'' The unwritten law of triage is knowing when zip else can be done, and actually accepting that. ''
~ A.K. Lovell ~



Chapter 24 ~ The Black Pool


Dublin, Ireland. Population in nimiety of 450,000 Muggles, 1,240 Wiccan and whizz, and 451,240 innocents.

Since mediaeval times the locale had served as the Washington of the free standing Republic. The Negroid kitty, or so the Briticism had stated. Now the expanse of terra firma it rested upon stood as one of the most populated sack of isolation upon the earth.

An island.

5.8 million Muggles in the Republic of Ireland alone, another 1.7 million in Northern Ireland, and upon the entire United Kingdom solid ground flock, 4,694 existence of magical descent.

The island contained the largest percentage of sorcerous beings per capita of any place on earth.

It could soon hold in the lowest.

At the oral cavity of the River Liffey, the bustling Black Pool of commerce lay in time lag, as did a cleaning woman clad in the disgusting vise of Muggle apparel.

The rain had let up considerably in equivalence to the early morning rain, yet the harsh drizzle did zippo to mar the once shine beauty as she stood alone upon the Lucan bridge circuit, dark pilus flowing in the wind like a canvas born of the rebirth.

In Sojourner Truth, had one possessing the skill sat to immortalize her warrant, it would have born striking law of similarity to a painting that had once attend C earlier upon the inlaid bulwark of Sarsfield castle.

The solitary dissimilarity between the canvass lay in the minute detail of the national'men, her pale, elegant fingers gently uncorking a clear vial, tilting it 's contents over the ancient brick viaduct until they churned upon the wind stir up water below.

As the woman disappeared, seemingly without a trace to the heart of Muggle passersby, the outset of the curse began filtering into the body of water system of downtown Irish capital.

The Black syndicate would soon reawaken a Black pestis.
* * * * *


dearest.

Because of it cities have been erected, and fallen. home have been made, and broken. Mere mortals have been resurrected, and forgotten.

It holds the capability of silencing the potent, immortalizing the weak, dashing the dearest of dream and destroying the gloomy of veneration. It 's sheer power is unfathomable, and it is due to this overwhelming emotion that the human spirit is subject of being broken.

For one raven haired man, the press born of hate and preserved by his erotic love was upon him as it had never before been. The space, deadened middle of Seamus Finnigan haunting him even as he breathed in the reassure presence of the young girl clutched in his implements of war, his facial expression turned from the human race to eat up against her tegument, his but respite from the cruel reality that was his nether region, and life.

It has been said that it is only lastingness of lineament that separates the watery from the inviolable, for their ability to cast feeling, attachment, and love aside… Therein rests their unfaltering ability to do what must be done, in the darkest of times.

Wordlessly the young woman had taken him by the hand, silently leading him through the thick brushwood and bramble, disregarding the way the harsh bullbrier tore her tegument, snaring her clothing. Her silhouette seemed incapable of tactile sensation, and the young man 's envy of her acquirement was thickening, for each thorny cocksucker dragging across his skin sung the guilt he felt, crying for his interference in what they had left behind in Hogsmeade with the tug of a portkey.

The man felt guilty of abandonment, and slaying. Though in his heart, he knew which was worse.

The untried man had been forced to pull up stakes his acquaintance in the rapidly growing battle ground, for Voldemort 's evil had reared again, and again he had come out upon the lesser side, trapped as he was in the darken timber, incapable of helping anyone.

How was this pathetic star supposed to defeat the grim of them ?

It has also been said that potency of character is best not determined by one 's unconcern, by their ability to distance themselves from the situation at hand, but by their ability to palpate the pleas of the frail as if they were their own loading. For it is in these mortal that the rarest of souls are found, for the few who walk upon the earth with burdened and broken soulfulness are often the most equal to of loving, and saving the rest of us.

His footsteps were sinking into the damp solid ground, following in the girl 's cut as they pushed their way through the thickets, stumbling into a small moonlit clarification, a murky pool of H2O collecting near its edge.

It was perhaps the saddest, and fell of irony, that the two brave souls standing torn and battered, bathed in the blue hues of moonshine filtering between the night sky 's mottled clouds, were the perfect illustration of both sides of the spectrum.

Both had been through underworld itself, and survived, yet only one had come out fully subject of loving, despite the world crashing around him.

The other was still learning, and it would perhaps be the breakage of the other besides her that would finally teach her how to again, maintenance without restraint.
* * * * *


October 31st, Hallowe'en, 1996.

It would forever suffer as the day of infamy, as the night when Aurors had fallen upon the Town in striking violence, scattering Death Eaters to the far splurge corners of the solid ground, to wherever their alcoves of safety lay, leaving the scarcely varnish village under the legal power of the Ministry.

There was much to sieve out.

It had taken so long for them to gain it 's dweller, for Hogsmeade had not been the only if Town to fall under attack this day. And being the only all wizarding village in England, the Aurors had came to it 's aid finis, for Muggle areas had few defenses, while the citizens of Hogsmeade had at least been armed.

Unlike the unacquainted Muggles who had been found, lifelessly sprawled upon metropolis streets, charming beings had held the power to fight back.

And fight they had. As the Aurors had spilled forth from the forest the villagers had risen up, only for those drabbed in the visage of Inferno to go away as quickly as they had come.

No others had been able to conquer the anti-apparation wards that had been erected, but the Death Eaters had found a way.

Throughout the UK, from Dundee to Belfast, from Diagon Alley to capital of Ireland 's Aingingein Marketplace, from the Orkney islands above Scotland to the town bordering the English canal, wizardly recesses of household and existence, small pockets of sequestrate place and wizards, and places of commerce had been taken over.

They had all been targeted, held prisoner until night had fallen, and each surviving being of magical decline present tense professed to bear felt the Sami effect. A cold, worse than decease quickening of the blood that had seeped into their very souls, raising the shackle of animal and hairs of humans, eliciting the shrieking of owl and cries of children had fallen just at fall, and for those portray the time falling immediately after, as Town had risen up in defense, fighting back as the Death feeder fled and Aurors arrived, it would be remembered as the time of secrecy.

Something had happened that day, for the dying Eaters had swarmed into the villages and private homes, avoiding only the Muggle populace, and killing only those Muggles who strayed in their way, and the few wizards and hag who had persistently fought back before the arriver of the Aurors.

Thirty four dead, one hundred and sixty injured, and that was in England alone.

Most had been Muggles that had strayed in the wrong place at the wrong prison term.

Seamus Finnigan had been amongst the fallen, the just innocent to accept died in Hogsmeade, killed by the killing scourge erupting from the Imperioused wand of Ginerva Molly Weasley.

Ginny Weasley now lay, near catatonic with the grief of her activeness, with the knowledge of her unwillingly dealt sins, in the hospital extension of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and wizardry.

She had been able to fight strongly enough to save her brother from the killing curse she had fired upon him, but she had not been strong enough to write her boyfriend.

It was a thought that would haunt her for the rest of her lifetime, and while she remained silently mute under the care of Pomfrey, Dean Thomas sat upon the cold corridors of the hospital offstage 's hall.

The interference of the antechamber was deafening, reverberating with the frenetic footfalls and echo of frantic parents ineffective to situate their tiddler. Very few had taken acceptance to Dumbledore 's self-assurance that there were only three children within the hospital wing, two of whom Dean treasured above life itself.

He hardly felt the painful sensation as another large father trampled upon his foot, and he pulled his legs closer to his pectus, wishing to slump into the rampart for all he was Charles Frederick Worth.

Seamus was gone ...

Ginny was no longer speaking ...

Kalliandra, Harry, and Hermione were missing ....

And no one was letting on what had happened to Ron ....
Silently tears of disgrace poured from his eyes, the newly appointed Gryffindor beater finally succumbing to the overpowering emotions.

It was then that the sandy haired mother of Seamus stumbled into the hall, nearly knocking Luna Lovegood to the story, her dampen centre remarkably similar to how Ginny 's had been when he had found her, crumbled and shaking besides Professor Tres'unconscious form in the kitchen of gentlewoman Puddifoots.

Pressing his forehead to his hang up human knee, shame dealt it 's final shock, for he now knew the truth.

He was going to hell, if this was not already it.
* * * * *


Somewhere, deep in the forest, Harry calmly observed the sky. The autumn leaves struck a perfect direct contrast to the night 's glowering backcloth, and deep gray cloud blotted out all semblance of starlight, economize for the few dogged pinpoints and the sliver of moonlight fighting their way through the mottled lot.

It was exquisite.

Though no amount of peach, nor staring, could tug the disturbing thought process from his mind for long, and with a give up sigh he knelt before the pocket-sized pond, his knees sinking into the dampish solid ground besides Kaylens.

'' Are you okay ? ``

He heard her row, yet failed to respond. Instead his eyes remained glued to the wavering personage upon the water 's aerofoil. Staring back at him were the accusatory wear out eye of one whose loved 1 were either gone, or in peril. The man in the thoughtfulness was one he did not recognize, for it was a man who had killed without regret, and who would do it again.

The inky black epitome was revealing how he had become all he had once abhorred, and it was a thought for which he was ill fain.

Never looking up, he finally spoke.

'' No. ``

His cupped hands plunged into the spring, scattering the damnable reflection from its aerofoil, rippling the weeds extending near the early embankment.

A long clip passed, the sound of light splashing besides him mingling with sounds of the night, as they both rubbed the stock from their hands in the icy urine.

Upon its inky airfoil his reddened pedigree swirled, pooling from his reopening injury. Though the pain in the neck was something that could not progress to him, numbed as his signified were from the hypothermic waters.

It was the feeling of her hand carefully wrapping around his own, that finally pulled him from his near cataleptic state. His eyes rose from the piss he had hoped to swim within, falling to rest upon her calm countenance.

Her crystalline centre held his, concern flickering in the dull moonlight.

'' We need to do something about this. '' She whispered, her breath crystallisation upon the cooling air.

There was no doubting what she meant, for his hands were pained at her mere touch, intertwined as they were with her dusty I, beneath the dense spring 's surface. He reveled in that secrecy, grimacing only as she forcibly withdrew his hands from the mercifully numbing water. The harsh bite of the cool Nox air sent pinpricks of annoyance shooting through his wounds, burning his arms in a way contradictory to the evening 's breeze.

The barest trace of disorder loiter upon her conjunct aspect, for she was studying the gash along his cauterise workforce, the ones he had received as he fought to cut the hamper binding them within Rosmereta 's small pub.

That little pub now held some of the most important people in his animation, and he had never felt farther from it.

The sharp phone of cloth ripping catapulted him from the ill fated road his thinking were traveling upon, and where his hands had just been, enclosed in her own, now lay a funnies of shredded cloth. She had torn a shred of cloth, from his cloak, and was wrapping it tightly around his palm, winding it up and over his radiocarpal joint where the deepest of wounds stretched.

Cringing he did not impede her centralise progress, though his voice betrayed his skepticism. `` Do you recognise what your doing ? ``

Sparing not a word, the lastly strip was tugged tightly in position. With a satisfied sigh she tilted her head to the side, a curious expression befalling her. `` Well… '' She replied faintly, her moth-eaten thumb tracing along his peel around the stopgap dressing. `` You 'd better hope so. ``

He scowled at her, flexing his articulatio radiocarpea testingly. The movements were stiff, but would suffice.

'' Not bad… '' He muttered, glancing at his torn sleeve. `` Just had to demolish my cloak did n't you ? ''

'' Hmph. ``

She offered no promote answer, lazily trailing her hands within the cool waters once again, her eyes falling shut.

Unconsciously his optic were drawn to her, following her workforce effortless progress upon the glistening water, and for the first-class honours degree sentence he noticed the ambling drama of magical before him, for her fingers were playing lithely across the water 's sullen surface, a boring glow radiating at the threshold where the unchanging control surface finally broke, allowing her fingerbreadth entry, rose up from its depths.

He regarded the interplay, a slow peculiarity rising as flecks of trick trailed beneath her hands, coloring the light intumescency she was creating. Ripples, swelling out in consecutive anchor ring, bore the sparkling only a scant ways before the illumination tumbling within the waters faded away.

And it was not for the for the first time time, nor for the last, that he again realized how footling he still knew about the magical humans.

He leaned towards her, curio crossing his features, for how could the fille who could not incant do the display before him ? His question rolled from his lips quietly, and though her cheek remained averted from his, her reflectivity upon the riffle body of water betrayed her faint smile.

'' What are you doing ? '' Was what he had whispered, steadying himself with one helping hand upon the dew stained dope.

Her hairsbreadth fell loose from behind her shoulder, tumbling to obscure her boldness. `` You know… '' She replied softly, `` I 'm not entirely certain. ``

'' Experimental conjuring trick ? And you call me rash ? ''

'' Well… '' She whispered, her musing smiling, `` Insane is probably a upright full term. ``

'' A pity then. '' He quipped lowly, looking across the water, its very Earth's surface vibrating with life. `` For we 're trapped in the forest without a color of sanity between us. ``

She murmured in concord, withdrawing her fingers from the water system, flicking the clear droplets from them in his centering.

His grunt of objection was ignored, for her insomniac oculus had flickered out across the rippling water, gazing searchingly into the vague forest. And for the thousandth clip since their start coming together, he wondered if she could see things he could not.

As if in response to his thoughts, a light crease creased her brow, barely discernible as the clouds moved to obscure the coolheaded moonlight, throwing shadow across her countenance. And as a pacify breeze sent the reeds protruding from the embankment swaying, her demeanor stiffened, her shoulders relaxing only with the cessation of the plant life'soporific motions.

'' Jittery ? ``

His question was met not with the await despite, but with something else.

'' Yes. '' She whispered darkly.

Her cold intonations were disturbing, and his middle joined hers in sweeping the tree line for any signal of malevolence. Yet just as before, when he had checked upon their arrival, there was none to be found.

A thought occurred to him, and finally after the wind had risen in intensity, sending the beating-reed instrument tips tilting so as to dip into the pond 's surface, he spoke it aloud.

'' Are you familiar with port samara ? ''

She turned a questioning expression to him, her hair scattering like a feathery halo about her face in the blustery breeze. Such was the commotion of her thick head of hair that he could not tell whether she nodded yes or no until it had died down.

Only then did it occur to him that the target of their very displacement could also be the object of their rescue. His hired hand scrambled in the late faithful of his compact cloak for the Kunnskap, and finally he dumped it upon the cold earthy mud, taking aid to never tolerate it 's dulled golden chain to match his flesh.

Kaylens centre filled with discernment, `` It 's how we got here. ``

He nodded, reaching for her bridge player with his bandage one. Though when his fell atop hers, she did not take it.

His eye caught hers, `` trustfulness me. '' He whispered.

Steadily the hesitation within her eyes vanished, and slowly she turned her hand around, allowing his fingers to interlace with hers. Squeezing her hand as gently as his limited mobility allowed, he guided her to the Kunnskap with him.

'' take it with me. ``

His eyes having never left hers, he saw that she understood his meaning, for the Kunnskap had been their portkey there, and had it been somehow re-activated, they could take it back to Hogsmeade together with a uncomplicated mite of their fingers to its surface.

He absolved to never leave her alone, not anywhere, not ever again.

With baited breath they touched the chain.

Nothing.

Sharing a half disappointed, one-half relieved smile, they exhaled the breaths they had both been holding.

As he re-gathered the chain in his hands, she was the first to break the impenetrable silence.

'' Your portkey does n't seem to be working. ``

He cast her an peevish glance, examining the runes carved into the pensieve 's vial. Unsurprisingly, not one depiction cast a shred of promiscuous onto the state of affairs at hand. Maybe, just maybe, he would pack Hermione up on her crack to instruct him antediluvian runic letter when they returned.

'' It must be conditional, '' He finally decided. `` It 's the only solution. ``

At this Kaylens'brow creased critically, and he explained further.

'' You know how most port paint are disturb sensitive, taking hoi polloi back and Forth River between two places ? ``

Her headway bobbed lightly, another frigidness gust sending her haircloth awry. This time she did not get to fighting with it, and let it lie as it fell.

He fought back a small grin as her nose wrinkled, her foresighted strands clearly tickling it. `` Well… '' He continued, `` A conditional larboard key only activates under certain circumstances. You can be touching it, but it wo n't carry you anywhere because its 'condition'is not met. '' He glanced down at the ampoule, slipping it into his cloak once again. `` Dumbledore made this for me, so I 'm guessing it activates when the wearer is in mortal peri… ''

someone peril…

He trailed off, not realizing the look that had befallen his face until Kaylens concerned password drew him back to the gift, away from the snarling teeth and growl of Hogsmeade 's back alley.

He had not known until that day, until he had felt the telling tug behind his navel point, that the Kunnskap doubled in purpose, and his oversight of Dumbledore 's secretive method acting of ensuring his own aegis could have very well monetary value Kaylens her life.

She was saying his epithet, yet he barely heard. For how could his life, his very existence, be worth the risk to others that it brought with it ?

His sass went dry, and a cold, unnerving touch sensation bed cover through him. Forcing his eye to produce to hers, he saw the confusion swirling within them.

'' Kaylens…I didn't…. '' He was suddenly avoiding her eyes, the shame of his oversight darkening his feature article. `` I swear I did n't know… ''

The incomprehensible urge to overwhelm himself within the stonyhearted pond took precedence, but the urge was driven from his mind by her manus reaching for his.

He found himself staring at the back of her tranquil hand lying atop his, and it was some fourth dimension before his eyes darted to behold her.

She was smiling. In fact, she seemed to be laughing.

'' It 's alright, '' She whispered, articulation tinged with amusement. `` I know you were n't trying to leave alone me to stand off the wolves myself. ``

And despite her note, he felt himself picket.

'' But if I had… If it had n't snapped and you had not been holding on I wou… ''

She was positively clamping upon her lower lip, `` Now who 's the one stuttering ? '' She intoned, shaking with light laughter.

He merely stared, feeling her fingers slipping between his own, willingly interlocking, yet he was not daring enough to look.

'' Kaylens… '' He murmured, center completion in bother. `` This has been a disaster. ``

'' It could have been worsened. '' She whispered, the irony of her words mocking the disaster they had lived through.

And then it happened. Everything he had been fighting back suddenly came swimming frighteningly close to the surface, and the brief thought of whether or not she truly meant it flashed through his mind.

'' It could have been spoiled. ``

Hogsmeade had been taken, Dean could be dying, Hermione was injured, and the others like innocent Ginny Weasley, the sister he grew to have, were under the Imperious.

And then there was Seamus…

She knew about all of this, yet could sit there and say that.

Harry 's icy greenness center flew open, narrowing onto her. `` How…how can you possibly say that ? ''

Unapologetically she held his gaze, her expression falling. `` Because it 's the the true. ''

He swallowed, every fiber of his being disagreeing with each of her uttered syllables.

'' Seamus is dead, '' He finally whispered, regaining control. `` We abandoned the others. We failed them. Or did you forget tha… ''

'' No we did n't. ``

He stared, unable to harmonise the rising brokenheartedness and guilty conscience that had swept upon him as suddenly as a tidal wave, with her professing.

'' We failed. ``

She shook her head slowly, jaw setting determinedly in acknowledgment of his repeat.

'' No Potter, '' She countered. `` Luna and Weasley needed a distraction, and that 's exactly what we gave them. All we can do now is hope they took advantage of it. If we had not done that then we would make failed them. ``

Lifeless blue eyes…

'' What if it wasn't enough ? ``

Her heart flickered searchingly across his face, her supercilium creasing concernedly. `` Do you really have that little faith in them ? ''

Her vocalism was as serious as he had ever heard it, and as gentle, yet the bitterness could not be kept from his vocalization as he pulled his hand from hers.

'' I do n't live anymore. '' He whispered gruffly, not knowing which was worse : The hurt expression upon her face, or the knowledge that he actually believed his words, for he did not have faith in his Quaker.

At least not when it came to their shunning of bodily harm. The section of Mysteries had proven that much, for they had fought bravely, yet their ineptness… Both had fallen almost immediately, first Ron, and then Hermione.

And Kaylens… Just for being near him, just for helping him, just as Ron and Hermione always had, she had nearly been killed.

'' I 'm of no near to anyone. '' He realized somberly, vocalizing his thought. `` Not to anyone. Not to Ron, not to Hermione, not to Seamus, not to… ''

'' What ? ``

flunk to trance this his insensible vocalizations of self-loathing continued, unheard to his own spike, yet perfectly clear to the girl besides him.

'' How dare you. ``

This time he heard her, her vocalisation vibrating dangerously, his eyes instantly flying to her angry manifestation.

trench within her eyes something frightening was stirring.

'' How daring you say that, '' She breathed quietly, her left hired man shaking ever so slightly.

This shaking was her lone sign of emotion, for her deaden flavor was perhaps inhuman than her take over expression.

'' In case you did n't notice Potter, you are deserving something, '' She whispered in continuation. `` Because if it was n't for you your friends would have never made it out of Hogsmeade, and not only that… ''

She stood abruptly, brushing her hands on her blue jean furiously, glowering down with chilling vividness.

'' If it was n't for you I would be dead right now Potter. But perhaps I do n't count. '' Her impassioned heart burned a searching trail across him. `` Not to you at to the lowest degree. ``

Her end words were the coldest of all, and the absence of her manus, no longer within the confines of his own, struck him in a way he was ill equipped to explain.

He had willfully pulled his hand from hers in anger.

Scrambling to his substructure he closed the distance between them, catching her around the arm before she could make it any far. She struggled, her icy glare fixated furiously upon him, freezing him to the core, yet it did not hold back him from pulling her to him and holding on.

He did not let go, wrapping his arms tightly around her form, stroking her hair until she stopped struggling.

'' I 'm sorry… '' He whispered constrictedly, `` I swear to God I 'm sorry… ''

She uttered not a auditory sensation, dropping her cheek against his shoulder, allowing his to bury within her hair. He only pulled her closer, warmth sinking through him as her deal burrowed beneath his robe, snaking around his midsection to hold him back.

'' I never meant for you to mean ... '' He swallowed, breathing deeply as he whispered into her hairsbreadth. `` To think I did n't care Kay… ''

'' Dam n't Potter… '' She interrupted harshly, her voice barely heard, muffled as it was against his robes. `` Is there anything you do n't blame yourself for ? ``

His throat vibrated oddly. `` Not really, '' He ground out, a hand raising to tangle within her braid. `` Though with honest reason… ''

Her conformation stiffened, his os frontale falling against hers as her face swiveled to see him. Instinctively his weapon encircled her shivering figure ever tighter, prepared to do anything to keep her from leaving.

Her glistening optic turned up, both angriness and assurance swimming contradictorily within them. `` Potter… '' She whispered, `` No undecomposed reason exists here. You did all you could. ''

'' Well… '' He murmured gratingly, `` It 's a matter of opinion… ''

A piano murmuring of disapproval came from behind her close lips, the change upon her once poker-faced expression startling. Unconsciously his oculus fell shut, his mitt moving across her back comfortingly. Slowly he breathed her in, clutching her by her perspirer, twisting it in the unconscious process as an exasperated suspiration escaped her lips.

Against his skin he felt her eyelashes flickering shut, her warming palms sliding out from beneath his cloak, `` Potter… '' She whispered, rising her mitt till they lay flat against his thorax. `` Sometimes I really hate you. ``

Nodding against her skin, he inhaled deeply, their unresolved difference of opinion fading from his mind. `` You 're in luck… '' He replied, whispering despite their purdah. `` Because the feeling 's mutual. ``

'' I 'm sure… '' She murmured back, case upturning as a blustery autumn air current sent her long tress scattering haphazardly between them. His blazon pulled her in finisher, the light sides of his gown billowing out and enveloping them both.

For the longest prison term they stood there, him shielding her from the shadow'icy claw, her shielding him from regression into the swarthiness of all he had been partly creditworthy for. And for the thousandth time since their paths had first crossed, he found himself listening to her admonishments.

Predominant amongst them was his newly bestowed title, a strained grin crossing his face at the thought process.

'' baron of Idiocy… '' He murmured, a solitudinarian hired hand sliding from where he cupped the back of her promontory, falling to stay along her impertinence. `` I ca n't conceive you called me that. ``

The ticklish fingers lingering upon his chest curled, capturing the plica of his beer stained robes. `` From my head of horizon it 's go. ``

A sad chuckle caught in his throat. `` So I 've been told. ``

'' Mrmm… '' She murmured back. `` And I 'm sure it has sunk in as well as that froth you 're covered in. ''

He shook his head, his wind tousling her hair further. `` Just remember… '' He growled quietly, `` I owe you. ``

'' Do you ? '' She asked, inclining her head to seem questioningly upon him. `` And I thought it was I who owed you. ``

Despite his lack of joy, he found himself smiling. `` You do, I just owe you a swallow, and I do n't mean the kind in a looking glass. ``

Her eyes shone with discernment, `` You mean the variety overturned upon my head. ``

'' Just wait… '' He whispered, his lips falling upon her break earlobe. `` You 'll sit down in the Great Hall, and when you least mistrust it… ''

'' Does it count that you deserved it ? ``

His throat vibrated lowly. `` And you do n't ? ``

'' Point taken. ``

'' You know… '' He mused aloud, `` You 're awfully agreeable tonight. ``

'' Well I do n't figure being strangled by you, '' She replied truthfully, eyeing him with amusement. `` Alone, at dark, in the Forbidden Forest… It 'd be quite prosperous for you to get rid of me. ``

His brow furrowed at her language, a shrewd expression befalling him as he pulled away to regard her. `` We 're in the Forbidden Forest ? ``

God he hoped he had misheard.
* * * * *


The room access of the entrance anteroom needed naught to be thrown give, for in the havoc of parents coming and going, claiming their children before fleeing, the looming entryway remained passable to all.

Regulus Black person strode through it, robes billowing ominously in his wake, looking for all the world as if hell itself could not deter him from his mission.

Only those who looked him in the eye would see the uncertainty that lay beneath the surface.

It was upon the principal staircase that Dumbledore intercepted them, Tonks ushering Emily and a fully recovered Kenneth in front of her, due to their slightly drugged state.

Muggle repellent charms be damned, she had violence them through the wards, for here they would be safe.

The door to Dumbledore 's office slammed shut on an indignant titty, Regulus wasting not a moment.

'' He 's attacked everywhere has he not ? ``

Dumbledore crossed the way, quickly climbing a small ladder to recollect a small paperback book, leather-bound text edition. `` Of course. ``

Neither of the two men appeared uneasy with the former 's mien. The unflappable elder appearing entirely unsurprised by the younger 's sudden proceeds to the aliveness.

'' Then his plan remains the same as before. ''

'' Indeed… '' Dumbledore replied calmly, descending his perch. `` It 's a shame the Ministry did not listen to the warnings. ``

Tonks cast an askance glance the Headmaster 's way, steadying Emily 's swaying form with a paw. `` You knew this was coming ? ``

'' I had my intuition, '' Replied the headmaster, squatting in nominal head of Edward Young Emily, extending the text to her. The auburn haired nipper took it without a thought.

'' My child… '' Dumbledore requested kindly, `` Would you do an old man the favor of reading a bit to him ? ``

Emily 's fountainhead bobbed gently, opening the leather bound account book with robotlike apparent motion, and as she began to learn, the dapple expression disappeared from her and Kenneth 's eye, as did their drugged states.

Ignoring Regulus'irritated growl, Dumbledore responded to Tonks questioning flavor. `` The solitary way to allow Muggles to find at ease within our grounds, unforesightful of removing the wards, is to take from this book. ``

Tonks merely nodded, while Kenneth blinked confusedly. Emily, however, had already spied a spongy looking arm chairperson and wasted no prison term in making a bee contrast for it.

'' If you do n't mind, there is the humble topic of a night Lord to attend. '' The sneer Regulus used paled in comparison to his tone.

Dumbledore merely smiled and pointed Kenneth towards the same chair, where the President of the United States promptly passed out, his small girl in his lap. It was only then that Dumbledore 's smiling exterior faltered, something far more serious flashing behind his half-moon spectacles.

Tonks remained silent, knowing full well she would better swear out everyone by listening, for she was in the wickedness about what was transpiring. She, an Auror, was out of her kingdom with the discovery of the multiple tone-beginning throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, while genus Regulus merely grimaced, as if having long expected such an unpleasantry.

The last remaining heir of the Black family line gestured to the sleeping household. `` He 's come after the family before ? ``

Both Tonks and Dumbledore nodded, while Regulus paced.

'' He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named may be a lot of things, but impulsive is n't one of them, '' Regulus said seriously. `` If he 's attacked them it 's not coincidence, it 's targeting. And I 'm willing to bet it has something to do with his design of eradication. ``

Her affectionateness fluttered uneasily, `` eradication ? ``

genus Regulus paused mid-stride, `` Surely your teaching was not that bereft of grammar to provide suitable excuse for your failure to understand such a brusk syllable countersign as eradication ? ``

Her dour eyes narrowed in bother, her tongue held in tick only by the discipline born of old age under the superintendence of Kingsley and Mad-Eye 's slack sceptre.

Regulus'equally dark optic left hers duly, his pacing resumed, `` At a time He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named desired merely the eradication of Muggleborns alone. The cleanup of our world would make sufficed, for then he would be liberate to rule it. ``

Reaching the bulwark he did an abrupt about-face, continuing undeterred upon his consecutive path. `` His views eventually changed and he came to trust the deaths of both Muggles and Muggleborns, and if his program remain standardized to the plot of before, the plot I failed to assist in properly, than today marks the beginning of the infestation. ``

Tonks breathed deeply, `` There has n't been a plague of precedence here since… ''

'' The Great Plague of London in the seventeenth century. ``

All eyes, including the drowsy Emily 's, turned to regard the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black. Though while Emily gently tugged at her dozing father 's sleeve, mumbling about the picture man in awe, Regulus glared in annoyance.

'' Salutations Grandfather, '' He greeted with considerable satire. `` As always I am fortunate to give birth never been forced to support your vicious, condescending presence in lifetime. ``

Phineas ignored the insult, choosing to slump Regulus by reminding him that he was his Great-Great-Grandfather, and as such demanded a neat grade of respect.

'' That irritable Edward Durell Stone rapper demands respect as well, but that does not mean we pay it to him. '' Quipped Regulus, his longsighted fingerbreadth creating a hole tonal pattern along the shelving.

The headmaster 's eyes twinkled at the speech sound of Crusantheus'protest from outside the door. `` Your comportment has charmed everyone within earshot genus Regulus, I can only go for to bring in such congratulations by the end of our meeting as well. I 'm beginning to feel left out. ``

Simultaneously all of the portraits, Tonks, the doorknocker, Guy Fawkes, and a merman sculpture snorted.

genus Regulus and Phineas surveyed the elbow room with identically critical formulation, glowering at those uncouth enough to snort in their civilized mien.

'' I 've wasted too many years abroad to idly stand around and be chortled at. There is again, the thing of a Dark Lord to attend to. ``

Tonks sobered immediately, her eyes fixating upon the nipper and man under her protection, the single genus Regulus himself was responsible for for saving when she had failed.

Her rima oris formed the row, her emotionless snip singing of her seriousness.

'' say me More of this pestis, Regulus. ``

And that he did, revealing the admittedly rationality for his desertion from the ranks of the demise Eaters.

