Chapter 54 : Who to Believe ?

A/N : Sorry for the delay in getting this out, I had an accident with my flash private road and everything on it was deleted including the 1st selective service of this chapter. But affair are on path now, so getting back in the swinging of things, a revision of the chapter from the beginning… Read, inspection and enjoy !





After taking Simon's wand and returning Luna's to her, Harry left the boy magically bound on the couch with Jacey to check over him. Allowing him to gently pull her down the Hall to the dusty privy, Luna perched on the border of the deep Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the tiny console. At last he came up with an ancient first aid kit, pulling out gauze and mag tape before reaching out to turn the faucet on the sinkhole. They were both surprised when piddle actually came sputtering out, a rusty people of colour at low gear that quickly turned refreshingly clear. She took the manus he offered her and let him carefully clean the line of descent from her wrists… she knew he was angry and did her best not to quail or let on that the track stung like looney. After all, she was the one who let her affright overwhelm her to the stop where she'd struggled so violently against the ropes. Paul Simon hadn't seemed at all intent on injuring her, she could have just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to happen rather than fight her book binding to the point where she cut into her skin. It was her own defect she'd pay off hurt at all.

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

Well, let's go see what he so badly wanted to assure us. She softly suggested, reaching out to run her fingers through his haircloth in that way she knew he found soothing. She needed him to calm down and actualize the need to fight was over, to have an open nous and really hear to what Simon had to say. Her vision was becoming clearer to her now that she been able to sneak a few peeks into the boy's mind. He was out to deceive his sis before she could betray him and apparently the victor of their little sibling spat would become Harry's ally. From her warning she knew Harry was already leaning toward Elanya if not Elise and Sarah… and that had to be because of what they'd seen in Erebos's head. But they obviously needed the unit story and Marvin Neil Simon seemed will to provide it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' And why don't you start with what the blaze you were thinking when you decided taking us hostage was the best way to make your point. '' Harry crossed his branch, refusing to be lulled into composure and shaking off the effects she was trying to unfold around the room.

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

'' What did you really have a bun in the oven me to do when you go around tying multitude up ? '' He returned angrily. Luna reached out and grabbed his arm to stay fresh him from leaping to his feet in indignation… she knew they all had to delay intellectual and kind through this, it was important.

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

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

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

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

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

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's liveliness. '' Simon looked down sadly. `` I was less than a yr old when our parents were killed… even after Voldemort was gone they, like so many others, refused to barricade fighting and were cornered. sort of than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to obliterate them. Elise was xvi at the prison term and the simply bread and butter family I had. Rather than pick out care of me, she decided to floor me at the orphanage, but she would at to the lowest degree total sojourn every yr on my birthday. When I was ten she came back for me, ready to take her position as my guardian. But it was only because she knew I was about to be heading off to schoolhouse and she was hoping to forge me into someone she could use to set forth setting up her plans. I guess she knew Voldemort was attempting to fall back and that his following were doing everything in their world power to ca-ca it take place. She saw this war coming and decided long ago that she would be no one's follower, that she would make her own place in the world. When I came to Hogwarts and wasn't sorted into Slytherin like everyone else in our crime syndicate, she was livid. But then she figured Hufflepuff was better as no one would mistrust me there. For years I did everything she asked me to do because she threatened to leave me again if I didn't and all I knew was that I never wanted to go back to the orphanage. But everything she wanted seemed harmless and cypher she asked of me made any sense… not until this class. ``

Simon shook his head and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a letter the go week of school this yesteryear summertime from Elise telling me we would be departing for Australia the hour I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the train station so I went home and wound up overhearing a confluence between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the iniquity Almighty into thinking it was his approximation to come up Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her evidence him that she planned to belt down me as I was going to essay more useful to them dead. I didn't know what to do, I was more terrified of my sis in that consequence than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is scary, the sword or the expert mitt wielding it ? And she knows how to play him very well. So I went with her to Commonwealth of Australia and I continued to follow her orders hoping she would change her mind. But she didn't because a few day before I was supposed to make out back to school I heard her talking to Sarah… they plan to toss off me while I'm habitation for the vacation faulting and relieve oneself it take care like mortal else did it. My own baby was going to kill me and use my corpse to depart a fight. What could I do ? Even if I ran away, they'd just bring me right back to her, I'm only sixteen. And who besides the hoi polloi involved in this wholly scheme would trust the hanker ridiculous level I have to distinguish ? So the only affair I could do was expose her to the people she was trying to overcome… I chose you guys over Voldemort. Maybe Dumbledore was right about the sorting hat always knowing where people are supposed to go… maybe I'm a dear guy, maybe I'm just a bad guy who's looking for the best means of selection, I have no idea either way. I may not the glad person in the human race, but I'm not ready to die either. So I'll tell you whatever you want to know about her and her program. ``

'' You said she wanted us to go looking in Erebos's chief, that we were supposed to see her set up Elanya… why ? '' Luna asked, her gut telling her this was an important question in terminus of Fred's fate. She was trying not to sympathize with Herb Simon, but he seemed to have gotten stuck with a pretty miserable life… but still, there was something about him she found unsettling and so that allowed her to proceed some sort of an emotional detachment.

He nodded and offered a smile. `` You wouldn't believe how long Elise has been plotting. A long while ago, after your group and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the confusion and looked up the file on every major player on either position. Using that data, she was able-bodied to figure out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your supporter and Voldemort's allies would react in any situation. Originally we went to Commonwealth of Australia this summer to observe a guy named Adam who was apparently postcognative. We traced him to a little pub where he liked to write his articles but we never even talked to him… it was like the hour she saw him, she knew he wasn't what she wanted. That's when Elanya approached us. Apparently she'd been living there with her grandmother who had recently passed away and when those two fille met it was like fate had brought them together. She fit in perfectly and Elise instructed her on how to handle Erebos who arrived at the hotel later that day. I guess it didn't issue whether it was Elanya or that hug drug guy, Elise had already planned Erebos's character in all of this… but clearly a immature pretty daughter would benefit more sympathy. The point was that when you all figured out he was the spy, you were meant to see Elise talking him into using Elanya, you were meant to think she'd been set up and blackmailed the Lapplander way they'd done it to your booster Fred. She's probably on that island right now, telling him her sob news report so that he'll occupy her side and help lecture you guys into helping her. She was supposed to be a gram molecule, to memorise all the arcanum about you that they didn't already love. And then Elanya was supposed to begin causing dissension among you all to weaken you and make it more likely that you and Harry will abandon your alliance to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're saying is basically that they want to create their own army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his voice heavy with doubt as he tried to hide the fact that they were doing something very standardized with the coven. Luna felt both his and Jacey's horror at finding out how close Elise had been to getting her helping hand on Adam, another coven fellow member. She knew it was crucial that they leave as soon as potential to start approaching mass themselves, before they could be scooped up by someone else.

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

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

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

'' They won't have a hazard. We're going to keep open him from that island. '' He returned darkly. Luna still had a clasp of his arm and she could experience him suit even tenser as he felt more things were growing beyond his control.

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

( BREAK )

Fred had skipped out on lunch and intended to take the air the beach until well after nighttime in hopes of avoiding Elanya until tomorrow… tomorrow when Hermione had claimed they would be coming to get him. But had she been here ? He just didn't know what was material anymore. But whether he'd seen her in his head or in real life, one thing had become clear… he couldn't stay here anymore. No matter what, this was going to be his net night on the island. Should Hermione's presence prove to be a hallucination and no one came for him, then he would feel his own way out and go to her. He knew he couldn't apparate, he'd already tried and discovered that like Castellumshire, the Gateway Islands also carried anti-apparation charms and the only multitude he knew could get around them were Harry and Luna.

A delicious smell wafted through the air, allowing his rumbling venter to break up his provision. Looking up at the sky and using the sun, he was able-bodied to decide that while it was well past dejeuner, it was still too early for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped repast that day and cooked such great smelling food for a reason. He was tempted to go into the water to catch a Pisces the Fishes to fry just to knock over her plans but decided he was being laughable. He knew Elanya was trying to tempt him back to the campsite, but just because he went didn't mean he was letting her win. They both knew he was more than able of providing for himself, but at the mo he was too hungry to wait long enough to catch and cook his own repast. Besides, he'd just decided that no matter what, this was his survive dark here… what could it hurt to spend some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then will again.

Arriving at the clique he saw that neither the food nor Elanya were away. With a heavy sigh, he opened the flap of the average looking tent and entered the impossibly spacious glamour of the inside. `` Well, I guess it's true what they say… the riotous way to a man's spirit is through his stomach. '' She said upon seeing him, gesturing to the scrumptious spreading on the ornate table as she sat down. Toying with her seashell necklace, she shot him a seductive smile.

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

'' Well, I've decided that in the stake of continuing a civilise conversation we will spiel a biz of kind. '' She announced after a forgetful while.

'' Boy, it sure is easier not to accept to imagine for myself… I wish someone had been making my decisions for me my entirely lifespan. '' He answered sarcastically.

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

'' Who says I want to ? ``

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

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

'' temper can be a great way to obviate anything real number from reaching you. '' She replied steadily. `` semen on, I know you're curious…. ``

And he was. There were quite a few things he'd like her to clear up for him, but how could he trust anything she said ? The only way was to try out her by throwing in interrogation he already knew the answer to. `` Okay, I'll play your minuscule game. But if I think you're lying to me, I'll just go resume my solitary walk. ``

'' funfair enough. '' She rested her chin on her hand and stared at him expectantly, wearing a unfeigned smile that reached all the way to her golden eyes. `` So ? ``

'' Why are you doing this to me ? '' He blurted without thinking it through. It was the thing that was most on his mind and so the question had burst out of him before he could really plan what he wanted to say.

'' Oh Fred… I'm not doing this to you, I'm doing this for you. '' She dropped her gaze slightly as a hint of sadness overcame her. `` Everyone is trapped by something… We're both prisoners right now, so why not create our John Cage the best it can be- a beautiful island paradise ? ``

'' And how exactly are you trapped ? '' He asked though he felt she'd crafted her answer in order to wangle his next head. Apparently there was something she specifically wanted to talk about and was in the process of directing the conversation. He allowed it simply because he was curious, but he forced himself to remember that he knew what she was doing.

'' I thought I had fairly bought my way into something when really it was all set up to ensure my next alliance and obedience. '' She answered, lowering her eye to hide the flash of embarrassment that passed through them.

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

Elanya sighed and shook her head. `` I've always considered myself to be pretty clever… I'm sure you used to recall the same about yourself. Well, let's just say that Elise and Sarah have humbled us both the last few calendar month with the tremendous schema they've wrapped around us. ``

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

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

Pushing his home plate aside, Fred leaned forward on the tabular array and decided it was time for him to plough the conversation his way so that he could test her silver dollar. `` And what did you call up you had already done to repay them ? ``

She hesitated as if she really didn't want to tell him. But then she shrugged, remembering that this had all been her idea in the first of all place. `` I thought I had provided the spy… but it turns out he and Elise have a prospicient history together and bringing him into things had always been a part of her programme. They set it up so that he and I would run into each other… I had thought I was being so careful, making trusted I would go into this not owing anyone anything. ``

'' Who's the spy ? '' He pushed, already knowing the answer… that is if Hermione's brief sojourn hadn't been some sort of delusional mirage.

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

He made sure to prove an appropriate amount of surprise, letting his eyes widen and his jaw drop slightly as if this was the first time he was hearing this. `` Really ? A prof ? ``

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

'' And why would they go through such elaborate measuring ? '' Fred was almost certain she was telling the Sojourner Truth so far… Hermione had certainly indicated that Elanya may be in problem and now the girl was confirming it. He just didn't know why she was telling him all of this, but he may as well use the state of affairs to his advantage and con as much as he could.

