'' While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die. ''
~ da Vinci da Vinci ~



Chapter 16 ~ New roadblock


Harry clenched his clenched fist around tenuous air, squeezing the life out of some unobserved opponent within the quiet hospital backstage. The quiet was only broken by Kaylens'tranquil breaths, her breast rising and falling as steadily as the light breeze fluttering the curtains.

He 'd been cooped up for twenty-four hour period, still healing himself, and had been forced to find out her grow ever stiller. Surely he was trapped within one of the seven lap of sin, for each time he looked upon her his guilt rose like a fire, the flames threatening to consume him.

She had saved him. Despite everything he had screamingly accused her of, she had still nearly given her lifespan for his.

Now she lay in this comatose commonwealth, and even lady Pomfrey had been ineffectual to waken her.

Her skin still held the pallor of demise, yet to him it seemed slightly rosier.

Perhaps it was his own desirous thinking.

He rose, unable to remain still, watching her with nothing save his thoughts for society.

Thoughts were such poor comfort ...

Not allowed and unwilling to pull up stakes, he began sorting through the events of the by few days.

The vindication, the satisfaction, and everything he had expected to feel were conspicuously absent.

Bellatrix Lestrange was dead.

So why did he feel robbed ?

The obvious answer came. Tonks had beaten him to the putting to death. She had killed the one person who 's death he had desired above all but Voldemort himself. And now he would never have the opportunity to retaliate Sirius the way he had wanted.

Worst of all, Lestrange 's body was gone.

He had wanted to look upon the lifeless face of Sothis'orca and spit upon it.

Now even that cruel comfort had been taken from him.

All he was left with, were unrequited questions, and this barbarous circuit of underworld called the Hogwarts hospital wing.

Still, the facts did not add up. dying eater held no dedication for one another. To them nothing was sacred.

Yet they had salvaged the body.

There was no coming back from the killing hex ...

So why do it ?

He had unconsciously wandered, finding himself in movement of the open thirdly trading floor window. The autumn scented zephyr blew across his bare breast, cooling him. His shirt lay discarded upon his bed, his shoulder gauze recently removed, exposing the claw marks that now indented his skin.

It was requisite, madam Pomfrey had insisted upon having his wound exposed to the air. He was to be released soon, and she needed to ascertain that it would hold up on it 's own.

His fracture scapula had been mended quickly, but werewolf injury were dim to heal.

It was fortunate he had not been bitten, they had said.

Was he lucky ? He was not sure. But even when Dumbledore and Tonks had come, he had felt cypher but hollow. His own spiritlessness was almost enough to wish for death.

Only yesterday had Dumbledore 's weathered eye bored into his, recounting the outcome in full.

'' Experimental piece, their effects unknown to the Order, have been added to Voldemort 's armoury of weaponry, Harry. Take paying attention ... ''

He would.

He had seen what happened to lupine first hand, for his transmutation had been triggered by the tour Lucius Malfoy had hit him with.

It had happened during the day.

Now, where dying feeder roamed, the Sun Myung Moon would no longer hold it 's sway.

Harry shuddered in the breeze, contemplating the many revulsion Voldemort might loose in addition to daylight roaming werewolves.

Of path there was no need to speculate. Dumbledore had told him about the atrocities of late.

forty seven innocent, four of them children, had walked upon the terra firma. Now they lay beneath it 's unforgiving soil, removed by the pitiless action mechanism of Voldemort 's minions.

Hermione 's parents would soon unite them, and his cold rational side realized that when it happened, section of Hermione 's soul would be taken forever.

'' The war is escalating Harry, far more swiftly than we ever expected ... ''

He was having trouble accepting any of it, for he knew at the heart of it, he was partly to blame.

For if he were truly the one with the superpower to shoot down the night lord, than every second he had ever spent reveling in life, and not searching for Voldemort 's dying, had been another grave accent in the ground for the innocent.

A abominable chill burned within the claw marks he bore, and he wondered if they had re-opened again, bleeding anew. He reached a helping hand back, gingerly touching it, the rake upon his digit confirming his suspicions.

It was doubtful he would be permitted to go out soon.

'' That 's disgusting. ``

His froze, turning from the window. He stared, taking her in as she blinked the eternal sleep from her centre, squinting in the sunrise sunlight.

'' You 're awake, '' He stated, slightly stunned. He had begun to wonder if she ever would.

She smiled weakly. `` You 're observing. ``

'' You were out for five days. ``

She paled considerably.

He was slow to find, and debated getting dame Pomfrey. But she would be back soon, to assure on his own wounds. She could discover her awake then. Besides, he was afraid to leave her alone for even a second, horrific that she might fall into that unending slumber once more.