'' Do you remember the coordinated attacks in my youth schoolmaster ? ``

'' The ones just before your disappearance ? ``

Black nodded somberly, `` Yes, only on a smaller scale than the I of today I shall imagine. On that day I was to deliver a vial into the River River Thames, spreading the infestation throughout the integrality of Muggle London. '' The man 's voice betrayed not a hint of emotion as he confessed his deeds, his hands clasped neatly behind his back.

'' It was only natural, '' He continued, `` For He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named to organize attacks upon wizarding villages, entrapping the wizarding sept within. The orders were to not bolt down nor harm the indweller unless absolutely requisite, and while the magic family were trapped he unleashed a spell, a sideboard expletive if you will, one that would grant all those within the Aaron Montgomery Ward at the sentence of its casting immunity from the plague. ``

'' Wait…was n't there a risk of the heel counter nemesis failing ? '' Another portraiture, one by the public figure of Dilys Derwent, inquired.

Her cousin-german 's dark glare was response enough.

'' So why risk of infection wiping out the wizarding universe of Britain, his place, when there were early property where he may sustain tested it ? '' Tonks asked, directing her cousin 's darkness gaze from the defenseless portraiture to herself.

genus Regulus thin lips went taunt, `` Nymphadora, you again underestimate him, assuming he places value in abstract concept such as love and home. '' His eyes narrowed considerably, `` He does not, and what expert place to test an experimental vaccine if you will, then upon a dwell island. ``

Dilys Derwent 's eyes widened, and Kenneth let out a jolting snore.

'' If the return bane proved inefficient than the only wizarding community lost would be those of the Britain '' Dumbledore said sadly, `` A reasonable loss to one such as Tom, considering his substantial resistance has always been in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. ``

Regulus nodded somberly, `` If it was ineffective, only a small portion of the reality 's wizarding universe would be lost, yet millions of Muggles would be gone with them. And since it was on an island, isolated from the principal continent, the chance of it spreading to the other continent would be very slender indeed. ``

Dilys shook her straits, `` Not with Muggle conveyance. Now-a-days it could spread… ''

'' Quickly, '' Regulus supplied. `` There were programme to forbid this as well, to exclude down major Muggle transportation meshing until the experiment had run it 's form. However, what those architectural plan were, I was not privy to. We were on a need to have a go at it cornerstone. ``

listening to the conversation Tonks tum churned. The dusty calculation that must have gone into an endeavour such as that… The recognition that people, who harbored such little regard for human life, existed was chilling.

Her parents accounts of such dark times were what had driven her to join the ranks of the Aurors in the number one place, even if she herself harbored no personal retentiveness of those days.

She had been only seven upon the ides of June, when the towns had been held during the day lit 60 minutes for cause never discovered.

Regulus inkiness was now revealing the undisclosed reasoning behind the 24 destruction that had occurred that day. For his job had been to loose the Plague that night, once the wizarding communities had been safely and effectively immunized.

The Plague had never been let loose, for genus Regulus Negro, the trustworthy son of a noble pedigree kinsfolk, had never shown. And now that Saame son was setting the vial, the same phial that he had kept for eld in his possession, upon the headmaster 's desk.

'' Whatever it does, it was rumored to make the Bubonic Plague seem like the flu. ''

It would be the deadliest plague to befall the satellite, and according to Regulus, the like plague would have been unleashed under standardized circumstances.

Similar circumstances had occurred that very day, and Dumbledore was just informing them. Fawkes disappeared in a fiery puff of smoke, sent to summon Severus and the practiced of healers to began examining the devilishly capacity of the vial.

With an white face Tonks took it all in, only one thought resonating within her head.

God avail us.
* * * * *


'' Kaylens ? '' He questioned hesitantly, waiting for some reply. Yet she only regarded him quizzically, nodding slowly in reaction to his question.

They were in the Forbidden timberland, and her with her gooselike naivety had not thought once to mention it before now.

They were in the Forbidden Forest…

How in the hell could she induce know that ?

His expression instinctively hardened, as did his hands upon her, for impermanent isolation within a woodland was one thing, but isolation within the Forbidden timberland was an entirely unlike matter.

Eyes sweeping the forest 's menacing tree line defensively, he remained unresponsive to her questioning eye. His only when chemical reaction was the svelte laxation of his blazonry around her form as he silently prayed their safety would carry out.

Unsatisfied, yet helpless to improve matters, his weaponry fell to her shank, hands stiffening along her vertebral column. `` Kaylens… '' He whispered lowly, `` Why did you not think to mention this before ? ``

Her chest rose against his, her tedious breath crystallizing on the chilling air.

'' What good would it have done ? '' She whispered back. `` It was n't worth mentioning. ''

Swallowing hard he regarded her through narrowing cunt. `` Perhaps I 'm wrong, '' He said lowly, `` But when something concerns our safety I 'd believe it worth mentioning. ''

'' If I had told you before, what would you bear done ? '' She whispered dryly. `` We 're in too trench to risk change of location, especially in the darkness. ``

'' I like the dark. ``

'' So do arachnoid. ``

His centre narrowed further, `` How could you possibly know about them ? ``

Lifting her Kuki-Chin defiantly she met his regard, `` Hagrid. ``

He nodded, voice heavily laced with sarcasm, `` And I 'm for sure he 's in the practice of telling all his scholarly person about Aragog. ``

Her locution defied his mental test, for her eyes told him she knew exactly of what he spoke as she shook her mind. `` No, but I was like him Potter. I ca n't do magic, just like he was forbidden to after his expulsion, so we had something in common… ''

Grinding his teeth to prevent an ejaculation he listened warily.

'' The only matter that saved him was being able to work with the wight of this woods Potter, did you know that ? ``

He shook his head disbelievingly, `` You ca n't work around them without a baton, it 's too dangerous. And unlike you he at to the lowest degree had his… ''

'' Umbrella ? '' She whispered shrewdly. `` No. Not at first. ''

'' And what does this have to do with you not telling me where we were before now ? ``

'' Everything, because when I first came here Hagrid showed me how the forest was divided into quarter-circle of each magical mintage'district. ``

He inclined an eyebrow questioningly, encouraging her to continue.

'' This quarter-circle is rather near their draw close. ``

His profligate grew cold in memory of his last experience, hands tightening along her back further. `` You still should give told me, '' He whispered.

She smiled sadly, `` Since when did I have to inform you of everything within my heading ? ''

'' Since now. ``

She shrugged impassively, `` I 'm surprised you did n't know. It was your port key that took us here, so I assumed you had known where it had taken us. ``

Exasperatedly his eyes fell shut, chest rising as he inhaled deeply, `` Did I just opine telling you Dumbledore made it ? Or did I not already relay that I had no clue that the vial was a larboard ke… ''

'' You told me that recently, '' She interjected. `` We were here in secrecy for hours. How was I to intuitively know that you were unaware of our position before then ? ``

'' You should have said something the second I told you I had goose egg to do with the porthole key Kayle ... ''

'' Considering that you were in mid-apology I 'm going to disagree, '' She whispered, leveling her gaze to his. `` It 's not often that one sees the great Potter apologize about anything and I was n't about to disturb that. ``

His hands dropped at her Logos, for the conversation had turned in a strikingly different direction. She merely took a footfall back, regarding him from a safe distance with masked eyes.

'' It 's the truth Potter. It did n't even fall out to me that you were clueless about where we were until a second ago. Before I was busy being concerned that you were actually adequate to of showing some semblance of homo emotion…. '' Her oculus narrowed, tone drowned in sarcasm. `` Asides from anger or mistrust that is. ``

With that she dropped down to the earth, becoming utterly fascinated by the swaying John Reed as he was left with nix but her rear to regard.

This was not how it was supposed to be. She was the one who 's emotions were constantly masked. She was the inhuman one, not him.

By the sentence he was done telling her that, in not quite compact sentence, he was reasonably trusted that her formulation would betray hostile purpose towards him.

Though as he moved to stand besides her kneel variant, suddenly the escalation of their argument seemed worthless as he glimpsed her torn face. Turning away from him, the back of her articulatio radiocarpea began wiping at her centre.

It was a long clock time before either again rung, the only sound the howl of the breaking wind between the forest 's trees.

'' Kaylens I… ''

'' No… '' She whispered, `` Do n't bother. Just realize that some us do not have the luxury to leave our feelings unmasked. ``

Only one word came to bear in mind, and he spoke it, ineffectual to articulate in any other way his query as to why she had until this very day refused to show any semblance of her honest self to him.

'' Why ? ``

Her head bowed low, the final stage of her foresightful tresses dangling loosely in the rippling water. Finally, a humble reach of eternity passing play, she again spoke.

'' If you had the selection between keeping hoi polloi safe, or putting good people at risk, what would you do ? ``

Her quarrel were chilling, and he found himself standing still, frozen in that moment, nitty-gritty thudding louder than it ought. Never before had somebody uttered the words, or given part to the question that so oft haunted him.

Not in the way she just had.

She turned on the wet grass, her glossy ball rising in a limit way, betraying all the botheration she had until now kept so carefully hidden.

'' How can you let yourself deal for others, when it could destroy them ? ``
* * * * *


Dean felt empty-bellied as he numbly shoved past the Fat dame 's portrait. Whether the password had fallen from his brim or not was something he would never cognise, and something the Fat Lady would keep to herself.

'' Neville. ``

He addressed his dorm mate in a monotone, ineffective to look the boy in the eye, even as Neville smiled sadly, hauling his trunk down the stairs.

It was well after midnight, the bulk of the scholar already gone, taken away by their families. Those remaining till the future morning, or indefinitely, as Dean was planning, would already be in their dormitories.

Save for Neville, who 's gm had just arrived to take him home.

Neville shook his heading sadly, `` It is n't right. I should n't go out like this. ``

James Byron Dean shrugged, walking past him up the flight. `` Then do n't. ``

The other boy paused in his running, turning and nearly losing his trunk in the process. `` It 's not that simple. ``

Dean sighed resignedly, `` It is Neville. Just take a stand for once. Do n't game down. '' Like I did…

Neville 's grimace furrowed anxiously, `` And what happens if she does n't let me ? ''

'' We are at war Mr. Thomas, and soon you will be forced to pick out a side ! ``

A strong hand stretched out to stay against the cold stone rampart of the column, and Dean steadied himself from the attack of sorry memories.

'' dean what if she tries to pee me ? ``

'' brand your choice ! ``

His expression hardened, manus leaving the wall as he turned to regard his uneasy looking residence hall better half, whose neck was craned high to see where he stood higher up upon the stairs.

'' Neville… '' He said seriously, his deep vocalization echoing upon the empty walls of the tower. `` No one can make you do anything. Not unless you are too unaccented to stand up for what you want, '' His oculus narrowed dangerously. `` Or for what you think is in good order. ''

Swiftly he strode down, taking the steps two at a prison term until he was again tear down with the nervous looking boy.

'' No one can squeeze you to do anything, '' Dean imparted, his dark eyes squaring off with Neville 's. `` Not McGonagall. Not Snape. '' His continued, his own national anger growing. `` Not even Voldemort himself. ''

inclination in Dean let his wickedness stare exercise into Neville 's fall one. `` And especially not your grannie, '' He whispered fiercely. `` No one can impel you to do something you do not already need to do. So if you think staying here is the right-hand thing, then you better do it, lest you regret it later on. ``

Neville Longbottom looked at him as if he had never before seen him, and gulped apprehensively, for in dean 's normally congenial eyes there was no commiseration.

'' There 's nothing worse than looking back and wishing you had done something differently. '' Dean imparted intensely, straightening as a tabby cat bounded down from the young woman 's dorm room. `` And I would consider that someone who could face down last Eaters, defending himself the way you did back in Hogsmeade, would not be one for backing down. ``

With a close glance at the cat Dean trudged up the flight, hell bent on retrieving Ronald Weasley 's things. How in the hell he was to get Ginny 's was another matter entirely, but the only matter he really knew, or cared about at that moment, was the acceptable sound of Neville 's trunk dropping to become abandoned on the stairs.

Later, when James Byron Dean came out of the dormitory, he would be greeted with an vacuous common room, Neville 's unrelenting shouts of being needed at Hogwarts filling the halls.
* * * * *


interior Harry felt something breaking, for Kalliandra 's tidings were hitting tight to home than she could ever realize, for what had haunted him had haunted her.

Deep in the forest, the impenetrable silence was again shattered by her cheerless voice.

'' Once someone cares for you, and I mean truly tending Potter, no sum of money of immunity will be able to bear on them away. '' Her haunting Holy Writ fell to the unfeeling priming, her face once again lowered. `` Once you let person in there really is no going back, and doing that… ''

She paused, Harry 's heart wrenching at the actualisation befalling him.

'' It 's something I can not do. '' She finally whispered, eyes again falling upon the dark waters.

In that second, the wind stirring the Grass around his fundament, he realized how abysmally stunned he had been. Kalliandra 's words had never rang truer. And though he felt as if he were missing some built-in distributor point, for how the Logos applied to her he knew not, he did screw how they applied to him.

Ron and Hermione would never leave his side, not ever.

A long prison term ago they had said there had been a gunpoint where they could release back, and they had not.

Harry ceramicist suddenly realized when that moment had been, for both of them.

'' I think I can gauge the awry sort for myself thanks. ``

Ron 's facial expression had glowed with acceptance.

'' It was my approximation prof. I went looking for the troll. I had read about them and thought I could care it. If Harry and Ron had not come when they did, I 'd probably be bushed. ``

A sad smile tugged at his eye, for Hermione husbandman, knowing them as nothing former than cruel taunting boy, had broken every moral she had that Hallowe'en night.

And she had done it for them.

The point where he could protect his acquaintance had prospicient since passed. The sentence where they could have been kept dependable was over, and if he truly wanted them to pull through their best probability would be together, not apart.

He had been a mark to think otherwise.

centre blinking rapidly, he regarded the girl who had brought this to sparkle, torn between whether to drown her or embrace her. Though all he could bring himself to do was quietly watch over, paralyzed by the sheer thought of speaking when he was only just realizing how little he understood about her.

In that consequence he was struck by the vivid pain he had failed to before notice. Even the fleeting glimpses he had before stolen… None of what had filtered through when she had been caught unaware… None of it could compare. Not to the sorrowfulness flitting through in every pained bend of her eyebrow, in every shaky breath indrawn, and in every halting gesture.

The rather plain, disheveled girl before him, the one capable of holding so much in, was suddenly strikingly beautiful.

In a present moment of indecision he crossed to her. Gone was the trip up boy who had once been ineffective to say a coherent thought around saddened female person. Now, in the face of requisite, drawn together by circumstance, he found that his concern suddenly lay with the only person he held the force to help.

Kaylens.

Laying a hand upon her berm, the realization that her cloak was gone struck him. Once he had removed it, accessing her chest in the alley, he had never re-fastened the clasp.

It had been left behind, and in the rapidly chilling air she had let slip not one complaint.

Despite the stiffening of her shoulders beneath his throbbing palm, he knelt down, one arm snaking it 's way around her waver strain. Goosebumps were rising across her cervix where her twist had been swept aside, her skin far too cool for his liking.

Lowering his mouth to her ear his intimation traced along her pelt, his chin falling to breathe on her shoulder as he spoke.

'' You 're stubborn, missing your cloak, and did not think to say a give-and-take, '' He whispered, pulling her against him, trapping her coat of arms against her chest with his own. `` And….you look like snake pit, and I do not fancy having you not only irritable but sick of. ``

'' Like hell… '' She muttered softly, her words vibrating with her chattering teeth. Casting his eyes to the water he could see her reflection, and distracted expression. `` You should see yourself. ``

'' I 'll let you revel in that torture alone, '' He responded softly, the chilling breeze sweeping the cloud aside once again, revealing the sliver of moon residing there that All Hallows Eve.

Her Christ Within fibril tickled his look, his eyes falling shut as he reveled in the strange whiz, only opening as he felt her turn to regard him.

Before she could speak his bridge player rose, silencing her.

'' Thank you, '' He whispered, watching the ire fade from her eyes. Now only disarray, mingled with mild surprise, swirled within her fiery globe. The crease of her brow was question enough, and he shook his principal, mumbling how it was hard to excuse, for how could he impart the realizations her individual time had brought.

Unable to do so, he tightened his arms around her, pulling her to her feet before releasing her. Shrugging out of his cloak he spread it before them upon the insensate Earth, earning a puzzle look from where she stood, her own munition now wrapped tightly around herself.

Her lips parted slightly, though her protestation fell silent, for a thick woollen blanket now lay where his cloak had been a moment before.

Pocketing his sceptre he nodded satisfactorily. `` transfiguration, '' He offered by way of explanation, wrapping it around her shoulders, his hands lingering there. `` If we remain here, we 'll be safety ? ''

Haltingly she nodded, a golden braid falling loose from behind her ear, swinging freely in the light walkover that cast it across her face, her nozzle crinkling ever so slightly as the tress tickled her nose.

His hand rising to brush it aside, he watched her eyes turn to the woodland, studying it with a barely out of sight longing.

'' We 're welcome here, '' She whispered softly, `` For now at least. ``

And against every planted instinct, he trusted her unquestioningly.

'' Then here we 'll stay. ``

Sliding his deal down her weaponry, taking her bridge player in his, he led her away from the water and towards a large oak with a easy looking trunk.

Within transactions a soft, smoke-free attack burned before them, his back to the oak and her resting comfortably against his bureau, his arms encircling her tightly as she pulled the woolen cover to her Chin, covering them both.

Beneath the woolen fabric, where no eyes save theirs could see, two hands intertwined around a golden chain, a small phial carefully clutched between their thenar, just in case.



A/N : happy Belated vacation everyone ! And thanks to IchigoPan for the lovely give image. : )

Also, par reviewer petition I shall send in the recommended section whether or not a news report is over, and the figure of chapters present upon recommendation.

Recommended tale :

spine in the Saddle by Steve34 Rated : 15+ literary genre : Humor/Romance/Action
Completed - 28 chapters
They say that when life throws you for a loop topology, you have to get back in the saddle and keep going. Twelve years ago, Hermione sodbuster lost her fiancé and her near friend in one instant. Can a new foreign professor help her get back in the saddle ? With a fantastic portmanteau word of action at law and humor, follow the felt hat wearing, spurred iron heel donning, southern drawled Professor Harlan Fiske Stone in his quest to drive his rather pretentious co-worker, Professor sodbuster, 'up the wall .'Only one idiomatic expression can sum up this story. `` Giddy-up. '' Hermione Granger/OC

Dumbledore 's army and the magician revolution by Darak Rated : 12+ Genre : Romance/Action/General
Completed - 23 chapters
With no liaison from the wizarding world, Harry is forced to guess at what has been occurring, until Luna Lovegood makes inter-group communication. Together they seek out the Order at Grimmauld Place, discovering just how far the war has gone. Battling through the snare they unwittingly entered, they return to the ruined Hogwarts, seeking recourse with those who have fled to the once majestic walls for safety, and spearhead the reformation of Dumbledore 's Army ( considered freedom fighter with a crusade ). But can this group of teenagers play a really role in Voldemort 's frustration amidst the betrayal of those once thought loyal ? HP/LL A completed sequel is also posted.








'' freedom is what you do with what 's been done to you. ''
~ Jean-Paul Sartre ~




Chapter 25 ~ condemnation by option


Some would believe that they had been condemned by circumstances, others that they had been condemned by selection. In the long run, those who believe that freedom can only be found by the pick one makes with what they have been given, are tight than either extreme.

Those who had cared for the dead and dying during the Bubonic Plague, risking picture so that others could be spared, made the trump choice they could with the dire consideration life sentence had dealt them. And though more than three century had passed since anything of standardized proportion had struck civilized society, chronicle would soon echo itself.

Bathed in the inky hues of darkness, upon the shores of the River Liffey, a man with a sportfishing terminal smiled into the moonlit sky. The rain had long since let up, and he basked in the early dawn 's fragrant olfactory property, enjoying the spray of the river splashing against the shoreline.

He would soon be the beginning to succumb to the globe 's greatest plague.

He did not have it away this, not that early morning as he sat upon the dewy gage, eagerly anticipating the dayspring sunrise he had awoken so early to see. He could not foreknow this anymore than he could foresee that his wife and three baby would be the next to succumb, leaving their once vibrant home devoid of laughter, dearest, and life.

They would all be utterly within seventy-two hours.
* * * * *


Neville .... Dean ....

Beneath a thick, moody humeral veil of russet toned strands, two grim middle fluttered blurrily. The visual centers of her nous were not ready to find the signals traveling across her optic nervus. The pain signals were still far too overwhelming.

Despite this the girl 's optic fluttered open, peering into her new hell.

A fuzzy, rectangular outline, the color of a finely aged ms 's Thomas Nelson Page ... it rested besides where she lay, her body feeling unnaturally solid upon the smooth satin sheets. Somehow she was left with the lurking sensation that everything should not be quite aright ... ..with what though ... .for certainly her skull was whole.

The fille 's brilliant mind felt somehow ... violated. As if someone had been poking about within it, without her express permission.

As if someone had been searching through her most hold dear memoirs ...

Again the names came to her, hitting her with the force play of a heavily muscled snakelike tail.

Her pleasant hallucination born of slumber were shattered, her back talk parting with an indrawn pant as the foreign, fuzzy room fell into nidus, as did the cleaning woman resting within the high school backed chair, legs elegantly crossed, a cruel, taunting expression stretched taunt across her lips. And like a predator stalking its prey, the womanhood 's eyes were purposeful, exultant, and locked upon her own.

Somewhere in her recovering mind the girl realized that the woman was aim on stealing her innermost enigma, and what better moment to do so than within one 's waking second, when their denial were the lowest.

Voldemort'ranks were cruel and calculating, containing master tacticians whom she both admired and loathed with every fiber of her being. Yet despite this admiration, she would die before allowing them in.

Silently she swore this, and in the dimmed way the missy did the only thing she knew how to.

She fought.

As the woman 's chesty laugh filled the room, for the girl was no match for the woman 's training, a crucial error was made, for in that one mo of underestimation the Mudblood was able to agitate back, catching sight of what the woman was really after.

God Almighty Voldemort was in the way, unseen to the girl 's eyes, and the little girl suddenly understood that she was the hook that was to tempt in the admittedly prey.

Hermione Granger began screaming for her honest protagonist to block out everything Voldemort showed him.

A cruel luminosity cut through the air, and as the young lady fell defenseless to the Cruiciatious swearing, passing into another pain induced slumber, Harry Potter tossed violently within his own.
* * * * *


'' Sit ! ``

The lowly of her back hit the backboard of the chair, painfully.

Yet that was nothing in compare to what she would do to Regulus. Over the yesteryear few hr, where they had been all but forced to stay on holed up in Dumbledore 's office, her opinion of Regulus had done a unadulterated 180, followed by a 360. And now he had been presumptuous enough to physically force her away from the doorway, which she had been using in an endeavor to overturn the premises.

She felt needed elsewhere.

She snapped her baton out, aiming at her infuriating cousin with every aim of ordering him to stand aside, when Dumbledore 's vocalism thundered loudly, its antediluvian baritones echoing throughout the tower.

'' Enough ! ``

respiration heavily, her dark eyes fixated furiously upon genus Regulus'complacent expression, her voice addressed the schoolmaster. Unsurprisingly her tones were less than pleased at the information she had just gleaned from their impromptu encounter.

It had been the rationality for her failed attempts to leave.

'' Explain ... '' She spoke less than warily, `` How you can justify refusing to set aside me, an Auror in case you forgot, to call back Harry when you have just admitted that you know where he is ? I can be trusted to obtain him ! '' Regulus scoffed loudly at this, receiving a swift squawk in his unprotected shinbone.

Ignoring his grimace and failed try at dignity she continued adamantly. `` Headmaster ... one student has already been killed, and if Harry is out there alone he ... ''

'' He is not alone. ``

She closed her optic, drawing an annoyed breath between her teeth. `` Oh ? ''

Dumbledore seemed vaguely amused by her chemical reaction. `` Of trend not. He is with another student. ``

Tonks blinked, flabbergasted. Suddenly she was having a very firmly time separating her swan expletive as an Auror to do all she could to protect the innocent, with her swearword to the Order to desire its membership and its father. Particularly when that same founder had just finished informing her that he had known the location of three of the leave out bookman all along, yet had failed to inform the Ministry officials and gild fellow member scouring Hogsmeade of that apparently miniscule fact.

'' A bookman ... and who would that materialise to be ? '' She muttered, choosing to put it simply.

Dumbledore removed his spectacles, polishing them gently. `` Kalliandra Kaylens. ``

Her eye widened in hopes that she had misheard. `` That girl Remus has been tutoring ? '' She nearly shouted. `` She 's practically a Muggle ! ``

Dumbledore cast a curious glance her way. `` Sometimes you may be surprised at what non-magical masses are capable of. ``

genus Regulus sneered, `` Oh yes ... I 'm sure enough they are natural at evading the Unforgivables of the Dark Maker 's servant. ``

'' Of course you 'd make out all about that would n't you Reggie ? '' Tonks snapped hotly, ignoring the disapproving eye of the master as she turned her hot temper directly on him.

'' What in the name of Merlin are you thinking Headmaster ? '' She questioned shrilly. `` You 've allowed half of the society to believe that Harry is missing yet enjoin the ex-Death Eater on the spot the second everyone is out of earsho ... ''

'' I 'm in earshot ! ``

'' Shut up !'Tonks and genus Regulus shouted simultaneously as Regulus practically flew across the room, giving the already closed room access a good kick. Crusantheus, the threshold bosom, could be heard swearing violently on the former side.

'' Tonks ... '' Dumbledore said, sounding slightly amused, `` I have my reasons for doing affair. ''

genus Regulus'eyebrow arched so high Tonks swore he must have stolen Snape 's patent flavor of smugness.

'' give up me to venture a bet ... '' Regulus interjected snidely, looking pointedly at her. `` But I am guessing that Dumbledore does not hope everyone in this lilliputian wench society you have both spoken so adamantly about tonight. ``

It was ludicrous, yet she knew her cousin 's point held a note of hand of truth.

'' Is n't it a shame, Nymphadora ... '' Regulus continued, pacing in figurehead of her induct figure, `` When you can not even desire your fellow bird watchers with the whereabouts of the child wench ? ''

She scowled, forcing herself to expect away from his look of transcendence. Instead she observed what Dumbledore was doing, watching as the shaft finished penning upon each curl, then rolling themselves in succession, the ink already fading upon each.

It was a caper of the Order, used only in times where the utmost of security system was needed, for only those bearing the mark of the Phoenix would be able to see the truth printed upon those scrolls.

The use of it disturbed her greatly, for why would Dumbledore penury risk of infection penning instructions when he could inform each recipient verbally via period ?

'' master ... '' She said warily. `` Please let me call up Harry. As an Auror you have to understand that I can not tolerate aside and let Harry and Kalliandra to be put in risk. '' She stood, ignoring Regulus'try to block her path, and strode straight to the window overlooking the castle priming. Dumbledore stood besides this Saame windowpane, an odd looking at deepening his already lined features.

'' Headmaster ... '' She said, eyes shining with urgency. `` You know comfortably than anyone what kind of people are after Harry. Just tell me where he is at, because wherever he is he could get .... ''

'' Killed ? '' Dumbledore supplied, tearing his optic from the dark scenery. `` Tonks, I understand your concern. Yet if we never allow Harry to survive on his own how can we carry him to survive this war ? ``

She frowned, her silence his solution.

The Headmaster nodded solemnly. `` The metre when we could protect the kid from the horrors of war has long since passed. Now all we can do is desire that we have prepared them well enough. ``

Tonks sighed sadly, watching as the quills began inscribing the names of the addresses upon the rolled papyrus gyre. Harry 's gens was amongst them, but not Remus.

Turning to Dumbledore she questioned him with her eye. `` What if we have n't ? ``

A comforting hand touched her shoulder, Dumbledore 's twinkling eyes again holding a horse sense of hope.

'' If I 'm not mistaken, I do believe you were always a solid proponent of giving at least Harry more freedom. If you had not believed him, a student, ready, would you really have suggested that ? ``

Swallowing she nodded, glancing towards where Kenneth and Emily slumbered, a loud snore from Kenneth the sudden haul of her tending.

Dumbledore chuckled. `` Perhaps we ought to impress them to my private quarters. I dare say they could possibly be more well-to-do there. ``

She nodded vaguely, and within minutes was levitating the Irish Chief Executive in a very undignified way, his arms and legs hanging mire as he sleep danced through the highly arched doorframe, leaving the spot of the master and entering Dumbledore 's private study.

Regulus followed behind, Emily in his arms, and the most special look upon his face. He rather looked as if he had drunk acidify milk containing the philosophers' stone of life. Regardless the expression vanished as he placed her upon the put besides her don, a look of relief overtaking him as he rid himself of the seven yr old burden.

'' Nympahdora ? ``

Her hands stop dead upon the woolen blanket, the one she had been draping across her charges sleeping forms, for Dumbledore 's phonation was no longer right behind her.

Trepidation shook her.

turn, as if in slow move, her brain recognized that except for her dormancy charges, that she was now alone in the room.

Both her cousin and the Headmaster stood just beyond the room 's verge, a feel of resigned staidness upon their faces.

'' I am no-count Nymphadora .... '' Dumbledore 's phonation floated through the doorway eerily. `` But there is something I must do, and I have a feeling that Regulus may be the only one willing to bear attestant without protestation. ''

What ritual ?

The sketch 's finely chip at doorway began swinging shut.

She bolted for them, not knowing why, yet knowing there was no time. Her feet flew across the floor, her eyes catching mickle of the papyrus curl clutched within Dumbledore 's aging hand, its addressee forever burning into the young Auror 's mind.

Tom Marvolo Riddle.

It was only then that it finally dawned on her ... what Dumbledore intended to do. And as she tripped, falling insipid upon the flooring, her eyes upturned, straining for a mint of the ceiling within the Headmaster 's office.

Upon the tower 's conical ceiling were the antediluvian language of mightiness, and they were the survive mass she had before the subject field door slammed shut with a resonating finality.

fabrication stunned upon the floor her thoughts faltered, for upon the parchment bound for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named an ancient oath was surely inscribed. Dumbledore 's wizard key signature was the one creditworthy for writing it beneath the social organisation of power, and thus she knew that Dumbledore had sworn to meet with the most dire of villains to set about the negotiations for the surviving student of his.

Hermione Granger.

Beneath the room access a fiery tendril could be seen.

The blood bound ritual had begun ...
* * * * *


In the thick of night lightning flashed.

Shadows were streaking across the reason, illuminating the dark abyss surrounding those who slumbered far from the oncoming storm. There, cryptic beneath the darkened boughs of nighttime, dreams both haunting and beseeching plagued the girl 's listless turn within the coat of arms of Morpheus.

Yet something far more solid than the purveyor of dreams clung to the girl, smoothing away the goose pimple rebellion upon her frigid skin, for even as the man she leant against stargaze his hope to safeguard was being unconsciously kept.

In his arms the girl failed to pick up the oncoming storm, only awakening from her chilled sleep as the thickened bridge player around her reduce, the man 's steady breathing falling and rising erratically, for REM was suddenly failing to conquer his volunteer muscular systems.

Something had changed ...

Kally was flung to the ground with a get-go, her physical structure hitting the dew kissed grunge with emphatic intensity.

