold. He huddled deeper into his cap after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the score jumped far enough ahead in Gryffindor's favour, he decided it was condom to call for a good luck and go down to the recreation sales booth 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 someone trying to pee-pee their way in. `` Oh, rationalize me sir. '' He said, recognizing prof Erebos, Hermione's Arithmancy professor.

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

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

'' I'm not exactly for certain. There is a young woman out in the woods who flagged me down and asked me to come find you. '' Erebos said, looking over his shoulder at the Forbidden timberland. `` She wouldn't provide me to see her side, so I can't be sure… but she looked very a great deal like young lady Patil, who has gone missing. I've cum to determine 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 Anapurna was doing back here so soon. He'd only sent a letter off yesterday through Lupin, he wasn't even sure it had enough fourth dimension to arrive to her so that couldn't be what drove her to come back. He had to talk to her before Dumbledore or anyone else could show up and broadcast her running. `` Just let me go see her maiden. ``

Erebos shook his head. `` 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 fortune that she'll run again. ``

'' Please, I'll convince her to appease. '' He promised with his digit crossed.

'' Okay, how about this ? I'll go with you into the Natalie Wood 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 professor around the back of the arena to the Forbidden Forest. They walked pretty far into the tree, deepening Ron's mistrust to the point where he was gear up to grow back. `` Anapurna got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the woods ? '' He asked carefully.

Erebos stopped and turned to him with his wand out and a demented grin across his face. `` Sorry for the deception Mr. Weasley, but Parvati isn't out here. I just needed a reason for you to arrive into the Sir Henry Joseph Wood with me. ``

He swallowed the big lump of fearfulness and panic that had risen in his throat. `` Why ? '' He tried to preserve his voice steady but wasn't sure he'd accomplished the task.

'' To kill you. '' The professor said simply as he prepared to cast the ultimate unforgivable curse. And then the man was screaming in pain sensation as his verge burst into flames in his script, forcing him to neglect it to the ground.

Ron instantly reached into his pouch for his wand before turning to find Jacey standing a few yards behind him, her own sceptre in one hand and a with child Ball of flaming 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 detriment that those were the 1st tidings he'd chosen to speak at the survey of her.

They both whipped around as the sound of someone hand clapping filled the air. Ron's middle widened in shock as Elise McKinney stepped out from behind a with child tree, slowly applauding them. `` Well done. '' She laughed.

'' The fiddling bitch burned my hand ! '' Erebos shouted as he held the now useless appendage close to his body.

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you worse than that when you've angered me to a lesser extent. '' Elise giggled before turning her attention specifically to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd come. I was so very curious to see out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a unhurt new dimension doesn't it ? But I'm not as soft to dispatch as Dolos. '' She said, throwing out her arms and producing her own fireballs in her manpower. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll consider this your audition. '' She taunted.

( breaking )

Luna just couldn't shake off the last two Dragon chasing her. They forced her to fly away from the island, zooming so far over the sea she could see Castellumshire on the horizon… still the creatures wouldn't give up the chase. She tried calling out to Harry but he didn't answer, making her very nervous. She could feel that he wasn't hurt… but that was all, it was like a part of her encephalon 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 major power, or more precisely, their telepathy. The way she was flying, the way she was able to cognise where to go to keep off being hit by chela, tooth and tails… that told her that her precognative inherent aptitude were well in tact as she knew she certainly wasn't the unspoiled flier.

She swooped low to avoid one tartar and then quickly turned rightfield to nullify the early. Her feet skimmed the pee and she quickly pulled back up, making a farseeing arc around Castellumshire before heading back toward the Gateway Islands. Becoming distracted by a unknown sound below her, she took the chance and looked down only to recover a pocket-sized speedboat zooming through the H2O headed the same counseling she was. Feeling the firedrake 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 boastfully dark glasses. hunch shot through her and she raced ahead, desperate to warn Harry.

At last she had returned to the island but he was nowhere in the sky… though the former eight dragons were. They were circling, clearly doing the same thing she was- looking for Harry. Figuring he must consume 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 sharp left and headed back out over the water where four more dragons waited. Once again changing her handle, she zoomed straight up. `` LUNA ! LOOK OUT ! '' She heard Harry shriek from far below her. Apparently he had seen her and ran out onto the beach to call in out.

It took a second 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 crown had taken her by surprise. She raced upwards, high over the island hoping to recede them among the downy Patrick Victor Martindale White clouds. But before she could get herself quite that high, she felt one of the creatures grab the end of her broom and pull her through the air. She lost her clasp completely and felt herself begin to free pin. thinking as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her line of descent until she was able to lightly pose her base on the undercoat. Her relief quickly gave way to all out holy terror as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the flying dragon'nest. Only this time she had no broom and she was completely alone.

( BREAK )

Harry had just used his wand to piece the broom he'd found in the woods back together when Luna's scream echoed around him. He raced back onto the beach to view an unsufferable sight- she was flying recklessly through the air as she tried to get away from all ten Draco. Seeing two of the beasts break off from the group and hide themselves among the trees he realizing what the rather intelligent creature were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his intellect but while he could still sense that constant connectedness to her, it was as if mortal had cut a wire somewhere and all he could get wind was a dial whole tone. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his hands around his mouth and screamed out a word of advice to her, hoping she was able to find out him. If she did, it was too late. The former firedrake had forced her to fly toward their snare and the two hiding leapt out to surprise her. She shot upwards but to no avail as one reached out and grabbed her broom. She fell off as the tool snapped the broom like a toothpick, making Harry's gist stop for a import. But this time she had her wand and was able to slacken her crepuscle, but when he saw where she landed his heart dropped entirely into his stomach. The dragons had seen her too and they all descended on their nestle, intent on ousting the intruder.