'' So how is it ? '' Her voice was barely above a rustling.

He studied her, thinking about how to answer. His pridefulness made him hesitant to acknowledge weakness, but her eyes ...

She would pick out a lie if he told it, he realized, deciding on the truth.

'' Painful, '' He watched her eyes glint shut. `` You ? ''

'' Like sin ... '' She murmured.

'' You look it. ``

She graced him with a wry grin, a lock of hair falling into her heart. She looked almost annoyed.

She reached up, brushing the ignition lock aside, revealing her deathly pale skin. Her curb motion exposed her own pain in the ass to him in a way no Word of God could.

As did her carpus. His eyes caught upon the dark bruise encircling it.

He crossed to her, catching her radiocarpal joint gently. She glanced up, hazel center narrowed in mix-up.

'' You bruise easily do n't you ? '' He asked, cautiously turning her script in his. It was so delicate he was afraid it would infract further than it already had from her fall.

Her eyes traveled to where his finger's breadth lay.

'' Apparently, '' Her articulation was so faint ...

'' Pomfrey said she had taken upkeep of this, '' He whispered aloud, gently relinquishing her handwriting. She let it fall upon her pillow, besides her face. `` Your bones may not have healed properly. ``

She flexed it back and Forth River, grimacing slightly. `` It 's fine. ``

'' Right, '' He said skeptically, withdrawing to the bed across from her, sitting upon the taunt sheets.

It was funny, but had she had woken a few days earlier he probably would accept demanded reply, answers about how she knew lupin, about what she really did or did not know about Death eater, but after days of sitting there, watching her fallible figure eternal rest, the bare thought of interrogating her trouble oneself him.

His answers could wait, for a little while at least.

'' Tonks stopped by to begin with, '' He said, breaking the secretiveness. `` She said Lupin sends his love. ``

Her optic opened hopefully. `` So he 's ... ''

'' Yeah, '' He finished.

She sunk farther into the mattress. `` Thank God. Finally something 's gone right. ``

She lay there, so still, for so long, he would experience sworn she slept. It was part fear, fear that she would not awake, that drove him to the admission.

'' You saved my life, '' He said quietly.

She stretched ever so slightly, the rag sliding away to break her bare toes. Her case relaxed, almost serenely. `` You saved mine first. ``

He wanted to argue, but lacked the heart, watching how her centre broke from his, dancing away.

'' That fall down the step you took ... I probably would n't sustain held up as well. ``

Looking at how slight she seemed, he realized she spoke the truth.

It was then that Pomfrey walked in.

He tore his eyes from her, and allowed Pomfrey to overprotect over him willingly this time.
* * * * *


Several days later he had been prepped to leave alone. His left field arm hung loose in a sling, preventing unnecessary move.

lupine 's claws had torn into him just beneath his berm blade, right where various muscles came together. Apparently re-growing brawniness was as tricky as re-growing bones.

He still needed to talk to Kaylens, but she slept. They had not shared a word since she had first awoken, content to sit there in secrecy. He was debating whether or not to dampen that silence when a frustrated looking Ron walked in.

looking for at Ron, he realized that there were former things that had to be taken care of first.

He had been dreading this conversation for days. Ron and Hermione would want answers. solution about his absence ... solvent about what had occurred in Dumbledore 's office Clarence Day earlier ... Answers about Voldemort 's intrusions into his mind ...

solution he could not give.

How could he explain the pressure he felt, or Voldemort 's invasion, without revealing the contents of the prophecy ?

How could he explain what had gone on at Sirius', without revealing all he had seen ?

And how could he explain why Hermione 's parents had been taken from her ? They would never have 'because of me'as an answer.

He threw a last glance at Kaylens'sleeping bod. They would spill later. He promised himself that.

He and Ron stepped into the hall. It was mercifully vacant, making the stone-lined corridor appear longer than usual.

It had been over a week since he and Kaylens had disappeared from the Headmaster 's agency, and one of the shoemaker's last quick weekends of the year had driven the student body outside.

As for him, during that time, Voldemort had left his mind alone. He had felt the beginnings of an intrusion daylight earlier, but Riddle had withdrawn, sensing that his determination had not yet been made.

Riddle had given him more meter due to his hurt, and for that, Harry had to give way him credit.

As evil as Voldemort was, the fauna had some division.

They walked in silence, Ron 's eyes darting towards him. He knew Ron was trying to decide what was safe to discuss.

Harry decided to dispense with him the gracelessness. `` How 's Hermione ? ``

Ron shrugged despondently. `` How do you intend she 's doing ? ``

'' Not good, '' The absence of multitude made the corridor cavernous, and his breath echoed quietly.