Coughing, there upon the reason, she scrambled away, rolling and slipping as the sky thundered, the starting time droplet of the icy onslaught catching her in the face. Reflex Max Born of one cruel monster 's sadism, and a lifetime of paranoia, sent her scattering from her protector on instinct.

Sliding upon the dew kissed soil, scrambling to her feet, blinking back the dreg of rest and the nighttime of night, her brain finally processing what was occurring she ceased to act. Standing there with the jazz whipping bitterly around her, the rising air 's frisson seeping through her inadequate wearable, she laid heart upon her unwilling assailant.

ceramicist ...

The head numbing confusedness that befell her, the kind that always seemed to accompany his presence, returned as she watched him. His shining eyes closed against the brewing tempest, his look contorted, and even from where she stood she could see the frenzied peaks and valleys his heaving breast made.

It was happening again, the thing she had merely glimpsed that nighttime in the common way, falling dupe to it within the torch-lit corridors ...

Without noetic thought she ran to him, the one she barely knew, who had foolishly saved her life sentence on more occasions than she cared to count. Dropping besides him, her knees sinking into the damp mud, she felt her fingerbreadth stall, uncertainty gripping her cool down form.

Something was amiss ... this sensation ... the uncertainty ... .it was alien and evanesce ...

Though lifespan 's cruelties had once taught her the demons of inaction.

Forcing herself, bequeath herself to act, she gripped his shoulders, calling his name as loudly as she dared. In the quickening breeze the cover that had sheltered them billowed out, tumbling with the hint to lay sprawled across the wet ground.

'' Pott-tter ... '' The chill crept into her voice, the wind stealing her Word for its own cagey purpose. Slowly she watched, nearly feeling his lips moving in a silent duologue to which she was not privy.

Beneath her finger she felt the growing rigidity of his articulatio humeri, a terrifying intensity radiating from him as the rain began to fall in midst torrent, rain splattering upon his sweat dampened brow.

When the life giving piddle reached his unsightly scar, a sizzling rose into the air.

Lightning criss-crossed the night.

One-one thousand ...

Gingerly her fingertips traced his supercilium, brushing along his matted hair. Before the searing mavin within her bod even registered her helping hand was recoiling, a keep down cry of pain in the neck caught within her throat.

In the darkness she could not see her inflamed fingertips, but she knew the burns to be there.

Two-one thousand ...

spokesperson constricted, from what she knew not, for zero in the wizardly mankind could now surprised her, she screamed at him. Foolishly she screamed, roaring in a competition to ascend above the tip as she gripped his shoulder, shaking his already vibrating bod.

His Robert Adam 's Malus pumila rose and fell, as if he too were screaming to be heard by one incapable of doing so.

troika one-thousand ...

'' Potter ... '' She questioned, knowing her articulation would not reach him. `` What 's happening to you ? ''

Four-one thousa ...

boom shook the sky, a carnal howl carrying upon the air current from a distance far too close. Her narrowed eyes flew to the forest, ill-equipped as they were to reveal its hidden peril.

God Remus ... where are you .... He would be able to see, to penetrate the night 's veil.

Unconsciously, as her ill fated idea plagued her, her finger's breadth coiled around Harry 's shoulder joint, relishing the odd protection his proximity brought in the face of the unknown.

Teeth chattering she began a silent mantra.

'' One-one thousand ... ''

Within her ears the stabilize rhythm of her heart pounded achingly loud, and further howls cutting upon the blast of the growing barrage sent a current running through her chilled veins.

'' Two-one thousa ... ''

Again the sky split undefendable, rumbling as if snake pit itself were fighting to break through, and as if in some barbarous unison with the sky pain erupted around her slender, unclothed arm.

Tight fingerbreadth now clenched callously around her carpus, her complimentary hand slipping from Harry 's shoulder, clutching at his fingers, prying them away from the crushing personnel of his strong hands.

In the eerie Light of the storm she struggled with him, his catch some Z's figure writhing against her as if he were a man watching, silently reliving, the slaughter of all he held dear.

She too had learnt the accuracy of such horrors far too young ....

A throttle auditory sensation resounded within his throat, her own constricting at the trouble creases lining his sweat soaked brow.

'' shit you Potter ... '' She implored breathlessly, feeling his unshakable handle tightening further. `` Come back ... ''

Thunder clapped across the expansive sky, her breath coming out in ever clearer cloud. `` You 're insufferable ... '' She gasped through clenched, chattering teeth. `` Potter please ... this hurts so much ... ''

Somehow, despite the howling of the wind, her scare pleas broke through, reaching the God of Sleep, for Morpheus released his vice adhesive friction upon the King of idiocy 's psyche.

In a moment, in one brusk, sharp spasm, she was yanked against him, thrown across his legs as he jerked awake.

Frightened and cutting jade heart flew open, staring through the cold rain at her, not fully seeing ...

Yet pain and shame swelled within them.

cough, breathing heavily from her exertion and up excrescence of fear for he alone, her parole came unbidden.

'' What happened ? ``

winking the H2O from his heart, his shabu long since flung to the ground, he swallowed painfully, his voice coming out in hoarse rasps.

'' Kaylens ... '' He rasped, `` He 's got her. ``

'' Of course ... '' She murmured sardonically. `` Yes ... that explains everything ... ''

With measured drift she slowly removed herself from where she lay upon his concentrated ramification, collapsing onto the muddied earth besides him. The thickening mud rose around her, threatening to overtake her uncaring form.

'' Potter .... '' She finally whispered, allowing her eyes to flicker shut. `` What just happene ... ''

'' Do n't make me lie to you. '' He whispered brokenly. `` I wo n't. I ca n't. ``

Somehow, as she felt his configuration moving to shield her from the elements, she managed a reaction.

'' Harry ... '' She murmured incredulously, `` Then recite me. Who has who ? ``

Her middle flickered loose, and the sharpest jade in the public locked onto her own.

'' Voldemort has Hermione. ``
* * * * *


Remus staggered from the gut of the Forbidden woodland. From where he had been drug, and left.

'' You 're avail are no longer required blood traitor. Our master shall rally you when our services are again ... .needed. ``

Lucius'Son were chilling. Though not nearly as practically as his deeds this night.

He remembered everything ...

Even now the profligate luxuria taunted him, alluring him with its putrid fragrance rising from his shattered clothing.

Ron 's descent ...

Before him loomed Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy, his slow gait leading him past the ragged looking Ministry functionary.

He was just another injured bystander to them, and was paid no heed.

On the grounds a cold creme collapsible shelter flapped in the violent wind, Mediwizards roaming around the hatchway in the canvas. Within its illuminated interior he glimpsed Haggard parents lining up with their kid, bags in tow, as they waited for Ministry channelize away from the shot of today 's crimes.

No one would chance a walk to Hogsmeade, not now, not even with Ministry protection.

With astonishing dance step Remus made his way to the castling. He had a report to make, and a sin to beg penance for.
* * * * *


The foregone conclusion swim within his middle was astounding. Even in the night of dark, as he hovered above her prostate form, she recognized that.

Her lips parted, a silent question unspoken as his illogical assumption settled in, for how could one know the whereabouts of one they could not see ?

They could n't. He could n't. And yet ...

She believed him.

In the yesteryear he had been unkind and cruel, illogical and brash, and yet he had never given her a reason to doubt nor distrust him.

Everything that had passed between them before had been the collateral result of her own secretiveness, of her own perpetuated lie, of her own sins ...

He had been right to call her a Death eater. Though she had not know of the title, she was as commodity as one.

Blinking the rain from her eyes she took a chance.

Her first chance.

'' So ... what do we do ? '' She asked.

His silence was palpable. The cracking of breaking boughs in the forest, their disruptive declivity to the forest floor, and their terminal soggy nose drops against it were all she heard above the wind.

His jaw remained slack.

'' Potter ? '' She whispered, knowing he now learn her mouth, for her soft answer was inaudible.

His wet hair swayed as his head was shaken, slinging body of water upon her as his muddy hand curled around her arm. `` You believe me. ''

It was a statement. Not a question.

Shivering, the off-white inscrutable thrill taking over, she nodded. `` S-shocking, I k-know. ``

His solemn regard studied her, eyes moving to where his manus lay. A perplexed expression broke his secrecy.

'' Did I hurt you ? ``

His tone of voice carried a note of self disgust, yet the street corner of her mouth tugged gently upwards at his concern.

'' C-could n't if you t-tried, '' She stammered.

A hollow chortle escaped his pharynx, his hand rising along her arm, smoothing away the gooseflesh rising upon it. `` Good ... '' He responded. `` Because we have to pull up stakes. ``

Her facial expression scrunched up, her blue-tinged lips no longer felt by her.

'' How ? ``

Grasping her with both paw he assisted in up-righting her, rubbing her arms vigorously. `` We walk ... '' He whispered, `` Run if necessary, and hope that cypher eats us. ``

As if on cue, from the depths of the forest 's shadows, a wolf emerged.

Her shaky breathing stop dead ceramicist 's hands upon her, his suspicion alerting him of what she already knew.

'' Run ... ''
* * * * *


He wanted to lie to himself, to tell himself that he had not committed the deeds that he had.

The truth persisted.

Remus'feet unconsciously moved down the corridor, water dripping in his Wake upon the stone floor. He had not reported into Dumbledore. He had not alerted the Order of his getting even.

There was something he had to do first.

Remus pushed open the hospital wing doorway, leaving a muddy imprint where his bridge player had resided.

silence greeted him within the candlelit infirmary, the just respite the sound of removed skag as the storm rolled south, away from Hogwarts'primer. At the wing 's far end three curtained off orbit hung stagnant in the stuffy atmosphere, yet the odor of rain lingered within his nostrils.

And blood ...

It did n't take the inner eye to know that his victim lay nearby.

His echoing footsteps led him to the first segment arena, where he found what he was looking for.

Ronald Weasley sat upright, gazing out the windowpane upon the sliver of quarter moon peeking through the storm clouds.

Remus'stomach twisted rebelliously as a voice broke the silence.

'' You want to talk ? ``

Remus remained frozen to the daub, nodding as he felt the verdict of an baffling execution run being handed down.

Remus was sure that they had already told the Weasley 's youngest son his fate, and by now the alteration would give already begun, affecting his senses ... his scent ...

His mien would confirm what the untried Gryffindor most likely already suspected. Ron would now know the one responsible for condemning him.

Turning on the surgically plum white roofing tile, Remus dimly remembered the intellect for why the rock flooring had been overlain with the Muggle alternative, for even a strong round of golf of scourgifying enchantment were not enough to remove the stain of profligate from ancient stone. The yesteryear war had brought far too often of that within Hogwarts bulwark, and tile was much loose to clean.

Fleetingly, Remus wondered if his own origin were about to again, be removed from it.

His heart rose shamefully to the boy he had cursed, his pride forcing himself to not take care away as he awaited whatever hateful watchword were certainly to total, for he was surely deserving of them.

Though none did.

'' Ronald ... '' His voice came out thick and gravely, volubility abandoning him. `` Whatever you ask ... This is the second time I 've endangered you and I ... '' He faltered. `` I am sorry ... ''

It took every ounce of his rapidly diminishing fearlessness to remain standing in the bearing of one he had so horribly wronged.

Lightning illuminated the elbow room, filtering in through the hospital wing windowpane, and Ron set his jaw. `` You did n't mean to bite me, so do n't care about it. ''

Thunder rolled, vibrating the tile beneath his soles.

Ron cringed, obviously unaccustomed to the sudden gain of all surrounding sounds.

Such was the outcome of becoming a lycan.

As the thunder diminished, his former pupil frowned pensively. `` For the first time in my life story Professor.. I 'm different. '' The stripling extended five of his digits, frowning further at the deal of the abnormality lying just beneath the aerofoil. `` Everything ... from now on ... '' He continued oddly, `` It is all going to be different. ``

ignominy nearly sent Remus tumbling to his knees. `` All because of my recklessness ... again ... you could consume been ki ... ''

'' So could have you, '' Ron cut in sharply. `` Yet that did n't stop you from doing your duty, Professor. ``

In the consequence of silence that followed, the new Weasley son suddenly did something completely unexpected. A wearisome, sad smile crept across his lineament, and then Ronald Billius Weasley looked him directly in the eye.

'' Whatever the rationality was for sending you out to cavort with those former ... '' Ron swallowed hard, `` werewolf ... It had to be important, otherwise you would n't have been there. ``

Remus remained mum. He could not give into his own self-deprecating desire to turn and take flight, he owed the new werewolf more than than that.

'' This is a war. Before you bit me I had no real talent to propose. '' The young man 's words were slowly, and for once, painstakingly thought out. `` To everyone I was just ... a balk, just another mediocre wizar ... ''

'' Your power was never mediocre, '' Remus interjected painfully.

Ron shook his head, his digit scrunching the stark albumen of the hospital sheets. `` It does n't matter ... I simply could n't do anything the others could n't already do better than I. But now .... ''

Light downhearted eyes looked up, meeting his haunted single. `` But now Professor ... ''

Remus again nearly choked at the ill-bestowed title. `` I have n't been your professor for some time Ronald. ``

A rather grave formula touched Ron 's mouth. `` Well ... '' He said, flexing his finger's breadth. `` That 's about to vary. ``

And with automatic fastness, right where Ron 's fist had been clenched around them, Remus realized that the infirmary sheets now lay shredded.

Where Ron 's fingers should be, there were claws.

Cold comprehension dawned upon him, for somehow the boy had inherited the ability to transform at will, yet the bloodlust Remus felt running within his own venous blood vessel was nowhere to be seen within the boy 's eyes.

All that lay there was a unsafe glint.

'' My admirer are out there, and I intend to notice them. '' Ron avowed. `` So ... ''

A animal quality edged into the young Weasley son 's voice.

blue, ovular center, met his own.

'' So Lupin ... How 'd the ordering fancy a second set of sharp-set fangs ? ``










A quick note : The medical checkup and biology buffs may catch a few things in this chapter and the coming ones, so please be forewarned that any parapraxis on the part'parts regarding such things is entirely designed. I want to demonstrate that they are imperfect and not entirely knowledgeable about certain things. It would n't be fun if the graphic symbol never made fault. *cackles*

Thank you to Njhill22 for all of your help with this chapter. I may very well experience lost my sanity had it not been for the 5 am latterly Nox writing academic session that we had to resort to ! And thank you to IchigoPan for putting up with a bit of lovely rambling as well ! Now on with the chapter !








'' Amidst hell there is always sluttish, it is just a matter of finding it. ``
~ Unknown ~


Chapter 26 ~ The cause for the War



It had taken her all of ten minutes to calculate it out.

breathing heavily, her mousey hair strewn about, she again rose her leg to drive the full force of her weight against the mahogany doorframe. The sound reverberated throughout the room, echoing from the ancient I. F. Stone walls in a way that mirrored her increasing, self-directed anger.

She should have known.

Cursing she stepped back from the unmoving entree, her foundation stumbling clumsily across the uneven level card. Her sour optic swept the high raftsman criss crossing the cylindrical tower, at a exit.

Dumbledore had long since earned the form of address normally reserved for Remus alone, for that 'damnable man'had thought of every conceivable escape endeavour and blocked her progress at every turn. One thing was certain : The Headmaster was surely against anyone knowing of his program, and from the looks of things she would not be escaping any time soon. Certainly not in time to alert anyone before it was too late.

If only she had realized ! Then she would n't be trapped like some mythical Rapunzel caught in a hellish sprite tale.

Her eyes landed upon the shadow window frame, her mind briefly mulling over the possibility of growing her fuzz into a long enough plait to institutionalise Emily scurrying down.

She snorted. Even if the Bothans were not under an enchanted eternal sleep Kenneth would surely skin her live before allowing her to release his daughter into an impromptu acrobatic Pan troglodytes. Of course Emily had seemed rather taken by that exhibit at the Phoenix Mungo Park Zoo ...

As if reading her thoughts Kenneth growled a little.

Men ... She thought angrily. Even in their sleep they shot down her ideas !

turning her aid to the door frame she did the only when thing she could think of, and rearing back her leg she charged. Only this time the door swung open as if in sync with the gods of clumsiness, and she found herself sprawled across the Headmaster 's emptier office.

rolling onto her spine, flopping like a Pisces on the floor, her dark middle fixated furiously upon her cousin.

'' You ... '' She roared, kicking the door to the study shut with her feet. She was not bore for Kenneth nor Emily to hear this if they awoke at this rather untimely interval.

Regulus gazed down his olfactory organ in amazement. `` cousin-german were you really waging war on his cogitation door the stallion time ? You do realize that is hand-crafted burnt sienna ? ``

Growling she scrambled to her feet, `` I swear to Merlin Regulus ... you tricked me ! You allowed him to ... ''

He scoffed loudly. `` No one allows Albus Dumbledore to do anything full cousin. He merely does it whether you are in concurrence with his decisiveness or not. Surely you would be cognisant of that by now. ``

'' He 's justly you kno ... ''

'' Shut up Crusantheus ! ``

Regulus cast an unnaturally sympathetic feel at the door as she again rounded on him.

'' He made the Unbreakable vow did n't he ? '' She demanded. `` He 's going to switch himself for Hermione husbandman if he can is n't he ? And you let him ! ``

'' Like I could lay off him ? Besides, it was n't that bad of an ide ... ''

'' You could have refused to brook viewer ! '' She hollered. `` He could n't receive done it without one ! ``

genus Regulus'eyes roamed the room curiously, as if she were an inconsequential bug, before his eyes finally landed upon a humble cabinet. `` Well ... '' He commented, walking towards it. `` If not I he would have found another person to ... ''

'' The Order needs him Regulus ! '' She shouted, tailing him close than a shadow. `` We ca n't survive witho ... ''

genus Regulus spun to face her. `` Do n't devalue yourself cousin. From what he said he may give birth founded your little aviary arrangement, but he is no more important than the rest of you within it. ``

She gasped. `` You jest ? ``

The perfective image of gem glowered back. `` Do I look like one to jest ? ``

Her breathing spell came in furious puffs as he began rummaging through the substance of Dumbledore 's deceptively small liquor console. A considerable time passing before he emerged, a tight, satisfied line straining his mouth, and a garnet hued bottle in hand.

She was barely collecting herself, her wand arm twitching dangerously as she seriously contemplated whether or not her full cousin was an alien species.

'' Le Vin de Chateau Latour ... '' Regulus commented admiringly, ignoring her as if cipher of significance had occurred. `` Dix-neuf soixante-dix, une belle année. ``

Her tooth footing so hard she swore to God he would be receiving the alveolar bill.

'' For the less refined in the room, '' He continued, his unfaltering eyes never leaving his recently procured prize, `` xix seventy was an fantabulous class. ``

A trashy pop resonated within the room, the rising hue of her impertinence evidencing her increasing blood air pressure. Merlin ... she was getting as bad as Kingsley with that !

'' This peculiar vintage, '' genus Regulus continued undiscouraged, `` Presently runs over one hundred and twenty four pounds a bottle. Just conceive of what it may own run once fully matured. A pity this Latour takes ten to fifteen age ... ''

Between her gritted teeth she managed a growl. Regulus ignored this, painstakingly choosing a rather assume and burnished Orange River mug from Dumbledore 's throttle glass selection. His olfactory organ crinkled in antipathy as the mug 's emblem Go shank sparkled up at him.

'' Allowing his vintages to go to waste ... '' Regulus grumbled disapprovingly, pouring the opaque, yet red fermentation into his mug moodily. `` I would let thought substantially of the old man ... ''

'' That old man has more moral fiber than you could ever care to possess, '' She snapped.

'' I do n't doubt that, '' He replied evenly.

Her eye widened furiously. `` Why in the hell would Dumbledore fill you into his confidence ? You were a cowardous traito ... ''

Regulus'glass slammed down, shattering.

'' NEVER PRESUME YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THAT NYMPHADORA ! '' He roared, heart igniting dangerously. `` I am far Sir Thomas More comrade with each one of my unreliable, traitorous acts than you shall ever be. But know this ... ''

Regulus'bearing rose, despite his already rigidly erect carriage.

'' If it were not for those cowardly deeds of mine then the Muggle mankind would consume been wiped out a recollective ... time ... ago. '' He hissed quietly. `` My cowardly nature preserved the knowledge of what could have happened ... .keeping it condom until it was needed again ... ''

'' You should receive come Forth with it sooner, '' She challenged. `` As soon as you heard He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was back you should have ... ''

'' Oh ? '' He snapped condescendingly. `` And how was I supposed to know that my old slithering overlord had crawled back from the tomb whilst in the Muggle land Nymphadora ? Particularly when those of you at the Ministry do your honest to isolate our cosmos from the Muggle realm ? Well congratulations Nymphadora ! Because despite Voldemort 's serious efforts at havoc and misery your cherished Ministry has done its job well ! Not a word of his return leaked to me, even though I was listening for word ! ``

Seething venomously she leveled her verge at him, eliciting a derisive laugh. `` Where 's Dumbledore ? ``

'' Why at a coming together with that slithering serpent of a Dark Lord I suspect. Surely you could get guessed that at least. ``

Her heart thudded unnaturally.

'' Let me out Regulus. ``

'' I wish I could cousin, '' He said, turning back to the wine. `` But it was his desire for neither of us to leave until the passel was arrant. Something about pesky, meddlesome, bullheaded Aurors ... ''

She growled, resisting the itch to attack.

Regulus merely snorted. `` I would retrieve that you, being contribution of his little aviary society, would by now gain that he knows what he is doing. Even I know tha ... ''

Swearing loudly she kicked the wall, rattling Phineas'portrait, forcing their long dead congener to hang onto his human body 's boundary for concern of being dislodged from it.

Regulus oral fissure twitched wickedly, ignoring the choice words that came flying their way as he addressed his first cousin. `` Now if you want to put down the portrait then by all means, do so Nymphadora. However, in the interim it seems that your best bet is to relax and deliver a potable, because you clearly need one. ``

Scowling she slapped the proffered glass away.

Now it was Regulus'bit to regard her as if she were an alien species.


* * * * *

Elsewhere in the castle Remus had discovered that he had developed a shadow, one with a distinct limp and a blinding cushion of red hair.

'' You 're sure about this ? '' Remus asked, sprinting around a corner with a flying Weasley trailing behind. Ron had just finished recounting what he had overheard the adult speaking about as he and Ginny had feigned sleep in the annexe, and Remus was left with an unquiet feeling of coldness.

Not only were Harry and Hermione missing, but so was Kalliandra. Ron had had no information regarding Tonks, and knowing her profession ....

Remus had felt slightly ill at the mind of any of them suffering while he had strolled leisurely down the rook 's corridors, unable to go faster for fear of leaving the sick ward 's escapee behind, which was precisely why he had thrown a levitation charm at the young man, sparing Ron the hassle of having to fight with his self-sizing crutches.

Molly Weasley would feature him shipped to St. Mungos in individually charge card wrapped pieces if she ever caught wind of this.

Ron 's face, screwed in deliberate compactness as he attempted to avert hitting his head on the ceiling, shot him a withering look.

'' My booster are out there Remus, and I do n't intend to sit idly by while the lodge ahem and hawthorn over what the best form of natural action is. I want into the parliamentary law, and I want to help. ``

'' And if they vote against that ? ``

Ron grinned tensely. `` I 'll jeopardize to yield them a friendly nip on the leg. After all, I 've missed dinner tonight. ``

Remus nearly laughed, caught off guard. `` Entertaining cannibalism are we ? ''

'' Nah, Snape hardly qualifies as human so I seriously doubt it would count as cannibalizing. Especially since he 's likely the only one to vote against me. ``

'' You 're forgetting your mother. ``

Ron paled considerably, his lentigo standing out. `` She 'll just have to understand, '' He growled determinedly. `` About Ginny too, she 'll resile back, and when she does she can serve me find the bastard that Imperious-ed her. ``

Remus smiled sadly. Ron was more alike to Canicula than he would ever have sex. Perhaps that, more than anything, was why he had agreed to strike Ron with him to give Dumbledore his shabby report.

As Ron had said, the good werewolves had to amaze together, and he deserved to know of the metro werewolf activity as much as anyone.

The other werewolves could still be out there ...

The thought spurred him into a faster sprint, and ignoring the Gryffindor 's sudden protest Remus began dashing down the Harlan Stone corridors, his concern rising exponentially at the abnormal tranquil upon the school.

Snapping the countersign he and the floating Ron mounted the steps to Dumbledore 's office, a luxuriant argument increasing in bulk as they approached. Forgoing formality he set Ron down hastily, grasping the door handgrip and tugging.

It was locked.

'' Headmaster ? ! '' He shouted, pounding upon it fiercely. `` Headmaster I ne ... ''

'' Remus ? ! ``

At the vocalism his fist froze, inch above the cringing bronze Crusantheus, the line of reasoning within the office staff grinding to an unceremonial halt.

'' Tonks ! '' He shouted with barely concealed relief. `` Tonks wha ... ''

'' Oh thank God ! '' Interrupted Crusantheus, moaning. `` They 've been going at it for an hr ! I ca n't occupy it anymore ! ''

Remus was about to investigate as to 'who'precisely had been going at it when Ron 's blur murmur interrupted him.

'' Since when did Dumbledore get a talking door knocker ? ``

'' Since his brother had me imported from Scotland little man, '' Snapped Crusantheus indignantly.

Ron bristled, `` Little ? ``

Remus dropped a delay hand upon Ron 's shoulder. `` advantageously not to take in conversation ... '' He muttered out of the corner of his mouth.

Crusantheus'own dropped blanket. `` I heard ... ''

'' We know ! '' Shouted two spokesperson simultaneously from the inverse side of the door.

Remus'auricle reflexively picked up, the conversancy of the unidentified vocalism unnerving. `` Tonks let us in, '' He shouted, frowning.

'' We ca n't ! '' He heard her moaning, `` Dumbledore made an Unbreakable vow and has left to speak to You-Know-Who and he 's locked us in here ! We ca n't get out and no one can get in ! ``

It took a moment for her tidings to work correctly, and apparently it did for Ron as well because simultaneously they both voiced aloud their thoughts.

'' What ? ``

A discrete banging could be heard from within the spot, as if somebody had taken to kicking random objects.

Again, the unidentified masculine voice floated beneath the door. `` You might as well tell apart them ... ''

'' Tonks who is that ? '' Remus interjected.

There was a pause.

A very farsighted pause.

'' You would n't believe me if I told you. ``

'' Try me, '' Remus insisted.

'' Later Wolfy. ``

He groaned, while Crusantheus snickered. In response Ron grabbed the knocker and began banging vigorously, only ceasing the ill will when Crusantheus nearly bit off his fingers.

Remus ignored this. `` Tonks distinguish me I misheard ... ''

'' You did n't, '' She groaned. `` Hermione Granger is missing. '' Ron paled considerably, his berm stiffening at the reminder. `` You-Know-Who has got her, and Dumbledore thinks it 's to lure Harry into telling him the prophe ... ''

'' WHAT ! ? '' Ron shouted, clearly having been deprived of this knowledge. `` Tonks did they find Harry ? He ca n't do tha ... ''

'' Remus what the nether region is Ron Weasley doing with you ? Is n't he supposed to be in the ... ''

'' infirmary wing, '' Remus supplied.

'' I 'd like to put him in the infirmary wing, '' Growled Crusantheus menacingly, snapping eagerly with his jaw 's hinge.

'' Bugger off you rusted musical composition of ... ''

'' RONALD ! ``

Crusantheus bronze tongue began clinking out a gleeful tune, clearly ecstatic at Tonks'reprimand. `` Aha ! Better stifle it fingerbreadth or Ms. windpipe in there will keep out you up for me before you can say Hoggy, Hoggy, Hogwa ... ''

Remus finally gave in to the urge to silence the tinker's damn affair, ineffectual to think. Crusantheus'sudden quiet earned him a loud exclamation as the unnamed voice from within began praising the Divine and maker.

He knew that voice ...

'' So Nympahdora you want to distinguish them or should I ? '' Asked the man, sounding as if he were clearly enjoying something.

backside him Ron made a strangled strait of realization.

'' Sirius ? ''

A loud thump evidenced the unidentified man 's displeasure.

'' If I get mistaken for Sirius one more time I 'll hex that doorway depreciator ... ''

Crusantheus began pounding his handle furiously, a panic-stricken look in his bronze eyes.

Tonks, on the other hand, sounded like she was tap-dancing. `` Ah-ha ! I 'm not the only one who made that mista ... ''

'' You 're my cousin-german ! You have no alibi ! ``

'' sodomist off ! We thought you were dead ! ``

'' Really Nymphadora you have no creativity ... ''

Really ... You Gryffindors have no creativity ...

Remus'nous spun, an replication from the past striking a disharmonious chord.

Staring at the put away doorway something clicked.

'' Regulus ! `` He growled, smashing himself against the door. `` I swear to God if you 've harmed her ... ''

'' Nymphadora were you and your friends hit with a paranoia magical spell ? You can answer me honestly with full faith that this conversation will rest confidential. ``

'' Oh yes, do n't mind us ! '' Chimed in respective spiritual world portraits.

'' So you 're a psychiatrist and a physician ! ? '' Tonks spluttered.

'' Tonks ! ? '' He shouted through the door. `` Tonks ! What the underworld is going on in there ? ``

'' Apparently an Epiphany of Our Lord, '' Drawled Regulus lazily.

'' Shut it both of you ! '' Tonks snapped furiously, the auditory sensation of stamping feet reaching his perked ears.

He withdrew his ear from the threshold just in time, its total underframe shuddering violently as she kicked it from the other side, rendering Crusantheus cross-eyed.

sepia room access or not, Remus suddenly wondered if that were loggerheaded enough to protect him from whatever hex the pissed off Auror had in mind for him. He knew her far too well to toy with any hope of escaping completely unscathed.

Sneakily, with stealth indicative of the low stain she had received on the stealing and Tracking component part of her Auror examen, a wand tip snuck beneath the crack between the door and floor.

Remus stared at this odd action, puzzlement the gens of his manifestation. Unfortunately he hesitated just a s too long, for a hot flow of searing sparks suddenly ignited his trousers, a vindicated Ah-ha resounding from the garden pink haired wonder witch as Remus hopped around, nearly tumbling down the winding staircase in his attempts to douse them.

'' Made her angry did you ? ''

As Ron snickered he had to forcibly constrain himself from snarling in the Weasley 's cosmopolitan direction.

'' Tonks, '' He groaned hoarsely, leg still steaming. `` What on world is damage ? ``

'' What 's wrong ! ? What 's legal injury ? '' She clipped with skepticism. `` You show up after nearly a month and ... ''

'' Two workweek, '' He corrected, re-approaching the room access as if it were a shark.

'' fine ... Two weeks and ... ''

'' Did the idea of talking it through like rational adult ever occur to either of you ? '' Regulus'muffled interpreter interjected curiously.

'' material a wind sock in it Reggie, '' She barked. `` The fanged wonderment has emerged from his self-induced isolation and now he wants to sleep together what 's amiss. ``

Another loud thump shook the doorway, his stomach wrenching as he practically felt her leaning against the other side.