Panic swept through him and he hurried to eat up the net repairs on the Scots heather. Hearing a motorize sound he quickly ducked out of the way as a boat carelessly drove up into the backbone, allowing a familiar spirit charwoman to jump down and face him. `` Hello Harry. '' Sarah Elaine greeted him as if they were old ally, casually throwing her hat and sunglasses back into the boat.

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

'' So I saw… seems your picayune friend fell into the wrong place. '' She grinned. `` fear to ingest some help in retrieving her ? ``

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

'' Come now, let's put the past behind us. We all act a bit irrationally sometimes. Besides, I thought you didn't have prison term to argue… I know Luna certainly doesn't. '' She pointed to the corpse of his Firebolt, long forgotten a few one thousand down the beach. `` Fix that up and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba go. ``

He had no choice, he needed help distracting the dragons so he could fly in and seize Luna. Handing Sarah the Calluna vulgaris he'd been holding, he ran over and waved his sceptre, fixing his own broom as best he could… at least it was in flying shape if not properly calibrated for the honest flight of stairs potential. Together, they lifted off the basis, instantly making their way to the great deal. Harry just hoped his despair for aid didn't wind up being his downfall.

( BREAK )

Jacey wrapped Harry's invisibleness cloak tightly around herself and closed her heart, doing her best to concentrate on apparating to just outside the quidditch auction pitch at Hogwarts. Of course, she was still getting the hang of the wholly thing and so while she did get herself to Hogwarts, she was no where near the arena. In fact, she wound up inside the palace, just beyond the threshold to the Great lobby. With a suspiration of thwarting, 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 idea why. He had made himself very exculpated that he wished to handle affair on his own for awhile and she was tempted to back off and let him study just how much he needed his friends. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would pop him… She also could not empty Ron because some division of her knew that his end would entail her own as well. He had made a valid point in time the former night, they did not have it off each other, they had only just met and under the tensest of fortune. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each other. She was Sir Thomas More than will to see what came of that attractiveness as she had already admitted that his letter is what ultimately made her decide to come here in the first off place… she only hoped he would come in to his senses long enough to-

She stopped bushed in her tracks as she realized she may make arrived too tardy. Just beyond the bowl, she saw two human body slip quickly into the Forbidden Forest and she was certain of at to the lowest degree one of their identity element. The other she only feared she knew. Racing forward, she let the cloak fall away as soon as she was within the tree line so that she could run with Sir Thomas More speed and LE hindrance. At last she came upon them and realized she had been chasten on both accounts, Ron and Erebos were a few thou ahead of her. She could feel Ron's suspicion and uncertainty as he was led further into the trees.

'' Parvati got your care from way back here ? Why were you in the woods ? '' He asked. Jacey was angry on his behalf, upset that the professor was unforced to use such an open lesion to fox him into coming out here.

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

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

'' To kill you. '' Erebos replied. Jacey saw his intention a import before he raised his wand and did the first thing that came into her mind… She set his wand on attack. He screamed in nuisance, dropping the thing as he cradled his wound hand to his body.

Ron pulled out his own wand before turning to figure 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 detriment to still see anger under the surprise in his heart as he stared at her.

The strait of someone slowly clapping filled the air. Jacey whipped around to find Elise McKinney coming out from behind one of the tree. 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 piddling gripe burned my bridge player ! '' Erebos shouted, glaring at them all.

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you worse 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 seminal fluid. I was so very curious to observe out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a whole new dimension doesn't it ? But I'm not as easy to send off 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 look at this your audition. ``

Putting her verge in her pouch so that both of her hands were free, Jacey let the flaming flare out of her bigger and with more than of a thrive than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the woman did not waffle to begin her attempt, hurling clump of fire one after the other. Engulfing her entire body in flaming, Jacey was able to engross whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to palpate very warm. Run before this spreads ! She thought out to Ron, not wanting him to get burnt.

I'm a bit in use at the minute. He answered. She glanced over to chance him alternatively trying to put out the flames spreading through the forest and dueling Erebos who had retrieved the burnt remains of his verge and was trying to seduce it work with his undamaged hand. It seemed that every once in awhile the man was capable to get the wand to perform his spell which only distracted Ron from his impromptu attempt at being a firefighter.

She tried reaching for her wand but Elise only renewed her efforts, making it clear that she intended this battle to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no alternative but to fight fire with flaming. It was more than Ron's H2O turn could preserve up with and if they didn't find a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the flames would circulate. She did her in force to focus on controlling and containing them to their minuscule area but it lessened the amount of concentration she could give to the genuine conflict and found herself more on the defensive that she would have thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't charge where the flack spreading was giving the cleaning woman an bound over her but there was zero she could do about that, she had to do her best to assure the terms her world power caused. Realizing they were going to call for assistance and taking even Sir Thomas More attention away from the engagement, she called out to Draco as he was the only one left here that she trusted to ask for help. She hoped he made it in time.

'' Jacey ! '' Ron yelled, bringing her full moon attention back to the here and now at hand. Seeing that she'd been momentarily distracted, Elise had taken her prospect and used everything she had to fool a jet current of fervency directly at her. She felt herself propelled backwards before her flame flickered out and everything went dark.

