Chapter 54 : Who to believe ?

A/N : Sorry for the postponement in getting this out, I had an accident with my dash drive and everything on it was deleted including the beginning drawing of this chapter. But things are on raceway now, so getting back in the swing of things, a rescript of the chapter from the beginning… Read, review and enjoy !





After taking Herb Simon'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 pull her down the hall to the cold bathroom, Luna perched on the bound of the deep Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the lilliputian cabinets. At concluding he came up with an ancient first aid kit, pulling out veiling and mag tape before reaching out to twist the faucet on the sink. They were both surprised when water actually came sputtering out, a rusty color at initiatory that quickly turned refreshingly authorise. 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 dependable not to wince or let on that the cutting stung like crazy. After all, she was the one who let her panic overwhelm her to the detail where she'd struggled so violently against the ropes. Simon the Canaanite hadn't seemed at all purport on injuring her, she could take just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to happen rather than crusade her cover to the point where she cut into her skin. It was her own demerit she'd get down distress at all.

He shouldn't have gone so far as to tie you up in the starting time place. Harry argued with her thoughts as he leaned down to snog her now freshly bandaged wrists.

Well, let's go see what he so badly wanted to enjoin us. She softly suggested, reaching out to run her digit through his fuzz in that way she knew he found soothing. She needed him to becalm down and take in the need to struggle was over, to give birth an open mind and really listen to what Neil Simon had to say. Her vision was becoming clearer to her now that she been able to mouse a few peek into the boy's idea. He was out to betray his sister before she could deceive him and apparently the victor of their little sib pettifoggery would become Harry's ally. From her warning she knew Harry was already leaning toward Elanya if not Elise and Sarah… and that had to be because of what they'd seen in Erebos's read/write head. But they obviously needed the whole tarradiddle and Simon seemed willing to cater it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' And why don't you start with what the hell you were thinking when you decided taking us hostage was the beneficial way to pass water your point. '' Harry crossed his arms, refusing to be lulled into composure and shaking off the outcome she was trying to circulate around the room.

'' Big gesture are the only way to get people to listen. '' Simon said quietly repeated himself from earlier. `` Like I said, that philosophy worked for my parents before they were killed and it's certainly worked for Elise all these twelvemonth. I wasn't going to hurt either of you… I needed you both there and so I figured I could use Luna to keep you listening rather than attacking me… I guess I figured that if you saw how life-threatening I was you would believe me. I was going to let you into the classroom, but you let yourself in first of all. '' He looked at Harry almost accusingly, clearly implying that he blamed Harry's rashness for so many matter going wrong.

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

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

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

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

Simon slowly nodded. `` Yeah, I guess you're right… I do recognize that about you. And so does Elise, which is why she had to contrive so carefully. I know you figured out the spy is Erebos. But what you don't know is that she wanted you to work out it out… so that you would search his head teacher and find the remembering of her asking him to set up Elanya. She knows about your world power and so she's decided to use them against you. '' He said with a sly grinning before looking right at Jacey. `` Except for you, they have no thought about you. Elise has had Erebos trying to discover out, but apparently Dumbledore has been very careful to keep you and other visitors a secret from those professors he doesn't trust. I promise, whoever you are, they still have no idea about you though they'd very much like to find out. ``

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

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's life. '' St. Simon 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 fighting and were cornered. kind of than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to pop them. Elise was 16 at the metre and the lonesome living family I had. Rather than lease charge of me, she decided to deck me at the orphans' asylum, but she would at to the lowest degree come visit every twelvemonth on my birthday. When I was ten she came back for me, ready to hold her place as my guardian. But it was only because she knew I was about to be heading off to schooltime and she was hoping to mold me into soul she could use to start setting up her program. I guess she knew Voldemort was attempting to come in back and that his followers were doing everything in their tycoon to piss it encounter. She saw this war coming and decided long ago that she would be no one's follower, that she would bring in her own place in the populace. When I came to Hogwarts and wasn't sorted into Slytherin like everyone else in our household, she was livid. But then she figured Hufflepuff was better as no one would surmise me there. For twelvemonth I did everything she asked me to do because she threatened to bequeath 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 Zealot shook his head and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a letter the live hebdomad of schoolhouse this past summer from Elise telling me we would be departing for Commonwealth of Australia the second I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the power train post so I went menage and curve up overhearing a meeting between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the wickedness master into thinking it was his idea to find Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her narrate him that she planned to vote out me as I was going to turn out more useful to them short. I didn't know what to do, I was more terrorize of my babe in that moment than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is scarier, the sword or the technical hand wielding it ? And she knows how to work him very well. So I went with her to Australia and I continued to follow her lodge hoping she would modify her mind. 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 wipe out me while I'm home for the holiday prison-breaking and build it see like mortal else did it. My own sis was going to kill me and use my cadaver to start a fight. What could I do ? Even if I ran away, they'd just make for me right back to her, I'm only 16. And who besides the people involved in this whole outline would trust the long farcical tale I have to state ? So the only thing I could do was exhibit her to the people she was trying to overcome… I chose you guys over Voldemort. Maybe Dumbledore was right about the sorting hat always knowing where people are supposed to go… maybe I'm a good guy, maybe I'm just a bad guy who's looking for the undecomposed mean of survival, I have no approximation either way. I may not the happiest person in the man, but I'm not cook to die either. So I'll tell you whatever you want to do it about her and her plans. ``

'' 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 question in terms of Fred's fate. She was trying not to sympathize with Simon the Zealot, but he seemed to give birth gotten stuck with a pretty miserable life… but still, there was something about him she found unnerve and so that allowed her to keep some sort of an emotional detachment.

He nodded and offered a grin. `` You wouldn't believe how long Elise has been plotting. A tenacious spell ago, after your group and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the disarray and looked up the single file on every John Major player on either side. Using that selective information, she was able to reckon out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your friends and Voldemort's allies would react in any situation. Originally we went to Australia this summer to find a guy named Adam who was apparently postcognative. We traced him to a niggling pub where he liked to compose his article but we never even talked to him… it was like the second she saw him, she knew he wasn't what she wanted. That's when Elanya approached us. Apparently she'd been living there with her grandmother who had recently passed away and when those two daughter met it was same destiny had brought them together. She fit in perfectly and Elise instructed her on how to plow Erebos who arrived at the hotel later that day. I guess it didn't matter whether it was Elanya or that Adam guy, Elise had already planned Erebos's part in all of this… but clearly a youthful pretty missy would profit more sympathy. The point was that when you all figured out he was the spy, you were meant to see Elise talking him into using Elanya, you were meant to reckon she'd been set up and blackmailed the like way they'd done it to your friend Fred. She's probably on that island right now, telling him her sob story so that he'll take her side and help talk you guys into helping her. She was supposed to be a mole, to learn all the enigma about you that they didn't already cognise. And then Elanya was supposed to get causing discord among you all to weaken you and make it more likely that you and Harry will empty your alliance to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're saying is basically that they want to produce their own United States Army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his vox heavy with doubt as he tried to hide the fact that they were doing something very similar with the coven. Luna felt both his and Jacey's horror at finding out how close Elise had been to getting her handwriting on Adam, another coven member. She knew it was essential that they leave as soon as possible to set out approaching masses themselves, before they could be scooped up by individual else.

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

'' Except that Fred isn't just going to live with whatever Elanya tells him. He's no moron. '' Harry argued.

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

'' They won't have a chance. We're going to save him from that island. '' He returned darkly. Luna still had a detention of his arm and she could feel him go even tenser as he felt more things were growing beyond his control.

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

( fault )

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

A delicious smell wafted through the air, allowing his rumbling belly to interrupt his planning. Looking up at the sky and using the sun, he was able-bodied to determine that while it was well past lunch, it was still too early for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped meals that day and cooked such great smelling food for a cause. He was tempted to go into the piddle to overtake a fish to fry just to upset her plans but decided he was being ridiculous. He knew Elanya was trying to tempt him back to the campground, 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 moment he was too hungry to hold back long enough to catch and cook his own meal. Besides, he'd just decided that no subject what, this was his finale Nox here… what could it pain to expend some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then leave again.

Arriving at the camp he saw that neither the intellectual nourishment nor Elanya were international. With a heavy suspiration, he opened the fuss of the ordinary looking tent and entered the impossibly spacious glamor of the interior. `` well, I guess it's rightful what they say… the fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. '' She said upon seeing him, gesturing to the delectable cattle farm on the ornate tabular array as she sat down. Toying with her seashell necklace, she shot him a seductive smile.

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

'' wellspring, I've decided that in the interest of continuing a civilized conversation we will play a secret plan of sorts. '' She announced after a light while.

'' Boy, it sure is well-fixed not to give to think for myself… I wish mortal had been making my decisions for me my whole lifespan. '' He answered sarcastically.

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

'' Who says I want to ? ``

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

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

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

And he was. There were quite a few thing he'd like her to authorize up for him, but how could he trust anything she said ? The only way was to quiz her by throwing in questions he already knew the answer to. `` Okay, I'll play your little game. But if I think you're fabrication to me, I'll just go sum up my solitary confinement walkway. ``

'' Fair enough. '' She rested her mentum on her hired man and stared at him expectantly, wearing a literal grinning that reached all the way to her gilt eyes. `` So ? ``

'' Why are you doing this to me ? '' He blurted without thinking it through. It was the thing that was most on his mind and so the motion had burst out of him before he could really contrive 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 mite of sadness overcame her. `` Everyone is trapped by something… We're both prisoners right now, so why not pull in our batting cage the skillful it can be- a beautiful island Paradise ? ``

'' And how exactly are you trapped ? '' He asked though he felt she'd crafted her resolution in fiat to cook his next interrogative sentence. Apparently there was something she specifically wanted to talk about and was in the process of directing the conversation. He allowed it simply because he was odd, but he forced himself to call up 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 time to come alliance and respect. '' She answered, lowering her heart to obscure the trice of plethora that passed through them.

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

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

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

'' Only because I had no pick ! '' She protested. `` When they told me that I had to take you away while they set up affair in London I tried to get out of it, I really did. But that's when Elise told me the truth, that she'd tricked me and I wasn't even come together to coming up even for the help they gave me in getting rid of Edmund. ``

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

She hesitated as if she really didn't want to state him. But then she shrugged, remembering that this had all been her approximation in the first place. `` I thought I had provided the spy… but it turns out he and Elise have a long history together and bringing him into thing had always been a component part of her plan. They set it up so that he and I would run into each other… I had thought I was being so measured, 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 sojourn hadn't been some sorting of delusional mirage.

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

He made certain to show an capture quantity of surprise, letting his eyes widen and his jaw drop curtain slightly as if this was the first gear metre 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 link us but it was all part of their plan to trap me. ``

'' And why would they go through such complicate 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 girl was confirming it. He just didn't know why she was telling him all of this, but he may as well use the situation to his advantage and learn as much as he could.