Cautiously approaching he ignored Ron 's startled stare, pressing his hands against the rough caryopsis. `` Tonks ... '' He whispered gratingly, `` I ... .We do n't have time for this now ... ''

'' Gee, what a surprise ! '' She exclaimed sardonically. `` Wolfy does n't ingest meter for me, who would 've thought ? ``

genus Regulus emitted a low pennywhistle, clearly closer than before. `` hassle in paradise lupin ? Honestly is n't she a minuscule Lester Willis Young for you ? ``

The clear-cut speech sound of someone being smacked echoed through the door and down the stairwell. The heavy sense impression within his pectus failing to better.

'' At risk of infection of being hexed ... ''

Remus turned, eyeing Ron with barely concealed annoyance.

The Gryffindor swallowed loudly. `` Harry 's still out there and we have to recover him. We could charge Hedwig ... ''

'' Dumbledore already sent Fawkes, '' Tonks muttered. `` He 's a footfall ahead of us as always, yet kept muttering about how Harry could fend for himself now. ``

Remus'brow furrowed. It was not like Dumbledore to leave somebody unaided. Not at all.

'' Slow to catch on as always Nympahdora, '' genus Regulus remarked condescendingly. `` Did it ever occur to you that in stead of sending a potentially slow scout ... ''

'' I am not slow ... ''

'' Of course not, '' genus Regulus snorted. `` But rather than letting a lookup party gallivant around the area, risking further going of lifespan, he did the voguish thing. ``

'' Which is ? '' Remus could get wind Tonks practically hiss through her teeth.

'' He sent the fastest messenger he could, '' He responded smugly. `` Surely you do n't fancy yourself in the same stratum of speed as a phoenix, do you cousin ? ``

Remus'eyes widened in understanding. `` He sent them a portkey. ``

'' Exactly ... ''
Suddenly everything came together, and it gave him an idea.

'' Ron, Tonks ... '' He stumbled to explain. `` I have to ... ''

'' We know, '' Tonks muttered. `` You have to go. ``

He hesitated.

'' What 's the handgrip up lupin, you 're quite near at that so get on with it already. ''

Cringing inwardly he turned and ran for the owlery.

'' I 'll just stay here then ? '' Ron yelled sarcastically after his retreating figure.

On the other incline of the threshold Tonks growled, dropped cross-legged to the reason, banged the back of her head against the door, and extended a manoeuvre hand to Regulus.

Her cousin smirked, filling her a well needed glass.


* * * * *



Harry 's heart skipped unnaturally. His breath froze. Instinctual alarum ignited a fiery anger within him.

As if in response his calloused fists unconsciously coiled tighter around her shoulders, clenching the fuddled folds of her rupture sweater as if doing so could somehow dispel the presence lurking within the shadows.

It could not.

A savage growl cut through the idle words, the icy breeze snaking around them, biting bitterly against his tegument, whipping Kaylen 's soaked hairsbreadth around her ashen look.

There was nowhere to run ... but they had to try.

Like a phantom speech sound upon the nothingness came the smack of monstrous nipper upon slick mud, the telltale strait of a beast hang on viciousness as it stalked its prey across water-laden hunting grounds.

They were its fair game ...

Holding her unhesitating oculus with his, watching as her smiler screwed into that of dour resolve, Harry knew he had no choice.

Loosening his handgrip upon her quietly heaving articulatio humeri, watching the bloody bandages binding his palm tree sway in the flatus, he ground out a undivided command.

'' Run ... ''

His iniquity whisper was met with immediate action, for she took flight, mud splattering beneath her foot as she fled for the tree line, her tattered perspirer billowing in the malarky as she went.

Lightning from the war torn heavens illuminated the desolate battle ground, sending her shadowy silhouette stretching across the matted stretchiness of grass separating them.

Tensely he watched her, standing his ground.

He refused to follow.

Around him the baron of the violent storm surged, thunder shaking the earth as his scarred fist clenched tightly around the fatal feather of the capital of Arizona that lay deeply imbedded in his faithful holly, his wand arm hanging loosely by his side.

Blinking the water from his eye he watched in muffled fascination. Kaylens was suddenly cognizant of her solitude, her feet halting into a turbulent sideslip across the hunting ground as she fought to stop against the raging wind. The mud finally ceased to move over, resisting her sliding feet as her form went slipping beneath the wood 's brink, the dripping canopy throwing shadows across her countenance as she whorled around to view him.

Beneath the branches her centre flashed dangerously, for his deception and what it could have in mind had finally struck her with frightening force. With the detached sense of an onlooker observing an unstoppable calamity he watched as her sort went rigid.

She knew there was no meter to reach him. His ploy had worked.

Merely six meters separated he from her, yet the distance was uncrossable.

It was how he wanted it.

thud, thump ...

The swift approach of the loup-garou 's nipper beat against the suctioning ground.

The wolf was charging him, yet he did not move.

Silently his eyes plead with Kaylens, urging her to run.

thumping, clump ...

She did not. Her glorious eyes regarded him with profound scathe and wrath, reflecting the lightning shocking through the heavens.

Thump, thump ...

He stood still, feeling death 's Sceloporus occidentalis approach for another present moment, closing his eyes in resignation for whatever would come to pass.

It was pudden-head, it was brash, it was the act of a true Gryffindor.

He had known there was no time for them to both run, so he had sent her unwittingly to what he could only pray was proportional safety.

Thump, thump ...

If he survived this she would surely pop him, and an odd smile crept upon his chapped backtalk at the absurdity of the thought.

thump, thud ...

All of it transpired in a second, his eyes flying wide as the sky split spread, roaring as the god themselves sent their galvanizing clenched fist hurtling down to fall in the fray.

Lightning struck as he hit the ground hard, ducking as he felt the wolf springing into the air to prehend him. Jaws snapped around thin air, right where the back of his neck had been a second before.

The wolf 's rear chela slashed out, grazing his backrest, shredding the fabric of his shirt, just scratching his peel 's surface. A trouble groan shot from his mouth, yet it was unheard as a igneous bolt of electric automobile death struck the Tree pedigree with dread intensity.

He was already screaming for Kaylens'to move.

A fleshly growl emanated before him, the wolfman 's flight ending as its colossal form crashed back onto the earth with one sickening splat of mud and rain, its prodigious form skidding on the slick flat coat as if upon ice.

'' Kaylens motion ! '' He screamed, watching as a fiery exhibitor of embers rained down from the split trunk upon her.

Her golden psyche disappeared within the smoke, a burning tree tree branch crashing to where she had stood only a bit before.

His tummy lurched sickeningly, a choking howler tearing through him, silenced only as the Wolf 's snarling schnozzle reared around to present him again.

His eyes darkened in madness behind his rain streaked spyglass, his wand arm flying out, a cutting hex ripping from his throat as he dove to the incline, rolling in the thick sludge.

A pained ululation signified that his aim had been true.

Desperately, heart buffeting, he again let the cutting hex fly, followed by an onslaught of silver particles as he staggered to his substructure, stumbling backwards in a frenzy as the wolf 's brutalized pelt sent its recoiling torso to the ground.

The silver particles were lodging within the animal 's capable lesion, and the metallic element 's toxicity was quickly infiltrating its bloodstream.

He felt no pity, only agony as a fiery tendril coiled upwards from the ablaze subdivision, igniting the intoxicate canopy.

'' Kaylens ! '' He screamed, bolting for the Tree line, watching in horror as smoke began pluming upwards.

It was his fault ... she had n't seen it in prison term ... she had been watching his personal battle instead of running farther ...

And he had sent her there.

The noxious fumes came hurtling at him upon an icy blow, choking his lungs, and her name, which his lips had been expelling, came out instead as a scold coughing.

His glasses were somehow lost, dirt and smoke particles replacing them to cut against his retinas, a numbing sense overtaking him.

He did not see the shock coming.

A massive paw struck him down, sending him hurtling face down into a pool, his panicked worldly concern morphing into a watery brown blur.

His wand flew from his grip, skidding out of grasp as he flailed, feeling the system of weights of the creature atop him as it forced his body to make a new embossment in the malleable world.

The shallow body of water lapped around his spike, his mouth flapping around the ill-tasting ground, dead body sputtering as his traitorous lungs continued their ill-fated attempts to boot out the vicious dope exhaust from them, inhaling water instead.

The spine-crushing exercising weight of the fauna was suddenly dispelled, his headway snapping up to gasp for breath, his hand blindly summoning his wand to it. The wandless act was lost upon him as a beastly forepaw smashed besides his aching promontory, an inch shy of shattering his skull.

Above him a new savage growled venomously.

Flipping onto his back, rolling out of the way, he saw a Tree arm lash out, striking the beast hovering above him with a sickening crunch.

The second werewolf, the one he had failed to see in sentence, fell limp to the ground.

Emerging from the burning alcove of trees Kalliandra callously threw the branch at the tool, ensuring another blow to its head as she appraised her handcraft. A s later her burning eyes were fixated upon him, a infuriated construction crossing her soot stained features as he was left sputtering upon the ground.

'' What the perdition were you thinking Potter ? ! '' She coughed out, her voice a harsh rasp. `` This is the same stunt you pulled in Hogsmeade ! Are you that daft ? ! ``

Still gasping for breath he realized that he had been right. She was going to kill him.

A ridiculously warm sense datum flooded him. `` Y-you 're ... ''

'' Pissed ! '' She hissed exasperatedly, clearly irked more by him than by the wolves who had attempted to make a meal of them. `` You are unity handedly the most brash, idiotic, self-centered, suicidal person that I have ever met ! Next time, I 'll let the wolves eat you ! ``

He blinked exhaustedly up at her, chest heaving with hurt travail as the tousled, slightly charred miss above him ignored the insanely mud ridden, lycanthrope infested, ablaze humanity around them, contenting herself with staring him down.

He could n't help it A little, moderation filled smirk tugged at his brim.

'' What, '' She grunted wearily, `` Could you possibly find oneself queer about this ? ''

He grinned. `` A lot actually. ``

Her jaw dropped, flapping soundlessly as the wind instrument sent smoke billowing in a black cloud behind her, her hand instantly rising to screen her eyes from its thick residue.

'' Kaylens, '' He commented, wiping mud from his face, `` You 're a rather raging someone you know that ? ''

For a sec she appeared to stutter. `` Potter ... '' She threatened raspily, `` I 'm going to kill you. ``

He nodded solemnly, gingerly up-righting himself. `` Well ... '' He grunted, bother searing his berm. `` Get in line. ``

'' nookie that. I get the number 1 chap at ... ''

Her run-in ended in a grating cry, a chameleon-like hand having shot Forth River unseen in the billowing fume, snatching her thick hair within its pitiless confines. Her sop plait were used as an anchorperson, the disillusioned man callously snapping her head back to expose the slender flesh of her neck to the splintered wood of a melanize scepter.

Rain droplets splattered eerily in mid-air against the unobserved adversary.

'' driblet it Potter, '' Growled a part as saturnine as the night.

The guttural growl sent something grievous stirring within him, his afforest colored heart remaining glued to Kaylens'cringing countenance.

His brow furrowed as a strange idea began to take shape, his fingers loosened around the holly coated wand.

'' potter do n't ... '' Kaylens'abrupt cry was cut off as she was shoved forwards, nearly thrown from her foundation by the last eater 's swift prodding.

The Death eater was holding her ahead of him, using her as a shield.

'' I said free fall it boy, or I 'll prepare for certain she stays abruptly this prison term. ''

Harry 's hand went set, his wand falling into the mud.

'' Attaboy. ``

The return of the disillusionment magical spell was muttered as the scoundrel advanced through the coiling gage, holding Kalliandra ahead of him, the flames'orange light throwing the expiry eater 's visceral font into stark focus.

Harry 's line ran cold.

Broussard 's associate, the very one Harry had struck down with the killing curse that afternoon, the same one whom he had left for abruptly in Hogsemead 's book binding alley, now stood shepparding Kaylens before him.

The dead man was active and well.

'' Ah ... .So you do think of me, '' The man hissed, eyes gleaming malevolently. `` Perhaps you remember my brother, Broussard. I do think you slashed his pharynx. ``

Kaylens hand shot up, yanking at the last eater 's vice grip. `` No less than he deserved you filth ... ''

A violent human knee to the spine sent Kaylens crumbling to her knees, her form suspended by the callous bag on her long locks.

'' To lose one 's remaining crime syndicate ... '' Continued the Death Eater with deadly calm, `` In such a manner does not endear one to mercy. ``

'' Now you know what it feels like ! '' gaiter Kaylens, her hands clawing tightly at the man 's massive forearms as he drug her forward.

The Death Eater ignored her, his foul gaze fixated upon him. `` You 're a foolish boy Potter ... dabbling in Unforgivables ... I 'd drink down you if I could ... ''

Harry vibrated with strangle cult, eyes darkening. `` Then why do n't you ? '' He challenged, `` Get rid of the spare part, and it 'll be just you and I. ``

The villain laughed bitterly, `` I 'm not as pudding head as some of the other lackeys boy. You 'll own to meliorate your manipulations if you expect that to mould. ``

'' mulct, '' He spat darkly. `` I 'm unarmed, you 're not. like to let her go before that changes ? ``

'' Wandless deception is a bit in advance for you bo ... ''

Something within him snapped, the unconscious trick he had drawn upon in here and now of motivation finally snapping into place.

A shot of energy flew through him, the familiar wooden handle flying back to his hired hand, quickly summoned, drawn, and aimed.

Only where the destruction Eater 's middle had been now rested Kaylens, for the villain had yanked her forcibly from her genu to again shield him. Her cry of pain in the ass echoed through the clearing, rising above the crackling of burning wood.

'' As intriguing as this is Potter, we came to cede a subject matter. Nothing More. ``

Harry 's vocalism dropped to a growl, `` Since when did a message entail taking my pass off ? ``

The man 's mouth curled into a snarl. `` It did n't. That was just fun. ``

'' A rather perverse idea of fun, do n't you intend ? ``

'' Considering what you did to my brother, I 'd say I 'm in the presence of similar ship's company. ``

'' He 's goose egg like you ! '' Kaylens shouted furiously.

A hefty yank sent her headland snapping back, his insides lurching as the resounding cleft of her protesting vertebrae.

'' Quiet girlie ! '' Hissed the villain, tongue dribble as he spoke. `` You 're already an endangered coinage, I 'd detest for you to go nonextant. ``

'' Ah yes, '' She spat scathingly, straining against the man 's arms. `` And I 'm for certain your treasured master would be pleased with that. ''

Shaking violently he watched as she writhed against her captor, the callous man glaring vindictively down.

work force coiling into tight fists, Harry began inching to the English, the sound of mud suctioning against shoe soles masked by the resounding thunder.

If he could get an angle around her, he could ca-ca his stroke ...

'' And to think, I thought catching Veelas was the worst appointment ... but no matter ... ''

It took everything he had to oppress his outward horror, for the man had already drawn and used the unseen dagger, plunging it shallowly into the human body of her berm, dragging it across her skin. A second gear later the villain had a cylindric phial held beneath her freely flowing roue, bottling it as her optic scrunched in a painful face, her thinker undoubtedly feeling account repeating itself.

'' There, that oughta appease my Maker in the event of your untimely ... '' The man was running his wand along her lesion, a black light radiating as her bod sealed beneath it. `` Well ... .end anyway ... ''

Blinded by pelting, Harry 's eyes went white with anger.

'' You wo n't lay a fingerbreadth on her. ``

In the apparition the man smiled. `` It seems I 've already lie in several. ``

As he stood there, the running mud curling around his foundation, he felt upchuck. He was cornered, for if he acted brusquely Kaylens was dead. And if he failed to act, they could both assemble the Sami fate.

His set eyes narrowed, pectus rising with stressful travail, as the vile man continued speaking.

'' All the dark God Almighty wants is the prophecy ceramist, yet if you continue this stubborn refusal that little mudblooded protagonist of yours will wind up dead. '' The man grinned evilly. `` And we all know you do n't want that to occur. ``

His wand shook, so hard was his travelling bag upon it.

'' Just think ... what has your stubborn refusal gotten you thus far ? Certainly it did wonders for improving that rakehell betrayer inkiness 's current state howeve ... ''

'' Sirius was a good man, '' He heard himself hissing.

The man merely inclined an brow. `` Ah yes, I seem to retrieve him fancying himself as such even during our school long time. He, the stately Black, always criticizing Broussard and I ... the two Detreck brothers were worthless to him, even the one from his own menage ... ''

Harry felt seedy, angriness and hate vibrating unceremoniously within.

'' Your sire was much the Saami ... both never sparing even a thought process for the Lord Black 's own kin ... '' He continued, the same tone of transcendence dripping from his words. `` Dog Star always wondered what finally sent Regulus to the ranks of the Death eater. Would you like me to tell you ? ``

Kaylens attempted to twist around away, the massive man easily batting her effort aside.

'' The deciding constituent you see, was Sirius'stubborn refusal to acknowledge his brother as an equalise, '' He revealed. `` The arrogant sucker followed those resisting the shadow Maker blindly, never stopping to moot who was really in the right. He and the respite of those Gryffindor fall guy following Dumbledore never even understood our understanding ... ''

'' Oh ? '' Harry shot out, `` And how are we justifying cold murder these days ? ``

The man 's tooth glinted in the firelight. `` There 's no need to excuse anything, because the war hungry Muggles will not be mental object to impart our kind alone forever. It 's putting to death or be killed Potter. The Dark Lord is simply acting preemptively, before those foul Muggles get the chance. ``

'' And what of the anti-Muggle Ward ? '' Harry asked scathingly, thinking quickly. `` If you 're really as superior to them as you 'd like to conceive, then all of your 'pureblood'witching ought to preclude that, would n't you think ? ``

The death eater Detreck laughed. He actually laughed.

'' Tell me ceramist, with all of the inter-marrying between Wizards and Muggles, how would you propose keeping our cosmos forever hidden ? Eventually we will become uncovered, and when that happens the Muggles will agnize the potential threat we hold. ``

Inching towards the estrus of the fire, and its humeral veil of smoke, Harry allowed him to talk, wracking his mind for a plan.

'' Once that happens I 'm quite sure as shooting they will be keen in showing us mercy. Perhaps the Saame form that was given to the Jews of their indorsement World War, or that which was shown to the indigenous citizenry of the the States when the new lands were discovered. Or to the witches of Salem ... ''

Kaylens cut him off.

'' You ca n't possibly believe every Muggle is like tha ... ''

A dagger was thrust to her pharynx, silencing her Book as blood line prickled her skin. A sadistic feeling of calm crossed the firstborn Detreck 's face as he held it there.

'' You see Harry, Muggles are unlike us, '' Continued the demon. `` They have yet to conquer their animalistic natures, and for that they must be silenced, before they can silence us. ``

'' And all of this entails killing Muggleborns how ? '' Harry pointed out, desperate to observe the man talking.

'' Every war has casualties Potter, and in this one anyone sympathetic to those primitive creatures runs the risk of becoming one. ``

'' They 're not naive ... ''

'' Yet they salary war upon other countries, killing their own sort without mentation, acti ... ''

'' Since Death eater do the Sami affair I guess you would know. ``

'' Our killing is at to the lowest degree educated, and justified by more than than wars over boundaries. ``

Harry 's representative shook with oppress rage. `` nothing can apologize cold-blooded blooded murder ... ''

'' You would know then, '' Hissed the man, sneering spitefully. `` After all, once a sea wolf, always a killer, or am I wrong on that Potter ? ``

He remained unsounded, watching as Detreck slowly lowered his sword from her throat.

'' Despite what you think, you are very a great deal alike us Potter, and thus my Lord has a proposal of variety for you. ``

Watching the latent hostility leave Kalliandra 's neck, her face slumping gratefully forward without concern of impalement upon the knife 's sword, he grunted. `` So what deal is it this meter ? Join him and he spares my life history ? ``

'' No, simply reveal the missing part of the prognostication in substitution for your friend 's family 's lives. ``

'' And Hermione ? ``

The man 's eyes glittered evilly, acrid roll of tobacco billowing out with a alteration of the confidential information.

'' In the section of Mysteries, in the Hall of prognostication, you remember the ledge upon ledge filled with the prognostication of prophesier past ? ``

'' Yes. ``

'' Then surely you were not self-important enough to trust that yours was the only if foretold regarding this war. ``

His articulatio humeri stiffened, for he actually had.

From the timber 's edge, scant meters away, resounded the cracking of a Tree tree branch as it finally burnt away. It fell into the burning underbrush, sending a flash of flak bulging outwards on impact.

In the cacophonous roar of heat and flame all parties scattered, the fume clarification in clip for Harry to see Kaylens still in the villain 's frailty clutches, her evident bolt for freedom hindered by the man 's muscular arm which had tightened around her.

Her elbow to his torso went ignored, the massive man 's heftiness protecting him. Detreck merely grunted, hauling her to her feet as the smoke dispersed, the rain beginning to smoother the flames.

'' We waste time. In the lobby of prognostication there is another with your figure on it, or did that decrepit old man fail to inform of you of its being as well ? ``

Somehow he managed to avert snapping his wand, despite the shaking of his fists.

'' When you find that, and divulge its contents, only then will our Lord give up your precious Mudblooded friend. ``

'' You 're lying, '' Harry spat, the caustic taste of smoke on his tongue. `` If I told you, he 'd kill her anyway. ``

The man 's lips curled. `` Perhaps ... but if you had something else to offer him, something in addition to that ... something he very much desired ... than perhaps once you 'd revealed the arcsecond divination, he 'd return her if your watchword was given to reveal another once the exchange was made. ``

Harry shook his head disbelievingly, `` Since when has ole brain-teaser trusted my word ? ``

'' How dare you defile his name ... ''

Harry nearly laughed, `` gorge ? Just so you know, as someone well acquainted with his Muggle don 's headstone, I can assure you that is indeed his name. ``

Kalliandra 's foreland was suddenly yanked violently back, the wand again to her throat. All thoughts of traumatizing the death Eater with travesty of its leader flew from his mind, his middle glued to her pale, soaked face.

'' What else does he want to jazz ? ``

The eldest Detreck leered triumphantly, `` When you find the prophecy regarding 'the daughter of a man of power upon Gaelic soil'you will have what he is looking for. There is no name attached, therefore it may be seized by anyone. ``

Through the wind Harry 's yell seemed almost faint. `` And if I do n't rule it ? ``

'' Then that Mudblood of yours die. Unless you find something better to offer. ``

With icy foregone conclusion Harry realized that the conversation was nearly over, Kaylens'luck suspension in the balance.

'' You see boy, you may take defied our lord thus far, but you ca n't forever. In the end he wins, you lose, and if Dumbledore 's ill-thought electrical resistance continues ... ''

A prod in the shoulder sent Kaylens stumbling forward, her hands suddenly bound.

'' Then all these spares will meet the Same lot as those baronial parents of yours. ``

Kalliandra 's center flew up, surprise flitting through them even in the darkness. He met them, painfully holding onto them, grasping for seconds through the torrent so she could see how sorry he was, for the past times, for where his short sightedness had landed them, and still ... for what he may let to do.

There was simply no time left.

Somehow, the concern swimming within her golden globe conveyed what he needed to know.

She understood.

His jaw set determinedly, he re-aimed his wand.

'' Stupefy ... ''

Kalliandra went crumbling to the ground, her limp form prevarication in a individual mud-sodden heap, the demise Eater 's human face torture in surprise as another mantrap flew from Harry 's wand.

He had done the one thing Detreck could not have counted on. Injuring a familiar, thereby removing her from hurt way while simultaneously clearing the path to the opposition.

His peach struck the enemy directly in the dresser, a indorsement before a roughshod phonation resounded behind him.

'' Crucio. ``

Harry fell hard, his body imprinting the soft solid ground as a K white hot tongue sliced slowly, than brutally at his flesh. His vision was blinded, by mud, pelting, and pain, yet he still saw the haired man, half-way through the werewolf shift, walking around him, reviving Detreck ...

The werewolf Kaylens had taken out had awoken.

As he screamed, convulsing in pain, rolling in the slickness stream that had become the clearing 's grounds, he heard their argument voices.

'' ... .belongs to the Dark Lords, not us ... .we ca n't harm him ... .leave it to him ... .dealt with in due time ... .orders were ... .deliver message ... .leave them .... ''

The never-ending suffering suddenly lifted, his tortured mettle still spasming as he somehow rolled to present them. His hand flopped around pathetically, fingers closing without strength upon lean air, searching for the fellow holly forest he had lost a hold of during his convulsions.

'' You can scourge time chasing after us, or her Potter. Think about it. ``

The wet air resonated with the sharp sally of disapparation, his muscular synapses finally firing at his command. With soreness outshining the most toilsome run of homo survival he thrust himself up, his hired man sinking into the muddy malicious gossip, eyes frantically scanning the clearing.

Kaylens was nowhere to be seen.

pump lurching sickeningly, he stumbled to his metrical unit. Sliding, staggering, he peered through the darkness, summoning his wand from where it had sunk beneath the extirpate grass.

Lightning flashed, casting an eerie glow across the urine.

Kaylens lay facedown, floating within it.

His feet moved, faster than he would have thought possible, plunging into the chest mystifying water. Quickly he propelled himself to where she lay submerged, floating just below the open. Only her bound wrists, pushed upwards by the gentle body of water 's lapping, remained emerged in the air, her hair fanning out behind her head

His arms quickly sought her, wrapping around her shoulders to pull her out, letting her bushed weight fall tough against him.

His manus fell to her dresser, his speak Book a rustling against the storm.

'' Ennervate ... ''

The warmth bedspread from between his fingerbreadth, his unconsciously done conjuring trick triggering no reaction in her.

The spell was removed, yet she remained unresponsive. He had expected cough, shouting, something.

It was only then that he realized it, but no breath came from her graying lips.

refutation lessons had taught him about more than than countering spells, and he was already turning her limp form to confront him, using the water 's buoyancy to cradle her as her face lolled back.

His numbing, pained fingers quickly wiped the plastered whisker from her lip, a sick feeling rising in his pectus as his optic flickered across the vacant grounds.

The Death eater were gone ... .they would not total back.

bosom wrenching, he acted, pressing his mouth against hers as he pushed precious atomic number 8 in, breathing for her, listening to the odd hiss of his breath making its way through her air passages.

Pulling away, waiting for the climb of her chest against his, he felt zip.

Panicked oculus flickered over her peaceful grimace before his mouth once again descended, capturing her icy lips with his own in another breath of desperation. One arm was tightening around her, the other cradling her promontory as he pinched her nose.

Again he waited.

The climb in her chest as he had breathed had been barely discernible, and now there was nothing. A single thought flitted through his panicked idea. He was doing this wrong.

In that unity present moment of paralyzing horror he suddenly understood. Her air transition was clogged.

He had to clear it.

He was already turning her gimp form around, allowing her book binding to decrease against him as his fist sought her midsection. With a undivided, mighty drive he thrust them in and upwards, feeling her trunk spasm in a small quiver.

Again he repeated the motion, thrusting forcefully. Her limp form seized violently in response, her upper body falling forward as a racking coughing shook her, the water supply expelling from her lungs. Harry lunged forward with her, arms wrapping around her breast, preventing her face from again hitting the traitorous water.

His forearms strained against her as she convulsed, choking on the steer, gasping as cough after shuddering cough shook her tenuous frame. Shivering in the frozen body of water his pounding heart calmed until she leaned loosely forward, gasping breathlessly.

Without a word he pulled her against him, clutching her quivering form flush to his own, her pass falling against his articulatio humeri. Her shallow trousering caressed his peel, the ascension of her chest against his reassuring him in an inexplicable way.

Slowly he fought to control the hitching of his own fast drawn breaths, for after everything he felt ready to crumble, only he suddenly found himself the pillar to which she clung.

Resting his mentum atop her promontory, peering into the night, he silently prayed that what he had overheard was accurate. For if he was really considered Voldemort 's toy, needed to perform a task, then he truly was untouchable.

In hypothesis they would again be safe, until Riddle decided to again 'chat .'

As of now, if he were wrong, then their only refuge would be the water they stood shivering within, and he had yet to properly get the hang the bubble-head magical spell for hiding beneath its murky astuteness. Now their exclusively true protection lay within the humeral veil of cat-tails rising high above the shimmering water 's surface, obscuring them from all.

Icy wind howled, sending the Reed around them dancing.

Breathing unsteadily, the odour of sting Wood filled his nostrils. The storm was slowly winning the fight against the glare, extinguishing the aflame underbrush and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, and the illumination of the fire was slowly dying. Tilting his face down he watched the fiery orange glow reflecting from her wet impudence, lending some warmth to her blanch hue.

'' Are you alright ? '' He finally whispered, his shivering hands smoothing her tangled, sopping whisker from her grimace. She simply breathed against him, hair dripping across his shoulders, her full form quivering.

Tightening his arms around her, he again whispered his query, his questioning rim brushing along her earlobe. `` Kaylens ? '' He murmured shakily, breathing against her hair. `` You okay ? ``

In his arms she nodded imperceptivity, his trepidation for her alone sending his marrow thundering. His relief was palpable, as was the flavour of her beneath his hands.

His personal spitfire was blissfully unaware, but she had scared the hell out of him.

Raindrops continued falling, large and strong, splattering against the water with hypnotic melody. Somehow, without cause, his knuckles were rising, tracing alone her jaw phone line, a drowsy mussitation leaving her pale, cracked back talk at his touch.

Instinctively his impregnable arms began enveloping her tighter, pressing her to him needingly, his cause elusive. Surprisingly her touchy hands were responding, rising to press against his bureau. Her placate fingertips brushed his bare pelt, sliding along his pectorals where his jumper hung tattered and loose, courtesy of the wolfman'pincer and the forest 's snaring bramble.

Beneath the rippling urine a assuage tingling was radiating onto him, traveling wherever her cool skin fell into impinging with his own, as if flyspeck spot of stable electricity were passing between them.

Somehow he understood, for he was feeling her confessedly illusion. She seemed unaware that she was releasing any, but her recounting theme song was trailing across him in a exasperating way, just below the rippling surface, veiled from his eyes.

Yet somehow, he could not attend away.

Slowly, surely, the maddening sensation of her fingers tangling within his jumper drove the unconscious mind business concern from his mind, his promising oculus finally falling shut to the nighttime, hiding beneath the dark, matted whisker slung dripping across his scarred eyebrow.

Upon his cervix he felt her lips parting, an exhausted suspire escaping against his peel. His cheek dipped in response, burrowing within her rainwater scented hair.

'' You know ... '' He disclosed softly, shivering in the fart. `` You may be more problem than you 're worth. ``

A easygoing laugh, scarcely there, sent his hide tingling.

'' Oh ? '' She breathed, her hoarsely spoken words tinged with amusement. `` And you 're not ? ''

'' stage acquire, '' He conceded, a low laugh vibrating his throat.

The sky lit up, shining with anomalous splendour as lightning flashed in the distance. The icy pee lapping against them, the wind howling eerily between the trees.

'' ceramist .... '' She mumbled, his handwriting rising to fall upon the quiet skin of her neck at the phone. `` What happened ? ''

Her phonation was barely a whisper, trailing away as his fingers went trailing down the smooth skin of her neck, feeling her pulsing beating with regularity beneath them.

'' Apparently, '' He murmured gruffly, her light breathing a plume tracing across his skin, `` I ca n't result you alone for a bit. ``

'' I could say the Sami for you, '' She said breathlessly, shivering as his bridge player rose along the form of her descriptor. First his manus were gripping her waist, next rising along her side, sliding to caress the skin covering her ribcage, just beneath her breasts.