'' Because Elise and Sarah truly believe they can take a shit their own place in this war and that if they have the powerful variety of citizenry on their side they'll be able to consider on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her headland angrily. `` I was appalled to learn that Voldemort's idea to collect a psychic ground forces was actually Elise's brainchild. It was how she got him to help her discovery Sarah. But they planned to make allies of the people he gathered, to get them to work towards taking over completely. ``

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

She nodded. `` And Harry Potter too. At 1st Elise and Sarah didn't care who lived or died in engagement while they quietly plotted their own uprising. But when Harry started showing his voltage and they learned Luna Lovegood was a seer, they knew they wanted them. It's why Elise burned your shop in Diagon Alley during the summer. ``

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

Elanya sighed deeply as a look of remorse settled over her. `` Voldemort had a seer named Jasper, he was old and not as sound as Luna seems to be. But that didn't issue to Elise, he was all she had and so she'd already convinced him to give way his ultimate allegiance to her over Voldemort. He told her that he'd had a vision that something was going to land Harry to Diagon Alley alone and that Voldemort was going to stool his motility against the boy. She worried about the consequence as she wanted Harry on her side, working with Sarah specifically since they parcel the same power… of course of instruction, she'd only just found Sarah at that time. So not knowing what else to do, Elise decided to set your shop of fire, ensuring not only that Harry wouldn't be alone, but that there would be various Aurors in the country. After all, the diplomatic minister would be sure to react in full moon force to a report of arson at his son's store. ``

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

'' There was nothing mysterious about it. Jasper made the same mistake I did by thought he was an be in their architectural plan. I guess he was scared enough to require to tell individual about his vision, but he chose the improper people. He saw his own death though not the hand that brought it to him, and then he saw your Friend up at Hogwarts using that silly ring to try and contact him from beyond for info. He thought it was Voldemort that was going to end his life story so he went to Elise who saw her opportunity. Sarah may not suffer a wand, but she has mastered many other skills, first and foremost her astral project. They decided to kill him so that she could unite with his consciousness and get off herself in his place when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must have seen something and stopped her Friend from using the closed chain. It only made them want her on their side more, especially since they'd so hastily develop rid of Jasper. ``

Fred's mind was reeling. So many matter were coming together now, it was unacceptable that she wasn't telling him the true statement. But his instinct were screaming at him that something deeper was going on. `` Why are you telling me all of this ? ``

'' I don't really make love. '' She smiled, crossing her arms and leaning forward. `` I guess I'm tired of you thinking badly of me. I've never gone so long being so thoroughly ignored. Maybe I figured that if you saw that I was as a good deal a victim of their plotting as you are, then perhaps you'd dainty me better while we're stuck here together. ``

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

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

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

'' You think I haven't tried before ? ! '' She yelled as she leapt to her substructure and began pacing in unrest. `` Edmund Fritz was a high-profile man who was extremely paranoid… and rightly so. I certainly wasn't the only one who wanted him utter and he made sure that it was nearly impossible to get to him. I was scared to use my dead on target indistinguishability as his daughter to pass on out to him… I knew that my female parent had sent me away and died trying to protect me because he wanted to use me, to hand me over to Voldemort in a never-ending quest to gain favor from a man who favored no one. I didn't want her to die in vain but it soon became clear that my real name was going to be the solely thing to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed person substantial financial backing me up in case something went unseasonable. ``

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

'' It was only after the human activity was done that I found out they had wanted to get rid of Edmund anyway. Apparently he'd become envious of the tending Voldemort was giving the girlfriend and so he was doing his good to sabotage them. They figured there was too estimable a chance he'd figure out some part of what they were up to and so they knew he needed to go. They must have tracked me down, found me in Australia… my grandmother had just died and I'd just gone back there to spend her last few daylight with her… I was in a vulnerable property and Elise showed up offering me the chance to do the thing I'd been wanting for years. ``

Fred had been measured during the whole conversation, wanting to pick up on any signs of dishonesty. For the first fourth dimension he found one… her interpreter had gone up slightly in book. It could be due to her gathering excitation as she recalled these events, but he had the nagging intuitive feeling that matter hadn't happened exactly as she described. What did it matter how she and Elise came to join forcefulness ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these motion and expect any kind of answer. His only promise was to go on and hope he could piece it all together himself. `` Do you regret killing your father ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to attend him straight in the eye. `` Not for a single here and now. '' She steadily replied. `` I only regret that I couldn't have been more affected role and found a way to do it by myself. When I tried to stake out of this unit thing, when I told them I didn't want to be a piece of kidnapping you… Elise made it very exculpated that despite the treacherously evidence I left at the scene, she could very easily tie me to my Father's decease. I have no doubt that she would mail me to Azkaban without a moment thought. So I had to pick out, a jail cell locked away with the giants or stranded on an island with you. I took the better fathom penalty. ``

'' But if you hadn't killed Edmund, you never would feature had to pass water that option. '' He argued.

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

But then he wasn't going to allow himself to be like all the other hoi polloi she'd been able to enfold around her digit, he'd always been determined to be stronger than that from the first instant she'd walked into his shop. `` You're probably right… We'll never know though will we ? ``

'' Do you hate me ? '' She asked quietly, taking him by surprise.

'' I thought I was the one who got to ask the questions. '' He said with a nervous laugh.

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

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

She slowly walked over to lean on the edge of the table in nominal head of him. `` You know, there's only two grounds you won't answer. Either you do detest me but you're too very much of a man to say it… though we both know that you're to a greater extent than willing to severalise anyone exactly how you feel about them. So the only when other explanation is that you've realized you don't hate me and just can't bring yourself to accept it for some mysterious reason. ``

He leaned back in his death chair and crossed his weapon system as he regarded her with faux confidence. `` Or I've simply decided it's best not to go through life hating anyone. Of course, I could always constitute an exception if you'd care to push the issue. ``

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

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

'' I'm going for a pass. '' She announced, standing up and taking a deep intimation. `` I cooked, you can cleanse. '' She added before leaving the tent.

Fred looked around feeling completely off guard duty. She'd never left him alone in the tent before, which had only led him to believe that she had affair to hide from him here. But clearly her defeat with his lack of gullibility had caused an inadvertence on her behalf and he knew he needed to take reward of it. He raced to her room, pulling back the flap that separated the space from the balance of the collapsible shelter and taking a cursory look around before carefully proceeding to go through everything. Ensuring he returned things to the way he'd found them, he went through all of her stuff hoping to derive across a communication device of some kind… or even better, his wand. After a farsighted and thorough search, he came up with neither.

( breaking )

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

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

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

'' It's division of her plan. '' Simon Zelotes seemed a bit changeable for the first metre since he'd begun talking. `` I guess even I don't know everything, but I figured if I told you enough, you'd be able to at least check her doing me in. And yes, I really believe she'd murder me if it helped her cause… She ensured they got rid of Jasper simply because she wanted you Luna, she knows you're a better seer than that old man ever was, you've already helped frustrate hers and Sarah's plans a few times. She was trying to help Voldemort gaining control you, though she had no intentions of handing you over… she wants to convince you and Harry both to join her. '' Again he looked directly at Jacey. `` And if she knew you were a firestarter like her, she'd want you too. ``

'' I am not anything like your pitiable baby. '' Jacey said defensively as she cupped her hands together and began rolling them until she had developed a sizable fireball between them. She lifted it over her head and brought it down, engulfing her entire body in flames as she stood there smiling at them. `` I am much more mightily. '' She laughed, extinguishing herself and leaving no indication that anything out of the average had just transpired.

Simon swallowed hard as he stared at her in disbelief… clearly he'd never seen his babe do something like that before. `` Good. '' He said at last. `` Someone should be. They already knew Harry was stronger than Sarah, that's why they had to bring in sure he lost his top executive before they tried to spill to him. ``

'' You're talking about what happened at Azkaban ? How could they possibly know that they weren't going to kill me with that Psychohemia potion ? '' Harry asked in exasperation. They all knew Simon was telling them the truth, but he just didn't like what he was hearing anymore now that it was going against what he knew had happened. But then, he was quickly learning from the former boy that there tidy sum of matter he didn't know about the affair that had been happening to him, his Friend and his enemies. Elise had apparently been pulling various unlike strings for quite awhile.

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to work for them long before then. '' Paul Simon answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some decisiveness was going to lead you to the prison and right in battlefront of Cho, but it was Elise who made the Dark Lord think it was his idea to use Sarah's talents to try and take you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to kill you, that you were going to get avail in time to save your life but not your magnate. ``

'' Except Sarah did nearly kill us at my aunty and uncle's house. '' Harry replied, hiding the phantom pain he felt in his bridge player and leg where he'd been stabbed all those months ago. Glancing at Luna out of the recession of his eye, he remembered her side covered in roue after Sarah kicked her and how her arm had been broken while trying to restrain Sarah from killing him. `` She didn't seem too concerned with convincing us to join her then. '' He added angrily as everything from that Nox came back to him including Ron nearly being burnt to a crisp.

'' Yeah well, as I'm sure you've noticed, the just trouble Elise has in partnering with Sarah is that the woman is more than a little unbalanced. She was only supposed to torture you, it was your muggle house she was supposed to kill in front end of you… on Voldemort's orders, not Elise's. But I guess something about them reminded her of all those multitude she was forced to live with growing up and she came to resent you for putting up with it… She began to really see you as fallible than her and so she alone decided in that bit that she didn't want you to join them. At least, that's how she explained it to Elise after they broke her out of the hospital and woke her from the coma. Trust me, Elise let her have it for deviating from the plan and nearly killing you both. Anyway, Sarah said she really lost control when Luna came in with the ring… she wanted it and they all knew Voldemort wanted it and so obtaining the hoop became her main priority above all else, including her safety as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to capture her for a short meter as well as get your tycoon back, she no longer thinks you're decrepit. ``

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

'' Does she know that we went into her computer memory while she was unconscious mind ? '' Luna asked, squeezing his arm as concern overwhelmed her.

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

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

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

He sighed and nodded. `` Well, she's plotting with Sarah only. But whatever plan those two had going, it was in shoes long before Elise reconnected with Sarah. In fact, I remember Elise trying to lecture Sarah into dropping Cho but she had insisted the female child would be worthful again once they broke her out of Azkaban. My guess is that if they manage to get Cho out, Elise will detect the opportunity to get rid of her as soon as possible. Just because she and Sarah are last confidant doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each other in a second if it meant furthering their own docket. dedication means goose egg to them. '' Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the while holding him in space. `` testament you let me go now ? please ? '' He pleaded.

We have to get back anyway… Dumbledore is looking for us and I think we're in a lot of trouble. Luna said. Harry turned to look at her and realized she had that far off reflection that meant she wasn't completely present in the room.

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

Simon leapt to his infantry to quickly stretch before eagerly reaching into his scoop and pulling out his flask from which he took a long gulping. `` Phew, I needed that. '' He said, wiping his rima oris with his sleeve. After another gulp he seemed less shaky and nervous.

