Having spent the intact day avoiding all of his friends, Ron decided to skip dinner completely. Ignoring his rumbling belly, he changed out of his school robes and into jean and a sweatshirt before collapsing across his bed and staring angrily at the ceiling. life story wasn't fair… it was a concept he'd been confronted with over and over, he didn't understand why it continued to surprise him. He was tired of being offered the promise of happiness only to give birth it ripped away. Okay, so maybe he'd never had a prospect with Hermione… but Luna had been his, they'd been in love and either one or both of them had ruined it. But he'd wanted to pick up the piece of music after, she was the one who'd been so win over it was over. And this year- at one point he'd thought Annapurna was just the distraction he'd needed, that he could get closer with her and induce something of it… And then Jacinda Nicolau had walked into his life… It had seemed a miracle that she'd returned his interest in her, but then she left and worse, Annapurna had been taken away and was now suffering who knew what portion because he hadn't been vigilant to her and her need as he should have been. After all, he'd agreed to begin dating her before he even knew Jacey existed, Parvati should let been his first concern.

Ron slammed his fists down on the bed, tired of feeling guilty and mad and frustrated. Maybe he needed a champion right now after all, individual to talk to and serve get some of this off his bureau. Harry had claimed to want to listen… but that had been while he'd come to fight down Luna's purity. He didn't really feel like talking about any of this to the guy who was now in all probability sleeping with his first love.

He sat up at the sudden tart roast on his room access and quickly strengthened the shields around his mind, figuring Harry had somehow picked up on his thoughts and was now coming to hash affair out. Taking a deep hint in preparation, he got up and went to the door ready to say whoever it was to go away… but when he opened it, no one was there.

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

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

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

'' It's not your fault. '' Ron sighed, slightly upset to light upon that Harry had sent her to see him.

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

'' I don't want to try it. '' He quickly shook his headspring and squeezed her hand. `` I've been over it and over it in my question for the finis two 24-hour interval, Parvati's parents arrived today and are staying in the castle until we find her… it's already too much right now. I don't want to know anymore unless you can secernate me exactly where she is. ``

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

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

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

'' Well, uh… I mean, um… ''

She laughed and put her finger to his lip, silencing his attempt to excuse. Then she smiled coyly, staring into his middle before leaning in to lightly brush her lips against his. `` Perfect. '' She whispered as she leaned back with her eyes closed and a diffuse smiling playing at the recess of her mouth.

'' Am I dreaming ? '' He asked breathlessly, unable to trust what was taking place.

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

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

'' I can not persist. '' She said, looking away almost guiltily while hugging her subdivision around herself. `` I just wanted to severalise you, to let you know that I am not forgetting you. ``

Recalling that Parvati was still missing, Ron began to feel rather guilty himself for indulging in such nervy behavior. `` Trust me, I can't draw a blank about you either. '' He said, picking up the cloak and handing it to her.

Her hand lingered over his as she took it from him. `` Just call back, if you are needing to talk to soul, I am not far… If you call out to me- '' She reached out and tapped her digit against his os frontale before ruffling his hair. `` -I will most likely hear you and if I do, I promise I will answer. ``

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

Jacey shook her straits. `` It would not be judicious I think. '' She flung the cloak around herself so that only her forefront remained seeable. `` Until next clock time, I hope you think well of me. ``

'' That's the only way I think of you. '' He smiled, opening the door so she could walk through. Once in the hallway she pulled up the hood and once more disappeared out of his life… But this time she'd left him with the promise of a way to reach her at any time he wanted, though he wondered if she was aware that he wanted her around all the time.

( BREAK )

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

Draco shared an amused grin with thrower as both male child agreed to keep Tonks in the dark. lupin led them deep into the woods, letting the boys handle the task of floating Tristan along as the man had claimed it to be their mess to clean up, he was simply there to see that they did it right. The corpse was hidden under Draco's invisibleness cloak as potter had leant his to Jacey, but the further they went, the more difficulty they were having in maintaining the turn to keep it in the air. `` Haven't we gone far enough ? '' He asked, not wanting to have to actually carry Tristram's body.

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

Letting the corpse drop to the land, he went with Potter to assist gather enough Wood for the task ahead of them. While they did that, lupin began making a anchor ring of Lucy Stone around Tristan, instructing the boys to enshroud the vampire completely with the woods. When they were finished, genus Draco wiped the sweat from his eyebrow and removed his coating despite the cold temperature.

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

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

Both boys watched with a kind of twisted enthrallment as he bent down and moved the sticks away from Tristan's head and pulled the vampire's mouth open while ignoring the jagged slice of Natalie Wood still sticking out of his eyes. Picking up one of the small-arm of Ash side by side to him, Lupin turned away before solidly jamming it down Tristan's throat. `` We have to be for certain to get the fervidness down inside him too. '' He said, quickly covering the principal back up. `` And now we light it. ``

All three pointed their wands and stepped back as the pile of wood exploded within the stone circle. This was the last phase of their dark deed and Draco was gladiolus that Ginny had chosen to follow Luna's lead and abide behind. He didn't even really desire to be a witness to this, it was better that one of them have the firearm of mind to never let to relive this present moment. Tristram's pelt seemed to sizzle and almost sidesplitter as the Ash Sir Henry Joseph Wood burned down. Lupin had of course of study been right about how the wood would counteract the vampire's rude defenses… but they stayed until there was nix before them but a beam mess of ember, just to be sure.

( pause )

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

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

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

'' I'll oeuvre on that. '' He said sarcastically as he rubbed his human face and yawned. In all satin flower, he never would have fallen asleep if his soundbox hadn't just given up and passed out on him sometime in the early morning hr. But since he had gone to sleep, he was stung with her for ruining it. `` Was there something you wanted ? ``

'' Something Lee wanted actually. '' She replied huffily, thrusting an gasbag at him. `` A ministry precaution showed up with this for you a few minutes ago. Said Lee needs you at the shop. The guard is still down there, waiting to require you. ``

'' Okay, I'll be right down. '' He promised, suddenly wide-eyed awake as a wave of skittish nausea washed over him. Closing the door on her, he tore opened the gasbag but the bill inside wasn't helpful- it was simply a request that he occur to the store as soon as possible. That wasn't like Lee at all, if there was a problem he wasn't afraid to complain about it in full detail.

Throwing the useless tone aside, he rushed to get dressed and brush his teeth, simply running his fingerbreadth through his hair as he hurried down the stairs. Grabbing his coat and kissing his female parent goodbye, he left the house and climbed into the waiting ministry car. It took every apothecaries' ounce of self-denial he had not to just apparate from the backseat to the store, but not knowing what awaited him he knew it was better to make it with an factual Auror.

They parked outside the Leaky cauldron and hurried through to Diagon alley, trying to rush without being noticeable as they made their way to the storehouse. Fred was surprised to discover it closed up, with the shades drawn and the front door locked. `` Hey, follow in there with me, okay ? '' Fred asked the guard, pulling out both his wand and his keys.

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

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

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

He rushed over, entering the office to find Lee spread out on the floor and bleeding from a injury on his head. Kneeling beside him, Fred was able to see that his protagonist was still breathing. `` He's alive. '' He assured the safety who was interfering searching the closet for enemies.

'' Okay, apply pressure level to his wound. '' The man replied, moving to the threshold. `` I'll margin call for backup. ``

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

'' What are you doing here ? '' He demanded, trying his dear to ignore the now suddenly man laying a few feet away. `` And what did you do to Lee ? ``

'' I never was very good at the Imperious curse word, and he fought against it the altogether time. '' She shook her head regretfully. `` I mean I got him to indite the note and hand it off, but he finally broke unloose of my influence. I certainly didn't want to kill one of your supporter but I had to shut him up somehow. Don't worry, it's just a nasty bump on the headspring. ``

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

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

'' You're a very insensate person. ``

'' Perhaps. '' She shrugged again. `` Perhaps I just need to line up the veracious positive influence. ``

'' And perhaps you're just bat doodly-squat crazy. '' He replied meanly, wanting to leave her in no question as to his opinion of her.

'' You could be right… sentence will enjoin. '' She smiled coyly. `` Don't worry, somebody will come along to cleanse up my mass after we leave. cum on, I'm only giving us an minute. ``

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

'' We're going to your vault in the camber and then I'm giving us a point of accumulation of one hr to denounce for all the clothes and supplies we'll need to disappear… and then we'll disappear. '' She laughed.

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

'' I see, you want me to toy by the rules while you run around breaking them ? Thanks to you, Willem can no longer be a part of this… '' Elanya scolded. `` You didn't meet the game right. ``

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

'' You told masses about all of this… you involved Hermione Granger and so now the rules have changed. We are leaving today Fred and you will roleplay the game correctly from now on or she will serve the penalty. ``

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

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

'' significance ? ``

'' I'm sure Harry and Luna informed you of the trip to Azkaban and I'm sure they told you that they know it was Sarah working through Cho… All Sarah needs is a location and an unconscious vessel that she could pee do anything at all, from hurting someone else to taking a walk of life off the top of the in high spirits tower at Hogwarts. It doesn't matter how hold Hermione husbandman is, she can't arrest awake forever. ``

Fred glared at her as his mental capacity worked overtime trying to visualise a way out of this, or at best, a way to warn Hermione and perhaps have Luna or Harry try to assist protect her intellect while she slept. Feeling the weight of the compact in his pocket, he wondered how farseeing it would be until he could find the time to use it.

'' I'll take your quiet as begrudging acceptance. '' Elanya said, offering him a falsely sweetly smiling. `` And before you get those steering wheel turning too fast, I won't be giving you the opportunity to warn your little girlfriend or your special friends about any of this. We've thought of everything and neither Harry nor Luna will be given the chance to help. '' It was almost as if she could record his thinker though he knew that wasn't the example, she was simply being thorough in explaining the hopelessness of his spot. Using extreme will, Fred was able to keep from reaching in his pouch and grabbing the compact to take in a sensory faculty of comfort. Instead he used the fact that Luna was already helping and could therefore imply Harry to still himself.

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

Elanya regarded him suspiciously. `` Just like that ? I expected a little More impedance. ``

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

'' commit me your wand. '' She demanded, holding out her hand. In the only belittled act of defiance he could handle, Fred threw it at her infantry instead. She smirked with entertainment as she bent to retrieve it, putting both wands in her pocketbook. `` There's just one more matter. '' She pulled out a unusual looking twist with tons of lights and gauges.

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

'' Just relax and stand still. '' She ordered, waving the thing over him from his head to his feet. It suddenly started lighting up and beeping corresponding nutcase as she moved it over his pocket. `` You have a communication device. '' She grinned.

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

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

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

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

She really had won, without giving him a way to warn Hermione, Ron and Ginny, she had his complete obedience and she knew it. Reluctantly he pulled the powder compact from his pocket and placed it on the desk. Elanya picked up the glass paperweight, leaving Fred to see as she smashed the compact into pieces. `` That's seven years bad circumstances. '' He said numbly.

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

　

　

NOTE : Uh oh… now what's Fred going to do ? stay on tuned for more chapters to find out ...
Chapter 50 : Searching for the lost

A/N : Well, so practically for my Hope to have the fibre out of Hogwarts by chapter 50 J So much to trade with here so go ahead, Read, critical review and Enjoy !

　

Hermione had woken with an anxious feeling in the pit of her breadbasket. By the end of her go class the intuitive feeling had tripled and she was now sick with concern, having been unable to get to Fred all day. `` Hey, are you okay ? '' Harry asked quietly as they walked back to their dorm together.

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

'' Really ? Because I can't feel my hired man anymore… '' He lightly joked, making her realize she'd had his paw in a death grip.

'' Sorry. '' She loosened her hold and felt him flex his fingers. They'd been at each former's side all day whenever they were in world, Harry had apparently decided to once more grant in to her and Luna with few to no motion. Admittedly his presence at her side was the only thing to afford her quilt all day and she was grateful for it.

'' Something's improper. '' He pushed as they entered the common room.

'' Well- '' Fear and concern overwhelmed her and she suddenly felt the need to profess everything if it would serve Fred. But just as she was about to run out it all, she felt her pouch grow warm and nearly collapsed in relief. `` I'll tell you about it later. '' She said quickly before rushing off to her room to be alone.

Nearly dropping the compact as she fumbled to draw in it out of her sac, she eagerly flipped it open only to hold her spunk drop painfully to her belly. `` Hermione ? '' Lee stared back at her, though his reflection was fragmented as if the mirror had been broken. `` Oh good, I fixed it ! '' He sighed in relief as he caught sight of her on his side.

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

'' I don't know ! '' Lee cried out in frustration. `` I don't call back anything about today before waking up with a splitting headache. '' He pointed to where his head was now bandaged. `` No one was here, nothing was missing… but I found the compact car on the floor and smashed to pieces. ``

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

'' I contacted Molly… ''

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

'' She said I had sent a greenback earlier asking him to do to the store and that the ministry safety device was supposed to have brought him… I don't recall any of that. '' Lee seemed beyond distressed and close to tears.

'' Someone must let used a spell and wiped your memory. '' She shook her head, not knowing how to console him when she was so fold to panicking herself.

'' Probably, it's what I figured as well. But I didn't want mollie to start bedevilment and twine up having Arthur send the whole Auror squad out. It took everything I had to convince her that Fred stopped to cull something up and would be here any minute… So then I tried for the last time of day to fix this pudden-head compact to see if maybe Fred went up there to see you again, but that's obviously not the compositor's case ... ''

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

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

'' I don't have fourth dimension to explain now, we have to move quickly. '' Her mind was racing a million miles a hour. `` Arthur and mollie can't know yet… that will only help the daughter'plan. I need you to convince them that Fred went away for some kind of business trip for the store, tell apart them you're going with him so maybe they'll worry less. ``

'' wellspring, I guess I could disguise my voice and write a talking letter to them pretending to be Fred. '' He suggested, always bore to become percentage of their dangerous adventures just like the other male child. `` He's okay, isn't he ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

( BREAK )

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

'' Is this a normal part of your homework summons ? Because we may have to start out studying alone. '' Dragon teased, ignoring her dramatics and returning to his Potions essay.

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

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

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

'' I surely hope you have better understanding. '' He laughed, getting up to answer. He was utterly surprised to obtain Francis Drake standing there.

'' Hello, sorry to interrupt but I'm here on schooltime line of work. As acting Head of Slytherin House I've semen to request your front in the Headmaster's office. '' Drake smiled apologetically.

'' Some advice in dealing with other Slytherins… Snape wouldn't have been so courteous as to request anything. '' Dragon smiled back. `` What's going on ? ``

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

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

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

'' Very officious. '' Ginny approved teasingly.

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

As they walked, Draco began to feel nervous… what could they possibly want to see him about ? Had the headmaster somehow found out about Tristan ? Was Troy trying to frame him for Parvati's disappearance ? several melodic theme floated around in his head, none of which were good. In fact, he'd never in his aliveness been called to up there to be given good news. At the gargoyle, Drake gestured for them to go up first and as they climbed onto the stairs Draco squeezed Ginny's hired man in tense anticipation.

Dumbledore was in the process of handing a letter off to Fawkes as they entered the office and he turned to them with a black grin. `` well, none of you ever seem to be alone anymore. hello Draco, Ginny, why don't you both have a buttocks. '' He spoke informally as he tended to do when he was in private with his prefer scholar. Dragon felt almost honored to now be considered one of them. `` Roscoe, I need you to wreak Professor Trelawney here as she is rather skilled at scrying. ``

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

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

He could feel Ginny staring at him out of the corner of her eye, but Draco couldn't make his mind work his sassing to constitute words. `` What do you mean he's disappeared ? '' She finally asked for him.

'' Since the Quibbler article was released, Lucius has been turned away from the end Eaters and Arthur has had several people watching him. Yesterday cockcrow he managed to slip one's mind away from them all and he hasn't been spotted since. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

And he didn't… not with these people. Recalling his previous way of spirit, he knew Dumbledore and the others weren't aware of the accuracy deepness of his father's evil ruthlessness. Draco had seen Lucius commit many sins without any signaling of remorse, what could he be doing out there now that he'd been outcast by the Death Eaters and left on his own ? Knowing what the man was capable of when he was in control, Draco hated to recall what he was capable of when desperate. `` Okay, pass on me a quill pen and parchment and I'll write down the placement of every safety house I know about and any other place he might go. ``

Dumbledore made no movement to fill his request, instead continuing to expect on in concern. `` Are you sure ? ``

'' If he's left out there alone, who knows what he'd do or who he'd scathe to check his own survival… I can't have that hanging over my capitulum, if I don't try to bar him then I can only share the guiltiness of his military action. ``

'' And with that sentiment, I would like you to recognise how proud I am of your continued growth. '' The headmaster smiled with sad encouragement. `` But I want you to be assured that not only are you not to blame for your male parent's action, no one would hold it against you if you did sense the need to hold some bod of loyalty to him as your parent. ``

Draco shook his point. `` No, I've decided. '' He firmly insisted. It took a few moments to publish down everything he knew and by the time he finished Drake was back with Professor Trelawney. Having no desire to witness them attempt to place Lucius, he made his wish to be dismissed back to his dorm apparent. Thankfully Dumbledore heartily agreed, letting him and Ginny leave the office.

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

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

'' I'm sure given the fortune, Harry would concord to that. ``

'' Of trend he would, James and Lily are nix like Lucius and Narcissa. ``

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

'' With my destiny, I would have gone to be raised by Bellatrix. '' He joked. `` I guess potter and I really are opposites ... him rather having been raised by his parents and me wishing I had been with my aunt, uncle and cousin. ``

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

'' You'd make a good reporter. ``

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

'' I don't get it on how I am. '' He finally answered with a heavy sigh. `` theatrical role of me is relieved to lave my hands of Lucius and part of me feels like the worst son ever. ``

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

'' You don't have to say me that. I spent years trying to instill him. '' He answered glumly.

'' And yet he never tried to impress you, never tried to show why he was worthy of your love and respect. '' She argued against his diffidence. `` You're going to feel whatever you feel, but just don't forget- you've only turned on someone who turned on you first. He tried to defeat you already, he doesn't merit your tribute. ``

'' You tried to kill me too. '' genus Draco pointed out, feeling the sudden irrational need to fight his father.

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

'' Yeah, okay it was a stupid thing to say. '' He admitted, stopping in the hall outside the commons room and pulling her in for a hug. `` I'm sorry, the two things were completely unlike situations… I just… I don't know. ``

Ginny pulled away and smiled, reaching up to place her hands on either position of his nerve. `` You're just a little messed up in here right now. '' She playfully shook his straits. `` It'll right itself out. ``

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

( BREAK )

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

'' A few odd things here and there. But I'm just now getting into the nineteenth hundred. '' Harry took off his specs and rubbed his oculus, shoving his files away as well. `` I had foolishly thought all the files from the drawer marked ‘ Harry potter'would be about me, but they actually go all the way back to Lyraline Elderwood… though I will hold, there's More detail to these data file than the regular ministry records. ``

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

'' Oh, and my bloodline was responsible for quite a few big mistakes apparently. '' He picked up the files, laughing as he shoved them towards her. `` Not all of us were the great of masses. ``

'' well, no one's line of descent is all pure, right ? Coven posterity or not, we are all still human. '' She grinned. And then a sudden wash drawing of scare flooded her, forcing her to once Sir Thomas More sit or risk falling over from the force.

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

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

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

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

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

'' So now we have to image out where they've gone. '' He said when she was done, clearly upset to accept been left in the darkness about this. But Luna could see that he was fighting the urge to express his anger, knowing Hermione still had no melodic theme about Tristan and therefore he had no room to judge.

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

'' I don't know… I've been sitting here trying and I think I strained something the last few days because my judgment feels so exhaust. '' She watched Hermione's face fall and quickly turned to Harry. `` Maybe you could help me ? ``

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

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

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

Luna reached out to take his hired man as he and Hermione sat with her on the bed. Closing her heart, she cleared her nous of everything but Fred and attempted to force the connection. She could palpate Harry with her, wrapping his consciousness protectively around hers and adding his own strength, which had completely regenerated since his fight with Tristan.

Again it hit her unlike anything she'd ever experienced before, a blasting of images that came on so quickly they knocked her back with their force. There was no white room, no scene playing out, nothing of any coherency or distinction. Concentrating she slowed them down, displaying each in order as they swirled around her.

First came an ikon of Hermione, growing larger as it zoomed toward her, focusing in on the girl's eyes until they became mirrors displaying Sarah staring back at her and wearing an wickedness grin. Luna shivered in fearfulness, watching as Sarah's face melted away and began showering down drops of flesh that turned to rain…

Fred was in the rain, quickly trying to erect a rather ordinary tent as Elanya looked on, tapping her metrical unit impatiently as she stood under an umbrella and waited for him to dispatch their shelter as a flash of lightning tore overt the sky…

An explosion of color burst before her eyes, blinding Luna and forcing her to look away. Blinking away the irritation, she turned back and watched with fascinated awe as various strange, coloured flush budded and bloomed in front of her.

The pain was Jonathan Swift and sudden and seemed to come from deep inside her fountainhead. The following thing Luna knew, she could sense Harry shaking her as he and Hermione called out, telling her to rouse up. Letting her optic flutter clear, she stared up at them as they looked down at her in concern. `` What happened ? '' She asked Harry.

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

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

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

'' I think so… ''

'' Well, what did you see ? '' Hermione asked anxiously, once more focussed on helping Fred now that she was assured that Luna was somewhat alright. Rather than seek to explicate, Luna told Harry to replay it all for Hermione to see. She would accept done it herself, but she was too jade and her nous literally felt fried out. Putting a paw to her mind, she could feel that her temperature had risen alarmingly. `` Okay, so Fred is definitely with Elanya then. '' She seemed grimly hopeful.

'' The bloom came after, maybe they give some hint to their location. '' Harry suggested, getting up to pour a glass of water from the pitcher on his dresser. He came back and handed it to Luna though she hadn't mentioned how parched her throat suddenly was. But as he went back to pour a trash for himself, she realized he knew because her complaint were affecting him… This wasn't goodness, they had to figure out a way to keep themselves divided when necessary.

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

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

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

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

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

'' What's going on ? ! '' Willem's mad vox demanded.

Hermione gave him a brief edition of current events up to describing the little vision Luna just had. `` Well, what form of flowers were they ? '' Lee asked when she was finished.

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

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

Luna saw Hermione frisson and knew the former young woman had probably come to the same conclusion she had. `` I'm pretty sure that's telling us how they got Fred to cooperate… '' She said quietly.

'' Yeah, they threatened to have Sarah do her stunned astral ejection affair to invade me and make me do who knows what. '' Hermione added bitterly.

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

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

'' If that's what it takes. '' He insisted. `` In the stand for clock time we can count up the flowers, maybe even ask Professor Sprout. ``

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

Harry nodded and went to his desk to recall the ring. `` We can bid them both at the same time. '' He said excitedly.

'' Well we have to do something. And the loyal the unspoiled. '' Lee agreed through the covenant. `` What do you want us to do while you three are doing that ? ``

'' Willem, Fred told me you two snuck into the ministry to cancel those recordings… do you remember how he got you guys in ? '' Hermione stared at Luna as she spoke, silently asking if she had any sensory faculty that this was a worse melodic theme than it seemed and to halt her if she did. Luna shook her head, nothing was poking at her intuition.

'' Yes. Why ? '' He demanded.

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

'' But King Arthur has Mad-eye looking after all the criminal record and files. '' Harry reminded her.

'' Don't concern about that. All we need is a beguilement to control everyone's care is away from the ministry. '' Lee answered mischievously.

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

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

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

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

'' You do take care rather pale. '' Hermione agreed, leaning in to attend at her better. `` Maybe we should go to another room, let you pillow for a bit… ''

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

Harry seemed uncertain but she made it absolved that he wouldn't be able to interchange her mind. `` Okay, let's hope they can severalise us something. '' He put on the ring and closed his eyes to concentrate as Hermione reached out to bung her own energy into the band. Luna attempted to conclude herself off from them, not wanting her own limited store of energy to be accidentally tapped. She could feel Harry also attempting to shield off from her and she hoped his split stress wouldn't affect his ability to use the ring.

( BREAK )

Fred watched the ocean waves clangour against the boat as it sliced through the piss toward the sun setting on the sensible horizon. It would have been an amazing experience had he been there under different consideration, but when he'd woken that morning he had no musical theme a sauceboat ride into the Atlantic was in his future. He sighed and leaned on the railing, debating what chances he and his friends would experience if he just flung himself overboard.

'' You don't have to wait so sad and defeated. '' Elanya remarked from beside him. She hadn't let him out of her sight since they'd gone to empty his bank account and go along on a frenzied shopping spree. He hadn't chosen to speak to her since they'd secured passage on this boat. `` You could just revel your surroundings. It is quite peaceable out here. '' She went on, trying to goad him into conversation.

Instead he continued to cut her and moved further along the deck, but she followed wherever he went. `` Come on Fred… I half agreed with your plan. Castellumshire is no place for us, but there are plenty of pocket-size uncharted islands there that will suit us just fine. ``

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

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

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

'' My watchword isn't undecomposed enough ? '' Elanya smiled, leaning her rachis against the railing so she could front him. He had the sudden desire to thrust forward and shove her, to do her evaporate beneath the waves and end this nightmare… of course he had no idea what kind of communication she had set up with her friends and he couldn't take the chance. Surely they would have planned for him attempting to get rid of her.

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

She smiled and crossed her arms. `` Of course some of it was on-key. I know you're well aware that the most win over Trygve Halvden Lie are rooted in honesty. ``

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

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

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

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

'' We'll be dropping anchor in five min. '' One of the boat's crew members came over to harbinger. `` As you are the alone two being let off at the ingress islands, we'll row you in. Do you already have your proceeds design booked ? ``

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

'' But miss, it's mighty hard to flag person down if you haven't already arranged a pickax up. '' The gang appendage protested.

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

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

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

'' I'm better at sensing a Friedrich August Wolf in sheep's habiliment. '' He replied, turning to follow the crowd appendage she'd so easily bewitched.

Within a half an time of day, they had been rowed ashore and left all alone with the many things she had made him buy for this petty junket. `` Great, it looks like rain. '' Fred muttered as the wickedness cloud rolled in with the coming Night. Brief flashes of lighting torus through the sky as ripples of thunder roared overhead.

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

( BREAK )

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

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

Harry tried to suppose the epitome to him, but apparently his mogul was unable to bridge the gap between the life and the all in. He, Luna and Hermione attempted to line the exact flowers from Luna's visual sensation. `` Does any of that phone familiar spirit ? '' He asked when they were done.

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

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

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

'' He didn't have a selection. Elanya was threatening Ron and Ginny. '' Luna argued, her phonation unaccented and strained. Harry turned to her in concern, ignoring the discomfort of wearing the ring to focus in on her. Inside her head was coloured and shady, as if soul had turned off the lights… though he could still see sparkle in the cover, letting him know she hadn't fried herself out completely.

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

'' We will. '' Harry promised. They said their good-bye and the two apparitional figures of their lost champion disappeared. He went over to his desk to put the ring away, already disliking the familiar pull it had on him and his get-up-and-go vibrations.

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

'' I just sense a little dizzy. I think I just need to eat something. '' She answered in a daze as she carefully got up. Even as Harry made his way over to help, he watched her try to submit a step before her leg buckled, forcing Hermione to get hold of out and catch her. He rushed over to help get Luna back onto the bed, sitting beside her and running his much ice chest hand over her heated forehead.

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

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

'' I'm sorry for pushing you to take those visions. '' She said quietly, clearly feeling guilty for the place Luna was now in.

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

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

'' You going to progress to it ? '' Harry asked gently once they were alone, smiling to hide the expectant measure of concern he felt.

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

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

'' I had to prove it to myself. '' She protested with a faint grin. `` I hate being at the whimsey of my sight, it's about clock time they worked for me. ``

'' Yeah, OK. Too bad they worked a picayune too hard. Some solid food and sopor will do curiosity though. ``

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

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

'' This isn't good… we have to detect a way to be separate sometimes. '' She said through a tatty yawn.

'' Yes we do. '' He agreed. Harry knew he did dangerous affair far more often than she did and that due to his desire for victory, he got hurt a lot. The last thing he wanted was for Luna to stomach every fourth dimension soul challenged him, to ploughshare his pain sensation every clock time he did something stupid. There had to be a way, they just had to cypher it out.

( BREAK )

Jacey looked into the mirror carefully to ensure the potion had entirely worn away. Once assured she was herself with no shadow of Tristan, she took a late breathing time and picked up Harry's invisibility cloak, nervously settling it around herself. Ron had called out and asked her to come see him just before dinner, and she was anxious about what she would say. The guiltiness was eating her alive, she knew she had to secern him about Parvati… and how she had not warned anyone in metre to finish the girl's fate. It would not be promiscuous, but it had to be done and Harry had agreed to let her be the one to tell Ron everything about his missing girlfriend.

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

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

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

'' Excuse me ? The woods ? ``

'' I want to go looking for Anapurna. '' Ron sighed and went to look out his window. `` I know Dumbledore has sent a lot of people out there, all with beasts and gadgets meant to rule people. But it's been three solar day and they still haven't found her. ``

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

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

'' I know why their efforts to turn up her have failed. '' Jacey looked away, unable to cope with his gaze. `` It is because all of their exploit are spent attempting to settle a human, which Annapurna no longer is. ``

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

'' She has been turned, we are sure of it. Parvati is a lamia and unless they alter their twist and ordinate their lookup accordingly, they will never find her. Especially if she does not want to be found. '' She blurted out in one Sceloporus occidentalis breath.

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

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

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

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

'' I did not desire to accuse without trial impression ! '' She argued in her defense.

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

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

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

'' It will not be easy. '' She got up and went to sit beside him, placing a hand on his stifle in comfort. `` But just because she is a vampire does not mean she is the like Tristan or Troy. As long as she is away from the will of her creator, there is nothing to say she will be bad. ``

'' And what if they are around ? ``

'' Then if her will to fight them is impregnable, she will be capable to overcome… just like Draco and his Almighty. ``

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

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

'' I guess the first thing we have to do is get her… until then it's probably just that we continue to let her home think she's only missing. '' He lamented.

'' Probably. '' She agreed, moving closer and putting her arm around his shoulders, wanting to make him experience better.

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

'' What ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

Without monition, she grabbed his nerve and pressed her lips to his, giving into what they both wanted. At beginning he was astonished, but he quickly overcame it and wrapped his arms tightly around her to return the kiss with an equal deepness of Passion of Christ. He walked forward until she felt the edge of the bed against her peg. Letting her knees flop she fell back, pulling him along with her. It had been so long since she had experienced any sort of affaire and even prospicient since she had done so with somebody who craved her as much as she craved them. And oh how she wanted Ron… She had no explanation as to why he had so captivated her but he had, and to now experience his lips on her peel, the weight unit of him as he hovered over her, and the heat of his desire… it was everything she'd thought it would be and more. She had wanted this ever since she'd laid eyes on him and had come close to giving in finally Night. Her own guilt had stopped her then, as his seemed to block off him now.

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

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

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

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

'' volition you stay ? '' He asked, his eyes wide and hopeful. `` Will you just lay here and quietus next to me so I won't smell so alone ? ``

She studied him carefully before giving in. `` Okay, I do not desire to be alone either. But I must leave very early in the sunup. ``

'' I don't care. Some time with you is better than none. '' He agreed, climbing under the covert and motioning her to join him.

He turned out the light and lay back, both of them left staring at the cap as nervous latent hostility descended on them. Taking the first step, she turned to Ron and wrapped her arm around him, resting her head on his shoulder joint. She smiled in the night as he responded, placing his own arms securely around her and pulling her last. For the outset time in her life, Jacey felt safe… that there was someone who could give care for her more than they cared for themselves. It was a feel he was bringing out in her that she was beginning to treasure and as she snuggled in finisher to him, she knew she would do anything to keep it.

( BREAK )

After more than a week had passed, Hermione felt like she was at the end of her forget me drug. After a let down conversation with prof Sprout, she'd learned that Colorsplosions were so rarefied they were thought to be extinct. But Luna was sure enough of what she'd seen and Neville had been pretty sure of what they'd described. Hermione had spent every loose instant in the library trying to find out anything about the exotic flowers but so far her hunt had yielded nothing. Just as she thought she was going to lose her mind, she decided to stir her focus… but she needed to use one of the invisibility cloaks in ordination to get into the confine area of the library where she knew the information she wanted was being kept.

Harry had been her low gear stop but Jacey was still in possession of his cloak and so Hermione had gone to genus Draco who had gladly handed his over with no questions. Now all she had to do was hold off for the castle to exclude down for the dark. Locked away in her elbow room, she pulled out the concordat to see in with Lee for the millionth sentence. `` No, we haven't found anything interesting yet ! '' He said properly away, clearly agitated with her unceasing nagging.

She'd been glad to learn he and Willem had been able to sneak into the ministry and abscond with the necessary files. But that had been various days ago and she knew had she been the one in possession of those written document, she would induce been able-bodied to have gone through them quite a few multiplication by now. `` Why not ? '' She demanded.

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

'' No, but I have plans to get into the restricted region of the depository library tonight… while I'm there I'll look to see if there's anything about Colorsplosions. ``

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

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

'' Not so serious. Turns out the ministry didn't actually have sex too a good deal about Jayalina Delamora… we can't even find her parents name calling. '' Lee answered in frustration. `` But he's having Arthur see what he can do about helping expand the lookup past our ministry's entropy. Willem told him that he wants to try and get any family he may have and thankfully President Arthur hasn't questioned his motives too much. ``

'' We have to find them. '' She insisted. `` If Jayalina really did have her parents keeping Elanya safety, then they may be able to kick in Willem brainwave into their granddaughter. ``

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

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

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

'' She's been trying but every time she does, she gets a terrible headache… I hope I didn't break in her or anything by pushing her so lots hold up hebdomad. '' Hermione was actually quite worried about Luna and feeling very guilty for letting the girlfriend force play herself that last prison term when she'd already looked so consume. And worse, they still hadn't been able-bodied to figure out the visual modality she'd clearly hurt herself to have for them. `` She has said she's been having pipe dream about Fred and that so far she believes he's okay. ``

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

'' I try not to intend about it. '' She muttered. `` phone me back if you or Willem find anything okay ? Otherwise I'll just talk to you again in the break of day. ``

'' will do. '' He promised.

They ended their communicating, leaving her with zero to do except wait. When she finally felt it was clock time, the clock had already struck midnight. Carefully wrapping Draco's cloak around herself, Hermione crept through the common elbow room and out into the hallway. She tried not to stool a single racket as she made her way to the library, not wanting to alert Filtch, his cat Mrs. Norris, the ghostwriter or anyone else who may be awake and also wandering the entrance hall. She'd never felt so uneasy before, sneaking out with one of her admirer was one affair but she rarely did it on her own for the sheer fact that she just wasn't as comfortable being sneaky like the others. But she had to push aside her discomfort… being furtive seemed to be the just way to achieve anything these days, it had certainly worked for Elanya, Sarah and Elise.

At utmost she came to the library room access and she hoped Madame Pince hadn't locked them for the Nox. She let out a huge sigh of rest when she reached out and pulled, finding the door had easily opened. Moving over to the librarian's desk, Hermione grabbed the keys and a minuscule lantern before rushing over to the restricted plane section. She unlocked the gate and with as little noise as possible, began making her way through the flock in hunt of what she wanted. Stopping to snaffle a text edition on lost and uncharted islands, she quickly moved on to the metaphysical section.

The Advanced Art of Astral jutting. It was the number one deed to grab her eye and she instantly grabbed the Bible, figuring she could figure out the basic principle of something she had little time to learn. Besides, she'd always found it easier to acquire things from a harder view than to be talked down to during the easier measure. Banned Acts of Astral jutting. Hermione grabbed that book too, figuring a few of the tricks Sarah had mastered would be covered there.

Hearing a racket, she quickly extinguished the lantern and stood as still as a statue, not daring to even take a breather. Even though she was able-bodied to see that she was still alone, her furiously beating heart could no longer place upright the paranoia that comes from breaking so many principle. Tucking all three book of account under her arm, she hurried to lock the gate and devolve the key before rushing back to her room. She had a lot of reading to do and she wanted to read as fast as possible… She wanted to be able to do everything Sarah was capable of doing and while it may own taken the char years to master her skills, Hermione was certain she could achieve a certain level of mastery within Clarence Shepard Day Jr.. Maybe she was being overconfident in her intelligence operation but she didn't concern. They were always saying she was the smart one, in Luna's visual modality even Elanya and Sarah had said so… Now it was time she prove it.

More than learning how to protect her own creative thinker from Sarah's invasion, she wanted to learn how to leave her trunk and change of location to other places so that she could finally give a way to communicate with Fred once more. She knew it was unlike than apparating, but since she had picked that up so quickly and astral jut was a component of it, she had gamy hopes that she could pull it off. Now it was just a matter of how quickly she could get through and apply the material covered in those Holy Writ. Putting aside the one on islands until tomorrow, Hermione picked up The Advanced Art of Astral Projection and began reading, eager to begin learning the desired skill.

( BREAK )

'' I don't want to go. '' Harry turned and buried his nous under his pillow. He and Luna had been up of late finish nighttime going through the ministry documents as they were the exclusively thing able to disorder her from the fact that she hadn't been able to have a vision since draining herself out survive week. Despite the fact that they'd figured out two of the three remaining coven members, he'd barely been able to hold his eyes open by the end and the last thing he wanted to do so very early the side by side morning was get up and get quick to go to Hogsmeade.

'' It's your last misstep there as a scholarly person. '' Luna tried as she sat up and began going through the paper they'd read net night.

'' And there's zero there I want. '' He emerged from under the pillows to put his capitulum in her lap and front up at her with a devilish smile. `` In fact everything I want is right on here and if I have to be awake I'd rather spend my time doing something I want to do. ``

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

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

'' I prefer rugged honey. '' Luna smiled.

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

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

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

'' You remember when you said you were unforced to do whatever I wanted to facilitate come up Parvati ? '' Ron asked immediately as he pushed his way into the room.

'' Yes… '' He answered cautiously.

'' Well, according to what Jacey take in Troy say, the survive seat he saw her was by Hogsmeade, right ? He thought she was heading into the mountains… ? ``

Harry hesitated. He knew that Jacey hadn't overheard anything, that she'd been the one to actually get that information out of troy weight. But Ron still didn't know about Tristan or Jacey having to become him. He knew what his ally was about to ask of him and he worried what could happen if he refused such a absurd idea. `` We can't just sneak out of the small town. '' He tried.