'' Harry what 's going on ? ``

I wish I knew Ron ... His own thwarting at this real question had been building inside for days. Dumbledore had told him some, but there was still the question of Kaylens. How did she fit into all of this ? Did she even ? And Voldemort ... There had to be more to it, because the patch Dumbledore had told him did not fit with what he had seen through Voldemort 's own eyes.

Not to mention the prophecy. How in the hell was he supposed to beat him ?

There were too many inquiry to answer, before the most important ones could even be framed.

They walked the relief of the way in silence.

Hermione was there, waiting for them in the empty dormitory, sprawled out with a volume on Ron 's bed. Her middle were rimmed with obscure circles, standardized to Kaylens.

Misery loves company, he thought. Ron sat besides her, placing a hand on her spine. Only then did she appear to realize they were there.

'' Harry ... H-how are you ? ``

He smiled for her welfare. `` The doubtfulness is, how are you ? ``

She shrugged, re-burying her nozzle into her script. `` They would n't let us see you. ``

'' I know. ``

'' Why ? '' Ron asked.

Harry dropped his bag onto the bed, and began removing the few belongings Pomfrey had brought down for him. `` Dumbledore 's orderliness. '' His eyes would not meet theirs.

Ron frowned. `` His reasonableness ? ``

So he could feature clock time to brief us on what we could or could not say to you, he thought.

'' He did n't want us seen. We were n't in ... '' He shrugged with one shoulder. `` No one should experience seen us after it okay ? ``

Hermione 's eyes roamed, landing on his sling.

He caught the unspoken motion. `` Werewolf combat injury are slow to heal. ''

They both looked at him as if he were a new species.

'' W-were you ... ? '' Ron stammered.

'' No. I was not bitten. ``

Hermione looked skeptical. `` Harry that 's not possible. ``

'' Why ? '' She cringed at his forcefulness.

'' Because the replete moon is n't until ... ''

'' This weekend. Yes I know 'Mione. ``

'' Then how could a wolfman ... ''

His construction turned grave. `` There are ways. ``

Hermione was no longer even trying to read, her phonation unusually gamey. `` That ca n't be. A wolfman ca n't change out of lunar sequence ... ''

'' Do n't be so certain of that, '' He said bitterly.

Ron looked between them. `` How ? How could it Harry ? ``

Harry stared him down, unflinching. `` Voldemort. ''

Ron 's blue eyes widened, his lentigo standing out against his paling cutis, putting two and two together. `` So when you and Kaylens went to see Lupin ... ''

'' He turned. Yes. ``

'' Merlin ... '' Ron whispered, unconsciously rubbing Hermione 's back harder.

'' Harry I do n't realize, '' She said haltingly, shoving her Book away, it 's varlet flapping lifelessly as it fell to the floor. She spared it not a glance. `` Please Harry. What 's going on ? ``

'' Too much to explain easily, 'Mione. ''

Ron took Hermione 's hand almost naturally. `` Then take your fourth dimension partner. Start from the rootage. ''

Harry shook his pass, hating himself. `` mulct, the beginning then .... '' He steadied himself, and met Hermione 's almost pleading gaze.

'' You both already know that Voldemort has not given me a import 's peace treaty since go summer. It 's a private battle between him and I. We 're both fighting for selective information, about the other face 's comings and goings, about how much the other side knows ... ''

He talked steadily, opening his dresser draftsman to put clothing away. His action, however menial, lent a sense of normalcy to the otherwise minacious conversation.

'' Your parents 'Mione, he said he will unloosen them, '' He ignored her intake of breathing space. `` If I tell him what the message of the prognostication were. ``

Her reflection drooped. `` But how could you ? It broke ... '' She glanced at Ron, searching for confirmation, repeating herself now. `` You ca n't experience what it said. Could you ? ``

He found himself nodding. `` Yes, Hermione. It broke. But I still know what it said. ``

The muteness that followed occupied eld within his thinker, yet it lasted no more than 3 seconds.

'' What did it say ? '' She questioned cautiously.

He remained silent, until her pleading articulation broke again.

'' Harry, please ... ''

'' Do n't ask me Hermione, not again. It is something I can not share. ``

The wander looks upon their faces nearly broke his liveliness.