( BREAK )

'' What do you mean you have to go service Jacey ? '' Ginny demanded as genus 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 head off Professor Erebos.

Looking at his face, she could separate 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 brother cornered out in the wood. '' He answered honestly, in too much of a rush to attempt lying. `` reliance me, the lonesome reason I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, check in here and don't open the door to anyone until I get back, okey ? ``

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

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

'' Meaning ? '' She demanded stubbornly.

'' Meaning she's in bother because she's distracted by thoughts of Ron and anyone else being hurt… I can't be of much help if we add your upbeat to our list of headache. ``

'' motive I remind you again that you aren't an immortal god or even a superhero ? You're a formula guy who got stuck with a being a werewolf and are just as up to of burning to death as I am. '' She gripped his arm, unwilling to let him leave her sight.

'' We don't have time to fence. For once just humour me and last out here. '' He pleaded.

She stared at him a moment, letting the wheels turn in her straits as she figured out what to do. `` Fine, go. I promise I won't follow you. Just be careful. '' She agreed at live on, too worried about Ron and Jacey to keep him any longer.

He seemed suspicious but he had no choice other than to accept her agreement. Leaning in to quickly kiss her sayonara, he then turned and fled the elbow room. Walking over to her windowpane, 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 impossible to think when moving so quickly.

Picking up her coat she fled her way, rushing through the Asaph Hall and out the forepart threshold. She would restrain her promise not to abide by after him… but she wasn't going to countenance him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the schooltime staff sat. Unfortunately, the person she wanted to verbalise to was also sitting future to the individual she'd hoped to avoid… but she couldn't go back, three lifetime might be at stake, her buddy'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 Lupin. She knew it was best to keep citation of Jacey and Elise out of affair with so many ear around and so she made her period as clear and concise as potential. `` Draco ran out into the Wood to try and kibosh Professor Erebos from killing Ron. They need help. ``

( BREAK )

Fred waited a unspoilt two proceedings to be sure Elanya was gone before turning to cabbage the bottom of the collapsible shelter behind them. `` It's now or never. '' He told Hermione. She nodded solemnly and taking her handwriting, he led the way as they ran from the only thing that had been able to protect them. He tried to repeatedly squall 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 foretoken of Elanya closing in on them.

'' I think it has something to do with the vim field generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with to the highest degree navigation tools, even the magical single. It's the briny reason it's so difficult for people to see these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that sure brainwave oftenness 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 address him towards the nighest living human but the stunned 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 but answer was that their friends were up there and in a lot of difficulty. `` I guess we try to mount it. '' He walked toward the base of the heap until he heard a small shrieking of surprisal that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to free her pes from a rather ugly looking plant. Originally mistaking it for some kind of bush, they had walked by unaware… but now the thing had spread it's leaves apart and was shooting out several tentacle-like protrusions that were attempting grab Hermione and overstretch her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his wand. But the plant seemed to be resistant to magic and aught he tried would micturate it stop.

'' Let go ! '' She yelled as she kicked at the flora. Not knowing what else to do, Fred picked up a vauntingly John Rock and began slamming it down on the tentacles. The plant let out a sorry sound, indicating it could palpate pain. In an attack to unfreeze herself, Hermione reached for another rock and helped him beat the tentacles away. Grabbing her under her arms, he pulled her to her feet and they scrambled away before the strange bush could regroup.

'' fountainhead, that was something new. '' He said as they caught their breathing spell. He'd certainly never come across a industrial plant like this before in all his sentence wandering the island though he'd definitely found some weird unity. Of course, other than last Night when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this close to the al-Qaeda of the mint. He gave dumb thanks that he hadn't passed by this thing in the dark.

'' Let's just keep going. '' Hermione seemed shivering but determine and so he nodded and went on, this metre ensuring they remained side by side of meat. It was a short pass and looking towards the sky, they were able to see that the way to the top of the deal wasn't exactly uncoiled up… that was a good affair, making it less probably that they would fall to their dying while attempting this. `` okeh, we just call for to find the right place to start. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the rocky wall and several different paths up.

Fred took a different approach, walking right up to the mountain and trying out the handholds and footing in a few places. Taking a few to a greater extent steps to the left, he reached to rise up only to find the careen give way under his hands. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the land, knocking the breathing spell 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 formula. `` I'm animated ! '' 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 painfulness as he sat up to take a look at himself. Feeling around on the ground he recovered his scepter 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 damage and he could see the total matter swelling from his genu down to his ankle.

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

'' Just sacrifice me a minute to assemble myself. '' Putting as little weighting on it as potential, he slowly climbed to his pes. Only once he was standing did he recognize he seemed to hurt everywhere including the shoulder that had been broken conclusion year during the quidditch peer against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the underside of his shirt in his rima oris to muffle any sounds of pain he might create, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a second he was capable to forget all about his leg, but then came the sensory faculty of relief that told him that he'd achieved the result he'd wanted, his shoulder was back in it's proper place. Panting from the effort he wiped the sweat from his face and took a few brace breaths. `` OK, ready ! '' He called out.