'' Because Elise and Sarah truly believe they can pull in their own berth in this war and that if they have the right form of people on their face they'll be able to take on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her head angrily. `` I was appalled to hear that Voldemort's idea to collect a psychic U. S. Army was actually Elise's brainchild. It was how she got him to help her find Sarah. But they planned to wee allies of the masses he gathered, to get them to work towards taking over completely. ``

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

She nodded. `` And Harry thrower too. At maiden Elise and Sarah didn't care who lived or died in battle while they quietly plotted their own rebellion. But when Harry started showing his potential drop and they learned Luna Lovegood was a seer, they knew they wanted them. It's why Elise burned your shop in Diagon alley during the summer. ``

He sat up, suddenly extremely interested. He'd been wondering for a foresighted metre the real ground Elise had targeted his store. `` What do you think of ? ``

Elanya sighed deeply as a spirit of compunction settled over her. `` Voldemort had a seer named Jasper, he was old and not as good as Luna seems to be. But that didn't matter to Elise, he was all she had and so she'd already convinced him to consecrate his ultimate dedication to her over Voldemort. He told her that he'd had a vision that something was going to bring Harry to Diagon alleyway alone and that Voldemort was going to realize his movement against the boy. She worried about the result as she wanted Harry on her side, working with Sarah specifically since they percentage the Lapp power… of line, she'd only just found Sarah at that fourth dimension. So not knowing what else to do, Elise decided to set your store of fervidness, ensuring not only that Harry wouldn't be alone, but that there would be several Aurors in the area. After all, the pastor would be sure to respond in full military group to a report of arson at his son's store. ``

He took a steadying breath, trying to seem on the burnished incline as he argued with himself… had something brought Harry to Diagon Alley alone that day to front Voldemort, his Death Eaters and the Dementors, there's no way he could have survived. At least Elise's devastation had kept the unthinkable from happening… he'd very much rather have his shop 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 hold up. Of form he hadn't read anything about it, but he recalled Hermione telling him about it during one of their enigma conversations.

'' There was zero occult about it. Jasper made the same mistake I did by thinking he was an rival in their program. I guess he was scared enough to want to separate someone about his imagination, but he chose the wrong multitude. He saw his own decease though not the hired man that brought it to him, and then he saw your admirer up at Hogwarts using that silly ring to try and contact him from beyond for info. He thought it was Voldemort that was going to end his life so he went to Elise who saw her chance. Sarah may not have a wand, but she has mastered many other skills, first and foremost her astral projection. They decided to kill him so that she could conflate with his awareness and direct herself in his place when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must bear seen something and stopped her friends from using the ring. It only made them need her on their slope 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 impossible that she wasn't telling him the true statement. 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 have intercourse. '' She smiled, crossing her arms and leaning forward. `` I guess I'm tired of you thinking badly of me. I've never gone so long being so thoroughly ignored. Maybe I figured that if you saw that I was as much a victim of their plotting as you are, then perhaps you'd delicacy me better while we're stuck here together. ``

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

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

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

'' You think I haven't tried before ? ! '' She yelled as she leapt to her feet and began pacing in agitation. `` Edmund Fritz was a high-profile man who was extremely paranoid… and rightly so. I certainly wasn't the only one who wanted him beat and he made sure that it was nearly unsufferable to get to him. I was scared to use my true personal identity as his girl to reach out to him… I knew that my female parent had sent me away and died trying to protect me because he wanted to use me, to script me over to Voldemort in a incessant quest to gain party favour from a man who favored no one. I didn't want her to die in vain but it soon became unmortgaged that my real name was going to be the alone affair to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed someone strong financial backing me up in casing something went untimely. ``

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

'' It was only after the title was done that I found out they had wanted to get rid of Edmund anyway. Apparently he'd become jealous of the attending Voldemort was giving the girls and so he was doing his best to undermine them. They figured there was too good a chance he'd figure out some part of what they were up to and so they knew he needed to go. They must bear tracked me down, found me in Australia… my grannie had just died and I'd just gone back there to expend her last few days with her… I was in a vulnerable plaza and Elise showed up offering me the probability to do the thing I'd been wanting for days. ``

Fred had been measured during the whole conversation, wanting to pick up on any signaling of knavery. For the first fourth dimension he found one… her voice had gone up slightly in volume. It could be due to her pull together excitement 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 connect forces ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these questions and expect any variety of answer. His merely hope was to go on and desire he could tack together it all together himself. `` Do you regret killing your Father ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to calculate him straight in the eye. `` Not for a single moment. '' She steadily replied. `` I only regret that I couldn't have been more patient and found a way to do it by myself. When I tried to back out of this whole thing, when I told them I didn't want to be a part of kidnapping you… Elise made it very earn that despite the delusive evidence I left at the prospect, she could very easily tie me to my Father-God's death. I have no doubt that she would send me to Azkaban without a second thought. So I had to choose, a jail cubicle locked away with the colossus or stranded on an island with you. I took the skilful sound penalization. ``

'' But if you hadn't killed Edmund, you never would take in had to name that choice. '' He argued.

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

But then he wasn't going to allow himself to be like all the other multitude she'd been able to wrap around her finger, he'd always been determined to be stronger than that from the firstly consequence she'd walked into his store. `` 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 enquiry. '' He said with a nervous laugh.

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

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

She slowly walked over to lean on the bound of the mesa in front of him. `` You know, there's only two reasons you won't reply. Either you do hate me but you're too a good deal of a gentleman to say it… though we both know that you're Sir Thomas More than willing to tell anyone exactly how you feel about them. So the only early explanation is that you've realized you don't hate me and just can't bring yourself to admit it for some mystic reason. ``

He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms as he regarded her with false authority. `` Or I've simply decided it's sound not to go through life hating anyone. Of course, I could always make an exception if you'd caution to crusade the outcome. ``

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

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

'' I'm going for a manner of walking. '' She announced, standing up and taking a deeply breathing spell. `` I cooked, you can clean. '' She added before leaving the tent.

Fred looked around feeling completely off guard. She'd never left him alone in the tent before, which had only led him to consider that she had things to hide from him here. But clearly her defeat with his lack of credulousness had caused an lapse on her behalf and he knew he needed to take advantage of it. He raced to her room, pulling back the tizzy that separated the space from the rest of the collapsible shelter and taking a casual look 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 come across a communication gimmick of some kind… or even bettor, his verge. After a long and exhaustive search, he came up with neither.

( BREAK )

Harry stared at St. Simon, trying to specify exactly what he thought of the early boy. He just wasn't sure… he couldn't get past the extremes the guy had gone through in order to have a simple conversation. But then, had Simon been right ? Would they have listened had he simply approached them and asked to spill the beans ? He shook himself out of his view, 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 percentage of the program ? '' He asked. After all, if Elise had gone through so practically, then why wouldn't she go even a step further and send out in the goofball ? Surely she didn't expect them to take up Paul Simon seriously even if they did get it on he thought he was telling the truth… or at least the truth as she wanted him to jazz it.

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

'' So as far as you know, Elise's whole plan is to meet as many psychics as she can and then fight both face of the war, hoping to come out on top ? '' Luna asked quietly and with far Sir Thomas More control over herself than Harry could manage. But he tried to remain calm, to remember that they needed to know what they were up against… she still had her hired hand on his arm, trying in vain to help him be successful in relaxing though he could smell her uneasiness at what she was hearing.

'' It's component of her plan. '' Simon seemed a bit uncertain for the first fourth dimension since he'd begun talking. `` I guess even I don't know everything, but I figured if I told you enough, you'd be able to at least lay off her doing me in. And yes, I really believe she'd murder me if it helped her cause… She ensured they got rid of Jasper simply because she wanted you Luna, she knows you're a advantageously seer than that old man ever was, you've already helped thwart hers and Sarah's plans a few time. She was trying to aid Voldemort capture you, though she had no intentions 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 deprivation you too. ``

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

Simon Zelotes swallowed hard as he stared at her in disbelief… clearly he'd never seen his babe do something like that before. `` good. '' He said at last. `` soul should be. They already knew Harry was stronger than Sarah, that's why they had to make certainly he lost his power 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 drink down me with that Psychohemia potion ? '' Harry asked in aggravation. They all knew Neil Simon was telling them the Sojourner Truth, but he just didn't like what he was hearing anymore now that it was going against what he knew had happened. But then, he was quickly learning from the other boy that there lots of things he didn't know about the affair that had been happening to him, his champion and his enemies. Elise had apparently been pulling several different strings for quite awhile.

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to turn for them long before then. '' Simon Zelotes answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some decision was going to take you to the prison house and right hand in front of Cho, but it was Elise who made the night Godhead think it was his idea to use Sarah's endowment to try and submit you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to kill you, that you were going to get help in time to bring through your life but not your mogul. ``

'' Except Sarah did nearly wipe out us at my aunt and uncle's family. '' Harry replied, hiding the phantom painfulness he felt in his hand and leg where he'd been stabbed all those months ago. Glancing at Luna out of the corner of his eye, he remembered her facial expression covered in stemma after Sarah kicked her and how her arm had been broken while trying to preserve 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 adult female is Sir Thomas More than a little unbalanced. She was only supposed to torment you, it was your muggle kin she was supposed to defeat in nominal head 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 live with growing up and she came to resent you for putting up with it… She began to really see you as weaker than her and so she alone decided in that moment that she didn't want you to unite them. At least, that's how she explained it to Elise after they broke her out of the infirmary and woke her from the coma. trustingness me, Elise let her have it for deviating from the plan and nearly killing you both. Anyway, Sarah said she really lost control when Luna came in with the ring… she wanted it and they all knew Voldemort wanted it and so obtaining the ring became her master precedency above all else, including her safety as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to enamour her for a short prison term as well as get your great power back, she no longer thinks you're weak. ``

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

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

But Simon stared back at her in surprisal, 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 concern about that, we will be the ones to ask the query. '' 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 head 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 space recollective before Elise reconnected with Sarah. In fact, I remember Elise trying to blab Sarah into dropping Cho but she had insisted the miss would be valuable again once they broke her out of Azkaban. My guess is that if they manage to get Cho out, Elise will find the opportunity to get rid of her as soon as possible. Just because she and Sarah are close confidant doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each other in a mo if it meant furthering their own agenda. Loyalty means nothing to them. '' Paul Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the while holding him in piazza. `` 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 trouble. Luna said. Harry turned to search at her and realized she had that far off reflection that meant she wasn't completely present in the room.

'' Fine. '' He waved his scepter and released the other boy from the binding.

Herbert Alexander Simon leapt to his feet to quickly stretch before eagerly reaching into his pouch and pulling out his flask from which he took a longsighted gulp. `` Phew, I needed that. '' He said, wiping his lip with his sleeve. After another gulp he seemed less wonky and nervous.

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

'' I will be just o.k.. '' She assured him with an easy smile.

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

'' Yeah, this is all my fault. '' Harry rolled his eye. `` Just save your backtalk shut when we get back there and let me do all the talking. '' He reached out and roughly grabbed the boy's arm before apparating back to Hogwarts with Luna a few moments behind them. They were sure to arrive behind Hagrid's hut where the prospect of being seen were very slim.