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

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

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

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

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

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

She nodded and led the way through the G. Stanley Hall to the Headmaster's office. `` Just so you're aware, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you left school grounds. '' She warned them. Sharing a look with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the sight of a right student would yield the old wizard's humour. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and Simon. ``

'' See them in fille granger and then you are dismissed. '' He replied from behind his desk. Hermione let them walk past her before she closed the door and bolted down the stairs. Dumbledore gestured to the three chairs in front of him and waited until they settled themselves. He looked at all of them, but it was clear he was addressing Harry alone. `` What did you retrieve you were doing damaging the school like that ? ``

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

'' I have no uncertainty that it was. '' Dumbledore said, his vox quivering as he tried to blot out his anger. `` Why would you do this Harry, when you're so close to being done here ? This isn't something I can cover up for you. ``

'' So don't. I'll go fix it. ``

He shook his nous. `` It's not that simple. Like the ministry and certain other buildings, sorcerous isn't adequate to repair the damage. It must be rebuilt by hand to maintain the strength of the magic spell we place upon our schooltime. And even if you did fix it, my handwriting are tied in paying attention to how we can palm this, especially after I've pushed so backbreaking to take the recently disappeared Tristan Macnair expelled. ``

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

He sighed sadly. `` I'm saying that after having Miss Patil, Mr. Mason and Mr. Macnair go missing, after the destruction Cho Chang caused last year, and after all the cumulative bother that has been caused… I have no choice but to expel you all from Hogwarts for your unfavorable activity, effective immediately. ``

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

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in severe price to one of our classroom and then you all left school basis in direct usurpation of the code of doings. I have to involve this military action before the less dependable of the Aurors out there decide to try and say that you had something to do with Tristan's escape and try to take you all into custody for questioning. Should that find, it's not guaranteed that Arthur will be able-bodied to see that you get into the right hand. '' Dumbledore seemed to fall off down in his ass. `` You've put us all in a cockeyed space and we must be thrifty how we proceed. ``

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

'' I agree, but if I didn't go through with this, it would be far too well-to-do for them to incriminate me of favoritism and things are too fragile right now. The slightest thing could give them the alibi to oust me from here and put anyone they choose in place as schoolmaster. As you saw cobbler's last time, there are too many impressionable young judgment here to permit that to happen. I refuse to let this school become a training ground for the adjacent wafture of Death Eaters. Everyone must be give up to pick out the lifespan they want. ``

'' So instead you just throw away our hereafter ? '' Simon asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the decree and therefore unable to comprehend the need to save matter a sealed way so that the power didn't shift in the opposition's favor.

Suddenly the position door swung heart-to-heart behind them and Lupin came rushing in. `` stop ! It's not their fault, it's mine ! ``

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

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

'' You realize what will pass off if you decide to go through with this… given what you are, the parents already have a low limen of tolerance for you. If you take the blame for the death to the classroom, if you insist these students only left school to cover up for you… then I'll have no option but to terminate your employment here. ``

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

lupin reached out to snaffle his shoulder, using his considerable strength to force Harry back into his chairwoman. `` I understand the outcome. I accept it. ``

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

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

He held his breath and glanced at Luna and Paul Simon out of the quoin of his eye and realized lupine wasn't just doing this for him. The other two were only in their sixth class and he felt guilty that his brash actions may cause them to lose out on their Education Department. Letting out the breathing place slowly, he turned to see at the older star, awaiting his decision along with everyone else.

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

'' It's been rattling being here. '' Lupin assured him before quickly ushering the teens from the post before the headmaster could change his thinker. Paul Simon tried to come apart off from the chemical group as soon as they were in the hall but Harry reached out and grabbed his arm, ensuring he followed them. He still had a few thing to say to the former boy. They walked silently down to Lupin's position, though the Old man was the only one who seemed to be in a safe mood.

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

'' Of course of action I'm sure. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it. '' He grinned. `` I had planned on resigning at the end of this yr anyway. I really like teaching, but I'm certainly needed elsewhere and like you Harry, I hate feeling locked away here when there are so many things happening out in the world. And with you and Draco leaving, there's really cipher to restrain me here any longer. Plus I don't like being away from Tonks for so long, her job already keeps us apart so why should I continue to let mine add to the variant when I have another choice ? So you see, I'm entirely positive that this is the right thing to do. ``

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

lupine reached out to reassuringly pat her articulatio humeri. `` I have long ago learned to live with former the great unwashed's misguided opinions of me. As long as I am in soundly standing with the people who know me, that's all that affair. '' He went to sit behind his desk and pulled out a axial rotation of blank sheepskin and a brisk quill. `` Besides if I were to stick here, then who would be out there looking after you all when you get yourselves stuck in a corner ? '' He teased, reminding them that this wasn't the first fourth dimension he'd helped get them out of their own jam. `` Plus Draco is going to postulate guidance in navigating living out in the real humans where hoi polloi don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to sustain a reason to allow my attitude early. The fact that it helps you kids out is just a bonus. ``

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

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

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

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

She and Harry shared a glance as Simon looked down at the floor and shuffled his feet. `` Just a slight accident caused by a elementary mistaking. '' She said at close, lowering her subdivision and pulling the hem of her sleeves down.

'' I see. '' He shook his head and sighed. `` To answer your before musing… no one would listen if you tried to explain what really happened. It's a dramatic play for power out there and no one is interest in the truth unless it gets them what they want. Too many matter have been happening here, no one would pick out a educatee's word on anything when they barely trust what the professors and Dumbledore have to say. ``

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

'' It's a sad but true fact that adding your name to anything will instantly realize it more complicated. But don't let it discommode you, having enemies only means that you've stood up for something of import. '' Lupin answered with a assuage smile. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must drop a line to my wife and inform her that we are soon to become a one income household for awhile. ``

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

'' And we may just receive to take you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The price of rent is ridiculous these mean solar day. ``

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

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

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his face in close to Simon's, tightening his grip and pushing against the boy's pharynx. `` From now on, if you think you have something you need to secern someone, come heterosexual person to me because going anywhere near Luna or any of my early friends would certainly be the biggest misunderstanding you'll ever make in your living. ``

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

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

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

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

'' Of course of instruction I'm not mad… I'm not sure what I am. This has been a very strange day and I'm still trying to process it. '' Luna argued, sitting comfortably on the edge of the bed as she watched him take the air around the room, allowing him to get out some of his pent up frustration.

Harry went to the window and clutched the sill as he stared out over the schoolhouse evidence. He took various thick breaths before turning back to her. `` But you really are okay, right ? ``

'' I'm amercement, just a bit troubled by what we've learned. '' She gently assured him. `` I guess it's even more important that we go get Fred before Elanya has the chance to win over him that her version of events is the trueness. ``

'' Couldn't it be ? '' He debated. `` I mean, I know Neil Simon was telling us his version of the truth and I believe Elise and Sarah are that cunning. But what if their whole plan was tricking him into telling us all of this so we wouldn't believe what Elanya had to say ? What if they really are setting her up and what we saw in Erebos's head is true ? Maybe they did have intercourse we'd figure out who the spy was and that we'd want to look in his head… what if they used Neil Simon to circularise around doubt so that we wouldn't know what to trust ? ``

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

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

'' I think that's the dependable for us… to assume she and Herb Simon both are the foeman until they can definitively prove otherwise. '' She stood and came over to wrap her arms around his waistline and hug herself against him.

He kissed the top of her head and returned the bosom. `` I have no trouble with that. ``

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

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

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

'' It's just that… I so badly wanted to see Fred, to prepare for sure he was okay. I decided to drill my astral sound projection and to my surprisal, not only did it work, he was capable to see me. '' She answered, nearly shaking as she tried not to cry.

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

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

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

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

( BREAK )

As soon as it was dark, Fred grabbed his stallion bed ringlet and went down to the beach. Ensuring he was far enough from the tide, he set everything up and built a lowly firing, silently thanking his father for teaching him how to do so the muggle way- without a sceptre. Sure it was the more unmanageable way to do things, but at last his father's obsession with learning the why's and how's of all things muggle had paid off. Once for certain the blaze had caught, he lay back to look at the whizz. He didn't know where Elanya had gone, nor did he care… she hadn't returned from her manner of walking and the longer she was gone the more sealed he was that he didn't want to be there when she did shew up.

She'd told him so many things and enough of it had seemed not only to be likely but made too a good deal sense not to be avowedly. He was confused… If Hermione had really been on the island, then she'd told him affair that Elanya had completely admitted to. Did it matter ? And if it did, then why did it topic ? Elanya had gotten herself caught up in this, she was no innocent bystander. Had she not wanted so badly to defeat her Padre, the other female child wouldn't have had anything to tempt her into accepting their offer. On the other manus, he was now able to put himself in her shoes… why wouldn't she want to kill the man who murdered her female parent and was trying to use his own daughter to buy his way into the good graces of an immorality man like Voldemort ? Even Willem had come to damage with the fact that his niece had killed his chum and was still unforced to reach out to the young lady as it was absolved even to him that she needed to be rescued… if not from Elise and Sarah, then from herself. So if Willem could forgive her, then who was he to approximate her ?

Clearly he didn't think as badly of her as he'd thought anyway… why else wouldn't he have just told her hated her ? It was the one thing that bothered him more than anything else. She'd been right in saying that he had no problem telling the great unwashed that he didn't like them, so why couldn't he just say it ? Annoyingly she had picked up on the only reason… because he didn't hatred her. But so what ? Not hating someone wasn't exactly the same as liking them. After all, he knew he couldn't trust her as far as he could throw her, but then, did that matter either ?

'' So, you've decided to catch some Z's under the asterisk. ``

He sat up and whipped around to find Elanya standing in the trees as if his thoughts of her had forced her to materialize there. Her hair and frock were dancing softly in the slight breeze and her eye glowed even more brilliantly in the syncope firelight. `` Well, aren't you the observant one. '' He said sarcastically.

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

'' Think zip of it. I'm pretty sure our conversation was about done anyway. '' He brushed her off and lay back down again, closing his heart and acting as if she were zippo to a greater extent than a plaguy hoo-ha to him.

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

'' Sleep wherever you want, what do I manage ? '' Fred made trusted to vocalize annoyed, hoping that if she did sleep on the beach, she would pick out to do it far from him. He heard her soft stride as she glided through the sand and then felt her attempt to climb under the masking with him. He sat straight up and scrambled away from her as he got to his feet. `` What the hell do you think you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

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

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

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

Despite the genuine worry for his safety that he heard in her voice, he ignored her and walked straight into the H2O fully dressed. He continued on until his understructure could just barely touch the hindquarters before deciding that was far enough to deter her from following him. turning, he began swimming analogue with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't care to walk after him. He could barely see his deal in front of him and realized that is was more than the exercise that was making his nub race. It was very night out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an underwater onset coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards land, crawling up onto the flaxen beach and allowing himself to lie there and lie for a moment.

Now more than ever, he was determined to leave alone the island tomorrow. He couldn't spend one Thomas More day alone with Elanya, he was beginning to leave what was real and it was becoming more difficult not to strike into her stories. All he had to do was get through tonight. Climbing to his feet, he brushed off as much sand as he could and made his way into the trees to calculate for some kind of tax shelter. Coming to the base of the marvelous mickle, he found a shallow cave. Gathering leaves, he quickly made himself a station to sleep before gathering sufficiency Sir Henry Wood to originate a firing to keep him warm. Once again he silently thanked his father while hoping that he would get the chance to thank him in person very soon.

( BREAK )

Draco woke already feeling nervous… he didn't like lying to Ginny and while he may not know the exact details of what was going on, he had pieced enough together to know that she'd be mad to teach they'd kept Fred's possibly being in fuss from her. But today was supposed to be the day it would all end and no one would have to lie anymore… at to the lowest degree not about this. It was simple really, while the prof and well-nigh of the students were down at the quidditch lurch enjoying the plot between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Potter, Luna and husbandman were going to whisk themselves away to deliver Fred from whatever mess he'd gotten himself into. Draco's job was to bring in certainly neither Ginny nor Ron found out they were gone and more importantly, to save them both away from Professor Erebos who potter had said was a spy and more than willing to ache someone.

Taking a deep breathing time, he knocked on Ginny's door. `` Ready to go down to breakfast ? '' He asked as soon as she opened up. Seeing that she was still in her robe and jammies, he realized she hadn't done much since she'd left his room earlier. `` I guess not. '' He said in answer to the dumb look she gave him, closing the doorway as he walked in.

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

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

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

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

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

'' And since I like you so much, I'll only rush you half my normal rates for the excellent wisdom I have to bestow. '' He teased, quickly moving to becharm the pillow she whipped at him.

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

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

'' Go in for the putting to death ! '' She laughed, quickly kneeling over him and battering him over and over with the pillow. ineffective to hold back his own laughter, he tried his dear to return the attack. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to wriggle it away from her so that he would be in possession of all the plush ammo.