Instantly his feet carefully left the ground, leaving him to feel as though he were softly cradled in the men of some unseeable giant. He put his baton in his pocket as he rose up, wanting to suffer both hands free to facilitate pull himself crystallize of the surprisingly small opening he'd fallen through. At survive he was able to see Hermione, using her wand to direct his onward motion. Reaching up, he grabbed the edges of the bumpy opening. `` I need you to celebrate propelling me forward, I hurt my leg so I can't get a unspoilt grip with my animal foot. '' He told her. She nodded and doubled her concentration, trying to only give him an duplicate hike as he struggled to pull up himself free. Now being forced to use all the strong point in his weapon, he was gladiola that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his muscles 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 hold and struggled through the pain to find a foothold lest he accrue back down into the cavern. He scrambled to hold 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 blanket smile as she tauntingly waved her wand. `` I'm sorry it took so tenacious to dispatch those doubles you sent running out… it seems you're a expert conjurer than I thought. ``

'' What do you desire ? '' Hermione tried to reason with her as Fred struggled to use his injured leg to aid tug him through the hole. But the Thomas More insistence he tried to put on it, the to a greater extent numb it seemed to grow… almost to the breaker point where he wasn't even sure it was there anymore. He tried to arrive at back for his wand but letting go of the rocks made him instantly slide backwards. He would need all the strength in his arms to pull himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to look Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new conclusion, he decidedly placed his feet and pushed off with them, gritting his teeth against the pain. From there he was capable to achieve out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( BREAK )

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

'' That's between them ! '' Erbos yelled, pointing his destroyed verge directly in Ron's facial expression as he pinned him to the primer coat. `` This here is between us ! ``

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

'' She's indisposed at the here and now. '' Elise called, straightening herself and turning to face him. He scrambled to his pes and pointed his wand with a water system charm 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 wand. `` What else can you tell me about her ? ``

Ron, I am okay. I just want a moment to find and concenter my energies. He heard Jacey's voice rustle through his brain. Do not engage her… Draco is on his way to help.

listening that she was uninjured, easing swept through him so quickly his knees almost buckled out from under him. `` nil to say ? '' Elise asked, bringing his tending back to her. `` Dolos told me how you were the only one to be seen with the cryptic castle Edgar Albert Guest at the Costume Ball… he also told me how close you two appeared to be so I know you can tell me everything I want to know. Of course, seeing how loth you seem, I feel it's best I remind you that I could always wedge you to narrate me. Though if we have to go that road, 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 sort out the facts. '' He pushed himself to palpate as genuinely raging as possible, wanting the fair sex to believe there was no reason to think she'd be successful in using Jacey against him and vice versa ... or even wagerer, convincing Elise that she didn't want anything to do with Jacey. He felt atrocious, not just for what he'd said now, but also for the matter he'd said in the past… and even after he'd uttered such horrible nonsense, she'd still come to try and aid him. I'm sorry. He thought out. I'm sorry I said those things, I just want us both to get out of this.

I know. Jacey replied calmly.

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

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his chief and he saw her leap to her feet behind Elise who had once again raised her work force to call forth her flak. Before he could beckon his wand to shield, someone roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his feet and carrying them both away faster than Ron thought possible. It only took him a instant to clear who had just may give saved his life.

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

As they approached the two female child still whipping fire at each other without much aid as to what was around them, someone shouted `` Impedimenta ! '' forcing Draco to trip and sending both boys sprawling to the ground.

Tightly gripping his scepter, Ron leapt to his foot as Draco fought the spell he'd been hit with which was currently keeping him from moving any closer to fret. Erebos stood there, waving Jacey's wand 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 nervous, he instantly cast a shell having seen the man make to befuddle a tour at him. Within a instant he had retaliated by sending a freezing hex, but the professor took a page from Jacey and Elise's book shooting a stream of fire from his wand that met the nebulizer of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his assiduousness he repeated the spell, attempting to strengthen his position… but Erebos was just as driven and unrelenting.

'' ENOUGH ! '' A thrive voice surrounded them.

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

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

Dumbledore walked over to gaze down at his disgraced professor. `` fountainhead 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 triumphant smile.

( BREAK )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a lowly opening move across the nest the seemed to conduce into the mountain. She instantly ran towards it though she was uncertain even her shortly and little build could squeeze through. hunch burned in her gut and she flung herself to the ground with a small shriek of panic as she felt one of the monumental beasts fly over her. Flipping onto her back she shot a smasher at the savage's cooperator as it swooped in to make it's own attack at catching her. The piece seemed to ricochet off the dragon's fell, having no effect other than to anger the creature even more. Luna quickly rolled to the slope as it snapped at her before flying off to dedicate the adjacent twain their turn with her.

Scrambling to her foundation, Luna nip toward the cave hatchway. She was tempted to use her verge and nail the hole opened wider, but she worried that might possibly disrupt the stability of the quite a little. The lowest thing she wanted was to escape the brute only to be buried in a landslip or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely able to squeeze through, turning her dead body sideways to make it.

She screamed as she felt a sharp stab of pain and turned, using her wand to cauterize the dragon who had grabbed her arm before she could fully hide herself. This seemed to have more outcome than anything else as the beast let out a mightily shriek of pain and let her go. Pulling herself further into the crack, she was led down a bit into a bombastic cave where she tripped over something that rattled and rolled away from her invertebrate foot. With a spew feeling in the pit of her stomach, she lit her wand and covered her sassing to curb back the howler of repulsion she wanted to unleash. various bones littered the floor of the cave, and they seemed to go 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 hurt done to her arm. Seeing two heavy bloody slice in the arm of her coat, she shrugged it off feeling far too warm up anyway. Tearing off the rest of the ruined sleeve of the shirt she had on underneath, she examined her skin and found that, while terrible, the sugar didn't seem to go too deep… While it had been happening, it had felt like her arm was nearly severed and she was to a greater extent than a little ease to larn that wasn't the case. She quickly used the scrap of fabric that had once been her sleeve to wrap the wound and quell the bleeding.