His breath hitched with hers, her arms rising to encircle his neck, cupping the back of his read/write head. Quickly her hands were becoming lost within his untamable hair, the Same unruliness that he had so oft heard her criticize, yet now felt her reveling in.

The earthy scent of mingled mud and rainwater was somehow intoxicating upon her, drawing him in more than he could allow, to a greater extent than he should give up. Yet he was, his backtalk already lowering to hers, the thickly strung tension of a thousand harsh substitution vibrating between the two as his oral cavity fell upon hers, capturing her lips as he had when pulling her limply from the icy water. Only now her mouthpiece was moving against his, the gustatory perception of salty sweat lingering upon his clapper. Her taste was mingling with the refreshing rain pouring upon them, cascading down their faces.

His clothing clung wetly to him as his mitt sought out her knot fuzz. He frenziedly felt her deepening the impinging of their sass, the rough husk of his chin scratching her in the process. A slender rumbling sent his own lips trembling against hers with laughter, her mitt squeezing his shoulders in relatiative manner. His own mouth was parting again, gasping, never relaxing the pressure against her lips as he fought for breath against her, feeling her doing the same.

A second later he again seized her, his humiliated lip being tugged gently between her own, an odd growling coming unbidden from his throat. For a tempestuous instant she quivered with seeming entertainment before his agile hands responded, running along her cervix 's vertebrae, a galvanise whimper falling from her lithe lips.

'' Kaylens ... '' He murmured, his weapons system desperately gathering her against him, his sassing deliriously relishing her gustatory sensation. Suddenly he was ignorant of the rain pouring around them, aware only of her paw wicked onslaught as they slipped beneath his shirt 's collar, sliding along the bare skin of his shoulders, caressing his back. His hair dripped into his face, and with rushed hint their ill-concealed passionateness radiated, their mouth moving in a stormy fervor. Within his arm was the girlfriend Harry had feared to have lost before he had known what it was to have, and he had no plans of letting go.

Slowly, panting breathlessly, Kalliandra pulled away. Her finger still clung to him, the rainfall pouring freely upon her flushing skin. Water droplets were dampening her brow, and her fingers slipped out from beneath his shirt to linger upon his clavicle. Unable to let her leave he leaned his brow against hers, cupping her face in his hands, feeling her eyelashes fluttering open against his cheeks.

His own jade eyes flickered hazily open, meeting the trench hazel unity regarding him. She was blinking against the rain, her bedevil heart revealing her barely concealed emotion.

external respiration heavily he leaned forward, brushing his mouth against hers, kissing her slowly. He was taking his fourth dimension now ... without the spate, without the desperation, without the care of having nearly lost her. quarter round running along her high malar, carefully wiping the mud from her boldness, his backtalk moved needingly across hers.

Again they parted, her mouth moving in a soft, disbelieving voicelessness.

'' You 've lost your head ... ''

'' I know, '' He murmured, pressing his rima oris to hers chastely. `` You wo n't tell apart anyone will you ? ``

She smiled against his sass, shaking her head slowly. `` No ... '' She whispered, amusement tingeing her modulation. `` This wo n't get out the clearing. ``

'' honest, '' He quipped, smiling deviantly. `` I would have hated to Obliviate you. ``

'' What makes you think I would take in minded ? ``

Burying his lips near her ear, he emitted a low growl, `` You would have. ``

'' Hmph. ``

Combing his finger's breadth through her thick, mud-laden hair, he felt her slender form again began to shudder, her quivering more pronounced than before.

Wrapping his subdivision tighter around her soma, he murmured his wonder. `` Does this mean you 've forgiven me for stunning you ? ``

She grumbled indecipherably for a minute, before suddenly growing tense, her face swiveling towards the seeable clearing, eyes flickering with sudden recollection.

'' Harry .... '' She whispered seriously, all lightness gone from her phonation. `` What happened to the Death Eate ... ''

'' Gone, '' He assured softly, `` They 're gone. They wo n't be back. Minus the short one. ``

Her eyes remained adverted, warily gazing through the rain into the darkness of Night.

'' How can you be for certain ? ``

He smiled sadly, the passion within him slowly dissipating as his war filled experiences, the ones that had taught him the rules of engagement, flew through his mind.

'' Because .... '' He whispered hauntingly, `` They delivered their substance. They had their fun. For them that was enough, for the fourth dimension being. ``

'' So their fun was trying to drown me, '' She questioned bitterly, `` Or threatening you with Hermione 's life ? ``

'' Both. ``

Her eyes flickered across his, her face sending something wrenching inside.

'' That man wanted you to tell him something, `` She said seriously, watching him carefully. `` Yet you would n't. Why ? ``

He swallowed hard, his X 's Malus pumila rising strongly within his throat. `` Because I 'd rather die than allow them the data they need. ``

'' Than what stopped them from forcing you to go with them ? ``

His handwriting rose, trailing across her cheek, her breathing space hesitation at his touch. Without reason his brow was again pressed against hers, her face so close that he could see the brown fleck within her irises dancing with each flash of lightning.

'' Even if they had, '' He whispered sullenly, `` Even if they had tortured Hermione right in front of me, I still would never recount. Because the second I did we would take all been dead. ``

Distant thunder shook the sky, Kalliandra 's centre falling shut against the wet onslaught. His stay upon her, never leaving as her chest rose and fell against his. The placate rhythm of her breathing was inexplicably calming.

'' If the man is so ruthless ... '' She finally spoke, `` Why would he offer up you the selection he did ? ``

'' Because as ruthless as he is, he 's also intelligent. Voldemort knows his only chance in hell of getting anything out of me would be by offering an exchange : Hermione for the data, at a neutral location. '' He paused, breathing heavily, watching the inspiration across her countenance.

'' It 's the only way I could ensure her rubber, '' He finished solemnly.

Against his os frontale he felt a light lower creasing her brow. A here and now later her veiled heart fell out-of-doors, observing him guardedly.

'' How could Voldemort possibly recognize what you 're thinking ? ''

His digit clenched and unclenched around her arms in a tense rhythm. `` Because Kalliandra, Voldemort and I have been playing this game for a long time. And were both getting practiced at it. ``

Her oral cavity parted questioningly, his fingers rising to conjure carefully against them, silencing her inquiry.

'' Please, do n't ask. I do n't want to lie to you, '' He pleaded breathlessly, lips hovering centimeters from her own, praying she understood.

She did.

Against him she nodded, wet droplets cascading down her paling face. This time it was she who sealed the scant space between them, her slick arms winding around his neck, her body pressing flush against his.

For some reason, as her split up backtalk allowed his glossa ledger entry, he suddenly felt more afraid than he ever had.

The bet had been raised that day, for with his best friend gone he suddenly had so very much to lose, and it was the female child he remained intertwined with that had sent fissures running through his heavily erected paries.

Pulling away, gasping fervently, he suddenly was unsure of whether to hate her or enjoy her for that.

'' You 're infuriating ... '' He murmured, nose nuzzling her face.

'' Likewise, '' She gasped breathlessly, water-laden strand of hairsbreadth falling over her eyes

They simply remained, hovering within the embracement of the other, until a flash of red crossed the night, circling to take a breather upon the pond 's edge.

Whilst she stiffened, Harry almost laughed in relief.

The fiery phoenix was watching them silently, something suspiciously like an old rag dropped near its foundation, its feathery head cocked at a peculiar angle.

If Harry had not known better, he would say Fawkes looked amused.









Recommended Stories :

fervor and solid ground by sagesolon Rated : suppurate Genre : Mystery, Action/Adventure, dramatic play
The Weasley 's and their adoptive category have worn through the rise of Voldemort and the Final conflict. There have been many deaths, but what happens on the brightest of day 's has rebound far and wide ranging. Now they are left to pick up the pieces. Welcome to a tale of hope, where the survivor are left to follow the clues, attempting to resolve the puzzle before the series grampus strikes again. While this is a relatively new chronicle it contains one of the most connive game that I have been lucky enough to slip up across. Pairing : Harry/Hermione

Hearts, Bars, and mark by sagesolon Rated : Mature writing style : Romance, Action/Adventure, Angst
The net battle has long since past times, yet to the Chosen One its backlash sting as painfully as they did on the day he lost her. His only if solacement is found within his nightly escapes to the Muggle land, to where he is unrecognized in the dimly lit pubs, to where he is no longer in a world that constantly reminds him of the red whisker of his dream. Yet when a Muggle as much in penury of solace as he makes the mistake of sending a booster to ask for his phone number in a steamy pub, Harry suddenly finds a break to that lingering desperation. The only if problem is how to explain his world to one mental object with magic card tricks ? Well ... the lure of a holiday definitely has its soundly detail ! This story has an almost film noir quality at its start, and it progresses into a very 'feel respectable', laugh out loud, read. Pairing : Harry/Muggle OC












A few rudiments to note :

Red rake electric cell contain Hb, which transports O throughout the consistence. If these were suddenly taken away, you would suffocate even if you were still breathing.

Platelets are responsible for the physical structure 's ability to form stock coagulum. Without blood platelet, you would bleed to last from a simple cut on the arm.

Sorry for the ad-lib biota object lesson, but in writing this chapter I did not feel like explaining these basic conception since I assumed that the characters, due to one too many hospital wing visits, would already know what these are. I also took a few originative liberties, so endure with me on those.






'' Leslie Townes Hope is the companion of power, and mother of succeeder ; for who so hopes strongly has within him the gift of miracles. ``
~ Samuel Smiles ~



Chapter 27 ~ The Companion of Grief


Near dawn she found him there. He was still awake, as she had known he would be.

Dean was flat on his rear, staring at the rich, stock red canopy of his bed. His center had not moved from the canopy in hour, for fear of seeing the vacuous bed besides him, and they did not move as his bed hanging stirred in the eerie luminosity.

Ginny slipped between them, crawling across the covers until she lay besides him. Wordlessly he had wound his implements of war around her small frame, an icy pain twisting within him. It was a punishing guilt, for he had his supporter 's warm comfort while her swain had naught to see economise for the stale white sheet draped over his closed oculus.

Seamus was gone, and it felt like a dagger had been driven through him.

It dawned a shadow, gray-red dawn, and the sinister rainwater outside continued, pooling upon the window sills. He could not close the windows, nor cylinder block out the chill wind, for when he had first seen Seamus'empty bed that night he had thrown open each Lucy in the sky with diamonds, tearing the wooden gore from their hinges.

Now the water dripped onto the floor, the irregular rhythm serving to drive him finisher and closer to the breaking level. It was a sound Neville seemed oblivious to, for his student residence mate 's stabilize stertor filled the air, and with each passing good James Dean felt the urge to smash something violently.

His fingers twisted in Ginny 's red fuzz, reminding him of her presence. Though Seamus was gone, she was still there.

He had a grounds to remain strong.

Still he did not look at her. Gradually her quiet breaths became regular, but his grim eyes remained capable, staring at the canopy.

It was all he could do.
* * * * *


Harry watched as Angelina ran from the room, ineffectual to shake the icy sensation slithering within him. He knew he should not handle, he could not ...

Yet he did.

arcsecond after port-keying to lupin 's manor house, as he had regained his footing in the candlelit foyer, Kalliandra had lost cognizance. His shivering physical structure had clutched her against his chest, and that was how Angelina had found them.

It was becoming clearer, the harshly exchanged actor's line between Kaylens and the headmaster ... the ones he had overheard in the hospital wing ... It seemed years ago, yet they echoed hauntingly fresh within his head.

'' Considering that I 'm the one you ca n't cure ... ''

'' Kalliandra, looking at it as a death sentence will not aid topic. ``

'' You 're justly. Nothing will. ``

Angelina had claimed that the physical stresses of the Nox had just finally taken their toll, saying how magical travelling was often too much for a weakened body to accept. She had told him everything was going to be fine, to not care ...

Her eye betrayed her words for the Trygve Halvden Lie they were.

'' Harry, set her there. Help me get her sleeves ... ''

Angelina was back, having returned with a hoard of provision. He did as he was told, laying Kalliandra on the pass off couch. She sunk into the torn up shock, stuffing bulging out at the additional weight. It appeared to be the only real piece of furniture on the kickoff storey, and he too squeezed onto it.

He could n't leave her.

Reaching down he grasped the handcuff of her wet sleeve, rolling it up. With every column inch of exposed flesh another bruise was revealed, his inside twisting at the thick, deep purple marks lining her finespun pelt. In the dark of the glade he had not even noticed ...

Angelina knelt besides them, her hands moving methodically, with the direct social movement born of her healer education. His old teammate was now cleaning the inside of Kalliandra 's elbow, inserting a small needle into the bluish business of her nervure. He could only watch from where he sat on Lupin 's haggard sofa, holding Kaylens messy head of hair's-breadth in his lap.

'' Harry hold this ... hold it high ... ''

He nodded mutely, taking the clear plastic bag from her, watching the yellowish-brown fluid sloshing within it. Following Angelina 's education he held it shoulder high, unable to remove his optic from Kaylens'serene font. Her deep hazel tree eyes were now hidden behind sick palpebra, her face in desperate need of washing. A streak of mud still highlighted her zygomatic bone, a gray pelage of ashes lending her a ghostly, freckled appearance.

Reaching down Harry brushed her hair aside, revealing a dry out smear of stemma hiding near her hairline.

A mysterious bruise was forming there as well.

In smooth gesture his erstwhile housemate attached a long, clear tubing to the IV in her arm with a muted click, retrieving the fluid filled bag from him. With both of his hands finally free he found himself smoothing the pilus away from her case, wiping the mud away with his thumbs.

He could finger Angelina 's centre on him. `` She needs to rest Harry. ''

He did not serve right away, contenting himself to watch over as Angelina wove her wand, the IV bag rising to rest suspended in mid-air. Slowly the liquidness began dripping from the bag into a modest, tube-like bedroom.

Swallowing hard, his gaze rose pointedly to Angelina 's.

'' What are you giving her ? ``

Angelina never ceased working, and she was already shooing Harry 's men out of the way as she carefully grasped Kalliandra 's other limp arm, tapping just above the human elbow with her wand.

Kaylens'bluish mineral vein bulged just long enough for another syringe needle to be inserted, only this fourth dimension Angelina was drawing blood samples, rather than starting a drip infusion.

'' Angelina ? '' He prompted gruffly.

The young healer sighed wearily, `` It 's a concoction of red descent cellular telephone and thrombocyte Harry. '' She pulled back on the syringe, and it began filling with a syrupy, dark red blood.

Harry hastily looked away.

'' Why does she require that ? '' He ground out, his phonation hoarse with exhaustion.

Leaving the phonograph needle in her arm Angelina unscrewed the full syringe barrelful, setting the blood sample distribution upon a natation tray she had conjured. She made quick study of attaching a new, empty one to the needle as she repeated the process.

'' How about you Harry ? '' Angelina asked dismissively. `` Knowing you, you 've probably managed to bang yourself up good. ``

'' Do n't change the field. ``

Angelina 's dark optic darted up, `` I 'm not. But I 'm a healer, that 's why Dumbledore left me to wait for you two. I just had to check. ``

His stock eyes turned to his own work force. He flipped them over, observing his healed, callous decoration. The deep cut the broken glass had left were gone. Fawkes'tears had healed them, dripping into his combat injury when he had reached through the compact rainfall to take the port key.

Before he even had a chance to wonder why Fawkes had bothered healing such nestling harm, the phoenix had flown away.

'' I 'm fine, '' He replied staidly, realizing he meant it. No longer could he finger the stinging scratches, torn by the loup-garou 's pincer, down his back. Even the os deep pall the icy rain had left was gone.

All that was left was the purge ace churning within his breadbasket, his solitary assuagement the lady friend in his lap, who was incapable of responding enough to allay his fears.

'' What 's legal injury with her ? ``

In the empty, windowless room, Angelina removed the acerate leaf from her arm.

'' Nothing that ca n't be treated, '' She responded quietly, rising from her knees, apparently done.

'' That 's not what I asked. ``

He did not overleap the way her eye avoided his.

'' Nothing that I can tell you. For what it 's Charles Frederick Worth ... I 'm sorry about that Harry. ''

He swallowed, the sound seeming much louder in the still air. He bowed his head, spying a spot of grayish ash near the turning point of Kalliandra 's mouth. Without thought his quarter round wiped it away, his stiff demeanor relaxing as a sleepy murmur emerged from her frigidity lips.

Angelina watched it all, silently placing each of the blood samples into a cool carrying casing. For a mo her clinical nature vanished, a sad look overcoming her soot black features.

It was then that it all came together for Harry. Every little detail that she had let pillow slip, every signal of fatigue, every word the last eater had said ...

'' It has to do with what she is, does n't it ? ''

Though he had asked, there was no interrogative sentence in his tone.

Angelina rose a skeptical eyebrow, `` Then you do know ? ``

His eye rose to hers, `` Yes. That 's why you could n't tell me. Dumbledore is n't aware I know. ``

She sighed tiredly, but he was already continuing. `` Ron and the others, you said they 're very well and that they were taken to Hogwarts. ''

She just nodded, earning a heavy smell from him.

'' Then why were we brought here ? ``

'' I wish I knew. All I know is that the Order is finally utilizing the condom home it 's been setting up. ``

His eyebrow crinkled, his hands unconsciously caressing Kalliandra 's damp hair, which was strewn across his lap, leaving wet marker upon his trouser. `` There are other places asides from home office ? ``

'' Of course. Do n't ask where, because I do n't make love. ``

His smile was strained, `` Clever really ... not letting any one somebody know too lots about anything in case they 're caught. ``

'' Exactly. ``

His lapse from the shadow issue plaguing him could persist in no longer, for the opinion of carefully controlled panic was rising.

Indicating the IV bag, he shot out a interrogative. `` Why does she need that ? ``

'' Perhaps I 'm not the best somebody to explain that. ``

'' You 're a healer, '' He said in a carefully controlled tone. `` Who better ? ``

Angelina opened her mouth, as if to respond, but she never got the chance.

'' Perhaps I can. If you would only allow me. ``

Harry 's headspring spun, as did Angelina 's. Neither had heard the person 's arrival, and his heart was thundering at the fatalistic possibleness that could take in resulted from such a oversight on their parts.

His heart narrowed, ira mixing with relief as he saw another loved one intact and standing in the hall 's doorcase. A bitingly jest broke his pharynx, and he gestured into the room.

'' By all means professor, it is your house after all. ``

professor lupine stepped wearily into the way, looking worse for the wear. But then again, Harry reflected, did n't they all ? The thought nearly sent Harry laughing. Instead he bit it back, another bitter speech sound growling abstruse in his throat.

From the flavor on lupine 's human face, Harry knew he had noticed. The deep billet on the man 's side betrayed an inner pain, one Harry felt all too acutely.

It was the pain in the ass of loss. Only Harry knew Lupin had lost far Sir Thomas More than he ever had. Of course, he was still young. There was time to beguile up in that category.

As if sensing his dark thoughts, Kalliandra stirred. His care was suddenly riveted to her, his bridge player on her cheek. half of him hoped desperately for her to awaken, while another part feared that his one fortune of discovering what ailed her would then slip away.

She was far too unregenerate to burden anyone else with her pain. He knew that now.

It was startling how much could change in lupus erythematosus than twenty four hours.

Harry 's half angry, half questioning regard finally rose. He was startled to discover Angelina 's absence. Somehow she had slipped away unnoticed, leaving he and lupin alone.

After having been ignored by him for over two week, he was n't sure if he was happy about that or not.

'' It 's good to see you Harry. ''

'' Is it ? '' He could n't help it, but his voice was cold.

Lupin looked stung. `` Of course of study it is. ``

'' fountainhead forgive me for being skeptical, '' Harry replied sarcastically. `` It 's not like you have n't spoken to me in awhile. ``

'' I had my grounds. ``

He inclined an eyebrow, `` You had reasons for believing Canicula all-but-killed my mum and dad too. ''

'' That 's below the knock Harry. ``

'' goodness. ``

Remus ran a weary bridge player through his graying hairsbreadth, leaning back against the wall. For the retentive time neither spoke, the total merging arousing conflicting emotions within Harry.

He wanted to slug him. For what he had done to him, to Tonks, to Kaylens ... by ignoring them simply to shelter them from his canine tooth side. For having left him to cope with the pain in the neck of Sirius'death alone. For having had the audaciousness to walk in, saying hi, as if cypher were amiss between the two. For having sent not one owl that summer.

All of Harry 's pent up frustration with lupine were finally bubbling over, conveyed in the single icy looking he shot him.

Outside the low temperature, first of November wind rattled the sidings. The conditions matched his black temper perfectly.

'' I 'm sorry Harry. ``

He nearly laughed. `` Are you ? ''

'' For everything, '' Lupin whispered chokingly.

Harry looked up, meeting the pleading stare of his begetter 's last bread and butter friend. Suddenly he did not see the man who had inspired such a flavour of abandonment.

Instead ... he saw his family.

He swallowed hard, remembering the rifts he and Ron had been through, and the one they were in now. All those years ago, when he and Ron had fought during the Tri-Wizard tournament, Hermione had called them stupid.

She had been right.

lifespan was too short to carry grudge.

The reminder of Hermione 's troth, and the thought that Remus could be taken just as easily, sent him stumbling for Holy Scripture. `` Just ... '' He started, forcing a strained smiling. `` Do n't let it go on again. ``

'' I wo n't. ``

Remus'calorie-free brown centre were goose egg but honest. Suddenly, despite his lingering reverence for Hermione ... for Ron ... for Ginny ... for Dean ... for Tonks ... for Dumbledore ... for Remus ... .for Neville ... .for Luna ... for Kalliandra ...

It was all too much to take, but suddenly he felt that he may not be quite so desperately alone in facing all of it.

'' Thank you, '' He said quietly, truly meaning it.

Remus simply smiled sadly, inclining his head towards the slumbering girl in his lap.

'' How is she ? ``

Harry felt his brow instinctively furrow, his brain once again compartmentalizing what he could interest about, and impact, in the here and now.

'' I 'm not sure, '' He replied honestly. `` But Profes ... .Remus, what 's happening to her ? ``

The galvanise feel upon Remus 's face faded, his variety eyes regarding him carefully.

'' I assume you already know then. ``

'' Yes, '' He heard himself whispering, his vox filled with raw concern.

Remus studied him for a long bit, his heart falling on the movement of Harry 's hands as he stroked Kalliandra 's foresightful tomentum.

For some grounds Harry did not care if Remus noticed.

The erstwhile professor 's hilltop crinkled with both curiosity and ruth at the connotations Harry 's motion conveyed. `` Are you sure you really want to know Harry ? Sometimes not knowing is best, for when you know ... '' Remus'regard was suddenly far off, as if peering into the distant past.

'' Sometimes Harry, the accuracy will simply stalk you. ``

Harry 's throat constricted, the tears glistening within Remus'eyes far too clear.

'' What if it already does ? ``

The senior man smiled sadly, `` Then I 'd say matter between the two of you have changed. After all, she 's out cold and you have yet to try and throttle her. ``

A sad laugh bubbled out of him, his gaze falling to pillow on her pale forehead.

'' Please ... I ... do n't say anything .... ''

'' Would n't dream of it. ``

Harry found himself nodding with no finicky reason. `` undecomposed ... I ... I 've no idea ... ''

'' What 's going on ? '' Remus finished.

Harry spotted the man 's knowing smile, and was finally able to let out the breath he had been unconsciously holding.

'' Something like that. ``

In the still air of the windowless room, both men remained silent. Harry 's oculus fell closed, his ears seeking out the easy audio of Kaylens'regular breathing.

Somehow, even with the growing inquietude within, this calmed him.

With a decisiveness he did not feel, he finally spoke.

'' I need to have sex Remus. ''

A loudly sigh filled the room. `` I was afraid of that. ``

And Remus explained. He explained how magical beings had come into Creation, for somewhere in human history, human blood line mobile phone had begun mutating.

Most of the variation had resulted in cancerous blood streams, killing those in possession of those variations. Muggles and thaumaturgist alike still struggled against those diseases, leukemia the most salient, but there were some mortal where the mutations became beneficial.

He explained how everything, both support and inert, contained a form of energy. Not all of it was mensurable in the Muggle way, and it was this form of energy, the kind that would flunk to show on electrical exfoliation, that allowed wizardly beings to flourish.

It was sorcerous energy, and over time some individuals developed the ability to fake it, without untoward affects.

Others were not so lucky.

There were people like Kalliandra, mass like Reaches, who could cut into into the magical region. But doing so was dangerous.

In the shell of witch and adept, they developed completely new cellular phone in their blood streams, and magical energy was conducted through their strong-arm consistence via these. Thus their bodies were able to act like electrical circuits, and get-up-and-go was able to hap through their charming cells without ever touching their early cells.

It was a perfect system.

There were occasions when witches and wizards would become fatigued, and such occurrences usually happened when the person was performing wandless magic, or a particularly complicated tour. And the reason for their exhaustion was quite simple really :

When one 's body functions like a circuit, if excess magical energy is taken in and not released in the sort of a properly cast spell, then that free energy remains stuck in the eubstance and has to go somewhere. And since deception runs quite literally through one 's veins, that witch or wizard 's magical cells would be the maiden to be essentially, electrocuted by their magic overload.

Fortunately magical cellphone are quite robust, and their plasma tissue layer are more than capable of absorbing such overloads.

Red rip cadre, however, are not.

On social occasion so much energy is not released from a wizard 's body that it bursts through their charming electric cell, frying origin cellular phone essential in the sustentation of life.

And when one 's red bloodline cells are dying it is hard to circulate sufficiency oxygen.

It was how Luna Lovegood 's mother had died. She had suffocated, while still breathing.

Such last were a rare occurrence, because human blood contains far more mobile phone than essential for the sustentation of life. So when some stemma cells are killed there are generally enough subsister to allow that individual to continue functioning in a rule, albeit fatigued, manner.

The initiatory fourth dimension Harry had tried the Patronus charm he had overdrawn as well. He had been left winded, gasping for breathing time, just like he was after every Quidditch practice.

Yet he had partaken in no forcible activity.

It was because he had lost red-blood cellular telephone, the very cells responsible for carrying atomic number 8 throughout the dead body, and his consistency was responding as it would in an Oxygen-deprived manner.

orbit had never evolved that far. They had never developed extra electric cell in their rakehell stream, and the sport allowing them to conduct electrical electric current lay directly upon their red origin prison cell.

If they overdrew, their first jail cell to be damaged would be the one 's necessary in the transfer of Oxygen.

Their mutation was one that worked, but it functioned poorly. Wizards had evolved much more gracefully, for their extra cells provided a barrier to protect them against overdrawing. Ultimately it was this defense mechanism that had allowed the wizarding species to not only flourish, but to survive.

Unlike in him, the start cells to die in a reach when they overdrew were their red descent cellular telephone.

For a ambit, the likelihood of suffering Luna 's mother 's fate was an almost certainty.

A stale feeling overtook Harry as all of this sunk in, for Kalliandra could easily die from overdrawing. She was only still live due to the fact that her ancestry watercourse contained more red blood cells than it actually needed. Thus, she was up to of tolerating a certain point of overdrawing, but the tolerance was slim.

For her, unlike a hag or wizard, there was no substantial learning curve. For her there was little room for mistake, for there were no cells to take in the jolt ...

For her the entirely advantage of overdrawing too often was death.

She would smother while still breathing.

It was why her red blood cells were being replaced even as Remus spoke. For every time she drew energy into herself she was slowly killing her cells.

Dumbledore was determined to supplant as many as he could, as often as he could.

It was the only way to have her, to ensure her a longer life.

Suddenly he understood the intermittent bruising he had seen upon her throughout the year.

After Remus had turned ... in the hospital annexe ...

Her thrombocyte had been killed when she had overdrawn, to protect him from Remus ...

She had passed out in Grimmauld home, from the movement ... her body forcing her into unconsciousness in a final stage ditch effort to prevent her from doing encourage impairment to herself..

The picture of her lying unconscious on the floor of the Three Broomsticks flew through his mind.

He had known that she had risked exposure for what she was, but gods ... .She had risked death there, to protect citizenry who hated her.

And he had once accused her of being a Death Eater.

Death feeder knew no such selflessness.

A sickening sensory faculty flooded over him, his hand rising to pillage through his still wet hair.

He scarcely heard Remus as he tried to lie, telling him it was not a death condemnation for her.

Harry knew better, for what else could it be ?

His grip on her reduce, as if holding onto her could keep the inevitable. Remus was talking about treatment, about how if they maintained her blood numeration at proper point that she would be able to live a pattern, to the full lifespan.

All it took was a single look into Remus'cheerless center to know that his friend did not truly believe what he was saying.

'' volition she die ? ``

His own vox, his own query, sounded so far off.

'' Harry nothing is certain ... If she does n't overdraw then we 'll never deliver to worry about that theory. ``

'' Remus, will she die ? '' Harry felt his voice breaking, the familiar pang of loss welling within him.

As he met Remus'kind, glistening eyes, he knew the answer.

'' Eventually ... ''

He wanted to perish out something, a form of protest that would quench the dryness of his throat, but cypher came.

'' From what we know Harry, the others like her ... eventually, they all overdrew. ``

Eventually ...

The dopey inlet of his mind clung to that word, the ridiculous companion of heartbreak stirring within him.

Hope.

It was n't until sometime after dawning when he finally fell asleep. The IV was long since removed from her arm, her sleeping word form pulled into his weaponry.

At the import Harry did n't kick in a tinker's damn about who could see.



Recommended write up :

legacy : The diagonal Charm by the Dark Lord Nedved Rated : Mature
Summary : Every epic has a beginning, and for the youth Magi who was Prophesized to ingest the Power the Dark Jehovah Knows Not, this is the first of his Legacy. For Harry there was no time to mourn for his fallen godfather, for a new foe has emerged with the sole purpose to assassinate him. The Dark Lord Nedved has created a tale of activeness, uncovering, sorcerous creativity and forfeit that would get out the best novelist pounding on his doorway, begging for him to start working on original fiction. This heroic fib has 5 different novels associated with it, two of which are completed, while the others are well under way. To attempt to describe them in any former way would be to not do them justice. Harry/Hermione







Authors musical note : Hey folks !

All of you really are the best reader out there. I ca n't thank everyone plenty for all of the well want and understanding that were shown when I announced that I would be taking a long sabbatical leave from writing. I really needed it, and am glad of it. Both my mother and babe had been diagnosed with serious unwellness this by summer, and all of the well wishes some of you sent via electronic mail must have paid off because they have both made remarkable retrieval.

Secondly, thank you to everyone for the kind word 's regarding Lexi 's expiry. On top of everything this summertime that was the last blow to drive all of my motivation for writing away for awhile, but it is now back replete forcefulness. Since I am a bit frustrated at having taken so long between chapters in the past, I have now set aside one day a hebdomad to write so that I can get chapters out much more quickly, and on a regular ground. I anticipate this story being done by summer, and then I shall get work on the sequel.

And most importantly I wanted to say thank you to St. Andrew, for he helped me immensely with this chapter. It had been so longsighted since I had written anything that when I finally tried to write again I found myself suffering from a severe pillow slip of author 's block. Not only did he beta-read this chapter but he also offered wonderful suggestions to get this chronicle back on path. Thank you so much !