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

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

'' Then at least I'll know it's her choice… and at least I'll have had a chance to verbalize her out of it. '' He was close to begging. `` I just need to at least talk to her… ''

Harry didn't know what to do… he had a flavor that if he didn't agree to go help find Parvati then Ron would simply attempt it on his own. He supposed it would be meliorate if they could find Parvati before Luna's vision came dependable, after all, Troy would surely be looking for her and the last matter they needed was two new-sprung vampires out scuffling in the woods… especially if Troy came out the victor. `` Okay. '' He agreed, having talked himself into it. At least now he had a intellect to go to Hogsmeade, though he knew Luna probably wouldn't be thrilled with the idea.

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

'' Really, but we're asking lupine to follow with us. '' He insisted, figuring that would appease both Luna and his own qualm about the plan. `` And everyone else stays behind inside the hamlet bulwark. The last thing we need is mortal else getting bitten, even by accident. ``

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

Harry knew she had already taken the potion and had to go into the small town as Tristan. existence reminded of that, he felt a sudden pang of guiltiness. With first Annapurna's fade then Fred's, with Luna frying herself out, with Dragon dealing with his don, none of them had focused on releasing Jacey from the obligation of playing their stagnant opposition. Whether or not they found Parvati today, he knew the next thing he had to do was focus on how to spend a penny Tristan disappear for good.

( gap )

Jacey climbed into one of the waiting pusher, feeling immensely uncomfortable with having to affect to be someone else outside of Hogwarts. She had never been to this Hogsmeade village, but Tristram had and he would be familiar spirit with the station and the matter he had done there… she was not. Harry and Luna had tried to meet her in during breakfast, thinking her all kind of memories from their own time spent there. It was overwhelming and as Ilion climbed in behind her, she suddenly felt very alone. A sense of foreboding washed over her when Troy turned to Pansy and the others who had been about to also get in their carriage. `` You guys do find another one. Tristan and I need to talk. ``

They all looked to her and she simple nodded in agreement, sending them scattering to find an vacate pushchair. She and Troy sat in silence until the caravan of pupil began moving. `` I don't appreciate being cornered like this. '' She said sternly, hoping to maintain her handle on Tristan's tone.

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

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

'' And Parvati Patil ? '' Troy choked out. Thankfully he did not try to break away from her as she knew her strength was nada compared to Tristan's. Her carrying into action seemed to have rattled him, making him less sure that he had figured her out.

'' What about her ? '' She asked harshly, releasing her hold on the boy and once more settling comfortably in her seat as if goose egg had happened.

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

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

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

'' You do nil without me ! '' She roared.

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

Forcing herself to persist calm down, Jacey shrugged. `` just, let them. That will exit you and I free to go look for Parvati. ``

Troy raised an eyebrow. `` Really ? ``

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

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

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

( BREAK )

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

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

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

'' Don't worry, we'll be there soon enough. '' lupin sighed. He'd agreed to come help face for Parvati, but he wasn't pleased with the idea or the secrecy.

Yeah, I can accompany them. Draco replied once they all descended into quiet again.

Are you sure you and Jacey could contract on Ilium alone ? Ginny asked in concern.

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

Harry wondered how she was managing to hold herself together riding alone with Troy while knowing he suspected she wasn't who she claimed to be. For all their sakes, the motorbus couldn't get to the hamlet soon enough. Ginny, I need you to defecate sure you and Hermione keep out in the open, preferably near the Aurors… lupine said Kingsley is supposed to be there today. He suggested.

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

Harry felt a little shiver of guilt run through him and Luna at the same time. Neither Ginny nor Ron were yet aware of Fred's plight as they hadn't wanted to alert them until they knew exactly where their brother was being forced to stay. Plus Ron was already overwhelmed with Annapurna's disappearance, both he and Hermione had worried what telling him about Fred might piddle him do.

'' Finally… We're here. '' Hermione announced from her stead beside the windowpane. She took Harry's hand as they exited the equipage, both still wary of the fact that should Elanya's spy be watching they had to come along as a yoke. She was certain Fred was going to preserve her insignificance to him while he was away and Harry was indisputable that the less of a fair game she seemed, the unspoiled off they'd be when they were finally capable to go looking for Fred.

Together, they led the way behind the nearest building attempting to not draw too much attention to themselves. `` well, are we all cook ? '' Lupin asked nervously.

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

'' We'll try not to go out of range. If you need us, address out and we'll come right back. '' Harry squeezed her script as she nodded in agreement.

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

'' There was so much force per unit area that at one percentage point I thought I was going to break open. '' lupine answered, shaking himself off and ensuring his amulet still hung around his neck. Ron and genus Draco agreed but Harry and Luna remained untouched by the trip.

'' wellspring, I better be off. '' genus Draco said.

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

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

'' This close to the full lunation, I'll catch their aroma in no time… well hers anyway. '' He amended, clearly shy whether even his raise signified could detect Troy if he didn't want to be found. He'd already said as often about Parvati a week ago when Harry had asked if he thought he'd be capable to obtain her.

'' Who are you talking about ? '' Ron asked in total confusion, having no hint as to anything involving Tristram, Jacey or Troy… early than troy had admitted to being the one to turn Parvati. Ignoring him, Draco merely turned and ran off with more hurrying than a formula homo was adequate to of.

'' Well, let's try to feel Annapurna. '' Luna suggested, trying to get Ron's focalize back onto their own mission.

Allowing lupin to lead the way just in case he was able to catch the girl's odour, Harry and Luna both sent their head out in search of any preindication of consciousness. Even as it began to lead by the nose, no one suggested the chemical group turn back. They were all determined… they would not end the day without finding Parvati.

( BREAK )

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

'' I suppose… do you cogitate at some point we could quickly duck into the bookstore ? '' Hermione asked as they walked out from behind the building and surveyed the street before them. Students and villagers milled around as market keeper shouted out their holiday sales, attempting to bring in customers. `` There she is ! '' She pointed out Padma, walking toward the Three broom handle with Susan, James Byron Dean, Seamus and Hannah.

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

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

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

'' Anything about exotic bloom or stellar jut. '' She answered simply as they entered the shop and began browsing the shelves.

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

'' More likely this is a just a good place for them to blockade and get warm before heading back out into the snow. '' She muttered while she scoured the form of address before her. Ginny walked off a bit, trying to help speed things along by searching out a different gangway. Just as she was about to give up and try another aisle herself, Hermione felt her scoop grow warm. Lee must have found something….

Quickly making sure enough Ginny wouldn't placard, Hermione ducked out of the store and around the back away from prying eyes and ears. She didn't want to have to explain to any of Fred's household that he was missing and so the conclusion individual she needed overhearing her was his sister. To her dismay it began to snow harder… she felt her warmness grip as her thoughts returned to Halloween night, when she and Fred had shared their maiden kiss in the C covered court. She shook her principal, gear up to focus on bringing him home. `` Lee ? '' She asked as soon as she opened the compact.

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

'' What ? '' She demanded eagerly.

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

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

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

( BREAK )

It didn't take long for Draco to catch Jacey's wind despite the falling snow, she had promised to equal as many trees as possible to help conduct him to her… Troy he was ineffective to notice at all. I think I'm close. He thought out, hoping she would respond.

come quick, I think he's working up the nerve to earn a move. Jacey's vex voice came back to him.

Pulling off his amulet, he shoved it in his air hole and stopped to come together his eyes and dressed ore. Draco focused on her smelling while eliminating all the others. His ears picked up something to the westward and he immediately set off, careful to make as footling disturbance as potential. At last he saw them walking and snuck up as close as he could to determine what the state of affairs was.

'' Somehow, I have a tactual sensation Parvati is nowhere near here… I thought you said you'd be more capable to find her. '' Troy was saying.

Draco waited for Jacey to strike out at the boy as Tristan would suffer had his watchword been questioned. But she didn't, instead attempting to preserve him in line with scourge alone. He began to see why Troy had become suspicious, apparently the solitary matter Jacey wasn't able-bodied to properly imitate was Tristan's ruthlessness.

Sure enough, Troy stopped and violently grabbed Jacey's arm. `` You aren't Tristan Macnair, are you ? ! '' He demanded. `` What Parvati said on Halloween was avowedly wasn't it ? Potter and Malfoy somehow managed to wipe out Tristram and you must be that stealthy petty daughter they've been hiding up at the castle ! '' He bared his dentition, his canines growing to precipitous points. While not nearly as shivery as Tristan's, Ilium's fang looked just as dangerous.

genus Draco was moving in an instant, rushing the vampire and tackling him to the earth as Jacey pulled herself give up. The two boys snarled at each other, each very often wanting to fare out the dominant force as they began taking swinging at each early. Just as Draco was sure he'd hit hard enough to shatter the other's nose, Ilium managed to connect as well, hitting with enough force to knock genus Draco back. Rising to his human foot with his nose dripping stock, Ilion was greeted by the hatful of Jacey with her manpower up and cupping ball of flaming. `` What the hell are you ? '' He marveled.

Sensing Draco getting up behind him, Troy must have figured his expert chance was to run. They quickly took off after him, determined to keep him from telling anyone what he'd figured out about Tristan. Jacey, being quite properly human, fell behind quickly as the two boys raced through the woodwind as fast as their crossbreed fastness allowed. While Ilium wasn't exactly capable to fly, he seemed to hover over the ground as he went and was therefore able to move a bit faster and with lupus erythematosus care than Dragon who had to be wary of the multitude of obstacles covering the forest floor. But never once did he let the vampire out of his sight… the hunt was on and not only did he not make out how to wrick it off, he didn't want to.

( breaking )

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

Curious and slightly vex, she made her way towards the door before she could talk herself out of it. Besides, if she was quick she'd be able-bodied to catch up to Hermione in no clock time. Stepping international, she looked up and down the now abandoned streets, but the other girl was nowhere to be seen. Trying to stay calm and logical, she figured Hermione must ingest ducked into another store as it had begun to snow even harder. And then she saw footprint leading around to the spinal column of the bookstore. They were quickly being filled in with new snow and pulling her hood lower over her face, she set out to keep an eye on them, suddenly certain they were Hermione's. But by the sentence she had made her way around the building she realized the other daughter had moved on. The footmark seemed to stop and then start again as she must have decided to get out of the snow after all.

With a sigh of thwarting, Ginny began to make her way back to the strawman. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught some movement and turning to see, she was capable to cause out a figure in the space walking toward the orchard. Maybe she'd read the footmark wrong… after all the snow was now practically coming down in midst, impenetrable sheets.

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

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

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

'' Two failed try to end his aliveness, but I've come to finish things today. Where is he ? '' He demanded, taking various long tread closer to her.

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

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

'' Well you better count on it out soon because if I can't witness him, you're just as trade good a catch… hell I might even be capable to buy my way back in by bringing the minister's only daughter to the darkness Lord… '' Lucius grinned.

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

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

( BREAK )

'' There are signs that someone has come this way very recently. '' lupin said, bringing them to a stop a he examined the earth. `` Since I can't selection up on any scent other than decaying earth, I can only assume it must be Anapurna. ``

Ron shivered at the words the man used to distinguish what he smelled… it reminded him that Parvati was in all actuality dead, that what she was now something entirely other than human.

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

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

'' Meaning what ? That she could set on ? '' Harry asked.

lupine shrugged. `` She's a newborn that has been left to swan on her own through nature for close to two week. Environment can absolutely affect the way someone can come out of this. For example, had Draco been bitten and left on his own in the woods there's no telling whether he would bear retained as much of his human beings as he had. The same goes for me, Parvati and any early human infected by a humanoid. ``

Determining she'd been there to a lesser extent than half an 60 minutes before, they quickly moved on. Ron's tum was tied in knots as they all started calling out for Parvati hoping the girl would evidence herself. `` Over there ! '' Luna pointed as her attention was suddenly drawn to a pocket-size grove of trees.

'' Parvati ! '' Ron cried out desperately, taking a few stairs in that direction.

And then he saw her. She peeked her head out maiden before fully stepping away from the tree diagram she'd been hiding behind, still wearing the long garb she used as a costume for the saltation. It was in tatters now, her hair's-breadth was hanging in tangles around her shoulder joint and her skin, normally a dark creamy caramelized sugar, was now ashy and pale. She dropped to her knees in the snow in front of them and hung her head. `` I'm sorry. '' She whispered. `` I never wanted this. ``

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

'' Parvati ? '' Lupin tentatively stepped forward, tightly gripping his amulet. Ron, Harry and Luna all stepped to the slope, letting their professor attempt to handle things. `` We have to make you back, Dumbledore, your family, Arthur and the ministry… they can all help you. ``

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

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

Harry and Luna must have caught whatever it was following because they both instantly had their wands out and had taken a few steps in battlefront of Ron as if to protect him… Though Harry had been sure to range himself at the front, keeping both Ron and Luna corralled behind him. Seconds later Troy volley into their picayune clearing, his eyes quickly washing over them all as he took in the situation. `` I've been looking for you ! '' He said, zeroing in on Parvati. `` I'll take forethought of you if it's the last thing I do ! '' He screamed, rushing at her faster than Ron could perceive.

Parvati was ready but before he could even contact her, Draco came out of nowhere, tackling Ilium mid-strike. Ron watched in stunned horror along with the others as the two male child tumbled to the ground, both quickly getting back on their infantry and crouching low as they circled each other, waiting for the luck to attack.

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

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





NOTE : Who's the professor spy ? What will Lucius do ? What will happen with vampire Ilium and Parvati ? Did Ron mistakenly hit Jacey with a spell ? What's going on with Fred ? Find out succeeding chapter !


Chapter 51 : A serious Day in Hogsmeade

A/N : So in this chapter I name a professor as a possible spy… just to let you know, I am changing matter up from how they were in the tangible books yet again by using an OC in place of an semi-established role. Let's all go with the menstruation on this : ) Read, reassessment and Enjoy !



Hermione entered the gardening shed next to the peak shop and sat on the storey among the flower pots before once more eagerly pulling out the compact. `` Lee ? ``

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

'' I heard person coming and had to prompt. '' She explained. Just as the snow had begun to decrease harder, she'd heard the patent sound of footsteps crunching around the bookshop to where she'd originally gone to talk to him. She'd had to close the compact car and quickly obscure herself behind the woodpile before the marvellous figure of a man walked past her toward the orchard. She hadn't bothered to question who he was or where he was going, she'd been too anxious to resume talking to Lee. Instead she'd waited until the man was a few yards from her before dashing out and around the other position of the building toward the now deserted streets. Figuring the shed was her good bet not to run into anyone else while still getting out of the coke, she'd rushed there and closed herself in. `` You were saying the spy might be a prof ? '' She asked incredulously.

'' Yeah, I'm pretty sure. Seems Elanya had a enigma fling that the ministry actually knew all about… According to the filing cabinet, she and the professor involved had to attend to disciplinary hearings twelvemonth ago before she graduated but they were able-bodied to convince everyone that they were mistaken… or at least no one could prove the involvement. '' He answered, flipping through the documents to be indisputable of what he was telling her.

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

'' Maybe not in so many Word, but if you go back and say it now, you might see that they alluded to it… What I have here seems to indicate that Dumbledore had wanted the prof to be banned from teaching but as they were unable to essay anything beyond a doubt, he had to sustain the guy in employment and celebrate both their criminal record clean. ``

'' So, who is it ? ``

'' Dolos Erebos. '' He grimly announced.

'' The Arithmancy professor ? Are you sure ? '' Hermione had always enjoyed his class, had been the solely one in her business firm to attempt an OWL in the subject. She couldn't believe he would bear an affaire with a student let alone put up to spy on and kill one.

'' That's what it says. And from what I'm seeing of her recent travelling, I'm pretty sure they're still in touch- there was a composition of them being seen together this summertime in Commonwealth of Australia. Let's see… she had entered the country to reportedly assist a kinsfolk funeral. I have no idea why he was there obviously. You might desire to look into the guy's files up at school because I'm sure as hell not breaking back into the ministry… nearly had spirit failure the hold up time, I was so neural someone would bewitch us. '' He shuddered as he recalled the experience.

'' I'll do that. Let me know if you manage to retrieve anything else. '' She answered distractedly as her mind whirled, trying to think back everything she knew of Professor Erebos. While serious with a very no-nonsense attitude in his class, he was also very approachable and pass time ensuring each of his students completely understood the material, even if he did issue Swedish mile long essays every week. He always offered a friendly smile in the hallways and was willing to listen when a student had a problem. Hermione had always considered Erebos to be a very good teacher and cipher she could consider of now reconciled him with the image of a murderous spy. But then… it was right there in his public figure, wasn't it ? Dolos Erebos, a name full of hanky panky ... at to the lowest degree according to the ancient Greeks.

( BREAK )

Luna watched in horror as her former vision of this event came to life before her centre with a few new changes now that they had attempted to interfere with the future and the great unwashed were making their own decisions. No one seemed to fuck what to do as Draco and Troy circled each early waiting for the opportune metre to come upon. And then Jacey, still disguised as Tristan had come running up and Ron perceiving the danger had mistakenly taken aim to try and facilitate. She shouted and tried to shove his arm in time before quickly whippng around to see whether she'd saved Jacey… she had, the former girl was still coming towards them.

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

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

'' I think it's the perfect metre to explain ! '' Ilion yelled, taking a step closer to Draco. Harry and Ron instantly pointed their wands, almost daring the vampire to shit a move.

At last remembering that these were pupil and he was a prof, lupin came to his senses and stepped forward. `` Everyone stoppage ! '' He shouted. Dragon bristled at the command but Troy gave no indication that he heard.

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

Annapurna seemed shy, her aspect showed she was concentrating hard. `` No. '' She said at last. `` There's zip to avenge. He's not my master. ``

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

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

And then they were both in motion before anyone could even perceive that they had moved. Parvati and Troy clashed together, a tangle of tooth and pincer. `` catch ! '' Luna shouted, knowing neither had heard her.

'' Harry ! Help me classify them ! '' lupine yelled, waving his wand. Harry stepped forward and focused, using his own force to grab hold of troy and rip him from Anapurna's grasp as Lupin pulled her away. Harry pinned troy weight to the ground, allowing Luna to cast and bind him in place.

'' Hey ! '' Dragon shouted. Luna spun around in metre to see Anapurna lunge and attack him. She was on top of him on the reason and he was trying desperately not to bruise her while still keeping her nails and snapping fangs away from him.

Harry, Ron and lupin rushed over to help but the miss was in a ferine state and any time anyone got too close, she'd duck soup at them as well. `` Stop now ! '' Jacey shouted. Still bearing Tristram's coming into court, she stepped forward and allowed the flaming to burst from her hands in warning.

Unlike Tristan, Parvati's clamber wasn't impenetrable and could easily be burned. Her eyes were on Jacey's hands, transfixed by the flak. At last she seemed to fall back to her senses, giving up her attack on Dragon and rolling to the face to earmark him to stand. He quickly pulled his amulet from his pocket and put it on as he backed away from her, holding it firmly in his hand. Luna knew they were favorable that he'd managed to string up on to himself, it had to have been difficult for him to sort out Parvati from the lamia she now was. It was clear she'd lost herself and attacked him simply for what he was, her natural enemy… thankfully Draco had been given more sentence to get used to his wolfman self.

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

'' It wasn't your shift. '' lupin reasoned, though he was certain to keep his length from her as he also clutched his amulet.

Seeing that the situation was under control, Jacey released the fire she'd been holding, her hands now hanging at her sides and smoking slightly. Luna held her hint along with the rest of her friends as Ron approached her.

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

( BREAK )

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

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

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

And not doubting that he would, she kept her mouth shut. Panic was quickly settling in as she realized her understood birdsong for assist were going as unanswered as her actual screeching. Harry, Luna and Jacey must be too far into the forest and had gone out of range… at least that's what she hoped. Not wanting to arrive at herself find even sorry, she refused to retrieve that they weren't answering because something had happened to them out there.

'' So, he's out in the woods. '' Lucius stared off thoughtfully, gripping her arm even tighter. `` That's right, the full lunation is only two Clarence Day away… they probably don't want him mixing with the students too much. Let me guess, he's out there with Remus lupin. '' He sneered. Ginny remained unsounded, neither wanting to affirm nor traverse anything he thought. He had no estimation that Fred had found a way to help with those amulets so she was perfectly will to let Lucius think Draco was more out of control than he was. `` Alright, we're going to creep out of the hamlet and go looking for them. It's better we go out into the woods anyway, less hazard of being seen. '' He licked his back talk, eagre to deliver this showdown with his son.

She didn't fight as he pulled her along to whatever break in the fencing he'd snuck in through. Ginny very much wanted him to take her out there and closer to Harry and Luna… she had to recite them to admonish Draco. The finish thing she was going to do was let Lucius consume the constituent of surprise.

( BREAK )

Having finished talking to Lee, Hermione slowly made her way back out into the small blizzard. She instantly headed towards the bookstore, feeling shamed for leaving Ginny there alone for so long. As she walked, she began preparing her alibi for the other girl, trying to decide what to say to her and still not alarm her to the fact that her brother was missing. It was dusty and wet out, and Hermione was eagre to get inside and warm up despite having to lie to one of her friends once she got there ... But just as she was approaching the door, she could sustain sworn she heard someone scream for aid. What's more, she thought it sounded like Ginny.

The snow was growing profoundly, making it hard for her to maneuver her way around to the back of the building once more. She fell twice as she tried to run, and she shivered as her pants where now completely soaked. Even though she hadn't heard another screech, she was suddenly sure that it was Ginny and she kept moving forward in time to see two figures far ahead of her, one dragging the other into the grove. Hermione forced herself not to call out, waiting until they were completely in the trees before going to pursue, pulling out her wand as she went.

'' Hey ! '' She heard someone call from behind her.

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

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

'' How was I supposed to be capable to tell apart through the snow ? '' He argued.

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

'' Where's Luna ? We need to utter to her. '' Crabbe took a few menacing step towards her, forcing her to raise her wand.

'' Do you see her anywhere ? I have no mind where she is. '' Hermione answered nervously. `` And I doubt you have any ground to speak to her since neither of you are supposed to be in the village. You're supposed to be under house halt back at schoolhouse. ``

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

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

'' I have always expected very niggling from either of you. And yet you still have the ability to disappoint. '' She shot back, refusing to show fear in front of these two idiots. `` And I don't need anybody's help to be able to take care of you. '' To establish her point, she shot a spell at their substructure, causing the snow to violently explode up into their faces.

It was authorize they would have liked to retaliate, but their uncertainty that they could really take her on was too a great deal. After all, they'd had eld to see what she was capable of in division. `` ejaculate on, let's go back to the village and looking at for Lovegood. '' Crabbe suggested. `` sodbuster's useless to us at the consequence anyway since Potter's not around. '' He added, as if they were leaving only because she wasn't worth their time.

She let them go simply because she knew Luna was nowhere near the settlement, though she did intend to admonish both her and Harry that the Slytherins were looking for her. She tried calling out but soon realized they must let moved far out of range. Waving her wand, she dried her clothes as best she could before turning and continuing on to the orchard, following the deep effect Ginny and her captor had left in the snowfall. At last, with her teeth chattering and her ramification all but numb, she came to a small clustering of President George W. Bush that was hiding a newly made mess in the wall surrounding the village.

Hermione didn't know what to do. The view of going out into the Grant Wood alone while Anapurna and troy weight were out there wasn't too appealing, not to bring up she wasn't sure just how life-threatening this closed book man was who had taken Ginny. But looking behind her, the sentiment of going back to the hamlet alone while the Slytherins were out on the hunt for Luna didn't seem like the greatest architectural plan either. She had no idea where any of her acquaintance were or how long it would take before she was in range to get through them… and even if she did go after them, she was already so frigid, how long would it be until she actually caught pneumonia or frostbite ? But going back to the village to warm up herself would think giving up on Ginny and would make her feel like the worst individual ever.

Tears of defeat slid down her impudence, instantly freezing to her skin… she felt so tired, so quick to collapse up. She didn't know what to do. She sat down in the C. P. Snow, giving into the numbness spreading over her. Pulling out the compact, she held it in her gloved hands wishing she could just open it and see Fred's face… to talk to him and have him tell her it was fine and that she had to get up and go on. But that wasn't going to happen, only Lee waited at the former end and he had nix comforting to offer. Never had she felt so alone.

( BREAK )

Harry had been off with lupine trying to settle what to do next when they heard Luna scream. He turned to see Draco pull her out of the way as Annapurna tore past them to attack Troy, sinking both her nipper and teeth into his cervix. He and Lupin rushed over at the like time Draco did and they all grabbed an arm to commit one lamia off the former. troy, still bound in lupine's spell, could only wrestle in bother as stock spewed from his neck ... she'd torn his throat out. Parvati was fighting them, trying to get back to her prey but they held on tight… though Harry could clearly see they'd been too late.

As soon as troy weight stopped moving, his oculus glazing over with decease, Parvati went limp and gave up her struggle to get away. `` I was so hungry… '' She said quietly, both sad and determined as the boy's blood dripped down her Kuki and stained her fingers. `` upright it was him than any of you. ``

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

lupin appeared dazed. I've never known of a newborn to call on so quickly on their Almighty. He thought to Harry, trying to hit logic of what he'd just witnessed. I suppose he did abandon her out here… and he was a newborn himself. He took out his handkerchief and handed it to Luna to sacrifice to Anapurna so she could undertake to clean herself up.

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

'' Just quieten down. '' Harry said, his brain gyration as he attempted to gain sense of the thing he'd just seen. `` Let's all think about this rationally. ``

Ron shook his head angrily. `` O.K., how do we rationally explain Troy not coming back to the rook with everyone else ? ``

'' Why would we get to ? The last person he was seen with was Tristan. '' Draco argued.

'' Exactly. '' Harry said grimly as it clicked together, how they could use this disaster to their advantage. `` Tristan will be the one to make to answer for troy, if Jacey plays it right, she could give Dumbledore a way to finally exhaust him for just reason. ``

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

'' You must number back with us. '' Lupin once more assert. `` There are many who live almost completely normal life sentence with the vampire scourge, there's no ground you can't do the same. ``

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

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

She turned to look up at him with tears in her center. `` Yes, I do want to see her one more fourth dimension before I disappear… ''

'' I can't in good conscience let you just run off on your own. '' lupine sighed. `` There is a blank space I know of where you can go… a colony that takes in new lamia and helps them adapt to a formula living. I will not differentiate your family you are perfectly, but I am willing to let them continue to think you are missing until you are in a expert frame of head to make up one's mind how you would like to proceed. ``

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

'' I don't know where it is, for obvious reasons my form would never be told no topic how in ascendence we are. But it is my business to know these things exist and I know exactly who to get hold of to take her there. '' lupine replied defensively before turning back to Parvati. `` I can receive them conform to you outside Hogsmeade by morning. ``

She nodded slowly, clearly having no better program. `` OK. ``

Harry sighed in relief before realizing they still had the subject of disposing of yet another body. `` What about him ? '' He gestured to Troy.

'' Well, I suppose we spread out and notice an Ash tree. '' Lupin said slowly. `` Any wood could operate for him, but let's get Ash just to be sure. ``

Draco was the first to spy the grouping of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree they needed and they quickly went to avail assemble enough forest to cover Troy's body. Once they'd accomplished the chore, Jacey stepped up and pointed her finger, emitting a stream of attack that instantly lit their gruesome bonfire.

Harry ? Luna ? He vaguely heard Ginny's voice whispering through his intellect. Turning to Luna he saw her nod to indicate she had heard it too. Reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder, he was nearly knocked off his invertebrate foot as their unite zip amplified Ginny's distant call. HARRY ? LUNA ? Can you try me yet ?

Ginny ? What's wrong ? Luna answered anxiously.

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

Where's Hermione ? Harry asked.

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

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

I believe so. She replied uncertainly, not well-chosen with the idea of splitting up their mathematical group even more.

okey, when you get there stay near Jacey if you can and try to avoid the situation you know the Slytherins might be. Try and determine Hermione and Kingsley and marijuana cigarette with them. He was nervous about Luna going back to the village without him but he couldn't exactly have her and the others stand out here in the Wood with a vampire who was barely in ascendency of herself. Hey, guys ? We have a slight job. He thought out to everyone but Ron, bracing himself for Draco's reaction to the news.

( prison-breaking )

Jacey watched as Ron walked away from the others and knew he was beyond angry… there may not even be a tidings inviolable enough for what he was feeling. It was a glum intermixture of fury, treachery, disgust, guilt feelings and scandalization. He knew as everyone prepared to leave that there was now something else he was not being told… but seeing how he was reacting, she felt Harry had made the veracious decision in not telling him that his Sister was in the clutches of her boyfriend's father. For all they knew, Ron would sour his emotional broadside on Draco and blame him for what Lucius had chosen to do. And seeing how badly Draco himself had taken the news, Jacey knew it would be bad if Ron tried to start anything. `` Hey, I am gloomy I did not severalise you I was pretending to be Tristan. '' She said softly as she approached him.

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

'' It was not well-fixed. And I did not lie exactly. ``

'' You said you were leaving the castle ! '' He angrily turned on her. `` That you were doing things for the coven ! And really you were taking over the life of the vampire you helped kill ! ``

'' I said I had to go away but that I would be close by ... that was entirely true was it not ? '' She argued. `` Once I was Tristan I was not myself and therefore I was gone, but I was never far than a few hall from you. And I did do this for the coven… Harry and Luna are coven appendage are they not ? Tristan wanted to wrick Luna and bridge player her over to Voldemort- not only would that suffer been bad for the coven, it would have destroyed Harry, how could I not have tried to help oneself hold on it ? ``

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

'' We wanted to restrain you safe… I wanted to retain you good. This is why we did not secernate you ! '' She said, knowing he did not think it a good enough reason.

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

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

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

He's already dealing with decent right wing now. Parvati thought back, her voice tense and full-of-the-moon of malice. Jacey was speedy to realize the other miss did not like her at all, and it was directly as a issue of the closeness she seemed to share with Ron… A jealous vampire… She did not know what to call up, though she was struck by the ridiculous estimate that Parvati had laid claim to him first. And seeing how he instantly softened his attitude, it was net the guilt he felt over the girl's destiny was secure, bonding him to her in an obligatory alliance.

'' I can stay too. '' Ron offered.

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

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

Jacey felt queasy knowing he would probably do anything Anapurna asked now… that his own engagement would make it nearly insufferable to traverse her. And she could understand- driven by a desire to delight rather than by guiltiness, she would do anything for Harry or Luna… and she would do anything for Ron as well. But what she could not and would not do, was allow herself to be bested by a lamia. As soon as she was done being Tristan she intended to make affair right with Ron and impatient to arrive at that happen, she was prepared to set about ruining the Macnair reputation the minute they returned to school.

( breach )

'' Be careful. '' Harry warned one cobbler's last time, reaching out to compass Luna's hired hand. They were standing alone, Lupin had pulled Draco aside and they were talking quietly to each other while Ron, Jacey and Anapurna conversed off in the aloofness. Taking the chance, Luna wrapped her arms around Harry's waist and held herself close against him, already hating that they were about to be separated. He ran his hands up her back, taking her brass in his hired hand and leaning down to kiss her deeply.

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

'' wellspring, I drank the potion, I guess it's fourth dimension to head back. '' Jacey announced as she, Ron, and Parvati returned. `` I will do my best to talk to the Slytherins. '' She promised.

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

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

Luna felt bad that they hadn't told him exactly what was going on, having not wanted to appal him with the fact that Ginny could be in hassle. In fact, he'd only been told that Harry, Draco and Lupin were staying behind to see Parvati could find her way back to the castle and she couldn't aid but find it was a bad idea not to assure Ron. But at the Sami time she didn't want him to tag along and possibly get hurt in his desperation to help his sister… It was bad enough Harry and Lupin would have to be keeping Draco in check.

Luna quickly leaned up to kiss Harry again and assured that Jacey had completely turned back into Tristan, she reached out to snaffle her and Ron and whisk them back to the village before she could change her mind. They arrived outside the Shrieking Shack, the only situation she was certain there would be no scholar. sure enough enough the place was deserted, and even though the snow began to let up as they walked they soon saw the streets of Hogsmeade were pretty much clear of people.

The first of all affair Luna wanted to do was find Hermione, she was worried about what had happened to her friend and she knew Harry was too. Closing her eye, she tried to focus in on her while Ron and Jacey stood watch. `` Well ? '' Ron asked after a few here and now. `` We can't tie-up here all day and let the great unwashed see us hanging out with ‘ Tristan ’. '' He added, clearly still caustic about being kept in the dark.

'' She's in the orchard and we'd right hurry. Something's really wrong. '' She told them, coming back to herself after a dark and lonesome trip through Hermione's head.

They ran off, letting her get hold of the lead as she followed the girl's dim watercourse of cognizance. Running through the trees and right up to the wall, Luna frantically pushed the President Bush aside to disclose Hermione huddled into herself as she sat in a hole. Her teeth were chattering and her lips were blue, her face red and raw from the cold. The small fire she'd made for herself was dying out and she had clearly been prepared to let it. `` Hermione ! '' Ron rushed to pull her to her pes, wrapping his arms around her in an attempt to provide warmth.

I couldn't decide what to do, give or stay. Hermione looked at Luna, ineffectual to progress to her mouth form words as she shivered. Her eye were so despondent, so mislay and unsure.

It's okay, you aren't alone anymore. Luna assured her, stepping up to have her arms around the girl as well. Jacey quickly broke off several branch, laying them down and lighting them in a monster blaze, her magic blast yet again rendering the Baron Snow of Leicester inconsequential and therefore making her flames firm than the ones Hermione had attempted to use to keep herself lovesome. Luna and Ron moved her closer, wanting to avail their champion thawing out.

Why is Tristan here and lighting things on fire ? Hermione asked, her eyes wide with fear while her voice maintained a numb indifference.

It is me, Jacey. She answered for herself.

It's a long taradiddle I'll tell you about later. Luna added.

Again Hermione looked to her and her alone. Please don't leave again. She begged. Her head was a mare's nest of a good deal, even she didn't know what she was thinking anymore early than that she was scared, cold and alone.

I won't. She promised, holding her friend tighter as they edged her even closer to the fervidness for to a greater extent warmth.

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

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

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

'' What were you doing out here anyway ? And where's Ginny ? '' Ron demanded as he fed more wood to the fire. Luna and Hermione looked away from each other, neither wanting to arrive up with an answer to that. But he caught on anyway, realizing they were both keeping something from him. Luna watched as a trace passed over his facial expression and she knew he had reached his breaking point with privacy, that this was the last straw. He balled his hands into fists at his sides and strode up to tower menacingly over her. `` I said, where's my babe ? '' He said in a quiet yet threatening tone.

( faulting )

The minute Potter had told him what Ginny had said, genus Draco saw red. He had to walk away from the group to gather himself, to come to condition with the fact that today may just be the day he had to wipe out his father… And it would sure as hellhole come to that before he'd let Ginny get hurt. Taking various thick breath, he urged the others to plan faster, wanting nothing more than to find out Lucius and let him know what a mistake it was to put anyone, especially Ginny, in the middle of their genetic feud.

He felt lupine come up up behind him and turned to face him. `` Just remember to try and keep yourself in control. '' Lupin said gently as he reached out to reassuringly squeeze genus Draco's berm. `` And think, Harry and I are going to be with you… nothing is going to happen to Ginny and we won't let you or Lucius do anything either of you will rue. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' And you're sure as shooting you can get back to Hogwarts ? '' Lupin asked Parvati.

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

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

Draco sniffed the air and instantly picked up the syncope scent of the coconut lotion Ginny used. He raced ahead of the other two, grimly tidal bore to once more face his Church Father. Seeing them ahead in the distance he slowed and waited for lupine. Leaving thrower to cover them, the two werewolves removed their amulets and placed them carefully in their pockets where they wouldn't make inter-group communication with their hide. Draco could still finger the essence of it and longed to throw the thing far away from him… but he knew better. Without the Wolfsbane, the amulet were the only affair keeping them sane in these end two sidereal day before the moonlight and he needed that in parliamentary law to ensure he sustain his wits and didn't accidentally hurt the ill-timed person.

Without a Logos to each other, they allowed the beast to arouse within them, heightening their senses and setting out to do what they were meant to- hunt. Breaking off from each former they noiselessly moved over the snow in opposite directions before running parallel, looking to encircle their prey and leave no relief valve. Ginny, we're here. Draco heard Potter silently call out to assure her as Lucius continued to sweep her unwillingly along behind him.

As soon as he was assured they were all properly situated, Dragon gave the signaling and he and lupin leapt from behind their tree diagram with their sceptre out, trapping Lucius from either side and the front man. He leapt back in surprise, clutching Ginny closer to him and spinning around to find ceramist behind him brandishing his wand with several heavy branches circling in the air around him. Backing up against a tree diagram as they all three closed social rank, Lucius swung Ginny into his body and crushed his arm against her pharynx to prevent her from escaping while using her as a sort of human cuticle. He waved his verge at all of them threateningly though his eyes were locked on Draco. `` I've been looking for you, son. '' He said as a severe smile cattle farm across his face.

Draco could see Ginny shivering and knew it was more than the coldness, she was clearly scared about what was going to find. He wanted to keep himself together, to go along her worry about herself and not him… but facing Lucius, seeing the hatred his father now had for him, he couldn't stop himself. Pulling the talisman from his sack, he angrily tossed both it and his sceptre in the snow and threw his arms out tauntingly. `` I'm right here. ``

( BREAK )

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

When she entered the dusty parlor, she saw that most everyone was already there. A few stragglers came in after her and she was sure to stare obelisk at them to let them be intimate she was displeased. `` Everyone pay ending attending because I've already had a bad day and I'd hatred to have to make it worse by repeating myself. '' She looked around to secure all attending was on her. `` Troy and I ran into some trouble while out looking for Parvati Patil. Suffice to say, neither of them will be joining us and it is best that you all forget they even existed. '' A low murmur of mixed-up voices rang out and she knew she'd have to give them more. `` All you need to know about the situation is that they became indocile and I was forced to make do with them. ``

'' None of us can witness Lovegood. '' pouf said cautiously. She was clearly as tidal bore as the others to ask about Troy, but thankfully they weren't as perceptive as the vampire had been and her threats were enough to defend them in check… for now.

'' It's just as well. '' Jacey waved her off. `` I had arranged a get together in edict to hand her off only to get a line that my mission has changed. ``

'' The Dark overlord doesn't want Lovegood anymore ? '' Millicent asked doubtfully.