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

'' I'M Here ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the narrow gap to return to the cuddle. Peering out from the hole, she caught the out of the question sight of not only Harry, but also Sarah Elaine as they both zoomed through the air, working together to distract and divide the dragons. Luna watched in amazement as Sarah flew past several boulders, using her thought transference to bump them over onto the pair of flying lizard that had been pursuing her.

'' Luna ! '' Turning her attention back to Harry, she saw that he kept swooping back and forth until he was able-bodied to taunt all of the firedrake back into the air. They may not be capable to pass along in their drumhead at the minute, but she knew him well enough to guess what he wanted her to do. As soon as the survive dragon had taken escape, she ran out into the opened where Harry could see her. Putting her wand between her tooth, she threw her manpower in the air as he passed over and struggled to hold back on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on blast with pain as she struggled to rise up onto the Scots heather 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 joint as she settled herself and wrapped her injured arm around him.

'' Just fly, I'll cast. '' She assured him, taking her wand from her mouth and turning to sprout a flow of fervor at the two dragons that were just a few scant feet behind them, sending the beasts to dive away.

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

'' What ? '' Harry asked, turning his top dog slightly to take heed her punter. She could feel his frustration at not experiencing the sodding admission 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 flaming all around them.

( break of serve )

While pretending to be injured, Jacey assured Ron that she was in fact okay before focusing on herself. She went into her own psyche, trying to forgather her energies and refuel her flaming. 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 arrive to his saving anyway.

And then Elise's intellection overpowered his and she was able to see that the woman intended to get rid of the only 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 repulsion as Elise unleashed a fiery blaze in his direction… which is the take moment Draco swooped in, grabbing Ron and taking them both far beyond the scrap. Jacey was thankful that she now had one less thing to interest about. She reached for her wand only to discover that at some point in time it had fallen out of her pouch. Cupping her hand, she formed a fast ball of fire and threw it at Elise, knocking the adult female square in the rear before she could light herself on fire to engross the physical contact. This caused her not only to scream in pain but more importantly, to completely block 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 slope who struck people in the backrest. ``

'' You do not know me or what I have been capable of in the past… I could experience just as easily joined the other side of meat. '' Jacey replied darkly, trying not to let herself suppose of anything in her past.

'' Except there's obviously something you want that Harry and his friend can furnish you. '' Elise grinned. `` Tell me what it is and I promise I can get it to you faster and with lupus erythematosus trouble that they ever could. ``

'' I highly doubt that. '' She thought of what she wanted and knew the merely way to get any of it was to continue loyal and trusty to those who had so totally accepted her. She had already lived the life Elise was offering and had only recently been capable to throw off the bond 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 solitary and scared and were forced into being person you are not in order to survive. She was set up for the life that came with being Harry's ally and a member of the coven… She was ready for the kind of friendly relationship you would risk your life-time for even after arguing and she was ready for the exemption of being able to say and do what she wanted, of being able to care about anything and everything, of being able to be herself.

'' ejaculate now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just suppose if you joined us, conceive of the world after we win this war… we'll be capable to forge it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about wizards and muggles, it'll be about those like us… those with tycoon. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can cause as very much destruction as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the best interest of all if we could contact some kind of agreement. ``

'' So then you concede the competitiveness. '' Jacey challenged, brushing off the charwoman's poorly composed sales pitch.

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

Not wanting to give Elise the satisfaction of distracting her, she quickly conjured the big fireball she could and sent it flying at the cleaning woman at top speed, knocking her to the basis. Circling around so as to never have 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 go was keeping him from moving forward to help.

Checking on her own foe in this fight, she saw Elise reach out from the priming coat and point. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her arm to harbour her head as the tree next to her exploded in flames. `` ENOUGH ! '' A loud, definitive vox reverberated through the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Both she and Elise extinguished themselves and looked around curiously.

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

Jacey quickly dodged before running off after her. `` No ! turn back her ! '' She shouted as the woman passed within a few feet of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set several Tree on attack as a distraction to preserve them busy. Leaving it to the others to keep the flames from spreading, Jacey never slowed her pace and continued on in her pursuit. 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 swiftness. Do not let her pee-pee it past the school's boundaries ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was unable to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the protection charms… but if she made it past tense Hogwarts'molding, she'd be capable to go anywhere.

Seeing that Elise was only yards away from escaping, Dragon pushed himself a little harder and mad a wild honkytonk, tackling the woman around her wooden leg and bringing her to the ground. Jacey raced up to them, quickly shoving Draco away as Elise tried to retaliate. He threw up a buckler around himself to discombobulate off the flames. `` You have to let me give, Harry and Luna's liveliness may depend on my helping them. '' Elise said after calming her angriness at being stopped so roughly.

'' What do you signify ? '' Jacey and genus Draco demanded at the same time.

She reached up and pulled a low disc from her ear and held it out for them to see. `` I've been in constant communication with Sarah since Elanya contacted Dolos and told him to let us have sex that your ally had finally arrived on the island to redeem Fred. Now she's telling me that the Dragon 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 book written by Charlie Weasley… those dragons aren't the variety that breather fire, they're scared of it. Now Sarah is trying to help oneself, but they're only three masses against a horde of savage. If I don't go and help, two of your friends and one of mine might just become some pitiful creature's repast. '' She smiled smugly at them as she walked backward until she was in a place she could apparate from.

genus 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. `` seminal fluid with me Jacey. We can sour together just this once in the interest of saving our friends'lives. After we can go aright 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 gob. 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 selection, she rushed to accept Elise's bridge player and allowed the woman to whip them away before Draco could stop them.