Hermione 's backtalk opened and closed wordlessly. It was Ron who finally gave voice to their thinking. `` Why Harry ? Why ca n't you plowshare it ? ``

'' You would not require to hear it. ``

'' How could we not ? Harry this is all we 've worked for ! Did it say how we can beat him ... ''

He swallowed hard. `` No Ron. ``

'' Then why wo n't ... ''

'' No. ``

Ron 's phonation was hard. `` Then if not us, him ? It could save 'Mione 's ... ''

The accusation in Ron 's vocalism was too much. He could take no more than. `` Because I ca n't Ron ! Don't you think I would if I could ? ``

Ron shook his head. `` I do n't know anymore Harry. ``

Harry was having trouble keeping his voice layer. `` Ron, if I tell him there is no reason for him to restrain the Grangers alive anymore. It 's our with child bargaining chip. ``

Hermione sounded so small now. `` But V-voldemort said he 'd ... he 'd l-let them g-go ... ''

His jaw dropped. Hermione was wise than this was n't she ? `` I 'm dismal Hermione but once I tell him .... ''

'' He 'd let them go, '' Ron interrupted. `` shuffle him release one at least Harry ! Then evidence him for God 's sakes ! What could it hurt ? ! steal with him ! ``

Harry lost his patience. `` Do n't you make fun get it ? ! This is Voldemort we are talking about ! '' They both cringed at the name, his voice rising. `` This is n't some war game were playing against the Slytherins ! This is tangible liveliness ! Voldemort is eviler that either of you can even imagine ... ''

'' Really ? '' Ron countered. `` Were we or were we not there with you Harry ? Huh ? Did we not see what he was capable of at the Department of secret ? ``

Harry shook his head, never more life-threatening. `` No Ron. You did n't. '' He felt almost drab at Ron 's crestfallen expression. `` You only saw what Death eater were capable of. That is nothing compared to him. ``

'' Harry then why do n't you just distinguish us how he ... '' Hermione started miserably.

'' Because Hermione ! There 's no way to explain it ... ''

'' There 's no motive to yell at her fellow, '' Ron said coolly.

He laughed bitterly. `` Oh but there is Ron. Because after everything we 've been through you 'd think you would both entrust my judgement on this ... ''

'' No, '' Ron squeezed Hermione 's paw and stood. `` Because we remember where your judgment got Sirius. ``

Harry felt as if his insides had frozen. There was no arguing this.

'' If you had only listened to Hermione it would n't experience happened, '' Ron continued icily. `` And now your hesitation concerning this prophecy may get her parents killed as well. ``

Hermione had begun tugging on his manus frantically. `` Ron ... ''

'' No Hermione. He needs to listen this. Because it 's like he does n't even confide us ... ''

'' I do trust you, '' Harry whispered.

Ron 's eyebrows raised so far they disappeared beneath his hair. `` Really ? ! Then why did you hardly breath a word to us all summertime ? Why wo n't you babble out to us now ? ``

'' I am talking ... ''

'' No. Your blocking Harry. Like in chess game. '' Ron pointed his wand out the doorway, summoning the chess panel from the common room. Levitating it, Ron cleared the plug-in save for the pawns, king, and pansy of both sides, his brow furrowed in concentration. He then moved the pawns so they protectively surrounded the king and queen on one face, leaving the early incline 's big businessman and queen mole rat unprotected.

'' The way I see it Harry, all you have left are instrument. '' Ron continued, gesturing to the protected side of the board. `` So instead of risking everything to postulate my king, you 're protecting yours. ``

Ron moved a cat's-paw on Harry 's side away. `` You 're afraid that if you move your cat's-paw for a second, that I might get in and take your king. ``

Ron 's poove shot forward, moving through the opening move Harry 's pawn had left, taking his poof out with a violent whack of her chairman. She then stood, posed to consume his Billie Jean King on the future move.

'' The business leader represents everything your keeping from us Harry. '' He continued seriously. `` You wo n't let your king be taken, because if that happens ... ''

The chess display board folded in on itself, slamming to the floor.

'' plot over. ``

Harry shook his oral sex, ineffective to deny Ron 's accusation.

He was right. And for the first time Harry realized how truly different he was from them.

He loved them, but Ron and Hermione could never share his burden, no thing how much they wanted to.

The audio of the metaphorical paries falling between them filled his nous, and Ron spoke again.

'' secret plan over Harry. Only you're the only one who knows what game were playing. ``
* * * * *


Harry tromped through the corridor, feeling worse than he had thought possible. He preferred feeling numb, at to the lowest degree then he felt naught at all.

They simply did not understand. Not that he had expected them to. things were too serious now. Voldemort had made a sideline out of extinguishing anyone close to his middle, and he was not about to sate Ron and Hermione 's oral sex with anything that might fix them more tempting objective than they already were.

Which was why he had flatbed out refused to expose anything else, and held his solid ground about not revealing the prophecy to Voldemort. Not even for Hermione ....

Ron had stormed out telling him to 'keep his secrets'and Hermione had plead with him to 'not close them out .'

The choice was no longer his.