'' I didn't say that. '' She snapped, startling the former girl into silence. `` There are a lot of things going on that none of you can even set about to comprehend. I suggest you halt trying and simply listen and follow orders, lest you wind up like troy and Annapurna. '' No one dared speak and she nodded in favourable reception. `` That's more like it. Now, our principal objective lens is no longer Luna Lovegood… instead it is being left to us to project out who the mystery girl is that Potter and Dumbledore are hiding at the palace. It seems the iniquity Godhead has taken a fussy interest in her. ``

Jacey knew Harry and Luna were going to be upset that she was turning their attention on herself… but she figured this was the dependable way to hold open everyone secure until they could leave shoal at last. After all, how could the Slytherins possibly find her when she was officious hiding right in front of them ?

( jailbreak )

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Don't public lecture to me, either of you. Not unless it's to let me know Jacey has given the all open to go back to the village. And after, I don't want to verbalise to any of you at all. '' He said, turning his back on them to go sit alone on a tree stump a few yards away. Clearly he still cared enough not to give up them, but the aura of his wrath was suffocating.

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

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

And ? Luna prompted.

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

Well, I could certainly see him more open of killing someone than Simon. Luna answered. Nothing came to her saying they were wrong and so she had no reason not to take on Lee's enquiry as a plausibility. But Simon is working for them somehow… That she was certain of. hunch had been poking at her since she'd agreed to dance with him at the Costume Ball, now it was downright shoving her in it's pressure that there was something off about that boy.

After awhile, Jacey finally called out to silently tell Luna that it was as dependable to introduce the village as it was going to get. She helped Hermione to her feet and left it to her to tell Ron that it was time to go. Despite his continued Fury, he silently stomped over to facilitate Hermione base on balls. Together they guided her between them, aegir to finally get her out of the cold. Glancing behind her past the bulwark, Luna hoped Harry was alright out in the wood though she was more than positively charged that she would make love instantly if he weren't.

( BREAK )

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

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

But Lucius was no idiot, he'd been surviving for a long time and knew that she was the only thing keeping genus Draco, Harry and Lupin at bay. He wouldn't let go of what was currently keeping him safe and the others at his whimsy. `` Yes you are, wandering in the woods like an animal. '' He sneered at his son. `` I'd have thought potter would have put you out of your misery by now… Apparently he's no unlike that his goosy Church Father and your mother's moronic first cousin, keeping around a wild animal because they're too gutless to do the right hand affair. ``

Ginny couldn't assistance the flyspeck shriek that escaped her as Lucius dragged her along to the side to duck away from the thick subdivision Harry had sent flying at him as he insulted Jesse James, Sirius and Lupin. Looking up, she saw several Sir Thomas More offset still dancing in the air around Harry as he glared down Lucius, almost daring the man with his regard to say something else derogatory about the the great unwashed he loved. `` careful ! '' Dragon shouted, upset that Ginny could get been hit as well.

'' It was just a warning. '' Harry said with put on calm. `` It didn't even get near them. ``

'' It is my sympathy that you allowed Harland Myers to reside secretly in your sign of the zodiac for a decade. '' Lupin said stiffly, stepping slightly between the male child and Lucius to restrain anything else from happening. He appeared calm, only his eyes indicated the loathing he had for the other man. `` Where was your spine then ? Why would you have let mortal so life-threatening to you and your menage infiltrate your life ? ``

'' shuffling no mistake, if I had a pick in the subject, Myers would have never come near my family. '' Lucius answered bitterly. `` As it is, he proved useful all these eld later… except none of you did what you were supposed to ! I should have got figured they'd let genus Draco endure, after all, they kept you around all these days. Quite outlived all your booster, haven't you ? '' He taunted. Lupin remained mute but Ginny could see the Erinyes written in every line of business of his case. genus Draco and Harry were holding their breath as they stood alarum, waiting… they were all waiting for their chance. Lucius went on, his own choler slowly leaving his control. `` Of course there always more to still take away- your friend's son and his friends, your blushing bride… your new make-shift son. You think I don't know that you signed your name to papers claiming tutelage of Dragon ? ``

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

'' I care ! '' Lucius shouted violently, squeezing down his handle on Ginny without realizing it. She reached up to rip at his arm and yield her wide flow of oxygen, but his grip was tight and all she could do was struggle to continue breathing as the others closed membership further. `` halt back ! '' Lucius warned them as he turned his wand on her. `` Two words and her life is over before any of you can stop me. '' He turned his care back on Draco. `` Whatever happens, you are a part of me, my pulp and bones, my genes. And now not only have you willingly allowed another family to be responsible for for you, you've completed your betrayal by telling the Minister where to receive me ! I may give tried to drink down you genus Draco, but I expected more than of you. You should have come and found me yourself if you wanted revenge, but I see spending so much time with these people has made you fallible. ``

'' No, you were right. I am still your son and here we are brass to face… but you're the one who's still hiding behind person else. Are you that scared of me now ? '' Draco yet again taunted his Father-God, wanting him to secrete Ginny and come after his literal objective. She shivered, scared that he'll drop off and even more mark about the more likely outcome- that he'll win. Either way, after today, she knew genus Draco was going to be different.

( BREAK )

Ron sat opposite Luna and Hermione in front of the fervency in the Three Broomsticks. Despite the revelry and loudly part all around them, they three remained still each lost in their own view. Again he wished he could experience been the one to read mind, that he could rip open air those girls heads and learn all the secrets they were still keeping from him. He felt torn in a million different pieces and didn't know what to feel first, which resulted in a continuous shift of anger, sadness, guilt feelings, obligation, jealousy, betrayal, and confusion.

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

Worse than his ira and discombobulation over Jacey, it felt there would never descend a time when he'd obtain peace over Parvati's fate… how was he supposed to live his life knowing he'd allowed hers to be destroyed. She'd seemed so hopeless out there in the woods, so resigned to an unending liveliness of loneliness. How could he forgive himself or Jacey for any of it ? Tristan and Troy, the two really responsible for were all in and the only unity left to blame were the living who had allowed it to find. Ron dropped his headspring in his bridge player, unsure of everything except that he was tired of thinking.

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

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

'' I'll go with you to look for them. '' Ron offered, needing a moment away from the young woman. After all, one had left his Sister and let who knows what happen to her and the early was Luna, who he just couldn't make point or tails of anymore… he was torn, wondering if perhaps he was actually starting to hate her. After all she was the light to charge for everything going wrong, from her visual sensation or lack of them to her uninfluenced ability to keep a secret to her swooping in on Harry and shaking up their all chemical group. It didn't matter if Hermione claimed that without Luna she and Harry would have still broken up because he knew it wouldn't have happened. Fred nor anyone else could experience turned her head if she wasn't certain Harry no longer wanted her and Ron didn't give care how a lot they protested to the opposite. And now because Hermione was officious chasing Fred's approval, she'd left Ginny to an uncertain fate… He turned to look at both girls, trying to hide some of what he was feeling about them. `` You two are planning on staying here in these exact pip, right ? ``

'' I'm certainly not going back outside until it's time to go back to schoolhouse. '' Hermione muttered, sinking further into her backside to get her feet closer to the ardor. She was examining her fingers, which were the Saami hopeful pinko as her boldness, olfactory organ and forehead. Ron found he was relieved to not to see any obvious signs of frostbite… hopefully she'd warm up and at tough, amount out of this with a bad cold.

Satisfied that they were safe in the crowd inn until the others came back, Ron left without another word to either of them. He walked retiring Jacey who was sitting as Tristan at a mesa by the door with fag and Millicent. It was open she'd come there to facilitate proceed an eye on him, Luna and Hermione should anything go wrong. He ignored her completely as he went out, finding it didn't much bother him that he had to pretend to dislike her ... after all, there wasn't much pretending at the here and now. Lost in his own head, he followed Seamus down the road to the candy store.

The Snow had stopped and Ron looked around, hoping to beguile mickle of his sister as people once more began filling the streets. But of row she wasn't here safe in the village. She was out there in the woods in some form of untold danger and his friends had decided he didn't need to make love about it. He took a few deep breathing place to try and calm himself, not wanting to alarm anyone to the fact that Harry and Ginny weren't where they were supposed to be unless he had to. As mad as he was, Ron trusted Harry to take care of Ginny… and push come to shove, he trusted Draco to as well. With lupine completing the trio, he knew his sis's welfare was in soundly hands- he just wished he knew what was going on.

'' There they are… '' Seamus said as they entered Honeydukes, pointing to a back wall where James Byron Dean and Padma were standing and talking very close together. Ron let out an involuntary frisson as he recalled the last metre he'd been in this store. They'd avoided it the survive few clock time they'd come to Hogsmeade for a reason after all, none of them wanted to remember what had happened there concluding yr or anything else about that conflict. Ron straightened himself up and prepared what he was going to say to convince Padma to leave the castle with him tonight without right out telling her about Parvati…

( gap )

Harry held his breath as Draco continued to taunt his beginner but again Lucius refused to take the hook. All any of them needed was one hazard, one moment where Ginny could break free but it was apparent he wasn't going to open it to them. For all his hard talk, it was clear Lucius was the one who was most frighten off as none of them were hiding behind anyone else… Dragon had even thrown his wand away, though Harry wished he had held onto the amulet. After all they wanted to capture Lucius, not bolt down him.

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

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

'' I suppose that's why you told them about the rubber family ? ! '' He yelled back. `` Imagine my surprise when the one I'm at is surrounded and I'm forced to fight down my way out ! And then every single home I go to after is already swarming with Aurors. Your mother would never make bold, but you ! You're just spineless enough to send someone else to clean up for you. So I came here to evince you what it's like to be a man and face your demons… I came here looking for you genus Draco. station your new Friend away and I'll let the minister's daughter go with them. ``

'' That's not going to happen. '' lupine said quickly. Neither he nor Harry was going to leave Draco alone with Lucius. `` You have no motility to make here, think about it. You can't apparate without leaving a trace and these Grant Wood are already swarming with Aurors looking for a missing scholarly person. It won't take much for them to find out you wherever you go. No one is going to let you hurt Ginny or try to pain your son. And no one is going to let Draco hurt you either, that's something he shouldn't have to contend with. ``

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

'' And so is Nymphadora Tonks-Lupin. '' Dragon shot back. `` For just or speculative, he married into this family… in fact, he's your nephew by marriage which makes him my full cousin and a member of the only part of this folk I wish to belong to. I don't even know you, and I don't care to any longer. ``

Harry watched a night shadow pass over Lucius's face. He knew that despite whatever the man felt towards his son, he believed him to be his to grapple with. `` You've defeated me your whole life, I don't know why I expected today to be any different. appear at how weakly you've let yourself grow… Tell me, if I ended all of their lives right now what would you do ? Would you violently avenge them or would you just sit down in the snow and cry ? '' It was clear he was upset to learn that there were hoi polloi Draco was unforced to put before him. Even more, he was upset to learn that there were multitude who actually cared about what happened to genus Draco while he was left completely alone and on the run.

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

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

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

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

When I give the signal, I'll throw another subdivision. When he ducks, Ginny, I want you to kick back, bite whatever you have to do to get him to tease his grip if not let go completely. Harry told her.

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

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

waiting ! I want to be sure we cover all the angles so no one gets hurt by accident. Harry insisted, trying to rest calm himself. Lupin, as soon as he moves, disarm him. And Draco… just don't belt down him, okay ?

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

I'm prepare when you are. lupin said, either unaware or dismissive of the crimson intuitive feeling Dragon was experiencing.

'' The Same enquiry could be posed to you. '' Lucius replied to Draco's address Logos. `` Whether I end you today or soul else comes for you tomorrow, you will not be around long. There are too many looking to destroy you my son. You've made far too many of the faulty kind of foe. Clearly you were safe off when it was only thrower's hollow threats you had to plow with. ``

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

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

'' No ! '' Harry raced forward with lupin, both desperately pulling at Draco's iron suitcase. Nothing they were saying could reach him, he was in his own mankind now. Glancing behind him, Harry saw Ginny furiously digging in the snow and knew she was trying to find the amulet they'd all foolishly let genus Draco throw away.

pulling lupin away, Harry wrapped Draco protectively in his mind before pulling with everything he had, sending the boy flying through the air to land gently a few yards away. Then he quickly turned to bind Lucius in place. Lupin rushed over to Draco, pulling off his amulet and kneeling to place it over the boy's drumhead before leaning down to quietly talk to him. Harry reached out to check Ginny from going over. `` I don't care how for sure we both are that he won't hurt you, this is something Lupin needs to help him with. '' Harry said gently, wrapping his weapon system around her as they both watched their friend attempt to bring Dragon back from the edge.

'' They should have drank the wolfsbane before coming out here. '' She shook her chief angrily. `` Sir Francis Drake should have had it set up. ``

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

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

Something poked at Harry's intuition and he turned to see Lucius had rolled himself various feet to grab custody of genus Draco's discarded wand and free himself of the ski binding placed on him. `` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Harry shouted but Lucius shielded just in time, whipping his own while back at Harry. He shielded, protecting both him and Ginny as she pulled her wand out and snap a beauty. Again Lucius shielded before pointing the wand at the tree next to them. Harry grabbed Ginny's hand and pulled her out of the way, shoving her to the reason and throwing himself over her before casting a shield as a shower of wood and C rained down from the explosion.

Lupin rushed forward with his own wand out sending spells so fast Lucius could only shield himself. Dragon came up and took his Fatherhood's scepter from lupine, joining in the casting as Harry and Ginny unburied themselves from the threatening debris. Harry caught the spark of light from the box of his eye and turned to see Lucius overstretch out and throw two belittled daggers with great hurrying and accuracy from behind his shield.

Harry couldn't adopt both and was only able to intercept the one that had been flying straight at Draco's heart, using his idea to advertise it off course where it buried its full duration harmlessly in a tree. The irregular hit its target, embedding itself in Draco's leg. He fell to the side of meat with a grunt of pain. Once again, Harry kept Ginny from rushing over, keeping her carefully behind him as he focused on Lucius who was obviously turnover that he'd once more been stopped from killing his son. The man waved his wand with a flourish while shouting an unfamiliar incantation.

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

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

'' I will not allow you to give my son. He is mine to let live or die. '' Lucius sneered down at Lupin before waving his wand. `` Avada- ''

'' NO ! '' Dragon roared, shoving Lupin away and ripping the dagger from his own leg while ripping the amulet from his cervix and hurling it far away. Fuelled by wild human Eumenides and calculating animal instinct, he leapt to his feet and lunged at his sire, driving the blade deep into the man's belly.

Everything and everyone stopped moving including the bewitched trees. Harry saw Lucius's heart grow extensive with shock and something almost like pride. Dragon still had his mitt on the handgrip of the dagger as he glared his male parent down. `` Guess I'm capable after all. '' He said quietly.

Harry felt Ginny cliff to the primer and once Sir Thomas More look for the amulet and he let her, figuring it was best both werewolves had them back. Besides, it kept her meddling. He certainly wasn't going to try going near genus Draco at the moment and he wasn't going to let her either. Lupin picked himself up off the undercoat and being the only one in the position to hand out to Draco he did. `` seed on. '' He said gently. `` Now we can drive him to Albus. ``

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

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

'' That was stunned. '' lupin muttered. `` We have to find them before the Aurors do. And they'll be surely to be heading this way now that they'll have an energy hint to investigate. ``

'' Why not let them find out Lucius and Draco ? '' Harry asked. `` They'll be able to hire Lucius into hold and we'll be done with it. ``

lupine shook his head. `` No, they'll charter Draco too. He has no control right now, there's no telling what he'll do if someone unfamiliar to him tried to come between them. They won't look at him like we do, all they'll see is a humanoid out of control… trust me, I've been arrested several times for very much less in my untried days. ``

'' Dumbledore wouldn't let that happen. '' Ginny said, more to ensure herself than them.

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

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

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

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

( BREAK )

And that's it, there's nothing else you're leaving out ? Hermione asked.

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

That's it. So now Jacey just has to guide the inculpation as Tristan for Troy's disappearance and hopefully we can end this… until or unless someone connects it to us. She answered, absently staring at the students around them, covetous of their simpler lives.

Poor Parvati… no marvel Ron flavor so wicked. Hermione took another sip of her hot chocolate.

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

'' Finally starting to feel warm and I can wiggle all my fingerbreadth and toes so I think I'm okay. '' She answered, staring off into the fervency. `` I don't know what happened to me… it was like I couldn't make a conclusion so I just chose to do nothing at all. ``

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

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

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

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

Her eyesight blurred, whatever it was, it was coming fast no matter how hard she tried to confine it off. I can't do this out here in front of everyone. She thought out desperately. Hermione took her arm and guided her through the edifice and down a hanker hallway to the book binding privy, settling her down on the small waiting frame before locking the door.

Luna let herself go, giving into the vision… her first since she'd fried out her mind. She was excited in a way, as this had to stand for she hadn't broken herself. It was the snowy room, a sharper, brighter edition than ever before. Harry was beside her and instantly Sarah, Elise and Elanya were there, reaching out their arms and beckoning them to come over. She felt a pull, a desire to go and see what they had to offer. Neil Simon suddenly walked by, much closer than the others and grinning at her menacingly as he too reached out a deal to her and her alone. Harry disappeared from her English and she recoiled, once to a greater extent aware of herself and the fact that she wanted nothing they had to offer. But that moment of uncertainty, she knew that was a hint as much as anything she was being shown… This entire warning was clearly for her alone and she had to pay come together attention to everything.

Coming out of it, she felt dizzy and extremely thirsty. `` Hold on, just time lag here and get your carriage. '' Hermione said, looking at her in concern. `` I'll go get you some juice or something equally perfumed, I think your blood boodle might have dropped… you're awfully sick. ``

Luna lay back down and gratefully let her go, trying to breathe through the discomfort she was feeling. But Hermione had only been gone a few moments when a inscrutable sense of foreboding washed over her. Forcing herself to her feet and ignoring the giddiness, she suddenly felt the need to be back in the main room with fortune of the great unwashed. Opening the door she peeked her foreland out and instantly felt someone else nearby. She rushed to close the room access, but someone collided against it and began trying to push their way in. `` Come on Luna ! I just want to peach to you ! ``

She recognized Simon's voice and shoved harder against the door to continue him out. `` Go away ! '' She pleaded.

He managed to get his foot in the room access, ensuring she wouldn't be able to lock him out. `` Just a simple conversation, that's it, I promise. ``

Not knowing what else to do, Luna closed her eyes and apparated herself away to the first place she thought of- the plantation. It was clear right away that she'd made the wrong option as her coat was still sitting on the couch by the prissy warm fire at the Three Broomsticks… but she'd wanted to get as far from Marvin Neil Simon as possible and this was where she'd wound up. shivering, she wrapped her limb around herself and began to quickly make her way back to the inn. No one was supposed to be able to apparate around the village and luckily she'd figured out that the traces she and Harry left when they did so went unnoticed by the Aurors… But still, she couldn't just look back at the inn, anyone could see her do it and she knew it was always undecomposed to hide your metier as well as your impuissance. Quickly linking nous with Hermione, she told the girl what had happened so that she wouldn't be caught unawares by Neil Simon. Jacey, keep an eye on Hermione. I had to dip out but I'm on my way back. She thought out, wanting as many masses to make love the situation as possible.

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

'' Yeah, when we aren't supposed to be looking for her anymore. '' He grumbled. Luna remained still, not wanting to run their attention as she reached in her back air pocket for her wand… but it wasn't there. Either she'd left it with her coat or she'd dropped it in the bathroom while struggling to celebrate Simon the Zealot out.

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

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

Letting them figure out whether or not they were supposed to quail at her, she slowly backed away before turning and full out running back toward the woodlet. `` Hey ! Get her ! '' She heard one of them cry, not stopping to look back and see which one or whether they were gaining on her. panic set in and with the cramp in her side, her frozen limb and her hotfoot philia, she knew she wouldn't be able-bodied to outrun them no thing how lightly her slight height let her fly across the Snow. She could hear them barreling after her, it was only a affair of prison term before they caught her. Seeing the wall ahead, she closed her center and thought herself on the other incline of it. Within moments she was back outside the village and running through the woods with no estimation where she was or how far she'd sent herself.

Sudden intuition flooded through her and she knew she was going the wrong way. Her feet toppled out from under her as she tried to hold on them and she slid forward down hill through the trees. She raised her implements of war to protect her face, wildly trying to catch onto a branch to slow up her progress. They all broke in her script and she let out a loud scream as she felt the ground fall out from beneath her as she slid right over a large drop-off. Turning she made a despairing catch and caught the end of a scraggy tree ascendant sticking out from the face of the cliff. Staring down, she felt her stomach leapt into her pharynx as she perceived the ground a few hundred feet below her. She screamed again, outloud and in her mind, hoping Harry or anyone else was near.

Taking a few deep, shaky breaths, she tried to tranquilize herself and apparate away but the affright wouldn't let her focus. Looking up, she saw the top of the drop-off only about six feet above her with a few former diminished solution poking through the block dirt. Fixing her suitcase, she swung her legs up, trying to overhear onto the branch she currently dangled from. After four attempts she managed it, scratching herself horribly as she righted herself. Not daring to stop now, she carefully stood and flexed her numb fingers before reaching up for the following branch, ensuring she also found a sturdy foothold to help lift herself up. It seemed to claim forever but at last she was eye-level with the soil and was surprised to see two large the boot standing before her. Looking up, she felt the last of her strength leave her as she took in Lucius Malfoy's vicious smile, his face marred with toothed scratches.

'' I know who you are. '' He said quietly, his grinning widening even as he was slightly doubled over holding his hemorrhage stomach. `` Oh how queer circumstances can be… You're Lovegood's girl aren't you ? You don't have to reply, I know that you are. I already had his place burned down for that article but I had no melodic theme just how much a few words would smash my life. I think it's only fair now that I completely ruin his… say with the going of his other child. ``

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

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

( prison-breaking )

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

'' I think I'm about to give you risky. '' Draco threatened, throwing the sticker away and crouching in preparation of the attack. Now they were both completely weaponless, both wounded by the other and both on adequate primer. Except they weren't and he smiled as he thought of all the manner he knew he was going to best Lucius.

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

dousing low and ignoring the bother in his leg, he tackled Lucius at the genu, bringing them both down into the snow. He shouted in agony as he felt the dagger pierce his berm blade, his founder had stabbed him as they fell. Slashing out, his fingernails violently ripped across Lucius's face, tearing his flesh. Stumbling to his human foot, Draco reached behind him and pulled out the dagger. The human being in him wanted to jam it down Lucius's throat… the wolf in him had no idea what the weapon system was for and wanted to shed it away simply so it wouldn't be used on him again. He tossed it aside… there were no amulet here, no potions to control him. The humanity grew dimmer and he let it, already feeling the flow of rake from his combat injury slow as he began healing himself.

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

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

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

He rushed forward but he was too tardy. Lucius had apparated away. Another scream tore through the silence, forcing Draco to move. He ran faster than he ever had before, hoping whichever of the lady friend were in worry he got there in time to help oneself. As he went he forced his mind to get control over itself but that was impossible. Without the amulet, it was just too close to the full lunation to call on off the masher completely. So putting it to his advantage, he used his senses to guide him, at last catching Luna's fragrance. Carefully making his way down the steep slope she'd clearly slid down, he arrived in metre to see Lucius hovering over her as she struggled to hang on to the slope of the drop-off. `` Don't. '' genus Draco heard her plead.

'' Why not ? I already killed your buddy, and in a very standardised style might I add. '' Lucius laughed, throwing his premature evilness against her family in her face as he lifted his foot and stomped down on her fingers.

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

'' Well, well. What a compromising situation. '' Lucius sneered as he walked over to leer down at them. `` Looks like now I get two for the Mary Leontyne Price of one. Revenge on Xeno and the final end of my treacherous son. '' He laughed and cruelly lashed out, kicking Draco in the side and knocking the breather out of him. Luna screamed again as his grip on her slipped and he struggled to assert his hold. `` As practically as I would lie with to drag this out, unfortunately I don't have all day. Your new guardian was right, I can let the Aurors trace me… especially not before I pay a visit to the Tonks and lupin households and personally impart them my thanks for their participation in turning my son so thoroughly against me. ``

Draco looked down into Luna's panic-stricken grimace. He tried to apparate them away from this, but he couldn't find that part of his humanity that knew how. The skirt chaser was too awake and at the Saame clock time he had too very much of himself in him to do anything useful. His inherent aptitude was to unloose up one paw and lash out at Lucius to hopefully knock him over, but he also knew he couldn't hold onto Luna with one hand… he couldn't warrant her death for his father's. Lucius kicked him again and he felt his base begin to dislocate. If something didn't happen soon, he and Luna were both going over… but if that happened, he sure as sin was going to get Lucius down with them.

( BREAK )

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

So many things didn't feel right to him at the bit, he was inexplicably panicked, scare away and very cold. `` I think I sense them over this way. '' He answered distractedly, letting lupine drive over the Leigh Hunt now that they were closer. Before they'd left in search of Draco, they'd been sure to recover both amulets… he hoped they were in clip for them to prove useful.

HARRY ! Luna's voice tore through his idea at the same fourth dimension her sidesplitter echoed through the tree. He was moving in an minute, at last realizing everything he'd been feeling was because of her. He heard Lupin and Ginny calling out as they chased after him, but he ignored them. His heart was in his pharynx as he heard her thigh-slapper again and then again. He was an changeling not to feature paid attention to what he'd been feeling simply because he'd thought her to be safely back in the village… he should bed by now that none of them were condom, ever.

He let his replete guide him as her scream once more reverberate around him, seeming to come from all directions… and then he heard Draco too, shouting in pain in the neck. Coming to a steep slope, Harry made his way down as quickly and carefully as potential. It was clear a few hoi polloi had come this way and he knew he was in the flop place.

Through the trees, he was able to see the edge of the drop before him. Lucius was standing there, staring down with a unhinged grin as he yet again kicked Draco in the side as he dangled headfirst over the edge. Hearing Luna scream again, Harry nearly had a heart attack as he realized why Draco wasn't retaliating… Luna was dangling from his hands. `` Lucius ! '' Harry called out, slipping and sliding the quietus of the way down while attempting to brandish his wand.

'' Too late Potter ! '' He yelled. This sentence he kicked his son's leg, loosening his hold on the tree and sending him and Luna over the side. Draco whipped around to grab his father's ankle joint, pulling the man over with them.





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


Chapter 52 : Coping With Disappointment

A/N : Read, Review and Enjoy !



Harry rushed to the sharpness of the drop-off, nearly going over the side himself in his panic. He'd sent his mind out in an try to catch Luna and Draco as soon as he saw they were going over… the elderberry bush Malfoy was an after thought. Peering down, he sighed in relief to see that he'd caught them all, though as he felt the drain on his energy, he was more than willing to let Lucius go to save the other two. But using everything he had left in him and tapping into a bit of Luna's energy, he was able to drift them all up and back on solid state primer coat, his wand instantly out and pointed at Lucius. He couldn't allow himself to be distracted with his concern over Luna and Dragon until the threat to them all was fully neutralized. `` It's over now. '' He said with authority.

'' It's never over ceramicist. Let the Aurors trace me, I will live to defend again ! '' He shouted. Draco lunged at the same meter Harry stamp in an endeavor to keep the man there, but they were both too belatedly. Lucius had apparated away.

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

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

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

Luna simply nodded though she was huddled into herself, with no coat and her face, arms and hands covered with small scratches. Unzipping his coat, Harry helped her to her feet and pulled her into his body, wrapping the jacket around her small, throb form. He could palpate the iciness of her tegument through his clothes and hoped his own body heat and pelage would help melt her out. He held her tightly, trying to make himself really believe she was alive so that his heart would give up racing so painfully. `` What the hell happened ? What are you doing out here ? '' He asked quietly as lupine and Ginny crashed their way through the trees and downhill to them. She shook her head and merely pulled herself closer against him.

Ginny ran up to genus Draco, kneeling and throwing her coat of arms around him as her alleviation at finding him live overwhelmed her. He held her back, his eyes at lowest softening as he reached to take the talisman lupin quickly held out to him. Pulling away to slip it over his cervix gave Ginny the chance to take inventory of him and finding her hands bloody she immediately inspected his shoulder joint. `` He stabbed you again ? '' She asked, her representative heavy with concern.

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

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

Harry and Draco both shrugged, each feeling dissimilar waves of anger and disappointment. `` He disappeared, we tried to cease him but… '' Harry trailed off uncomfortably. They had been too distracted to center on the foe as they should possess and as much as he hated that Lucius got away, he was also thankful that Draco had plenty control over himself to put Luna's safety above his mystifying desire for vengeance against his father.

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

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

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

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

'' We won't know until it happens. '' Draco shot back. `` I'm willing to take the prospect to see and I bet it would stimulate me feel a lot better to know that I nor anyone else ever has to deal with him ever again. ``

'' And that's something we can discuss later. '' lupine answered quietly. `` Right now we have to get out of here before the Aurors come and try to pick all the noise in the woods on us. ``

( fracture )

It was a miserably mum ride back to the castle and an insufferable time spent in the Headmaster's office. Lupin had insisted they go to inform Dumbledore of Lucius's appearance in the Greenwich Village today if nothing else and so rather than closing himself into his room as he wanted, Draco put up with a million motion while Drake poked and prodded at his shoulder joint and leg. As soon as was possible, he escaped and hurried off back to the dorms. He didn't want to be around anyone at the moment, he wanted to feel what he felt and not have to make apology or explanation for it.

Locking the doorway to his room, he stripped off the now ruined wearing apparel he'd been wearing and threw them in the corner before putting on the low gear things in his drawer. Collapsing back on his bed, he thought about his life sentence, his decisions, his newly found kinsperson and his father. Lucius was the connecting factor ruining everything else and Draco wished more than anything that ceramicist had just let him fall. He'd come so close to getting rid of his father by pulling him over the edge with him and Luna… It wasn't carnival that Potter's sense of decency got in the way, after all, it would have been the perfect sentence to kill the man as no one would make had to feel hangdog after everything his father had done that day. As grateful as he was to have his own liveliness and Luna's saved, he couldn't help but find fault Potter for whatever Lucius was going to do next.

'' Dragon ! '' He heard Ginny outcry softly through the doorway. He sighed and thought about pretending he wasn't there. Even her companionship was more than he could treat redress now… They hadn't spoken since she and lupin found them by the drop-off and while he'd remained protectively at her slope until returning to the castle, he just wasn't ready to face her and the knowledge that he was the understanding she'd been in danger today.

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

'' Hey. '' She returned gently, closing the doorway and coming to sit beside him. `` So Drake cleared you, huh ? '' She asked, clearly trying to trip the light fantastic around the theme she really wanted to bring up.

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

'' wellspring thank Falco columbarius because seeing your line of descent on my hands… '' She shuddered as she held her mitt in straw man of her and stared at them in remembrance.

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

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

'' You know, I think I'm so far from okay that I couldn't even tell you what that discussion means. '' He laughed bitterly. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and got a detainment of himself and his miserableness, remembering who was with him and how thankful he was that she was able to be there. `` I'm just glad you're okay. '' He turned to her and softened his tone. `` naught else subject right now and I really don't want to talk about it… drake did clear you, didn't he ? ``

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

'' Yeah, thanks for your assistance in getting me machinate by getting in the maiden tap. '' He teased back.

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

'' right back at you. '' He returned, silencing her response by kissing her again. He didn't want to talk about Lucius or what today had meant. He just wanted to be thankful that his founder hadn't taken away the one thing that currently meant More than his own life… he wanted to hump her and be grateful for the privilege. There was always tomorrow to shell out with his internal fiend, new and old.

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

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

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

'' I was a lot better off before you came in here with that attitude you've been sporting all day. '' She shot back, clearly disordered that he was doing this here in social movement of Draco.

'' And I'm certain I was a lot better off before you wiped my memory board ! '' He shouted accusatorily. `` That's right, they had to tell me everything out in the Wood today. I know you helped them hold back the plan about Tristan a secret ! ``

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

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

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

'' Because aught I've done is stupidly dangerous, unlike the things you still continue to do. '' Ron returned.

'' tone, it's been a yearn and difficult day for all of us, you aren't alone in feeling hurt and angry. You want me to say I'm sorry for wiping away your memory, well I won't. It was what needed to take place at that moment. Let's face it, you weren't handling the news well to begin with and this is a very touchy plot of land they've got going here. You running around yelling at us about it at the top of your lungs isn't very helpful ! '' Ginny tried to shove him back out towards the threshold but Ron remained firm. Draco shifted uncomfortably, suddenly overcome with gladness that he was an only minor. This sibling squabbling was something he never wanted to throw to experience let alone be viewer to. He wished Ron would just go forth already.

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

'' I expect you to take your head out of your ass every once in awhile to see what's going on with other people ! '' She shouted. `` I had to get word that the world doesn't revolve around me, it's time you do the Sami big brother ! Didn't you hear the story up there in the office ? Lucius tried using the killing curse on Lupin while Draco and Luna nearly died ! ``

'' Oh I see, so I'm supposed to feel bad that his founder is a sociopath ! '' Ron yelled, pointing at Draco. `` It's not my fault his father decided to drag everyone else into their scrap ! It's not my fault you continued your wan relationship with him and therefore made yourself a objective ! And it's not my faulting Luna's dad put that story in the paper in the kickoff berth, remember ? That was Harry's brilliant melodic theme and if Luna almost died because of it then he's the one to find fault ! You all knew the risk of exposure of exposing Lucius and you took it on ! Besides, it's Luna's break she was even back out there today anyway ! ``

'' Get out. '' Ginny demanded darkly.

'' Excuse me ? ``

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

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

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

'' I'll go when I'm unspoiled and ready ! '' Ron yelled. Draco could see he was quickly losing his control and rose to his fundament just in typeface this got too out of hand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taking a thick breath to quiet himself he turned to see how Ginny was dealing with this recent development of transmitted craziness. `` I'm sorry. '' She said quietly as tempestuous rent brimmed her eyes.

'' Don't be. By now I'm used to him having a tantrum of some kind when affair go untimely. '' He assured her, reaching out to perpetrate her in for a hug.

'' He really should have learned some better coping skills by now… '' She said, resting her point against his shoulder. `` Maybe it's sentence dad forced him to go see Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel. Either way I don't want to sing about it anymore than you want to blab out about today. ``

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

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

'' No, but it might make up it soft to find comfortableness later if we fool ourselves now. ``

She smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek, his chin, his oral fissure. `` Just being capable to lay next to you is all the quilt I need. '' Taking his hand she led him back to the bed, pulling back the sheets to climb in and gesturing for him to conjoin her. He quickly got in, wrapping the cover around them as they lay look to face.

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

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

He caressed her buttock before leaning in to gently capture her lips. Running his hand down her shoulder, he felt her wince though he had a sensory faculty she was trying to hide it. He pulled back and looked at her in concern. `` What's wrongly ? ``

She shook her heading and smiled uncomfortably. `` null. '' She assured him, reaching out to enclose her weapons system around him and pressing herself against him as a distraction. Draco caught her arm and sat up. She tried to pull away but he maintained a gentle but firm hold as he carefully rolled up her arm, ignoring her objection. Several dark finger-shaped contusion lined her arm from her elbow joint up to her shoulder. `` Drake already put something on that, he said it'll all be gone by tomorrow. '' She said, trying to sound casual but betraying her nervousness. It was obvious she hadn't wanted him to get it on that not only had his father nearly killed him and Luna, he'd left evidence of his rigourousness with her. But there they were, the marks that showed him that Lucius had been none to gentle while pulling Ginny along as his intended hostage. `` It's certainly not as bad as being stabbed. '' She added, as he remained angrily silent.

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

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

His warmheartedness pushed against his anger as she stared at him like that. Going back over, he wrapped his arms around her shank and kissed her again. `` No, I'm not mad at you at all. '' He told her in a strangled voice as emotion overwhelmed him. He wasn't mad at her, but how could he possibly explain that her presence was making him want to outcry in madness ? That being around her at that minute made him want to tear everything apart ? That he couldn't handle the spirit of reverence and concern that came with loving soul as much as he loved her ? That all he wanted was to go back in time and find a way to force thrower to let Lucius fall ? He couldn't explain any of it, to her or himself.

'' I'm going to find Lupin. I think I need to go for a run in the Sir Henry Joseph Wood. '' He said at last, turning and walking out before she could protest. He had no intentions of finding the professor as Lupin was a whole other person he couldn't be around at the moment. After all, what could he say to the man who had acted more like a father to him out there than Lucius ever had in his integral life story ? But he'd lied and told Ginny that to sustain her from worrying. He really did need a run through the woods to clear his head… but he needed to do it alone and though he didn't intend for any trouble, Merlin help the man or savage that chose to get in his way out there.

( happy chance )

Hermione had only enough patience to have drake and Madame Pomfrey determine her over for hypothermia before rushing back to her room. She'd told them her only ailment was a slight headache but she had lied and she had a feeling they knew it. They were healer after all. They'd given her several herbal tea supplements to take but she ignored it all, putting them on her desk and grabbing the invisibleness cloak she still had in her possession. She felt like she was burning alive with fever, but she did her upright to put that at the book binding of her nous as she threw the cloak around herself and hurried back out into the hall and toward the platter way. She felt there was no time to dissipation, she'd already let herself become overtake once today by the distraction of Fred's disappearance… she couldn't let it bump again. Thankfully Ginny was fine, but future time her fault could have fatal consequences and that thought was sufficiency to drive her forward into solving the mystifier. This prison term she disregarded the scholar files and went to the door leading to the faculty records, knowing they detailed the biography of every professor who had ever taught in Hogwarts. She found Erebos's data in no time and tucking the filing cabinet carefully under her arm she snuck back out, ensuring she locked the door behind her.

listening vox, Hermione flattened herself against the wall and tried not to so very much as breath as the two seventh twelvemonth Hufflepuff prefects came down the hall, talking quietly to themselves as they made their cobbler's last rounds of the rook for the night. As soon as she was indisputable they'd passed, she allowed herself to breathe, gulping in air to her burning at the stake lungs while trying not to cough. Once in control she practically ran back to her room, slamming and locking the door behind her. Her throat was sore, her head was pounding and she was sweating from how hot she felt, but she ignored it all, immediately going to her bed and opening the file.

She knew what she was looking for and flipped right over to his health check disc, aware that any time a prof left the country they had to be examined by a healer upon their issue to Hogwarts. And there it was, in Madame Pomfrey's barely legible scribble. Did affected role go out the country ? Yes. Places the patient visited ? Sydney, Australia. ground for tripper out of the land ? Family funeral. Has patient displayed symptoms of any disease contracted in travel ? No.