( rift )

Harry dodged to the left wing to escape the dragon only to have to swerve immediately rectify to dodge the fireball that shooter past them. Luna had abandoned her attempt to use her wand and now held onto him tightly with both arms as it was illuminate that his flying was the alone thing that was going to get them through this. He didn't pain to cark himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a dragon or plumb bob into the sea 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 tag off the wight. He wished he could talk to Luna without turning and shouting, he wished they could talk about their selection and what they thought it meant that Sarah and Elise were there seemingly to assist. He felt common cold and isolated being cut off… not only from her mind but from Hermione, Fred and Jacey's as well.

'' psyche down to the gravy holder ! '' Sarah called as she zoomed preceding them to lightly land and looked up expectantly.

'' What do you intend ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to take a leak his way though fire 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 dodge Dragon with all three of us on the broom ! ``

'' Then we'll have to bring and rent the other Calluna vulgaris back from Sarah ! Then we can go find Fred and Hermione and get the inferno out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her face in his back in preparation for the sharp drop he was about to realize. Fixing his clasp he shot straight down, streaking past several tartar until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to send out fire flare to keep the beasts at bay as he softly set his feet down on the bow of the pocket-size gravy boat. Sarah immediately started the engine and flick forward, sending Harry and Luna both sprawling into the boat. She turned the rack 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 index to fend off the four dragons intent 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 drained exercising weight around your neck. Let them go. ``

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

Elise fully turned to them and smiled. `` So what ? '' She asked again. `` Unlike you, I trust that my allies are more than capable of taking charge 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 gravy holder gallery through the water. They had apparently gone far enough to assure the dragons that they had no intentions of returning to their cuddle. The brute had finally given up the pursuit and headed back home. `` I didn't think it would take in all of this to get you to the island. '' She grinned.

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

'' Of course. '' Elise laughed. `` We knew you'd want to come after Fred and so he proved his beginning 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 sustain kept you all pretty preoccupied. '' Sarah taunted. `` Seems he's disappeared from the castle though. Can't waiting to see where he turns up next. ``

Harry, Luna and Jacey stole coup d'oeil at each other… it seemed that Elise and Sarah didn't know anything about them having already killed Tristram. 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 contribute himself away while at the same time hoping to get a few More answers than Simon had been able to provide.

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

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

'' It's simple, we wanted to designate just how equal to we are in getting what we want and how strategical 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 impart us the chance to really make ourselves listened to rather than just heard. ``

'' Big gestures are the but way to make people listen ... '' Luna quietly repeated what Simon had said to them when explaining his own actions.

Elise stared at her in surprise. `` I'm glad you see my 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 class the unintelligent man is terrified of both Dragon Malfoy and your supporter lupine for what they are, though he's too majestic to admit it. When Draco refused entree to Ginny, making it clear that the only way Dolos was reaching her was through a battle with him, our less than courageous spy gave up. But then, to our delight we received countersign that you all had come to the island today anyway and we knew it was the arrant opportunity so Elanya ordered Dolos to kill Ron. Then after Jacey showed up, I told her you all were in hassle and so we apparated to my waiting ship and hopped in the speedboat to fall to your rescue. ``

'' So what happened back at Hogwarts ? '' Harry asked nevously, this time turning to come up to Jacey who he'd leftfield in charge of looking after Ron.

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

'' It doesn't matter in the to the lowest degree. '' Elise assured them. `` Why else do you recollect I left the idiot behind to whatever fortune befell him ? Even if he decided to turn on me, he knows cipher of any consequence… I've seen to that personally. And with only two weeks 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 tone at me like that. He and I had a deal, I provided my character and he provided his. Just because he got beguile doesn't mean I had any indebtedness to help… he made his option to turn regard in this and now he knows he was dealing in things far above his principal. ``

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

'' It's okeh, Dolos was very good at his job when he wanted to be. '' Elise cooed, reaching out to soothe Jacey who shoved her away. She went on as if Jacey wasn't staring daggers of hatred at her. `` He saw you and Ron at the Costume Ball, and putting two and two together, he figured you were the like secret person Dumbledore had been keeping in his office… the one Harry and all his Friend made limited head trip up there to chaffer. We knew putting Ron's biography in peril 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 major power or claim to greatness. ``

'' Regardless your persuasion of our friends, '' Harry stepped in to finish Jacey from punching Sarah in the nerve as it was elucidate she very much longed to do, `` you've done all of this for no intellect. We obviously want naught to do with you. '' He looked at Luna, hoping their connection to each former was strong enough for her to sympathize what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and take in a small step sideways toward the Calluna vulgaris Sarah had abandoned when she'd gotten on the sauceboat. 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 communicate with each other… just a total understanding of how they all thought. Jacey discreetly grabbed the back of his shirt to designate that she was ready. It had taken a subject of seconds but they were quick and so he quickly swung his ling so they could hop on as Luna lunged for the early one and together they zoomed up into the sky, sure to move fast enough to outrun Elise's firing range.

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

( BREAK )

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

'' If I knew that I would already bear it, wouldn't I ? '' Elanya sneered. She walked forward, making a minuscule roundabout around her as she inspected her from every angle. `` So, you're the reason Fred never gave in to me… '' She came to stand directly in front of her, her golden eyes glaring with a baneful fire. `` I just don't get it. There must be something here that I'm just not seeing. '' She said with designed meanness.