No longer would they be privy to Harry Potter 's bad decisions.

They would n't end up like Sirius.

He knew exactly where he was going, and rounded the recess to the hospital wing. His foul mood only increased when madam Pomfrey stuck out her head, a forced grinning plastered upon it, and asked him to wait.

The door slammed and the sound of argument resumed. Dumbledore 's voice caught his tending. What was he doing in the hospital wing ? Perhaps to see Kaylens, but he had already visited them once. It was n't like the headmaster to gossip bookman though. And he should acknowledge, he had been in the infirmary wing too many times to count, but could bet Dumbledore 's visit there on one hand.

A disturbing thought struck him. What if Kaylens had gotten worse ?

He reached into his pocket and withdrew the extendable ear he had taken to carrying at all times. His conclusion made he slipped it beneath the door.

gentlewoman Pomfrey 's reproving timbre came out clearly. `` ... cellular telephone need to restore before you can even essay to do thaumaturgy again. ``

'' But I 'm behind enough as it is ! '' Kaylens ... A twisting wave of backup washed through him. And to suppose, normally he had trouble resisting the impulse to tone down her.

Dumbledore spoke now. `` Miss Kaylens I do n't think Remus would desire you over-exerting ... ''

'' Well I 'm not particularly concerned with what he thinks at the mo. ``

The silence was palpable, and he shifted nervously. She was okay, now that he knew this he really shouldn't be listening ...

Yet something about Dumbledore 's tone made him. As outwardly honest as the master had been with him lately, his faith in the man was still recovering. It had been shattered too skillfully the previous year.

'' Kalliandra, we did not need you burdened with this. ``

'' Considering that I 'm the one you ca n't bring around, do n't you think that should cause been my determination ? ``

Cure ? His abdomen lurched dangerously.

'' Kalliandra, looking at it as a death judgment of conviction will not help affair. ``

Her voice was strained. `` You 're mighty. cypher will. You know that the odds ... ''

'' Are only as good as you make them, '' Dumbledore finished. `` That is precisely why we did not require to weight down you with this. ``

'' I 'd prefer the burden, '' Kaylens hissed, her representative suddenly stronger. `` Now is there anything else your keeping from me ? '' Her vocalisation was strained and accusatory. `` Because I 'd care to bed before I read about it in some dazed book. ``

Silence.

'' I thought so. ''

His entire body shook unsteadily. So much so that the approaching footfall did not register until the threshold had swung open in front of him, revealing a blanch looking Kalliandra.

He could only gaze, words abandoning him. Her eye had caught on the extendible ear.

Her garment bag slipped down on her shoulder, her intact form quivering.

'' ceramicist ... '' She whispered chokingly. She locked eyes with him, her manifestation stunned.

A second gear later she was gone. The glistening of her eyes the harshest reproach he had ever seen.





'' Just as courage imperils life, fearfulness protects it. ''
~ Leonardo da Vinci ~



Chapter 17 ~ Kunnskap

Kunnskap is Norweigan for knowledge



She shoved undefended the entrance doors, leaving the secure halls of the school behind, and walked out onto the rapidly cool off grounds. She blinked back the moisture that lingered within her eyes. No binge would fall, no matter how hard they threatened. This she promised herself.

She was furious, but her anger paled in comparison to her self loathing. She had been so unbelievably dazed ! It had been bad enough to desire Remus, but to have nearly let down that roadblock again ...

'' Dam n't thrower ! '' She swore quietly.

Despite the pain they had been in, the time spent within the hospital wing had been pleasant. She and Potter had dwelt in mute companionship, both knowing there were things that needed to be discussed. Despite that he had not pressed her to let the cat out of the bag, instead he had seemed to calmly accept her secrecy.

This change had been oddly comforting.

At least until she had stormed out, to find him standing there with an extendable ear.

She kicked the ground, scattering crap in her wake.

She could not fathom why she had thought he would let her observe her secrets. But she had been a utter sucker for entertaining the whimsy.

And for some reason his small treason hurt her.

divinity ... She turned her split filled eyes towards the sky, tracing along the darkening clouds, and noted how low they hung. It was the entry storm that had drawn her outdoors after all. The foreign smell slithering through her, as if inactive electrical energy were tickling her very pelt, had been hard to snub.

She reveled in the small distraction from her cerebration, and allowed herself to simply feel.

The looming clouds pulsated with unstable vibrations, their rhythmical throbbing pulsated within her very lineage, and her hair stood on end as if one had just run a balloon through her hair.

The storm front rolled in above her, and the more astute of her peers began to head indoors. The area surrounding the lake had been the beginning of the earth to be abandoned, and her feet led her there.

She wanted the seclusion.