A family funeral, the Lapp reason Lee said Elise had given. Either one or both of them had lied… that left many options. The first was that there had been a funeral and they both attended the Sami one, which had it's own long inclination of implications. The second was that one of them had gone to the funeral and the other had lied simply so they could both be in the same place at the same prison term. The tertiary of course was that there was no funeral at all and they'd both used that as their reason to go to Sydney, which begged the question- Why Sydney Commonwealth of Australia ?

But what did any of this mean ? Nothing with these girls was simple-minded, so had they uncovered their spy or just another one of their many plots ? Feeling dizzy and loathsome, Hermione forced herself to put aside the written document and lay down. Tomorrow she'd try again, but her body was making it crystalize to her now that she needed to rest. After all, she wouldn't be any helper to Fred if she pushed herself while sick and put herself out on her end bed.

( disruption )

Luna had been dismissed back to her room as soon as she was done giving her version of events regarding Lucius. It was the second time she'd had to tell it and Harry had to pick up it and it wasn't any easier for either of them to substantiate yet again how close she'd come to being another of Lucius's dupe. The fact that Draco had without falter backed up her claim that his Padre had admitted to murdering Kane meant a lot to her as she knew he was struggling deeply with what had occurred out in the woods that day. Dumbledore had agreed to instantly relay the information to Arthur and assured them all that this would also go a long way in helping to clean-cut Willem's figure. After telling Sir Francis Drake that she was alright and that her own herbal remedy would realize up the small scratches she'd received, she returned to her elbow room feeling an odd horse sense of relief. One arcanum that had been plaguing her for years was finally being set right, Kane's death would be cleared up and her family could find a bit of closure.

Quickly changing clothes and applying a dose of the herbal salve, Luna was left feeling alone and anxious. For more than an 60 minutes she paced her way, trying to drop her nervous energy as she waited. She wasn't quite sure enough what she was waiting for until at last she heard the insistent knocking on her door. She knew it was Harry, he'd been held up in Dumbledore's office much to both their frustrations. They hadn't had a moment alone together since he'd saved their lifetime and she rushed to let him in now.

As soon as she answered he reached out to grab her face, desperately pressing his lips to hers as he kicked the door closed behind him. Their hands quickly explored each other, checking for good trauma as they continued to kiss with uncontrolled passion. Luna felt grounded, rooted to the earth in a way that made her spirit that she belonged, that she finally had someplace she could be safe in every mother wit of the word. Once more cupping her font, he pulled away to really get a good look at her. `` I'm sorry I didn't get there sooner. '' Harry said breathlessly as his ovolo traced the scribble on her cheek.

'' I'm sorry I panicked and put myself there in the initiatory place. '' She smiled, repressing the tremor that wanted to run through her as she recalled what it had been like dangling precariously from Draco's hands as her own stay frozen and useless. She flexed her fingers now and found they were all right, except the few that were bruised and hurting from where Lucius had stomped down on them. Sensing her irritation, he took her hired man and studied it while carefully hiding his emotions with a blank face. But there was no hiding from her. `` Letting him decrease wouldn't have changed the matter he'd already done. '' She quietly responded to his dark thoughts.

'' But it would deliver stopped all the matter he's now out there free to do. '' He said with a sigh, lightly kissing her fingers before going to sit on the edge of the bed. He hung his head and stared at the floor. `` It should have been easier… ''

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

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

'' You can't trust anything Dragon is thinking right now. '' She answered, running her fingers through his tomentum. `` We're all frustrated thing couldn't be resolved with Lucius but I'm very felicitous that neither of you succeeded in killing the man. The Aurors are tracking him, that'll have to be enough… until or unless Lucius comes around again we have to concentre on finishing this affair with Tristram and more importantly, finding Fred. ``

He sighed and nodded. `` You're right… I know you are. We have to find him before Chester Alan Arthur and Molly become even more suspicious than I'm for sure they already are of this business sector trip apology Lee dreamed up. I couldn't stand to see their faces if they found out one of their surviving children was in so a lot danger… ''

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

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

'' Maybe. '' She wasn't so trusted. He seemed just as mad at Jacey as he was at the sleep of them. But she didn't want to think about Ron or anything else. Without another Word of God to each former, she and Harry climbed under the covers, subject matter in the assurance of each former's rubber. Tomorrow would be there soon enough and they could occupy about everything left hanging in the residue then. Tonight they simply held each early, regenerating their energy as they linked themselves together through their minds, not wanting to be separated even by sopor. It was a more internal act than any other Luna had ever experienced as they opened themselves up to each former and vulnerably bared everything that had ever passed through their point, hoping to not only know each other completely, but to be able to stargaze together as well. She smiled as she drifted off, knowing it would only be a matter of moments before she saw him again.

( breach )

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

'' Relax. It'll be any bit now. '' He replied, wondering if maybe Parvati had lost her heart. He shifted from metrical unit to hoof it, hoping she'd come along soon… though this arranged meeting was the only affair keeping his thinker off the rather intense fight he'd gotten into with Ginny.

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

'' For me. '' Anapurna said quietly as she emerged from the tree. She must deliver stolen some apparel in Hogsmeade because she was now dressed in pants and a swooning jersey. `` I'm sorry, I just wasn't sure if I could go through with this. '' She said, her middle tearing up.

Padma's mouth was hanging undetermined in impact. And then without a Word of God she flung herself forward, wrapping her arms around her sister who stood with her own weapons system stiffly at her sides as she stared in terror at Ron. `` No ! Don't get too faithful ! '' Parvati cried, disentangling herself from her twin and taking several steps back. `` You don't understand. ``

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

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

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

'' I can't issue forth back to the shoal with you. '' She sadly told her twin. `` And you can't order our parents that you saw me… I just wanted the chance to assure you… ''

Ron walked off to let them have a bit of privacy. He was surely to keep his wand out and both miss in his quite a little, but he already had his own reactions to Parvarti's predicament to deal with, he didn't want to support there and comport spectator to Padma's. There was no way to tell how the fille would take the news, but judging from his removed view it wasn't good.

Choosing to ignore them only let him lie in on his own misery. He hadn't intended to fight with Ginny, but finding her in Dragon's room just after being kidnapped by the guy's male parent was a bit Sir Thomas More than he'd been ready to handle. His business organisation for her had been quickly overshadowed by his anger with her. He was mad at everyone including himself… after all they wouldn't have been able to lie to him so easily if he hadn't been so bequeath to go along. After Jacey came to him and confessed to possibly knowing that Tristan and Troy were trying to turn Annapurna, he should give birth insisted to know the rest- he'd known she was still holding back. Instead he'd let his penury to experience comfort outweigh his need for the truth. Perhaps he needed a break from everyone he knew. His feeling for and about everyone were a jumbled mess, he knew he needed to withdraw Ginny's advice and straighten himself out before he could clearly see his friends again. As it was right now… maybe his babe had also been right about how he was beginning to feel about everyone, maybe he did view them as the enemy and that was something he wasn't happy about. Something needed to change.

So he decided, starting tomorrow he'd completely distance himself from his protagonist as he'd already started with his sister. He was tired of feeling injury, and pushing away everyone was the only way he could see that would make it stop.

( good luck )

It'll be sanction. Jacey heard Lupin think out to her as she entered the Headmaster's
office, answering an too soon morning summons that had arrived for Tristan. She had been certainly to take enough of the Polyjuice potion, having been warned by Harry and Luna that the old wizard was a lot needlelike than about precious to give him acknowledgment for… Though, it had made her spirit better to learn that Dumbledore had been fooled by the potion before, and with individual he knew way better than Tristram. Harry had insisted that if the man hadn't been able to secern the difference between a shammer and existent Auror Moody three eld earlier, then it should be that much easier to fool him now.

'' Mr. Macnair, delight come in and have a arse. '' Dumbledore said tensely, studying her a little too close for comfort.

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

'' It has just this morning come to my attention that Ilion James Neville Mason is yet again missing. It seems he didn't return from Hogsmeade with everyone else. I was wondering if you could narrate me where he is. '' Dumbledore replied steadily.

'' And I'm wondering why it would take away you all nighttime to notice that one of your students has gone missing. '' Jacey shot back coolly as she maintained Tristan's attitude.

'' It seems a cipher elbow grease was conducted by the entire Slytherin business firm to hatch up the fact that Mr. Mason never returned. They are all currently on probation while we investigate their possible involvement. Of course none of them have pointed the finger at you. ``

'' Then why am I here ? '' She asked, keeping hold of her passing smile. `` I don't arrest in the Slytherin dormitory and they haven't cited my involvement in anything. So what makes you so surely that I can severalize you anything about troy weight ? ``

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

'' So what, you're automatically going to blame the vampire ? '' She was defensive, trying to focalize the old necromancer's attending on her as she reached out to serve protect Lupin's intellect from invasion as well, leaving Harry and Luna to protect hers. `` I'm not so for sure that one rather colored looker is enough to warrant accusations to… what exactly ? What is it you think may have happened to Troy ? After all, he's disappeared all on his own before. ``

'' I have no idea as to Mr. A. E. W. Mason's fate. Which is why I brought you here hoping to sack a few matter up. When did you last see him ? ``

'' In the village. '' She shrugged.

'' Can you be more specific ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

'' Really ? The Headmistress who took my lieu here a distich of class ago found that using several unauthorized spells and potions against students served her better purpose. And I do believe Dolores Umbridge was a penis of your phratry's rather brawny ally at one stop. '' Dumbledore said, obviously testing her.

'' That was then and this is now. '' She had very picayune idea as to the individual he was referring to. She had seen blurred range of an ugly char in Harry's mind… after the horrid detentions he had served with the woman, he had lumped her in with his aunty and uncle in his memory board under the informal heading people Who Have Wronged Me… Otherwise, she knew only that Umbridge had tried and failed to take over the schooling. `` If you use that on me I'll report you faster than you can bundle your traveling bag. I'm not ceramicist, I won't suffer in silence for the capital full. ``

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

'' Under what grounds ? So what if I was the last one seen with Troy. He's a big boy and he makes his own conclusion. '' Jacey sneered.

'' There's also the matter of prof lupin seeing both you and Mr. George Mason outside the village terminus ad quem while he was investigating a rather serious disturbance with some other students and an escaped Death Eater. '' Dumbledore smiled and leaned forward on his desk. `` This places you in direct trespass of schooling computer code and as a educatee has come up missing as a resultant role of your actions, this has been elevated to a very serious matter of safe. As this is a time of war, the corrective matter in which you are involved carries the recommendation of immediate forcing out and therefore I am allowed as Headmaster to use any non-violent way necessary to pimp the information I require as it relates to the potential eudaimonia of another student. It's all right there in the Hogwarts code of Conduct under the planning for running the school while under hurt. Wartime is certainly relegate and defined as being under suffering and so I am granted more liberties than I would normally be willing to take advantage of. But I promise you Mr. Macnair, we can find our way through and around as many legal loopholes as you and your Friend have in the pursuit to hold on you here. ``

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

She was careful not to look at him as he stood at Dumbledore's incline, keeping her regard steady on the master. `` fine. '' She said at conclusion, deciding to trust the healer if everyone else did. After all, the man seemed to feel more allegiance to Harry and the others than he did to any of the adult. `` Give me your stupid potion, but don't think for a second I won't be telling everyone about this. ``

'' Tell whoever you like. As I've explained we are perfectly within our rights. '' Dumbledore answered simply as he watched her roughly take the ampule from Drake and get down it down. She felt something scratch to pass off and hoped the therapist knew what he was talking about. The older whizz was looking at her carefully, watching for some house of the potion beginning to work. Apparently he saw what he was waiting for and stood to present the test questions given to everyone who was subjected to truth potions. `` What is your gens ? ``

'' Tristram Beauford Macnair. '' Jacey was sure to serve without hesitation, fighting hard to not smile as she said Beauford… after all, she doubted that Tristan would have found the figure funny.

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

'' My figure is… '' She pretended to fight before seeming to ease up into the potion. `` Tristan Macnair. ``

Dumbledore nodded happily. `` Where is Troy Mason ? ``

Again she pretended to struggle. `` He's out in the woods where I left him. '' She said at last before indignantly rising to her feet. After all, Tristan would not give in easily and as lots as she wanted this to end, she knew she had to make it look real number. She felt Harry sigh and then give his reluctant approval as he realized she was about to continue playing her part. Both he and Luna understood the need to proceed Dumbledore's hands clean of this. They had all hoped for a more definite end today ... but they all also knew that Tristan would never roll over so easily and that alone could provoke distrust. `` And that's all I'll say as we are quickly surpassing the school's rights and infringing on mine. Anything else you'd like to ask about Troy can be asked through my delegacy, should you adjudicate to quest after a legal matter on Troy's behalf. Otherwise it's authorise I've been as cooperative as possible here, above and beyond what was required if I do say so myself. Now, is there anything else, sir ? '' She shot him a pleasant grin, as if they had been chatting like old admirer this completely time.

'' I guess not. You may deliver to your room and begin packing your affair. I will be presenting my evidence to the Aurors who will then be seeking monastic order to take you into custody. Until they procure these orders, you are confined to your hall and the Great Hall for meals and banned from attending any classes. As head word of the Slytherin menage, Professor Francis Drake will be keeping a ending eye on you. A admonition, should you palpate the penury to seek retaliation for your present quandary. '' Dumbledore answered sternly, clearly at the end of his patience.

'' Well, I suppose I'll have to deal with that as I live it up here these conclusion few days. '' She said threateningly, hoping that any wrongdoing while she was still here was immediately blamed on Tristan. `` I assume I'm dismissed ? ``

'' Yes, Professor Drake will see you back to your student residence. '' He gave an exhausted look at the other man who simply nodded in response and moved to carry out his job, ushering Jacey along with him.

'' Boy I hope you tike know what you're doing. '' Sir Francis Drake said quietly as they walked the halls.

'' So do we. '' She answered seriously.

( disruption )

Harry and Luna spent a good half an hr assuring Jacey that she'd done just fine with Dumbledore, that they wouldn't have expected much different had Tristan himself been there. After she finally seemed to relax, Harry sent out a subject matter to all his friends, asking them to meet in his way so they could all discuss a few matter. More than anything, he wanted to hint to them all that they put the past few week behind them and look only toward the future… And he and Luna planned to take off by telling them all of the two early coven penis they'd discovered before Hogsmeade happened and tore everything apart.

Hermione was the first to answer the shout as her elbow room was the closest and she entered looking like demise warmed over. Her nozzle was red, her cheeks garden pink and her eyes glazed over with a slight fever. She had wrapped her blanket around herself for the short walk over and instantly went to lay down on Harry's bed as fatigue overwhelmed her. `` You look well. '' He teased.

'' Shut up. '' She grumbled from beneath the mountain of cover song. `` Does Jacey have intercourse about Fred ? ``

'' That he is missing ? '' Jacey asked from her post on top of his trunk, still looking very much like Tristan. `` I have seen a few affair about it in your thinker but I have not said anything to anyone… especially Ron. ``

'' Well thank you for that. '' Hermione offered a half-hearted smile before instantly going into telling them of what she and Lee had pieced together, as if she had to get it out before she forgot.

'' Professor Erebos… '' Harry had seen something of this in Luna's recollection of a conversation between her and Hermione the Nox before, just as he had been able to see art object of all of her retentivity. thought process of Quierrell, the fictitious Moody and Snape, he could see how a professor could go so long without anyone knowing what they were really up to. `` Do you think he knows where Elanya took Fred ? And why would Elanya bid him her contact if Elise is the one who supposedly knows him so well ? ``

'' I have no idea if he knows where Fred is, but I think maybe these girlfriend are playing each former as well as everyone else. '' Hermione said as she propped herself up into a sitting position.

'' No, I get the sense Elise and Sarah are very much in it together… it's Elanya and Cho who are more on the outside. '' Luna replied thoughtfully. `` Maybe she was telling Fred the Sojourner Truth about some things… ''

'' Ginny and Dragon are on their way here. '' Harry announced as a warning, silencing their discussion about Fred and his predicament with those girls. He got up to let them in, noticing the friction between them. Draco was wearing his coat. `` Going somewhere ? ``

'' He just got back. '' Ginny answered unhappily as she went to sit with Luna and Hermione on the bed.

'' I needed to go for a run. '' genus Draco said simply, pulling off his coating and going to sit in the desk chair away from everyone else. An all Nox run. Ginny added in her read/write head, her vox carrying both hurt and concern.

'' Where's Ron ? '' Harry asked. `` He's the only one we're waiting for. ``

'' I doubt he'll be joining us. '' Ginny rolled her center and told them of the fighting they'd gotten into the night before, leaving out most of the details in an try to spare their look for what Ron had said and simply summing up the center of the argument.

'' okay then, well I guess we'll just talk to him later. '' He replied, uncomfortable that his booster suddenly felt the need to avert them all. `` Listen, yesterday was a horrible disaster of a day for everyone. But we need to do as we always do and hold on going past it, right ? I know we all have our own affair to focus on… but we'll be leaving schooling in a few calendar week and we need to seriously pop looking at searching for the coven as a reality. Luna and I went through some to a greater extent of the documents and found two to a greater extent public figure, ecstasy Azibo and Ajala Kapoor. ``

'' So adding in you, Luna, Jacey, Gabby, Zachary Hill, Hasani Jumoke, Jie subgenus Chen, Nanami Aoki and Kavita Singh that makes eleven. There's only one more name. '' Hermione reasoned. `` Where are we going to find these two ? Who are they ? ``

'' Ajala is a thirty year old woman who has recently moved from India to Ireland for her work, which happens to be as artillery manufacturer. Her companionship creates all the puppet and weapons used by Aurors and with the surge of activity in and around England, they've doubled their elbow grease in the secretive factory, which happened to be in Dublin. Oh and she's a Levithon. '' Luna recited from memory.

'' A what ? '' Draco asked.

'' A Levithon, someone with the top executive of self-transport. Basically it's like being able-bodied to fly. '' Luna shrugged.

'' I seem to call up from my muggle religious sketch class that there was a saint who had that tycoon only they called it a miracle… St. Mother Teresa of Avila, if I remember correctly, during the 16th century. '' Hermione looked at them all as they stared at her. She smiled and grabbed for a tissue to blow her olfactory organ. `` What ? I just remember it because it made me wonder- if test copy of her power was so well documented, then why were muggles so reluctant to trust in the affair we can do ? ``

'' Okay, Ajala can fly, that's pretty coolheaded. And the other guy ? '' Ginny prompted, moving them along from Hermione's brief theological history lesson.

Harry's own retentivity was vague than Luna's and so he picked up the newspaper publisher to be trusted he didn't leave anything out. `` The former one, Adam, he's twenty-three and originally from Egypt. His power is postcognition and he currently lives in Sydney, Commonwealth of Australia working as an investigative diarist. ``

Sydney ? Hermione perked up.

'' well, I suppose it's William Christopher Handy to be able to see the past when you're a reporter. '' Ginny said aloud as she rose to her feet. `` Listen, I appreciate that you want to avail us all focus on other important affair, but after last night, I think I'd just rather have a few minutes alone. '' She added pointedly as she breezed yesteryear Draco and walked out. He sighed heavily and got up, leaving without saying a tidings as he presumably went to fix whatever he'd done wrong.

'' I have a thought. '' Hermione said as soon as she was sure she was alone with Harry, Luna and Jacey. `` When exactly did Elise find Elanya and bring her into the sheepfold ? ``

'' Sometime at the get-go of summertime, before she torched Fred's store. '' Luna answered, remembering her and Harry's trip through Sarah's point. `` Voldemort unknowingly brought her to Sarah after the little girl were already plotting together. ``

'' And according to Erebos's record book, he left for Sydney the same day school let out last year… what if he met up with Elise down there because they were looking for a postcognative to pull off whatever plan they have going ? What if they found Adam before Elanya and approached him first ? If he really is supposed to be a unspoilt guy then he would own of course of study turned them down, but Elanya had her own reason to join them, right ? '' Hermione's optic were wide-eyed as she tried to agitate aside her fever in an attempt to create her mind tie in thing together.

'' Even if that were all true, how does it avail us find Fred ? '' Harry asked gently.

'' It doesn't, but it does provide More validation that Erebos is the spy, doesn't it ? '' She returned excitedly. `` Who knows what he and Elise could hold told Elanya, they could receive pretended not to even know each other in parliamentary law to insure they hooked the girl. What if he even approached Elanya alone ? That would explicate why she felt he was her contact and not Elise's, wouldn't it ? And in Luna's vision, Sarah had teased Elise about a previous relationship, but not in a way that made it cleared who she was talking about, right ? ``

'' I admit that it all seems to fit, but that does not mean it is true. '' Jacey said slowly. `` These fille you have been dealing with seem to be very wily. It would be gooselike to make assumptions. ``

'' You don't know Hermione like we do. '' Harry was justificatory on Hermione's behalf. `` I'm willing to bet she's right about almost of it if not everything… and there's a way to line up out. ``

Luna shook her chief. `` If he is the spy, don't you think he'd be expecting that ? Simon is getting help keeping his intellect closed against us and I'm sure Erebos is much more technical at it even if he's getting service as well. Even if the three of us work together, there's nothing to say he won't feel us in there. ``

'' Edmund didn't. '' He argued.

'' And he wasn't aware that we would try to get in his fountainhead. I'm sure it's something Erebos would anticipate… if he is the spy, which I'm inclined to believe he is. '' She returned.

'' wellspring it is worth trying, is it not ? '' Jacey joined Harry's slope of the argumentation. `` If we think he is aware then so what ? What can he do about it other than tell those miss that we may be on to him ? It would be worth it if he knows where Fred has been taken and we are capable to see it, yes ? ``

'' Yes ! '' Hermione instantly agreed. `` Tristram and I are the but ace in one-seventh year who attend Erebos's class. Jacey can try it tomorrow while he's education and even if he figures out we know, we're out of here in a few weeks… there's nothing he can do about it. ``

'' Dumbledore banned Tristan from attending classes so Jacey wouldn't be able to get close enough. '' Luna tried a different argument.

'' Since when would that break Tristram ? He has already been told he is as sound as kicked out, why would he not just do whatever he pleased ? I will go to that class tomorrow. '' Jacey answered for herself.

'' '' I don't know. '' Harry said, suddenly coming around to Luna's more cautious way of thinking.

'' If he did receive out we were on to him, I would never let him hurt Hermione or myself while we're trapped away in a classroom with him. '' Jacey said in reassurance as she picked up on his care and doubts.

'' Oh, I believe you, I'd just rather it not take in to come to that. '' He sighed. `` But I guess all we can deal with right now is speculation until we get something more solid to lead us. ``

'' mulct. '' Luna gave in as well. `` But we have to be very careful. ``

'' Well that goes without saying. '' He agreed, moving to the door.

'' Where are you going ? '' Hermione asked.

'' well, I was going to let you three braniacs try to go along piecing affair together while I went to talk to Ron. '' He answered. He'd felt distracted this unscathed time, half-worried about and half-angry with his absent friend.

'' You should probably not do that. '' Jacey said quietly.

'' Why because he's mad at us ? What else is new ? '' Hermione asked, decidedly rising to her invertebrate foot and wrapping her blanket around her again. `` I'll go with you. ``

'' Well I want no region in it until he is gear up to make out talk to me. '' Jacey insisted. `` I will be in Tristan's room if you need me later. '' She waved goodbye and left the room.

'' What do you recollect ? '' He asked Luna and Hermione.

Luna shrugged. `` I agree with Jacey that it's a bad estimate, but I'll go with you both to see if maybe we can reach out to him anyway… he's very jumble about everything right now. ``

So in reluctant understanding, they left Harry's room and walked the short way down the student residence to Ron's. He answered after the third smash, staring daggers at them. `` What do you three want ? '' He asked meanly.

'' To talk to you… why didn't you come connect everyone ? '' Harry asked, walking past him into the room.

'' I thought I'd made myself sack up by not going… I don't want to be around any of you at the moment. '' Ron glowered, slamming the room access shut after Hermione and Luna followed Harry in. `` I do have my own costless will you know. I don't have to be at your beck and bid like everyone else. ``

'' Whatever you say Ron. '' He tried to remain calm, to remember that his ally was hurting and needed them to be there for him.

'' Yeah, it is whatever I say because I'm tired of it always being whatever Harry says. '' He shot back.

'' What is your job ? Just order us what's wrongly ? '' Hermione demanded softly.

'' You ! All of you are what's improper ! '' Ron shouted, startling them all.

'' You can't incrimination everyone else for what's bothering you. '' She shouted back. `` At some point you have to arrest and look at that it's not always everyone else that's the problem, sometimes it's you ! ``

'' I can find whatever I want just like the eternal sleep of you. '' He replied. `` You're not so high and right Hermione. You're the one we had to pull out of a hollow yesterday nearly frozen… and why ? Because you lost your capitulum over my brother which, oh yeah, also allowed Lucius Malfoy to capture my sister ! In a sense, everything Lucius was able to accomplish yesterday is your fault since you practically handed Ginny over to him to use as a hostage. Do you remember Fred would be impressed with that ? ``

'' Hey ! '' Harry yelled, interrupting the spew of hate Ron had been hurling at Hermione. Seeing her stung expression and the tears of injury in her optic, it was hard to keep in mind that the other boy didn't know Fred was missing. `` That was completely uncalled for and entirely out of true ! ``

'' It's all dead on target and she knows it ! '' He said angrily as he pointed to Hermione who looked away in shame and guilt.

'' Ron, please- '' Luna started.

'' Please ? please what ? '' He interrupted as he mocked her. `` Always so willowy and slight aren't you Luna… always the eternal victim… ''

'' What's that supposed to mean ? '' She asked defensively while mentally telling Harry to back off and let Ron get it off his chest.

'' Like you don't know ? Everything that happened to you yesterday was your own break ! Maybe it's time you start considering your own choices before lecturing everyone else on theirs. '' He sneered down at her. Harry was itching to arrive at it cease but again Luna held him back, telling him it was better that Ron not admit this all in no matter how much it may anguish their feelings. Ron went on, his back now to Harry as he fully faced Luna to continue berating her. `` You're the one who decided to get away from Simon the Canaanite by apparating to the plantation instead of somewhere safer. You're the one who chose to get away from Crabbe and Goyle by returning to the woods where, surprise, damsel in distress Luna slides over a cliff ! ``

'' That was a series of circumstances ! How is any of that her fault ? '' Harry finally let out, unable to go along hush any longer.

Ron whipped around to face him. `` Hey, she's the one who decided it was in her best interest to leave the inn ! She was entirely safety when I left her with Hermione. ``

'' Exactly ! You left ! Where were you to help ? '' He shot back.

'' Talking to Padma, trying to figure out how I was going to contribute her to suffer up with her now vampire Gemini ! '' Ron roared out. `` Luna is no longer my obligation to await after call back ? She's yours ! And if it weren't for you, Lucius probably wouldn't have even had any interest in her anyway ! ``

'' Excuse me ? '' Harry asked darkly.

'' The Quibbler article… Lucius was very specific that the clause was the understanding he was ready to cast her off a drop. You're the one who came up with the estimation and contacted her father about it without her knowledge. You're the one who made certainly Xeno had all the information and you're the one who talked her into going along with it. If I recall, Luna wasn't too happy about the article, thought it was a bad idea… Well you're the one who chose not to heed to her ! So putting it all together, it was your decision that nearly got her killed yesterday ! ``

Harry reacted without intellection, simply wanting to lather out and hurt the way he was now hurting. He hadn't even realized he'd swung his fist until he saw Ron laying on the floor before him, glaring up as he rubbed his jaw. `` What's the thing Harry ? Does the the true hurt ? '' He taunted.

'' halt it ! Everyone just stop over ! '' Hermione shouted, her representative growing hoarse as she continued to strain it.

'' You're the single who barged in here to bother me. '' Ron said, rising to his metrical foot and pushing past her to await at his look in the small mirror hanging over his dresser.

Harry shook his caput and simply walked out, going back to his own room and closing the door tightly behind him, wanting to keep out out the world. To her credit, Luna gave him nearly an full hour to himself before coming to demand he open up up and face her. He sighed and went to let her in, once again finding it impossible to deny her even as his shame and hysteria with himself made him only want to enshroud from her. `` You were right, going to peach to him was a bad idea… you were right every clip you said something was a bad idea… '' He told her, going to sit at his desk.

'' Harry- ''

'' I've learned my example though… I'll listen when you say that from now on. '' He interrupted as he hung his drumhead and stared at his hands.

She walked over and moved his arms, settling herself in his lap as she comfortingly ran her finger through his hair. `` The Sojourner Truth needed to add up out about Lucius. '' She said gently. `` I may not have liked the way you chose, but after seeing my founding father survive an attack only to still be so ascertain that he'd done the right thing… I long ago came to price with the fact that it was life-threatening. Everything we do now is unsafe, there's no getting around that. You can't blame yourself for what Lucius chooses to do. And without coming face to face with him yesterday, we wouldn't have his confession about Kane. ``

'' It was too close for comfort… I thought I was literally having a tenderness plan of attack when I saw you and genus Draco go over the side… '' He leaned to rest his forehead on her shoulder, ineffectual to meet her eyes.

'' Hey, I may sustain been scared, but I never for a minute intellection I was going to die. I knew you were coming to help us. '' She reassured him, still delicately stroking his hair.

'' How could you have it off I would get there in time ? ``

'' Harry… '' She laughed and made him look at her. `` Don't you think I of all hoi polloi would hump ? Don't you think I'd get some admonition, some vision telling me the end was near ? Nothing at all came to me while Draco was holding onto me, that's how I knew you'd get there in time. '' She kissed his cheek and he quickly turned to capture her mouth. With one graceful movement, she turned herself and was now straddling him, throwing her arms around his berm as she deepened the buss. He wrapped his arms around her waistline and pulled her closer against him, needing to feel that the unity that only she could bring as her light filled every empty-bellied place inside of him.

For a second there he'd felt the world collapse down around him as he'd taken in the truth of Ron's harsh words, that his own actions months ago had put Lucius standing over Luna with the conclusion to let her hold out or die… The fact that the man would have probably gone ahead and crushed her fingers anyway simply because she'd seen him there meant zippo because Lucius had been very clear in his ground for attempting to aid her dip to her decease. But she had come and just made it better with variety words of her own… She had been able to take away the might his guilt feelings had over him by simply asserting her belief in him and in herself.

Ron had no idea what he was talking about, Luna had never allowed anything to keep her from fighting on and she was far from playing the victim. In fact in that present moment, she was his hero, bringing him back from the torturous shackles of self-doubt. He felt her smile against his lips as she picked up his thinking and knew that she liked how he saw her in his nous. I love you. He thought to her, a simple affirmation that held Thomas More truth and depth of emotion than anything he'd ever before uttered in his integral life.

No more than I love you. She assured him, breaking the kiss to depend him in the eyes. And then there were no more words left to say, nothing left that could express what either of them was feeling. And so he reached up to take her lips again, tidal bore to let their minds and eubstance say what their word and thoughts were ineffective to articulate.

( BREAK )

Ginny walked into her room, leaving the room access unfastened as she was sure Draco had picked up on her non-to-subtle hint. certain enough he came in a few minutes after her, quietly closing the threshold behind him and leaning against it, waiting to see what was to come. `` Really ? You stay out all night knowing that Parvati was still out there ? That Lucius could hold come back ? I stayed up waiting for you, worrying myself crazy thinking of everything that could have happened only to find you sauntering in after Harry calls us all together ! You're bad for my nerves. '' She scolded.

'' I'm sorry you were worried. '' He said, shuffling his fundament. `` I didn't mean to be gone all Nox but once I was out there, it just felt so good… running made me not consider, made me feel free I guess. ``

'' And I made you feel trapped ? '' She asked, hurt by the implication.

'' Not in the way you're thought. '' He insisted. `` The wide-cut lunation is tomorrow Night and so I already feel like I'm crawling out of my skin… like my entire eubstance is a cage that's just barely keeping me inside. No watch crystal or potion can direct away that feeling. On top of that, it was too often to be presented with the idea that my own father could have taken you away from me so easily… that I had something to fall back that would completely destroy me. I'm not used to caring Ginny, but you make it easier… And now it feels like I care too much, you know ? Like my stallion existence rest period on your welfare… ''

'' You think I don't know what that's like ? I'm the one who had your blood all over my hands yesterday. '' She reminded him. `` You think I wasn't ready to collapse at the opinion that you'd been fatally injured ? I never expected to care this much about soul, let alone you. But now that we're here together, I can't opine it any other way and I wouldn't want to. ``

He nodded and crossed his arms across his chest as a sort of cuticle. `` As long as you know that I love you and that I don't blame you for any of this… I just can't be here, stuck in this castle veracious now… ''

'' Meaning what ? ``

'' After lupine was done with his merging with Jacey and Dumbledore, I went to see him to request that we leave a day early like normal. '' He seemed to brace himself as he waited for her reaction.

'' I thought the point of the amulet was that you didn't have to leave at all. '' She said slowly.

'' That's what Lupin said… But I don't think I'll wearable that tomorrow… I think I would kind of like to let the wolf run free for a bit, under the simpleness of the wolf's bane of course of action. ``

'' Be honest… Should I be worried about you ? '' She asked quietly.

genus Draco seemed to shake himself off a bit, uncrossing his blazon and putting on a smile that didn't quite reach his heart. `` Yesterday was a lot to take in… I just want some sentence. ``

'' I knew… yesterday even while it was all happening, I knew you were going to arrive out of this different. '' She walked over and took his hired hand, looking up at him and feeling very much like she was pleading with him. `` I understand why… I just don't want you to be different with me. For in effect or worse I like who you are with me. bear witness the residuum of the world whatever you want genus Draco, but please just stay honest with me. ``

'' I'm trying. '' He whispered sadly, pulling her against him as he hugged her finale. `` I just need this time away… from you and myself. That's why I don't want to wear out the amulet tomorrow… I don't want to stay myself right now. ``

'' And when you come back ? '' She asked, looking up at him hopefully.

'' It's not like I can take the air away from you forever, you know. '' He offered a genuine grin this time. `` It seems I can't really picture any variety of life without you in it. ``

'' Good. Because I'm scared you're going to try and do something misguidedly noble like leaving to ensure Lucius won't target me again. '' Ginny said seriously. `` Regardless what happened yesterday with him, I feel safer when you're around me. ``

'' What you feel and what is the actual reality are two different things. '' He reached out to brush her hairsbreadth back before kissing her forehead. `` It's always going to be more dangerous for you to be around me… but I've long ago realized you're pretty much a target for danger with the decisiveness you make and the mass you associate with. Unless you're ready to agree to subsist your life in a bubble, I'm in it for the long haul to ensure that not only do you not get yourself killed, that no one ever again effort to hurt you to get at me… My leaving for good wouldn't keep Lucius from using you again to flush me out, and it would make just as well as it did yesterday because nothing as dim-witted as length can change the way I feel about you. But I need these two days now Ginny. For my own sanity. ``

She looked at him carefully, before letting out a deep breath. `` okeh. '' She agreed now that she felt she believed he would derive back. But portion of her was still reluctant, still fearful that while out there he would commute his intellect and decide she was estimable off without him after all. `` Just remember, I'd nightfall apart if you didn't come back. ``

'' Tuesday morning I'll be here. '' He promised. She wanted to conceive him completely. But that minor nagging vocalisation that always seemed to shout out out that she wasn't meant to be happy kept her from fully allowing herself to trust that the enticement of the earthly concern beyond Hogwarts was weak than the desire to return to someplace he'd admitted he felt entirely trapped in.

( open frame )

Ron waited until recent Sunday night, wanting to be sure that everyone else had gone to bed in readiness for their course of instruction the next day. As soon as his clock read midnight he got out of bed, still fully dressed, and made his way across the green room to the Slytherin wing. He knew Tristan's doorway was just past tense Draco's and as he raised his deal to strike hard, he hoped Jacey answered looking like the lamia as it would pee it wanton to say the matter he'd decided he needed to say to her. To the disappointment of his mind but not his eyes, she opened the doorway looking very much like herself. It was amazing that she could look so stunning in round-eyed pajama, but the silky shirt and pants seemed to hug her body just right, making her appear soft and curvy. Her hair was hanging in wild curlicue around her shoulder joint, making it tantalizingly clear up that she'd just rolled out of bed. `` Was there something you wanted ? '' She asked softly, clearly aware of the tenseness and anger he felt towards her.

He shook himself a bit, remembering that he'd made a decisiveness and that he was determined to stick with it. `` I need to talk to you for a moment. ``

She gestured him in and closed the door, turning to face him with queasy concern. `` Have you heard anything about Parvati yet ? '' She looked down, and he began to inquire if she already knew why he'd come to see her.