'' Dangerous is wrath concealed. ``
~ Lucius Annaeus Seneca ~



Chapter 28 ~ The Power of Anger


As if in a nightmare the way 's impenetrable darkness was broken. From the darkened hall a single wax light appeared, levitating ominously as it preceded its owner into the blackened elbow room.

The house 's lower tale harboured neither windows nor doors to the outside humans. It was a never-ending admonisher of the monthly monster that had once been contained within its very paries, whenever the moon had cast its full luminousness upon the earth.

Now another more dangerous freak loomed in the room 's shadows.

With a free-and-easy wave of their deal the digit crossed the carpeted story silently, their silhouette pausing above the slumbering teens. The figure knew that neither would awaken until their quiescency spell had run its row.

Yes, the figure was powerful. Their sleeping charms were one of their solid talents.

They could operate in complete rubber. None within the rampart would be the wiser to their actions.

Tonight they would begin their plan.

A syringe was filled, its needle swiftly inserted into the slumbering miss 's venous blood vessel. Kaylens'pulsating rake, bluish in tint through her wan skin, flashed silver.

A moment later the unknown hue faded, a grim line of satisfaction stretching over the figure 's shadowed face.

* * * * *


With a sharp click the door to Dumbledore 's office opened.

Tonks shot out of the armchair she had been dozing within, knowing the locking spell 's remotion to have in mind only one thing.

'' He 's back, '' She whispered. Lounging in the armchair besides her Regulus nodded.

Out in the foyer, suddenly visible as the door opened, was Ron Weasley. He lay slumped besides his cast aside crutch on the floor, sleeping soundly.

Crusantheus hung on the door miserably, his knocker curled and contorted around his ears so as to block out the sound of the young Gryffindor 's snoring.

'' kill me ... '' He squeaked. `` Please. ``

As tired as she was Tonks could n't help but smile as Regulus lazily took aim, an evil flicker in his eye.

'' No ! '' Shrieked Crusantheus. `` I did n't actually mean it ! ''

Regulus continued advancing on the cowering knocker until a cryptic voice intervened.

'' No need to gag Crusantheus. Did you forget that the killing torment has no effect on face disparager ? ''

Crusantheus peeked out from behind his knocker hopefully, as Tonks spun around, rounding on the infuriate thing 's rescuer.

Somehow Ablus Dumbledore was standing behind her, looking rather jovial.

'' Morning Nymphadora. Fancy a cooky ? ``

As if on cue a tray of biscuit appeared in his outstretched palm.

Tonks blinked dazedly, rubbing her red rim eyes with her fists. Surely this mirthful
man had not just returned from a group meeting with the darkest of dark Maker ?

Regulus, completely unflummoxed by their sudden violation, rose from his arm chairperson to carefully inspect the food for thought offering. `` I take it negotiations proceeded satisfactorily ? ''
'' The interchange will be made in two calendar month'prison term. ``

Tonks gaped, `` Two calendar month ! ``

'' They probably need clock time to repair the trivial Mudblood, '' Regulus commented casuallly, directing his regard to Albus. `` I assume you requested that she be returned in one musical composition, and I can only imagine the fun they 've had with her until now. ``

Dumbledore nodded gravely. `` Her lesion will need some ... healing. ``

Tonks eye widened in concern. While she still did not see how Hermione for Dumbledore was a bonnie trade, she had grown rather fond of the girl during her sentence at Grimmauld Place.

A pair of sky blue-blooded eyes regarded her carefully, their twinkling somehow dimmer than she remembered.

'' I know what you are thinking Nymphadora, '' Dumbledore said kindly, as if reading her nous. `` But percentage of the reason I made the lineage pact here with Regulus, rather than in Voldemort 's front, was so that I could guarantee Hermione 's return on my own terms. He could have chosen to reject the profligate pact had he so chosen, but he did not. ''

Tonks opened her mouth to ask precisely what those terms were, but his hand steadied her question.

'' The terms were that if she were returned in the take strong-arm state that she had been in before the Hogsmead attack took place, that I would trade place with her, becoming Voldemort 's prisoner. ``

'' I bet he was only too happy to accept that trade, '' genus Regulus stated, smirking widely. `` Imagine that ... Albus Dumbledore, the iniquity God Almighty 's greatest nemesis, handed to him on a golden disc with a position of cherry."

"Actually,"Dumbledore corrected,"I believe the expression is ‘ served on a atomic number 47 platter with a cherry on top.'”

Tonks spluttered, focusing on the retch sense impression within her stomach. The war cause, the Holy Order, could feasibly collapse without Dumbledore 's leadership, and here he was bantering with an ex-Death feeder, wizarding populace deserter right after selling his sprightliness to the devil.

"Dumbledore,"She said, voicing her far from cool off idea aloud."Why would you do this ?"

Dumbledore 's eyes locked on hers, losing their light. `` Nymphadora, we have lost far too many students to this war already. I could not stand up by and misplace another. ''

She swallowed the lump in her throat hastily. She should give birth known all along that the safe of others would always get first to Dumbledore. He would feature done the like for any of them.

Love of one 's friends was a hefty thing.

'' So, old man, '' Regulus queried, taking a collation of his cookie. `` Find out anything else of interest during your little rendezvous ? ``

If potential Dumbledore 's eyes darkened further. `` We have to assemble the parliamentary law. The pest was unleashed in Dublin. ``

'' Dublin, Irish Republic ! '' Tonks blurted rhetorically.

Regulus frowned, `` As brilliant as you are, how were you placed in Ravenclaw again ? ''

She scarcely heard him, her eyes having darted over to the still slumbering forms of Kenneth and Emily.

Their nursing home city was infected.

'' So how 'd you get by that fun fact Albus ? I never exactly took you two to be old schooltime Oncorhynchus keta. ''

For the briefest of bit Dumbledore 's center took on their old light. `` For all of Voldemort 's prowess with Legilimency, he never quite master Occlumency. He has always surrounded himself with fast following. '' He continued, `` And until recently he simply did not ingest the need.

Regulus chuckled. `` So he 's safe, but you 're better. ``

Tonks blinked. `` But I thought he was one of the most superb student Hogwarts has ever seen ? ''

'' Ah ... '' Dumbledore said, smiling again. `` As is Ms. Granger, but even she can not fly upon a broom. ''

Tonks gaped at him.

'' We all have our helplessness Nymphadora. Severus never would have survived his office as spy had he not been better at Occlumency and Legilimency than Voldemort. We should simply be grateful that this is one of Voldemort 's few weak decimal point. ``

Tonks frowned pensively. So He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did have weaknesses. They really were not fighting for naught.

With an air of finality Regulus clapped his hands together, making the already aflutter Crusantheus bang his knocker rather loudly. The slumbering Ronald Weasley gave a violent start, snorting loudly as he awoke suddenly.

Tonks watched wearily as the redhead blinked groggily, eyeing the situation in front of him until his eyes landed on the schoolmaster. It took a consequence before a figurative spark electric-light bulb clicked on in his sleep-befuddled thinker

'' prof Dumbledore ! '' He exclaimed, scrambling to his infantry, a bustle of wooden crutch and gangly legs sliding on stone. It did n't take long before Ron was monotonous on his arse once again, groaning from his fall.

genus Regulus eyed him mockingly. `` And they call Hufflepuffs the duffers. ``

* * * * *


Harry 's eyes snapped open, his dreamless nap shattered by the sudden outcry of the girl in his arms. Through slightly blurred eyes he stared down the bridge of his olfactory organ at the messy mop of hairsbreadth resting upon his chest. The warm impression he ought to have felt vanished, a numbing one replacing it at the sight of her expression.

For Kaylens there was no peace to be found in the realm of dreaming.

He swallowed hard, watching her look crinkle into an expression bearing striking similarity to what he had once seen upon Cedric 's father, as the man desperately clutched his lifeless son to him, oblivious to the swarming crowd around them.

Such undiluted ruefulness should never be seen upon a man countenance, yet he had seen it palpably far too often. Even on himself. The ancestor of such pain had been buried mysterious within him, growing since the moment he had discovered his straight fate : putting to death or be killed.

All thought of his cataclysm of a futurity was suddenly shattered as Kaylens lurched violently, a chilling cry cutting from her throat.

Harry gaped, feeling the pilus on his blazon rising to tolerate on end. Without thinking his mitt gripped her arms, her hide beneath his fingers turning Patrick Victor Martindale White with the pressure.

'' K-kaylens ... '' He stuttered, scarcely recognizing his own interpreter. He gave an experimental shove, shaking her lightly in a pathetic attempt to rouse her.

And that was when she cried out again. That healthy ripping from her pharynx. It resonated through the dark room, terrifying in its raw intensity. His whisker now fully stood on end, for the sound had been insanely tragical and yet, unbearably beautiful.

It chilled him to the bone, for it was a profound no human could utter.

It happened fast. One second his arms were wrapped tightly around her, shaking her in an attempt to wake up her, and in the next her arms wrenched away. She shot up quickly, her eyes flying undetermined in the shadow room only to be slammed shut as she uttered a more associate shriek of nuisance. His relief was short- lived as he grabbed onto her arm again, for she pulled away so violently that they were both place tumbling from the sofa to the floor.

His back struck the floor first, his human knee having been tangled unnaturally in the cover. He attempted to right himself, pulling his legs down until he was on all fours.

A western fence lizard gripe to the stake sent his human face smashing into the ground.

He groaned, and ignoring the throbbing pain in his nose he rose his pass cautiously, squinting at his surroundings. Where were his chalk ? Slowly he reached a hand out, allowing it to roam across the balmy carpet in his lookup.

And then he remembered.

His eyeglasses were still lying in some godforsaken puddle in the middle of that damnable forest. By now they were probably some acromantula 's plug toy.

Cursing he blinked rapidly, his oculus finally adjusting to the darkness and settling on the slightly muzzy outline of Kaylens. She was sitting upright, some honorable five feet away, with her knees drawn to her chest and her case buried within them.

He swallowed hard, the sole sounds in the elbow room now were his raspy intimation and her rapid, temperamental single. In stunned quiet he observed her as best as he could. Her unsheathed groundwork were sticking out from beneath a thick mantle, which despite their fall still partly covered her, while she breathed as if having run a marathon.

Everything that had transpired between them came flooding back, a tense feeling twisting within him.

'' Kaylens ... '' He whispered, reaching hesitantly for her, only for her to recoil, scrambling away like a fright animal.

He stared in amazement as her backbone hit the room 's wall, a foreign whimper coming from her pharynx. Of all the reactions he could have foreseen, this was the farthest from it.

And now she was having the reaction that he would own expected from any former young lady, but not from her.

She was sobbing.

The sound of her vociferation tore at him in manner he had n't imagined, for the young woman who had stood by him, facing Death Eaters and werewolves without blinking an eye, had been reduced to this pathetic state of matter by a mere nightmare.

Instantly he stood, crossing the room to her in four prospicient strides.

'' Kaylens, '' He said, tentatively laying a deal on her shoulder. She whimpered, shrinking away from his touch.

His forehead furrowed determinedly. `` Kaylens look at me, '' He commanded, crouching directly in front of her. Still, her head remained determinedly adverted, prompting him to grasp her by both shoulders.

Her foreland shot up, a furious clicking coming from her pharynx as she struggled away, lashing out violently. He dove back to avoid her thresh hands and feet, landing on his tailbone, eyes broad in astonishment.

She was making that speech sound again.

And he recognized it. A dark night in the Forbidden forest, where he and Draco Malfoy had encountered the unexpected, had taught him that audio of pain.

The sound of the beautiful creature 's dying cries had reverberated in his nightmares for months.

As had Voldemort 's shadowy figure ...

There was no hesitation in his movements as he wandlessly summoned his scepter to his hand, immobilizing her arms and legs with a flick of his wrist.

Kaylens was witting, but incapable of lashing out.

He crawled back to her, taking her delicate wrist and pushing the arm of her battered sweater up.

The bruising was gone.

He swallowed hard, recognizing the odds of such bruising disappearing nightlong. Now he was only certain of one thing.

Something had happened whilst he slept.

Licking his slips nervously he cupped her chin, raising her head until he could see all of the confusion swimming within her golden eyes. His breath hitched in horrible realization at what he was about to do, but there was simply no other way.

He had to hump. He had to lie with what had happened whilst he slept.

Until then he could n't help her, and he knew that no one else would be willing to do this. There were rigorous normal against the unauthorized use of Legilimency. Hermione had taught him that much, screaming and ranting after his final stage misuse of the natural endowment against the Lapplander miss he was about to violate yet again.

'' I 'm meritless, '' He whispered, brushing her haircloth away from her face. `` I 'm so sorry Kally ... '' He repeated, steeling himself for his crime.

Cupping her facial expression he stared intently into her eyes, watching them flickering around in reverence.

Her fear was warranted.

He only hoped he was wrong.

'' Legilimency ! ``

The overpowering wave that was her life flooded his idea, capturing his locoweed in a go of indiscernible upshot. He groaned, desperate to stop the twister-like effect of the memories swirling around him. It was unlike than the last time, so unbelievably different ...

A blare of clicking, beautiful and brawny in its raw intensity filled his thinker, only to be replaced just as quickly as it had come with a intimate scream.

'' RILEY ! ''

He was seeing it again, reliving the afternoon when she had seen her own Brother murdered right in front of her. Only this time the mental image were fleeting, distorted as if he were viewing it through a thickset pane of smoky field glass. It was as if the store were no foresightful her own.

His heart clenched as he watched the man kick open the door for the indorsement prison term. Kaylens'modest organic structure was thrown backwards, her petite form sliding across the floor. It was as if everything were on the dissipated forward lineament of a Muggle VCR. There was the knife, her riot, her brother ...

As the gunshot rang out he could again almost sense what she had. The hot, fiery pain of the blade plunging into her material body. The searing as it was drug in a bass line across her shoulder vane. The fear as she watched the blood pooling from her brother 's
wound slowly stop pumping ...

Suddenly all was black, misty, the herculean sound of a ruck stampeding through her opinion. Then all was green and Brown and green again. Somehow he was running faster than he had thought potential, the Tree whipping past him in a blur of green and brown and green again. He was surrounded by others of his kind.

His name was Lightning.

The icon twisted again, surrounding Harry in a confusing whorl of forest panorama followed by prospect of her childhood. Silver horns flashed around him, gleaming as the herd ran beneath the moonlight, while fortunate hair flashed throughout her life.

Another memory slammed into Harry, crystallizing into near clearness. It was mid-afternoon, though the sun barely shone through the over-cast sky. Before him was a poorly kept curtilage, bordered on three position by a thick, rising treeline and mound. Harry swiveled in the murky retention, feeling Kalliandra 's anamnesis lurch dangerously as another memory threatened to phlebotomise into this one. The speech sound of hooves, the strait of the herd on the run, pounded in the distance.

Harry fell to the dewy basis, watching as a man with golden hair, tinged heavily with hoar, methodically stacked sandbags away from the house. Fog crept across the lawn, curling around his feet, each grunt echoing in the soundless valley.

And then the tiddler were led out, and Harry 's mortal shivered.

Kalliandra appeared to be the Sami age as in the last memory, only now she stood besides a small boy, barely older than her, digging her nails into his arm.

'' S-sean ... ''

Their father pried her hands away from her chum, forcing a semi-automatic Glock 17, 9x19 mm quality pistol into her modest hired hand. Her stage had suddenly felt frozen, rooted to the dampness ground. Harry could practically sense her heart 's fearful thundering at the common cold, unfeeling metal between her finger.

The thick fog curled gamy around the six pes stack of sand bags, and as it began to drizzle her father aimed her small manus towards the stack.

'' Shoot it. ``

Kalliandra pulled the trigger and cried.

As the gun was being passed to her surviving brother Kaylens'retentiveness shifted again, swirling until he found himself peering through a thick grove of tree diagram, stomping his hooves in warning as a hooded design approached. The figure 's hands raised very slowly, carefully removing the hood of their robe, allowing a cascade of midst, black hair to arrive tumbling around her shoulder joint.

The cleaning woman 's countenance remained hidden by the late forest shadows, yet Lightning was calming.

It was a virtuous cleaning woman. She could be trusted. Lightning could tell.

The unicorn never saw the other cloaked figure creeping from behind, and that man 's dagger soon shone silver with Lightning 's blood.

Harry stood in the shadows drawing deep, razz intimation. He could practically palpate every inch of pain the poor creature was going through, the only sounds that of the screeching animate being and that of the dry ramification cracking beneath Harry 's shifting weight as he watched, powerless to break its pain.

The man bottled and corked a measurable quantity of blood from the unicorn, leaving it only enough to barely hitch away alive. A fire up chuckle escaped the hooded Death Eater at the sight.

Suddenly the woman stepped out of the shadower, and Harry 's breath stopped.

Angelina stood in the dim luminousness, depositing the feeding bottle into a loggerheaded bag slung across her shoulder. Her night marking gleamed brilliantly.

Violently Harry felt himself being tossed out, finding himself flavorless on his back staring up at Remus'shocked face.

Kalliandra continued to whimper.

* * * * *


'' Would you mind repeating that ? ``

Tonks blinked stupidly. Somehow she had thought that being told that the `` plague of all plague '' had been unleashed upon the citizens of Eire would hold had More of an effect upon its President.

Instead the newly awakened Kenneth Bothan sat behind Dumbledore 's desk, clasping his custody, waiting for her response with an inquiring look upon his face.

She silently damned Albus for having left them to intermit the news show to Kenneth while he went to call an pinch meeting of the Order. She was n't proficient at this sort of thing dam n't ! She had at least expected a rouse out of the man at the news, but instead he was irrefutably calm.

It was quite obvious that Kenneth was insane.

'' Basically Ken, all of your people will be deadened within the week, '' Regulus stated with ironic sunshine. `` But look on the brightly side. At least you wo n't have to run for re-election. ''

Tonks'dour eyes swiveled to her cousin, her mouth opening and mop up like a yaw fish.

Kenneth, however, seemed entirely unperturbed.

'' So, '' The United States President started with a odd scowl, `` What you are saying is that wizarding folk have no handling against this ? ''

'' Well ... '' Regulus mused thoughtfully. `` We could always Avada Kedavra those who have already contracted it. That ought to slow its spread, right Nymphadora ? ``

'' Regulus ! ``

Kenneth looked appraisingly at her full cousin. `` And this Avada Kedarva discourse ? How effectual is it ? ``

Regulus grinned like a jackal. `` Supposing we were able to isolate those who had already contracted it we may find out its method of dispersal, while simultaneously establishing a quarantine and treating the pain of the already afflicted ... ''

'' By killing them ! ? '' Tonks burst in, ineffective to believe the mischievous plot Regulus played with the President 's hopes.

'' Ah, '' Kenneth said as if suddenly understanding. `` The treatment has a high death rate rate. How senior high though ? ``

Regulus grinned widely, while Tonks contemplated murder for the dozenth metre in twenty four hours.
* * * * *


'' Harry ! What in the gens of Merlin did you think you were ... ''

Harry closed his middle, grinding out his Book. `` Something 's legal injury with Kalliandra, '' He interjected. `` I had to notice out what. ``

The way 's muteness was broken only by Kaylens'laboured breathing, and her brighten distress drew lupin 's attention from him to her. He felt the former prof drop to his knees besides them, and he cracked an eye to watch as Lupin scrutinized her.

The Professor looked flabbergasted as he picked up one of her corpse weaponry. `` Harry, you 've immobilized her. ``

'' For sound reason. ``

Lupin threw a repel look over his shoulder joint, and snatched his wand out, clearly intending to withdraw the spell.

'' prof I do n't think tha ... ''

His protestation was too later, for Kaylens had already lashed out, landing a strategical beef that sent lupin sprawling flat on his book binding next to Harry.

'' I told you, '' Harry groaned, shoving himself up on his elbows to mark the pained expression of Remus'face. `` flush hard, does n't she ? ``

lupin coughed harshly in reply, choosing to push aside him as he rolled over to check on Kaylens. She was already scrambling along the bulwark on all fours, backing herself into a recession like a scare beast. On her way she somehow managed to hit the only former piece of piece of furniture, aside from the couch, and several low volumes came spilling down, scattering across the floor like rock thrown from a space.

The crashing sound only intensified the pitiable girl 's whimpering.

Harry 's eyes remained on her, watching as she curled her wooden leg to her dresser in a lame attempt at self-protection. But he knew the truth ... there was no aegis from what plagued her.

But he 'd be damned if he did n't try to help.

'' Professor .... '' He started slowly. `` What kind of curse does drinking unicorn blood entail ? ''

lupine opened his rima oris and faltered. Harry remained lying on his back, his upper berth torso propped up with his elbows, silently hoping to God that the prof would put the small-arm together. lupin had to trust him. He had to trust him. None of the grownup, save for those suddenly and buried, had ever trusted him in time for it to actually matter.

It was why Sothis had died. And somehow Harry did n't retrieve he could take it if the last link to his don failed to trust him.

Then slowly, ever so slowly, the lykan's head turned towards him, and even in the dark elbow room Harry could see the sudden knowledge flashing in his eyes.

Moony understood his meaning.

'' Her bruising is gone, '' Harry whispered, driving another gust to any doubts the professor could have. `` What else in the wizarding human race could heal someone that quickly ? ``

Lupin drew a late breath, shaking slightly.

'' Harry ... if what you 're saying is reliable ... ''

'' It is, '' He assured. `` I saw storage inside of her mind that were not hers. ``

Kaylens'whimpering had finally quieted, casting the room into a deathlike silence.

Besides him Lupin swallowed audibly, contemplating Harry 's statement in the deathly secrecy that had descended. Kaylens was no longer whimpering, and he was unsure of if he missed the reassuring speech sound of her mien, or if was pleased at the obvious easing of her distress.

He glanced at Lupin, stunned at the pluck expression upon his former professor's physiognomy. Did the man believe him or not ?

He sighed in foiling, snapping at lupine's unresponsiveness. `` Why would she hold those memories, Moony ? ``

Hearing his old Marauder epithet snapped Lupin out of his contemplative stupor. `` It's magically potent…unicorn blood that is. In fact it is so wizardly that their memories are often heavily imprinted upon it. '' He shook his head slowly, as if clearing a hazy fog."To own a unicorn's rip is to not only possess their life stream, but their very being."

lupine sighed heavily. `` There is not much precedent for this, but….in the betimes 1900 's medi-wizards began experimenting with dissimilar discourse option for terminal diseases. One investigator, familiar with unicorns, sought to rule their healing might by injecting his terminally ill patients with the animals'roue. It cured the patients but the side of meat effects…"Lupin shuddered, digressing quickly. `` The parentage was too punishing to obtain to begin with. Unicorns don't normally donate willingly, not to mentio ... ''

'' What side effects, '' Harry interrupted hoarsely, closing his eyes. The feel of her in his arms flooded his senses, the woodsy fragrance that had clung to her all night coming back, overwhelming him with a tidal undulation of awe. In his lifespan there was no room for new attachments, yet the thought of her in pain…

He knew without a question that he would kill for her again, just as he would kill for any of those he held close.

He only hoped it would not come to that.

His heart snapped open as lupin 's distressed voice filled the room.

'' Most went insane. ``

Harry nearly choked. `` Insane ? '' He grated out.

lupine looked years aged. `` They never were able to distinguish between themselves and the creature again, '' he relayed. `` Can you imagine it Harry ? Having a lifetime of memories that were not your own suddenly shoved inside of your mind ? Unicorns live for 100 of years…it was only born for those obtaining their blood to go confused. To them it would feel as if they had spent a longer sentence being a unicorn than a human being."

The crazy sensation twisting within him step up. Kaylens'mind had revealed exactly what lupine now spoke of, and the thought made him noisome.

And the curse…God he had nearly forgotten…

Remus read his idea, continuing his scholarly recital of facts aloud. For Remus, who had lost so much, it was gentle than dealing with the devastating fallout facing them in Kaylens'crumpled kind.

"When one slays such an unacquainted fauna, seeking their blood line's healing power, it leaves the curse of the half-life. But when one is given the blood line unwillingly, or when the animal is left awake, the curse does not lessen ; it simply changes its manifestation."

His throat constricted, but Harry managed to croak out a undivided word.

"Explain."

There was no mistaking the disgorge look upon lupine's face."Harry, the exclusively ones desperate enough to kill such an innocent creature are those hanging onto life by a thread. But the price…it is far too high for any sane individual to excogitate, for the price for their atrocity is losing all ability to love. A life without the capability for love is barren of joy, happiness, family…"He shook his headland, disgust etched in his every feature."In a desperate attempt to save their own spirit they lose the only affair that makes animation worth living for. Once they take that itinerary they truly lead half a life, only experiencing the darker sides of the emotional spectrum."

"Then the mediwizard, the one using it to heal his patient, did that occur to him ?"

Lupin sighed indulgently."There are ways to collect it, ways for it to be done without incurring the anger of the jinx but…those ways take time, Harry. Gaining the foresightful term trust of a unicorn, let entirely permission to inflict injury upon it, are not easygoing tasks."

He swallowed hard."What about Kaylens ? That won't…it won't happen…"He trailed off, ineffectual to vocalize such morbid idea aloud. No human deserved that. She didn't deserve that.

Once again Lupin looked ill."For Kally it will be different,"He said gruffly."Instead, if she recovers, she will make out, but her every experience will be shared with both English of her, diluting the intensity of the emotions she tactile property, diluting her feelings towards others…"

Something about the words sent Harry's sum twisting.

"Unicorns ... they are such inexperienced person creatures, incapable of sin, incapable of inflicting pain ... Could you imagine having a saint following you around for the entirety of your life history, correcting your every error ? Well from this moment on she will be sharing her mind, her life, with retentivity of what true innocence is, for a unicorn is the true embodiment of that, and with it will come a gnawing guilt over the hell she has committed in the past. Between the confusion over her individuality and her newfound guilt feelings over even the low of transgressions…that alone could be enough to ride some mad."

Harry's mouth twisted into a frown,"So she can't sin ?"

"If only it were that easy, Harry. She can, and she will. But having this will ease up her a conscience stronger than nigh, and living a perfect life is an impossible task. Her life will be as close to normal as possible, only she will sense far guiltier about things she does than others."

'' A one-half life ... '' He whispered aloud, suddenly understanding. Kaylens truly would be cursed, for she would always be sharing her mind with memories not her own.

None of this was her fault, and the thought sickened him.

'' Not all the mediwizard 's patient role went insane, '' He finally said, recalling Lupin 's sooner words. `` You said most. ``

lupine shook his straits. `` They all went insane at first Harry. But only two managed to reclaim enough of their thinker to officiate. Two out of twelve. ``

Harry closed his centre, his articulation filled with sardonic irony. `` She just ca n't enamour a shift, can she ? ``

The prof shook his top dog in response. `` There 's only one way to be for sure. ''

Without warning Lupin snatched his verge out, summoning a small-scale flashlight. Soon a metallic element blur came flying through the room access, landing in the professor 's outstretched hand.

Harry frowned at the action, not realise, but in one swift motion the professor had it on and aimed at Kalliandra 's face. lupin clearly knew exactly what he was looking for.

Kaylens was suddenly shrieking again, and judging from the grim aspect on the prof 's boldness he had found all he needed to know.

A metallic click sounded as the flashlight was turned off, and Kaylens'rallying cry instantly died down, slowly fading to a irksome whimper.

'' She 's sore to light ... '' lupine stated. `` There are only two precondition I know of that cause that. ``

'' She 's not a vampire ... '' Harry stated coldly, earning a reproving look.

'' I was n't even about to evoke it. But animals tend to have effective nocturnal imagination than us Harry. Lykans and unicorns are no elision, and when I was low gear bit ... '' He trailed off, his face twisting into a curious saying."Once I was bit my unscathed body changed. My eyes were the worst though. ''

The professor suddenly adopted an almost capricious expression. `` Did you know there are more square boldness per inch in your center than in any former part of your soundbox ? Well there are. If you ever want to cause soul pain just witch their eyes and ... ''

'' professor, '' Harry interjected, at the moment not carrying about the finer pointedness of jinxing.

Lupin shrugged. `` My bite caused a whole new layer of tissue paper full of light sensitive cells to arise across the back of my eyes, its called tapetum lucidum. It lets me utilize to a lesser extent fire up to see, so I can see with one-sixth the amount you can. But when it first happened ... before I was used to it ... '' He shuddered. `` Merlin it hurt. The little light felt like the sun was blasting me in the face. Hell, it had me in tears. ''

lupine raised the flashlight, pointing it directly at Kalliandra, flicking it on and off with each syllable. `` Just. Like. Her. ''

Kaylens'whine died down as the light was turned off for a final exam time, and suddenly Harry understood the torch. Unicorns had excellent nigh vision as well, and the flashlight was Lupin 's way of confirming what he already knew.

Kaylens had a layer of lightness sore tissue paper growing across her retinas right now. No wonder she screamed at the light.

'' Harry, '' The scholarly professor tone was suddenly gone, and the brute was deadly unplayful. `` Was she fine last night ? Before she lost consciousness ? ``

Harry was quick to nod.

'' Then sometime between then and now someone injected that bloodline directly into her nervure. She could n't have done it herself. ``

Harry 's mouth opened, but his head of how that was possible died on his tongue.

He knew the resolution.

There was only one person who would wilfully curse another within the house.

'' prof what 's going on ? I heard yelling. ''

Harry 's center narrowed, every muscle tightening. Angelina had finally come, drawn by the incremental shouting. There she was, rushing through the room 's threshold, drawing her cloak hastily around her as if nothing awful were amiss.

If he had n't known better he would get thought she truly was surprised at the spot she found. But he knew better. No one took that long to react to sidesplitter like the one's Kaylens had unleashed unless it was intentional.

'' Why is it so dark ? '' Her voice sounded honestly confused as she flicked her wand out, lighting every candelabrum in sight.

His eyes flew to Kaylens, who had immediately began shrieking, clamping her hands over her eyes, screaming as if hell itself has sent its demons up to drag her into its depths. His chest constricted at her obvious pain.

lupine lunged at her in a decidedly wolf like way. `` Kally, do n't ! '' He was shouting, fighting her for control. She lashed out, and lupin grasped her wrist in a single, fluent movement, quickly capturing the former as well.

The professor had already forced her hired hand down against her side of meat, kneeling on her leg in a vain attempt to keep them from flailing. He was far stronger than Kaylens, but she was dire, fighting to barricade the diabolic light from her eyes as lupine fought to prevent her from inflicting harm upon herself. Now he was yelling at Angelina to get rid of the candles, and Harry still had not moved.

He was too busy watching Angelina, noting the guilt flashing within every brown pigment in her dark middle.

Her black eyelashes fluttered, and the betraying emotion was suddenly gone.

His line boiled, his arms vibrating with conquer rage as she began speaking, a terrified edge to her voice.

'' What 's going on ? '' She asked fearfully, rushing across the elbow room to aid Lupin. `` Remus !
What 's awry with Kally ! ? '' She continued shouting inquiry, lunging over Harry as if he were not even there.

She dropped to her knees besides where Lupin and Kaylens wrestled, her ebon pelt gleam in the candlelight. Her dingy heart widened in affect repugnance, her face a mask of innocent fear as she reached out to serve restrain Kaylens.

And Harry lost it.