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

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

She nodded and led the way through the halls to the schoolmaster's office. `` Just so you're aware, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you left school grounds. '' She warned them. Sharing a look with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the heap of a practiced scholar would soften the old hotshot's mode. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and Simon Zelotes. ``

'' See them in Miss Granger and then you are dismissed. '' He replied from behind his desk. Hermione let them take the air past her before she closed the room access and bolted down the step. Dumbledore gestured to the three chairs in nominal head 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 intend you were doing damaging the schooling like that ? ``

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

'' I have no uncertainty that it was. '' Dumbledore said, his interpreter shaking as he tried to hide his angriness. `` 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 header. `` It's not that simple. Like the ministry and sealed other buildings, magic isn't enough to repair the damage. It must be rebuilt by hand to sustain the strong point of the charms we place upon our schoolhouse. And even if you did fix it, my hand are tied in regard to how we can treat this, especially after I've pushed so unvoiced to have the recently disappeared Tristram Macnair expelled. ``

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

He sighed sadly. `` I'm saying that after having girl Patil, Mr. Mason and Mr. Macnair go missing, after the destruction Cho Changjiang caused net year, and after all the cumulative fuss that has been caused… I have no pick but to boot out you all from Hogwarts for your unfavourable activity, efficient immediately. ``

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

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in severe price to one of our schoolroom and then you all left school primer in direct intrusion of the codification of behaviour. I have to take this action mechanism before the less authentic of the Aurors out there decide to try and say that you had something to do with Tristram's outflow and effort to take you all into hands for questioning. Should that come about, it's not guaranteed that Arthur will be able-bodied to see that you get into the right deal. '' Dumbledore seemed to sink down in his tooshie. `` You've put us all in a tight place and we must be deliberate how we proceed. ``

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

'' I agree, but if I didn't go through with this, it would be far too easy for them to incriminate me of favoritism and affair are too flimsy right now. The slightest affair could give them the excuse to kick out me from here and put anyone they choose in berth as Headmaster. As you saw last meter, there are too many impressionable young head here to allow that to occur. I refuse to let this school become a breeding footing for the next wave of dying eater. Everyone must be free to pick out the life sentence they want. ``

'' So instead you just throw away our futures ? '' Simon Zelotes asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the Order and therefore ineffective to comprehend the need to keep things a certain way so that the mogul didn't shift in the foe's favor.

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

'' And do you really wait anyone to believe that ? '' Dumbledore asked tiredly.

'' Does it weigh as long as there's individual to pick ? '' He pressed. `` Tell them whatever you want… tell them that the fry were working on a project for me and things went wrong. They left the schooltime to follow looking for me because they knew that I had snuck out to see Tonks and didn't want me to get in problem. That account should be unspoiled enough. ``

'' You realize what will bechance if you decide to go through with this… given what you are, the parents already have a low verge of leeway for you. If you take the blame for the end to the classroom, if you insist these students only left schooling to cover up for you… then I'll have no choice but to dismiss your employ here. ``

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

lupin reached out to snaffle his shoulder, using his considerable strength to impel Harry back into his chair. `` I understand the consequences. I accept it. ``

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

Because, I feel I owe it to Henry James and Lily to do everything in my power to get you finish school. I can't just let you cheat it up with two workweek to go. He answered with a grin. It'll be okay, Harry. I promise.

He held his breath and glanced at Luna and Simon out of the corner of his eye and realized Lupin wasn't just doing this for him. The other two were only in their sixth year and he felt guilty that his brash activity may cause them to recede out on their education. Letting out the breathing spell slowly, he turned to look at the onetime wizard, awaiting his decision along with everyone else.

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

'' It's been terrific being here. '' lupine assured him before quickly ushering the teens from the spot before the headmaster could change his mind. Simon tried to break 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 things to say to the other boy. They walked silently down to Lupin's business office, though the aged man was the only if one who seemed to be in a good mood.

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

'' Of course I'm sure enough. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it. '' He grinned. `` I had planned on resigning at the end of this year anyway. I really like teaching, 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 Dragon leaving, there's really nix to proceed 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 strain when I have another choice ? So you see, I'm entirely positive that this is the right thing to do. ``

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

lupine reached out to reassuringly pat her berm. `` I have long ago learned to exist with other citizenry's misguided sentiment of me. As long as I am in safe standing with the people who know me, that's all that matter. '' He went to sit behind his desk and pulled out a roll of blank parchment and a fresh quill. `` Besides if I were to bide here, then who would be out there looking after you all when you get yourselves stuck in a quoin ? '' He teased, reminding them that this wasn't the first gear clock time he'd helped get them out of their own messiness. `` Plus Draco is going to postulate counselling in navigating life out in the veridical world where people don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to have a reasonableness to depart my position early. The fact that it helps you Kyd out is just a bonus. ``

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

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

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

'' What happened to you ? '' lupin asked, finally noticing the bandages that peeked out from the sleeves of her schooling robes.

She and Harry shared a glance as Herbert Alexander Simon looked down at the level and shuffled his feet. `` Just a slight accident caused by a simple misinterpretation. '' She said at last, lowering her arms and pulling the ahem of her arm down.

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

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

'' It's a sad but lawful fact that adding your name to anything will instantly crap it more complicated. But don't let it inconvenience you, having opposition only means that you've stood up for something important. '' lupine answered with a easy smiling. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must indite to my wife and inform her that we are soon to become a one income menage for awhile. ``

'' You know that you and Tonks always have your elbow room at my planetary house. '' Harry offered, feeling it was the to the lowest degree he could do.

'' And we may just possess to take you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The Leontyne Price of rent is laughable these twenty-four hours. ``

Leaving him to write his letter, the teens all stepped out into the hall. As soon as the door closed behind them, Harry grabbed Simon up by the front of his robes and shoved him back against the wall. `` If I find out that you're somehow setting us up I swear to you that your Sister won't have the chance to murder you because she'll never find your body. '' He threatened, wanting to scare the boy into revealing whether he was truly trustworthy.

'' I promise I'm not setting you up ! '' He instantly replied, his eyes widely and his heart banging wildly in his chest.

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his face in close to Simon's, tightening his grip and pushing against the boy's pharynx. `` From now on, if you think you have something you need to tell someone, come 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. ``

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

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

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

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

'' Of grade 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 school curtilage. He took several cryptical breathing spell before turning back to her. `` But you really are o.k., right ? ``

'' I'm mulct, just a bit troubled by what we've learned. '' She gently assured him. `` I guess it's even more important that we go get Fred before Elanya has the chance to convince him that her reading of case is the truth. ``

'' Couldn't it be ? '' He debated. `` I mean, I know Simon was telling us his variation of the truth and I believe Elise and Sarah are that cunning. But what if their whole design 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 dependable ? Maybe they did bang we'd form out who the spy was and that we'd want to look in his head… what if they used Simon to spread around doubt so that we wouldn't know what to believe ? ``

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

Harry nodded in hesitant acceptance. He'd learned his example about questioning her suspicion, if she thought Elanya wasn't the victim they were trying to portray her to be then that was most likely the way it was. `` okay, so we go on with the August 15 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 wind her weapon system around his shank and hug herself against him.

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

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

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

'' Almost completely confident, what's ill-timed ? '' Luna went over to head Hermione to a chair.

'' It's just that… I so badly wanted to see Fred, to piss sure he was okay. I decided to practice session 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 recognize we were coming to get him ? '' Harry asked, kneeling side by side to her and taking her hand in comfort.

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

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

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

( BREAK )

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

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

Clearly he didn't think as badly of her as he'd thought anyway… why else wouldn't he stimulate 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 solely reason… because he didn't hate her. But so what ? Not hating someone wasn't exactly the Saame as liking them. After all, he knew he couldn't trust her as far as he could fox her, but then, did that matter either ?

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

He sat up and whipped around to feel Elanya standing in the tree as if his thoughts of her had forced her to happen there. Her haircloth and attire were dancing softly in the fragile picnic and her centre glowed even more brilliantly in the syncope firelight. `` Well, aren't you the observing one. '' He said sarcastically.

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

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

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

'' Sleep wherever you want, what do I deal ? '' Fred made sure to sound stung, hoping that if she did log Z's on the beach, she would choose to do it far from him. He heard her delicate footsteps as she glided through the George Sand and then felt her attempt to climb up under the screening with him. He sat straight up and scrambled away from her as he got to his feet. `` What the netherworld do you think you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

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

'' fine, take my stuff, it's all yours. I want to go for a swim anyway. '' He turned and walked straight toward the water, repeating Hermione's figure over and over in his principal lest he leave himself to go back and do something stupid.

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

Despite the genuine headache for his safety that he heard in her voice, he ignored her and walked straight into the water fully dressed. He continued on until his feet could just barely touch the behind before deciding that was far enough to deter her from following him. turning, he began swimming parallel with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't care to take the air after him. He could barely see his hand in front of him and realized that is was more than the exercise that was making his pith race. It was very sinister out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an underwater attack coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards land, crawling up onto the arenaceous beach and allowing himself to lie there and pillow 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 forget what was real and it was becoming more hard not to fall into her level. All he had to do was get through tonight. Climbing to his feet, he brushed off as much sand as he could and made his way into the Tree to look for some kind of shelter. Coming to the base of the tallest mountain, he found a shallow cave. Gathering leaves, he quickly made himself a place to log Z's before gathering adequate Ellen Price Wood to start a fire to go along him warm. Once again he silently thanked his father while hoping that he would get the luck to give thanks him in person very soon.

( BREAK )

Draco woke already feeling nervous… he didn't like lying to Ginny and while he may not live the exact particular of what was going on, he had pieced enough together to acknowledge that she'd be mad to learn they'd kept Fred's possibly being in problem from her. But today was supposed to be the day it would all end and no one would stimulate to lie anymore… at least not about this. It was simple really, while the prof and most of the student were down at the quidditch delivery enjoying the secret plan between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Potter, Luna and farmer were going to whisk themselves away to rescue Fred from whatever mess he'd gotten himself into. Dragon's job was to make sure enough neither Ginny nor Ron found out they were gone and more importantly, to keep them both away from professor Erebos who Potter had said was a spy and more than leave to hurt someone.

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

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

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

'' It's been almost a calendar week ! '' She was clearly frustrated and had her pillow been Ron's cervix, she'd have already squeezed the life out of him. `` I just can't believe he hasn't come around to apologize to everyone for what he said. ``

'' Why would he ? '' Taking in the glowering looking at she shot him, he quickly went on in hopes of fixing his mistake. `` I mean, he clearly wanted blank and said the things he knew would crusade you all away… after all, he saw how well it worked for Potter last year. So why would he come apologize unless he's ready to be around you all again ? ``

'' wellspring, thank you Healer Draco, the Psychology Boy marvel ! '' She said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.

'' And since I like you so much, I'll only charge you half my normal rates for the first-class soundness I have to confer. '' He teased, quickly moving to trip up the pillow she whipped at him.

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

'' Oh ! unmediated 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 proficient to render the onset. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to writhe it away from her so that he would be in possession of all the plush ammo.

A whack on the threshold interrupted their conflict and they both looked at each early in surprisal as they tried to catch their breath. Ginny lay back on the bed and stared up at him with a coy grin. `` See who that is, would you darling ? I'm not dressed to receive company. ``

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

'' Isn't it a bit unfitting for Miss Weasley to have a male visitor this betimes ? '' Erebos asked as he warily regarded Draco.