Hermione kept quiet, though there were about a million things that she would accept liked to say in return. But without her wand, the last thing she wanted was to give the female child another rationality to wish her dead.

'' cypher to say ? '' Elanya asked quietly. `` That's O.K., I have my own way of finding affair out. '' She tightly clutched her wand before reaching out to seize Hermione's helping hand, the same one Fred had held earlier.

Hermione watched in horror as the girl's eyes rolled up into her brain and she fell forward. Elanya still had her bridge player in a expiry grip and dragged her down to her stifle as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some variety of imagination of the past. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself give up. For a brief moment she considered going into the bushes to see for her wand but remembering her last brush with foreign foliage, she decided it would be best to take Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the missy's fingers apart.

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

reach late inside herself, Hermione gathered every bit of strength she had and getting her legs under the other girl, she kicked out and managed at live on to get her off. Grabbing at her throat in backup as air once more made it's way to her lungs, she struggled to her foot, not wanting to be caught incognizant. Elanya was already standing and pointing her baton. `` You're right, what fun is it to just end your lifetime 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 drumhead scratch. Run. ``

'' No. '' She coughed out. Being forced to pass on all of her attention to the psychotic person girl, she had no idea whether Fred had fallen again and give way his neck, but she couldn't just leave… especially when it was most likely that Elanya would trance her anyway.

'' wellspring, that's your prerogative. '' She smiled with demented delight and got ready to hurl. `` I wish I could say it's been nice knowing you. ``

Hermione closed her eyes and waited for impact. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another while straight at Elanya that sent her flying several one thousand back through the trees until she hit one hard enough to criticize her out. She turned to find him sprawled on the primer, sweating and panting from the endeavor of pulling himself absolve with a leg that even from here looked extremely vain. `` Accio sceptre. '' He called tiredly in the direction Hermione's wand had flown earlier. It shot into his hired hand, which he held out to her as she rushed over.

'' Are you okay ? '' She asked, taking the wand and kneeling following to him.

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

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

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

'' We have to see Harry and Luna. They're the only single 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 call up himself.

They both kept an eye on the patch Elanya had landed as she ventured into the tree to look for a objet d'art of Grant Wood long and sturdy enough for their purpose. At hold out she found one and rushed back over to help Fred mounting to his understructure. Throwing his other arm around her shoulder, he was eventually able to find a way to use both her and the make-shift walking marijuana cigarette to his best advantage as he hobbled along. `` Should we shout out for them since they can't seem to hear us in their header ? '' 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 flying dragon that now seem to induce calmly returned to their nest. '' He answered gloomily.

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

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

'' okey then. '' She smiled.

He wrapped his arm more tightly around her shoulders and sighed. `` I'm sword lily you came to deliver me… I'm not used to playing the damozel. '' He grinned.

'' Yeah well, it's no field day being the Elwyn Brooks White knight either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too a lot press. ``

They walked on in comfy silence, as happy as they could be given their billet. To his credit, Fred didn't request that they stop to breathe until they'd actually made it all the way down to the beach and out in the open. Moving over to a group of small boulders, she helped him sit while keeping the stone and water at their backs and their heart able to see the tree line and anyone who may wander out of it. `` Did you hear that ? '' He asked after a short-change patch, shading his eyes as he searched the afternoon sky.

A whooshing auditory sensation came from above them and they saw Luna and Harry shoot through the air over the island. `` Is there individual on Harry's broom ? '' She asked, trying to envision out who it could be.

'' Who cares ? Now is the sentence to yell and get their attention. '' He said, struggling to use the rock to facilitate campaign himself to his feet. She leapt up to help and together they walked further away from the trees into the backbone. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their hands until at last Harry caught sight of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her infantry, Hermione looked down and gave a belittled screech as respective large sea crabs scuttled across the sand towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the trees, pointing her wand at Fred and sending the tiny creatures she'd conjured after him.

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

( falling out )

These poor fish crabs just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob brain as they swarmed over each other to reach Fred. He tried to limp after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each early boost up the beach but between his already injured leg and the sharp nipper continually piercing the skin of the good one, it was all he could do to stay fresh from falling over. Using his baton and the stick he'd been carrying as a crutch to fend the little pest off, he slowly persisted forward while looking to the sky to see why Harry and Luna hadn't landed to help them yet. He saw that they'd become involved in their own conflict out over the ocean as a gravy holder raced toward the beach. Once of the mass aboard was shooting fireballs and run of flame into the air while the somebody riding with Harry returned the fiery flack. Luna was swooping in, waving her wand and stirring up some waves in an attempt to proceed the boat from reaching the island… but it was straighten out the person driving cared nothing about the gravy holder, damaging it beyond repair as it was battered by Luna's patch. He was so busy watching them that he wasn't quite watching where he was going anymore… pain shot through his foot as he felt himself step on one of the crabs. Using the walk marijuana cigarette, he tried to retrieve his symmetricalness but his foot sank into the gumption and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his weapon to divulge his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his back, he dropped the joint and wildly waved his wand but to no avail. The animate being were all over him in an jiffy, looking much larger and more tempestuous now that he was eye-level with them. There were so many, he felt as if he were being crushed under their weighting as they piled on top of each other, all trying to pinch and thrust his peel. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always more than to use up their topographic point. Panic settled over him as he realized that he was ineffectual to get up and the crabs were taking the chance to bury him.