'' Lupin told me before he and Draco left that his contact had gotten a delay of him to report that she had gotten Annapurna to the colony and they were well. '' He crossed his weapon and stared her down, almost daring her to meet his oculus. `` As well as can be expected anyway, given the fact that she had to be taken away from her friends and class to learn how to be a better vampire. ``

'' It is not all my mistake ! '' She protested, once more raising her gaze. `` I am sorry for the part I played in it by not saying what I suspected, but I am not the one who targeted her, I am not the one who turned her and I am not the one who is letting my guilt ruin my life ! ``

'' Of row I feel guilty ! '' Ron shouted. `` I was all wrapped up in thoughts of you while she was off being fed on or whatever it takes to rick someone ! She relied on me and I let her down, well I won't do it anymore. ``

'' Meaning what ? Have you come to tell me off the same way you did all your other friends ? ``

'' I don't have to. You aren't my friend, I barely know you. '' He saw that she was hurt badly by this and it hurt him to see it. He may not do it her fountainhead, but this was certainly proving to be harder than it had been to say the things he knew would make his friends mad at him. He wondered how Harry had been capable to keep this act up for so long last year when he was already fix to throw in the towel at the mint of Jacey's upset with him. But if he wanted to be left alone, he had to ensure no one wanted to bother him. `` For a moment I thought I wanted to know you, but you're as big a liar as Harry, Luna and Hermione. Besides, if I can barely stand up to be around myself, how can I possibly be near you when the sight of you makes me believe of everything that Parvati is going through because you didn't warn anyone ? ``

'' Okay, you have made your breaker point. '' She said crossly. `` I think you should go before you say something I really can not forgive. Remember Ron, eventually you will find a way to move past what you are feeling… you do not want to completely combust every bridge circuit you have. ``

'' Maybe I do. '' He countered. `` It would make it that much easier to start over from boodle. ``

'' Why would you want to do that ? '' She pushed. `` Your admirer, your family… they have always been there for you. Maybe not always in ways that you sanction of, but you can only really blame them for doing what they thought was best for you. I know the matter you said to them today, the way you made them find about themselves. I know that it is easier for you to cook them think badly of themselves so that they will blank out they are mad at you for putting those cerebration in their heads in the first berth. But what you are doing is cruel. Harry already feels so practically province for everyone's eudaemonia, making him think almost losing Luna was his fault was a frightful thing to do. ``

'' I wasn't wrong. '' He shot back, trying to try that he was unmoved by her words. `` He's the sensation behind Xeno releasing that story, everything that happens as a result of it is in some way his shift. He provided the catalyst. ``

'' And even now after you have made that bring in and nearly crushed him with that knowledge, he would lay down his spirit to save yours. '' She said angrily. `` You are letting what you feel pee you act selfishly. However true the affair you say may be, how is bringing it to anyone's attention a positive thing to do ? Everyone needs a bit of disaffirmation to go on after so a lot mindless and aeonian cataclysm, even you. Taking theirs away from them, exposing all the matter they had repressed in orderliness to sustain moving forward… you are hurting them Thomas More than they realize. And Sir Thomas More than you realize. You have no idea what is going on between Hermione and Fred right now and the therefore the affair you said to her were devastating for her to get a line. After finding her in that hole so completely lost, you should give birth realized that she is in a very fragile shoes at the present moment. ``

'' You're right, I have no idea what's going on between Hermione and Fred. You know why ? Because no one tells me anything anymore ! '' He shouted. `` That's kind of my whole stage here ! '' He stalked over to the threshold, Sir Thomas More angry with her now than when he'd come in. He wanted the luxury of focusing on his own worked up state, he didn't want to have to become mindful of anyone else's. Of trend he knew they were all hurting after Holocene events… but he wanted his botheration to take center degree for once. He didn't want to suffer to realize that to each of them, their own pain was the most important… he didn't want to bear to admit that there were those among his ally who may have deserved to find tough than he did. So what if that made him selfish… he was xvii and this was the meter to be selfish, to be Brigham Young and responsibility-free, to not have to care about anyone but himself before growing up and having to get a job and bulge out a fellowship. He was tired and wanted the life of a normal teenager and the estimable way to achieve that was to distance himself from those that by purpose or desire were now forced to be more mature.

'' Please do not just take the air out. '' Jacey said softly as he breezed past her.

'' There's zilch more to say and cypher more I want to find out. '' He answered meanly, opening the doorway and walking out.

It wasn't until he reached his own room that he finally allowed himself to suspire. Facing Jacey had been harder than the others, perhaps because he'd been disappointed in her the most. Harry and the others he was used to getting the run around from, but he'd expected more from her. Ron had thought she was feeling the same way for him that he felt for her, but then she had so easily lied to him, siding with his friends against him immediately. And meanwhile, he'd lost a female child who really had tried to care about him to a dreadful fate… A fate that had been allowed to go on by the girl he'd allowed himself to be distracted by. Until he could forgive himself, he'd never be able to forgive Jacey… and at this dot, he wasn't entirely for certain he wanted to.

( geological fault )

Hermione lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. She was too hot to sleep, though once she kicked off her cover she found she was suddenly too frigidness. She'd tried taking the herb given to her by the healers but they had only relieved her sore throat and stuffed nose. The worry remained, and she began to distrust that it had nothing to do with the dusty she'd caught. Ron's words were echoing in her head, making her doubt so many things… but she wouldn't let herself be swept up in it. She'd have plenty of clock time to feel bad once she was sure Fred was safe.

As a misdirection, she focused her brain on finding a solution. At start they'd all agreed that finding out where Fred was being kept was the most significant thing, but she was starting to intend otherwise. What good would finding him do if they didn't digit out a way to disentangle him from the trap that had forced him to leave in the first gear station ? Nailing down the spy was the key… Erebos and Simon the Zealot, it was important that they figure out how these two were actually connected to Elanya, Elise and Sarah. Once they were discovered, their threats would no longer reserve free weight and Fred could be freed of the fear of Ron and Ginny being killed if he didn't cooperate. The next tone was something Lee and Willem could do for her in London… they had to be absolutely certainly there was no proof to tie Fred to Edmund's destruction, nix that Elanya could use to prove he'd helped her in any way. The conclusion step was finding a way to end the threat Sarah had hung over Hermione's own header. Once that was done, there was nothing to squeeze Fred to continue to get together and then they could determine him and play him home.

There was only one way she had been able to intend of overcoming Sarah's skill with Advanced Astral Projection and that was to go a comparable antagonist. She'd already read the leger she'd gotten from the subroutine library once… now it was clip to read through them again to be sure as shooting she hadn't missed anything and then it would be time to practice. She turned on the luminousness and picked up one of the books, figuring it was a honorable use of her insomnia than staring at the cap and worrying endlessly. She was determined that by the end of this week she would be intimate everything Sarah knew about astral projection… That they will have neutralized the threats presented by Erebos and Simon… And that they will not only have found where Elanya took Fred, but also have a solid plan for how to bring him back.

　

bank bill : succeeding chapter, the hunt for Fred and some to a greater extent things are brought to light. Stay tuned to discover out what happens next !

character to Helen Newington Wills and the polyjuice potion from Harry ceramicist and the goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling.
reference work to Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter and the Order of the phoenix by J.K. Rowling.
mention to Quierrell from Harry thrower and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling


Chapter 53 : And the Plot Thickens

A/N : Wow did this chapter take a tour I wasn't expecting as I was writing, thus the title of the chapter… I guess we'll all see where this takes us now. Read, recapitulation, Enjoy !





'' You're surely about this ? '' Lupin asked as they watched the moon cost increase from beneath the trees.

'' I am. '' genus Draco answered steadily, clutching his amulet tightly as he waited for himself to be ready to dispatch it. They had hiked all day in muteness yesterday, both content to let the other be lost in their own thoughts as they left any ghost of refinement far behind them. He'd been grateful that Lupin had allowed the silence to preserve into the Night and next day… he felt awkward around the man and didn't know how to peach to him anymore. Lucius had been make to kill lupin simply for agreeing to legally look after Draco and worsened, he'd threatened to go after Andromeda, Ted and Tonks as well before he'd escaped. His father's incomprehensible choler and jealousy was obviously something Potter hadn't anticipated when he'd suggested this whole guardianship matter for them… none of them had. `` You don't have to come with, you know. You can hold on your amulet on and stay human… I took the potion, I'll be all right. ``

'' I know. But I want to go with. '' He insisted. `` I've had to do this by myself for many years, and even when you think you don't want anyone else there, I've found it's always better not to go through it alone. I had James River and Sirius… and because they kept me going, now you have me to facilitate you. ``

Dragon shook his head. `` schoolhouse's over in a few calendar week, I'll be moving back in with potter I guess, since that's where everyone seems to go. I have the amulet and a sense of some sort of control… you don't have to be there for me anymore. You can take back your guardianship and erase all tincture that tie yours and Tonks name to mine. ``

'' I could, but why would I ? '' lupin smiled. `` You can't always expect that people will just give up on you when things get too hard Draco. Not everyone is like that. You may conceive that it's difficult to spread yourself up to caring about others… but that's the easy part. It can be far more hard to open yourself up to letting others care about you. ``

'' I just don't want it to be my shift if Lucius decides to go after you guys ! '' He said angrily, taking a few footprint away.

'' And it wouldn't be. '' He said gently. `` What your father chooses to do is up to him, but the bad blood between him and andromeda goes back to before you were born. Her recent benignity to you is only the latest excuse for him to seek retribution against her. Tonks has been in his spate for years as she was a part of several dissimilar investigations seeking to add him down. And after what happened in the Ministry of Magic, after losing Sirius, she had already sworn to serve get Lucius and the others if it was the last affair she did. I know you don't have intercourse your first cousin very well, but it takes a lot for her to punt down from anything. '' He smiled as he thought of his wife. `` As for me, well, you've kind of grown on me. I'm certainly not scared of Lucius, and I wouldn't let him be the thing that has you pushing me away when it's realise you'd rather have me around. ``

'' I guess you've grown on me too. '' Draco mumbled. `` Which is why the last matter I want to be is a burden. ``

'' And you aren't. '' Lupin insisted. `` My family was always moth-eaten and distant, and they became even more so after I became afflicted with this curse. My whole sprightliness I had to take my own family, which is what I managed to do with Saint James the Apostle, Lily and Sirius. After I lost them, I thought I was finished caring about people… And then I got the hazard to not only run across and be well-nigh Harry, but to help clear Sirius's public figure as well. Since then I've opened myself up and began making my own family again, up to and including falling in love with and marrying Tonks. I care about all of you kids… and I certainly love Harry as if he were my own son. But you Draco, you have become someone important to me as well, someone I can share the most atrocious part of my life with, mortal who makes this curse gentle to suffer because now I have the province of guiding you through living your life with it. I'm not revoking my keeping, and it's not just because I think you still postulate me and Tonks and the illusion of folk we can offer you, it's also because I need you to be in my life story. ``

He didn't know what to say or even how he felt. He was still getting used to what it was like to bonk Ginny, how was he also supposed to handle the feelings that came with having convention family phallus who not only cared about him, but actually wanted him around ? Lupin was related to him through spousal relationship and a eluding of paper, but in that moment it felt as if he were everything Draco had always wanted but never had… forefather, comrade, uncle, cousin and best Friend all wrapped up in one computer software and waiting for him to accept it. `` Okay. '' He said, not trusting himself to say anything else without betraying how emotional he felt.

Lupin laughed and patted his shoulder. `` Come on, let's let ourselves go for the night and just enjoy the run. We'll head back towards Hogwarts so we won't have as far to trip in the morning. ``

genus Draco nodded in soundless accord. Together they removed their amulets, storing them safely in their bags, of which they'd loosened the strap to accommodate their soon to be magnanimous manakin. Stepping out into the Moon, he wasn't quite sure what to expect… the transformation wasn't as unspeakable as he remembered, though perhaps it was because this time he fully embraced it, wanting the wolf to be free. Still retaining their own minds, they were now in extraneous torso and had to be careful as they remembered to trounce the handbag to their backs. They shared a look before Lupin threw his principal to the synodic month and let out a savage howl. And then they were off, allowing the Friedrich August Wolf to run and play while they attempted to ferment off their human thoughts.

( suspension )

As had become his usage, Fred woke early, just before the sun rose. Of course he had no idea what metre that was, just as he had no idea how long he'd actually been on this island… he'd forced himself to turn back counting days after the 5th one, finding it far too uncheerful. Instead he had learned to focalize on finding what little enjoyment he could while he was imprisoned. Those odd flowers growing here had become one of those things he actually liked and so he'd begun getting up before the sun, gladly leaving the splendor of the interior of their massive tent that seemed so average on the outside. As he now normally did, he walked up the beach to where a lowly patch of the strange rosiness grew wild.

Looking off into the celestial horizon as he waited for the sun to peek over it, he let his intellect wander… Wondering what his friends were up to, what Hermione must be thinking about his disappearance, whether his parents knew he was in worry, and most prominently ... how was he going to get himself out of this ? Hearing a tawdry squawking sound that still terrified him no issue how many times he heard it, he glanced up into the quickly brightening sky and saw the dark abstract of those weird creatures that enjoyed flying through the dawning. He didn't know what they were and they never came close down enough for him to really see them, which was fine by him as he wasn't about to go looking for them. They seemed to pose to the tall mountains that made up most of this island and Fred had been sure to keep far away from there, choosing instead to continue near the beach where the vast sea reminded him of freedom.

At conclusion the sun came up, breaking entirely give up of the visible horizon to begin it's ascent through the sky. He eagerly turned back to the heyday, waiting for that first ray of sparkle to touch them. At last it happened and his optic danced as bud after bud bloomed in an explosion of color- vibrant pinko and purples, neon megrims and green, deeply saturated oranges and yellows. It was breathtaking to behold, like a body of work of art coming to life right in straw man of him.

'' fountainhead, I figured I'd find you here again. '' Elanya said as she came up behind him. He ignored her as he'd been doing since that first night… he hadn't spoken a bingle word to her since setting up the tent. In fact, he felt like he was beginning to leave how to utter at all as he'd never in his biography been capable to conserve silence for more than a few minutes let alone however long he'd been stuck here… Though in a sense, it did lay down him well-chosen to recognize that his stubbornness and self-possession were so strong. He knew it was beginning to annoy her that she was basically left talking to herself and as that was the sole sort of triumph he could attain, he was careful to sustain up his silence. `` Don't you get tired of watching them day after day ? '' She goaded.

He wanted to secernate her that he'd be able to determine more energise ways to pass his time had she not forced him onto this island where the only variety of amusement was the strange beauty of nature… But he didn't. He simply got up and brushed the sand from his shorts before stripping off his shoe and T-shirt and heading down to the water for a swim. He could feel her following him and smiled to himself, happy that he was proving to be an bother to her. `` You have to lecture to me sometime ! '' She called as he walked right into the weewee, letting the inexplicable lovingness of it sooth away the tenseness he carried at all times now. `` Hey ! '' She shouted loudly.

He turned to find her knee-deep in the water. She'd taken off her clothes and was standing there in a revealing bathing courting that he hadn't even seen her purchase with his money. The material was atomic number 79, nearly blending in with the deep tan she'd acquired while they'd been there and illuminating the honey-gold color of her eyes. The sun shone through her escaped auburn hair, casting a lustrous glory around her. He bit the interior of his cheek, needing the pain to remind him that as good as she may look she wasn't condom to let one's guard down around. `` Mind if I join you for a swim ? '' She asked slyly as she posed effortlessly in front of him like a golden statue.

It was clear she wanted some response and it didn't affair whether it was a denial or espousal of her offer. She was clearly starting to act out in an effort to misrepresent him into doing what she wanted, which was speak to her. As a skilled liar and manipulator himself, he knew the things to look for and so he willfully kept his silence. Pretending he hadn't even seen her, he turned and dove into the diffuse waves before moving his arm and legs, gliding easily through the weewee without looking back. Everyday he managed to get further from the shoreline… not that he had any fancy about being able to swim his way across the sea. But as Elanya never went More than waist-high into the water, he'd come to actualize she was probably not a very unattackable or confident swimmer. This meant that the only time he could be assured of being away from her was way out where she dared not go.

Feeling his slope Begin to halter and his limbs decelerate down, he stopped and treaded piddle, turning to control she had in fact remained on the beach. Even at this far aloofness, he could tell she was angry as she strode back towards the tent. Breathing a sigh of assuagement Fred flipped over onto his book binding and floated, careful to mind that he didn't let the current pull him further than he thought he could swim back. Allowing his head to dip so that his capitulum were below water where everything was muffled and staring at the dateless blue sky, he felt relaxed… peaceful… and very lonely. As a lot as he would like to face on the bright side and enjoy the scenery of where he was, the thought that so many people were probably worried about him kept him from doing so. He wished he were stuck on the island with Hermione, that this was some post-graduation holiday and she could be out here to enjoy this tranquility moment with him.

He was worry that he didn't know what was going on at Hogwarts, but there was nothing he could do about it. Still, it was easier to think of the unsung danger the others were going through than to focus on his own captivity… But he knew he had to start doing something to change his post. As often as he wanted to keep up this silent discourse that was making Elanya so mad, he knew he needed answers from her. His hired man were completely tied while he was here, cut off from everyone and all information. But if he could find out when they were leaving and when she planned on going back to London to undertake to use him against his acquaintance and family, then he'd be better positioned to come up up with a design. Getting himself off this island was useless if he didn't figure a way out of everything else as well.

tactile sensation hungry, Fred turned and swam back to shore. Letting the sun dry him as he walked back to the tent, he decided to render himself one Thomas More day to enjoy making Elanya mad… Tomorrow he would see how he felt about breaking his silence. After all, as much as he wanted to reasonableness with himself, it was hard to hold up the only small bit of power he had at the moment.

( respite )

'' proficient first light everyone ! '' Charlie greeted his socio-economic class. Since lupin and Draco had decided to forget, an impromptu shift up of class schedules was arranged to make up for the missing professor, making for an entirely confusing Mon that Hermione had missed out on by staying in bed sick. Unfortunately, lupin hadn't made it back in fourth dimension Tues cockcrow and that left the one-seventh class advanced course of study course of study to relish Care of Magical Creatures as the first lesson of the day. Normally Hermione enjoyed Charlie's grade, even if she did have to call him Professor Weasley. But between her concern over Fred, her still lingering illness and Ron glaring at her and Harry the unscathed clock time, she just wasn't in the modality for anything that distracted her from practicing astral projection. Perhaps she should have taken Harry's advice and stayed in bed again today, but being so close to the end of her time in school she'd forced herself to get up, not wanting to leave out out on anything that could present itself on a test. But her read/write head just wasn't in it and as Charlie began handing out little books to them all, she debated asking if she could be excused.

'' Now, my coming to teach here was a very last minute decision and so I didn't have time to get my say on your reading leaning for this class. '' Charlie announced as he finished passing the Holy Scripture around and stood before them all. `` Today we start learning about creatures I have a finicky forte in- Dragons. '' He smiled, clearly excited to teach on something he knew so well. `` Obviously I can't bring any of them in to show you, though I'm aware that some of you have had rather close clash with a few unlike metal money. '' He grinned at Harry.

'' Charlie, this book has your figure on it. '' Ron interrupted, not bothering to produce his hand.

'' That's Professor Weasley while we're in course of study Ron. '' Charlie reminded him with a smirk. `` And yes, I just published it this summer though I didn't want to say anything until it caught on. A few years ago, I and a few of my workfellow were prosperous enough to stumble upon a metal money of flying dragon that had long been thought to have gone nonextant. We lived near and studied them and after, I wrote down what we learned. You are now all holding the resultant of that effort. ``

He went on and suddenly too curious and interested to count leaving division, Hermione began flipping through the book, eager to get a sense of Charlie as an writer. The textual matter was informative but it was the burnished photographs of the island where the dragons had been found and of the creatures themselves that really made the Christian Bible spectacular. Drawn in by a bright fusillade of coloring material in the recession of one of the photos, she leaned in closer and was struck as she recognized the flowers from Luna's sight. Her hired man instantly shot into the air as she desperately waved it to get Charlie's attention.

'' Yes young lady Granger ? '' He grinned at her.

'' I was looking through the book… these flowers in this picture here, are they Colorsplosions ? '' She felt Harry perk up next to her and together they eagerly waited for an answer.

'' Why, yes as a subject of fact. As it turned out, these dragons weren't the only thing we found on the island that had been thought to be extinct. Good job recognizing them '' He nodded encouragingly. `` There were respective former plant life and animal species on this island- ''

'' What island ? '' Harry interrupted, throwing his mitt in the air as an afterthought.

'' One of the gateway islands that protect the route to Castellumshire. '' He answered leery of the sudden interest. `` I'm no skimmer, I simply rode with a bunch of them and they knew how to get there. I personally couldn't even point it out on a map. ``

'' And are the dragons that live there life-threatening ? '' Hermione asked, suddenly terrified for Fred.

'' Yes, but only if you disturb them. '' Charlie answered seriously. `` This species is called the Double-Clawed Winghorn, so named for the duo of very sharp claws they use to roost and spellbind target and the motor horn protruding from the tips of their flank. They live in heights spot, generally mountains… Which is where we found these concluding few. Our camp was down at the home and as long as we remained down there, the Winghorns didn't bother us. It was only after we climbed up to learn them more closely that they became vicious and highly protective of what they considered their perimeter. They attack in distich and are highly reasoning and extremely proficient, though we only saw ten of them in all. However, when left on their own it became gain that they only came out to hunt in the very too soon morning. The rest of the meter they were content to remain in their den. ``

Hermione pretty much tuned him out after that, not needing or wanting to hear more. Surely she had to be mistaken, sure enough Colorspolosions had to grow elsewhere in the world… She knew all it would take to find out the truth was to run the estimation by Luna and the girl's intuition would tell them if this was the island where Fred was being held… but she was already middling sure that it was. Of grade it had to be, why wouldn't Elanya insist they go one of the few places anyone else dared to ? What were the betting odds another team of dragon huntsman would be stopping by now that they knew what was there ?

As soon as Charlie ended his class, Hermione raced back to her room, throwing aside the books on stellar projection to find the one about mysterious islands that she'd also stolen/borrowed. She flipped through the pageboy until she found an entry on the gateway islands… there were two some thirty kilometre apart that were estimated to be about a 100 kilometers from Castellumshire. Despite this wide orbit, the book explained that for some reason, these islands proved to be unchartable and only a very seasoned navy man knew how to detect them.

feel excited, nervous and panic-struck, she rushed into the common room where Harry and Luna were sitting on the couch, apparently waiting for her. `` Is this it ? Is this where Fred is ? '' She thrust the Word of God at Luna, begging her to say she was wrong… that Fred wasn't on an untraceable island that was occupied by dragons.

'' You've lost Fred ? '' Dragon asked as he emerged from the Slytherin wing.

They all froze, diffident what to say or how to excuse. `` When did you get back ? '' Harry asked calmly as both a misdirection and a way to buy time.

'' A few mo ago. I was just on my way to distinguish Ginny before we all have to go to division. '' He answered, looking around at the three of them suspiciously. `` What's going on with Fred ? ``

'' He's on a stage business trip. '' Hermione said quickly, not knowing what else to say and figuring it was best to adhere with the lie already told. They may not have discussed it, but she, Harry and Luna had clearly come to a mute understanding not to tell Draco anything about Fred so that he wouldn't be put in the locating of keeping it from Ginny.

'' Yeah, Ginny mentioned something about that. Apparently Mrs. Weasley sent a letter complaining all about it and the abrupt way he left. '' Draco said slowly. He was anything but dimwitted and it was light he'd picked up on something being unseasonable. `` What does that take in to do with you all not knowing where he is ? ``

'' Hermione had been talking to him through those compacts… you know, keeping in touch. '' Luna blurted out.

'' Right, but she came to us this dawning saying she accidentally broke the compact. '' Harry agreed, picking up effortlessly on Luna's thought. `` She was freaking out because she had no idea where he was actually staying and therefore no way to adjoin him. ``

'' I had a vision that showed him on an island, though I wasn't sure which one so she went to look up the thing I described to see if she could reckon it out. '' Luna added, rounding out their lie.

genus Draco ignored them and looked at Hermione before smirking and shaking his head. He'd gotten to jazz them all well since joining with them, and had spent years before that spying on them to learn all their closed book. He knew of the three, Harry was the indue liar, though Luna was capable when pressed… he also knew Hermione not only didn't like to lie, she wasn't always the most convert at it. Letting Harry and Luna speak for her had obviously given him a clue that things weren't exactly as they were telling him. `` I see. '' He said at last-place. `` This is one of those, I'm-better-off-not-knowing, case of things… is that because Ginny is better off not knowing ? ``

'' Let's just say everything's fine and stick with that. '' Harry said.

'' Okay, I don't need to know the detail. '' Draco agreed. `` But if you need aid, I've been looking for a reason to recitation scrying. ``

'' Why ? '' Hermione asked.

He shrugged. `` You all said we need to focus on getting ready to get hold the coven… Figured I'd like to bear something useful to bring to the table. Scrying is a skill that runs in my fellowship so I thought I could use it to serve you locate all those people. ``

'' undecomposed to know you plan to derive along. '' Harry smiled in encouragement.

'' I don't really have anything planned once we're released from here. '' He admitted. `` I just think it's best I prepare for anything. Let me know if you need my help. I won't citation to Ginny that Fred is currently… off the grid ? ``

'' I guess that's the advantageously way to put it. '' Hermione nodded. `` Thanks. '' He waved her off and continued on his way to differentiate Ginny that he had returned.

'' Yes, I think that's the place. '' Luna said, answering Hermione's earlier question once she was certain they were alone.

'' Good, so if we know what island he's on and Draco thinks he can witness where the island is, then there's no pauperization for you and Jacey to go to Erebos's category today so she can try to get into his head. '' Harry said happily.

'' That was your idea in the first situation ! '' Hermione reminded him.

'' I've had time to excogitate on it. '' He answered defensively.

'' Either way, we still have to watch whether he's really the spy. We can't go rescue Fred until we're sure we've shut down everything they're holding over his head. '' She argued.

'' I agree. '' Jacey said, emerging from the Slytherin annex as Tristan, properly dressed in school day robes and carrying a packsack. `` Are you ready to go young lady granger ? ``

Hermione looked at Harry and saw that he was extremely dysphoric. She felt gratuitous in that moment… she didn't have to care what Harry thought anymore. She was unforced to do whatever she had to in order to help Fred, just as she'd done in the past for Harry, no matter how dangerous or stupid. They had to roll in the hay if Erebos was the spy so that they could block up him from carrying out Elanya's threats… if that meant placing herself in front line of the professor while Jacey tried to get into his mind, then so be it. `` I'm ready. '' She answered confidently.

( BREAK )

Ginny answered the knock on her door right away and threw her weaponry around Draco, more than relieved that he'd returned as he'd promised. `` I wasn't even gone a wide two days. '' He teased, leaning down to kiss her.

'' It felt like much longer. '' She sighed, taking his deal and leading him into her room, closing the door for privacy. `` Are you okay ? ``

'' As much as I can be I guess. '' He answered honestly, taking a seat on the bed. `` I talked a few things over with lupin and it made me feel better… sort of. I'm just tired of everything always being so difficult. ``

'' You and everyone else. '' She smiled, climbing behind him and rubbing his shoulders. She could feel how much stress he was carrying and did her expert to allay the extreme tension in his sinew. `` But I guess if things weren't difficult, we wouldn't appreciate the times when everything is easy. ``

He relaxed into her hired man, letting his head hang down as she massaged his cervix. `` When has anything ever been easy ? We've all had to shin to get where we are and now we're struggling to delay there while the entire macrocosm seems to plot against us. ``

'' Being with you isn't such a struggle. '' She wrapped her arms around him and kissed the spine of his neck. `` In fact, loving you might be the easiest affair I've ever done even after all we've gone through together. I don't tutelage how voiceless I have to fight for us Draco, I think it's worth it. ``

He took her arms and turned to face her, studying her very closely. `` None of this… naught I'm questioning or doubting has anything to do with you or us. '' He said very seriously before at last breaking into a smile. `` You don't have to convince me that you love me, it's probably the only matter I'm sure of anymore. ``

She nodded. `` I just thought you needed to see it again. I can't imagine what you must be feeling after everything that happened with Lucius on Saturday… I just don't want you to go back to thinking that everyone is like him, that everyone will hurt or disappoint you in the foresightful run. ``

He let out a small laugh. `` Lupin said something standardised. ``

'' Well, we can't both be incorrectly, right ? '' She grinned.

'' It's just a strange thing to get used to, having people run to remain in my life… especially when it's proven so serious. '' He shook his head and turned away from her again. `` I tried to give Lupin an out. I told him to delete all traces that linked his and Tonks's name to mine… but he wanted to stay on as my guardian. ``

'' Of line he did ! You don't think you're helping him take with this unit werewolf affair the same way he's helping you ? '' She asked, once more wrapping her branch around him and resting her Chin on his shoulder. `` Face it Draco… once multitude get to know you, you're a pretty sympathetic guy. And I hope you weren't provision to try and make me the same offer as Lupin because you're as stuck with me as you are with him. ``

'' Don't I know it. '' He teased, turning to buss her cheek.

'' You're lucky to cause us both. '' She went on, smiling widely.

'' Yeah, I know that too. '' He laughed.

'' Well here's the division you don't seem to eff yet… we're lucky to birth you as well. '' She reached up and turned his face so that she could lightly kiss his lips. `` Maybe that's the component you shouldn't forget. '' She whispered before fully capturing his mouth once more, ready to welcome him back and show him just how much she'd missed him.

( BREAK )

'' Mr. Macnair ! I was told not to expect you in class today. '' Professor Erebos said as soon as Jacey entered his schoolroom. Hermione had been sure to get a few proceedings before her as common so that nothing would seem suspicious.

'' I'm of the mind that my position here is still to be determined. '' She replied as Tristan, coolly taking a tail in the back row of the nearly empty schoolroom. Erebos simply shook his head and began his lesson. Clearly the man was going to leave the act of disciplining the vampire to those with more superpower than he had. Jacey was happy to find that the professor was More than a bit scared of Tristan.

Remember, keep him fussy. Ask questions so he is focused on you and therefore less able-bodied to focalize on shielding his creative thinker. She reminded Hermione.

I think I can handle it. She replied in amusement.

They waited until the lesson was half over, hoping that Erebos would be lulled into a sham sense of certificate. You ready ? Jacey thought out to Harry and Luna. She knew that by now they had stationed themselves following door in professor Flitwick's currently void classroom.

Let's just try to be really measured, okay ? Harry asked desperately.

gift Hermione the signal, Jacey watched in transfixed entertainment as the former female child raised her script and assaulted Erebos with rapid-fire questions. No sooner had the man answered her once than she was asking for more information, More illumination or Thomas More point. Watching him become flustered, Jacey waited until she was sure he was completely distracted by his eager student. Feeling Harry and Luna's front mingle in with hers, she propelled all three of them forward into the professor's head. for certain enough, they found a fortress around his head, as high and mighty as any of theirs. Picturing the three of them tiptoeing through the man's subconscious, she helped search for some way in.

There ! Luna whispered excitedly. Focusing on her, Jacey was able to see what she saw and cautiously zoomed toward the crack in the origination. They slipped their way in, deliberate not to leave alone a trace of themselves. Flipping through the man's brain as quickly as potential, they at shoemaker's last found what they were looking for.

*****

Erebos put the key in the door and entered the hotel room. Elise was already waiting for him, sitting in one of the chairs as she regarded him warily. `` It's been a yearn time Dolos. '' She said, offering a sly and seductive smile.

'' And I had thought it would be much longer. I thought we had agreed days ago to just be felicitous that we got away with having our shortly time together. '' He replied, angrily dropping his suitcase to the ground. He didn't like being summoned like this, but the miss had a lot of dirt on him and she was entirely capable of ruining his life.

'' You thought a lot of affair about me, haven't you ? '' She teased.

He cleared his throat and remained steady in his resoluteness. `` I'm married now. ``

She laughed. `` Actually you're in the process of getting divorced. Didn't you think I would check up on you before making contact ? I also know things between you and the ex-wife are entirely unsettled… it seems she's battling you for full custody of the little rugrats you two bred. '' She laughed again, having seen the concern that instantly spread across his face. `` Relax Dolos, I didn't claim you here to rekindle old flames or to peril your estranged family. ``

'' Then why did you call off, and why have us meet here, in Commonwealth of Australia of all post ? '' He asked nervously.

'' To make a proposition. '' She rose and walked over to the window, letting the sun shine through her sundress and air a shadow of the figure underneath. `` It seems you and I are in the position to aid each early yet again. '' She added, looking at him over her shoulder joint. Everything about her was as appealing as it had been all those years ago, from her rather attractive show to the small star tattoo that drew him into her eyes to the hint of danger she always promised to provide.

'' I'm listening. '' He said, entertaining the thought that perhaps rekindling old flame wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

She turned fully to him, leaning against the balcony railing as she spoke. `` I came here looking for someone… turns out the initiative one wasn't all that I needed him to be. But I have found a little girl with the right power and a heroic need for revenge. My friends and I need her… after speaking with the girl, we've already come up with a plan on how to use her to our beneficial advantage. The only thing is, she feels she has nothing to volunteer us. As it turns out, the girlfriend does have some annoying ethics and while she very much liked that we could give her the way to kill her father, she was also hesitant in joining with us when she had no way to refund us. ``

'' She seems smart, doesn't want to be left in anyone's debt. '' He interrupted, thinking of his own situation. He was entirely indebted to Elise for how she was able to encompass up their liaison all those years ago… it was why he had come here.

'' Whatever the vitrine, you need to be the thing she can render us… which works out wonderfully since I was eventually going to reach you on our behalf anyway. '' She grinned.

'' You keep saying our and we. Who else are you plotting with ? ``

'' A dear old friend… perhaps you remember Sarah Elaine ? '' She waited as he nodded, indicating he vaguely remembered the young woman who he'd only ever met during the trial. `` She has her own fish on the come-on, but her girl is useless as long as she's locked away. ``

'' So what do you need me to do ? '' He asked, again feeling nervous.

'' Elanya Delamora… very young and very pretty… she's staying in this hotel. I need you to make it your business organization to run into her. I'm sure you won't have a problem convincing her that you find her very attractive and would do anything she wanted of you. Then I need you to casually slip into conversation that you work at Hogwarts… she'll take charge of the repose. ``

'' How can you be certainly ? ``

Elise smiled again, this metre like a lioness toying with her quarry. `` Because I'll see to it that she thinks you are exactly what we need. conceive of her delight when she stumbles into you ! We'll let her think you are hers and hers alone and that only she can lend you into the crimp, it'll be her way of buying her way in. Later if she tries to use you against us, we'll simply enjoin her how things really came about and that she hasn't even come close to coming up even for what we're going to aid her do. ``

'' So you want me to facilitate you befool and trap this miss ? '' He shook his head. `` How naïve is she ? ``

'' Not at all actually. She is very well aware of how things work in my existence, but like you she prefers to dwell on the outer edges of it, only dipping a toe in when it suit her. '' Elaine teased. `` That is why we have to not only set up this enlarge farce, but also be entirely convincing about it. ``

'' Which is why you told me to use a funeral as my excuse for being in the land. ``

'' wellspring, dying makes most people feel awkward and therefore there are less uninvited enquiry. ``

He sighed and sat down in the chair. `` And, what do I get out of this ? ``

'' Besides the pleasance of a renewed friend with me ? '' She grinned. `` We will undertake that you get whatever you want out of this little divorce engagement. ``

'' How ? I don't want Lilah distress. '' He had a sudden gumption of protectiveness come over him as he thought of his minor's mother being killed.

'' Relax. We have plenty of elbow room of doing anything we want. It's all about knowing the right citizenry and calling in the right favors. '' She assured him. `` After we deliver, all I'll need you to do is keep playing along with the young woman. Once you get back to school, all you'll have to do is keep an eye on a few choice students so that we know what's going on at all metre. So, are you in ? ``

'' I don't know, are you leaving anything out ? '' He asked suspiciously.

'' You know me too well, Dolos. '' She said, once again offering a coy grinning as she walked back into the room to stand before him. `` How do you find about hurting scholar, possibly even killing one ? ``

'' I'd rather it didn't come to that… '' He swallowed concentrated. surely he'd taken a few lives back during the last war, but that had been because he thought he was doing right, protecting a way of life. After, when he'd gotten to know Elise and seen what the war had done to the children of his opposition he began to wonder if he did belong to on Dumbledore's side. It was a question that had haunted him for old age after. Perhaps this was his time to regain out… if he was capable to menace an inexperienced person scholarly person, then surely he belonged on Elise's side of meat of the war, on Voldemort's side.

'' No one wants it to come in to that, and if everyone does exactly what they're supposed to then it won't. But I need someone who can do what is necessary should the occasion arise. '' She was studying him closely, obviously looking for signs of weakness.

'' If you can guarantee Lilah won't be able to take my fry away, then I'm your man. '' He replied steadily. There were a lot of shadowy thing in his past, some of them had been what finally pushed his wife away and forced her to assay sole-custody. He knew he'd do whatever it took to get what he wanted, and Elise knew it too… that's why after all these twelvemonth, she'd come back to him. He could and would do this, and what's more, he felt like he'd enjoy it.

*****

well, I guess that answers a lot. Harry said once they all cleared out of Erebos's head.

We're back. Jacey thought to Hermione. She saw that the girl was having difficulty keeping up her shelling of dubiousness and wanted to tell her that she could stop.

Suddenly the classroom room access swung open and healer Drake entered with an apologetic grin. `` Sorry to break. '' He said politely. `` I need to take over Mr. Macnair. He's wanted up in the Headmaster's government agency. ``

'' Go on Macnair. I told you that you weren't supposed to be here. '' Erebos crossed his arms and waited impatiently.

Jacey reluctantly got up, hearing Harry in her read/write head telling her and Hermione that he and Luna were staying where they were until the class was over. She followed Drake down the hall, wondering what was going to happen. `` I hope this is somehow voice of your plan, because Dumbledore is really mad. '' He said as they walked.

'' In a gumption. We want Tristan in as much worry as possible. '' She answered, hoping she could withstand the master's anger. The healer left her at the gargoyle and she now had to present Dumbledore's wrath alone.

But of course the honest-to-goodness wizard knew how to control his emotions and as she entered his business office, she saw him regarding her with tempered eyes while speaking in a lull voice. `` Mr. Macnair. May I ask why you openly defied my orders and went to class today ? ``

'' I got lonely. '' She shrugged, mimicking Tristan's nonchalant way of dealing with authority.

'' I see. '' He leaned forward and spoke softly. `` The Aurors have decided to engage your typeface Mr. Macnair. They are applying for a indorsement of arrest and as soon as it comes through I am to deal you over to them. Unfortunately, it may take away a few days as we are still caught up looking for both Parvati Patil and troy weight A. E. W. Mason. Until that fourth dimension we are finally able to rid ourselves of you, you are hereby confined to your hall. I suggest you use your last-place few days here to figure out exactly what you're going to tell the homage. You are dismissed. '' With a flourish, he disappeared, apparently not wanting to give Tristan a chance to reply. She was left sitting alone in the federal agency, contemplating what life sentence was going to be like once she was once more entirely barren to be herself.

( falling out )

Harry nervously waited for Hermione to croak the schoolroom, hating the thought of her being alone with someone who wasn't quite certain whether or not he was a psychopath. Luna was following to him and more than anything he wanted to reach out and get her deal, to feel the comfort she could bring him… but with so many educatee walking the mansion, that was impossible. Not only had they both agreed it was best no one but their friends knew about them, he was supposed to still be pretending to be with Hermione in an endeavour to fool Erebos, Simon and anyone else who may reckon she was a fiddling too close to Fred. `` Well ? '' He asked as soon as she emerged.

'' Nothing happened, it was an ordinary bicycle class. I can't be for sure, but I don't think he felt you guys in his head. '' She quietly assured them.

He's coming. Luna warned them as she turned and walked away. Harry pulled Hermione to him, wrapping his arm around her shoulder joint just as Erebos came into the hallway.

'' Well, you were certainly inquisitive in grade today Miss Granger. '' He said, stopping to grin at them.

'' NEWTs are coming up, I just want to be prepared. '' She answered quickly.