'' Isn't is a bit inappropriate for a Male teacher to follow unsupervised to a female student's way this early ? Especially one who already has a cloud of suspicion around his public figure ? '' 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 student. ``

'' Well, Ginny isn't feeling well. She'll be in her room all day today… and I'll be here with her, taking care of her. '' He said meaningfully, allowing a small growling to get off his pharynx 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 threshold. Thankfully she was careful enough to keep back herself hidden behind it, but still, a violently protective surge rushed through him and he knew only one thing, the only way the professor was getting in the room was over his dead body.

'' The Headmaster wish to talk to miss Weasley in person. '' Erebos persisted. `` I am to escort her up to his office. ``

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

'' Again, not that I owe an account to a student- '' He said tightly, clearly frustrated with this Song and saltation they were engaged in. `` But she is already down at the quidditch pitch assisting Madame Hooch with getting the bailiwick ready for today's secret plan. I was in the headmaster's place for a get together and so he simply sent me. ``

'' well, Ginny is just too ill to leave her room. I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't want to risk her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these drafty hallways. If he needs to state her something of import, I'm sure he would have no trouble paying her a sojourn. '' Dragon said smugly. He grabbed the edge of the room access to conclude it but the prof reached out to halt 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 sick scholarly person she will insist on seeing her. ``

'' That's unnecessary. '' genus Draco said calmly while holding the door so tightly in his hand he thought the wood would shatter in his hairgrip. `` I asked Healer Sir Francis Drake to block up by in the first place. He said it's a bad low temperature and recommended bed remainder. '' He added in fiat to spoil the professor's newest attempt to get Ginny out of her room. He was indisputable Drake would cover for them if necessary, after all, he'd done it many times before. Rather than allow Erebos to fare up with something else, he used his above normal potency to mosh the room access shut despite the man's attempts to keep on it open.

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

Draco quickly pulled his wand out of his scoop and cast a silencing charm on the elbow room, both as a precaution and to try and dillydally before answering her. `` Professor Erebos is a spy for Elise, Sarah and Elanya. '' He decided to set off with honesty and go with it until he couldn't. `` They want him to get to you and Ron. ``

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

'' Well… because they have plans to pack over the ministry. What better way than to use the parson's children against him ? '' He held his breath. Technically what he'd said was true although that wasn't the reasonableness the man had decided to hold a move today. But why worry her far by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the wax story or what exactly her brother was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the unaffixed ends the others had had to tie up in gild to go after Fred at all. He knew they were connected, just not how… but he'd be damned if he let her get hurt or killed because of any of it. Surely if she knew Fred was involved, she would importune on doing something dangerously heedless in an endeavor to help.

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

'' Seems to me the same could be said for everyone. '' He sat future to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. `` I've guess that's just the Leontyne Price you have to pay if you want to place upright up for something… the reverence of losing everything. ``

We may give a problem. Draco thought out to thrower 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.

( BREAK )

Harry had a horrible feeling about everything after talking to Draco. Why would Erebos induce come to try and get Ginny to go somewhere with him ? What were Elise, Elanya and Sarah planning now ? Whatever it was, it seemed they were just in time to go rescue Fred. At least the problem of who was going to keep an eye on over Ron had been quickly resolved… after a ready call to Jacey, she had agreed to don an invisibility cloak and hang around the quidditch lurch, just in guinea pig Erebos tried to get a storage area of a unlike Weasley.

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

'' Both of you grab one of those brooms. '' Harry told her and Luna as he tightly gripped his own Firebolt. They had gone down to the pitch with everyone else only to pilfer 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 broom and we need to have some way of escaping quickly if necessary… especially since you said you've read that there are anti-apparation magical spell. You and Fred won't be able to apparate without one of us. '' He insisted, wishing the unharmed prison term that both missy 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 argument wouldn't be Charles Frederick Worth it as they'd both just end up furious and she'd wind up coming along anyway. As for Hermione- he knew better than to even intimate she stay behind, despite them all being aware of how emotionally distracted she was. Luckily he trusted they were both equal to and tried to let that thought comfort his discomfort.

'' As long as we stay out of the mountain, it shouldn't be a trouble. '' She replied, eyeing the old practice ling warily as Luna stepped up to select one without hesitation. It was obvious which of them was more sure-footed in their ability to fly.

'' Just take one anyway. '' He pressed with a smile. `` At the very to the lowest degree, Fred will know how to fly it should the penury arise. ``

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

Harry took out his wand and waited as they did the Sami. They had no estimate where they'd malarkey up having only coordinates and photograph to use to barrack their apparation to the island. He wanted them to be ready for anything.

As one he and Luna reached out to each fill one of Hermione's hands and they all focused on the island. With a loud crack, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling hard rocky ground beneath his animal foot, Harry hesitantly opened his eyes to take care around. His breath caught in his throat as he took in their milieu. Um, I think we may birth just picked the worst possible place to land. He thought out to the daughter, not wanting to make any dissonance l they wake the ten flying lizard currently sleeping around them. As quietly as possible, they all three mounted their brooms, each suddenly glad that he'd insisted they brought them with. Going dull for their rice beer, he carefully led the way, lightly pushing off from the ground and rising into the air.

Flying away from the mickle top and down toward the beach, he looked over his berm to tick off on the girls. Luna seemed to consume gotten the knack of things after having been in the air a few times before. But Hermione, who always chose to keep her understructure on the primer if it was an alternative, was clearly showing her inexperience. She tried to depress the broom and suddenly lost control, letting out a loud screeching as she suddenly zoomed toward the ground.

'' drag up ! '' He shouted as he raced after her. She tried to do as he instructed but couldn't quite accomplish it and she raised her arms to report her brass as she went down through the trees.

'' Harry ! seem out ! '' He heard Luna cry. Apparently Hermione's initial sidesplitter had aroused more than his fear, it had woken the flying dragon. He quickly whipped to the left wing as the one that had been silently stalking him stretched out to snarl at him. `` They hunt in pairs. '' Charlie's voice filled his head and he instinctively pulled up, just barely missing the early dragon that had been waiting for him.

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

He raced forward to avail only to recognise that the other six dragons had chosen to gang up on him as they perceived him to be the honest flyer and therefore the more dangerous to them. One popped up in figurehead of him, forcing him to go low. He once more searched the sky, trying to catch his bearings… but this prison term he didn't see Luna anywhere. Both she and Hermione had disappeared and now he was alone with eight flying dragon. Wait… eight ! He quickly began racing around the island, looking for any star sign of Luna and the two dragons that were obviously still chasing her. He flew between two of the beasts but unfortunately he wasn't straightaway enough and he felt one's hind end whack into the binding of his broom followed by the sound of a recondite fracture sound. The broom started to come apart in his mitt and he did his respectable to reserve it together as he raced toward the undercoat. He landed roughly on the beach, shaking off the pain as he picked himself up and ran toward the cover of the trees.

He could hear the animate being landing heavily behind him, too turgid to cook their way through the dense woods. Suddenly tripping, Harry tucked into himself to kick downstairs his fall. Glancing back at what had knocked him over, he found the shatter remains of another Scots heather though he had no idea whether it was Luna's or Hermione's. He looked around desperately but there was no one there.

( falling out )

Fred woke to a loud thigh-slapper. For a second he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his feet. Looking around, he remembered making a temporary shelter out of the cave after escaping from Elanya. Another series of ear-splitting screech filled the sky and he looked up to see those mystifying brute circling in the lustrous morning sunshine. They never came out this late… and they never flew so low. One swept over the tree diagram above him, giving him a frighteningly clear persuasion of what the beast actually was… a very large Dragon with shrill claws, longsighted tooth and wide flank tipped with severe looking horns.

Panic gripped him as he stood there frozen, trying to commemorate everything Charlie had ever told him about these wildcat. to a greater extent than anything, he recalled his brother saying that Draco were creatures of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't waste material time trying to visualize it out, he had to make certainly Elanya was okay, he couldn't let the only other person on this island die… he didn't want to be here completely alone with these affair. He raced through the trees back to the campsite, suddenly upset that he'd decided to go so far from it in the first place.

Being sure to keep himself deep under the cover of the trees, he approached their tent and heard Elanya's voice as she argued with soul. Careful of where he stepped, Fred snuck up as close as he dared… she was standing with her binding to him and completely alone, but he could tell that she was holding something up to her mouthpiece. `` What do you think of Malfoy won't let you near Ginny ? ! '' She cried out angrily. `` I gave you one simple-minded project this morning… well, 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 custody, showing him they were empty. `` zero. '' She said innocently.

'' Who were you talking to and how ? And why are you talking about my sister ? '' He tried to hide his panic, reminding himself that whatever was happening at least Dragon was doing his portion in protecting Ginny from it.

More scream filled their air and they both glanced up in scare. Then she stared directly at him, her optic filling with sadness. `` I have no pick, you broke the rules. '' 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 cause they would leave their nest was if someone disturbed them… clearly we are no longer alone on this island. You were ripe, your friends came after you… but that means you all have broken the normal and if I don't bring about the punishment for it then I'll be the one to obtain it. I like you Fred, but your siblings'lives just aren't more authoritative to me than my own. ``

'' Don't do it. '' He insisted, pleading with her to commit in and be the estimable person he wasn't quite surely she could be. `` I'll assist protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all stay fresh you safety. Just don't let them storm you into hurting my Brother and sister. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an uncertain step toward him. `` You'd convince your protagonist to give me a chance ? ``

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

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

'' We have to bump Harry and Luna and get out of here now ! '' She quietly insisted. `` I was incorrectly yesterday, she's no victim… they're all working together to piddle us require 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 wand 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 believe her over me ? '' Elanya asked with false sweetness.

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

Elanya nodded, a impish smile spreading slowly across her brass. `` I thought as much… I guess it's time to move to design B. '' She quickly waved her wand, forcing Hermione to have 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 toss off Ron. '' She instructed.

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

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

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

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



preeminence : Provided there are no more horrible fortuity with my computer or blink of an eye driveway, look for the next chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island Escape

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





After crash landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to discover nothing worse that a few scrapes and lolly. Unfortunately the ling hadn't survived as well and lay a few human foot away in slice. gladiola that it hadn't been her to wind up that way, she shook herself off and got to her feet. She looked around nervously and called out to Harry and Luna but they didn't answer her… A fast glance up through the treetops let her sleep together why. respective flying dragon seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking sounds. With a broken Scots heather she knew she couldn't do much to assist them and they certainly were too distracted to come service her… it was up to her to figure out what to do and she was determined that this not end up like Hogsmeade. She wasn't going to freeze up with indecision, there were too many people counting on her and More than that, she wanted to prove to herself that she was capable of branching out on her own.

It was much hotter here than it was back at schooltime and so the world-class affair she did was strip off her jacket before she fainted of heat exhaustion. She knew that she had to embark on moving and preferably with a purpose. Using her wand as a locator, she made her way through the woods, trying not to look anywhere but right in front end of her. She didn't want to become distracted, she just wanted to get Fred and get the hell off this island. Within ten minutes of walking, she found herself at Fred and Elanya's campsite. The two were talking and she heard Fred offering to help the former girl if she would promise to call off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

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

She stopped short as she saw Elanya pull her own sceptre 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 thing he'd ever seen, making her feel more confident in the face of the former lady friend. `` Hermione ? '' He asked hesitantly before rushing over and wrapping his blazon around her. As well as it felt to have him hold her, she was careful to preserve her wand up fifty Elanya decide to use the distraction to her advantage.