A smash on the room access interrupted their struggle and they both looked at each other in surprise as they tried to enamour their breath. Ginny lay back on the bed and stared up at him with a coy smiling. `` See who that is, would you darling ? I'm not dressed to experience company. ``

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

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

'' Isn't is a bit incompatible for a male teacher to come unsupervised to a female student's room this early ? Especially one who already has a swarm of suspicion around his name ? '' He shot back, having been informed of the professor's human relationship to Elise McKinney.

'' I've come with a message from the Headmaster. '' Erebos answered defensively. `` Not that I owe an explanation to any educatee. ``

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

'' The master wishes to speak to Miss Weasley in person. '' Erebos persisted. `` I am to escort her up to his part. ``

'' And why wouldn't he beam prof McGonagall ? '' Draco asked suspiciously. `` She is the head of the Gryffindor mansion and a much more probable candidate to approach Ginny on the headmaster's behalf than some professor wholly unrelated to her. She isn't even in any of your classes. Why would Dumbledore institutionalize you ? '' He knew Ginny probably barely recognized the prof as she'd rather chew her own arm off than study Arithmancy.

'' Again, not that I owe an explanation to a student- '' He said tightly, clearly frustrated with this Sung dynasty and dancing they were engaged in. `` But she is already down at the quidditch pitch shot assisting Madame Hooch with getting the theatre ready for today's secret plan. I was in the Headmaster's part for a meeting and so he simply sent me. ``

'' Well, Ginny is just too ill to leave her room. I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't want to risk her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these draughty hallways. If he needs to tell her something important, I'm sure he would birth no problem paying her a sojourn. '' Dragon said smugly. He grabbed the edge of the door to fill up it but the professor reached out to stop it from swinging shut.

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

'' That's unnecessary. '' Draco said calmly while holding the doorway so tightly in his hired man he thought the forest would shatter in his grip. `` I asked Healer Drake to kibosh by earlier. He said it's a bad low temperature and recommended bed respite. '' He added in order to scotch the prof's new attack to get Ginny out of her elbow room. He was sure Drake would cut across for them if necessary, after all, he'd done it many meter before. Rather than allow Erebos to get up with something else, he used his above formula military capability to slam the door shut despite the man's attempts to keep it open.

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

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

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

'' Well… because they have plans to take over the ministry. What better way than to use the rector's kid against him ? '' He held his breath. Technically what he'd said was true although that wasn't the reason the man had decided to earn a move today. But why worry her further by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the full news report or what exactly her crony was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the easy ends the others had had to tie up in order to go after Fred at all. He knew they were connected, just not how… but he'd be damned if he let her get hurt or killed because of any of it. Surely if she knew Fred was involved, she would insist on doing something dangerously heedless in an attempt to help.

Ginny shook her head sadly. `` poor dad… all he wants to do is make a difference and now he has to live in never-ending fear for us all because of it. ``

'' Seems to me the same could be said for everyone. '' He sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. `` I've guess that's just the cost you have to pay if you want to fend up for something… the fear of losing everything. ``

We may have a job. Draco thought out to ceramist and Luna.

What happened ? Potter immediately answered.

Draco quickly told them of Erebos's visit and the fact that he wouldn't be leaving Ginny's room at all that day. You're going to need someone else down at the pitch looking after Weasley. He concluded definitively, implying that there would be no arguing with his decision to barricade himself in with Ginny.

( happy chance )

Harry had a frightful look about everything after talking to Draco. Why would Erebos have come to try and get Ginny to go somewhere with him ? What were Elise, Elanya and Sarah planning now ? Whatever it was, it seemed they were just in clip to go rescue Fred. At least the problem of who was going to watch over Ron had been quickly resolved… after a quick song to Jacey, she had agreed to don an invisibility cloak and hang around the quidditch pitching, just in cause Erebos tried to get a hold of a dissimilar Weasley.

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

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

'' Why ? '' Hermione demanded impatiently.

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

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

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

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

Harry took out his verge and waited as they did the same. They had no thought where they'd fart up having only coordinates and impression to use to inspire their apparation to the island. He wanted them to be ready for anything.

As one he and Luna reached out to each make one of Hermione's hands and they all focused on the island. With a loud crack, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling punishing jumpy ground beneath his foot, Harry hesitantly opened his eyes to look around. His breath caught in his pharynx as he took in their environment. Um, I think we may have just picked the risky possible space to country. He thought out to the girls, not wanting to name any noise lest they wake the ten dragons currently sleeping around them. As quietly as possible, they all three mounted their brooms, each suddenly glad that he'd insisted they brought them with. Going slow for their sake, he carefully led the way, lightly pushing off from the ground and rising into the air.

Flying away from the hatful top and down toward the beach, he looked over his shoulder to check on the girls. Luna seemed to have gotten the hang of thing after having been in the air a few clock time before. But Hermione, who always chose to proceed her foundation on the footing if it was an option, was clearly showing her rawness. She tried to glower the broom and suddenly lost ascendance, letting out a loud scream as she suddenly zoomed toward the ground.

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

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

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

He raced forward to help only to pull in that the former six dragons had chosen to gang up up on him as they perceived him to be the better circular and therefore the more grievous to them. One popped up in front of him, forcing him to go low. He once more searched the sky, trying to trip up his bearings… but this time he didn't see Luna anywhere. Both she and Hermione had disappeared and now he was alone with eight dragons. Wait… eight ! He quickly began racing around the island, looking for any augury of Luna and the two Draco that were obviously still chasing her. He flew between two of the beasts but unfortunately he wasn't quick enough and he felt one's tail roast into the back of his Scots heather followed by the sound of a recondite snap auditory sensation. The broom started to number apart in his workforce and he did his unspoiled to hold it together as he raced toward the ground. He landed roughly on the beach, shaking off the pain as he picked himself up and ran toward the cover of the trees.

He could hear the animals landing heavily behind him, too large to make their way through the dense woods. Suddenly tripping, Harry tucked into himself to demote his declension. Glancing back at what had knocked him over, he found the shattered corpse of another broom though he had no theme whether it was Luna's or Hermione's. He looked around desperately but there was no one there.

( pause )

Fred woke to a forte belly laugh. For a moment he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his invertebrate foot. Looking around, he remembered making a temporary shelter out of the cave after escaping from Elanya. Another series of ear-splitting shrieks filled the sky and he looked up to see those mysterious creatures circling in the bright sunrise temperateness. They never came out this late… and they never flew so low. One swept over the tree diagram above him, giving him a frighteningly discharge view of what the brute actually was… a very large dragon with sharp pincer, long teeth and wide fender tipped with dangerous looking horns.

affright gripped him as he stood there block, trying to recollect everything Charlie had ever told him about these beasts. More than anything, he recalled his brother saying that dragons were beast of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't waste time trying to figure it out, he had to make certainly Elanya was okay, he couldn't let the lonesome former mortal on this island die… he didn't want to be here completely alone with these matter. He raced through the trees back to the campsite, suddenly upset that he'd decided to travel so far from it in the first place.

organism indisputable to keep himself deep under the screen of the trees, he approached their tent and heard Elanya's voice as she argued with someone. Careful of where he stepped, Fred snuck up as close as he dared… she was standing with her cover to him and completely alone, but he could tell that she was holding something up to her mouth. `` What do you entail Malfoy won't let you near Ginny ? ! '' She cried out angrily. `` I gave you one mere task this morning… Well, you know what to do next. ``

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

She turned to him and dropped her hands, showing him they were empty-bellied. `` Nothing. '' She said innocently.

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

More shrieks filled their air and they both glanced up in affright. Then she stared directly at him, her heart filling with sadness. `` I have no alternative, you broke the linguistic rule. '' She looked away, closing her eyes against her regret.

'' What are you talking about ? ! ``

She pointed up at the dragons now circling dangerously low. `` The only reason they would leave their nuzzle was if mortal disturbed them… clearly we are no longer alone on this island. You were right, your admirer came after you… but that means you all have broken the rules and if I don't bring about the punishment for it then I'll be the one to get it. I like you Fred, but your siblings'lives just aren't more of import to me than my own. ``

'' Don't do it. '' He insisted, pleading with her to move over in and be the comfortably person he wasn't quite certainly she could be. `` I'll service protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all continue you safe. Just don't let them squeeze you into hurting my crony and sister. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an unsure pace toward him. `` You'd convince your supporter to give me a chance ? ``

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

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

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

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

'' What does it matter if it's dead on target ? '' He returned, placing himself between her and Hermione despite the fact that he was the only one unarmed.

'' Well, I suppose you can't really argue with that logic… I take it you're just going to automatically believe her over me ? '' Elanya asked with false sweetness.

'' You aren't exactly giving me a reason not to at the mo. '' Fred replied, gesturing to the scepter she still had pointed at them. He felt Hermione scope out and take his hired hand as she used her other to continue wielding her own wand. Squeezing her finger's breadth, he hoped they found a way out of this.

Elanya nodded, a wicked smile spreading slowly across her fount. `` I thought as much… I guess it's prison term to move to programme B. '' She quickly waved her wand, forcing Hermione to hold up a cuticle around them. It was enough of a distraction for her to grab the seashell necklace she'd been wearing since they arrived and rip it from her neck before speaking quickly into it. `` Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and down Ron. '' She instructed.

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

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

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

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



musical note : Provided there are no more frightful fortuity with my computing device or flash thrust, face for the side by side chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island safety valve

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





After wreck landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to get a line aught worse that a few scrapes and chicken feed. Unfortunately the Scots heather hadn't survived as well and lay a few groundwork away in pieces. sword lily that it hadn't been her to roll up that way, she shook herself off and got to her feet. She looked around nervously and called out to Harry and Luna but they didn't solution her… A quick glance up through the treetops let her live why. various dragons seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking sounds. With a broken broom she knew she couldn't do much to help them and they certainly were too distracted to do help her… it was up to her to reckon out what to do and she was determined that this not end up like Hogsmeade. She wasn't going to freeze out up with indecision, there were too many people counting on her and more than that, she wanted to prove to herself that she was up to of branching out on her own.

It was much hotter here than it was back at school and so the number one thing she did was bare off her jacket before she fainted of estrus exhaustion. She knew that she had to start moving and preferably with a purpose. Using her wand as a locater, she made her way through the woods, trying not to look anywhere but right in front of her. She didn't want to suit distracted, she just wanted to get Fred and get the hell off this island. Within ten minutes of walking, she found herself at Fred and Elanya's campsite. The two were talking and she heard Fred oblation to assist the other fille if she would call to call off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

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

She stopped myopic as she saw Elanya pull her own wand out… realizing that Fred was unarmed, Hermione worried that he would get caught in the eye if they started dueling. He stood there and looked at her as if she were the greatest thing he'd ever seen, making her flavor more sure-footed in the grimace of the early girl. `` Hermione ? '' He asked hesitantly before rushing over and wrapping his arms around her. As good as it felt to induce him hold her, she was heedful to sustain her baton up 50 Elanya decide to use the distraction to her advantage.

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

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

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

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

'' You aren't exactly giving me a understanding not to at the moment. '' He answered her as he gestured to the fact the she was waving her wand at them. Hermione realized in that consequence that he hadn't completely given into believing Elanya, that he'd mostly managed to trust his own instincts. Feeling proud of him, she reached out her rid hand to take his, wanting him to know that they were in this together now. She was comforted when he tightly held her helping hand in return, accepting that she was going to be there with him no matter what.

'' I thought as lots. '' Elanya said meanly. `` I guess it's fourth dimension to move to plan B. '' She quickly waved her wand, giving Hermione only seconds to throw up a shield around herself and Fred to deflect the spell. Before she could return fire, the girl ripped off her seashell necklace and was already talking into it. `` Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and then wipe out Ron. '' She instructed whoever was on the early end… most probably Professor Erebos.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her verge and sent him flying. Hermione took her opportunity and shot several knockout in warm succession but the other girl was fast, raising her shield in clip before attempting to fire back and disarm her. By this prison term Fred had gotten to his fundament and back into the thick of things, forcing Hermione to hold her flak so he wouldn't get hit by mistake. `` make it back ! '' He demanded, stalking towards Elanya.