'' You know Hermione, always one to query all. '' Harry said proudly, leaning in to kiss her synagogue as she pushed herself closer against him.

'' Too bad I could never interest you in the field Mr. Potter. I think I would suffer enjoyed having you in my class as well. '' He said with a tight smiling. `` You seem to hold so many talents, I'm sure you could just gazump the answers to any test right hand out of my straits. '' He added meaningfully.

Harry felt himself scare. `` I would never do something like that. It's cheating. '' He answered steadily, not wanting the professor to incur any proof of his suspicions.

'' Come on, we have to go or we'll neglect tiffin and I'm starving. '' Hermione said, playfully taking his hand and pulling him along as if she didn't sense the sudden tension.

He quickly followed her, gripping her hand so tight he was afraid he would break it. `` You are definitely going to have to request something to get you out of that class. '' He said as they walked toward the Great Hall.

'' What happened ? Is he the spy ? '' She asked, though it was bring in the professor's demeanour had already confirmed what she feared.

'' Yeah, to say the very least… we may not just be going to salvage Fred anymore. '' He answered. `` It seems that whether she knows it or not, Elanya has gotten herself just as trapped by Elise and Sarah as Fred. ``

( pause )

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked unceremoniously as soon as Elanya emerged from the tent.

'' And a good dawn to you too ! '' She said happily. `` I see you've decided to come to your senses and talk to me. ``

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked again, having decided those were the only row he would leave himself to say until he received a definite answer.

'' I don't see why you're in such a big hurry to get back… it seems your friends are already starting to bury about you. '' She taunted.

He was curious, he wanted to ask what she meant… but he refused to take the decoy. `` When are we leaving ? '' He asked for the third time.

'' Don't you want to lie with what I've heard from my sources ? '' She asked coyly.

At this point, he was more concerned with how she'd heard from her sources and filed away in his creative thinker that he needed to find the chance to research for her communicating gimmick. `` When are we leaving ? '' He smiled to himself as he saw her glower. Apparently this could have the potential drop to rag her as much as his silence.

'' If you're concerned about getting back to Hermione husbandman, I'd forget about it if I were you. '' She said cruelly. `` My rootage within Hogwarts has told me that he's witnessed several things to severalize him that she and Harry Potter have mended their broken relationship. It seems she didn't quite appreciate you up and leaving her without a word of admonition. ``

Fred held himself together, forcing himself not to react. He knew that Hermione knew Elanya had already planned to thrust him away… he truly believed she was smart enough to put two and two together once she was unable to reach him and figure out he'd been forced away sooner. But then… wouldn't she have done something to try and chance him ? He may have stopped counting solar day after five, but he knew he'd been here for a longsighted time… a few hebdomad at least. Shouldn't someone have come looking for him ? Whether or not what she said was rightful, he was determined not to let Elanya love she had shaken him. He stared her rightfield in the eye and grinned. `` When are we leaving ? ``

( break of serve )

Ron had spent four Clarence Day successfully keeping his friends at bay. It seemed his words against them had worked and for best or unfit, they were leaving him to sort it out himself. Of row, they all probably had some big secret to concentrate on and avail keep open their minds off of him, but the longer he went, the harder it was for him to persist in to hold the stance he had taken. After all, they still had each former and he was pretty much alone… just as he'd thought he wanted.

Not caring to sit by himself at dinner party yet again, he'd decided to expend his Th night in the library. He really did try to do prep, but he just couldn't focus and eventually found himself writing a letter of the alphabet to Parvati with the hope that Lupin could find a way to get it to her. He was three pages into explaining how sorry he was when somebody's tincture fell over him.

'' Here you are ! '' Seamus exclaimed, pulling out a chairperson and sitting across from him. `` I've been looking for you all over, you know we have our first game Sabbatum, don't you ? ``

'' Yeah, I know. What is there to do until practice tomorrow ? ``

'' practice session tonight. '' He grinned. `` I got McGonagall to jibe to let us have a dark practice so long as we had it wrapped up by ten. That only gives us three and a half hours ! Come on, I already told the team to fulfill us down there. ``

Ron looked down at his letter and sighed. Perhaps he did require a distraction, something that was now entirely his as he was the only one of his close friends allowed to take part in quidditch in any way. `` Alright. facilitate me put these Koran back, Madame Pince had a fit the close sentence I was here and left them lying all over the place. '' Shoving his own things in his backpack, he and Seamus grabbed the few books he'd taken out in hopes of completing his potions essay and went into the push-down store to put them away.

'' Hey, do you hear that ? '' Seamus whispered suddenly.

Both boys stopped and listened. At survive Ron picked up on whatever Seamus had heard… a soft clunk and quiet moaning. Curious, they followed the sounds a little deeper into the row of shelf. Turning the recession they gasped in shock at who they saw and what they were doing. `` I'd have thought you'd have better mouthful Padma. '' Seamus teased.

She and dean leapt apart, wiping their backtalk and straightening their clothes as they realized they'd been caught. `` He was helping me find something. '' She said defensively.

'' In your mouth ? '' Ron laughed.

'' Shut up. '' Dean said angrily.

'' I've been under a lot of stress lately… '' Padma argued her case.

'' And he was just helping to relieve some of it ? '' Seamus asked innocently as a wide, evil grin cattle ranch across his human face. She rolled her eyes and walked away in a huff.

'' Thanks saccade. '' Dean grumbled.

'' Aren't you supposed to be heading down to the quidditch lurch ? '' Ron took his turn to tease their friend. Shooting them each a marked-up look, Dean brushed past them to go down to practice.

'' fountainhead, that was interesting. '' Seamus grinned.

'' Seeing his face get all red like that… it totally made my day. '' He agreed, smiling back.

They put away the record book and hurried outside to the domain. Ron felt lighter than he had in solar day and was surprised to find that he could really enjoy himself with other friends. Dean and Seamus and the whole Gryffindor squad were his outlet, his way of continuing to nullify Harry, Hermione, Luna and Ginny. Once they left here, he would suffer to figure something else out, especially since his syndicate was currently living in Harry's theater for an undetermined measure of time. But he still had a fiddling over two calendar week to think on it. In the meantime, he was content to tolerate himself to enjoy the rare, completely worry-free moment he was experiencing.

( time out )

'' Come on, we're going to be late for class ! '' Luna grabbed Ginny's arm and pulled her off the sofa, barely giving her sufficiency time to grab her volume before dragging her out of the green way where she and Draco had been lounging.

As soon as they were gone, sodbuster came and took Ginny's vacated place. `` Here. '' She spread a map out in front of genus Draco and pointed to a diminished dot of an island. `` I finally found a map that shows Castellumshire. Somewhere within a hundred klick is the island we think Fred is on. ``

'' And you want me to do what ? '' He asked, looking up at her. potter was standing behind her and it was unmortgaged they had been waiting for Luna to get Ginny out of the elbow room before approaching him. `` You said before that you guys can't canvas there even if you knew where it was. Isn't that the mystery of this island, that only certain citizenry can line up it ? ``

'' Only certain people can get hold it- by sea. '' Potter argued.

'' We're thinking that if you can pinpoint it on a map, we can use the photos in Charlie's book of account to apparate there. '' Granger added hopefully.

Realizing they were life-threatening, he took the map and stood. `` Okay, I'll try. But I'd rather do this in buck private if you don't brain. '' He strode past them to the Slytherin wing and down to his room. The last thing he wanted was the bestow pressure of ceramicist and Granger watching him try and fail. He wished he had never offered to help, that he'd kept his backtalk shut and stayed out of it… especially since it seemed whatever was going on, they were desperate that Ginny and Ron not get wind of it. But he had offered and they'd taken him up on it… now he had to actually essay to scry, something he'd never actually done.

Spreading the map out on the bed, he wondered what he was supposed to do next. Of form he didn't have a pendulum, but remembering a time when Narcissa had lost hers, he still thought that maybe he could do this. Copying everything he'd seen his mother do, he pulled out a one string of his hair… a composition of the seeker. Now he needed a bit of the sought after. Taking Charlie's book, he ripped out the picture of the Colorsplosions and made a fix through the scrap. Looping his hair through it, he let it dangle in front of him set for testing. With his mind, he focused on the report moving itself north… he was truly surprised when it began to swing and at first opinion there must be a breeze. He quickly focused on moving the newspaper publisher to the east and nearly dropped it in jolt when it froze in midair and instantly swung the way he'd asked. So it had worked. He was thrilled but knew he had to be thrifty not to suit overconfident.

Looking down at the map he let the paper dangle over the picture of Castellumshire. `` Okay, time to really put you to the trial. '' He said under his breath as he began focusing on narrowing down the hunting for the mysterious gateway islands.

The newspaper fluttered for a present moment before swinging in a wide arch, making Sir Thomas More and more precise lap until it stopped dead, pointing directly at what appeared to be empty ocean. He tried it three to a greater extent times, always with the Sami termination. You bozo should come and see this. He thought out to potter, excited in spite of himself that he may have just solved something that even Granger had been unable.

He opened the threshold just as they both were about to criticize, hurrying them inside. Picking up his strand of hairsbreadth, he once more demonstrated what the paper pointed to on the map, sure-footed enough in himself that he could do it with an audience. Sure enough he got the Saami result and Granger rushed to circle the smudge and spell down the coordinates. `` And it's seems to be within one hundred kilometer. Thank you Draco, well done ! '' She exclaimed, leaping up to hug him

He awkwardly patted her back before extricating himself. `` Think nothing of it. And if Ginny ever finds out what you are all up to, I had null to do with it. ``

'' Agreed. '' Potter grinned. And then suddenly his expression turned to one of anger.

'' Harry, are you okay ? '' Granger asked, having also witnessed the speed with which thrower's temper had changed.

'' I've got to go. '' He said quickly before racing from the room.

'' Harry ! '' Granger called after him, looking out the door as he dashed down the hall. `` What do you intend that was about ? '' She asked, once more turning to present Draco.

He shrugged. `` Only he knows at this level. ``

'' I'd better go see if I can catch up to him somehow… '' She paused and offered a smile. `` Thanks again Draco. You have no idea how much you've just helped us. '' And then she was gone, off to dog down Potter. He briefly entertained the thought of going with, but he just as quickly dismissed it. Clearly whatever the position was, it was one Potter either thought he could care alone or wanted to address alone. If he'd thought he needed help, Draco didn't think he'd have hesitated to ask him. After all, they'd been finding it a lot more beneficial to exercise together lately. Instead he lay back in his bed to wait for Ginny to be done with course, happily reflecting on his unexpected success. If this was what it was like to take things go your way, then he was prepared to sit back and let it. But he would stay disposed and set should Lucius show his face again.

( rift )

Luna ensured Ginny made it to class before making up an excuse for why she wouldn't be joining her. Claiming a severe stomachache as they approached the Gargoyle, she'd blamed food poisoning and urged the other daughter to go on up. She'd told Ginny that she had a great herb tea remedy back in her room and it was her own fault for not taking it when the symptoms had first begun to present themselves.

Once alone in the hall, Luna straightened up and hoped she hadn't made her friend too worried about her. But she had no fourth dimension for year rightfield now, she wanted to get back to the usual room and obtain out whether Draco was able to site the island. She moved quickly down the Granville Stanley Hall, not wanting anyone questioning why she wasn't where she was supposed to be. And then it suddenly struck her, the touch sensation of an onset sight. She quickly ducked through the nearest room access feeling completely disoriented. Before her eyesight blurred, she was capable to make out that she was in an hollow schoolroom. Dropping to her stifle, she crawled forward, feeling her way to the professor's desk and hiding herself behind it. She couldn't let anyone find her alone while having a sight, it was too well-heeled for them to take advantage of her being so completely vulnerable. There were still far too many foeman walking the vestibule to let one of them find her in a compromising spot in which she'd be unable to push. The finish matter she wanted was to bring in it easy for them to hand her over to Voldemort.

Giving into the sight, she was surprised to find it was the Saami warning as before. Once again she and Harry were side by English in the white room and she felt the same draw poker as Sarah, Elise and Elanya beckoned to them. And then again Harry was gone and she was recoiling in repulsion as Simon approached, reaching out to her. Only this time, the ending was different. She was frozen in home as Herb Simon grew taller and taller before turning to stamp down on his sister and her friend who were now the size of mice. He turned and grinned as a pool of line of descent emerged from beneath his brake shoe and it was straighten out he had wanted her to watch. And then the way was spinning and once more than Simon looked normal as he stood before her, reaching out to her as she shook in fear. Now it was Elise, Sarah and Elanya who grew large, crushing Simon to decease beneath their feet. Harry was beside her again and the three womanhood turned to beckon to them as if cipher had happened. Instantly she felt drawn into them again and only then did she see it wasn't her feeling it. It was Harry who was so uncoerced to listen to what these awful charwoman had to say while neither of them seemed to accept interest group in Simon's message…

She shook her headland as she came back to herself already attempting to believe this through. If she was being warned that Harry was willing to take heed to something those young woman had to say, then what was Simon going to do that made him turn to them. Her nous was spinning with possible action and she suddenly wasn't sure what anything in the vision had been trying to severalize her. She hated the white room, where nothing was clear and everything was a mystifier. But this time the warning had definitely felt more intense and as her judgment switched completely back into consciousness, a sharp gyp of intuition stabbed at her. She felt for her wand in her pocket only to realize she'd put it in her bag, which she'd dropped somewhere after she'd entered the classroom. She felt another person in there with her and reaching out her mind, she sensed it was the very death someone in the world she wanted to find… Simon McKinney. She tried to remain as still as possible.

'' I know you're in here Luna. I saw you. '' He called. `` I just want the chance to let the cat out of the bag to you about a few things… why don't you come on out and we can have a nice, polite conversation ? '' She held her breath and continued to remain still, hoping he somehow didn't know where exactly she was. `` Please ? This is the terminal time I'm going to ask nicely. '' He warned. Still she remained silent, praying he'd just go away. `` Alright then, looks like you're choosing the hard way. ``

Luna shrieked as she felt the desk roughly slide away from her, leaving her completely out in the open. She leapt to her feet, not wanting to have to look him from the ground. He stood before her with a demented smiling, brandishing his verge in one helping hand while tauntingly dangling hers from the early. `` It seems you dropped something when you came in. '' He smirked.

'' How nice of you to retrieve it… may I have it please ? '' She asked carefully, trying not to show that she was scared of him.

'' No, I think it's dependable if I hold onto it for you while we talk. I'd hate for you to get gun trigger happy and make a mistake before hearing me out. '' He went and closed the room access, ensuring he locked it both manually and magically.

Harry, I think I may need some aid here. St. Simon has me cornered in a classroom and he has my scepter. She thought out quickly.

I'm on my way. He replied instantly, his voice dark and dangerous. The last thing she wanted was Harry overreacting to this billet, but she wasn't sure she had another option… she was unarmed and unlike Harry and Jacey, her extra superpower lent her no protection. `` So, what do you want to talk about ? '' She asked loud, trying to celebrate her voice low and calm.

'' Quite a few matter actually. Why don't you take a derriere ? '' He waved his wand, bringing the professor's chair up behind her so quickly that she stumbled back into it. `` Incarcerous ! '' He shouted as she grabbed the coat of arms of the death chair in an endeavor to scramble to her feet. Before she knew what was happening, rophy appeared out of nowhere, binding her wrists and waist to the chair.

'' You can't do this, you'll get expelled. '' She tried to reason with him. `` closure whatever this is now and I won't report you. ``

'' I just want to make sure enough you aren't going to run anywhere. '' He assured her, putting her wand in his pouch and pulling up another chairman to sit in front man of her. `` You and I, we may be capable to help each early. ``

'' I don't need any assistant from you. '' She argued, beginning to lose the calmness she'd been clinging to.

'' Maybe you don't see it yet. But you and Harry Potter both could benefit from listening to what I have to tell you. It might give you both see things in a whole new light. '' Marvin Neil Simon returned. `` I don't want to hurt you, I want to be your ally. ``

'' This isn't the best way to make friends. '' She pulled against the bindings but they were tied compressed. Her wrist began to burn as she continued to clamber, the skin becoming raw as it rubbed against the ropes… but she couldn't just pay up.

'' And I apologize for the worriment. '' He laughed, pulling out his trustworthy flask and taking a swig. `` But like I said, I want to reach sure you really listen to what I have to tell you without you making the fault of cursing me first. ``

'' Okay, well… you have my wand and my exclusive attention. What do have to tell apart me ? '' She wanted to cry in frustration as she felt the rope on her entrust wrist loosen slightly. She continued to struggle, trying not to draw focus to the fact that she was making progress.

'' But it's not just your attention that I need. ``

'' Meaning what ? ``

He stood and came towards her. `` Hmm, looks like you're getting loose there. '' He reached to fix the rope and she desperately kicked at him, trying to proceed him away as she attempted to wrench her left field radiocarpal joint complimentary. She could finger her skin scraping against the rough texture but she ignored it, continuing to fight him off as she tried to free herself.

He finally gave up struggling with her and took a few footfall back, waving his wand to tie her legs to the death chair as well so that he could approach her without being kicked. Fixing the circle on her arm, he sat back in his chair and let out a deep breath. `` Whew. You know, you're making this harder than it has to be. I'm not trying to hurt you, you know. You very much need to listen what I have to tell you. ``

'' So say it already ! '' She shouted angrily.

'' I will. '' He grinned and took another draught from his flask. `` I'm just waiting for Harry to get here. I figured I'd talking to you first but after the way you acted in Hogsmeade and how you are decently now, it's clear that you aren't quite as level-headed as I thought. And knowing that him and Hermione are a farce comedy, I figured you'd be the estimable decoy to keep him listening without bashing my brains in for confining you here. You did telephone for him to assist, didn't you ? ``

'' No. '' She said quickly.

'' Hmm, well I think you're prevarication. '' He got up and turned to face the door as the thickening began jiggling furiously. Simon lifted his verge in provision, turning to wait at her over his berm. `` If fact, this must be him now. ``

Harry, he's waiting for you ! She tried to admonish him as Herbert Alexander Simon moved to unlock the door. But she wasn't sure she was in time as she quickly turned her face away to avoid the shower of wood, brick and plaster that came flying forward as Harry forced his way through, too impatient to hold off for the threshold to be opened.

( pause )

Hermione couldn't discovery Harry anywhere. He'd run off so quickly that she'd lost him before she'd even begun to give chase. Hoping he would call if he needed assist, she returned to her room and once more cattle ranch out the map. Looking at the post they'd marked as the island, she decided now was as practiced a fourth dimension as any to try her new abilities with astral projection. She wanted to be able to see Fred, even if she wasn't yet potent enough for him to see her back or for them to speak to each other.

Forcibly clearing her mind, she focused on the photo in Charlie's book… imagining herself on the island, on the beach, succeeding to Fred. Closing her oculus, she began to feel weightless. Letting go of everything holding her down, she felt herself come exempt from her trunk and shoot through time and space. When she opened her eyes again, she was under the bright sun and had to squint to work anything out. That was when she noticed she was crystal clear, as she was able-bodied to take in the landscape painting through her arm. It was disconcerting, but the sight beyond herself made her realize that she had done it. She was far from Hogwarts and on an island… or at least her consciousness was.

'' Great. Now I'm eyesight mirages. '' She heard someone grumble behind her. Whipping around she cried out in relief, running towards Fred until she remembered that she wasn't able to relate him. `` Fred ! It's really me ! I'm really here, sort of. '' She said happily, stopping just in front of him.

'' A talking mirage ? '' He smiled, still not quite sure what he was seeing.

She rolled her heart. `` No cretin, it's really me. I'd reach out and pinch you but I'm not sure how yet. ``

'' I don't understand… How is this possible ? '' He nervously glanced over his shoulder joint. `` Is it really you ? '' He whispered.

'' I promise. '' She assured him. `` I'm just sorry it took so long. But we know where you are now and we have a plan to arrive get you… tomorrow. Can you clear it one Thomas More day ? ``

He shook his promontory. `` I can't leave- ''

'' Yes you can, we've figured it all out ! '' She said happily wanting to explain as quickly as possible. `` I knew Elanya must have made you leave too soon and Luna forced herself to have a vision. Draco scryed and now we can derive get you ! You don't have to worry about the spy, we know who it is… Professor Erebos. And in Luna's visual sensation, she saw what Sarah planned for me, so I learned all about astral projection to protect myself. Lee and Willem made surely there was absolutely zero to tie you to Edmund… there's zero for you to worry about anymore. ``

Fred hesitantly reached out, but his hand went right through her. He shook his psyche. `` I don't know. It can't be that tardily. ``

'' It's not… Elanya may be just as much a victim of the other fille'treachery as you are. She thinks she's their equal but Harry, Luna and Jacey went in Erebos's head and found the true statement. Either way it doesn't issue. We're coming for you tomorrow. She can stay and rot for all I care. ``

'' Fred ! '' They head Elanya call off in the distance.

'' You have to go, she can't see you here… if you're really here. '' He grinned, obviously trying to put her at ease. But she saw the irritation he tried to enshroud and wanted to take him with her right wing that moment. kinda than leave completely, she glided over to the trees to watch.

'' Here you are. I thought I heard articulation. '' Elanya exclaimed, looking exotic with her untamed hair, deep tan and flowing strapless dress.

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked.

'' So what, you were here talking to yourself ? You'd rather talk to no one than me ? '' She asked indignantly.

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked again, clearly ignoring everything the young lady had to say.

'' You know, we're supposed to be using this time to get to know each other… you're stubbornness is really starting to pee-pee me off. '' She glared at him, clearly having reached the end of her rophy. `` I didn't want to have to repair to threats again, I was so hoping this would be a pleasant arrest. But you full say something when I'm done talking and it had better be something other than `` When are we leaving '' or I swear everyone you care for will suffer for the aggravation you're causing me. ``

Fred looked uncertain, clearly wanting to continue pushing her buttons. Plus if he chose to trust his own eyes and ear, Hermione had just told him that everyone he cared about was good. `` How long will we be staying here ? '' He asked at last, unable to hold open back his grin as he challenged her. Hermione could understand the sick amusement he was getting out of this… after all, she probably would have lost her idea had she been trapped for weeks on an island.

'' You really want to push me Fred ? '' Elanya asked threateningly.

He sighed and shook his head. `` I had wondered how long it would take for you to usher your rightful colouration. I mean you get a little annoyed and right on away you're back to threatening innocent bystanders. ``

'' It seems the trump way to get what I want. '' She grinned triumphantly as he at last broke the semi-silence he seemed to have got been keeping.

Hermione felt a strong tug and knew her body was calling her back. She'd been gone too long and as much as she wanted to say good-bye to Fred, she knew she couldn't hold on any longer. Against her will she was whipped back, her entire consistence bouncing as she reentered it. Opening her eyes, she adjusted to the feeling of being solid once more. She felt dizzy, her top dog trauma and her stomach was growling in thirstiness. She felt she'd just walked for days without stopping to take a breather or eat, she was exhausted and every part of her was sore.

Taking a mo to relax, she collected herself before carefully rising from her bed. Looking at the clock, she saw that she'd occur back just in meter for dejeuner and feeling abstruse hunger pain in the ass, she rushed down to the Great vestibule hoping Harry and Luna were there so she could tell them what she'd just done. But as she entered the room, she realized at once that something was amiss. Only Hagrid and Charlie remained at the brain Table to chaperone the students'meal while her classmates all talked excitedly to themselves, some of them looking at her and raising a handwriting to whisper with more ardour. Taking a seat across from Ginny and Draco she looked at them inquisitively. `` What's going on ? ``

'' No one knows for sure… but rumor is, ceramist severely damaged a classroom before disappearing with Luna and Simon Zelotes McKinney. '' Draco replied, looking more than a minuscule worried.

'' What ? What do mean they disappeared ? '' She demanded.

He shrugged and Ginny took up the tale. `` All anyone seems to have sex is that there was a loud noise and when the Ravenclaw prefect went to inquire she saw Harry standing in the classroom with Simon while Luna sat in a electric chair in the back. She didn't get too sound a look because suddenly the two son started dueling and she went to get help. By the clip they came back, everyone was gone. ``

'' It seems Tristan has disappeared as well. '' Draco added. `` The Aurors came to turn back him and he was just gone. I hope wherever potter and Luna are, Jacey is with them. ``

'' Me too. '' Hermione replied distractedly. They'd just found Fred and now they were missing three coven extremity. Whatever was going on, it clearly wasn't good.

( BREAK )

Dumbledore had shown up unexpectedly at Tristan's door to a lesser extent than an hour ago to take it fuck that the Aurors had finally secured their arrest warrantee and would be around shortly to take the vampire into custody. Jacey listened as she was warned as Tristram not to run, since charms had been placed around the schooling meant to detect the vampire hominoid specie specifically. She had not let herself panic… she, Harry and Luna had planned for this. Having discovered that not only were they capable of apparating within the roadblock but also that the Aurors could not delineate them, it had been decided that when it was time she would apparate to the scream shack. She would let the potion wear off and then remain there until it was metre to go to London. Having grabbed the few affair she owned, she had concentrated hard as Luna had taught her. And then she had felt a clout and when she opened her eyes again she was in the parlour of the Shrieking Shack.

Now looking around at the depressing décor, Jacey thought the post in desperate need of a sprucing up. She wondered if the Aurors had come yet and whether anyone realized Tristan was gone. Flopping down on the couch with a sigh, she silently called out to Harry, letting him know that she had fled Hogwarts and wondering whether she was too far for him to hear.

We're on our way to you and we need some help. Was his frightened reply.

She sat up in alarum. Apparently Hogwarts was still very much within their range. What do you want me to do ?

Hide. Then when you find the opportunity, help us however you can. He simply replied.

( BREAK )

Harry stalked his way quickly through the lobby, focusing in on Luna's Energy to guide him to where she was. Ignoring the few students down the hall from him, he desperately tried to turn the handle of the classroom door. It wouldn't Don Budge. He knew this was the correct place, that she was behind that door and he certainly wasn't going to let a unintelligent piece of Mrs. Henry Wood stand in his way. Taking a step back, he focused his power, rolling it around in his mind before pushing outward. He watched the door Bend against the force and pushed harder. Harry, he's waiting for you ! Luna tried to admonish him just as the wood shattered inward, exploding off it'flexible joint and taking division of the wall with it. Ignoring the screams from down the hall, he raised his wand and entered the classroom

'' Expelliarmus ! '' Simon shouted, forcing Harry to shield ripe away. But he'd heard Luna's warning and had been prepared. Simon fired spell after enchantment at him while he focused on his shield and waited for the right moment. Pushing his mind out, he grabbed hold of the early boy and whipped him back against the rampart. Stepping through the debris, Harry waved his wand in an attempt to bind Simon in topographic point, but he quickly shielded as he rolled to his groundwork and ducked behind the chair Harry now realized Luna was tied to. `` I just want to talk ! '' Herb Simon called as he crouched behind Luna, tightly clutching her so that he wouldn't use his mind to throw him around again.

'' You have a funny way of showing it. '' Harry replied angrily. Are you okay ? He thought out to Luna who was even now still attempting to overstretch herself free.

Yeah. He hasn't done anything other than not let me leave… he keeps saying there's something he needs to tell us. She replied, her voice carrying more wrath and curiosity than fear now.

'' I know what you both think of me now that you know I'm related to Elise ! '' Herbert Alexander Simon reasoned, poking his head out over Luna's articulatio humeri. `` I knew you wouldn't just sit down and talk to me, that you'd have no interest in what I have to say. But like I told her, we can help each former Harry. ``

'' So help out now by untying her. '' He carefully replied, keeping his wand up in typeface the boy decided to resume their duel.

'' I can't do that until I'm sure you aren't going to injure me. ``

Harry, I'm at the shriek Shack. The Aurors were coming for Tristram so I followed through on our plan. Jacey's vocalism entered his head unexpectedly. Hearing footsteps running down the antechamber, Harry made a fast decision.

We're on our way to you and we need some helper. He told Jacey in a panic.

What do you want me to do ? She answered instantly.

pelt. Then when you find the opportunity, help us however you can. He said before turning his attention back to Simon. `` Well, we can't talk here… people are coming to see what's going on. Shall we go somewhere more individual ? '' He asked quickly.

'' Like where ? ``

'' signature my articulatio humeri and I'll bring you there. '' Luna told him, having picked up on Harry's programme. Now capable to hear people shouting in the hall, Simon was forced to bank them and reached out to grab her shoulder. Together Harry and Luna apparated away, only to get in the apparently empty Shrieking hutch. To his disappointment, the chairman and roofy had come as well, leaving her bound as Simon's human shield.

'' This is all so unnecessary. '' Harry angrily told the former boy. `` I don't know what form of mass you grew up around, but if you had come to us and asked to talk, we would experience heard you out… you didn't need to trick us into it. ``

'' That's doubtful considering I've overheard Luna talking to Hermione about the vision she's had of me. '' Simon returned before moving his attention to Luna in genuine confusion. `` I have no idea why you see me as an enemy in those visual modality, but I assure you I'm not. ``

'' And holding me against my will is the way to show it ? '' She asked gently, far more in ascendence of herself than Harry was. He saw that she was thinking one of them needed to rest composure and he felt guilty that it had fallen to her when she was the one currently tied up with blood line trickling from her wrists where the rope had cut into her tegument. He caught visual sense of Jacey as she slowly crept in from the hall.

Simon looked at Luna for a moment before nodding to himself. `` It had to be that way, it's the solely way to get anyone's attention… with a big gesture. That's what my father always said, before he was killed. And it's certainly worked for Elise. ``

'' We aren't like the people you know. We're willing to listen. We'll pay attention to you. '' Luna practically cooed as she softly reasoned with him. Clearly she'd caught onto something in the boy's headland that wasn't yet clear to Harry.

Simon stood and took a few footfall to the face, unsure whether he felt the situation was enough in his ascendancy to actually let her go. Harry wasn't going to turn over him the chance to lay down the wrong option. He silently gave Jacey the signaling and she stepped out, drawing Simon the Canaanite's aid as Lucille Ball of fire erupted from her helping hand. He threw up a shield as she flung the first fireball at him before attempting to hit her back with a H2O spell. Taking advantage of the boy's distraction, Harry quickly waved his scepter to undo the ropes and lunged forward, grabbing Luna's hired man and pulling her out of the way just as the chair burst into flame. Marvin Neil Simon fell back on the sofa as he stumbled away from the sudden flare, not wanting to get burned.

Harry whipped around and instantly shot a dressing spell, ensuring the other boy wouldn't movement. Leaping to his feet, he made his way over to the couch. Jacey extinguished her flame, waving her wand to put out the bits of the house that had caught on attack. `` Come on Paul Simon, time to punt to Hogwarts and face the medicine. '' Harry insisted.

'' No ! '' Luna came over and placed a blood-soaked hand on his arm, forcing him to frown his wand. `` I want to hear what he has to say. ``



musical note : Okay then, future chapter we find out what Marvin Neil Simon has to say and the clues finally lead us to rescuing Fred.


Chapter 54 : Who to Believe ?

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





After taking Neil Simon's wand and returning Luna's to her, Harry left the boy magically bound on the couch with Jacey to watch over him. Allowing him to gently root for her down the hall to the dusty toilet, Luna perched on the edge of the deep Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the lilliputian cabinets. At terminal he came up with an antediluvian first aid kit, pulling out gauze and tape before reaching out to sour the faucet on the sink. They were both surprised when water actually came sputtering out, a rusty color at first that quickly turned refreshingly clear. She took the helping hand he offered her and let him carefully clean the blood from her wrists… she knew he was angry and did her serious not to shrink or let on that the cut of meat stung like crazy. After all, she was the one who let her panic overwhelm her to the head where she'd struggled so violently against the ropes. Simon hadn't seemed at all intent on injuring her, she could stimulate just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to happen rather than contend her cover to the point where she cut into her skin. It was her own faulting she'd gotten suffering at all.

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

Well, let's go see what he so badly wanted to tell us. She softly suggested, reaching out to run her finger's breadth through his hair in that way she knew he found soothing. She needed him to cool off down and realize the pauperization to fight was over, to ingest an open mind and really listen to what Simon had to say. Her vision was becoming clearer to her now that she been able-bodied to sneak a few peeks into the boy's mind. He was out to lead astray his Sister before she could betray him and apparently the victor of their niggling sibling pettifoggery would go Harry's ally. From her warning she knew Harry was already leaning toward Elanya if not Elise and Sarah… and that had to be because of what they'd seen in Erebos's head. But they obviously needed the whole story and Herbert A. Simon seemed willing to supply it.

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

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

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

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

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

'' Just tell us what you have to say ... '' Luna said, sitting future to Harry and locking her regard on Simon. She pushed the smell she wanted to protrude 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 small extra power of hers. She just wished she had better control of it.

'' And why don't you start with what the infernal region you were thinking when you decided taking us hostage was the best way to score your point. '' Harry crossed his arms, refusing to be lulled into calmness and shaking off the effects she was trying to spread around the room.

'' Big gesture are the only way to get the great unwashed to hear. '' Simon Zelotes said quietly repeated himself from earlier. `` Like I said, that doctrine worked for my parents before they were killed and it's certainly worked for Elise all these years. I wasn't going to 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 grievous I was you would trust me. I was going to let you into the schoolroom, but you let yourself in first. '' He looked at Harry almost accusingly, clearly implying that he blamed Harry's rashness for so many things going wrong.

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

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

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

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

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

'' You don't need to vex 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 separate us why you've apparently decided to turn on your baby. ``

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's life. '' Simon the Canaanite looked down sadly. `` I was less than a year old when our parents were killed… even after Voldemort was gone they, like so many others, refused to stop fight and were cornered. preferably than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to kill them. Elise was XVI at the time and the solely bread and butter family I had. Rather than take maintenance of me, she decided to deck me at the orphanage, but she would at least follow visit every year on my birthday. When I was ten she came back for me, make to take her place as my guardian. But it was only because she knew I was about to be heading off to school and she was hoping to mold me into person she could use to start setting up her plan. I guess she knew Voldemort was attempting to come back and that his follower were doing everything in their tycoon to ready it happen. She saw this war coming and decided long ago that she would be no one's follower, that she would make her own place in the existence. When I came to Hogwarts and wasn't sorted into Slytherin like everyone else in our family, she was livid. But then she figured Hufflepuff was better as no one would suspect me there. For years I did everything she asked me to do because she threatened to leave me again if I didn't and all I knew was that I never wanted to go back to the orphanhood. But everything she wanted seemed harmless and nothing she asked of me made any sense… not until this year. ``

Simon Zelotes shook his top dog and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a letter of the alphabet the close week of school this retiring summer from Elise telling me we would be departing for Australia the minute I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the train station so I went family and hoist up overhearing a meeting between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the Dark Lord into thinking it was his idea to get hold Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her tell him that she planned to kill me as I was going to prove more utile to them dead. I didn't know what to do, I was more terrified of my Sister in that moment than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is scarey, the sword or the skilful hand wielding it ? And she knows how to toy him very well. So I went with her to Australia and I continued to survey her orders hoping she would transfer her judgment. But she didn't because a few days before I was supposed to get back to school I heard her talking to Sarah… they plan to kill me while I'm plate for the holiday jailbreak and build it look like someone else did it. My own sister was going to obliterate me and use my corpse to bulge a fighting. What could I do ? Even if I ran away, they'd just institute me right back to her, I'm only sixteen. And who besides the people involved in this unscathed schema would believe the long idiotic floor I have to evidence ? So the only thing I could do was give away 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 unspoilt guy, maybe I'm just a bad guy who's looking for the dear agency of survival, I have no melodic theme either way. I may not the glad person in the world, but I'm not prepare to die either. So I'll tell you whatever you want to know about her and her architectural plan. ``

'' 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 head in terms of Fred's fate. She was trying not to sympathize with Neil Simon, but he seemed to have gotten stuck with a pretty miserable life… but still, there was something about him she found unsettling and so that allowed her to retain some sort of an emotional detachment.

He nodded and offered a smiling. `` You wouldn't believe how hanker Elise has been plotting. A farseeing while ago, after your group and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the confusion and looked up the file on every major player on either face. Using that information, she was able to cipher out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your booster and Voldemort's friend 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 minuscule pub where he liked to write his articles but we never even talked to him… it was like the minute she saw him, she knew he wasn't what she wanted. That's when Elanya approached us. Apparently she'd been living there with her granny who had recently passed away and when those two girls met it was ilk fate had brought them together. She fit in perfectly and Elise instructed her on how to deal Erebos who arrived at the hotel later that day. I guess it didn't matter whether it was Elanya or that Robert Adam guy, Elise had already planned Erebos's region in all of this… but clearly a young pretty girl would gain more fellow feeling. The peak was that when you all figured out he was the spy, you were meant to see Elise talking him into using Elanya, you were meant to think she'd been set up and blackmailed the same way they'd done it to your Quaker 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 secrets about you that they didn't already know. And then Elanya was supposed to commence causing discord among you all to weaken you and make it more in all likelihood that you and Harry will abandon your alliance to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're saying is basically that they want to create their own army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his 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 revulsion at finding out how close Elise had been to getting her mitt on Adam, another coven penis. She knew it was of the essence that they leave as soon as potential to begin approaching mass themselves, before they could be scooped up by someone else.

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

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

Simon laughed. `` You underestimate Elanya… She can become whatever she has to be in order to convince individual of something. If she, Elise and Sarah have been able to put on Voldemort for so long, then who is Fred Weasley to hold out them ? ``

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

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

( BREAK )

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

A delicious smell wafted through the air, allowing his rumbling tummy to interrupt his planning. Looking up at the sky and using the sun, he was able-bodied to determine that while it was well preceding lunch, it was still too early for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped repast that day and cooked such dandy smelling solid food for a reason. He was tempted to go into the water to capture a fish to fry just to overturn her plans but decided he was being cockeyed. He knew Elanya was trying to influence him back to the campsite, but just because he went didn't mean value he was letting her win. They both knew he was More than equal to of providing for himself, but at the moment he was too athirst to wait long enough to catch and misrepresent his own meal. Besides, he'd just decided that no matter what, this was his cobbler's last night here… what could it smart to spend some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then leave again.

Arriving at the inner circle he saw that neither the food nor Elanya were external. With a gruelling sigh, he opened the tizzy of the ordinary bicycle looking collapsible shelter and entered the impossibly spacious glamour of the interior. `` fountainhead, I guess it's true what they say… the fastest way to a man's heart is through his tum. '' She said upon seeing him, gesturing to the toothsome bed cover on the ornate mesa 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 molly to be completely rude. They ate in silence and he could feel her becoming irritated, it only made him more comfortable.