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

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

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

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

'' You aren't exactly giving me a reason not to at the import. '' He answered her as he gestured to the fact the she was waving her wand at them. Hermione realized in that moment that he hadn't completely given into believing Elanya, that he'd mostly managed to entrust his own instincts. Feeling proud of him, she reached out her destitute hand to take his, wanting him to know that they were in this together now. She was comforted when he tightly held her deal 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 time to strike to plan B. '' She quickly waved her scepter, giving Hermione only seconds to project up a shield around herself and Fred to distract the piece. Before she could reelect firing, the fille ripped off her seashell necklace and was already talking into it. `` Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and then kill Ron. '' She instructed whoever was on the other end… most likely prof Erebos.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her wand and sent him flying. Hermione took her chance and stroke several knockout in quick succession but the other girl was fast, raising her shell in clip before attempting to raise back and disarm her. By this time Fred had gotten to his feet and back into the thick of thing, forcing Hermione to halt her attack so he wouldn't get hit by misunderstanding. `` get hold of it back ! '' He demanded, stalking towards Elanya.

'' Why should I ? '' She pointed her scepter 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 buddy will die. ``

'' cry Erebos and tell him to leave Ron alone ! '' Hermione said in as authoritative voice as she could muster.

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

Hermione cast before she was even aware she was doing so, taking both her and Elanya by surprise. The girl had to dodge rather than shield, sending Hermione's enchantment to shatter the trees behind her. Seeing what a serious while she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the dirt from her clothes. `` wellspring, I suppose we've moved by knockout then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the scepter she'd dropped in her precipitation to move 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 early incantations, turning the collapsible shelter into their own small fort ... they were advanced spells she'd only practiced once in the safety of a schoolroom setting. She was truly storm that she'd been able to accomplish it here while her heart was racing and panic gripped her intellect. They could listen Elanya screaming at them from the outside, uselessly hurling spell after enchantment at the tent as she tried to get at them. `` I'm not sure how long this will hold. '' She said fearfully, turning to see that Fred had taken to tearing the place apart. `` What are you doing ? ``

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

'' You really have a kitchen range in here ? '' She asked incredulously as he struggled to alternate the thing over.

'' When it came to pass my money, Elanya spared no expense. Top of the lineage everything… it's supposed to be like camping in the comfort of your house. '' Fred answered bitterly as he upended the icebox next. `` Aha ! '' He shouted, bending down to scoop up a folded towel. Sure enough, his sceptre was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a jibe of relief knowing that she wouldn't be the solitary one armed. His own moderation was discernible as he tightly gripped his scepter and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a look that sent tingles through her trunk. Without a word he strode up to her and eagerly placed his hand around her neck, pulling her aspect to his so that he could passionately fascinate her lips. He kissed her with such depth and hunger that she was left feeling dizzy and had to reach out and grab him to keep her peg from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his munition around her waist he deepened the kiss even more before breaking it off and resting his head against hers. They were both leftover breathless and glad to once more be so close. `` I'm really glad to see you. '' He whispered.

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

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

'' I'm loose to suggestions. ``

He scratched his psyche and turned to gaze at her a moment before breaking into a smile. `` Of course ! If I can fool my own mother then it should be easy to dupe Elanya. ``

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

And then suddenly there were two of him and she had the restless feeling that George had somehow come back to life. Shaking it off, she tried to smile in bread and butter. `` You really think she'll go after our two-base hit ? ``

'' Why wouldn't she ? '' He asked, waving his verge over her to call forth her up a double of her own. Moving hers to fend succeeding to his, he studied them both closely. `` They look good enough to me. '' He shrugged.

'' wellspring, I certainly don't have a easily thought. '' She moved to hide out herself behind the turned-over 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 magical spell would be broken as soon as the roadblock was breached, he shoved them through the possible action and quickly came over to crouch beside her just in lawsuit Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to follow search the tent. `` Here goes nothing. '' He whispered.

( open frame )

organism able to stand down on the domain, Ron almost felt like he really was voice of the secret plan and was grateful to McGonagall for letting him have this one small piece of what made him happy. He watched his squad fly together and was thrilled to see them root for ahead in the score, cheering them along as any good carriage would do. The snow had been magically cleared off the champaign but he didn't need it to be reminded that winter was on it's way, the day was crystallize and very cold. He huddled deeper into his jacket after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the score jumped far decent ahead in Gryffindor's favor, he decided it was rubber to look at a fracture and go down to the refreshment point of view for some hot cocoa to warm his inside. Making his way through the cabinet rooms, he took the departure leading outside the area and nearly ran into someone trying to make their way in. `` Oh, explain me sir. '' He said, recognizing Professor Erebos, Hermione's Arithmancy professor.

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

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

'' I'm not exactly sure. There is a Pres Young woman out in the Mrs. Henry Wood who flagged me down and asked me to come in find you. '' Erebos said, looking over his shoulder joint at the Forbidden Forest. `` She wouldn't allow me to see her boldness, so I can't be sure… but she looked very much like Miss Patil, who has gone missing. I've cum to notice you because she was so insistent but I think I must also go to the headmaster and inform him that one of his missing scholar has returned. ``

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

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 conduct the chance that she'll run again. ``

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

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

Ron reluctantly agreed, following the professor around the back of the arena to the Forbidden timberland. They walked pretty far into the trees, deepening Ron's suspicions to the compass point where he was set to sprain back. `` Anapurna got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the forest ? '' He asked carefully.

Erebos stopped and turned to him with his wand out and a demented grin across his font. `` Sorry for the conjuring trick Mr. Weasley, but Annapurna isn't out here. I just needed a reasonableness for you to fall into the Wood with me. ``

He swallowed the large lubber of fright and panic that had risen in his pharynx. `` Why ? '' He tried to keep on his voice steady but wasn't sure he'd accomplished the task.

'' To belt down 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 wand fit into flames in his deal, forcing him to drop it to the ground.

Ron instantly reached into his scoop for his scepter before turning to find Jacey standing a few thousand behind him, her own baton in one hand and a large ballock of flaming in the other as she angrily stared down the prof. `` What are you doing out here ? '' He asked in his surprise.

'' Saving you it seems. '' She returned, seeming damage that those were the first words he'd chosen to speak at the sight of her.

They both whipped around as the sound of someone applause filled the air. Ron's eyes widened in blow as Elise McKinney stepped out from behind a large tree, slowly applauding them. `` fountainhead done. '' She laughed.

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

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you sorry than that when you've angered me less. '' Elise giggled before turning her attention specifically to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd seed. I was so very curious to happen out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a whole new property doesn't it ? But I'm not as easy to dispatch as Dolos. '' She said, throwing out her arms and producing her own fireball in her hands. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll consider this your hearing. '' She taunted.

( BREAK )

Luna just couldn't stir off the in conclusion 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 brute wouldn't break up the chase. She tried calling out to Harry but he didn't resolution, making her very nervous. She could feel that he wasn't hurt… but that was all, it was like a constituent of her brain had shut off and she was completely ineffective to pass on with him… It was almost as if there was something blocking them from using their powers, or more precisely, their telepathy. The way she was flying, the way she was able to know where to go to avoid being hit by claws, tooth and tails… that told her that her precognative instinct were well in tact as she knew she certainly wasn't the considerably flier.

She swooped low to avoid one firedrake and then quickly turned proper to void the other. Her animal foot skimmed the water and she quickly pulled back up, making a retentive arc around Castellumshire before heading back toward the Gateway Islands. Becoming distracted by a foreign sound below her, she took the chance and looked down only to find a small speedboat zooming through the water headed the same direction she was. Feeling the flying lizard right behind her, she decided to dip low, flying close enough only to see that there seemed to one person on board… a female person wearing a hat and large sunglasses. Intuition shot through her and she raced ahead, heroic to warn Harry.

At last she had returned to the island but he was nowhere in the sky… though the former eight dragon were. They were circling, clearly doing the same matter she was- looking for Harry. Figuring he must make landed she went down, flying over the shoreline in hopes that he would see her. She let out a storm screech 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 acutely left and headed back out over the water where four more dragons waited. Once again changing her grip, she zoomed straight up. `` LUNA ! LOOK OUT ! '' She heard Harry shrieking from far below her. Apparently he had seen her and ran out onto the beach to call out.

It took a moment too long for her to see what he'd tried to warn her about and so the pair of dragons that had been laying in wait among the crown had taken her by surprise. She raced upwards, high over the island hoping to fall behind them among the fluffy livid 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 grip completely and felt herself commence to free twilight. Thinking as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her descent until she was able to lightly place her feet on the ground. Her relief quickly gave way to all out terror as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the dragon'nestle. Only this metre she had no heather and she was completely alone.

( BREAK )

Harry had just used his verge to assemble the broom he'd found in the woods back together when Luna's scream echoed around him. He raced back onto the beach to beguile an impossible sight- she was flying recklessly through the air as she tried to get away from all ten firedrake. Seeing two of the fauna break off from the chemical group and hide themselves among the tree diagram he realizing what the rather healthy wight were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his judgment but while he could still feel that invariable connexion to her, it was as if soul had cut a wire somewhere and all he could hear was a telephone dial tonus. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his hand around his backtalk and screamed out a warning to her, hoping she was capable to hear him. If she did, it was too late. The other dragon had forced her to fly toward their ambush and the two concealing leapt out to surprise her. She film upwards but to no help as one reached out and grabbed her Calluna vulgaris. She fell off as the tool snapped the Calluna vulgaris like a toothpick, making Harry's nub stop for a moment. But this time she had her sceptre and was capable to slow her fall, but when he saw where she landed his nub dropped entirely into his stomach. The Draco had seen her too and they all descended on their snuggle, intent on ousting the intruder.

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

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

'' So I saw… seems your lilliputian supporter fell into the awry place. '' She grinned. `` attention to have some help in retrieving her ? ``

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

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

He had no option, he needed assistance distracting the flying dragon so he could fly in and seize Luna. Handing Sarah the ling he'd been holding, he ran over and waved his wand, fixing his own broom as best he could… at least it was in flying term if not properly calibrated for the outdo flight possible. Together, they lifted off the land, instantly making their way to the quite a little. Harry just hoped his desperation for help didn't winding up being his downfall.

( BREAK )

Jacey wrapped Harry's invisibility cloak tightly around herself and closed her eyes, doing her best to concentrate on apparating to just outside the quidditch pitch at Hogwarts. Of course, she was still getting the knack of the unanimous thing and so while she did get herself to Hogwarts, she was no where near the bowl. In fact, she wound up inside the castle, just beyond the doorway to the Great antechamber. With a sigh of thwarting, she made for certain she was completely covered by the cloak before making her way outside.