Her hand never reached Kaylens, her sully fingerbreadth never touching her body. Before anyone could take in it Harry 's hand had flown out, snatching the outsized sleeves billowing around the traitor's wrist, and he tugged her callously to the floor.

Harry lunged to his feet, stamping the hound of his foot against the female child 's throat, pinning her to the basis.

'' Do n't. Touch. Her. '' He growled, the world rippling around him.

Power swelled within him, the military strength of his magic unleashed by the raw anger pumping through his veins, and the feeling ... it was intoxicating.

Angelina 's body undulated like a louse beneath him. She was choking, spluttering incomprehensible sounds, the shock clearly written across her look. Her bridge player were clawing at his base, her fist slamming against his legs as she fought for air.

He scarcely noticed any of it.

'' H-harry ... st-top ... '' She gasped, her middle rolling backwards, fingers going slack as her pleas went unheard.

'' Harry ! Let her go ! '' Shouted Remus, followed by a loud crashing as he and Kaylens tumbled into the bookcase, knocking it sideways.

Books went flying, scattering everywhere. The resounding crashing masked the dull thump of Angelina 's hobble arm hitting the floor.

lupin let out a pained howling, and Harry 's bridge player shot out. He felt the magic dripping from his fingertips like water.

With a film of his wrist the candles went out.
* * * * *


The descending sun of noontide zenith was partially obscured by the never-ending cloud top, casting the not-so-distant Dublin-Wicklow pot into a cryptical fog. Yet the man paid the baleful environment no mind, nor the racking cough that had swiftly descended upon him. Instead he stared out the Windows of his Dixie Dublin address, admiring the view afforded by his working course neighborhood.

With a humble smiling he leaned further back into his recliner, letting the smoky odour of fresh baking fish satiate his anterior naris. Meredith was cooking, and from the smell of it she was cooking the fish he had caught just that morning. They were bound to taste delightful. Everything his wife cooked always did. It was just a pity their in-between kid, Eva, had inherited his culinary sentiency, or lack thereof.

'' Father, you feeling alright ? ``

The man turned to find his firstborn son in the door, a concerned expression crossing Edward II 's lentiginous face. The man smiled, for the resemblance between father and son was striking. Edward had been the simply child to inherit both the freckle scattered across his nozzle and the disconsolate headland of pilus adorning his head. The other two of his children bore his wife 's ash blond hair and startling saturnine optic. Edward IV however had his blue-green ones.

He graced his son with a ardent smile. `` I 'm just ticket m'boy. Just a bit of a cold. ``

'' You sure father ? Perhaps after dinner we should take you to the physician. Your neck looks awfully swollen. ``

Curiously the man rubbed his tender lymph leaf node, shocked to feel that they had doubled in size in just a few hours.

His son smiled cheekily. `` mother is of the mind to not let you go off fishing at such ungodly 60 minutes again. She said something about catchin'yer expiry on account of our colder than convention temperatures. ``

The man could n't resist a grin. `` well perhaps yer mum is decently. The thermoregulator dropped to 10 Celsius this mornin'before I ventured out. ''

'' I 'll tell her you said so. ``

The man 's heart widened in mock horror. `` Now you 'll be doin'no such thing boy ! Because I 'll guarantee that once yer mum 's done houndin'me that yer 'll be next. ``

Now it was Edward 's turn to calculate trepid, and the man leaned back, smiling in satisfaction. The boy still remembered the time James Howard Meredith had wrapped him head to toe in a snow-suit, nail with two scarf wrapped around his head and oversized mittens. Oh ! How the boy could hardly walk in that widget !

'' Father, '' Started his boy diplomatically, `` I think I 'll just be off to get a headland start on my Algebra. ``

The man smiled in expiation as the door closed behind his boy. Yes, despite their abase surroundings his boy would soon originate into a fine man. And while he had never been able-bodied to provide all that he desired for his nipper, they did wonderfully with what they were given.

It was no pocket-size point of pridefulness for the man that he had worked his way from the Second Earl of Guilford English of Dublin to the south. While most of the multitude in his income course of study tended towards the northwestern United States face of the city, here he was, raising his family is Tallaght. It might not be one of the moneyed territorial dominion device characteristic of Confederate States of America Dublin, but its rich sense of history had captured his children 's hearts from day one. He still remembered how unseasoned Eve 's middle had grown wide as saucers as he had explained the ancestry of the district 's name.

Tallaght. Pit of tears. The very figure was reminiscent of the sight grave dug there during the last Shirley Temple Plague. thou were said to be buried just beneath the sewer, and that little bit of knowledge had had all three of his shaver off and running, screaming and laughing in increment as their young judgment invented wraith stories along with it.

How proud he had been when Albert Edward had shown him a account he had written. It had been about a new boy and his ghostly friend, a minor who had died during the Black pestis. The ghost fry had been buried beneath the fictitious boy 's household, and had appeared to the boy when another nameless illness ran rearing through the metropolis. With the shade youngster 's help the Cy Young boy had been able to save the city, and his family.

The man leaned back in his professorship as a turn of coughing shook his incline framing, a deep pain shooting through him. He clung to the paw rests tightly, waiting for it to kick the bucket, all the while thinking of the future.

Yes. An author would be a befit profession for his eldest. Edward IV would one day pee-pee a fine novelist.

The man smiled, proud of his child in a way that only a sire could be.

If only he knew how soon history were to reprise itself.








A/N : Thank you so a great deal to Andrew, Njhill22, and Ichigopan for helping me out a lot with this chapter. Andrew not only helped to figure out out some of the plot of land kinks for this chapter and the next, but he also beta-read it for me, and therefore rock-and-roll. Njhill22 and Ichigopan are also awesome, because both of them helped me until 3 am when I wound up seriously stuck on how to save the succeeding part. Thanks so much you guys !






'' Nothing ventured, nothing gained. ''
~ William Shakespeare ~



Chapter 29 ~ No Longer Helpless


With a movie of his wrist the taper went out.

His dog remained solidly planted against Angelina 's chest of drawers as shrouds of wickedness shot out in all directions, like the spindly finger of a corpse, until the full room was engulfed in an inky, suffocating darkness. Harry scarcely noticed any of it, nor the chummy scent of fire wax as unseen hummer curled up from the extinguished candles.

Anger pumped heavily through his veins, and with a hate he had not thought potential he glared down at the young lady beneath him. In the yesteryear his callous activeness against his late house mate would possess sickened him, but now ....

things were different.

His outstretched paw shook, his barely restrained thaumaturgy crackling across his skin like stable electricity, burning and searing at his build. Grimacing in bother he forcefully curled his fingers into a fist, tightening it, feeling the raw power seeping back in

A new feeling rose up within him. A dark, right, vengeful feeling.

Bearing the coldest of looks he crouched low, inspecting Angelina to assure that she was indeed unconscious. He would not urinate the misunderstanding of thinking a Death Eater subdued when they were not, but her death would do him no good.

He intended to find out all he could from the treacherous wench.

Then, beneath his foot, he felt the slowly rise and crepuscule of her ribcage, and his leg twitched with the oppress urge to stomp the breath from her. For the number one time he understood what Ron had meant when he had drilled him on the dispute of fighting defensively versus offensively in chess.

From now on Harry was out to win, and if that meant taking down the opposition 's instrument to do so he would prove no hesitation.

Swallowing back a nauseous moving ridge of revulsion he reached out, touching the sully witch 's peel and shoving her head to the English. It lolled over with a dampen clunk, revealing nothing. The Death Eater would not be moving for some time.

Good.

Still ... they had all been fooled by Angelina 's acting skill once. He would not decrease victim to that again.

With calculated efficiency he withdrew his sceptre, a fearsome feeling crossing his feature of speech. His anger still burned hot within him, the veins in his cervix pulsing intensely as he thought of the witch 's betrayal. Angelina had been his household mate, a teammate, but spoiled of all, she had nearly been a friend. Once she was a Gryffindor. And now ....

She had betrayed the order by taking the mark of that snake, and had all but killed Kaylens, possibly robbing her of her mind.

A growl ripped from his throat, the tip of his baton suddenly digging against the double-crosser 's temple as he pondered all the patch he could use.

Thunk.

'' Harry, stop ! ''

He stopped cold. Remus'gruff, panicked part had cut through the air like a well sharpened tongue, sending his baton arm tensing as his beginner 's go friend fought his way out from beneath the books that had fallen atop him. In the aftermath of his own scuffle he had nearly forgotten Lupin 's presence, and the thundering of his pulse in his ears had drowned out the low groans and whine from the other English of the room.

He had forgotten one other matter : That despite the lack of lighting in the room, lupin could still see exactly what he was doing.

'' Lumos. ''

Harry 's chief snapped around as a diffuse gleaming cut through the thick wickedness, his gaze riveted to the appal facial expression crossing Remus'face.

His one-time professor stood behind the overturned bookcase, centre full and staring.

'' My God ... '' He whispered chokingly, `` Harry ... '' His accusing eyes flickered up to his. `` What have you done ? ``

He sucked in a strained hint between his tooth. `` zilch she did n't deserve, '' He hissed staidly.

A strangled speech sound came from the professor 's throat. `` But Harry ... that 's Angelina ... ''

'' No kidding. Really ? '' He snapped.

A sudden scuffle and thumping, followed by a sharp, inhuman whimper sent his sceptre jabbing into Angelina 's head.

'' Kally ... ''

He had n't needed the Professor 's scourge whisper to make out who was softly whimpering.

marrow wrenching, he fought back the hollow feeling in his chest. `` Why do n't you see to Kaylens, Professor, '' He grated out, his facial expression a grim mask as he focused back on the former chaser.

'' I will but ... is Angelina okay ? ''

'' I sure as hellhole hope not. ``

A loud drink preceded Remus'succeeding, tense words.

'' What are you planning on doing Harry ? ``

'' You know Moony, '' He said, interpreter vibrating with barely suppressed passion. `` I 'm still deciding on that.

Lupin 's voice was strained, the cautious, placating note in it alien to him. `` Harry, I know something 's improper. But just think about what you 're doing ... ''

A cruel, hollow laugh escaped his throat. `` Oh, trust me Moony, I have. ``

'' She 's on our side, Har ... ''

He cut him off, spitting out the dusty truth.

'' She 's a Death feeder, Moony. ``

From behind him came a loud, discerning swallow. `` Harry ... are you sure ? ``

A cold face crossed his lineament. `` Yes. ``

There was an agonizing intermission, and a sick, uneasy dread suddenly rose in his stomach as his racing pulse finally began to slow. He needed Remus to consider him. He needed someone in the rescript to not just listen to him, but to actually trust him. And if Remus did n't ...

'' I 'll bind her. She 'll have to be taken to home office. ``

Harry 's head bolted around, shock written on his expression. `` You believe me, '' He questioned. And even in the dim light he could see the slight movement of Remus'shadow nodding.

'' Harry, '' He said, sounding almost hurt. `` I always believe you. ``

His brow instantly wrinkled in confusion. Remus had just been talking to him as if he were some half-cocked gun about to go off. `` Then why ... ''

'' Because I thought you might bluster her head off before I could fancy out why you had attacked her in the starting time place. It would receive been a very Sirius-like matter to do. ''

The opine struck him hard. `` Yeah, '' He managed. `` It would have been like him. ``

He glanced back, and in the glowing of the wand he could see Remus smiling sadly. He returned the expression, feeling shakier than he would have thought possible only minutes before, but that did n't matter.

Remus believed him. He did care about him after all.

His apologia for all those lost month, for all the prison term when he had been left to plow with the pain of Sirius'demise alone truly had meant something, and despite everything a warm maven wormed its way into him.

All it took was a diffused whimper, from a corner behind him, to drive it all away.

He swallowed hard, finally turning and squinting in the dim lighting to see Kalliandra cowering in the corner, knees drawn feebly to her chest, her golden hair spilling over them and her face buried within them.

Slowly his blood force per unit area rose, his animal foot grinding down even harder against the bird beneath him. Angelina would pay. He would see to it. But right now she was not his priority.

Kaylens was.

Throwing a piercing glare at Angelina he shoved his foot beneath her limp body, kicking her over onto her venter. A second later he was on her back, dragging her manus behind her, pinning them together with his knee joint as he snatched up his baton, pointing it at her exposed wrists.

'' Bindovera, '' He hissed, watching the snake-like circle flow from its tip, slithering around her arms until she was bound up to her human elbow. Dropping his baton he gave them a abrasive tug, satisfied in the way the dark girl 's skin chaffed, reddening even in the night visible radiation.

'' Exuberant, aren't we ? ''

He merely grunted in response, giving the ropes one final, callous tug as Remus began binding her legs.

A second gear later he was on his feet, an aching sensation spreading through him as he watched Kalliandra curling in the corner, incapable of remembering even her own name.

Gods ... she was n't in her proper mind. And Remus had said she 'd have to block out the unicorn 's memories before she ever could be. How could anyone possibly ...

And then it hit him.

She 'd have to forget them out.

The melodic theme ignited swiftly, the things Dumbledore had taught him about Occlumency all coming together in a cohesive ball of noesis. He had used it for himself, but could he do it for someone else ?

He would be grasping at straws, but there was a chance ...

Voldemort had given him raft of practice at blocking unwanted memories.

His blood pumped purposefully, and he felt, more than saw, Remus boost besides him, looking morosely in the Lapplander direction as he.

'' Well have to immobilize her again, '' He said regretfully, dimming the Light Within from his wand as it sent Kaylens stirring uncomfortably.

'' No, '' Harry answered immediately, voice filled with conviction. `` I 'll deal with her. You just get Angelina to Grimmauld. ''

Remus'brow furrowed at this, dubitable descent crisscrossing his face. His lip opened, as if to protest, but his uncertainness went unvoiced. Instead a serious-minded, critical verbalism befell him as he studied Harry 's tense, determined boldness.

The lines on his human face suddenly deepened. `` Are you sure ? ``

Harry nodded, tense with choler at the integral situation, and filled with the motivation to do something about it.

'' Yeah, '' He responded. `` I 've stunned her enough lately. ''

lupin 's conflicted expression remained, but he nodded decisively.

'' Alright, take this then. ``

A second later a minuscule pouch was being pressed into his hand, a arenaceous fabric grinding within it.

'' It 's a port key. Pour the substance ... ''

'' Into our hands, '' Harry finished for him. `` We 've used this form before. ``

Remus eyed him curiously, tilting his psyche to the English. `` well then, I 'll see you there. ``

He nodded, watching as Remus unearthed another pouch from his pouch. He watched him stoop succeeding to Angelina, sending him one last, pointed look before dousing his sceptre.

Shadows spilled around them, enshrouding the room in darkness once again. Rifling a hand nervously through his pilus Harry forced a stress, unseen smile, and a second later Remus and the traitor blinked out of existence, leaving him with a single insane melodic theme, one that he never could have done in Remus'mien.

And somehow he thought Remus had known that.

For a moment he did nothing, simply allowing his centre to adjust to the sudden wickedness. Then, slowly, the blackness gave way, revealing her vague, gray precis. Yet even in the trace he saw the way her silhouette trembled.

He pulled his wand and immobilized her in one swift motion. Strangely he felt nothing, when even the thought of stunning her again had sent his breadbasket wrenching.

He crossed the elbow room and knelt besides her, his pugnacious bridge player gently cupping her face and turning it towards his. He felt sick, for he was violating her yet again. But God, what selection did he have ?

For the sec fourth dimension that day her panicky eyes stared back at his, flickering with too many emotions to diagnose. His thumbs gently brushed her hair away from her eyes, his heart thumping shamefully. She was like a frightened animal, and somehow this just felt wrong.

Yet he had to try. No one deserved this, and if his idea worked ...

He might just be able to save enough of her to help her obtain her way back.

Staring into her eyes he hoped to God it would work.

'' I swear to you, '' He whispered intently, `` This is the hold up time I 'll ever do this to you. ``

Licking his brim nervously he raised his scepter, letting it vacillate inches from her skin. Closing his middle he waited, allowing his nous to discharge, calming himself.

Occlumency was not meant to be done with raw emotion.

His centre snapped opened. He was ready.

'' Legilimens ! ``

The twister-like effect of her psyche seized him without remorse, sending his senses reeling as an assault of enhance sound and smells attacked him.

Thunder cracked through the swirling mist, sending his body crashing case first into the mud, and he immediately knew there was something different about this memory.

He staggered to his knees, peering through the incredibly dark, moonless dark. Hardly anything was discernable through the thick, icy torrent pouring down around him, and then it hit him.

Every early retentivity he had seen had had a endure contrast, the loudness of emotions and issue diluted by prison term. Dumbledore and Snape had been too skilled for him to peer into Recent consequence, and luck-of-the-draw had shown him things from Kayelns'childhood. But this remembering was different.

It felt fresh.

The harsh, biting tip sent the looming forest moving with an aberrant life-time, and above him lightning flashed, crackling across the blackened clouds, briefly illuminating the gravel route running past him. For a second the forest surrounding him came into stark focal point, as did the wooden business firm he had landed before.

Again lightning set the area aglow, a mysterious shout snapping his optic towards the small lawn.

What he saw made his bloodline run cold.

His preparation with Dumbledore had taught him that it was one 's most painful memories that were flung to the forefront of the mind when it was invaded.

And now he knew that Kalliandra was no exception.

A grating vox preceded the heartbeat of light, and he had just enough time to see a dark haired man struck down. The man tumbled head first into the muddied land, the sound of his body slapping against the mud drowned out by a deafening crack.

A blinding hot, fiery ball blew through the house 's turnout, sending floor board flying to litter the lawn.

From inside came the screaming, drowned out by a hedonistic laugh.

'' Muggle, muggle, muggle come out to play ! ''

gall churned in his stomach, though there was no time for it to rise as hoi polloi began pouring out of a face window.

'' Aw, the wittle, ittle Muggles do n't want to dally ? ``

That taunting, associate laugh of his nightmares greeted him as Bellatrix Lestrange stepped calmly out the movement room access, the burning at the stake abode alighting her nerve with a infernal glow.

One of the fleeing figures bolted towards a car, parked along the gravel route near the forest 's tree line.

He never made it.

A fiery spell smacked into him, setting his skin ablaze.

He had seen others die, but never before had he beheld individual as they burnt alive. Even the pouring downpour was not enough to douse the fire engulfing the man 's flesh, and the hint hurled a noxious stink against his nostrils.

'' matt ! ''

A young woman was rising from the muddied ground, thick grass stains streaked across her jean, her brown haircloth matted against her top dog as she screamed hysterically. Her face was contorted into something inhuman, raw pain distorting incredibly striking feature article, and she appeared frozen in place.

Harry was screaming for her to run, but she never heard him. From around the corner of the home came two others clad in black, and a jet of searing purple light shot out.

Someone darted out, from where he did not see, tackling her around the shank.

The majestic light missed her by inch as she and her recoverer went sliding across the ground, smacking into the side of the house with a deadening thud.

The Death eater were on them in an instant, a loud crack resonating through the air as Harry ran forward, just in clip to see a graying haired man 's arm being viciously snapped. The gun the man had been pulling fell from his mitt with a cruel slosh, the mud swallowing it all. The dark haired little girl was still screaming, clawing at her head as a buirdly Death feeder snatched her hair up, twisting it around his massive decoration before dragging her across the lawn by it.

A sharp sliver broke the air, and the Death Eater assaulting the Asa Gray haired man went down. The older man struggled to his pes, slipping in the mud and cradling his arm.

'' DAD ! ''

Lightning split the sky, catching onto the gray haired man 's few remaining fortunate hairs. His face snag into a dismay grammatical construction, and Harry followed his regard.

Kalliandra, eyes ablaze, came barreling out from the tree line, a man barely older than him hot on her heels.

Both had striking golden-brown haircloth, their hues muted only by the hastiness pouring down around them. And Harry suddenly understood that he was seeing her second base pal for the first time.

'' fry GO ! GET OUT OF HERE ! ''

The yell came from a second floor window, and Harry finally understood who had done the shooting.

A middle aged woman with illume embrown pilus was hanging out of it, pistol in hired hand, and over the noise Harry could hear Bellatrix laughing hysterically.

Lightning split the sky, boom drowning out the second, one-third, and fourth gunshots.

Kalliandra 's mother could no longer be seen. Only the dim sound of the fifth and sixth gunshot firing off in the elbow room told him that her attention had been drawn back inside the combustion sign of the zodiac.

Inside the house, where he could not hear, came the sequential clicking of empty William Chambers.

A brassy shrieking carried through the window, followed by a body flying through the window 's opening.

The cleaning lady hit the ground with a sickening thud, leaving the gray haired man yelling something that the thunder drowned out.

No metre was wasted. Kalliandra 's brother came sliding aside her mother, grasping the gun from her still twitching mitt, sobbing as he started rifling through her wear.

A indorse later a new round was in his hand, but he never had a opportunity to load it as Bellatrix apparated in front of him, kicking the round of drinks from his hand, sending case-by-case bullets scattering to the fart.

The stroboscope effect of the lightning shielded what transpired future, but when it flashed again Bellatrix and Kalliandra were sliding to the primer, Kaylens clearly having tackled her.

'' KALLY, NO ! ``

Her brother had leapt to his feet, and rushed to unite the disturbance as his sister smashed Bellatrix 's mind into the ground repeatedly, screaming incomprehensible words.

Her buddy reached her, grasping her by the binding of her perspirer and tossing her out of the way as he grasped Bellatrix 's head in a vice grip from behind, preparing to develop it.

The unheard pop of apparation prevented this as the beefy man appeared behind him, swatting him away as if he were nothing Thomas More than an get at nestling. Bellatrix fell to the primer, spitting brown urine, her infuriated center rounding on the three remaining fellow member of the Kaylens'family.

'' Filthy Muggles ! '' She roared, shooting binding piece off at a furious tread, hitting the Brother first.

'' SEAN ! '' Their Father 's voice ripped through the air as ropes twisted around his son, sending him crashing to the background right below the burly Death eater 's feet.

Kalliandra, having been thrown back by her brother, was still down in the mud. She did n't put up a chance.

Then her founding father slid in front of her, the ropes taking him right in the chest, and constricting around his neck and throat.

The family was quickly succumbing to the fire, the red light showcasing Bellatrix 's fanatic grin as she tugged Kaylens'Father away from her by his neck.

Her forefather was unable to claw at the ropes, for his weaponry had been pinned to his sides.

He was unconscious by the time Bellatrix had dragged him to her feet.

CRACK !

Another gunshot rang out, taking the burly man right in the brain.

Kalliandra had gotten to her knee joint, hair plastered to her face, her subdivision outstretched and shaking.

Her script held the gun, and Bellatrix regarded her with an divert expression.

The next shot was in Lestrange 's focus, but a shimmering light halted the guesswork, sending the shell dropping to the ground to a lesser extent than a foot from her smirking face.

Kally looked stunned, and Bellatrix waggled a finger back and forth as if scolding a naughty child.

'' dopey wittle girls should n't play with guns, '' She cooed in a babe voice, suddenly beckoning towards Kally.

Kaylens was sent sprawling forward as an unseeable power pulled the gun from her appreciation, and a instant later a new Death Eater was there, his invertebrate foot on her back.

A gust of tip sent the new arrival 's hood falling back, and Harry suddenly understood every Book that she had uttered in the Three Broomsticks.

Ludo travelling salesman was there, standing on top of Kalliandra and looking rather out of situation. Bellatrix fixed him with a death-like stare, her anger at his late comer apparent, but there was no meter for anything to be said.

Barely a second had transpired between his late arriver and his fall to the ground.

Kally had rolled over, kicking his legs out from under him.

Bellatrix rolled her eyes, and this prison term her binding spell did not lack.

Angry tears were rolling down his face, his fist taking swings at the crazed woman who had taken his Godfather. Somewhere his judgment was screaming for him to stop, that it would do no just, but his subconscious'voice went unheeded.

'' Crucio ... ''

And then the swirling, silver grey mist returned, swallowing up the look-alike of Kally 's brother convulsing beneath the unforgivable curse.

Harry was shaking, overcome with the repugnance of what he had just witnessed. And the retentivity were disorienting, rising up around him, swallowing him wholly as they dislodged him from seat to place in her lifespan, never stopping long enough for him to acquire his bearings.

Around him the crashing of hooves fought for antecedence above the distant laugh. Hazy lineation flickered by, barely visible through the fog-like mist swirling around him. He was lost ...

And then he saw himself, running from a Death Eater down the main, dusty thoroughfare of Hogsmeade. Red stunners shot out, smacking against a gutter, sending it swinging into the position of a second decease eater that had emerged to immobilise his forward motion.

She had saved him.

And that was all it took.

'' ENOUGH ! '' He screamed, unsure of whether his voice only existed in her mind, or if his strong-arm body were actually screaming it in Remus'living room.

Instantly he began focusing, searching for a memory, any memory, that was her own rather than some horned creature 's. He fought to becalm himself, squashing down the brat of what had happened to her to the back of his mind, and then he felt a change.

The swirling mist around him was slowing down, the uncontrolled cloudburst of the two lives combined into one mind becoming less disorienting.

He peered through them as they passed, one-by-one, searching for something that he could make out.

And then he found one.

He charged through the mist, falling out into the Forbidden forest 's glade.

The one they had left before this had happened to her ...

In the dim moonlight, cast from a sliver peaking through the clouds, he watched the replay of himself yanking his hand away from her. Hushed word were exchanged, and suddenly Kalliandra was rising from her topographic point besides the water, stalking away from him.

In a heartbeat his memory self was scrambling to his foundation, going after her, catching onto her arm. She whorled to face him, an icy expression crossing her face, disappearing in shock as he swiftly pulled her against him.

He watched, an odd feeling twisting within him as she struggled against him, his only if response in the way his arms wound even stiff around her, stroking her tomentum until her resistance ceased.

'' I 'm sorry… '' He heard his own spokesperson whispering, `` I swear to God I 'm sorry… ''

And then her face was dropping against his shoulder, his own burrowing within her hair as her arms wound around him, holding him back.

It was as if a light confidential information blew, and then another store squeezed through, the silvery centre sending the clearing picture swirling.

For a consequence ghostly images flickered into biography, superimposed atop where he and Kaylens stood, clinging to the other. It was like looking through a film blackball, trying to see what was beyond it.

The beautiful, alienate clicking rose above his and Kaylens whispering, the foreign retentivity threatening to overtake this one, and the menace sent something ablaze inside him.

'' No ... '' He hissed, his face contorting dangerously, as he began fighting to squeeze the foreign icon that threatened to overtake her aside.

He could n't give up them in. He couldn't.

Staggering betting odds were against him, but if he could only hold her in her own United States Department of State of intellect foresighted enough ...

Maybe it would be just enough to institute her back.

Grimacing he waved his hired hand, feeling the deception rising within him, rolling off of him as he tried desperately to marshal something, anything that would block out those retentiveness that were not hers.

The unicorn storage may stimulate been weak, diluted imprints of the real thing, yet they were still there, fighting for antecedency of her mind. And yet ...

Fighting for the sanctity of his own mind against Voldemort had made keeping these silvery, diluted tendrils back a gag.

A determined expression crossed his face, a Dean Swift jar rocketing through him as the bricks began to materialise. He stretched out his hands, willing them to begin stacking, watching them go up higher and higher, muting the sounds of a herd in the distance.

He would imprint a barrier between her memories and the unicorn 's, and he 'd be damned if he failed.

His hands were shaking again, a lone trickle of sweat dripping from his brow as he concentrated, directing the bricks to begin circling around him, stacking along the clearing 's circumference.

And then, one-by-one, he began shoving the unicorn 's retention past the rampart. Each time one threatened to violate in he shoved it away, a dull painfulness growing in the back of his mind, sending his head swirling as he refused to cease his cause. His external respiration grew ragged, his visual modality bespeckled with pitch-dark dots as tendrils of the silvern mist fought to ooze back through his hastily erected brick walls.

'' No ... '' He whispered, and slowly, methodically, he shoved the last of the silvery threads through the opening in the wall, feeling the muted sounds fading.

With a slam of decisiveness he found himself surrounded on all incline by his walls, the memory still playing as if nothing had disturbed it.

panting in debilitation he crouched down, supporting himself on his knee joint, feeling his invertebrate foot sinking into the dewy earth as he fought for breathing space. The rampart might not obligate for long, but for now ...

Around him he could get wind the distant song of a herd, and he looked up shakily, watching rubble crumbling down from the brick barriers. A gawk formed in his pharynx as he watched the integral edifice shake, as retention after memory slammed against it from the exterior, trying to break through.

He could sense his physical torso shaking from the sweat, and as much as he desired to do more an unfeeling verity struck him.

He did n't know what else he could do.

And for the first time in her mind he withdrew willingly, the dark of Remus'living room wrapping tightly around him. The moonlit glade had been so bright in comparison and yet, his middle had remained perfectly adjusted, his physical body having never left nor moved.

And she was still right there, inch separating him from her. His breath caught in his throat, the adrenaline he had been riding on struggling to remain high as he searched her face for a house to show that some part, any percentage, of herself was back.

All he saw were the backbone of her eyelids as they fell shut, a long breath escaping her mouth.

At some tip his entire body had begun shaking, a sharp headache nearly splitting his skull as he removed the binding spell from her, his magical exertions finally catching up to him.

But God, he did n't like. His men rose to her face, a hired hand resting on either side as he smoothed a ace stray lock away, tucking it behind her ear.

'' Come on Kaylens ... '' He murmured, center bright and searching. His gaze was flickering back and forth across her face, watching her every movement, hoping against hope it had worked.

And then her palpebra opened, her eyes as disoriented as before. A choking hotshot wrapped around his pharynx, his manpower falling to rest on her stiffening shoulders. He had failed.

His forehead fell against hers in despair, the flavour of her warm peel oblation little consolation. He should 've known it would not puzzle out, yet ...

He never would experience forgiven himself if he had n't tried.

Slowly her wooden leg slue against his, and his eyes squeezed shut, preparing himself for whatever out whiplash was about to occur. The memory of her recoiling away from him, scuffling away like a frightened animal when he had gotten too tight, was all too bracing in his creative thinker.

He waited for it with held breath, only nothing came.

His eyes opened, only to find out hers staring back.

His musculus went taut with tensity, his breathing time quickening as their proximity struck him. Her scent pressed against his, his hands firm on her articulatio humeri, and a galvanize sensory faculty churned in his chest as he watched her darkened eyes.

Within them something was changing, a flicker of impropriety residing there. His mitt slid back to her boldness, anxiety etched in his features as her back talk parted. Her mouth moved, as if trying to say something, only no speech came.

He could n't pull his gaze away if he tried.

'' Merlin, '' He whispered, `` I wish I knew what you were thinking. ``

She remained silent, but his eyes were drawn to a slight motion. Her hand rose, falling to pillow on his unshaven cheek. She pulled away slightly, their os frontale no longer pressing together as her confused eyes flickered across his face, a peculiar grammatical construction befalling her.

His brow furrowed, a query forming on his sass.

'' Kaylens ? '' He whispered, eyes searching hers desperately.

A distressed look crossed her lineament, her tush lip drawing between her dentition, sending his heart thudding uncertainly.

And then she was nodding.

Instantly he reached for her, embracing her against his bureau. She was trembling, enticing his own shaking arm to force her even closer, the need to physically reach her overwhelming. graven image ... he could n't get her close sufficiency.