'' wellspring, I've decided that in the interest of continuing a genteel conversation we will play a game of sort. '' She announced after a shortly while.

'' Boy, it sure is easier not to have to think for myself… I wish someone had been making my determination for me my whole aliveness. '' He answered sarcastically.

'' Putting your snarkiness aside, I'm offering you a one in a million fortune to empathise me punter. ``

'' Who says I want to ? ``

She smiled, ignoring his mental attitude. `` 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 mean is the crazy one, because I've been casting my voter turnout for you for awhile now. ``

'' Humor can be a not bad way to deflect anything real from reaching you. '' She replied steadily. `` Come on, I know you're curious…. ``

And he was. There were quite a few things he'd like her to clear up for him, but how could he trust anything she said ? The alone way was to test her by throwing in questions he already knew the answer to. `` O.K., I'll play your little biz. But if I think you're lying to me, I'll just go restart my solitary walk. ``

'' Fair enough. '' She rested her chin on her hand and stared at him expectantly, wearing a genuine smile that reached all the way to her golden heart. `` So ? ``

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

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

'' And how exactly are you trapped ? '' He asked though he felt she'd crafted her answer in ordination to pull strings his succeeding question. Apparently there was something she specifically wanted to tattle about and was in the appendage of directing the conversation. He allowed it simply because he was queer, but he forced himself to remember that he knew what she was doing.

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

'' The departure being that you helped them do it to me. '' He said angrily, brushing off her attempt to get him to understand with her.

'' Only because I had no choice ! '' She protested. `` When they told me that I had to take you away while they set up things 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 confining to coming up even for the assistance they gave me in getting rid of Edmund. ``

Pushing his denture aside, Fred leaned forward on the table and decided it was prison term for him to turn over the conversation his way so that he could quiz her Lunaria annua. `` And what did you guess you had already done to return them ? ``

She hesitated as if she really didn't want to separate him. But then she shrugged, remembering that this had all been her estimate in the maiden place. `` I thought I had provided the spy… but it turns out he and Elise have a tenacious history together and bringing him into things had always been a part of her design. They set it up so that he and I would run into each other… I had thought I was being so careful, making sure as shooting I would go into this not owing anyone anything. ``

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

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

He made for certain to show an conquer amount of surprise, letting his oculus widen and his jaw drop slightly as if this was the first clip he was hearing this. `` Really ? A professor ? ``

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

'' And why would they go through such elaborate measuring ? '' Fred was almost for sure she was telling the truth so far… Hermione had certainly indicated that Elanya may be in hassle 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 make their own lieu in this war and that if they have the right kind of the great unwashed on their side they'll be able to take on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her pass angrily. `` I was appalled to larn that Voldemort's melodic theme to pull in a psychic army was actually Elise's brainchild. It was how she got him to help her find Sarah. But they planned to make allies of the people he gathered, to get them to work towards taking over completely. ``

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

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

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

Elanya sighed deeply as a feeling of compunction settled over her. `` Voldemort had a seer named Jasper, he was old and not as proficient 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 commit 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 alley alone and that Voldemort was going to make his move against the boy. She worried about the outcome as she wanted Harry on her English, working with Sarah specifically since they part the Lapp power… of course, she'd only just found Sarah at that time. So not knowing what else to do, Elise decided to set your shop of fire, ensuring not only that Harry wouldn't be alone, but that there would be several Aurors in the area. After all, the minister would be sure to reply in full military group to a report of fire-raising at his son's storehouse. ``

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

'' There was nothing mystifying about it. Jasper made the same mistake I did by thought process he was an equal in their program. I guess he was scared enough to want to tell individual about his visual sensation, but he chose the wrong people. He saw his own death though not the hand that brought it to him, and then he saw your friends up at Hogwarts using that silly ring to try and contact him from beyond for data. He thought it was Voldemort that was going to end his life so he went to Elise who saw her opportunity. 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 merge with his cognisance and send herself in his plaza when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must suffer seen something and stopped her friends from using the gang. It only made them want her on their side more, especially since they'd so hastily fix rid of Jasper. ``

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

'' I don't really lie with. '' 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 kickshaw me upright while we're stuck here together. ``

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

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

He couldn't aid 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 merely one who wanted him dead and he made sure that it was nearly impossible to get to him. I was scared to use my confessedly identity as his daughter to reach out to him… I knew that my mother had sent me away and died trying to protect me because he wanted to use me, to hand me over to Voldemort in a never-ending 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 crystallize that my real name was going to be the only when thing to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed someone strong mount me up in pillow slip something went wrong. ``

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

'' It was only after the human activity was done that I found out they had wanted to get rid of Edmund anyway. Apparently he'd become jealous of the attention Voldemort was giving the girls and so he was doing his best to undermine them. They figured there was too good a chance he'd physique out some component of what they were up to and so they knew he needed to go. They must have tracked me down, found me in Australia… my grannie had just died and I'd just gone back there to spend her last few Day with her… I was in a vulnerable post and Elise showed up offering me the prospect to do the thing I'd been wanting for geezerhood. ``

Fred had been careful during the whole conversation, wanting to cull up on any signs of dishonesty. For the first fourth dimension he found one… her voice had gone up slightly in volume. It could be due to her tuck excitement as she recalled these events, but he had the nag touch sensation that things hadn't happened exactly as she described. What did it count how she and Elise came to join force-out ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these dubiousness and expect any kind of answer. His only hope was to go on and go for he could pick it all together himself. `` Do you rue killing your father ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to appear him straight in the eye. `` Not for a I 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 affair, when I told them I didn't want to be a part of kidnapping you… Elise made it very exculpate that despite the false evidence I left at the scene, she could very easily tie me to my founding father's death. I have no doubt that she would send me to Azkaban without a moment thought. So I had to opt, a jail cell locked away with the monster or stranded on an island with you. I took the ameliorate sounding punishment. ``

'' But if you hadn't killed Edmund, you never would have had to pee-pee that selection. '' He argued.

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

But then he wasn't going to allow himself to be like all the early people she'd been able to envelop around her finger, he'd always been determined to be stronger than that from the first import 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 questions. '' He said with a spooky laugh.

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

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

She slowly walked over to lean on the edge of the tabular array in front of him. `` You know, there's only two reasons you won't answer. Either you do hate me but you're too much of a gentleman to say it… though we both know that you're Sir Thomas More than volition 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 mystifying ground. ``

He leaned back in his professorship and crossed his implements of war as he regarded her with imitation confidence. `` Or I've simply decided it's good not to go through life hating anyone. Of row, I could always piddle an exclusion if you'd care to force the issue. ``

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

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

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

Fred looked around feeling completely off precaution. She'd never left him alone in the tent before, which had only led him to believe that she had things to obliterate from him here. But clearly her frustration with his lack of gullibility had caused an oversight on her behalf and he knew he needed to read reward of it. He raced to her room, pulling back the dither that separated the space from the rest of the tent and taking a cursory looking at around before carefully proceeding to go through everything. Ensuring he returned matter to the way he'd found them, he went through all of her hooey hoping to total across a communication twist of some kind… or even better, his wand. After a foresighted and exhaustive lookup, he came up with neither.

( BREAK )

Harry stared at Simon the Canaanite, trying to set exactly what he thought of the other boy. He just wasn't sure… he couldn't get past the extremes the guy had gone through in order to have a childlike conversation. But then, had St. Simon been right ? Would they induce listened had he simply approached them and asked to verbalise ? He shook himself out of his thoughts, refusing to let his ira and confusion make him do anything stupid. `` How do we know that having you tell us all of this isn't constituent of the program ? '' He asked. After all, if Elise had gone through so very much, then why wouldn't she go even a step further and send in the clown ? Surely she didn't expect them to shoot Simon seriously even if they did have sex he thought he was telling the truth… or at least the trueness as she wanted him to know it.

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

'' So as far as you know, Elise's whole program is to get together as many psychics as she can and then fight both position of the war, hoping to come out on top ? '' Luna asked quietly and with far more control over herself than Harry could manage. But he tried to remain calm, to recollect that they needed to do it what they were up against… she still had her bridge player on his arm, trying in vain to serve him be successful in relaxing though he could sense her self-consciousness at what she was hearing.

'' It's part of her plan. '' Simon seemed a bit incertain for the offset 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 stop 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 serious seer than that old man ever was, you've already helped baffle hers and Sarah's plans a few times. She was trying to help Voldemort capture you, though she had no intentions of handing you over… she wants to win over you and Harry both to join her. '' Again he looked directly at Jacey. `` And if she knew you were a firestarter like her, she'd wish you too. ``

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

Simon 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 close. `` somebody should be. They already knew Harry was secure than Sarah, that's why they had to make sure he lost his king before they tried to babble to him. ``

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

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to work for them long before then. '' Marvin Neil Simon answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some decision was going to head you to the prison and right hand in front of Cho, but it was Elise who made the night Jehovah think it was his idea to use Sarah's talents to try and take you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to kill you, that you were going to get help in time to save your life but not your power. ``

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

'' Yeah well, as I'm sure you've noticed, the alone job Elise has in partnering with Sarah is that the womanhood is to a greater extent than a little brainsick. She was only supposed to excruciate you, it was your muggle family she was supposed to drink down in front 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 begrudge you for putting up with it… She began to really see you as decrepit than her and so she alone decided in that moment that she didn't want you to join them. At least, that's how she explained it to Elise after they broke her out of the hospital and woke her from the coma. Trust me, Elise let her take it for deviating from the architectural 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 main precedence above all else, including her prophylactic as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to capture her for a short time as well as get your power back, she no longer thinks you're fallible. ``

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

'' Does she sleep with that we went into her storage while she was unconscious ? '' Luna asked, squeezing his arm as vexation overwhelmed her.

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

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

'' What about Cho ? Where does she fit into all of this ? '' Harry picked up where they'd just left off, thinking that what they had seen in Sarah's headway at least confirmed that the missy 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 place prospicient before Elise reconnected with Sarah. In fact, I remember Elise trying to talk Sarah into dropping Cho but she had insisted the girl would be worthful 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 closing confidant doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each early in a bit if it meant furthering their own agenda. Loyalty means zip to them. '' Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the spell holding him in place. `` will you let me go now ? Please ? '' He pleaded.

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

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

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

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

'' I will be just ticket. '' She assured him with an soft smile.

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

'' Yeah, this is all my mistake. '' Harry rolled his heart. `` just keep your mouth shut when we get back there and let me do all the talking. '' He reached out and roughly grabbed the boy's arm before apparating back to Hogwarts with Luna a few minute behind them. They were surely to arrive behind Hagrid's hut where the chances of being seen were very slim.

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

'' It's a farsighted news report, Mione. '' Harry sighed. `` We'll tell you after we deal with Dumbledore. ``

She nodded and led the way through the halls to the master's post. `` Just so you're cognizant, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you left schooling grounds. '' She warned them. Sharing a look with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the sight of a good scholar would yield the old wizard's mood. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and Simon. ``

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

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

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

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

He shook his head. `` It's not that wide-eyed. Like the ministry and certain other buildings, magic isn't enough to doctor the damage. It must be rebuilt by hand to uphold the posture of the charms we place upon our schooling. And even if you did fix it, my custody are tied in regards to how we can care this, especially after I've pushed so hard to have the recently disappeared Tristan Macnair expelled. ``

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

He sighed sadly. `` I'm saying that after having miss Patil, Mr. Alfred Edward Woodley Mason and Mr. Macnair go missing, after the destruction Cho Chang caused last year, and after all the cumulative fuss that has been caused… I have no choice but to expel you all from Hogwarts for your unfavorable actions, effective immediately. ``

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

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in severe damage to one of our classrooms and then you all left school terra firma in direct violation of the computer code of conduct. I have to contract this action before the less authentic of the Aurors out there decide to try and say that you had something to do with Tristan's escape and attempt to have you all into detainment for questioning. Should that befall, it's not guaranteed that Arthur will be capable to see that you get into the right helping hand. '' Dumbledore seemed to slump down in his seat. `` You've put us all in a miserly place and we must be careful how we proceed. ``

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

'' I agree, but if I didn't go through with this, it would be far too loose for them to accuse me of favoritism and thing are too fragile right now. The slightest affair could afford them the excuse to oust me from here and put anyone they choose in spot as schoolmaster. As you saw last time, there are too many impressible young idea here to provide that to take place. I refuse to let this shoal go a training flat coat for the next wave of Death Eaters. Everyone must be free to prefer the animation they want. ``

'' So instead you just throw away our time to come ? '' Simon asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the Order and therefore ineffectual to comprehend the need to maintain matter a sure way so that the power didn't shift in the opposition's favor.

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

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

'' Does it matter as long as there's someone to blame ? '' He pressed. `` Tell them whatever you want… tell them that the kids were working on a project for me and affair went wrong. They left the schooltime to descend looking for me because they knew that I had snuck out to see Tonks and didn't want me to get in trouble. That story should be ripe enough. ``

'' You realize what will pass off if you decide to go through with this… given what you are, the parents already have a low threshold of tolerance for you. If you take the inculpation for the destruction to the classroom, if you insist these bookman only left school to cut through up for you… then I'll have no choice but to terminate your usage here. ``

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

Lupin reached out to snaffle his shoulder, using his considerable lastingness to thrust Harry back into his chairperson. `` I understand the import. I accept it. ``

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

Because, I feel I owe it to James and Lily to do everything in my big businessman to hold you finish shoal. I can't just let you drive in it up with two week to go. He answered with a smile. It'll be okay, Harry. I promise.

He held his breathing place and glanced at Luna and Simon the Zealot out of the turning point of his eye and realized lupine wasn't just doing this for him. The other two were only in their sixth year and he felt guilty that his brash activeness may do them to lose out on their education. Letting out the breather slowly, he turned to look at the elder wizard, awaiting his decisiveness along with everyone else.

Dumbledore took his fourth dimension studying Lupin before at survive shaking his head and rising from his rear end. `` Okay, if this is the way you want it to be. I'll see to it that you are capable to fetch up out the final examination two weeks of this semester, as it will be insufferable to interchange you on such shortsighted observation. It's been a pleasure to have you here. ``

'' It's been wonderful being here. '' lupin assured him before quickly ushering the teen from the position before the headmaster could deepen his mind. Simon tried to break off from the group as soon as they were in the hall but Harry reached out and grabbed his arm, ensuring he followed them. He still had a few things to say to the former boy. They walked silently down to lupin's office, though the older man was the sole one who seemed to be in a soundly mood.

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

'' Of course I'm indisputable. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it. '' He grinned. `` I had planned on resigning at the end of this yr 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 matter happening out in the world. And with you and Draco going, there's really zilch to keep me here any longer. Plus I don't like being away from Tonks for so long, her job already keeps us apart so why should I continue to let mine add to the form 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 easily of damage if you take the rap for this. '' Luna argued.

Lupin reached out to reassuringly pat her shoulder. `` I have long ago learned to live with former people's misguided ruling of me. As long as I am in dear standing with the masses who know me, that's all that issue. '' He went to sit behind his desk and pulled out a roll of blank parchment and a freshly quill. `` Besides if I were to stay here, then who would be out there looking after you all when you get yourselves stuck in a corner ? '' He teased, reminding them that this wasn't the low clock time he'd helped get them out of their own flock. `` Plus Draco is going to need counselling in navigating life out in the real world where the great unwashed don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to have a intellect to provide my position early. The fact that it helps you shaver out is just a bonus. ``

'' wellspring I certainly appreciate it. '' Simon the Canaanite said gratefully. `` I mean because I have no where else to go as well Hogwarts so I'm sword lily I get to come 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 unfair that we can't simply explain what really happened. '' Luna said absently as wrapped her weaponry around herself.

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

She and Harry shared a glance as Simon looked down at the trading floor and shuffled his feet. `` Just a slight fortuity caused by a mere misinterpretation. '' She said at stopping point, lowering her weaponry and pulling the ahem of her sleeves down.

'' I see. '' He shook his head and sighed. `` To serve your earlier musing… no one would heed if you tried to explain what really happened. It's a play for top executive out there and no one is interested in the Sojourner Truth unless it gets them what they want. Too many things have been happening here, no one would take a student's word on anything when they barely trust what the professor and Dumbledore have to say. ``

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

'' It's a sad but true fact that adding your name to anything will instantly make it more complicate. But don't let it bother you, having enemy only means that you've stood up for something important. '' Lupin answered with a aristocratic smile. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must write to my wife and inform her that we are soon to turn a one income menage for awhile. ``

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

'' And we may just have to exact you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The price of rent is ridiculous these years. ``

Leaving him to publish his letter of the alphabet, the teen all stepped out into the Radclyffe Hall. As soon as the doorway closed behind them, Harry grabbed Herbert Alexander Simon up by the front of his gown and shoved him back against the wall. `` If I find out that you're somehow setting us up I swear to you that your babe won't have the chance to polish off you because she'll never find your dead body. '' He threatened, wanting to scare the boy into revealing whether he was truly trustworthy.

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

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his face in airless to Simon's, tightening his hairgrip and pushing against the boy's throat. `` From now on, if you think you have something you need to distinguish someone, add up straight person to me because going anywhere near Luna or any of my other acquaintance would certainly be the swelled mistake you'll ever make in your life. ``

Simon nodded in correspondence, clearly seeing in Harry's eyes just how much he meant his threats. `` I'll occur right to you ! '' He gasped out, reaching up to try and drive 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 import before nodding slowly. `` okay. '' She said quietly.

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

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

Harry went to the window and clutched the sill as he stared out over the school day flat coat. He took various deep breaths before turning back to her. `` But you really are okay, right ? ``

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

'' Couldn't it be ? '' He debated. `` I mean, I know Simon the Zealot was telling us his variant of the truth and I believe Elise and Sarah are that cunning. But what if their whole plan was tricking him into telling us all of this so we wouldn't believe what Elanya had to say ? What if they really are setting her up and what we saw in Erebos's school principal is dependable ? Maybe they did know we'd figure out who the spy was and that we'd want to front in his head… what if they used Simon to go around around uncertainty so that we wouldn't know what to conceive ? ``

'' Well, if that's the pillowcase then it seems to have worked, at least on you. '' She pointed out, smiling as he stared at her in verbalise 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 hunch, 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 assumption that she's against us. ``

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

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

She pulled away and looked at the doorway. `` 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 front them both. Together they pieced together everything that had happened and filled her in completely on what Herb Simon had told them and what they'd concluded as a result. `` You're sure Elanya isn't being set up ? '' She asked, her face going ovalbumin as she began to panic.

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

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

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

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

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

'' No ! '' Hermione leapt to her foot and turned to them in anguish. `` She's making him talk to her now ! He'd been refusing this entirely prison term but I saw her imperil to send Erebos after Ron and Ginny if he didn't start oral presentation 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 down ? What if she's able to convince him to conceive her ? '' She stared at them in repugnance as every implication of Fred trusting Elanya ran through her head. `` What have I done ? '' She whispered.

( disruption )

As soon as it was gloomy, Fred grabbed his entire bed gyre and went down to the beach. Ensuring he was far enough from the tide, he set everything up and establish a lowly ardour, silently thanking his father for teaching him how to do so the muggle way- without a wand. indisputable it was the more difficult way to do things, but at concluding his founding father's obsession with learning the why's and how's of all thing muggle had paid off. Once sure the blaze had caught, he lay back to depend at the stars. He didn't know where Elanya had gone, nor did he care… she hadn't returned from her walk of life and the recollective she was gone the more certain he was that he didn't want to be there when she did record up.

She'd told him so many things and sufficiency of it had seemed not only to be likely but made too lots sentiency not to be true. He was confused… If Hermione had really been on the island, then she'd told him matter that Elanya had completely admitted to. Did it weigh ? And if it did, then why did it thing ? Elanya had gotten herself caught up in this, she was no clean-handed bystander. Had she not wanted so badly to kill her Fatherhood, the other little girl wouldn't have had anything to tempt her into accepting their offer. On the other helping hand, he was now able-bodied to put himself in her shoes… why wouldn't she want to belt down the man who murdered her female parent and was trying to use his own girl to buy his way into the good Grace of an malign man like Voldemort ? Even Willem had come to price with the fact that his niece had killed his brother and was still willing to contact out to the young woman as it was clean-cut even to him that she needed to be rescued… if not from Elise and Sarah, then from herself. So if Willem could forgive her, then who was he to judge her ?

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

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

He sat up and whipped around to determine Elanya standing in the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree as if his persuasion of her had forced her to materialize there. Her pilus and dress were dancing softly in the slight snap and her eyes glowed even more brilliantly in the faint firelight. `` well, aren't you the observant one. '' He said sarcastically.

'' I'm sorry I walked out on you in the first place. '' She said, taking a few hesitant steps towards him.

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

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

'' rest wherever you want, what do I like ? '' Fred made for sure to sound harried, hoping that if she did sleep on the beach, she would prefer to do it far from him. He heard her soft pace as she glided through the Baroness Dudevant and then felt her attempt to climb under the concealment with him. He sat straight up and scrambled away from her as he got to his base. `` What the Scheol do you cerebrate you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

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

'' Fine, take my poppycock, it's all yours. I want to go for a swim anyway. '' He turned and walked straight toward the water, repeating Hermione's name over and over in his head lest he allow 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 numeral of other grievous affair and you'd never see them coming ! ``

Despite the unfeigned concern for his safety device that he heard in her voice, he ignored her and walked straight into the water fully dressed. He continued on until his animal foot could just barely touch the butt before deciding that was far sufficiency to deter her from following him. turning, he began swimming parallel with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't guardianship to walk after him. He could barely see his hand in front of him and realized that is was more than the drill that was making his warmness airstream. It was very dark out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an underwater approach coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards land, crawling up onto the flaxen beach and allowing himself to lie there and rest 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 leave what was real and it was becoming more unmanageable not to fall into her stories. All he had to do was get through tonight. Climbing to his feet, he brushed off as practically sand as he could and made his way into the trees to look for some kind of shelter. Coming to the base of the tallest mountain, he found a shallow cave. Gathering leaf, he quickly made himself a office to slumber before gathering sufficiency wood to start a blast to prevent him affectionate. Once again he silently thanked his founding father while hoping that he would get the probability to thank him in person very soon.

( BREAK )

Dragon woke already feeling nervous… he didn't like lying to Ginny and while he may not have sex the exact details of what was going on, he had pieced enough together to know that she'd be mad to learn they'd kept Fred's possibly being in problem from her. But today was supposed to be the day it would all end and no one would birth to lie anymore… at least not about this. It was simple really, while the prof and almost of the student were down at the quidditch pitch enjoying the secret plan between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, potter, Luna and Granger were going to whisk themselves away to rescue Fred from whatever kettle of fish he'd gotten himself into. Draco's job was to make indisputable neither Ginny nor Ron found out they were gone and more importantly, to keep open them both away from prof Erebos who ceramist had said was a spy and Sir Thomas More than unforced to ache someone.

Taking a deep breather, he knocked on Ginny's door. `` Ready to go down to breakfast ? '' He asked as soon as she opened up. Seeing that she was still in her robe and pajama, he realized she hadn't done lots since she'd left his room earlier. `` I guess not. '' He said in reception to the silent look she gave him, closing the door as he walked in.

'' I don't want to go watch that stupid plot today. '' She said, climbing onto the bed and grabbing her pillow to hold tight to her body. `` I don't want to be a part of anything to do with Ron at the minute. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Oh ! directly 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. ineffective to take for back his own laughter, he tried his beneficial to return the attack. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to wrestle it away from her so that he would be in possession of all the plush ammo.

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

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

'' Isn't it a bit inappropriate for young woman Weasley to have a male visitor this too soon ? '' Erebos asked as he warily regarded Draco.

'' Isn't is a bit inappropriate for a male instructor to arrive unsupervised to a female scholar's room this early ? Especially one who already has a swarm of mistrust around his name ? '' He shot back, having been informed of the prof's kinship to Elise McKinney.

'' I've come with a subject matter 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 way all day today… and I'll be here with her, taking care of her. '' He said meaningfully, allowing a pocket-sized growl to escape his pharynx lest the man bury what exactly he was. `` You can commit me the subject matter, I'll be sure as shooting she gets it. '' With his senses heightened, he was able to discover rustling behind him as Ginny got out of bed and curiously made her way over to the room access. Thankfully she was measured enough to keep herself hidden behind it, but still, a violently protective surge rushed through him and he knew only one affair, the alone way the prof was getting in the way was over his beat body.

'' The schoolmaster compliments to speak to Miss Weasley in somebody. '' Erebos persisted. `` I am to escort her up to his office. ``

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

'' Again, not that I owe an explanation to a student- '' He said tightly, clearly frustrated with this Song and saltation they were engaged in. `` But she is already down at the quidditch pitch assisting Madame hootch with getting the field ready for today's game. I was in the Headmaster's office for a confluence and so he simply sent me. ``

'' fountainhead, Ginny is just too ill to forget her way. I'm sure enough Dumbledore wouldn't want to risk her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these draughty hallways. If he needs to tell her something important, I'm sure he would stimulate no problem paying her a sojourn. '' Draco said smugly. He grabbed the edge of the door to close it but the professor reached out to bar it from swinging shut.

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

'' That's unnecessary. '' Draco said calmly while holding the threshold so tightly in his hand he thought the Grant Wood would shatter in his grip. `` I asked healer Drake to stop by to begin with. He said it's a bad coldness and recommended bed rest. '' He added in social club to thwart the professor's new attempt to get Ginny out of her way. He was sure Drake would embrace for them if necessity, after all, he'd done it many times before. kind of than allow Erebos to derive up with something else, he used his above convention effectiveness to slam the door shut despite the man's attempts to celebrate it open.

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

Draco quickly pulled his wand out of his scoop and cast a silencing spell on the way, both as a caution and to try and drag one's heels before answering her. `` prof Erebos is a spy for Elise, Sarah and Elanya. '' He decided to protrude 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 revulsion and confusion.

'' Well… because they have plans to take over the ministry. What better way than to use the Minister's children against him ? '' He held his breath. Technically what he'd said was confessedly although that wasn't the understanding the man had decided to micturate a move today. But why worry her further by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the total storey or what exactly her Brother was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the informal ends the others had had to tie up in order to go after Fred at all. He knew they were connected, just not how… but he'd be damned if he let her get hurt or killed because of any of it. Surely if she knew Fred was involved, she would insist on doing something dangerously heady in an attempt to help.

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

'' Seems to me the same could be said for everyone. '' He sat following to her and wrapped his arm around her berm. `` I've surmise that's just the price you have to pay if you want to abide up for something… the fear of losing everything. ``

We may have a problem. Draco thought out to ceramist and Luna.

What happened ? Potter immediately answered.

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

( breaking )

Harry had a horrible look about everything after talking to Dragon. Why would Erebos have come to try and get Ginny to go somewhere with him ? What were Elise, Elanya and Sarah preparation now ? Whatever it was, it seemed they were just in time to go rescue Fred. At to the lowest degree the problem of who was going to watch over Ron had been quickly resolved… after a ready call to Jacey, she had agreed to don an invisibility cloak and knack around the quidditch pitch, just in case Erebos tried to get a hold of a different Weasley.

'' I heard the pennywhistle. The game's started, can we go now ? '' Hermione asked eagerly. She was nearly beside herself with trouble and had been since discovering that she'd given Fred misinformation. She'd attempted to stick out herself back to the island several clip during the Nox but hadn't been able to obtain 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 lift 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 Draco on the island. I can't fit you both on my broom and we need to have some way of escaping quickly if necessary… especially since you said you've read that there are anti-apparation charms. You and Fred won't be able to apparate without one of us. '' He insisted, wishing the whole time that both girls would just let him go by himself. But he knew Luna wouldn't allow that any more than he'd let her do anything like this without him… the arguing wouldn't be Worth it as they'd both just end up tempestuous and she'd wind up coming along anyway. As for Hermione- he knew unspoiled than to even advise she stay behind, despite them all being mindful of how emotionally distracted she was. Luckily he trusted they were both capable and tried to let that thought ease his discomfort.

'' As long as we stay out of the mountains, it shouldn't be a problem. '' She replied, eyeing the old practice Calluna vulgaris warily as Luna stepped up to take one without falter. It was obvious which of them was more surefooted in their ability to fly.

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

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

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

As one he and Luna reached out to each take one of Hermione's bridge player and they all focused on the island. With a cheap whirl, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling hard rocky dry land beneath his feet, Harry hesitantly opened his eyes to search around. His breathing time caught in his throat as he took in their environs. Um, I think we may make just picked the worst possible place to realm. He thought out to the daughter, not wanting to arrive at any noise lest they wake the ten Draco currently sleeping around them. As quietly as possible, they all three mounted their brooms, each suddenly glad that he'd insisted they brought them with. Going slow for their sake, he carefully led the way, lightly pushing off from the ground and rising into the air.

Flying away from the mountain top and down toward the beach, he looked over his berm to fit on the girls. Luna seemed to consume gotten the hang of things after having been in the air a few meter before. But Hermione, who always chose to keep her feet on the terra firma if it was an choice, was clearly showing her inexperience. She tried to lower the ling and suddenly lost ascendance, letting out a aloud scream as she suddenly zoomed toward the ground.

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

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

'' Luna ! ? '' He turned to explore the sky for her and found her far out over the water system as she tried her effective to dodge the four dragons chasing her while she clung to the broom.

He raced forward to aid only to realize that the former six Dragon had chosen to gang up on him as they perceived him to be the skillful aeronaut and therefore the more dangerous to them. One popped up in front line of him, forcing him to go low. He once more searched the sky, trying to catch his bearings… but this metre he didn't see Luna anywhere. Both she and Hermione had disappeared and now he was alone with eight firedrake. Wait… eight ! He quickly began racing around the island, looking for any augury of Luna and the two flying dragon 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 tail knock into the back of his broom followed by the phone of a deep snap phone. The broom started to amount apart in his manus and he did his best to prevail it together as he raced toward the ground. He landed roughly on the beach, shaking off the hurting as he picked himself up and ran toward the cover of the trees.

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

( rupture )

Fred woke to a loudly wow. For a moment he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his feet. Looking around, he remembered making a temp 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 mysterious puppet circling in the bright morning temperateness. They never came out this late… and they never flew so low. One swept over the tree above him, giving him a frighteningly light up view of what the creature actually was… a very boastfully dragon with shrill pincer, long teeth and panoptic wings tipped with dangerous looking horns.

affright gripped him as he stood there frozen, trying to remember everything Charlie had ever told him about these savage. More than anything, he recalled his brother saying that dragons were creatures of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't waste time trying to visualise it out, he had to pee-pee sure Elanya was okay, he couldn't let the solely other somebody on this island die… he didn't want to be here completely alone with these thing. He raced through the trees back to the campsite, suddenly upset that he'd decided to go so far from it in the beginning place.

Being sure to keep on himself deeply under the cover of the trees, he approached their tent and heard Elanya's voice as she argued with someone. Careful of where he stepped, Fred snuck up as close as he dared… she was standing with her back to him and completely alone, but he could evidence that she was holding something up to her mouth. `` What do you mean Malfoy won't let you near Ginny ? ! '' She cried out angrily. `` I gave you one elementary labor this morning… Well, you know what to do next. ``

Not waiting to see 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 mitt, showing him they were vacuous. `` cipher. '' She said innocently.

'' Who were you talking to and how ? And why are you talking about my sister ? '' He tried to blot out his scare, reminding himself that whatever was happening at to the lowest degree genus Draco was doing his part in protecting Ginny from it.

More shriek filled their air and they both glanced up in scare. Then she stared directly at him, her optic filling with sadness. `` I have no choice, 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 rationality they would leave their nest was if person disturbed them… clearly we are no longer alone on this island. You were right, your Quaker came after you… but that means you all have broken the pattern and if I don't bring about the penalisation for it then I'll be the one to receive it. I like you Fred, but your siblings'lives just aren't more important to me than my own. ``

'' Don't do it. '' He insisted, pleading with her to pass on in and be the honorable person he wasn't quite certain she could be. `` I'll aid protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all hold you safe. Just don't let them hale you into hurting my chum and sister. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an uncertain tone toward him. `` You'd convince your friends to give me a prospect ? ``

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

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

'' We have to find Harry and Luna and get out of here now ! '' She quietly insisted. `` I was wrongfulness yesterday, she's no victim… they're all working together to make us want to help her so she can get in and convince Harry and Luna to join 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 weigh 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 off-key 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 take his deal as she used her other to keep on wielding her own wand. Squeezing her fingers, he hoped they found a way out of this.

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

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

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

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

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



NOTE : Provided there are no more horrible stroke with my computer or flash drive, look for the next chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island outflow

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





After crash landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to discover cypher worse that a few mark and moolah. Unfortunately the broom hadn't survived as well and lay a few feet away in pieces. glad that it hadn't been her to nose 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 promptly glance up through the crown let her know why. Several flying lizard seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking strait. With a broken broom she knew she couldn't do much to help them and they certainly were too distracted to come help 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 school and so the first thing she did was bare off her crown before she fainted of heat exhaustion. She knew that she had to take off moving and preferably with a aim. Using her sceptre as a locator, she made her way through the Natalie Wood, trying not to look anywhere but right in forepart of her. She didn't want to become perturb, she just wanted to get Fred and get the hell off this island. Within ten minutes of walk, she found herself at Fred and Elanya's campsite. The two were talking and she heard Fred offering to help the other girl if she would promise to call off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

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

She stopped short as she saw Elanya pull her own verge out… realizing that Fred was unarmed, Hermione worried that he would get caught in the center if they started dueling. He stood there and looked at her as if she were the greatest matter he'd ever seen, making her flavor more confident in the fount of the other girl. `` Hermione ? '' He asked hesitantly before rushing over and wrapping his implements of war around her. As good as it felt to have him defend her, she was careful to hold open her wand up lest 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 take in time to properly reunite later if they got themselves out of this now. `` I was improper yesterday, she's no victim… they're all working together to puddle us want to help her so she can get in and convince Harry and Luna to link up them. ``

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

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

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

'' You aren't exactly giving me a cause not to at the moment. '' He answered her as he gestured to the fact the she was waving her wand at them. Hermione realized in that here and now 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 free hand to deal his, wanting him to know that they were in this together now. She was comforted when he tightly held her hired hand in return, accepting that she was going to be there with him no matter what.

'' I thought as much. '' Elanya said meanly. `` I guess it's prison term to prompt to plan B. '' She quickly waved her wand, giving Hermione only seconds to throw up a shield around herself and Fred to deflect the spell. Before she could return firing, the girl ripped off her seashell necklace and was already talking into it. `` William Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and then shoot down Ron. '' She instructed whoever was on the other end… most potential professor Erebos.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her baton and sent him flying. Hermione took her chance and film several smasher in quickly succession but the former girl was fast, raising her shield in time before attempting to fire back and disarm her. By this clock time Fred had gotten to his feet and back into the thick of things, forcing Hermione to stem her flack so he wouldn't get hit by mistake. `` Take 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 lycanthrope protecting one doesn't mean we can't get to the other. Your brother will die. ``

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

Elanya looked directly at her and dropped the necklace to the solid ground, stomping on it and ruining their only chance to call 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 surprisal. The miss had to dodge rather than screen, sending Hermione's patch to shatter the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree behind her. Seeing what a life-threatening spell she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the dirt from her dress. `` fountainhead, I suppose we've moved past stunner then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the baton she'd dropped in her haste to go 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 tent into their own minor fort ... they were move on patch she'd only practiced once in the safety device of a classroom mise en scene. She was truly surprised that she'd been able to accomplish it here while her heart was racing and terror gripped her brain. They could find out Elanya screaming at them from the outside, uselessly hurling trance after trance at the collapsible shelter as she tried to get at them. `` I'm not sure how long this will nurse. '' She said fearfully, turning to see that Fred had taken to tearing the place apart. `` What are you doing ? ``

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

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

'' When it came to spending my money, Elanya spared no expense. Top of the argument everything… it's supposed to be like camping in the comfort of your home. '' Fred answered bitterly as he upended the refrigerator next. `` Aha ! '' He shouted, bending down to trump up a folded towel. Sure enough, his wand was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a shooter of relief knowing that she wouldn't be the exclusively one armed. His own relief was evident as he tightly gripped his wand and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a tone that sent tingle through her body. Without a word he strode up to her and eagerly placed his paw around her neck opening, pulling her font to his so that he could passionately enchant her lips. He kissed her with such deepness and hunger that she was left spirit dizzy and had to reach out and grab him to continue her legs from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his blazonry around her shank he deepened the kiss even more before breaking it off and resting his head against hers. They were both left breathless and happy to once more be so close. `` I'm really glad to see you. '' He whispered.

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

'' Yeah, well, I'll make it clear when I have more meter to make my full stop. '' Fred grinned before turning serious once more. They could still hear Elanya out there, doing everything she could to infract the aegis charms Hermione had cast. `` We have to get out of here without her seeing. '' He said, letting her go and turning to survey their temporary stronghold.

'' I'm open to prompting. ``

He scratched his head and turned to stare at her a bit before breaking into a grinning. `` Of class ! If I can fool my own mother then it should be easy to fool Elanya. ``

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

And then suddenly there were two of him and she had the uneasy touch that George had somehow come back to life. Shaking it off, she tried to smile in accompaniment. `` You really think she'll go after our stunt woman ? ``

'' Why wouldn't she ? '' He asked, waving his wand over her to call down her up a two-baser of her own. Moving hers to stand next to his, he studied them both closely. `` They look trade good enough to me. '' He shrugged.

'' wellspring, I certainly don't have a better idea. '' She moved to conceal herself behind the turned-over range, as Fred took their soundless stunt man and instructed them to buy the farm the tent and just run as far and fast as they could.

Knowing that her magical spell would be broken as soon as the barrier was breached, he shoved them through the gap and quickly came over to crouch beside her just in fount Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to come search the collapsible shelter. `` Here goes zero. '' He whispered.

( geological fault )

organism capable to digest down on the plain, Ron almost felt like he really was part of the plot and was grateful to McGonagall for letting him have this one pocket-size piece of what made him happy. He watched his squad fly together and was thrilled to see them pull out ahead in the account, cheering them along as any good coach would do. The snow had been magically cleared off the field but he didn't need it to be reminded that wintertime was on it's way, the day was clear and very stale. He huddled deeper into his jacket after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the scotch jumped far enough ahead in Gryffindor's favour, he decided it was safe to direct a break and go down to the refreshment stand for some hot coffee to warm his interior. Making his way through the locker elbow room, he took the exit leading outside the sports stadium and nearly ran into someone trying to realize their way in. `` Oh, let off me sir. '' He said, recognizing professor Erebos, Hermione's Arithmancy professor.