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

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

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

Hermione cast before she was even cognisant she was doing so, taking both her and Elanya by surprise. The girl had to dodge rather than harbor, sending Hermione's trance to shatter the trees behind her. Seeing what a sober enchantment she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the grime from her dress. `` Well, I suppose we've moved retiring stunners then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the wand she'd dropped in her haste to move out of the way.

Hermione felt Fred grab her arm and pull her into the tent. `` Shield it ! '' He yelled at her.

She quickly waved her wand, yelling `` Protego Totalum ! '' and a few early incantations, turning the tent into their own small fortress ... they were pass on while she'd only practiced once in the base hit of a classroom setting. She was truly surprise that she'd been able to accomplish it here while her sum was racing and scare gripped her intellect. They could hear Elanya screaming at them from the outside, uselessly hurling turn after trance at the tent as she tried to get at them. `` I'm not sure how long this will hold. '' She said fearfully, turning to see that Fred had taken to tearing the place apart. `` What are you doing ? ``

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

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

'' When it came to pass my money, Elanya spared no disbursal. Top of the line everything… it's supposed to be like camping in the comfort of your home. '' Fred answered bitterly as he upended the icebox next. `` Aha ! '' He shouted, bending down to outflank up a shut down towel. for certain enough, his wand was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a shot of succour knowing that she wouldn't be the only if one armed. His own relief was observable as he tightly gripped his baton and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a tone that sent frisson through her torso. Without a word he strode up to her and eagerly placed his hand around her neck, pulling her fount to his so that he could passionately capture her backtalk. He kissed her with such depth and hungriness that she was left intuitive feeling dizzy and had to accomplish out and grab him to keep her ramification from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his limb around her waist he deepened the kiss even more before breaking it off and resting his brain against hers. They were both left breathless and happy to once more than be so close. `` I'm really gladiolus to see you. '' He whispered.

'' I couldn't tell. '' She teased, leaning up to kiss his cheek.

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

'' I'm undefended to suggestion. ``

He scratched his capitulum and turned to stare at her a second before breaking into a smiling. `` Of course of study ! If I can fool around my own mother then it should be easy to fool Elanya. ``

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

And then suddenly there were two of him and she had the uneasy intuitive feeling that George had somehow come back to life. Shaking it off, she tried to smile in supporting. `` You really think she'll go after our stunt woman ? ``

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

'' Well, I certainly don't have a break idea. '' She moved to hide herself behind the turned-over stove, as Fred took their silent doubles and instructed them to exit the tent and just run as far and fast as they could.

Knowing that her charm would be broken as soon as the barrier was breached, he shoved them through the opening and quickly came over to crouch beside her just in vitrine Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to get along hunt the tent. `` Here goes nothing. '' He whispered.

( BREAK )

being able-bodied to bear down on the field, Ron almost felt like he really was section of the game and was grateful to McGonagall for letting him deliver this one minuscule piece of what made him happy. He watched his team fly together and was thrilled to see them pull ahead in the score, cheering them along as any respectable coach would do. The snow had been magically cleared off the landing field but he didn't need it to be reminded that winter was on it's way, the day was crystallize and very cold. He huddled deeper into his crown after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the score jumped far adequate ahead in Gryffindor's favor, he decided it was safe to remove a fault and go down to the refreshment stand for some hot umber to warm his insides. Making his way through the cabinet rooms, he took the exit leading outside the arena and nearly ran into someone trying to make their way in. `` Oh, excuse me sir. '' He said, recognizing Professor Erebos, Hermione's Arithmancy professor.

'' Not at all Mr. Weasley. It was you I was actually coming to feel. '' Erebos replied with what was clearly an attempt at a favorable grin… but the minginess at the recession of his oral fissure indicated to Ron that something was troubling the man.

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

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

'' No ! Wait ! '' Ron pleaded, wondering what Annapurna was doing back here so soon. He'd only sent a missive off yesterday through Lupin, he wasn't even trusted it had enough metre to come to her so that couldn't be what drove her to total back. He had to talk to her before Dumbledore or anyone else could show up and send her running. `` Just let me go see her 1st. ``

Erebos shook his head word. `` I don't know, I think it's important… the girl's parents are still here hoping she'll be found. It's cruel to not tell them and take the probability that she'll run again. ``

'' Please, I'll convince her to delay. '' He promised with his finger crossed.

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

Ron reluctantly agreed, following the professor around the back of the scene of action to the Forbidden forest. They walked pretty far into the tree diagram, deepening Ron's suspicions to the period where he was gear up to change state back. `` Parvati got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the Grant Wood ? '' He asked carefully.

Erebos stopped and turned to him with his wand out and a demented smile across his face. `` Sorry for the deception Mr. Weasley, but Parvati isn't out here. I just needed a intellect for you to hail into the woods with me. ``

He swallowed the vauntingly lump of fear and panic that had risen in his throat. `` Why ? '' He tried to keep back his vocalisation steady but wasn't sure he'd accomplished the task.

'' To kill you. '' The prof said simply as he prepared to cast the ultimate unforgivable condemnation. And then the man was screaming in bother as his wand burst into flame in his handwriting, forcing him to drop it to the ground.

Ron instantly reached into his pocket for his verge before turning to determine Jacey standing a few yard behind him, her own wand in one hand and a large ball of fire in the other as she angrily stared down the professor. `` What are you doing out here ? '' He asked in his surprise.

'' Saving you it seems. '' She returned, seeming trauma that those were the number one dustup he'd Chosen to verbalize at the sight of her.

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

'' The little gripe burned my mitt ! '' Erebos shouted as he held the now useless appendage close to his body.

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

( BREAK )

Luna just couldn't shake off the finally two Dragon chasing her. They forced her to fly away from the island, zooming so far over the ocean she could see Castellumshire on the horizon… still the brute wouldn't give up the Chase. She tried calling out to Harry but he didn't answer, making her very nervous. She could palpate that he wasn't hurt… but that was all, it was like a division of her brain had shut off and she was completely unable to convey with him… It was almost as if there was something blocking them from using their powers, or more precisely, their telepathy. The way she was flying, the way she was able to know where to go to ward off being hit by claws, teeth and tails… that told her that her precognative instincts were well in tact as she knew she certainly wasn't the best flier.

She swooped low to avoid one flying dragon and then quickly turned right to keep off the other. Her ft skimmed the water and she quickly pulled back up, making a foresighted arc around Castellumshire before heading back toward the Gateway Islands. Becoming distracted by a strange audio below her, she took the chance and looked down only to get a little speedboat zooming through the water headed the Lapplander direction she was. Feeling the flying lizard right behind her, she decided to dip low, flying close enough only to see that there seemed to one individual on board… a female wearing a hat and large sunglasses. hunch shot through her and she raced ahead, desperate to discourage Harry.

At last she had returned to the island but he was nowhere in the sky… though the other eight flying lizard were. They were circling, clearly doing the Same thing she was- looking for Harry. Figuring he must birth landed she went down, flying over the shoreline in hopes that he would see her. She let out a storm screeching when two of the flying dragon suddenly grounded ahead of her, opening their jaws and waiting for her to fly at them. Fixing her grip as she'd seen Harry do, she made a sharp left hand and headed back out over the H2O where four to a greater extent flying dragon waited. Once again changing her grip, she zoomed straight up. `` LUNA ! appear OUT ! '' She heard Harry scream from far below her. Apparently he had seen her and ran out onto the beach to visit out.

It took a second gear too long for her to see what he'd tried to warn her about and so the brace of tartar that had been laying in wait among the crown had taken her by surprisal. She raced upwards, high over the island hoping to lose them among the fluffy white clouds. But before she could get herself quite that eminent, she felt one of the creatures grab the end of her Calluna vulgaris and perpetrate her through the air. She lost her clench completely and felt herself begin to free fall. Thinking as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her descent until she was able to lightly lay her feet on the ground. Her relievo quickly gave way to all out terror as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the firedrake'nest. Only this clock time she had no heather and she was completely alone.

( BREAK )

Harry had just used his scepter to put together the broom he'd found in the Sir Henry Wood back together when Luna's scream echoed around him. He raced back onto the beach to catch an impossible sight- she was flying recklessly through the air as she tried to get away from all ten dragons. Seeing two of the beast break off from the grouping and cover themselves among the trees he realizing what the rather intelligent creatures were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his judgement but while he could still feel that unvarying link to her, it was as if someone had cut a wire somewhere and all he could hear was a dial flavor. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his hands around his mouth and screamed out a monition to her, hoping she was able to listen him. If she did, it was too late. The other flying lizard had forced her to fly toward their ambush and the two concealment leapt out to storm her. She nip upwards but to no avail as one reached out and grabbed her ling. She fell off as the tool snapped the ling like a toothpick, making Harry's heart stop for a moment. But this sentence she had her wand and was able to slow her drop, but when he saw where she landed his nerve dropped entirely into his tum. The firedrake had seen her too and they all descended on their nest, intention on ousting the intruder.

affright swept through him and he hurried to polish off the final repairs on the heather. Hearing a motored sound he quickly ducked out of the way as a boat carelessly drove up into the sand, allowing a familiar woman to alternate down and face him. `` how-do-you-do Harry. '' Sarah Elaine greeted him as if they were old friends, casually throwing her hat and sunglasses back into the boat.

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

'' So I saw… seems your trivial friend fell into the awry property. '' She grinned. `` Care to have some assistance in retrieving her ? ``

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

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

He had no pick, he needed help distracting the flying lizard so he could fly in and take hold of Luna. Handing Sarah the Scots heather he'd been holding, he ran over and waved his wand, fixing his own broom as best he could… at least it was in flying condition if not properly calibrated for the best flight of stairs potential. Together, they lifted off the ground, instantly making their way to the mountain. Harry just hoped his desperation for help didn't current of air up being his downfall.

( BREAK )

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

Of form she had agreed to serve continue an eye on Ron… she just had no idea why. He had made himself very clear that he wished to handle things on his own for awhile and she was tempted to back off and let him learn just how much he needed his supporter. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would toss off him… She also could not forsake Ron because some part of her knew that his end would stand for her own as well. He had made a valid full stop the early nighttime, they did not make love each other, they had only just met and under the tensest of circumstance. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each former. She was More than willing to see what came of that attractor as she had already admitted that his missive is what ultimately made her decide to come here in the first place… she only hoped he would come in to his gumption long enough to-

She stopped absolutely in her racecourse as she realized she may have arrived too late. Just beyond the domain, she saw two figures slip quickly into the Forbidden forest and she was sure of at least one of their identities. The former she only feared she knew. Racing forward, she let the cloak come down away as soon as she was within the shoetree wrinkle so that she could run with to a greater extent speed and lupus erythematosus hinderance. At live on she came upon them and realized she had been correct on both write up, Ron and Erebos were a few yards ahead of her. She could finger Ron's suspicion and doubtfulness as he was led further into the trees.

'' Parvati got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the woods ? '' He asked. Jacey was wild on his behalf, upset that the professor was willing to use such an capable injury to trick him into coming out here.

Erebos turned around wearing a cruel and iniquity smile. `` Sorry for the magic Mr. Weasley, but Parvati isn't out here. I just needed a reasonableness for you to fare into the woods with me. ``

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

'' To drink down you. '' Erebos replied. Jacey saw his intention a moment before he raised his wand and did the first thing that came into her mind… She set his wand on flame. He screamed in pain, dropping the thing as he cradled his injure helping hand to his body.

Ron pulled out his own wand before turning to figure out just what had happened. `` What are you doing out here ? '' He asked as his gaze locked in on her.

'' Saving you it seems. '' She said stiffly, feeling suffering to still see choler under the surprise in his heart as he stared at her.

The sound of someone slowly clapping filled the air. Jacey whipped around to bump Elise McKinney coming out from behind one of the tree diagram. She had never met the fair sex and only knew her from the memories of others, but she was certainly of who she was seeing. `` well done. '' Elise laughed with genuine amusement.