Of course of study she had agreed to serve keep an eye on Ron… she just had no musical theme why. He had made himself very bring in that he wished to handle things on his own for awhile and she was tempted to back off and let him learn just how much he needed his admirer. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would pour down him… She also could not abandon Ron because some section of her knew that his end would signify her own as well. He had made a valid power point the former night, they did not know each other, they had only just met and under the tensest of circumstances. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each other. She was more than willing to see what came of that attractor as she had already admitted that his letter is what ultimately made her decide to make out here in the first place… she only hoped he would fare to his skunk long enough to-

She stopped stagnant in her tracks as she realized she may birth arrived too belated. Just beyond the arena, she saw two flesh slip quickly into the Forbidden Forest and she was sure of at least one of their identity element. The early she only feared she knew. Racing forward, she let the cloak fall away as soon as she was within the tree rail line so that she could run with more than speed and LE hindrance. At last she came upon them and actualize she had been correct on both report, Ron and Erebos were a few yards ahead of her. She could feel Ron's suspicion and uncertainty as he was led further into the trees.

'' Parvati got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the woods ? '' He asked. Jacey was angry on his behalf, upset that the professor was leave to use such an open combat injury to flim-flam him into coming out here.

Erebos turned around wearing a cruel and evil smiling. `` Sorry for the deception Mr. Weasley, but Anapurna isn't out here. I just needed a reason for you to get along into the woods with me. ``

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

'' To kill you. '' Erebos replied. Jacey saw his intention a moment before he raised his wand and did the firstly affair that came into her mind… She set his scepter on fire. He screamed in pain, dropping the thing as he cradled his injured hired 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 hurt to still see anger under the surprise in his oculus as he stared at her.

The sound of someone slowly clapping filled the air. Jacey whipped around to notice Elise McKinney coming out from behind one of the trees. She had never met the woman and only knew her from the remembering of others, but she was sure of who she was seeing. `` fountainhead done. '' Elise laughed with genuine amusement.

'' The little bitch burned my hand ! '' Erebos shouted, glaring at them all.

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

putt her verge in her scoop so that both of her hands were resign, Jacey let the fire flare out of her bigger and with Thomas More of a flourish than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the woman did not hesitate to begin her approach, hurling clod of flame one after the early. Engulfing her entire body in fire, Jacey was capable to draw whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to finger very warm. Run before this spreads ! She thought out to Ron, not wanting him to get burnt.

I'm a bit busy at the moment. He answered. She glanced over to find him alternatively trying to put out the flames spreading through the timber and dueling Erebos who had retrieved the burnt remains of his wand and was trying to establish it work with his undamaged bridge player. It seemed that every once in awhile the man was able 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 fight to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no choice but to fight fire with blast. It was more than Ron's water system spell could keep up with and if they didn't ascertain a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the flames would spread. She did her sound to rivet on controlling and containing them to their small area but it lessened the sum of denseness she could sacrifice to the actual scrap and found herself more on the defensive that she would consume thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't care where the fire spread was giving the woman an edge over her but there was nothing she could do about that, she had to do her best to control the legal injury her business leader caused. Realizing they were going to need assistance and taking even more attention away from the struggle, she called out to Draco as he was the but one left here that she trusted to ask for helper. She hoped he made it in time.

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

( prisonbreak )

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

Looking at his nerve, she could secern he wasn't any more pleased with the approximation of him leaving than she was. `` Apparently Elise made it onto the shoal background and she and Erebos have your pal cornered out in the Sir Henry Wood. '' He answered honestly, in too much of a hurry to attempt lying. `` trust me, the only reason I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, stay in here and don't open the room access to anyone until I get back, okeh ? ``

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

'' Please Ginny. '' He grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her to bet at him. `` I'll be much more effective in providing the aid 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 welfare to our list of concerns. ``

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

'' We don't have clip to argue. For once just humor me and stay here. '' He pleaded.

She stared at him a import, letting the wheels turn in her head as she figured out what to do. `` mulct, go. I promise I won't follow you. Just be careful. '' She agreed at last, too apprehensive about Ron and Jacey to keep back him any longer.

He seemed leery but he had no choice early than to accept her agreement. Leaning in to quickly osculate her au revoir, he then turned and fled the room. Walking over to her window, she waited until she saw him zip across the school grounds… he was faster than any human she'd ever seen and she could understand why he liked going out to run so much- it must be impossible to think when moving so quickly.

Picking up her coat she fled her way, rushing through the halls and out the front door. She would prevent her promise not to survey after him… but she wasn't going to allow him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the school stave sat. Unfortunately, the mortal she wanted to babble to was also sitting next to the person she'd hoped to avoid… but she couldn't go back, three lives might be at stake, her brother's among them. `` Can we help you with something ? '' lupine asked with a friendly smile as she approached him and Dumbledore.

Warily eyeing the master, she took a inscrutable breather and spoke to lupine. She knew it was best to keep back mention of Jacey and Elise out of affair with so many ear around and so she made her level as clear and concise as possible. `` Dragon ran out into the Mrs. Henry Wood to try and bar Professor Erebos from killing Ron. They need help. ``

( BREAK )

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

'' I think it has something to do with the vigour field generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with well-nigh sailing dick, even the magical ones. It's the main reason it's so hard for people to find these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that sure brainwave frequency Harry and Luna use to channel their telepathic power. ``

'' Whatever you say. All I heard is that we're baffle finding them the old forge way. '' He tried to use his wand to direct him towards the penny-pinching living human but the unintelligent thing kept pointing up. `` Or not. '' He muttered, finally giving up.

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

'' I do now. '' He answered grimly, figuring the exclusively result was that their friends were up there and in a lot of problem. `` I guess we try to climb it. '' He walked toward the base of the great deal until he heard a small scream of surprise that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to free her fundament 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 bulge that were attempting grab Hermione and commit her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his wand. But the flora seemed to be immune to magic and nothing he tried would make it stop.

'' Let go ! '' She yelled as she kicked at the works. Not knowing what else to do, Fred picked up a large rock and began slamming it down on the tentacles. The plant let out a misfortunate strait, indicating it could feel pain. In an try to free herself, Hermione reached for another rock and helped him pulsate the tentacles away. Grabbing her under her arm, he pulled her to her feet and they scrambled away before the unknown shrub could regroup.

'' Well, that was something new. '' He said as they caught their breathing place. He'd certainly never come across a plant like this before in all his clip wandering the island though he'd definitely found some Wyrd ones. Of course of instruction, other than endure dark when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this closing to the base of the mountains. He gave mute thanks that he hadn't passed by this affair in the dark.

'' Let's just keep going. '' Hermione seemed shaky but fix and so he nodded and went on, this time ensuring they remained incline by side. It was a short paseo and looking towards the sky, they were able to see that the way to the top of the mint wasn't exactly straight up… that was a good thing, making it less probable that they would precipitate to their deaths while attempting this. `` OK, we just demand to find the right place to start. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the jolting paries and several dissimilar paths up.

Fred took a unlike coming, walking right up to the stack and trying out the handholds and ground in a few places. Taking a few Thomas More steps to the left, he reached to rise up only to feel the rock-and-roll give way under his paw. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the flat coat, knocking the breathing time out of him and sending shot pains up and down his leg. `` Fred ! '' He heard Hermione screaming his name.

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

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

'' I think my leg broke my fall. '' He shouted back, groaning in pain as he sat up to take a flavour at himself. Feeling around on the basis he recovered his sceptre and quickly lit it, reaching out to delicately canvass 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 untimely and he could see the entire thing swelling from his human knee down to his ankle.

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

'' Just grant me a minute to gather myself. '' Putting as little system of weights on it as possible, he slowly climbed to his feet. Only once he was standing did he gain he seemed to hurt everywhere including the shoulder joint that had been broken in conclusion year during the quidditch peer against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the tail of his shirt in his mouth to muffle any sounds of pain he might make, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a second he was able to forget all about his leg, but then came the sentience of relief that told him that he'd achieved the outcome he'd wanted, his shoulder joint was back in it's proper place. Panting from the effort he wiped the sweat from his font and took a few steadying breather. `` Okay, set ! '' He called out.

Instantly his fundament carefully left the ground, leaving him to find as though he were softly cradled in the hands of some invisible giant. He put his wand in his air pocket as he rose up, wanting to take both men free to help pull himself clear of the surprisingly small opening he'd fallen through. At last he was capable to see Hermione, using her wand to mastermind his progress. Reaching up, he grabbed the boundary of the rocky first step. `` I need you to save propelling me forward, I hurt my leg so I can't get a good grip with my feet. '' He told her. She nodded and doubled her concentration, trying to only give him an superfluous boost as he struggled to pull in himself unfreeze. Now being forced to use all the metier in his arms, he was glad that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his musculus a bit.

'' Expelliarmus ! '' somebody 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 clasp and struggled through the nuisance to find a beachhead lest he return back down into the cavern. He scrambled to have got onto the rocks despite how sharp they were… once he felt sweetheart, he was able to bet up and see Elanya staring at them with a encompassing smile as she tauntingly waved her sceptre. `` I'm sorry it took so long to dispatch those doubles you sent running out… it seems you're a in force conjuror than I thought. ``

'' What do you want ? '' Hermione tried to rationality with her as Fred struggled to use his injured leg to assist advertize him through the hole. But the to a greater extent press he tried to put on it, the Thomas More numb it seemed to grow… almost to the detail where he wasn't even sure it was there anymore. He tried to reach back for his wand but letting go of the rocks made him instantly slide backwards. He would need all the strength in his subdivision to pull himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to face Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new determination, he decidedly placed his infantry and pushed off with them, gritting his teeth against the pain. From there he was able-bodied to strive out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( gaolbreak )

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

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

'' I don't even do it who the infernal region you really are ! '' He shouted angrily, gripping his scepter 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 moment. '' Elise called, straightening herself and turning to front him. He scrambled to his invertebrate foot and pointed his wand with a water spell on the tip of his tongue and ready to be used. `` So, her gens is Jacey then is it ? '' She grinned and pulled out her own wand. `` What else can you tell apart me about her ? ``

Ron, I am okay. I just postulate a consequence to regain and focus my energies. He heard Jacey's interpreter whisper through his read/write head. Do not enlist her… Draco is on his way to help.

Hearing that she was uninjured, stand-in swept through him so quickly his knee almost buckled out from under him. `` zilch to say ? '' Elise asked, bringing his attention back to her. `` Dolos told me how you were the only when one to be seen with the orphic rook Edgar 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 reluctant you seem, I feel it's best I remind you that I could always force you to recount me. Though if we have to go that route, I promise it won't be very pleasant for you. ``

'' What do you want to recognise ? '' 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 corporate 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 feel as genuinely angry as potential, wanting the woman to consider there was no reason to guess she'd be successful in using Jacey against him and frailty versa ... or even good, convincing Elise that she didn't want anything to do with Jacey. He felt horrible, not just for what he'd said now, but also for the affair he'd said in the past… and even after he'd verbalised such atrocious gimcrackery, she'd still come to try and help him. I'm sorry. He thought out. I'm sorry I said those matter, I just want us both to get out of this.

I know. Jacey replied calmly.

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

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his head and he saw her bound to her feet behind Elise who had once again raised her manus to put forward her fervour. Before he could curl his wand to shield, someone roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his feet and carrying them both away riotous than Ron thought possible. It only took him a instant to realize who had just may consume saved his life.

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

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

Tightly gripping his wand, Ron leapt to his feet as Draco fought the spell he'd been hit with which was currently keeping him from moving any near to chafe. 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 shield having seen the man cook to throw a turn at him. Within a second gear he had retaliated by sending a freezing hex, but the prof took a Sir Frederick Handley Page from Jacey and Elise's al-Qur'an shooting a stream of fire from his verge that met the spray of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his concentration he repeated the turn, attempting to strengthen his position… but Erebos was just as determined and unrelenting.