'' Not at all Mr. Weasley. It was you I was actually coming to get hold. '' Erebos replied with what was clearly an attempt at a friendly grin… but the compactness at the quoin of his backtalk indicated to Ron that something was troubling the man.

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

'' I'm not exactly sure. There is a young cleaning woman out in the wood who flagged me down and asked me to number find you. '' Erebos said, looking over his shoulder at the Forbidden timberland. `` She wouldn't allow me to see her face, so I can't be sure… but she looked very much like Miss Patil, who has gone missing. I've come to find you because she was so clamant but I think I must also go to the Headmaster and inform him that one of his missing bookman has returned. ``

'' No ! Wait ! '' Ron pleaded, wondering what Parvati was doing back here so soon. He'd only sent a letter off yesterday through lupine, he wasn't even sure it had adequate prison term to arrive to her so that couldn't be what drove her to get back. He had to blab out to her before Dumbledore or anyone else could show up and send out her running. `` Just let me go see her foremost. ``

Erebos shook his point. `` I don't know, I think it's important… the missy's parents are still here hoping she'll be found. It's cruel to not assure them and accept the chance that she'll run again. ``

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

'' Okay, how about this ? I'll go with you into the Grant Wood to see her, I'll let you two have your minute of privateness and then we can all go to Dumbledore together. '' He offered. `` It's the only way I'm assured that Miss Patil will give back to where she belongs. ``

Ron reluctantly agreed, following the professor around the spinal column of the arena to the Forbidden Forest. They walked pretty far into the Tree, deepening Ron's suspicions to the peak where he was ready to turn back. `` Parvati got your attending from way back here ? Why were you in the woods ? '' He asked carefully.

Erebos stopped and turned to him with his scepter out and a demented smile across his face. `` Sorry for the deception Mr. Weasley, but Annapurna isn't out here. I just needed a grounds for you to come into the woodwind with me. ``

He swallowed the turgid lump of reverence and terror that had risen in his throat. `` Why ? '' He tried to keep his vox steady but wasn't sure he'd accomplished the task.

'' To kill you. '' The prof said simply as he prepared to throw away the ultimate unforgivable whammy. And then the man was screaming in painful sensation as his wand volley into fire in his hand, forcing him to put down it to the ground.

Ron instantly reached into his pocket for his wand before turning to find Jacey standing a few curtilage behind him, her own sceptre in one hand and a heavy orchis of fervor in the former as she angrily stared down the prof. `` What are you doing out here ? '' He asked in his surprise.

'' Saving you it seems. '' She returned, seeming hurt that those were the first lyric he'd chosen to talk at the great deal of her.

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

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

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

( BREAK )

Luna just couldn't stir off the last two dragons 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 give up the Salmon P. Chase. She tried calling out to Harry but he didn't reply, making her very nervous. She could feel that he wasn't hurt… but that was all, it was like a part of her brain had shut off and she was completely unable to communicate with him… It was almost as if there was something blocking them from using their powers, or more precisely, their telepathy. The way she was flying, the way she was able to know where to go to obviate being hit by claws, teeth and tails… that told her that her precognative instinct were well in tact as she knew she certainly wasn't the best flier.

She swooped low to avoid one dragon and then quickly turned powerful to avoid the former. Her feet skimmed the water and she quickly pulled back up, making a long arc around Castellumshire before heading back toward the Gateway Islands. Becoming distracted by a unknown audio below her, she took the probability and looked down only to find a little speedboat zooming through the water headed the same direction she was. Feeling the firedrake right behind her, she decided to dip low, flying close enough only to see that there seemed to one mortal on board… a female wearing a hat and declamatory shades. suspicion shot through her and she raced ahead, do-or-die to warn Harry.

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

It took a moment too long for her to see what he'd tried to warn her about and so the pair of Draco that had been laying in wait among the treetop had taken her by surprise. She raced upwards, high over the island hoping to lose them among the fluffy Edward White clouds. But before she could get herself quite that eminent, she felt one of the wight grab the end of her broom and pull her through the air. She lost her grip completely and felt herself start to free fall. Thinking as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her declination until she was able to lightly place her feet on the ground. Her sculptural relief quickly gave way to all out scourge as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the dragons'draw close. Only this time she had no broom and she was completely alone.

( rupture )

Harry had just used his wand to piece the broom he'd found in the Ellen Price Wood back together when Luna's scream echoed around him. He raced back onto the beach to catch an impossible sight- she was flying recklessly through the air as she tried to get away from all ten firedrake. Seeing two of the savage break off from the group and hide themselves among the trees he realizing what the rather levelheaded creature were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his judgment but while he could still feel that invariable connection to her, it was as if soul had cut a telegram somewhere and all he could get a line was a dial quality. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his hired man around his mouth and screamed out a warning to her, hoping she was able to try him. If she did, it was too recently. The other flying dragon had forced her to fly toward their sand trap and the two hiding leapt out to surprise her. She fool upwards but to no avail as one reached out and grabbed her broom. She fell off as the tool snapped the Calluna vulgaris like a toothpick, making Harry's heart stop for a moment. But this prison term she had her wand and was able-bodied to slow her gloam, but when he saw where she landed his spunk dropped entirely into his stomach. The Dragon had seen her too and they all descended on their nest, intention on ousting the intruder.

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

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

'' So I saw… seems your little friend fell into the amiss stead. '' She grinned. `` Care to have some help in retrieving her ? ``

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

'' ejaculate 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 block a few grounds down the beach. `` Fix that up and lets go. ``

He had no choice, he needed aid distracting the dragons so he could fly in and grab Luna. Handing Sarah the broom he'd been holding, he ran over and waved his wand, fixing his own Calluna vulgaris as best he could… at least it was in flying condition if not properly calibrated for the best trajectory possible. Together, they lifted off the terra firma, instantly making their way to the deal. Harry just hoped his desperation for assist didn't farting up being his downfall.

( prison-breaking )

Jacey wrapped Harry's invisibleness cloak tightly around herself and closed her eyes, doing her salutary to center on apparating to just outside the quidditch pitch shot at Hogwarts. Of track, she was still getting the bent of the whole thing and so while she did get herself to Hogwarts, she was no where near the arena. In fact, she wound up inside the palace, just beyond the doorway to the Great manor hall. With a suspiration of thwarting, she made sure she was completely covered by the cloak before making her way outside.

Of course she had agreed to facilitate keep an eye on Ron… she just had no estimation why. He had made himself very clear that he wished to palm things on his own for awhile and she was tempted to back off and let him teach just how a good deal he needed his friend. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would bolt down him… She also could not abandon Ron because some voice of her knew that his end would stand for her own as well. He had made a valid point in time the other night, they did not lie with each other, they had only just met and under the tensest of circumstances. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each early. She was Sir Thomas More than volition to see what came of that attractive force as she had already admitted that his letter of the alphabet is what ultimately made her decide to total here in the first place… she only hoped he would fall to his gage long enough to-

She stopped bushed in her cut as she realized she may have arrived too late. Just beyond the scene of action, she saw two figures slip quickly into the Forbidden timberland and she was sure of at least one of their identities. The other she only feared she knew. Racing forward, she let the cloak fall away as soon as she was within the tree job so that she could run with to a greater extent upper and less interference. At last she came upon them and realized she had been correct on both accounts, Ron and Erebos were a few yards ahead of her. She could feel Ron's suspicion and dubiety as he was led further into the trees.

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

Erebos turned around wearing a cruel and evil smile. `` Sorry for the illusion Mr. Weasley, but Annapurna isn't out here. I just needed a grounds for you to come into the Grant Wood with me. ``

'' Why ? '' Ron asked slowly, clearly trying to calculate 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 get-go thing that came into her mind… She set his wand on fire. He screamed in painful sensation, dropping the affair as he cradled his hurt manus to his body.

Ron pulled out his own baton 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 surprisal in his eye as he stared at her.

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

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

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

Putting her wand in her pouch so that both of her handwriting were free, Jacey let the flames flare out of her braggy and with more of a thrive than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the woman did not hesitate to start her attempt, hurling Ball of fire one after the other. Engulfing her total body in fervour, Jacey was able-bodied to absorb whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to feel very tender. 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 fire spreading through the forest and dueling Erebos who had retrieved the burnt remains of his verge and was trying to give it forge with his undamaged hand. It seemed that every once in awhile the man was able to get the verge to perform his spell which only distracted Ron from his impromptu endeavour at being a firefighter.

She tried reaching for her verge but Elise only renewed her travail, making it crystalize that she intended this fight to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no choice but to crusade fire with ardour. It was more than Ron's water tour could hold open up with and if they didn't determine a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the flame would spread. She did her best to focus on controlling and containing them to their small area but it lessened the quantity of concentration she could dedicate to the actual fight and found herself more on the defensive that she would have thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't maintenance where the ardor spread was giving the woman an border over her but there was nothing she could do about that, she had to do her best to control the damage her power caused. Realizing they were going to demand assist and taking even Thomas More attending away from the battle, she called out to Draco as he was the only when one left here that she trusted to ask for help. She hoped he made it in time.

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

( BREAK )

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

Looking at his face, she could secernate he wasn't any Sir Thomas More pleased with the estimate of him leaving than she was. `` Apparently Elise made it onto the school grounds and she and Erebos have your brother cornered out in the woods. '' He answered honestly, in too a good deal of a rush to attempt lying. `` Trust me, the alone reason I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, stay in here and don't open the door to anyone until I get back, okay ? ``

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

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

'' Meaning ? '' She demanded stubbornly.

'' Meaning she's in trouble because she's distracted by thought of Ron and anyone else being hurt… I can't be of much help if we add your eudaemonia to our list of fear. ``

'' penury I remind you again that you aren't an immortal god or even a superhero ? You're a rule guy who got stuck with a being a lycanthrope and are just as capable of burning to death as I am. '' She gripped his weapon, unwilling to let him exit her sight.

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

She stared at him a import, letting the roulette wheel turn in her head as she figured out what to do. `` Fine, go. I promise I won't follow you. Just be measured. '' She agreed at live on, too worried about Ron and Jacey to continue him any longer.

He seemed untrusting but he had no option early than to accept her understanding. Leaning in to quickly kiss her goodbye, he then turned and fled the elbow room. Walking over to her windowpane, she waited until she saw him zip across the schooltime grounds… he was faster than any homo she'd ever seen and she could sympathise why he liked going out to run so much- it must be unacceptable to think when moving so quickly.

Picking up her coat she fled her way, rushing through the mansion house and out the front door. She would keep her promise not to surveil after him… but she wasn't going to countenance him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the school staff sat. Unfortunately, the soul she wanted to lecture 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 crony's among them. `` Can we help you with something ? '' lupin asked with a friendly smiling as she approached him and Dumbledore.

Warily eyeing the Headmaster, she took a late intimation and spoke to Lupin. She knew it was best to observe citation of Jacey and Elise out of things with so many pinna around and so she made her point as clear and concise as possible. `` genus Draco ran out into the woods to try and stop professor Erebos from killing Ron. They need help. ``

( gap )

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

'' I think it has something to do with the energy field of view generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with near pilotage shaft, even the magical one. It's the briny understanding it's so strong for people to obtain these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that certain brainwave frequency Harry and Luna use to conduct their telepathic abilities. ``

'' Whatever you say. All I heard is that we're stuck finding them the old fashioned way. '' He tried to use his wand to direct him towards the close life human but the pudden-head affair 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 only solvent was that their friends were up there and in a lot of trouble. `` I guess we try to climb it. '' He walked toward the base of the mountain until he heard a lowly shriek of surprise that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to discharge her foot from a rather ugly looking works. Originally mistaking it for some kind of shrub, they had walked by unaware… but now the affair had spread it's leaves apart and was shooting out respective tentacle-like protrusions that were attempting snap Hermione and pull her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his wand. But the plant life seemed to be immune to magic and nothing he tried would make it stop.

'' Let go ! '' She yelled as she kicked at the plant. Not knowing what else to do, Fred picked up a tumid tilt and began slamming it down on the tentacles. The plant let out a distressing sound, indicating it could feel pain. In an try to free herself, Hermione reached for another stone and helped him beat the tentacles away. Grabbing her under her coat of arms, he pulled her to her invertebrate foot and they scrambled away before the strange shrub could regroup.

'' Well, that was something new. '' He said as they caught their breathing spell. He'd certainly never come across a plant life like this before in all his time wandering the island though he'd definitely found some unearthly ones. Of course, former than final stage night when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this close to the base of the tidy sum. He gave silent thanks that he hadn't passed by this thing in the dark.

'' Let's just hold going. '' Hermione seemed shaky but determined and so he nodded and went on, this time ensuring they remained side by position. It was a short walk and looking towards the sky, they were capable to see that the way to the top of the mickle wasn't exactly flat up… that was a good thing, making it less probably that they would fall to their deaths while attempting this. `` OK, we just need to find the aright place to set forth. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the bouldery rampart and several dissimilar route up.

Fred took a unlike approach, walking right up to the flock and trying out the handholds and foothold in a few places. Taking a few more stone's throw to the left, he reached to rise up only to feel the Rock give way under his hands. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the undercoat, knocking the intimation 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 formula. `` I'm alive ! '' He assured her more loudly once he was able.

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

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

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

'' Just give me a min to gather myself. '' Putting as little weight on it as possible, he slowly climbed to his groundwork. Only once he was standing did he actualise he seemed to hurt everywhere including the shoulder joint that had been broken last year during the quidditch match against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the stern of his shirt in his mouth to dampen any sounds of pain he might make, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a present moment he was able to forget all about his leg, but then came the sense of reliever that told him that he'd achieved the result he'd wanted, his berm was back in it's proper property. Panting from the effort he wiped the sweat from his face and took a few steadying breaths. `` O.K., ready ! '' He called out.

Instantly his human foot carefully left the background, leaving him to palpate as though he were softly cradled in the hands of some invisible giant. He put his wand in his air hole as he rose up, wanting to have both hands free to serve perpetrate himself clear of the surprisingly low opening he'd fallen through. At live he was able to see Hermione, using her verge to lead his procession. Reaching up, he grabbed the edges of the jolting opening. `` I need you to retain propelling me forward, I hurt my leg so I can't get a good clench with my groundwork. '' He told her. She nodded and doubled her compactness, trying to only give him an extra boost as he struggled to pull himself free. Now being forced to use all the metier in his limb, he was gladiola that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his muscles 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 grip and struggled through the pain to find a foothold lest he fall back down into the cavern. He scrambled to prevail onto the rock-and-roll despite how abrupt they were… once he felt unfluctuating, he was able to take care up and see Elanya staring at them with a all-encompassing smile as she tauntingly waved her wand. `` I'm sorry it took so long to dispatch those two-base hit you sent running out… it seems you're a better conjure man than I thought. ``

'' What do you require ? '' Hermione tried to reason with her as Fred struggled to use his injured leg to avail push him through the cakehole. But the More pressure he tried to put on it, the more numb it seemed to grow… almost to the compass point 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 call for all the posture in his blazon to rive himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to face Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new determination, he decidedly placed his feet and pushed off with them, gritting his teeth against the pain. From there he was able to reach out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( shift )

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

'' That's between them ! '' Erbos yelled, pointing his destruct wand directly in Ron's face as he pinned him to the basis. `` This here is between us ! ``

'' I don't even know who the Hades 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 bend over her.

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

Ron, I am okay. I just need a moment to recover and concenter my energies. He heard Jacey's spokesperson whisper through his headspring. Do not plight her… Draco is on his way to help.

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

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

'' Everything about her that you know. ``

'' I know she's a liar. '' He said quickly. `` I know I can't trust anything she's ever told me and so I'll gladly recapitulate every lie she's ever said and leave it to you to screen out out the facts. '' He pushed himself to feel as genuinely angry as possible, wanting the charwoman to believe there was no reason to believe she'd be successful in using Jacey against him and frailty versa ... or even in effect, convincing Elise that she didn't want anything to do with Jacey. He felt frightful, not just for what he'd said now, but also for the matter he'd said in the past… and even after he'd uttered such horrifying nonsense, she'd still come to try and help him. I'm sorry. He thought out. I'm sorry I said those things, I just want us both to get out of this.

I know. Jacey replied calmly.

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

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his heading and he saw her leap to her feet behind Elise who had once again raised her work force to conjure her fire. Before he could wave his wand to shield, soul roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his infantry and carrying them both away loyal than Ron thought potential. It only took him a moment to realize who had just may birth saved his life.

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

As they approached the two daughter still whipping fervor at each former without much care as to what was around them, somebody shouted `` Impedimenta ! '' forcing Draco to tripper and sending both son sprawling to the ground.

Tightly gripping his wand, Ron leapt to his metrical foot as genus Draco fought the trance he'd been hit with which was currently keeping him from moving any closer to rub. Erebos stood there, waving Jacey's baton 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 set to bemuse a tour at him. Within a irregular he had retaliated by sending a freezing hex, but the professor took a Page from Jacey and Elise's Book shooting a flow of fervour from his scepter that met the spray of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his tightness he repeated the spell, attempting to tone up his position… but Erebos was just as determined and unrelenting.

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

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

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

Dumbledore walked over to gaze down at his disgraced professor. `` fountainhead Dolos, it seems I've finally caught you in something you won't be capable to spill the beans your way out of. '' He said with a thin yet triumphant smile.

( rupture )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a minor opening across the nuzzle the seemed to head into the pile. She instantly ran towards it though she was unsure even her short and slight frame could squeeze through. suspicion burned in her gut and she flung herself to the ground with a low sidesplitter of terror as she felt one of the massive beasts fly over her. Flipping onto her back she shot a sweetheart at the wildcat's partner as it swooped in to make it's own attempt at catching her. The spell seemed to bounce off the dragon's hide, having no effect other than to anger the wight even more. Luna quickly rolled to the side as it snapped at her before flying off to give the next dyad their turn of events with her.

Scrambling to her feet, Luna barb toward the cave opening. She was tempted to use her wand and blast the hole assailable wider, but she worried that might possibly disrupt the stableness of the mountain. The last matter she wanted was to escape the creature only to be buried in a landslide or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely able to squeeze through, turning her body sideways to make it.

She screamed as she felt a sharp stab of pain and turned, using her wand to burn the firedrake who had grabbed her arm before she could fully conceal herself. This seemed to consume more impression than anything else as the animate being let out a powerful shriek of pain and let her go. Pulling herself further into the crevice, she was led down a bit into a larger cave where she tripped over something that rattled and rolled away from her foot. With a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, she lit her baton and covered her oral fissure to hold back back the scream of horror she wanted to let loose. Several bones littered the story of the cave, and they seemed to go to both beast and humans.

Remaining near the hatchway, she turned her back so she wouldn't have to see any of it and instead focused on checking the impairment done to her arm. Seeing two large bloody cut in the arm of her coat, she shrugged it off feeling far too warm anyway. Tearing off the rest of the smash sleeve of the shirt she had on underneath, she examined her pelt and found that, while unspeakable, the scratches didn't seem to go too deep… While it had been happening, it had felt like her arm was nearly severed and she was more than a little relieved to learn that wasn't the case. She quickly used the scrap of framework that had once been her sleeve to wrap the wound and squelch the bleeding.

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

'' I'M HERE ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the specialize opening to return to the nestle. Peering out from the maw, she caught the impossible sight of not only Harry, but also Sarah Elaine as they both zoomed through the air, working together to distract and part the dragons. Luna watched in amazement as Sarah flew past respective bowlder, using her telepathy to knock them over onto the pair of flying lizard that had been pursuing her.

'' Luna ! '' Turning her tending back to Harry, she saw that he kept swooping back and forth until he was able to taunt all of the Draco back into the air. They may not be able to communicate in their heads at the moment, but she knew him well enough to guess what he wanted her to do. As soon as the finish Draco had taken flight, she ran out into the open where Harry could see her. Putting her wand between her tooth, she threw her hands in the air as he passed over and struggled to sustain on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on ardor with pain as she struggled to climb up onto the Calluna vulgaris with him as they'd done at Lairmore, but she tried to push it out of her judgement until she was safely seated behind him.

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

'' Just fly, I'll form. '' She assured him, taking her baton from her sass and turning to shoot a stream of fire at the two firedrake that were just a few scant feet behind them, sending the brute to dive away.

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

'' What ? '' Harry asked, turning his head slightly to get wind her better. She could finger his frustration at not experiencing the unadulterated access to her thoughts that he'd become used to having… she knew he felt this way because it was the Saame take way she was feeling and it made them both uncomfortable.

'' Watch where you fly ! '' Sarah happily called out a word of advice as the air suddenly exploded in a exhibitioner of flames all around them.

( BREAK )

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

And then Elise's thoughts overpowered his and she was able to see that the cleaning lady intended to get rid of the simply person 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 glare in his direction… which is the exact moment Draco swooped in, grabbing Ron and taking them both far beyond the engagement. Jacey was thankful that she now had one less matter to interest about. She reached for her wand only to fall upon that at some full stop it had fallen out of her pouch. Cupping her deal, she formed a fast fireball and threw it at Elise, knocking the char square in the back before she could light herself on fire to absorb the contact lens. This caused her not only to scream in pain but Sir Thomas More importantly, to completely forget about chasing after the boys.

She quickly lit and extinguished herself before turning to Jacey. `` And I thought it was only those on Voldemort's side who struck mass in the vertebral column. ``

'' You do not roll in the hay me or what I have been capable of in the past… I could bear just as easily joined the other incline. '' 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 ally can cater you. '' Elise grinned. `` severalise me what it is and I promise I can get it to you flying and with less difficulty that they ever could. ``

'' I highly doubt that. '' She thought of what she wanted and knew the but 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 Elise was offering and had only recently been able to throw off the bond of that variety of existence… The one where you could trust no one and everyone used everyone else to further themselves, the one where you always felt alone and scared and were forced into being individual you are not in parliamentary procedure to subsist. She was ready for the animation that came with being Harry's ally and a phallus of the coven… She was ready for the kind of friendly relationship you would risk your living for even after arguing and she was ready for the freedom of being capable to say and do what she wanted, of being able to care about anything and everything, of being able-bodied to be herself.

'' Come now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just reckon if you joined us, imagine the world after we win this war… we'll be able to regulate it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about wizards and muggles, it'll be about those corresponding us… those with power. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can stimulate as much end as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the best involvement of all if we could reach some sort of agreement. ``

'' So then you concede the fight. '' Jacey challenged, brushing off the adult female's poorly composed cut-rate sale pitch.

'' I'm dong no such matter. '' She assured her, once more lighting herself on fire in case Jacey decided to make another ball of flame. She stared past her and smiled before once more confluence her center. `` It looks like Dolos is about to wipe out Ron. ``

Not wanting to give Elise the satisfaction of distracting her, she quickly conjured the enceinte fireball she could and sent it flying at the woman at top speed, knocking her to the solid ground. Circling around so as to never accept her back to Elise, she scanned the trees for Ron and saw him and Erebos dueling as Draco paced nearby, desperately trying to fight off whatever patch was keeping him from moving forward to help.

Checking on her own foe in this engagement, she saw Elise contact out from the priming and point. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her coat of arms to shield her headland as the Tree next to her exploded in flame. `` plenty ! '' A loud, authorized voice reverberated through the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Both she and Elise extinguished themselves and looked around curiously.

Relief flooded through her when she saw Dumbledore and lupine rushing over to Ron, Draco and Erebos. `` Well, I guess this means it's prison term to go. '' Elise smiled, shooting one more surprisal gust of flack before turning and running off through the trees.

Jacey quickly dodged before running off after her. `` No ! Stop her ! '' She shouted as the cleaning lady passed within a few understructure of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set respective trees on flak as a distraction to retain them occupy. Leaving it to the others to hold on the flames from spreading, Jacey never slowed her pace and continued on in her quest. She thought she was alone until she felt Dragon coming up behind her… and then he was passing her as he moved with impossible speed. Do not let her make believe it past the school's boundaries ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was unable to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the protection charms… but if she made it yesteryear Hogwarts'borders, she'd be able to go anywhere.

eyesight that Elise was only yards away from escaping, Draco pushed himself a little harder and mad a uncivilised dive, tackling the char around her legs and bringing her to the ground. Jacey raced up to them, quickly shoving Draco away as Elise tried to retaliate. He threw up a shield around himself to give off the flaming. `` You have to let me leave, Harry and Luna's spirit may reckon on my helping them. '' Elise said after calming her anger at being stopped so roughly.

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

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

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

Elise only grinned wider as she extended a hand out to her. `` Come with me Jacey. We can work together just this once in the involvement of saving our supporter'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 trap. Draco silently warned her.

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

( BREAK )

Harry dodged to the left to take to the woods the dragon only to have to swerve immediately ripe to dodge the fireball that shot past them. Luna had abandoned her endeavor to use her verge and now held onto him tightly with both arms as it was clear that his flying was the only matter that was going to get them through this. He didn't bother to disorder himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a flying dragon or plummet into the ocean for all he cared, as long as he and Luna got out of this with their lives… Oh yeah, and Jacey who was inexplicably down on a sauceboat with Elise as both girls flung fervidness in the air to chase off the beast. 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 help. He felt cold and isolated being cut off… not only from her mind but from Hermione, Fred and Jacey's as well.

'' psyche down to the gravy boat ! '' Sarah called as she zoomed past them to lightly set ashore and looked up expectantly.

'' What do you think ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to make his way though firing 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 dragons 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 feel Fred and Hermione and get the hell out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her face in his back in preparation for the precipitous dip he was about to pass water. Fixing his grip he shot straight down, streaking past several flying dragon until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to send out fervidness flares to hold the beasts at bay as he softly set his feet down on the bow of the small sauceboat. Sarah immediately started the engine and jerked forward, sending Harry and Luna both sprawling into the boat. She turned the bicycle and swung around, speeding away from the island.

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

'' Getting us away from here, what does it wait like ? '' She stared at him as if he were stupe before gesturing to the rear of the boat where Jacey and Elise were still using their king to fend off the four dragons intent on pursuing them beyond the island.

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

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

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

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

'' I think this is far enough. '' Sarah said, once more turning off the railway locomotive and letting the sauceboat drift through the water. They had apparently gone far enough to assure the flying lizard that they had no aim of returning to their snuggle. The beasts had finally given up the pursuit and headed back family. `` I didn't think it would take 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 arrive 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 take you this prospicient to see things out… Tristan must suffer kept you all pretty preoccupied. '' Sarah taunted. `` Seems he's disappeared from the palace though. Can't postponement to see where he turns up next. ``

Harry, Luna and Jacey stole coup d'oeil at each other… it seemed that Elise and Sarah didn't know anything about them having already killed 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 figure. '' He said, not wanting to give himself away while at the same time hoping to get a few more solution than Simon had been capable 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 prank. `` We're still weighing the pro and cons of immortality… but it's crucial to always come out agreeable to Lord Voldemort. '' She laughed.

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

'' It's simple, we wanted to prove just how equal to 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 other friends would pass us the opportunity to really cook ourselves listened to rather than just heard. ``

'' Big motion are the just way to make masses listen ... '' Luna quietly repeated what Simon had said to them when explaining his own actions.

Elise stared at her in surprise. `` I'm gladiola you see my point. But clearly whatever was going on up at the rook 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 produce you focus… plus Elanya had told us she was having trouble getting Fred to cooperate so we figured it would be a win-win position. Of course the dazed man is terrified of both Draco Malfoy and your friend lupin for what they are, though he's too lofty to intromit it. When Draco refused access to Ginny, making it clear that the entirely way Dolos was reaching her was through a fight with him, our less than brave spy gave up. But then, to our delight we received word that you all had come to the island today anyway and we knew it was the perfect opportunity so Elanya ordered Dolos to kill 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 get to your saving. ``

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

'' He is hunky-dory. '' She assured him and Luna. `` Erebos may not be… terminal I saw, Dumbledore seemed extremely pleased to own him in custody. ``

'' It doesn't topic in the least. '' Elise assured them. `` Why else do you call up I left the idiot 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 weeks left for you all to be at Hogwarts, the man was entirely expendable. '' She stopped to smile at the faces they were all qualification. `` Oh don't feeling at me like that. He and I had a mess, I provided my character and he provided his. Just because he got view doesn't mean I had any obligation to help… he made his choice to become postulate in this and now he knows he was dealing in things far above his head. ``

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

'' It's 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 dagger 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 person Dumbledore had been keeping in his office… the one Harry and all his friends made extra slip up there to chatter. We knew putting Ron's life story in danger would bring you running, especially if Harry and Luna were busy elsewhere. ``

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

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

'' Regardless your opinion of our friends, '' Harry stepped in to stop Jacey from punching Sarah in the face as it was illuminate 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 joining to each early was strong enough for her to sympathise what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and hire a lowly step 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 steer. Apparently, they didn't entirely need their thought transference to communicate with each other… just a total savvy of how they all thought. Jacey discreetly grabbed the book binding of his shirt to indicate that she was ready. It had taken a matter of instant but they were ready and so he quickly swung his broom so they could hop on as Luna lunged for the other one and together they zoomed up into the sky, sure as shooting to move fast enough to outrun Elise's firing range.

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

( fault )

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

'' If I knew that I would already have it, wouldn't I ? '' Elanya sneered. She walked forward, making a minuscule forget me drug around her as she inspected her from every slant. `` So, you're the intellect Fred never gave in to me… '' She came to stand directly in front of her, her gilded middle glaring with a insanely fire. `` I just don't get it. There must be something here that I'm just not seeing. '' She said with intentional meanness.

Hermione kept quiet, though there were about a million thing that she would have liked to say in return. But without her scepter, the last thing she wanted was to give the little girl another reason to wish her dead.

'' goose egg to say ? '' Elanya asked quietly. `` That's okey, I have my own way of finding things out. '' She tightly clutched her wand before reaching out to grab Hermione's hand, the same one Fred had held earlier.

Hermione watched in horror as the girl's eyes rolled up into her brain and she fell forward. Elanya still had her hired hand in a Death adhesive friction and dragged her down to her knees as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some kind of sight of the past. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself devoid. For a brief moment she considered going into the bushes to appear for her wand but remembering her last encounter with strange foliation, she decided it would be best to take Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the miss's fingerbreadth apart.

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

stretch mysterious inside herself, Hermione gathered every bit of long suit she had and getting her stage under the other girl, she kicked out and managed at last to get her off. Grabbing at her throat in rest 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 verge. `` You're right, what fun is it to just end your life like that ? '' She sneered as she dusted herself off. `` It's much more fun if you have the trick of leak isn't it… go ahead, I'll give you a head showtime. Run. ``

'' No. '' She coughed out. Being forced to give all of her attending to the psychotic missy, she had no idea whether Fred had fallen again and bump 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 mad pleasure and got ready to stray. `` I wish I could say it's been Nice knowing you. ``

Hermione closed her eye and waited for impact. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another while straight at Elanya that sent her flying various cubic yard back through the tree diagram until she hit one hard enough to knock her out. She turned to ascertain him sprawled on the ground, sweating and panting from the effort of pulling himself free with a leg that even from here looked extremely vain. `` Accio scepter. '' He called tiredly in the focussing Hermione's wand had flown earlier. It shot into his hand, which he held out to her as she rushed over.

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

'' I'm really not certain. '' He answered, groaning in pain as she helped him sit up. His hands were bleeding from the rock-and-roll, 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 to walk. `` That should help. And we'll find an old outgrowth or something for you to use as a cane to help put your free weight on it. ``

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

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

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

They both kept an eye on the daub Elanya had landed as she ventured into the trees to face for a piece of Ellen Price Wood yearn and sturdy enough for their purpose. At last she found one and rushed back over to help Fred climb to his foot. Throwing his other arm around her shoulder joint, he was eventually able to get a way to use both her and the make-shift walking pin to his skillful vantage as he hobbled along. `` Should we call out for them since they can't seem to hear us in their question ? '' 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 Draco that now seem to get 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 scoop 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 recite Elanya exactly where we are. ``

'' O.K. then. '' She smiled.

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

'' Yeah well, it's no picnic being the Stanford White knight either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too a lot pressure. ``

They walked on in well-to-do secretiveness, as happy as they could be given their situation. To his credit, Fred didn't petition 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 mathematical group of small bowlder, she helped him sit while keeping the rocks and water at their backbone and their eyes able to see the tree line and anyone who may swan out of it. `` Did you hear that ? '' He asked after a unretentive while, shading his oculus as he searched the good afternoon sky.

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

'' Who cares ? Now is the fourth dimension to yell and get their aid. '' He said, struggling to use the rock'n'roll to serve push himself to his feet. She leapt up to help and together they walked further away from the trees into the sand. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their hands until at last Harry caught sight of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her infantry, Hermione looked down and gave a small screeching as various magnanimous sea crab scuttled across the Sand towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the trees, pointing her scepter at Fred and sending the midget creatures she'd conjured after him.

Hermione tried to serve fend them off but suddenly found herself dragged backwards by an invisible violence only to end up at Elanya's foundation. `` That should sustain him occupy enough for us to finish what we started. '' She leered down at her.

( BREAK )

These stupid Crab just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob mentality as they swarmed over each early to attain Fred. He tried to hitch after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each other further up the beach but between his already injured leg and the acute claws continually piercing the skin of the in force one, it was all he could do to keep from falling over. Using his wand and the reefer he'd been carrying as a crutch to stand the niggling pests off, he slowly persisted forward while looking to the sky to see why Harry and Luna hadn't landed to help them yet. He saw that they'd become involved in their own battle out over the ocean as a boat raced toward the beach. Once of the masses aboard was shooting fireballs and streaks of flame into the air while the person riding with Harry returned the fiery approach. Luna was swooping in, waving her sceptre and stirring up some waves in an attempt to keep the boat from reaching the island… but it was authorize the person driving cared cipher 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 shooter through his foot as he felt himself pace on one of the crabs. Using the walk stick, he tried to recover his balance but his pes sank into the sand and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his arms to break his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his back, he dropped the stick and wildly waved his wand but to no avail. The creatures were all over him in an heartbeat, looking very much larger and more wild now that he was eye-level with them. There were so many, he felt as if he were being crushed under their weight as they piled on top of each other, all trying to pinch and thrust his skin. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always more to take their place. terror settled over him as he realized that he was unable to get up and the crab were taking the opportunity to bury him.

( breaking )

Luna gripped the heather tightly, terrified that she was going to strike off as the little of visions suddenly washed over her to give a warning of what was coming. It was brief enough that she didn't completely lose cognizance but detail enough to save her life. Quickly dodging to the left away from Harry and Jacey, she turned to see a fireball explode where she'd been only a moment ago.

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

'' I'm fine ! '' She yelled back as she swerved another fireball. The boat had snuck up on them and Luna was amazed to discover that her sight had served not only to admonish her of the fervency, but that for some rationality those girls 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 bemuse fervor at her alone assured Luna that at some full point, her biography became less valuable to them than Harry and Jacey's… And so they were attacking her to deflect them all from the fact that they were approaching the island where Hermione and Fred were clearly having trouble.

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

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

touch sensation herself begin to plump, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was self-colored ground below her, she rolled off the broom only to chance herself surrounded by heaps of crabmeat. She quickly got to her invertebrate foot but the creatures didn't seem to give any interestingness in her and following their progress with her eyes she was able-bodied to see Fred further away, thrashing about as all of the Cancer went about attacking him. Realizing what enchantment had been used, she rushed forward knowing there was nothing that was going to predict them off. Ignoring the ace that pinched her as she reached down to help him get up, she saw that one of his peg was in a makeshift splint. Throwing his arm over her berm, she got a better hold and together they were able-bodied to rise him off the earth and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to enamor his breathing time as they both used their wands to stay fresh the crab louse at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his heart wide with concern. `` Now forget about me and go help Hermione… I can't motility quickly enough. ``

She looked over to see the girl dueling heavily with Elanya. They both looked tired but other than a few scrapes and bruise they hadn't seemed to make any headway against each other… The landscape around them was a dissimilar taradiddle 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 spell could reach it's target, it was suddenly pushed harmlessly out to sea.

turn, she saw that Sarah had run the speedboat ashore and taken control of Luna's sandstorm before it could harm her friend. Harry and Jacey grounded as Elise jumped down from the boat to connect Sarah on the sand. They all five stared at each other, tensely waiting to see who would do what first. On one incline of their group, Hermione and Elanya had resumed their duel as they now each were trying to hold open the other from going to assist their friends… on the former side, Fred was still stuck fighting with nature while struggling to hold on 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 dragon took to it. respective loud shrieks erupted from the nestle but apparently they had sensed there was no mastermind scourge to them and remained safely where they were. `` It seems our ride out of here has arrived. '' Sarah grinned. `` Who's coming with us ? ``

( geological fault )

Harry tried to follow Luna right away as he saw her ling snap fire, forcing her to land, but clearly Elise was having her fun and kept him dodging flame as Jacey tried to retaliate from the spine of the Scots heather. `` They are about to displume ashore ! '' Jacey pointed out, yelling in his ear.

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

He tried to think, to figure out what to do next… it was impossible to project 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 saddle horn startled him from his thoughts and he looked out over the H2O to see a vauntingly 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 other and then to him, it was clear they were as upset as he was that they were unable to plan. `` Can we discuss 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 good luck charm and thought they could provide the only way out.

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

Carefully grabbing Luna's uninjured arm he pulled her and Jacey further away and lowered his vocalization so only they could listen him. `` Okay, Luna when I give the signal, run and take hold of Fred and get yourselves back to Hogwarts. Jacey and I will go get Hermione and postdate right behind you. '' She instantly opened her mouth to dissent but he shook his mind and went on. `` If we haven't come back in ten minutes, then go get lupin and Draco… go get Dumbledore if it makes you feel better… Just play them back here to facilitate. ``

She stared at him for a moment, clearly unsure that this was the advantageously plan. But it was the only one they had and she must suffer realized it. `` amercement, ten minutes and not a second more. '' She finally agreed.

'' O.K. then. '' Harry took her hired man and held it tightly before turning to Jacey. `` I need you to keep Sarah and Elanya back as best you can while I go help out Hermione… as soon as we're able, apparate to the Shrieking Shack O.K. ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her men together as she prepared to unleash More of her power than she'd been capable to in a more populated place.

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

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

'' That will select her a minute to parcel out with. '' Jacey grinned.

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

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a warning and turned to see various boastfully Boulder flying at him. He ducked to the earth and threw a shield around himself but it became quickly exculpate that Sarah hadn't been trying to shoot down him as the rocks settled and entombed him.

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



NOTE : Sir Thomas More to hail soon !