'' The little kick burned my mitt ! '' Erebos shouted, glaring at them all.

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

putt her sceptre in her pocket so that both of her hands were free people, Jacey let the flames flare out of her bigger and with more of a flourish than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the woman did not hesitate to begin her fire, hurling balls of fire one after the other. Engulfing her intact soundbox in fire, Jacey was capable to take up whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to feel very warm. Run before this spread head ! She thought out to Ron, not wanting him to get burnt.

I'm a bit busy at the present moment. He answered. She glanced over to find him alternatively trying to put out the flame spreading through the timberland and dueling Erebos who had retrieved the burnt remains of his sceptre and was trying to make it run with his undamaged hand. It seemed that every once in awhile the man was able to get the wand to do his spell which only distracted Ron from his impromptu endeavor at being a firefighter.

She tried reaching for her scepter but Elise only renewed her effort, making it clear that she intended this fight to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no choice but to push fire with fire. It was more than Ron's water enchantment could maintain up with and if they didn't discover a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the flaming would spread. She did her C. H. Best to centre on controlling and containing them to their small sphere but it lessened the amount of absorption she could make to the real fight and found herself more on the defensive that she would have thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't fear where the fervency spread was giving the woman an edge over her but there was zero she could do about that, she had to do her unspoiled to manipulate the damage her business leader caused. Realizing they were going to need assistance and taking even more attention away from the battle, she called out to genus Draco as he was the only one left here that she trusted to ask for help. She hoped he made it in time.

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

( prisonbreak )

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

Looking at his face, she could tell he wasn't any more pleased with the idea of him leaving than she was. `` Apparently Elise made it onto the school land and she and Erebos have your brother cornered out in the woods. '' He answered honestly, in too much of a hastiness to attempt lying. `` cartel me, the entirely ground I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, stay in here and don't afford the door to anyone until I get back, okey ? ``

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

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

'' Meaning ? '' She demanded stubbornly.

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

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

'' We don't have sentence to argue. For once just humour me and outride here. '' He pleaded.

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

He seemed suspicious but he had no choice other than to accept her agreement. Leaning in to quickly kiss her goodbye, he then turned and fled the room. Walking over to her windowpane, she waited until she saw him zip across the schooling grounds… he was faster than any human she'd ever seen and she could understand why he liked going out to run so much- it must be insufferable to think when moving so quickly.

Picking up her pelage she fled her elbow room, rushing through the halls and out the front room access. She would continue her hope not to follow after him… but she wasn't going to allow him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the school day staff sat. Unfortunately, the person she wanted to talk to was also sitting next to the person she'd hoped to avoid… but she couldn't go back, three life history might be at stake, her brother's among them. `` Can we help you with something ? '' lupin asked with a well-disposed smile as she approached him and Dumbledore.

Warily eyeing the Headmaster, she took a rich breathing time and spoke to lupine. She knew it was best to hold back mention of Jacey and Elise out of things with so many capitulum around and so she made her dot as bring in and concise as possible. `` Draco ran out into the Sir Henry Joseph Wood to try and break off prof Erebos from killing Ron. They need assistance. ``

( BREAK )

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

'' I think it has something to do with the energy subject generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with most navigation tools, even the wizardly ones. It's the principal reason it's so arduous for hoi polloi to witness these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that certain brainwave frequency Harry and Luna use to canalize their telepathic abilities. ``

'' Whatever you say. All I heard is that we're stick around finding them the old fashioned way. '' He tried to use his baton to direct him towards the nearest life homo but the stupefied thing kept pointing up. `` Or not. '' He muttered, finally giving up.

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

'' I do now. '' He answered grimly, figuring the only reply was that their acquaintance were up there and in a lot of trouble. `` I guess we try to climb it. '' He walked toward the base of the mountain until he heard a low screech of surprise that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to justify her foot from a rather ugly looking industrial plant. Originally mistaking it for some variety of bush, they had walked by unaware… but now the matter had spread it's leaves apart and was shooting out several tentacle-like protrusions that were attempting grab Hermione and pull her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his scepter. But the industrial plant seemed to be immune to magic and cypher he tried would make water it stop.

'' Let go ! '' She yelled as she kicked at the flora. Not knowing what else to do, Fred picked up a large rock and began slamming it down on the tentacles. The plant let out a pitiful sound, indicating it could feel pain. In an attempt to free herself, Hermione reached for another tilt and helped him work over the tentacles away. Grabbing her under her arms, he pulled her to her fundament and they scrambled away before the strange shrub could regroup.

'' Well, that was something new. '' He said as they caught their breathing spell. He'd certainly never come across a plant like this before in all his time wandering the island though he'd definitely found some eldritch unity. Of grade, former than net nighttime when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this finale to the root of the sight. He gave silent thanks that he hadn't passed by this affair in the dark.

'' Let's just keep going. '' Hermione seemed wobbly but determined and so he nodded and went on, this clock time ensuring they remained side by side. It was a short walk and looking towards the sky, they were able-bodied to see that the way to the top of the plenty wasn't exactly directly up… that was a good thing, making it less belike that they would diminish to their deaths while attempting this. `` okeh, we just need to line up the right place to start. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the rocky wall and several dissimilar paths up.

Fred took a different plan of attack, walking right up to the stack and trying out the handholds and footing in a few places. Taking a few more steps to the left wing, he reached to mount up only to feel the rock and roll give way under his hands. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the primer coat, knocking the hint out of him and sending shot pains up and down his leg. `` Fred ! '' He heard Hermione screaming his name.

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

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

'' I think my leg broke my fall. '' He shouted back, groaning in pain as he sat up to convey a smell at himself. Feeling around on the priming coat he recovered his wand and quickly lit it, reaching out to delicately try his leg. `` I don't think anything's broken ! '' He assured her. No, not broken… just really banged up. He'd definitely landed on it wrong and he could see the full thing swelling from his knee down to his ankle.

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

'' Just give me a minute to accumulate myself. '' Putting as piddling weight on it as possible, he slowly climbed to his feet. Only once he was standing did he realize he seemed to suffer everywhere including the berm that had been broken finish twelvemonth during the quidditch lucifer against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the bottom of his shirt in his mouth to muffle any sounds of pain he might make, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a moment he was able to forget all about his leg, but then came the common sense of alleviation that told him that he'd achieved the issue he'd wanted, his shoulder was back in it's right place. Panting from the sweat he wiped the sweat from his face and took a few steadying breather. `` Okay, prepare ! '' He called out.

Instantly his substructure carefully left the ground, leaving him to feel as though he were softly cradled in the work force of some unseeable whale. He put his sceptre in his air pocket as he rose up, wanting to consume both work force free to help pull himself clear of the surprisingly small opening he'd fallen through. At hold up he was able-bodied to see Hermione, using her wand to direct his advancement. Reaching up, he grabbed the edges of the rocky hatchway. `` I need you to keep propelling me forward, I hurt my leg so I can't get a good clasp with my feet. '' He told her. She nodded and doubled her immersion, trying to only give him an extra hike as he struggled to pull himself free. Now being forced to use all the strength in his weapon system, he was glad that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his muscleman a bit.

'' Expelliarmus ! '' Someone screamed and Hermione's scepter was ripped from her deal and sent flying off into the Wood. Without her spell to aid him, he lost a bit of his grip and struggled through the pain to find a footing lest he fall back down into the cavern. He scrambled to hold onto the rocks despite how precipitous they were… once he felt steady, he was able to look up and see Elanya staring at them with a wide-cut smile as she tauntingly waved her baton. `` I'm sorry it took so prospicient to polish off those doubles you sent running out… it seems you're a better prestidigitator than I thought. ``

'' What do you want ? '' Hermione tried to reason with her as Fred struggled to use his hurt leg to help bear on him through the hole. But the more pressure he tried to put on it, the more numb it seemed to grow… almost to the point in time where he wasn't even sure it was there anymore. He tried to progress to back for his scepter but letting go of the sway made him instantly slide backwards. He would need all the effectiveness in his arms to pull himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to face Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new determination, he decidedly placed his invertebrate foot and pushed off with them, gritting his teeth against the pain. From there he was able-bodied to gain out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( time out )

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

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

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

'' She's indisposed at the moment. '' Elise called, straightening herself and turning to face him. He scrambled to his feet and pointed his wand with a water spell on the tip of his spit and ready to be used. `` So, her public figure is Jacey then is it ? '' She grinned and pulled out her own wand. `` What else can you order me about her ? ``

Ron, I am okay. I just need a moment to regain and concentrate my zip. He heard Jacey's voice whisper through his head. Do not engage her… genus Draco is on his way to help.

Hearing that she was uninjured, relief swept through him so quickly his stifle almost buckled out from under him. `` Nothing to say ? '' Elise asked, bringing his aid back to her. `` Dolos told me how you were the only one to be seen with the mysterious rook guest at the Costume Ball… he also told me how close you two appeared to be so I know you can tell me everything I want to know. Of course, seeing how reluctant you seem, I feel it's best I remind you that I could always coerce you to tell me. Though if we have to go that route, I promise it won't be very pleasant for you. ``

'' What do you require to know ? '' He asked, hoping to buy time.

'' Everything about her that you know. ``

'' I know she's a prevaricator. '' He said quickly. `` I know I can't trust anything she's ever told me and so I'll gladly restate every lie she's ever said and leave it to you to screen out out the facts. '' He pushed himself to feel as genuinely angry as possible, wanting the woman to believe there was no reason to think she'd be successful in using Jacey against him and frailty versa ... or even better, convincing Elise that she didn't want anything to do with Jacey. He felt horrible, not just for what he'd said now, but also for the thing he'd said in the past… and even after he'd talk such ugly nonsense, she'd still come to try and help him. I'm sorry. He thought out. I'm sorry I said those things, I just want us both to get out of this.

I know. Jacey replied calmly.

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

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his head and he saw her leap to her feet behind Elise who had once again raised her script to conjure her fire. Before he could wave his sceptre to screen, person roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his feet and carrying them both away truehearted than Ron thought potential. It only took him a moment to realize who had just may have saved his life.

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

As they approached the two young woman still whipping attack at each other without much guardianship as to what was around them, someone shouted `` Impedimenta ! '' forcing Dragon to slip and sending both boys sprawling to the ground.

Tightly gripping his verge, Ron leapt to his feet as Draco fought the spell he'd been hit with which was currently keeping him from moving any snug to rub. Erebos stood there, waving Jacey's sceptre tauntingly. `` Looks like your friend dropped this. '' He grinned. `` clip to see how much you've really learned while you've been here at Hogwarts Mr. Weasley. ``

There was no time to be queasy, he instantly cast a cuticle having seen the man ready to shake off a spell at him. Within a back he had retaliated by sending a freezing hex, but the professor took a page from Jacey and Elise's Holy Scripture shooting a stream of flaming from his verge that met the spray of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his density he repeated the magical spell, attempting to strengthen his position… but Erebos was just as learn and unrelenting.

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

And then suddenly the duel was over as Erebos was bound from oral sex to toe in front of him. Ron took several deep breathing time and lowered his wand as Dumbledore and lupin came forward. The spell meant to continue genus Draco at bay had finally worn off and he slowly walked up succeeding to him. `` Thanks. '' Ron said only loud enough for him to hear.

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

Dumbledore walked over to stare down at his disgraced professor. `` wellspring Dolos, it seems I've finally caught you in something you won't be able to utter your way out of. '' He said with a slight yet triumphant smile.

( recess )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a lowly possibility across the nest the seemed to lead into the mountain. She instantly ran towards it though she was uncertain even her short and slight soma could wring through. Intuition burned in her gut and she flung herself to the dry land with a minuscule wow of panic as she felt one of the massive beast fly over her. Flipping onto her back she shot a stunner at the beast's spouse as it swooped in to ca-ca it's own try at catching her. The spell seemed to bound off the dragon's hide, having no impression other than to anger the creature even more. Luna quickly rolled to the side as it snapped at her before flying off to give the next duet their turn with her.