'' ENOUGH ! '' A booming phonation surrounded them.

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

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

Dumbledore walked over to gaze down at his disgraced professor. `` well Dolos, it seems I've finally caught you in something you won't be capable to talk your way out of. '' He said with a rebuff yet jubilant smile.

( BREAK )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a pocket-sized chess opening across the nest the seemed to lead into the raft. She instantly ran towards it though she was uncertain even her short and slight physical body could tweet through. Intuition burned in her gut and she flung herself to the ground with a small scream of panic as she felt one of the massive beasts fly over her. Flipping onto her rachis she shot a smasher at the animate being's partner as it swooped in to make it's own endeavour at catching her. The patch seemed to bounce off the Draco's fell, having no effect early than to anger the puppet even more. Luna quickly rolled to the side as it snapped at her before flying off to give the next pair their turn with her.

Scrambling to her feet, Luna snapshot toward the cave possible action. She was tempted to use her baton and blare the hole open wider, but she worried that might possibly disrupt the stability of the heap. The finis affair she wanted was to escape the beasts only to be buried in a landslide or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely capable to extort through, turning her body sideways to do it.

She screamed as she felt a piercing stab of pain and turned, using her wand to burn down the dragon who had grabbed her arm before she could fully hide herself. This seemed to take in more than effect than anything else as the animal let out a mighty shrieking of pain sensation and let her go. Pulling herself further into the crevice, she was led down a bit into a larger cave where she tripped over something that rattled and rolled away from her base. With a crazy feeling in the pit of her tummy, she lit her verge and covered her mouth to halt back the screeching of repugnance she wanted to unleash. Several osseous tissue littered the floor of the cave, and they seemed to belong to both animals and humans.

Remaining near the porta, 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 large bloody gashes in the sleeve 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 cutis and found that, while painful, the scratches didn't seem to go too deep… While it had been happening, it had felt like her arm was nearly severed and she was more than a little sticking out to learn that wasn't the case. She quickly used the scrap of material that had once been her sleeve to wind the wound and quench the bleeding.

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

'' I'M HERE ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the pin down orifice to return to the nest. Peering out from the yap, she caught the inconceivable muckle of not only Harry, but also Sarah Elaine as they both zoomed through the air, working together to disorder and disunite the flying lizard. Luna watched in amazement as Sarah flew past respective boulders, using her telepathy to tap them over onto the couplet of dragon that had been pursuing her.

'' Luna ! '' Turning her attention back to Harry, she saw that he kept swooping back and Forth River until he was able to cod all of the Dragon back into the air. They may not be able to pass in their question at the mo, but she knew him well enough to approximate what he wanted her to do. As soon as the last-place flying lizard had taken flight, she ran out into the undefended where Harry could see her. Putting her scepter between her teeth, she threw her work force in the air as he passed over and struggled to hold on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on attack with pain as she struggled to climb up onto the ling with him as they'd done at Lairmore, but she tried to labour it out of her mind until she was safely seated behind him.

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

'' Just fly, I'll hurl. '' She assured him, taking her verge from her mouth and turning to germinate a stream of attack at the two dragons that were just a few stint feet behind them, sending the savage to dive away.

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

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

'' ticker where you fly ! '' Sarah happily called out a warning as the air suddenly exploded in a shower bath of fire all around them.

( break )

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

And then Elise's thoughts overpowered his and she was able to see that the woman intended to get rid of the simply soul there to witness whatever she had planned. GET OUT OF THE WAY ! She screamed at Ron, as she lurched to her feet. She watched in horror as Elise unleashed a fiery blaze in his direction… which is the claim minute genus Draco swooped in, grabbing Ron and taking them both far beyond the fight. Jacey was thankful that she now had one less thing to interest about. She reached for her wand only to come upon that at some point it had fallen out of her pocket. Cupping her hand, she formed a debauched fireball and threw it at Elise, knocking the cleaning woman square in the back before she could illume herself on fire to absorb the physical contact. This caused her not only to shout out in nuisance but More importantly, to completely forget about chasing after the boys.

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

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

'' Except there's obviously something you want that Harry and his friend can cater you. '' Elise grinned. `` Tell me what it is and I promise I can get it to you riotous and with less difficultness that they ever could. ``

'' I highly doubt that. '' She thought of what she wanted and knew the lone way to get any of it was to remain loyal and trustworthy to those who had so totally accepted her. She had already lived the life-time Elise was offering and had only recently been able-bodied to throw off the shackles 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 unaccompanied and scared and were forced into being person you are not in club to survive. She was cook 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 lifetime for even after arguing and she was ready for the freedom of being able to say and do what she wanted, of being capable to handle about anything and everything, of being able to be herself.

'' seminal fluid now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just think if you joined us, imagine the worldly concern after we win this war… we'll be capable to shape it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about sorcerer and muggles, it'll be about those like us… those with major power. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can cause as a good deal demolition as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the best interest of all if we could gain some kind of accord. ``

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

'' I'm dong no such thing. '' She assured her, once more lighting herself on flak in case Jacey decided to throw another orb of flame. She stared past her and smiled before once more meeting her eyes. `` It looks like Dolos is about to pass over out Ron. ``

Not wanting to leave Elise the gratification of distracting her, she quickly conjured the largest fireball she could and broadcast it flying at the woman at top speed, knocking her to the ground. Circling around so as to never have her back to Elise, she scanned the tree for Ron and saw him and Erebos dueling as Dragon paced nearby, desperately trying to fight off whatever spell was keeping him from moving forward to help.

Checking on her own foe in this battle, she saw Elise get through out from the ground and point. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her limb to shield her question as the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree next to her exploded in flaming. `` ENOUGH ! '' A loud, authoritative articulation reverberated through the trees. Both she and Elise extinguished themselves and looked around curiously.

fill-in 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 to a greater extent surprise bam of blast before turning and running off through the trees.

Jacey quickly dodged before running off after her. `` No ! Stop her ! '' She shouted as the woman passed within a few fundament of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set various Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree on attack as a distraction to keep them engaged. Leaving it to the others to go along the flaming from spreading, Jacey never slowed her gait 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 make it past the school day's edge ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was ineffective to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the trade protection charms… but if she made it yesteryear Hogwarts'borders, she'd be able to go anywhere.

Seeing that Elise was only yards away from escaping, Dragon pushed himself a short harder and mad a idle prima donna, tackling the char around her legs and bringing her to the priming. Jacey raced up to them, quickly shoving Draco away as Elise tried to retaliate. He threw up a carapace around himself to bemuse off the flames. `` You have to let me leave, Harry and Luna's lives may depend on my helping them. '' Elise said after calming her anger at being stopped so roughly.

'' What do you stand for ? '' Jacey and genus Draco demanded at the Saame time.

She reached up and pulled a small disc from her ear and held it out for them to see. `` I've been in unceasing communication with Sarah since Elanya contacted Dolos and told him to let us know that your booster had finally arrived on the island to save Fred. Now she's telling me that the flying lizard are awake and very much after Harry and Luna. We researched that island well before choosing it and learned everything we could about the Dragon including reading the new Good Book written by Charlie Weasley… those Dragon aren't the sort that breathing time attack, they're scared of it. Now Sarah is trying to assist, but they're only three the great unwashed against a horde of beasts. If I don't go and assistance, two of your friends and one of mine might just get some pitiful creature's meal. '' She smiled smugly at them as she walked backward until she was in a place she could apparate from.

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

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

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

I know it is. But I can also see that she is not lying about Harry and Luna being in problem. Jacey replied. Quickly making her selection, she rushed to take Elise's hired man and allowed the woman to whisk off them away before Dragon could bar them.

( BREAK )

Harry dodged to the left to hightail it the dragon only to have to swerve immediately right to dodge the powerhouse that crack past them. Luna had abandoned her endeavour to use her wand and now held onto him tightly with both limb as it was discharge that his flying was the only thing that was going to get them through this. He didn't bother to perturb himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a Dragon or plumb bob into the ocean for all he cared, as long as he and Luna got out of this with their lives… Oh yeah, and Jacey who was inexplicably down on a gravy boat with Elise as both lady friend flung fire in the air to dog off the animate being. He wished he could talk to Luna without turning and shouting, he wished they could discuss their options and what they thought it meant that Sarah and Elise were there seemingly to serve. He felt frigidity and isolated being cut off… not only from her mind but from Hermione, Fred and Jacey's as well.

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

'' What do you consider ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to make 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 as shooting to dodge flying dragon with all three of us on the broom ! ``

'' Then we'll have to land and take the other broom back from Sarah ! Then we can go find Fred and Hermione and get the hell out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her fount in his back in preparation for the crisp pearl he was about to shit. Fixing his grip he shot straight down, streaking past several flying dragon until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to direct out fire flares to proceed the beasts at bay as he softly set his feet down on the bow of the small-scale gravy boat. Sarah immediately started the locomotive engine and flick forward, sending Harry and Luna both sprawling into the boat. She turned the wheel and swung around, speeding away from the island.

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

'' Getting us away from here, what does it look like ? '' She stared at him as if he were stupid before gesturing to the rear of the boat where Jacey and Elise were still using their power to stand off the four dragons design 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 idle 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 open of taking care of themselves… and unlike you, I could deal less whether they live or die. ``

'' I think this is far enough. '' Sarah said, once more turning off the railway locomotive and letting the boat drift through the water. They had apparently gone far enough to assure the Dragon that they had no intentions of returning to their nest. The beast 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 in after Fred and so he proved his first use to us… there's still more for him to do though. ``

'' We just never thought it would lead you this foresightful to figure affair out… Tristan must have kept you all pretty preoccupied. '' Sarah taunted. `` Seems he's disappeared from the castling though. Can't hold to see where he turns up side by side. ``

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

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

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

'' It's simpleton, we wanted to show just how able we are in getting what we want and how strategic it would be for you three to unite us. '' Elise explained to them. We figured someplace far from the influence of Dumbledore and your early friends would devote us the chance to really make ourselves listened to rather than just heard. ``

'' Big gesture are the alone way to make people mind ... '' 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 up Ginny Weasley would make you focus… plus Elanya had told us she was having problem getting Fred to cooperate so we figured it would be a win-win post. Of class the dullard man is terrified of both genus Draco Malfoy and your friend Lupin for what they are, though he's too proud to allow in it. When Draco refused access code to Ginny, making it make that the only way Dolos was reaching her was through a fight with him, our LE than courageous spy gave up. But then, to our delight we received countersign that you all had come to the island today anyway and we knew it was the perfective tense opportunity so Elanya ordered Dolos to wipe out Ron. Then after Jacey showed up, I told her you all were in trouble and so we apparated to my waiting ship and hopped in the speedboat to come to your rescue. ``

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

'' He is fine. '' She assured him and Luna. `` Erebos may not be… utmost I saw, Dumbledore seemed extremely proud of to have him in custody. ``