She had grown so used to despair, to feeling only unceasing indifference, punctuated by bouts of undiluted anger, that she had forgotten how to feel something as homo as fear.

Everything had happened so degraded the day she had received the shopkeepers note, and there had been no sentence for the cold-blooded accuracy to sink in. Only over the past times solar day, as she and thrower had lain there in silence, had it finally registered.

Pomfrey 's words had just driven it habitation.

Somehow, hearing the Healer 's word of honor had made it real, and now fear held her heart in a vice suitcase.

Despite the fear, she felt oddly detached, each aching footfall reminding her how she had already nearly died from her stout with the werewolf.

Perhaps dying would be a blessing. She just had things to do before it found her.

The trembling in the high sky were back, and she cringed at the electrical energy there. Being a function of such things, feeling such affair, was not always pleasant.

It was often painful.

She rubbed her coat of arms against the pall wind, thankful that God had some sense of pity. Fortunately for her, the human being brain could only register pain in the neck as abnormal for so long, before it accepted the pain in the ass as the changeless State Department of affairs. Then it would be ignored.

Oddly enough, it was very like to how the fragrant odour of roses would lessen, if one were to stand amongst them, breathing them in for too long.

Still, acclimatization could only do so much, and her body ached, protesting constantly.

Instead of leaving the grounds at the terror of rain, she continued meandering across the grounds, walking the circuit of the lake, observing it carefully.

She took it all in with her normal perceptiveness. There were spots where the flat coat ended, dropping off sharply to meet the duckweed covered surface of the water system.

In early speckle the ground gradually sloped down, kissing the lake 's rippling moving ridge. There the dark earth was muddied, imprinted with the footmark of those who had braved the shallow to swim, before the conditions had cooled in wake of the incoming good afternoon storm.

She passed by both these expanse, heading closer to the Forbidden Forest. Here she kicked off her shoes, allowing them to dangle freely from one hand as she picked her way across the far end of the lake. Here pocket-sized endocarp formed a natural beach, and she sat down near the sharpness, letting her finger trail across the rough pebbled edges beneath her.

She accumulated a small collection of flat bottomed rock candy, gathering them within her mitt, and she cast the starting time across the calm water, breaking it 's glassy surface.

The goliath calamary lazily reached out a tentacle, swatting at and missing the hurl stone.

She smiled ruefully, casting another towards him. This prison term the tentacle swung and connected, sending the stone flying mellow above her nous.

A low grumble filled the sky, and the altocumulus clouds dipped threateningly lower, wafting the odour of pelting upon the breeze towards her. The sky had grown darker, and she vaguely remembered the afternoon she and Sean had once spent, skipping stones across the lake near their class home.

But there had been no giant squid to play with there.

She skipped another.

A fleshy pink tentacle connected with it, hurtling it back.

To the side of meat of her came an unmistakable grunt.
* * * * *


Harry winced, rubbing his frontal bone. That was definitely going to get out a print.

It had taken him all of thirty second gear to decide to follow her. The computer storage of her weak eyes had been alarming, and he could n't let her leave alone like that, not when she did n't understand.

He cast a glare at the giant squid, approaching her cautiously, carefully trying to not luxate upon the slick rocks as he walked down towards her.

He treaded as close as he dared, pausing to hover uncertainly. Her articulatio humeri had stiffened at his outcry, the only when house to indicate that she was aware of his presence.

He swallowed hard. From where he stood besides her, he could see the drawn line of her lips, and how her eye gazed, almost longingly across the dark surface of the lake. He followed her gaze, the maiden drop-off of rainfall drizzling upon them.

The lake 's once glossy exterior now moved with a life of its own. Each raindrop sending circular riffle outwards, each disturbance merging with the former seam spreading across its surface. The effect was entrancing, and he drew his eyes away from the scene before him, to the girl before him. She was why he had ventured out here, despite the threatening storm.

'' What are you doing out here ? '' He asked carefully. Another rock of thunder shuddered the sky, drowning him out, and the hulk squid disappeared beneath the lake 's surface.

'' Enjoying the temperateness, '' Her hair fluttered lightly around her face. `` I thought it would be obvious. ``

'' It 's not, '' He responded, the wind carrying his voice.

muteness reigned for some time, broken only by the increasing calendar method of birth control of rain, pattering around them. The water supply gradually matted his unruly tomentum to his forehead, and Kaylen 's golden hair darkened with saturation.

She sat with a relaxed air, unbothered by the icy droplets pouring down. Slowly, with unmistakable pain in her motion, she scooted closer to the lake 's edge, dipping her feet into the moil water as casually as if it were a mid-summer day, rather than a verbose October downpour. Never once did she look at him.