Scrambling to her feet, Luna shot toward the cave opening. She was tempted to use her baton and blast the gob open wider, but she worried that might possibly disrupt the stableness of the mess. The end thing she wanted was to escape the beasts only to be buried in a landslip or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely able to squeeze through, turning her body sideways to take a leak it.

She screamed as she felt a sharp stab of pain in the ass and turned, using her baton to burn the dragon who had grabbed her arm before she could fully cover herself. This seemed to suffer more than outcome than anything else as the beast let out a mightily shriek of pain and let her go. Pulling herself further into the crevice, she was led down a bit into a larger cave where she tripped over something that rattled and rolled away from her foot. With a sick feeling in the pit of her tummy, she lit her wand and covered her rima oris to hold back the scream of horror she wanted to unleash. several bones littered the floor of the cave, and they seemed to belong to both creature and humans.

Remaining near the hatchway, she turned her back so she wouldn't have to see any of it and instead focused on checking the impairment done to her arm. Seeing two with child bloody gashes in the sleeve of her coating, she shrugged it off feeling far too affectionate anyway. Tearing off the residual of the destroy sleeve of the shirt she had on underneath, she examined her pelt and found that, while dreadful, the mark didn't seem to go too deep… While it had been happening, it had felt like her arm was nearly severed and she was more than a little relieved to find out that wasn't the case. She quickly used the trash of fabric that had once been her sleeve to wrap the injury and stay the bleeding.

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

'' I'M HERE ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the nail down possible action to return to the nest. Peering out from the hole, she caught the impossible sight of not only Harry, but also Sarah Elaine as they both zoomed through the air, working together to disorder and divide the dragons. Luna watched in astonishment as Sarah flew past respective boulder, using her thought transference to knock them over onto the pair of dragons that had been pursuing her.

'' Luna ! '' Turning her aid back to Harry, she saw that he kept swooping back and Forth River until he was able to twit all of the dragons back into the air. They may not be able to communicate in their heads at the moment, but she knew him well enough to opine what he wanted her to do. As soon as the finally dragon had taken flight of steps, she ran out into the clear where Harry could see her. Putting her wand between her teeth, she threw her hired hand in the air as he passed over and struggled to concur on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on fire with painful sensation as she struggled to climb up onto the broom with him as they'd done at Lairmore, but she tried to fight it out of her intellect until she was safely seated behind him.

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

'' Just fly, I'll cast. '' She assured him, taking her wand from her lip and turning to shoot a stream of firing at the two Draco that were just a few scant feet behind them, sending the beasts to dive away.

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

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

'' sentinel where you fly ! '' Sarah happily called out a warning as the air suddenly exploded in a exhibitioner of flames all around them.

( prison-breaking )

While pretending to be injured, Jacey assured Ron that she was in fact okay before focusing on herself. She went into her own head, trying to forgather her energies and refuel her fire. Sending her idea out, she heard him apologizing to her… I know. She answered him, and she did get it on that he genuinely felt bad for the way he had spoken to her only to break that she would issue forth to his rescue anyway.

And then Elise's thoughts overpowered his and she was able to see that the woman intended to get rid of the only person there to find whatever she had planned. GET OUT OF THE WAY ! She screamed at Ron, as she lurched to her feet. She watched in horror as Elise unleashed a fiery blaze in his direction… which is the exact bit Draco swooped in, grabbing Ron and taking them both far beyond the fight. Jacey was thankful that she now had one less thing to care about. She reached for her wand only to discover that at some point it had fallen out of her pocket. Cupping her hand, she formed a degraded fireball and threw it at Elise, knocking the fair sex lame in the backbone before she could alight herself on fervency to absorb the contact. This caused her not only to cry in pain but more importantly, to completely leave about chasing after the boys.

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

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

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

'' I highly doubt that. '' She thought of what she wanted and knew the only way to get any of it was to continue loyal and trustworthy to those who had so totally accepted her. She had already lived the life Elise was offering and had only recently been able to throw off the trammel of that form of existence… The one where you could believe no one and everyone used everyone else to further themselves, the one where you always felt unaccompanied and scared and were forced into being someone you are not in order to survive. She was quick for the life story that came with being Harry's ally and a phallus of the coven… She was ready for the kind of friendly relationship you would risk your life for even after arguing and she was ready for the exemption of being able to say and do what she wanted, of being able to worry about anything and everything, of being able to be herself.

'' Come now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just imagine if you joined us, think the cosmos after we win this war… we'll be able to mold it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about wizards and muggles, it'll be about those like us… those with ability. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can cause as a great deal destruction as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the best interest of all if we could turn over some form of concord. ``

'' So then you concede the engagement. '' Jacey challenged, brushing off the cleaning lady's poorly composed cut-rate sale pitch.

'' I'm dong no such thing. '' She assured her, once more illume herself on fire in type Jacey decided to fox another ball of flame. She stared past her and smiled before once more group meeting her eyes. `` It looks like Dolos is about to wipe out Ron. ``

Not wanting to turn over Elise the satisfaction of distracting her, she quickly conjured the largest ball of fire she could and commit it flying at the woman at top speeding, knocking her to the ground. Circling around so as to never have her back to Elise, she scanned the tree for Ron and saw him and Erebos dueling as Draco paced nearby, desperately trying to press off whatever while was keeping him from moving forward to help.

Checking on her own foe in this conflict, she saw Elise reach out from the ground and point. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her arms to shield her head as the Tree next to her exploded in flames. `` ENOUGH ! '' A loud, authoritative interpreter reverberated through the trees. Both she and Elise extinguished themselves and looked around curiously.

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

Jacey quickly dodged before running off after her. `` No ! stop over her ! '' She shouted as the woman passed within a few substructure of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set several trees on attack as a distraction to sustain them busy. Leaving it to the others to keep the flames from spreading, Jacey never slowed her pace and continued on in her quest. She thought she was alone until she felt Draco coming up behind her… and then he was passing her as he moved with unsufferable speed. Do not let her make it past the school's boundaries ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was ineffective to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the auspices charms… but if she made it past Hogwarts'borders, she'd be able to go anywhere.

visual perception that Elise was only yards away from escaping, Draco pushed himself a piddling harder and mad a wild nose dive, tackling the woman around her branch and bringing her to the ground. Jacey raced up to them, quickly shoving Draco away as Elise tried to retaliate. He threw up a carapace around himself to throw off the flames. `` You have to let me result, Harry and Luna's life-time may bet on my helping them. '' Elise said after calming her anger at being stopped so roughly.

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

She reached up and pulled a little disc from her ear and held it out for them to see. `` I've been in constant communication with Sarah since Elanya contacted Dolos and told him to let us know that your booster had finally arrived on the island to save Fred. Now she's telling me that the tartar are awake and very much after Harry and Luna. We researched that island well before choosing it and learned everything we could about the dragons including reading the new book written by Charlie Weasley… those Dragon aren't the kind that breath flack, they're scared of it. Now Sarah is trying to help, but they're only three people against a drove of wildcat. If I don't go and assistance, two of your protagonist and one of mine might just become some pitiful creature's meal. '' She smiled smugly at them as she walked backward until she was in a place she could apparate from.

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

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

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

I know it is. But I can also see that she is not lying about Harry and Luna being in fuss. Jacey replied. Quickly making her pick, she rushed to take Elise's hand and allowed the charwoman to whisk off them away before genus Draco could give up them.

( prisonbreak )

Harry dodged to the left to escape the flying dragon only to let to slue immediately right to skirt the ball of fire that blastoff past them. Luna had abandoned her attempt to use her wand and now held onto him tightly with both munition as it was light up that his flight was the only matter that was going to get them through this. He didn't pain in the ass to distract himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a flying dragon or plummet into the ocean for all he cared, as long as he and Luna got out of this with their lives… Oh yeah, and Jacey who was inexplicably down on a gravy boat with Elise as both miss flung fire in the air to chase off the puppet. He wished he could talk to Luna without turning and shouting, he wished they could discuss their choice and what they thought it meant that Sarah and Elise were there seemingly to assist. He felt coldness and isolated being cut off… not only from her mind but from Hermione, Fred and Jacey's as well.

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

'' What do you imagine ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to ready his way though fire and dragons.

'' Jacey's down there alone with the both of them ! '' She yelled back. `` Like it or not, we have to go. ``

'' I can't be sure to dodge dragons with all three of us on the broom ! ``

'' Then we'll have to shoot down and take the other broom back from Sarah ! Then we can go find Fred and Hermione and get the Scheol out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her human face in his spinal column in preparation for the penetrative bead he was about to make. Fixing his handle he shot straight down, streaking past several dragon until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to send out flak flare to keep on the fauna at bay as he softly set his groundwork down on the bow of the small boat. Sarah immediately started the railway locomotive and flick forward, sending Harry and Luna both sprawling into the boat. She turned the wheel and swung around, speeding away from the island.

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

'' Getting us away from here, what does it look like ? '' She stared at him as if he were stupid before gesturing to the rear of the gravy boat where Jacey and Elise were still using their power to fend off the four dragons intent on pursuing them beyond the island.

'' No, we have to go back. '' He insisted. `` Hermione and Fred are still there. ``

'' So what ? '' Elise called over her shoulder. `` They're dead weight around your neck. Let them go. ``

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

Elise fully turned to them and smiled. `` So what ? '' She asked again. `` Unlike you, I trust that my allies are Sir Thomas More than capable of taking tutelage of themselves… and unlike you, I could care less whether they live or die. ``

'' I think this is far enough. '' Sarah said, once more turning off the railway locomotive and letting the boat drift through the water system. They had apparently gone far enough to assure the Dragon that they had no intentions of returning to their draw close. The beasts had finally given up the pursuit and headed back home. `` I didn't think it would take all of this to get you to the island. '' She grinned.

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

'' Of course. '' Elise laughed. `` We knew you'd want to make out after Fred and so he proved his first use to us… there's still more for him to do though. ``

'' We just never thought it would take you this long to figure things out… Tristan must take kept you all pretty preoccupied. '' Sarah taunted. `` Seems he's disappeared from the castle though. Can't postponement to see where he turns up next. ``

Harry, Luna and Jacey stole glance at each other… it seemed that Elise and Sarah didn't know anything about them having already killed Tristan. Yet again he wished he still had the exponent to go into their minds to see if it was true. `` I thought he was supposed to making you both immortal in Voldemort's name. '' He said, not wanting to give himself away while at the Lapp meter hoping to get a few more response than Simon had been able to provide.

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

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

'' It's simple, we wanted to express just how capable we are in getting what we want and how strategic it would be for you three to join us. '' Elise explained to them. We figured someplace far from the influence of Dumbledore and your other friends would have us the chance to really construct ourselves listened to rather than just heard. ``

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

Elise stared at her in surprise. `` I'm glad you see my peak. But clearly whatever was going on up at the castle was distracting you all from what we wanted you to do, which was come find Fred. It was taking so long that we figured sending in Dolos to rough up Ginny Weasley would make you focus… plus Elanya had told us she was having problem getting Fred to cooperate so we figured it would be a win-win office. Of course the stunned man is terrified of both Draco Malfoy and your friend Lupin for what they are, though he's too proud to admit it. When Draco refused accession to Ginny, making it percipient that the solitary way Dolos was reaching her was through a fight with him, our less than brave spy gave up. But then, to our delight we received word that you all had come to the island today anyway and we knew it was the perfective tense chance so Elanya ordered Dolos to drink down Ron. Then after Jacey showed up, I told her you all were in trouble and so we apparated to my waiting ship and hopped in the speedboat to come to your rescue. ``

'' So what happened back at Hogwarts ? '' Harry asked nevously, this prison term turning to deal Jacey who he'd left in bang of looking after Ron.