( breach )

Luna gripped the ling tightly, terrified that she was going to fall off as the little of visual sense suddenly washed over her to give a warning of what was coming. It was abbreviated enough that she didn't completely lose consciousness but detailed enough to deliver her life. Quickly dodging to the left away from Harry and Jacey, she turned to see a fireball explode where she'd been only a moment ago.

'' You okay ? '' Harry called as Jacey gripped him tight before turning to reelect the flaming Elise was sending.

'' I'm mulct ! '' She yelled back as she swerved another fireball. The sauceboat had snuck up on them and Luna was amazed to let on that her sight had served not only to admonish her of the fire, but that for some grounds those girls had decided they no longer wish if she lived or died. She wasn't sure what had changed, but from the way Elise continued to drop fire at her alone assured Luna that at some pointedness, her life became less worthful to them than Harry and Jacey's… And so they were attacking her to unhinge 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 restrain them from once more reaching the beach and pack out whatever they had planned next, Luna swooped in low and used her wand to arouse up some violent waves that tossed the little boat around. She grinned in atonement to see Elise nearly fall overboard… unfortunately it wasn't enough to deter Sarah who drove on despite the destruction being caused to her gravy boat. She waved her verge again, strengthening the good luck charm and creating enceinte and more fell waves… and then she saw the larger ship on the view, quickly heading in their direction. Distracted, she hovered in the air for a moment as she tried to estimate out who could be aboard.

'' Luna wait out ! '' Jacey yelled at the same time her intuition screamed in her fountainhead to work. She was less than a second too deep and the very back of her broom was caught in the fiery stream.

feel herself begin to plummet, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was solid flat coat below her, she rolled off the broom only to find herself surrounded by gobs of crabs. She quickly got to her base but the fauna didn't seem to have any interest in her and following their onward motion with her middle she was able-bodied 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 bid them off. Ignoring the ones that pinched her as she reached down to serve him get up, she saw that one of his legs was in a make-do splint. Throwing his arm over her articulatio humeri, she got a skilful hold and together they were capable to lift him off the land and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to see his breather as they both used their scepter to keep the crab louse at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his oculus extensive with concern. `` Now forget about me and go supporter Hermione… I can't motility quickly enough. ``

She looked over to see the female child dueling heavily with Elanya. They both looked tired but early than a few excoriation and bruises they hadn't seemed to make any head against each other… The landscape around them was a different story as shattered and extirpate 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 spell could strain it's target, it was suddenly pushed harmlessly out to sea.

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

The blaring sound of a ship's horn shattered the air and Luna nervously looked up to see how the dragons took to it. various flash screech erupted from the nuzzle but apparently they had sensed there was no target 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 ? ``

( BREAK )

Harry tried to survey Luna right away as he saw her Calluna vulgaris pinch fire, forcing her to land, but clearly Elise was having her fun and kept him dodging fire as Jacey tried to revenge from the back of the broom. `` They are about to pull ashore ! '' Jacey pointed out, yelling in his ear.

'' hold on our track clear up ! '' He instructed, tightening his grip and heading straight person for the beach as she ensured Elise wasn't able-bodied to hit them. He landed as lightly as he could so that Jacey could get her feet under her before hurrying over to Luna who had been trying to help Hermione until Sarah stepped in.

He tried to think, to compute out what to do next… it was impossible 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 part of himself. A aloud horn startled him from his idea and he looked out over the body of water to see a large ship anchored and three rowboat full of people making their way to the beach. `` It seems our drive has arrived. Who's coming with us ? '' Sarah asked, looking around at them all with a mad grin.

Jacey and Luna looked at each former and then to him, it was unclutter they were as untune as he was that they were ineffective to plan. `` Can we hash out 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 appealingness and thought they could provide the only way out.

Elise eyes him warily. `` I'd be quick about making a decision. '' She reluctantly agreed, gesturing over her shoulder. `` Whether they like it or not, everyone aboard that ship is under our control… not to advert your two supporter 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. `` O.K., Luna when I give the signaling, run and grab Fred and get yourselves back to Hogwarts. Jacey and I will go get Hermione and follow right behind you. '' She instantly opened her oral fissure to protest but he shook his head and went on. `` If we haven't come back in ten minute of arc, then go get Lupin and Draco… go get Dumbledore if it makes you find better… Just bring them back here to help. ``

She stared at him for a moment, clearly unsure that this was the just design. But it was the lone one they had and she must have got realized it. `` fine, ten moment and not a secondment more. '' She finally agreed.

'' Okay then. '' Harry took her hand and held it tightly before turning to Jacey. `` I need you to hold back Sarah and Elanya back as best you can while I go help out Hermione… as soon as we're able, apparate to the screaming Shack okay ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her work force together as she prepared to unleash more of her index than she'd been capable to in a more populate place.

'' Well ? '' Elise impatiently called from behind them. `` What's it going to be ? ejaculate with us voluntarily or wait until our fiddling 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 side by side to him as she prepared to run. `` Now ! '' He shouted. Jacey unleashed a towering rampart of fervour, sending it to encircle Elise and Sarah. The flames raged, flickering over seven foot high and with more speciality than anything he'd seen her conjure before.

'' That will take her a minute to treat with. '' Jacey grinned.

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

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a warning and turned to see several big Boulder flying at him. He ducked to the basis and threw a shield around himself but it became quickly assoil that Sarah hadn't been trying to kill him as the tilt settled and entombed him.

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



NOTE : More to number soon !