Her shoulders were bare, and her muffle hair clung to them. He was close enough to notice the slight bozo bumps prickling across her pale skin.

The conversation he had overheard forced it 's way to the forefront of his judgement as he watched her shiver.

Kaylens was sick ...

'' Here, '' He said, shattering their verbal reversion. He picked his way across the pebbly decline to her, shrugging out of his cloak. He felt no cumbersomeness as he picked up her moist hair, draping it across her berm.

She looked up, turning her questioning stare towards him. He was at a loss, for the glossiness of her optic could not be from rain water alone.

'' You 'll er ... well you 're soaked ... ''

Her eyes held his, and for the most fleeting of secondment the suspicion he was so used to seeing vanished. `` Thank you, '' She murmured, inclining her headspring to the spot besides her.

He lowered himself besides her, afraid to talk. His philia pounded loudly in his pectus. Never before had he been so dread of reprimand. His luck may make lasted thus far, but even he would not pick her for screaming if she so chose.

For once he could admit to deserving it, and her silent acceptance of his mien was unnerving.

The sky thundered, lighting up as lighting flashed high in the swarm. It struck him as extremely unwise to be in their locating, so close to water.

'' We should go in. '' His interpreter lacked sentence.

With the dorsum of her wrist she rubbed the water from her eyes.

'' Well ? '' Above the rumbling overhead he could order she was speaking louder. Though the difference was barely discernable.

'' wellspring what ? ''

'' I doubt you came here out of business organization for my fountainhead being, '' She said, staring resolutely across the lake.

He opened his mouth to explain that that was exactly why he had come, but she went on.

'' And since there are no conversations going on for you to heed to, I 'm wondering what your doing here. '' Another flash of lightning illuminated her soaked feature, and he found himself drawn towards her serene expression, confounded by her Christian Bible.

Despite their content, her tonus held no touch of the familiar sarcasm or malice.

Instead she sounded curious.

The actualisation sent an out of home smile across his face.

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

'' Try me. ``

'' I came to justify. ``

To his surprise, she actually laughed. The audio had a haunting quality to it, for it blended artfully with the twist howling around them. The tempest had crept upon them fast.

'' You 're right. '' She said, shaking her wet fuzz out in vain. `` I do n't. ``

He seized the opportunity to keep her talking. `` fountainhead I am. Kaylens I ... ''

'' How much did you learn ? '' Her regard turned pointedly down.

He sighed in frustration. `` plenty to know that you should n't be out in this downpour. ``

She nodded, closing her eyes as if pained. `` You have no idea how wrongfulness you are. ''

He frowned. `` I would if you just talked to me. ``

The look she shot him could still the Satan himself. `` And why should I ? You have n't been the portrait of honesty ceramist. ``

'' Perhaps if you would just heed you would ascertain out. ``

She did not answer. Instead, she tilted her case towards the sky, allowing the rainfall to stream over her more freely. Her hair's-breadth fell away from her shoulder joint, revealing her hanker neck. She remained this way for what may birth been simple seconds, but to him, felt like hours.

'' Okay thrower, '' She finally breathed. `` Try me. ''

Such was his astonishment that for once, he did not hesitate.

And he explained.

He explained why he had followed her that day into Knockturn Alley, how her stubborn refusal to suffice questions about decease feeder had led him, to what he hoped, were wrong Assumption, and how, after twenty-four hours of watching her in a comatose commonwealth, he had feared that she had fallen ill once again.

He spoke to her, the rainfall cascading down their bodies as they sat, keeping each other 's acquaintance, the storm forgotten. respective times she made to move, shaking her head disbelievingly, but his manus on her arm silenced her refutes. By the metre he was done, a sad facial expression had crossed her features.

He studied her, puzzled. `` flavor, Kaylens I did n't mean to upset you if ... ''

She shivered noticeably, shaking her sopping hair. `` No, it 's not that ceramist ... '' She trailed off, showing no aim of finishing.

He swallowed hard. God he just wanted thing to be okay between them. There was still so much to talk about ...

'' Kaylens are ... ''

Her manifestation darkened at his speech, and she stood abruptly, her shivering more enounce.

'' We should go in, '' She stated, interrupting him.

He nodded disappointedly, noting that the tempest showed no signboard of relenting soon, and stood with her. He already felt bad that they had stayed out there so long.

The second he was up she unceremoniously shoved his cloak back into his arms. He looked at it in surprise, and was about to argue, noting how far a walk to the shoal it still was, when he realized that she had already spun and taken off into the downpour.

'' waiting ! '' He called, utterly confused. He stumbled after her, slipping on the wet sway, and caught up to her on the sens.