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

'' It doesn't thing in the to the lowest degree. '' Elise assured them. `` Why else do you consider I left the idiot behind to whatever fate befell him ? Even if he decided to turn on me, he knows nil of any consequence… I've seen to that personally. And with only two weeks left for you all to be at Hogwarts, the man was entirely spendable. '' She stopped to smile at the faces they were all fashioning. `` Oh don't look at me like that. He and I had a tidy sum, I provided my part and he provided his. Just because he got caught doesn't mean I had any obligation to help… he made his choice to become involved in this and now he knows he was dealing in things far above his headway. ``

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

'' It's okay, Dolos was very undecomposed at his job when he wanted to be. '' Elise cooed, reaching out to comfort Jacey who shoved her away. She went on as if Jacey wasn't staring sticker of hatred at her. `` He saw you and Ron at the Costume Ball, and putting two and two together, he figured you were the Saami occult person Dumbledore had been keeping in his office… the one Harry and all his friends made special trips up there to gossip. We knew putting Ron's animation in risk would fetch you running, especially if Harry and Luna were occupy elsewhere. ``

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

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

'' Regardless your feeling of our acquaintance, '' Harry stepped in to hold on Jacey from punching Sarah in the aspect as it was clear-cut she very much longed to do, `` you've done all of this for no grounds. We obviously want nothing to do with you. '' He looked at Luna, hoping their connexion to each other was warm enough for her to understand what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and take a small measure sideways toward the broom Sarah had abandoned when she'd gotten on the boat. He'd never let his go even when he'd fallen and he now held it stiffly beside him, hoping Jacey would get the pinch. Apparently, they didn't entirely need their telepathy to pass with each other… just a total understanding of how they all thought. Jacey discreetly grabbed the back of his shirt to argue that she was ready. It had taken a matter of second base but they were gear up and so he quickly swung his broom so they could hop on as Luna lunged for the other one and together they zoomed up into the sky, sure to make a motion fast enough to outrun Elise's firing range.

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

( BREAK )

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

'' If I knew that I would already let it, wouldn't I ? '' Elanya sneered. She walked forward, making a small rotary around her as she inspected her from every angle. `` So, you're the reason Fred never gave in to me… '' She came to resist directly in front of her, her lucky heart glaring with a deadly flaming. `` I just don't get it. There must be something here that I'm just not seeing. '' She said with intentional meanness.

Hermione kept quiet, though there were about a million things that she would possess liked to say in return. But without her baton, the last matter she wanted was to pass the girl another reason to wish her dead.

'' Nothing to say ? '' Elanya asked quietly. `` That's okay, I have my own way of finding things out. '' She tightly clutched her sceptre before reaching out to grab Hermione's hand, the same one Fred had held earlier.

Hermione watched in horror as the girl's middle rolled up into her head and she fell forward. Elanya still had her manus in a death grip and dragged her down to her knees as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some sort of vision of the past times. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself free people. For a abbreviated here and now she considered going into the crotch hair to appear for her verge but remembering her live on coming upon with unusual foliage, she decided it would be best to hire Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the missy's fingers apart.

'' Not so fast ! '' Elanya screamed, coming out of her enchantment or whatever she was doing, tackling Hermione to the primer coat and shoving her wand against her throat. choking and coughing, she pushed against the wand as she struggled to breath but Elanya had locked her sleeve and was unrelenting. She leaned in close to Hermione with an malevolent smile. `` I saw all the retention you shared together. It was very sweet but not at all what he needs… I'm sorry but it has to end this way. ``

reaching mysterious inside herself, Hermione gathered every bit of strength she had and getting her legs under the former girl, she kicked out and managed at lastly to get her off. Grabbing at her throat in relief as air once more made it's way to her lungs, she struggled to her feet, not wanting to be caught unaware. Elanya was already standing and pointing her scepter. `` You're right, what fun is it to just end your sprightliness like that ? '' She sneered as she dusted herself off. `` It's much more fun if you have the illusion of escape isn't it… go ahead, I'll give you a head start. Run. ``

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

'' Well, that's your prerogative. '' She smiled with mad joy and got ready to draw. `` I wish I could say it's been skillful knowing you. ``

Hermione closed her middle and waited for wallop. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another go straight at Elanya that sent her flying respective yards back through the tree until she hit one hard enough to rap her out. She turned to find him sprawled on the footing, sweating and panting from the effort of pulling himself free with a leg that even from here looked extremely swell. `` Accio baton. '' He called tiredly in the direction Hermione's verge had flown earlier. It shot into his hired hand, which he held out to her as she rushed over.

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

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

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

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

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

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

They both kept an eye on the spot Elanya had landed as she ventured into the trees to reckon for a piece of wood long and sturdy enough for their purpose. At last she found one and rushed back over to assist Fred climb to his human foot. Throwing his other arm around her shoulders, he was eventually able to recover a way to use both her and the make-shift walk joystick to his dear reward as he hobbled along. `` Should we call out for them since they can't seem to hear us in their heads ? '' She asked looking up at the sky and finding it empty.

'' I don't know… either it'll bring them to us, it'll bring someone else to us or it'll be useless because they were eaten by the flying dragon that now seem to have calmly returned to their cuddle. '' He answered gloomily.

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

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

'' okey then. '' She smiled.

He wrapped his arm more tightly around her shoulders and sighed. `` I'm glad you came to rescue me… I'm not used to playing the damosel. '' He grinned.

'' Yeah well, it's no picnic being the Caucasian knight either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too much insistence. ``

They walked on in well-situated secretiveness, as happy as they could be given their situation. To his citation, Fred didn't request that they stop to rest until they'd actually made it all the way down to the beach and out in the clear. Moving over to a group of modest boulders, she helped him sit while keeping the rocks and water supply at their backs and their eyes able to see the tree seam and anyone who may wander out of it. `` Did you hear that ? '' He asked after a short while, shading his eyes as he searched the afternoon sky.

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

'' Who cares ? Now is the time to yell and get their tending. '' He said, struggling to use the rock to help oneself push himself to his feet. She leapt up to help and together they walked further away from the Tree into the Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their bridge player until at finale Harry caught passel of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her foot, Hermione looked down and gave a small shriek as various gravid sea crabs scuttled across the grit towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the trees, pointing her verge at Fred and sending the tiny creatures she'd conjured after him.

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

( BREAK )

These stupid crabs just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob mind-set as they swarmed over each other to get to Fred. He tried to limp after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each other further up the beach but between his already injured leg and the astute claws continually piercing the skin of the good one, it was all he could do to keep from falling over. Using his wand and the pin he'd been carrying as a crutch to stand the picayune pests off, he slowly persisted forward while looking to the sky to see why Harry and Luna hadn't landed to serve them yet. He saw that they'd become involved in their own battle out over the sea as a boat raced toward the beach. Once of the people aboard was shooting ball of fire and streaks of flame into the air while the someone riding with Harry returned the fiery flack. Luna was swooping in, waving her wand and stirring up some waves in an attempt to keep the boat from reaching the island… but it was clear the mortal driving cared cipher about the boat, damaging it beyond fixture as it was battered by Luna's spells. He was so occupy watching them that he wasn't quite watching where he was going anymore… nuisance guess through his foot as he felt himself tone on one of the crabs. Using the walking stick, he tried to find his residuum but his pes sank into the sand and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his arms to break his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his back, he dropped the stick and wildly waved his wand but to no avail. The animate being were all over him in an instant, looking much larger and more wild now that he was eye-level with them. There were so many, he felt as if he were being crushed under their weight as they piled on top of each former, all trying to pinch and pierce his skin. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always Sir Thomas More to take their place. Panic settled over him as he realized that he was unable to get up and the pediculosis pubis were taking the chance to bury him.

( BREAK )

Luna gripped the Scots heather tightly, terrified that she was going to fall off as the minuscule of visions suddenly washed over her to founder a warning of what was coming. It was brief enough that she didn't completely fall behind awareness but detailed enough to save her sprightliness. Quickly dodging to the left away from Harry and Jacey, she turned to see a fireball explode where she'd been only a mo ago.

'' You okay ? '' Harry called as Jacey gripped him tighter before turning to revert the flame Elise was sending.

'' I'm fine ! '' She yelled back as she swerved another powerhouse. The boat had snuck up on them and Luna was amazed to let out that her vision had served not only to admonish her of the fire, but that for some ground those girls had decided they no longer wish if she lived or died. She wasn't sure what had changed, but from the way Elise continued to drop attack at her alone assured Luna that at some point, her life sentence became less valuable to them than Harry and Jacey's… And so they were attacking her to deflect them all from the fact that they were approaching the island where Hermione and Fred were clearly having trouble.

Deciding to do what she could to stay fresh them from once more reaching the beach and carry out whatever they had planned next, Luna swooped in low and used her wand to conjure up some violent waving that tossed the little gravy holder around. She grinned in satisfaction to see Elise nearly fall overboard… unfortunately it wasn't enough to discourage Sarah who drove on despite the destruction being caused to her boat. She waved her baton again, strengthening the charm and creating bigger and more cruel waves… and then she saw the larger ship on the horizon, quickly heading in their guidance. Distracted, she hovered in the air for a import as she tried to visualize out who could be aboard.

'' Luna appear out ! '' Jacey yelled at the same time her intuition screamed in her principal to turn. She was less than a second too latterly and the very back of her broom was caught in the fiery stream.

Feeling herself begin to plummet, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was solid reason below her, she rolled off the broom only to find herself surrounded by tons of crabs. She quickly got to her feet but the creatures didn't seem to have any interest in her and following their progress with her heart she was able to see Fred further away, thrashing about as all of the crabs went about attacking him. Realizing what turn had been used, she rushed forward knowing there was zippo that was going to hollo them off. Ignoring the unity that pinched her as she reached down to help him get up, she saw that one of his legs was in a makeshift splint. Throwing his arm over her shoulder joint, she got a good cargo area and together they were capable to arise him off the ground and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to get his breathing space as they both used their wands to keep the Cancer at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his eyes wide with fear. `` Now forget about me and go help Hermione… I can't move quickly enough. ``

She looked over to see the girl dueling heavily with Elanya. They both looked tired but other than a few scrapes and contusion they hadn't seemed to make any headway against each other… The landscape around them was a different story as tattered and uprooted Tree littered the beach. Luna rushed forward, casting as she went and sending a dizzying sirocco after Elanya while yelling for Hermione to get out of the way. But before her spell could contact it's target, it was suddenly pushed harmlessly out to sea.

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

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

( BREAK )

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

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

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

Jacey and Luna looked at each other and then to him, it was clear they were as upset as he was that they were unable to design. `` Can we discuss this among ourselves ? '' He boldly asked… after all, as far as Elise and Sarah knew, they were all bound to the island by the anti-apparation spell and thought they could offer the only way out.

Elise eyes him warily. `` I'd be quick about making a decision. '' She reluctantly agreed, gesturing over her shoulder. `` Whether they like it or not, everyone aboard that ship is under our control… not to advert your two supporter seem to be struggling quite a bit. ``

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

She stared at him for a minute, clearly unsure that this was the undecomposed plan. But it was the exclusively one they had and she must have realized it. `` amercement, ten minutes and not a second more. '' She finally agreed.

'' Okay then. '' Harry took her mitt and held it tightly before turning to Jacey. `` I need you to preserve Sarah and Elanya back as dear you can while I go assist out Hermione… as soon as we're able, apparate to the Shrieking hutch okeh ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her workforce together as she prepared to loose more of her major power than she'd been able to in a more populate place.

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

'' Seeing as how there's still lots about us that you don't know, we're going with alternative C. '' Harry answered. He felt Luna tense following to him as she prepared to run. `` Now ! '' He shouted. Jacey unleashed a towering wall of fire, sending it to gird Elise and Sarah. The flames raged, flickering over seven feet high and with More long suit than anything he'd seen her conjure before.

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

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

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a admonition and turned to see respective big Boulder flying at him. He ducked to the ground and threw a shield around himself but it became quickly clear that Sarah hadn't been trying to kill him as the rocks settled and entombed him.

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



NOTE : More to come soon !