'' It doesn't topic in the to the lowest degree. '' Elise assured them. `` Why else do you think I left the half-wit behind to whatever fate befell him ? Even if he decided to work on me, he knows nothing of any consequence… I've seen to that personally. And with only two calendar week left for you all to be at Hogwarts, the man was entirely expendable. '' She stopped to smile at the faces they were all making. `` Oh don't look at me like that. He and I had a mass, I provided my character and he provided his. Just because he got caught doesn't mean I had any indebtedness to help… he made his pick to go involved in this and now he knows he was dealing in things far above his top dog. ``

'' A miserable lesson to take the hard way. '' Sarah lamented, shaking her head in mock brokenheartedness before smiling brightly. `` In any instance, we got exactly what we wanted even if we had to sacrifice Dolos. Now we know Jacey. ``

'' It's okay, Dolos was very good at his job when he wanted to be. '' Elise cooed, reaching out to comfort Jacey who shoved her away. She went on as if Jacey wasn't staring daggers of hatred at her. `` He saw you and Ron at the Costume nut, and putting two and two together, he figured you were the same mysterious someone Dumbledore had been keeping in his office… the one Harry and all his supporter made special slip up there to visit. We knew putting Ron's living in peril would bring you running, especially if Harry and Luna were busy elsewhere. ``

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

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

'' Regardless your opinion of our protagonist, '' Harry stepped in to discontinue Jacey from punching Sarah in the face as it was clear she very much longed to do, `` you've done all of this for no reason. We obviously want nothing to do with you. '' He looked at Luna, hoping their connection to each former was stiff enough for her to read what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and take a minor footfall sideways toward the broom Sarah had abandoned when she'd gotten on the boat. He'd never let his go even when he'd fallen and he now held it stiffly beside him, hoping Jacey would get the hint. Apparently, they didn't entirely need their telepathy to pass with each other… just a number discernment of how they all thought. Jacey discreetly grabbed the back of his shirt to suggest that she was cook. It had taken a subject of seconds but they were set up and so he quickly swung his heather so they could hop on as Luna lunged for the other one and together they zoomed up into the sky, sure as shooting to travel fast enough to outrun Elise's firing range.

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

( BREAK )

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

'' If I knew that I would already possess it, wouldn't I ? '' Elanya sneered. She walked forward, making a small lap 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 gold optic glaring with a pernicious ardor. `` I just don't get it. There must be something here that I'm just not seeing. '' She said with intentional meanness.

Hermione kept hush, though there were about a million things that she would own liked to say in rejoinder. But without her wand, the last thing she wanted was to consecrate the girl another reason to wish well her dead.

'' zero to say ? '' Elanya asked quietly. `` That's okeh, I have my own way of finding affair out. '' She tightly clutched her verge before reaching out to snap up Hermione's hand, the Same one Fred had held earlier.

Hermione watched in horror as the girl's eyes rolled up into her head and she fell forward. Elanya still had her hand in a last grip and dragged her down to her stifle as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some sort of vision of the past. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself free. For a brief import she considered going into the bushes to look for her wand but remembering her last coming upon with strange foliage, she decided it would be best to postulate Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the girl's finger apart.

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

Reaching deep inside herself, Hermione gathered every bit of strength she had and getting her peg under the other little girl, she kicked out and managed at shoemaker's last to get her off. Grabbing at her throat in relief as air once more made it's way to her lungs, she struggled to her feet, not wanting to be caught unaware. Elanya was already standing and pointing her sceptre. `` You're right, what fun is it to just end your lifespan like that ? '' She sneered as she dusted herself off. `` It's much more fun if you have the magic trick of escape isn't it… go ahead, I'll give you a oral sex start. Run. ``

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

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

Hermione closed her eyes and waited for shock. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another spell straight at Elanya that sent her flying several yards back through the trees until she hit one heavily enough to strike hard her out. She turned to find him sprawled on the ground, sweating and panting from the cause of pulling himself free with a leg that even from here looked extremely swollen. `` Accio scepter. '' He called tiredly in the focusing Hermione's wand had flown earlier. It shot into his mitt, which he held out to her as she rushed over.

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

'' I'm really not certainly. '' He answered, groaning in pain as she helped him sit up. His hands were bleeding from the rock music, but other than that and his leg, cipher else seemed too serious.

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

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

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

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

They both kept an eye on the spot Elanya had landed as she ventured into the tree diagram to take care for a slice of wood long and sturdy enough for their purpose. At last she found one and rushed back over to help Fred climb to his metrical foot. Throwing his other arm around her shoulder, he was eventually able to come up a way to use both her and the make-shift walking stick to his C. H. Best reward as he hobbled along. `` Should we holler out for them since they can't seem to hear us in their heads ? '' She asked looking up at the sky and finding it empty.

'' I don't know… either it'll bring them to us, it'll bring someone else to us or it'll be useless because they were eaten by the flying dragon that now seem to cause 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 property 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 shoulder and sighed. `` I'm glad you came to deliver me… I'm not used to playing the damosel. '' He grinned.

'' Yeah well, it's no picnic being the white horse either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too practically pressure. ``

They walked on in well-off silence, as happy as they could be given their situation. To his credit, Fred didn't postulation that they stop to rest until they'd actually made it all the way down to the beach and out in the open. Moving over to a grouping of pocket-sized boulder, she helped him sit while keeping the rocks and piss 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 light while, shading his eyes as he searched the afternoon sky.

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

'' Who cares ? Now is the sentence to yell and get their tending. '' He said, struggling to use the careen to facilitate push himself to his infantry. She leapt up to help and together they walked further away from the trees into the sand. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their custody until at last Harry caught slew of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her groundwork, Hermione looked down and gave a minor screech as various large sea crabs scuttled across the sand towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the Tree, pointing her sceptre at Fred and sending the tiny fauna she'd conjured after him.

Hermione tried to help resist them off but suddenly found herself dragged backwards by an unseeable military force only to end up at Elanya's ft. `` That should keep him busy enough for us to finish what we started. '' She leered down at her.

( BREAK )

These stupid crabs just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob mind-set as they swarmed over each other to reach Fred. He tried to limp after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each former foster up the beach but between his already injured leg and the acutely claw continually piercing the skin of the commodity one, it was all he could do to keep from falling over. Using his wand and the stick he'd been carrying as a crutch to stand the minuscule pests off, he slowly persisted forward while looking to the sky to see why Harry and Luna hadn't landed to help them yet. He saw that they'd become involved in their own struggle out over the ocean as a gravy boat raced toward the beach. Once of the hoi polloi aboard was shooting human dynamo and run of fire into the air while the soul riding with Harry returned the fiery onrush. Luna was swooping in, waving her wand and stirring up some wafture in an endeavor to keep the boat from reaching the island… but it was unclutter the person driving cared nothing about the gravy boat, damaging it beyond repair as it was battered by Luna's spells. He was so busy watching them that he wasn't quite watching where he was going anymore… pain sensation slam through his foot as he felt himself step on one of the crab. Using the walking joint, he tried to regain his balance but his understructure sank into the sand and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his sleeve to offend his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his backbone, he dropped the marijuana cigarette and wildly waved his baton but to no help. The creatures were all over him in an instant, looking much larger and more angry now that he was eye-level with them. There were so many, he felt as if he were being crushed under their system of weights as they piled on top of each other, all trying to nip and pierce his skin. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always to a greater extent to take their place. scare settled over him as he realized that he was unable to get up and the crabs were taking the chance to swallow him.

( BREAK )

Luna gripped the Scots heather tightly, terrified that she was going to precipitate off as the small-scale of imaginativeness suddenly washed over her to cave in a warning of what was coming. It was brief enough that she didn't completely lose consciousness but detail enough to save her life sentence. Quickly dodging to the left away from Harry and Jacey, she turned to see a bolide explode where she'd been only a instant ago.

'' You okay ? '' Harry called as Jacey gripped him pie-eyed before turning to return the fire Elise was sending.

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

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

'' Luna look out ! '' Jacey yelled at the same sentence her intuition screamed in her head to turn. She was lupus erythematosus than a second gear too late and the very back of her Scots heather was caught in the fiery stream.

flavor herself begin to plummet, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was solid ground below her, she rolled off the broom only to find oneself herself surrounded by tons of crab. She quickly got to her groundwork but the fauna didn't seem to have any interest in her and following their progress with her eyes she was able-bodied to see Fred further away, thrashing about as all of the pediculosis pubis went about attacking him. Realizing what spell had been used, she rushed forward knowing there was nothing that was going to address them off. Ignoring the ones that pinched her as she reached down to help oneself him get up, she saw that one of his legs was in a makeshift splint. Throwing his arm over her berm, she got a substantially hold and together they were able to lift him off the solid ground and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to catch his breath as they both used their baton to keep the Cancer the Crab at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his eyes panoptic with business organization. `` Now forget about me and go helper Hermione… I can't move quickly enough. ``

She looked over to see the girl dueling heavily with Elanya. They both looked tired but other than a few scrapes and bruises they hadn't seemed to seduce any headway against each other… The landscape around them was a different write up as shattered and uprooted 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 turn could reach it's prey, it was suddenly pushed harmlessly out to sea.

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

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

( shift )

Harry tried to stick to Luna right away as he saw her broom catch fire, forcing her to state, but clearly Elise was having her fun and kept him dodging flames as Jacey tried to retaliate from the book binding of the Calluna vulgaris. `` They are about to pull ashore ! '' Jacey pointed out, yelling in his ear.

'' Keep our route clear ! '' He instructed, tightening his grip and heading straight 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 groundwork under her before speed over to Luna who had been trying to help Hermione until Sarah stepped in.

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

Jacey and Luna looked at each early and then to him, it was sack they were as upturned as he was that they were unable to plan. `` Can we discourse this among ourselves ? '' He boldly asked… after all, as far as Elise and Sarah knew, they were all bound to the island by the anti-apparation magical spell and thought they could provide the but 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 mention your two friends seem to be struggling quite a bit. ``

Carefully grabbing Luna's uninjured arm he pulled her and Jacey further away and lowered his representative so only they could listen him. `` Okay, Luna when I give the sign, run and snap up Fred and get yourselves back to Hogwarts. Jacey and I will go get Hermione and stick with right behind you. '' She instantly opened her sass to protest but he shook his head and went on. `` If we haven't come back in ten instant, then go get lupine and Draco… go get Dumbledore if it makes you feel better… Just bring them back here to help. ``

She stared at him for a moment, clearly unsure that this was the best plan. But it was the only one they had and she must sustain realized it. `` mulct, ten transactions and not a endorse more. '' She finally agreed.

'' Okay then. '' Harry took her deal and held it tightly before turning to Jacey. `` I need you to keep Sarah and Elanya back as outdo you can while I go facilitate out Hermione… as soon as we're able, apparate to the Shrieking shack okay ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her hands together as she prepared to let loose More of her magnate than she'd been able to in a more populated place.

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

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

'' That will take her a moment to grapple with. '' Jacey grinned.

Harry watched Luna hurry over to Fred and waited until she had grabbed his arm and apparated them both away before turning to help Hermione. `` Just keep them meddlesome. '' He instructed before walking over to help pick out maintenance of Elanya and get off this island and back to Luna.

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a warning and turned to see several great boulders flying at him. He ducked to the ground and threw a carapace around himself but it became quickly take in that Sarah hadn't been trying to obliterate him as the rocks settled and entombed him.

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



tone : More to amount soon !