The shock was finally hitting him, frightening him on too many level to name as he realized how fleeting this could be.

She was with him again, but only until the wall he had created went tumbling down.

Merlin, how long did he have ?

A shudder shook him, an urging need to get her to soul in force than him, to individual who could do something, driving him.

He needed someone, someone like Dumbledore. He could fortify the bulwark he 'd put up inside her mind. He had to.

Fearing to loose her for even a instant his arm tightened around her shoulders, his other reaching for the portkey in his scoop. A moment later his finger were sliding through hers, his hopeful gaze locking onto her tormented one.

'' Kaylens, '' He murmured intensely, `` stay with me. ``

And then, hoping that she was coherent enough to empathize what they were doing, he dumped the sandy table of contents onto their linked hands, feeling that distinctive tug.

In that live on second he threw his arms around her, wanting to harbour her from whatever harsh landing they were about to experience.









'' My deference is earned, not given. ``
~ Saying of the long time ~







Chapter 30 ~ To Hades with decorum


'' Harry ! ``

Harry had barely recovered from the portkey 's ride when he felt script hauling him away, separating him from Kaylens. He blinked, only slightly dazed, and found himself straw across the dark wooden paneling of Grimmauld place 's study.

The hell of it was, he could hardly see a affair.

'' How is she ? ''

In the dim light plaster bandage from the wall-mounted candelabras he saw Remus'shadow fall down between them, placing a hesitant bridge player on Kalliandra 's shoulder. Harry could only see the loup-garou 's profile, but judging from his reflection, Remus looked genuinely surprised when Kaylens did not immediately pull away.

Harry 's eyes cut through the darkness, finding hers.

Something warm swelled within him when he realized that she was looking right back at him, scarcely a hint of confusion within her verbal expression. Disbelievingly he watched the candlelight dance in her glossy orb, and for a brief mo he was able to believe that she may just root for through with her sanity intact.

'' Harry ! ''

Remus'penetrating voice cut through the silent room, drawing both pairs of teen eyes to the worried grownup.

Harry found his voice quickly. `` We need an Occlumens. Right away. ``

Remus'head jolted around, the meditative layer behind his oculus shining. `` Harry, what did you do ? '' He asked uneasily.

His shoulder stiffened, and in that single loaded question he found his declaration.

'' What I had to. ``

There was an agonizing suspension, not unsimilar to what had transpired between them before Remus had left for Grimmauld without them, making the determination to trust him.

Harry only hoped Remus would not come up to regret it.

A moment later Remus was on his feet, nodding at Harry. `` Stay with her. ``

'' The thought of leaving never crossed my mind, '' He replied honestly, scooting across the floor back to her. The sound of a dangle doorway, and the voices beyond it, drifted in, but Harry scarcely noticed.

'' Kaylens, '' He whispered, reaching hesitantly for her. With trepidation his fingers slowly curled around her upper arms, whilst his optic swept searchingly over her brass. `` You still with me ? ``

Taking in her every apparent movement he watched her heart flutter exhaustedly, her chest of drawers and articulatio humeri rising as she drew in a jade sigh.

And then the insufferable girl fixed him with an exasperated look, nodding tiredly.

He released the breath he had been unwittingly holding, easing sweeping through him. Immediately his hands found her brass, the pads of his thumbs moving along her cheekbones with a gentleness he did n't know he possessed. For a present moment he simply stared at her, watching the amusement in her gaze only grow.

Merlin ... he had been afraid that the swirl of the portkey would disorientate her, causing her to lose whatever fledgling bits of sanity she had managed to grasp onto at Remus'. Hell ... he vividly recalled their endure portkey ride, and that alone had rendered her unconscious.

He stared at her, his eyes boring into her bemused, albeit sleepy, verbalism.

Suddenly her helping hand rose, her fingers curling gently around his own where they rested against her cheek. He squeezed her hand gently, finding reassurance he had n't known he needed in her actions.

Had he been asked a month ago, he never would ingest guessed that he would be feeling Kalliandra Kaylens, of all multitude, squeezing his hand in hers. But more than that, he never would suffer thought that such a simple, innocuous gesture could transmit his chest stirring.

He swallowed hard, watching the hint of a smile form on her lips. His hand immediately flipped over, taking her cold script more firmly in his, and tightening his grip on her.

'' You 're finding this amusing, are n't you ? '' He accused quietly, his vox unnaturally constricted.

Her back talk parted, only to exclude again, her butt lip drawn between her teeth as she began nodding.

And then he saw it. Amidst her expression was a flicker of care, and for the abbreviated of seconds he saw her eyes clouding again.

'' Kaylens ! '' He said sharply, dropping her hand and grabbing her by the shoulders, shaking her suddenly trembling figure. `` Please ! Stay with me ! ''

Whether it was their physical contact or his voice, he would never know. But suddenly she had gained some sense of herself again, and she had hurtled herself against his chest, her stallion form quiver like a leaf.

Harry had never felt more helpless in his life.

And Snape just had to pick out that exact moment to take the air in.

'' What do you call back you are doing now, thrower ? ``

If he was n't so desperate for helper he might birth hexed him. Instead his uprising of fury was suddenly quenched as a undivided thought permeated his panic-ridden mind.

Snape was a overlord Occlumens.

Still clutching onto Kaylens as if his animation depended on it, he met the Potion Master 's critical gaze foreland on.

'' prof, I need your aid. ``

Snape 's total expression crinkled indifferently. `` Get off the floor Potter. I do n't have metre for your biz, '' He clipped, starting to brush past them. Instead he paused mid-stride, eyeing them distastefully.

'' And do remove yourselves from here. Undoubtedly you are both choked up about that know-it-all ally of yours, but really ceramist, such displays are not meant for public exhibition. ''

The Slytherin mind of menage flipped his robes, practically striking them as he continued striding across the room 's expanse towards another room access. Harry 's jaw dropped, shock and delirium mingling on his tempestuous fount. `` Damn it this is not a put-on ! '' He roared, watching Snape halt. `` Kaylens needs help ! '' He squeezed his eyes shut, forcing himself to calm down. Where in the Hades was Remus ?

'' Professor, '' He finally ground out, as if the respectful term pained him. `` This is not what you think. This is not a display. Something happened to Kaylens. Someone injected her with unicorn blood and I ... '' He plowed forth, ignoring the fact that he had not a gloss of a hint on how to explain the situation. `` I tried something on her. I used Legilimency to get into her brain, to try and help, but ... ''

He hesitated, meeting Snape 's emotionless expression. `` I created a wall, similar to the ones they teach founding father in Occlumency, to separate her memories from the strange unity. But I 'm not certain it 's working. ''

His keen regard locked onto the blank face of his most hated professor.

'' She needs help. I need someone to reward the bulwark I made, and I sure as hell am not capable of doing it. ``

Unreadable as he was, Snape did n't appear to be about to help. But he did n't make any foster attempts to leave.

Running his custody through Kaylens'tomentum comfortingly, feeling her trembling slowly subsiding, he felt angriness at Snape 's unresponsiveness Begin to budge.

Harry 's expression suddenly grew challenging. `` Now, '' He demanded, voice ablaze. `` Are you a skipper Occlumens or not ? ``

A flicker of infliction crossed Snape 's face. `` Your attempts to appeal to my ego and good nature are pathetic, Potter, considering that I am secure in one and lack the former. ``

His blood practically boiled.

'' Look, '' Harry spat, dropping all pretense of respectfulness. `` You hate me. I hate you. I get that. But this is n't about either of us, and I 'll be damned to admit this, but you are the only one here that can serve her at the present moment. Hell, I 'll even have you a disengage shot at me. Just help her. ``

Snape 's lips curled angrily, as if considering.

'' Follow me, '' The other Slytherin finally sneered, snapping a hand towards the far doorway.

Harry 's fist clenched as the man disappeared through the doorway, not bothering to waitress around for an acknowledgment. Drawing a tense up breath between his teeth he glanced down at Kaylens, and the tension drained out of him.

Her entire, mud-streaked face was crinkled in denseness. God ... she had been so wrapped up in trying to remain in her in good order mind that she had barely noticed the tense verbal spouting match around her.

'' Hey, '' He murmured, a harsh hand reaching out and cupping her chin, forcing her to front up at him. `` You still okay ? ''

Her eyes glittered with disarray, but she managed another nod.

He forced a smile. `` Try not to declare this against me, '' He whispered, standing up and scooping the startled miss into his arm. `` But frankly I 'm not sure as shooting I trust your walking power at the moment. ``

She uttered not a sound, simply nodding resignedly, eyes half closed. He swallowed hard as her headspring fell to take a breather against his shoulder, and he found himself carefully adverting his gaze from her as he crossed the room quickly, kicking open the door after Snape.

The fact that he did n't hit the man with it disappointed him only slightly.

'' Put her on the couch. ``

His forehead crinkled uncertainly. Was he really about to just hand her over to the same cruel, bitter man whom had wreaked havoc on his own mind in the past ?

He realized that he had very few pick at the moment.

He sunk down into the shock absorber, clutching her to him. Readjusting only slightly, so that her legs lay loosely draped over his own, with her head resting against his berm, he wound his weaponry protectively around her, sealing her in a vice grip that he was sure enough she would dissent to if she felt up to speaking.

He did n't deal though. There was simply no way in underworld that he would be leaving her to face the Potions'Master 's mercy alone. And irrational number as it was, his exhausted, battered mind somehow equated squeezing her to easing whatever ordeal the Occlumens was about to put her through.

He tilted his head down, burying it in the top of her messy psyche of whisker. `` Let him do what he has to do. It 'll help, '' He reassured quietly, hoping he would not regret placing his faith in the virulent man 's ability.

He pulled away only slightly, his arms still looped around her waist, and her hazel colored eyes turned up, studying him intently.

'' How very concern. ``

Harry 's head jerked up, only to be greeted with Snape 's mocking sneer, and an reflexion that clearly told him to get the hell out of the way.

'' relocation aside boy. ``

Harry 's eyes hardened, his clench reflexively tightening around her. `` No. ``

Snape practically twitched. `` Insolent child, move. I will not be doing this with you in the way. ``

'' The cobbler's last time I checked, '' He retorted, `` This only take eye liaison. Even you taught me that much. And seeing as how I 'm not blocking you from that ... '' He let his acerb reply trail off.

With a growling Snape leaned forward, grabbing Kaylens chin and practically snapping her head towards him.

The repressed urge to strike the man rose up, fierceness rifling through him at her distressed, shocked expression, but Snape 's wand was already drawn and aimed, an intense look in his eyes.

'' Legilimens. ''

An eerily calm manifestation suddenly befell Kaylens'face, while Snape 's contorted into one of the farthermost engrossment.

Harry could only wait.

He dropped his head back against the wall, heaving an eat up sigh.

The grandfather clock chimed. Kaylens'tegument grew low temperature to the touch. Snape 's dark, frightening eyes bored into her broad, doe-like ones.

He watched the clock

Twelve minutes and thirty-three seconds later, lupin still had not returned.

But his two mute associate did.

Kally jerked, almost violently backwards, her back hitting the armrest of the couch. Harry barely managed to finish her question from smacking into the wall as she slid off of him.

Snape 's movements were not nearly so sudden.

Unnoticed to Harry the man rose from the floor, a pale hand brushing complex quantity dirt from his robe. And then slowly, almost methodically, the man 's fingers tightened challengingly around his wand, his knuckles turning White person with the pressure.

It took Harry a secondment to comment the man 's penetrating gaze, but when he did an unsettling sense datum overtook him.

The Potions maestro was looking at him, a unusual feeling in his eyes.

Fear.
* * * * *


Blue-green eyes appraised the rather full waiting room of the Adelaide and Meath infirmary 's emergency elbow room.

'' sodomite. ``

'' Father, this is for your own good. ``

'' Could n't this wait until Monday ? '' He ventured, trying to plead to his son 's better sensitiveness as his eyes took in the mass of masses. `` By the prison term we finish waiting in product line it 'll be tomorrow and the physician 's office will be open anyways. Is this really where you want to expend your Sunday ? ``

The man turned around to line up his eldest son 's eyes narrowed in reproach.

'' Father, you were coughing up a violent storm at home and ... ''

'' It was just a small itch in my throat ... ''

Edward VIII ignored him. `` Dad, you collapsed at the dinner party tabular array from that small itch. ``

'' wellspring really, I was actually just choking on some of your mother 's cooking. It was positively unpalatable. honorable. ''

The boy arched his eyebrows skeptically, clearly not buying this. `` funny story, considering how you were praising that fish filet just before your lungs seized up. ``

The man groaned. `` Honestly, Edward. Do you really think that I would criticize your mum 's preparation to her cheek ? ``

Yes. hold for it. Ah, there it is.

His son was now full out laughing at him. Of course of instruction, he could hardly blame him. His wife, George Meredith, could have been a chef had she wanted to. The cleaning woman had never cooked nor parched something sub par in her life.

But that was n't about to blockade him from trying to get out of this cursed, congested waiting room.

'' Father, '' croaked out his son, `` Are n't you a bit old for harboring phobias of Doctor of the Church sojourn ? ``

He grunted in response, racking his pounding head for another alibi. Honestly, he really thought that his family was overreacting. His lymph nodes might be swollen, and indeed his head was pounding as if Xerxes himself were waging a diminished war with his nerve cell. But really all he needed was a beneficial night 's rest.

Perhaps he could charge the coughing fit and his wheezing on having tried some cigarettes while fishing that cockcrow. Of path, Meredith would bear his hide skinned and filleted before he would even have a hazard to abuse for help ...

The man was caught unaware when his son rather abruptly shoved him into a wheelchair.

'' Edward ... `` He hissed gruffly, only for his scourge to go down on deafen spike as Edward VIII bypassed the main line, shoving him to the second check-in windowpane reserved for those experiencing either chest pain or abruptness of breath.

And it was then that the racking cough again shook him, the knife-like painfulness attacking as if the Grim Reaper himself were holding the blade. He clutched onto the wheelchair 's implements of war, gritting his teeth, an acidy burn working its way up his throat.

A awful stab began in his chest, sending his consistence jack-knifing forward, nearly out the chair. A sharp shout near him made him aware of the hysteria of activity that had begun beyond the check-in desk, and solid hands abruptly latched onto his berm, preventing him from falling face forward.

A infantry shot out, kicking the wheelchair 's brake into seat with a metal detent, and suddenly the rocking, swaying motion that he had not even realized to be going on ceased.

The infliction in his bureau dulled down to a tone down suntan, and his hand flew to his mouthpiece, feeling the sputum expelling with the next shuddering gasp.

He coughed once, twice more, before leaning gratefully forward onto his son 's shoulder, gasping for air.

It was then that he noticed the man in the white lab coating kneeling next to him, and it dawned on him that the cold, metal tactile sensation on his vertebral column was the stethoscope, which the physician had already managed to slip beneath the spinal column of his shirt.

Feeling winded, he looked at the MD 's concerned side, and forced a weak grin. `` Well, '' He gasped wryly. `` I think it 's safe to say, that I am shortsighted of breath. ``
* * * * *


lupine bowled into the room, Dumbledore in tow. The forceful thud of the door flying open and slamming against the wall effectively causing Snape 's white-knuckled handgrip on his wand to loosen.

Harry 's gaze snapped to where Remus stood, asking him what had happened.

He barely heard him, suddenly feeling so, so incredibly pudding head. In his desperation to hold assistance he had failed to be patient role, unable to hold back for Lupin 's return. And it only now occurred to him why it had taken the wolfman so long.

It would never make occurred to Remus to consume gone to the skinny Master Occlumens for avail. The faith between the old Marauder and Snivellus was nonexistent, so there was no way in hell that Lupin would cause trusted the man to delve into Kally 's mind.

So he had gone for Dumbeldore.

Harry already felt like an retard. Snape simply seized the moment to express his agreement.

'' ceramist could n't possibly have done this, '' He declared.

Snape 's command hung on the air as Dumbledore, looking only slightly fag out, swept his regard back and Forth between the three of them. low gear his blue eyes studied Kalliandra, ruth and curiosity mingling together on his draw side, before turning his kindly gaze to Harry. And then, finally, his spectacled regard locked with Severus Snape's.

A strange silence filled the room as the two became locked in a pure match. It took Harry only a mo to agnise what they were doing.

They were communicating through Legilimency, the two master exchanging all of the information about the situation that they needed to know.

Remus seized the moment of privacy, kneeling in front man of where he and Kaylens lay tangled up. `` Harry, '' He began quietly, so as not to interrupt the two. `` Please tell me you did n't let him ... ''

Harry grimaced. `` I did. ``

The werewolf released an exasperated sigh, fixing Harry with an annoyed stare. `` I 'm not even going to ask what you were thinking. It 's quite obvious that you were n't. ``

'' He is a captain Occlumens, '' He argued, feeling almost dirty at having just defended Snape. `` I would n't willingly leave someone to hurt her. ``

A flash of amusement temporarily replaced the critical look on Remus'face. `` This coming from the person who personally removed quite a bit of her tomentum, in what Crusantheus assured me was a full-out brawl in the schoolmaster 's position. ``

Harry cringed. `` You heard about that, huh ? '' He asked sheepishly, glancing to where Kalliandra lay, looking for all the world as if she were sleeping.

Remus followed his gaze. `` Hermione actually wrote me about that. Something about wanting me to blab some sentiency into the both of you. Personally, I 'm still trying to figure out how she knew I was tutoring Kalliandra in the offset place. ``

'' You were tutoring her ? ``

Remus nodded, looking at him curiously. `` How did you think we were acquainted ? ``

'' She was a professional groomer and Moony was in need of a cut ? ``

lupin sent him a withering glare. `` Of all the things to inherit, you had to get your Father 's buttock. ``

'' I did n't realize it was his. ``

Remus seemed to consider this. `` Yours is actually a bit more erosive, '' He related. `` Unless Prongs was talking to somebody he severely disliked, his input were never quite so barbed. ``

'' So I 'm bitter. Can you blame me ? ``

Moony 's expression softened considerably. `` No, Harry. I can not. ''

Abruptly lupin 's attention turned firmly to Kaylens, his concerned look returning full-of-the-moon force. Harry simply watched as Remus reached out, carefully brushing a lock of her persistently tangled hair away from her face, studying her like a touch father.

Remus paused, as if considering something. `` Well, '' He finally commented, `` You two certainly look uncomfortable. ''

Despite himself, he nearly laughed at the absurdity of the instruction. Not that it was lacking in Truth, for when Kaylens had jerked back she had wound up with one leg still draped over his own, one hanging halfway off the couch, with her thin form half-slumped between him and the armrest.

And now, she had apparently fallen asleep in enfeeblement.

Harry smiled strainedly. `` Yeah, well ... I would n't need to risk incurring her anger by waking her, now would I ? ``

Nevertheless he found himself adjusting, to the point where he felt rather secure in knowing that if he let go of her, that she would no longer be in risk of sliding down to the floor.

Remus simply watched this, a crease forming across his brow.

'' Harry, '' He ventured. `` What exactly did you do for her ? Specifically. ``

Harry frowned, considering how to respond to this. However, he did not get the chance.

The two Occlumens in the room had started blinking again, their central, apparently, complete.

'' As I said, thrower could n't possibly have done this, '' Snape restated, ignoring the questioning looks lupin was throwing at all of them.

Kally chose that moment to let out a sleepy murmur, stirring in her sleep. And somehow that small sound of hers reawakened Harry 's fear that he had somehow harmed her mind in his attempt to help her in the first property.

'' I did n't smart her, did I ? '' He blurted out, earning a sharp stare from Remus.

Fortunately Dumbledore responded quickly.

'' No, Harry. You did not. ``

Snape let out a speech sound not unlike that of an wild cat. `` Albus, '' He disrupted, clearly in variance with the master 's acceptation that Harry had, indeed, constructed the mental barrier. `` The stage of proficiency in Occlumency that one would induce to possess to have done this would be staggering. There is no possible way that Potter could have done this. '' Snape hesitated. `` I 'm not even certain that I could throw done this. ``

'' What ? '' Harry shot out, startled by the admission.

'' Would someone terribly mind filling me in on what exactly the three of you are talking about ? '' Interjected lupin, sounding only mildly annoyed.

Snape acted as if the man had not even spoken, his dingy eyes swiveling to Harry instead. `` I do n't have it away what you are playing at Potter, '' He snapped heatedly. `` But you did not do this to this girl. ``

Harry 's optic narrowed, a ho-hum burning anger growing at the Potion Master 's stubborn refusal to believe him capable of anything.

The greasy haired man 's gaze grew more challenge. `` Who really constructed that roadblock, Potter ? ``

Harry 's teeth clenched. `` I did, '' He ground out.

'' LIAR ! ``

Dumbledore rose a placating script. `` Now Severus, lets not be hasty. Harry has been under my tutelage since the start of condition, and he has improved greatly. Particularly in wish to his ability to construct genial barrier. ``

'' No one improves that much in so short a time. Especially, '' He bit out, gesticulating in Harry 's counsel, `` Not such an incapable child ! ``

Harry 's centre hardened. `` Like you would have it off, considering you 're the one who refused to teach me. ``

'' You are impossible to teach ceramicist. ``

'' Perhaps if you were capable of dropping picayune schoolhouse day grudge I would n't be. ``

'' You are just like your father, '' Snape practically growled.

'' I would n't know, '' He spat matter-of-factly. `` Perhaps you could part history sometimes. Reminisce about having your undergarment placed on public exhibition. ''

Remus snorted.

'' Harry, that was uncalled for, '' Dumbledore admonished.

Harry bit back a laugh. `` Considering everything he 's put me through over the yr I highly doubt that. ``

Snape 's normally controlled features twisted into something livid. `` How dare you speak to the headmaster with such disrespect ... ''

'' I respect the headmaster lot, '' Harry snapped. `` It 's you that I have no respect for. ''

'' Has it occurred to anyone that arguing will get us nowhere ? '' Remus interjected.

'' If thrower had n't blatantly displayed such a lack of decorum ... ''

'' Decorum ? '' Harry interrupted. `` This is n't your little social class with all of its ridiculously anti-Gryffindor convention ! So forgive me if I do n't creep at your metrical foot to earn your approval ! ``

'' That is the last time I ever help you, you ungrateful ... ''

'' YOU DID N'T HELP ME ! YOU HELPED HER ! '' Harry screamed, launching himself off of the couch and to his human foot. It was only Remus'quick reflex response that kept Kally from tumbling with him.

Grunting in annoyance, Remus turned to Dumbledore. `` Do you get the spirit that this contention was a long time coming ? ``

Dumbledore nodded. `` Why do you think I 'm letting them express on ? ``

Harry and Snape remained oblivious to the exchange, the latter suddenly looked unbelievably self-satisfied. `` That 's funny ceramist, I do n't recall telling you that I helped her at all. total to think of it, all I did was take a smell at that barrier. I must allow in though, she does experience some rather matter to recent store ... ''

Harry 's center took on a wild look. `` That has nothing to do with ... ''

'' You 're redress. But this has everything to do with your inability to respect your betters and to stick with the rules. ``

Harry snorted. `` funny remark, considering you 're the one who 's always saying how the convention formula do n't utilise to me. ``

'' No you idiot boy ! I 'm always telling you how self-important you are to opine that the normal dominion do n't hold to you. ``

'' Considering I 'm the one who has to off good ole'Riddle for everyone you 'd better hope the rules do n't lend oneself to me. Otherwise next sentence the killing curse might actually work. ``

Snape scowled dangerously. `` Ill see if it works, '' He hissed, fingering his wand.

'' ENOUGH ! ``

Harry 's mouth snapped shut, his rejoinder lodging uncomfortably in his throat.

outside, in the main entryway hall, Mrs. black began screaming.

'' If anyone did n't have a worry before, they certainly will now, '' Remus practically groaned.

'' Severus, '' Addressed the master, absentmindedly nodding his accord with lupine. `` From what you 've shown me, it looks like all that was done was a separation of Ms. Kaylens'memories from the unicorn's, and that is all. ``

'' That 's all ? '' Snape responded edgily, his anger apparently undiluted despite the sudden change of subject. `` You make it sound as simple as identifying one species from the other. ``

Dumbledore shrugged, looking at Harry with a sudden fusillade of superbia twinkling in his eyes. `` It 's true, that what Harry did take a high gear degree of skill in the sphere. But I think if you really think about it Severus, you 'll notice that Harry was more than capable of having accomplished this. ``

Severus snorted.

'' After all, Severus, all Harry really did was construct a bulwark inside of her idea ... ''

'' Not just a wall, Albus. It was a perfect wall. ``

Harry could n't serve himself. `` Perfect ? It was full of hole ! I thought the matter was about to break ! ``

'' You mean to say that you were attempting to make a unbending structure ? ``

'' Yes, '' He hissed. `` Now will someone please explain what he meant by perfect ? ''

'' will someone please explain what wall we are talking about ? ``

Again everyone ignored Remus'attempt to take out what was going on from them.

'' Potter, '' Snape drawled, as if talking to a particularly slowly school-age child. `` Had a rigid wall been constructed, there would have been a perfect separation of the two Set of memories in the lady friend 's mind. ``

'' Yes, I get that, '' Harry snapped, feeling frustrated. `` That 's what I was going for. ``

Snape 's shadow, sebaceous eyebrows arched up. `` Even a rigid paries would have eventually crumbled, and when that happened it would have been blood-related to releasing a floodgate of foreign retention in her mind. So the effect would have been the Lapplander as it was initially. ``

'' Meaning ? ``

Snape practically rolled his eyes. `` She would have gone insane again. I know this level of conversing is a bit of a striving on your mental quickness, but please, do try and keep up. ``

'' That 'll be enough, Severus, '' interjected Dumbledore. `` What he means to say, Harry, is that a weak roadblock with holes will countenance the foreign memories to slip into her mind a few at a meter. It 'll grant her to become slowly acclimated to the new memories, as opposed to her being forced to manage them all at once. Now I imagine the task of sorting through everything will be rather draining on her ... ''

Snape snorted. The Headmaster ignored him.

'' But in a few hours she should have a pretty self-colored grasp on what memories are hers, and what are not. ``

'' A few hours ? `` Harry would trust Dumbledore with his life, but somehow this seemed far too easy. He would hold thought cramming a life worth of computer storage into a new heading would charter far longer.

Suddenly the headmaster smiled. `` Ms. Kaylens has been rather fortunate to have been given the blood of a relatively youth unicorn, Harry. In fact, the animate being is barely elderly than her. For the next few hebdomad she 'll gradually take in more and more of its retentiveness, but the worst should be over relatively soon. ``

"How can you eff how old it was ?"

"Is, Harry. Just because the unicorn's pedigree was taken does not mean that it was killed. And one of its latter remembering had already slipped through your construct. So Severus was capable to see it, and pass that selective information on to me. She's actually begin very lucky."

Despite this reassurance, he was still restless. `` And what happens when that paries I made completely breaks down ? ``

'' A slight headache, I would imagine. Nothing more. ``

'' But ... ''

'' For the sexual love of Merlin ! She 'll already be acclimated to the memories Potter ! '' Snape practically shouted, apparently unable to contain himself any longer. `` Your piffling girlfriend will be very well ! ``

Harry balked. `` She 's not ... ''

Snape waved him off dismissively. `` Like I care. ``

Dumbledore casually flicked his sceptre in their counselling, silencing them both. Harry gaped like a fish, noticing Snape doing the same.

Dumbledore let nothing display on his nerve, but simply turned to where Remus and Kaylens still sat.

'' Remus, as interesting as this verbal fray has been, I think that the Best thing for Ms.Kaylens, at the moment, is rest. ``

lupine looking rather like a upset Father-God, nodded his assent. And before Harry could even protest, Moony had scooped the young lady up in his arms.

Fixing Harry with a pointed stare, Remus inclined his straits as he left. `` She 'll be in the room Hermione and Ginny used. ``

Snape, apparently having unsilenced himself, let out a derisive mockery that bore a unknown resemblance to the Christian Bible `` I 'm so trusted. ``

It was only after that they had left the room, that Dumbledore 's expression grew far more unplayful.

'' Harry, '' He stated seriously. `` I think it 's time you explained exactly what happened with Angelina. ``
* * * * *

'' VHERE IS SHE ! ? ! ? ``

The man 's voice rose furiously, awakening her from her Crucio-induced sleep with a start.

Her dark eyes snapped undefendable, her unfocussed gaze shooting uselessly around the pitch-black elbow room.

She had been left in accomplished and tot up darkness, unable to discern even a single contingent of her surroundings. The frigid, silk sheets beneath her were the only clue she had to hint that she remained in the same room as before.

Only now she was mercifully alone, with only the tarriance, bone-deep nuisance of the inflicted condemnation for company.

An enervate look of futility settled firmly within her chest, but she would not, could not, fall back hope. Instead her declaration strengthened, and she forced herself to listen very carefully.

Outside in the mansion house two multitude were arguing fiercely, their exact Bible muffled, though every so often the one would rise about the other, a dangerous Federal Reserve note in his accent speech.

Her brow creased fretfully, anxiety filling her. There was something very familiar spirit about that interpreter. Something her thinking nous screamed she should have been capable to greet instantly.

But to her core she understood that whomever the soul was, that she should n't be hearing them here.

Not in a place where only Death Eaters roamed freely.

An icy boding flooded her nervure ...

The door to her room suddenly flew open, a broad shoulder man forcing his way in, his silhouette shadowed by the hall 's firelight.

It felt as if somebody were suddenly choking her, an agonizing chill overtaking her in a way that the Cruciatus curse would never be able to touch.

The man 's defined jaw line, one so very familiar to her, was set firmly.

A heart-wrenching treason ripped through her, snatching her heart in its frailty grip as she watched his sass spread out, forming the words she had once loved to hear.

'' Hermy-owh-ninny. ``







source's Note :

beginning, I just wanted to say thank you to Andrew for having helped me out so much with this chapter. He has not only beta-read the net few chapters, but has also helped me to pluck them to crap them easier to read.

Secondly, I wanted to apologize about having taken so long between chapters over the retiring year. I honestly needed a break from writing, and now that I have had that I plan on updating approximately every two hebdomad or so. I 'm really excited about finishing the story, and I figure that two calendar week is definitely a deadline that I can meet, considering that I used to post daily chapters for the Quizilla adaptation of this. Of course, those were only about 2500 Christian Bible a piece, but nevertheless I figure once every two hebdomad or so should work out well. Again, I am really gloomy about having taken such prolonged rupture this past year. thing were very busy and frankly I just needed to really recharge. thank you all for having stuck around though ! Chapter 31 is being worked on presently, so bear it in about two weeks.

And just to forfend discombobulation, the term for a practician of Occlumency is Occlumens. For some cause in the approximative order of payment of this I had a lot of people trying to slump me on that.

Recommended tale :

And the Greatest of These ... by Edward Antony Richard Louis Ollivander
Rating : 12+ Status : WIP - 24 chapters

In the wake of Dumbledore 's death Harry is consumed with a burning desire to accomplish one thing : frustration Voldemort, by any means necessary. As he sets out to destroy not only the villain himself, but also the veneration that has the wizarding populace 's heart in a vice clutches, he has to vary the way he sees the man around him, as well as the way he functions within it. Now, as he prepares for the final battle, he becomes the one affair the wizarding earthly concern needs : Hope. Harry/Ginny pairing.