'' Kaylens keep it. You 'll stop dead otherwise. '' He went to drape it across her shoulders but she brushed him off.

'' I 'm fine, '' She said grimacing. `` Really, '' She added, seeing his disbelieving look.

He matched her footstep determinedly, noticing the reemergence of her obstinate streak, and threw it around her anyway. `` Kaylens if you 're barf you 're wearing this until we 're inside. I don't care ... ''

She whorled on him, looking disturbingly distress, her skin dangerously pallid. `` face, Potter ... Do yourself a favor okay ? Do n't concern about me. ``

He found himself shaking, be it from the cold or the icy palor of her skin, he did not make out, yet all thoughts of speech were driven away.

It was as if she were transforming before him. Her icy barriers that he had not even noticed to be missing before, were coming back. What had he done to cause this ? A few instant ago they had been on almost civil terms.

The thought of her hating him again churned his venter. He could n't allow it ...

She was backing away from him. `` In fact ... '' She continued, sounding like a frightened animal. `` For your own respectable, just appease the hell away from me. ``

She took off, leaving him standing there stunned, his sopping wet cloak on the dirty ground.
* * * * *


Over the by few days, since Kaylens had left him standing there in the pouring pelting, Harry 's mood had not improved.

He just did not realize what he had done, and every clock time he caught a glimpse of her he felt macabre.

Everytime he had seen her, she had been with genus Draco Malfoy ...

The fact that he still had a sneak suspicion that she was clueless as to what a Death feeder was did not help oneself matter.

It was enough for him to nearly transport curses flying. At Luna 's press, he had taken to kicking courting of armor instead.

Apparently the metallic noise made by kicking something draw in Crumple Horned Snorkacks.

Or something like that.

His reaction was puzzling, even to him. He could not deny that he felt oddly protective of her. How could he not ? He had spent far too a lot meter watching over her in the infirmary backstage, and the thought of further harm coming to her swarm him mad.

Perhaps that was why he felt so crushed now that the fragile rapport he had, for a few exhilarating moments, thought they had built, had shattered.

But still ... He could not fathom what it was he had said untimely. All he knew was that she was no farsighted openly uncongenial towards him. Instead she avoided him like the plague.

He had seen her alone that very break of the day, and it had taken all his patience to forfend hexing her into succeeding calendar week when she had practically sprinted down the hall to talk to James Byron Dean, upon catching sight of him.

hell, he had come damn near close-fitting to hexing her and Malfoy in Defense Against the wickedness Arts that very day. He had walked in to find her and Malfoy chatting in shut up whispers, bent over parchment.

The second he had come within earshot the parchment had been rolled up and stuff hastily into Malfoy 's book satchel.

Kaylens had refused to see at him. But he had not failed to notice how her men shook for the rest period of class.

It had been easy to find since he had been sitting alone. Ron and Hermione had holed themselves up on the early English of the elbow room. And unlike Kaylens and Hermione, who contented themselves to avoiding him, Ron had made sport of sending hostile brilliance his way.

At to the lowest degree the unfriendly looks from his roommates were apprehensible. He had had another tearing dream with Voldemort that calendar week, and had woken up in a redress state, screaming at every one of them.

Even the suit of armor had taken to cursing him when he walked by. Apparently they did n't like attracting afore mentioned snorkacks.

cum to think of it, the only mortal talking to him now seemed to be Luna. And since she was in the yr below him, he found himself sitting alone in division, and eating luncheon at the Ravenclaw table.

In light, the hebdomad had passed by in a dizzying haze.

Fortunately it would soon be over. Luna had already expressed her aim to get his mind off of things, and was planning on forcibly dragging him to Hogsmeade.

He actually did n't heed the idea.

He finally reached the doorway, and Crusantheus surprisingly opened without complaint, revealing Dumbledore 's situation. He stepped in for his lessons, removing his wand in preparation.

'' That will be unnecessary today Harry. '' Dumbledore said, catching hatful of him from behind his desk.

Perhaps it was because his thought process had been elsewhere, but the musical theme of a wandless Occlumency lesson caught him off guard. He furrowed his eyebrow questioningly.

Dumbledore caught the unstated question. `` Tonight, I have something different planned. Besides, I have taught you all I can regarding Occlumency Harry. The rest is up to you. ``

Somehow Harry strongly disagreed with this. If he had learned all there was to make out about Occlumency, he would not still be having violent nightmares. `` Professor, in all due respect, if I had actually learned everything would n't I be well ... good at this then ? ``

Dumbledore cracked a smile. `` Ah, you see Harry, therein lies the divergence. You have learned all I have to teach about Occlumency. That is an entirely different matter from mastering the discipline. ''

Harry was stunned, all previous thoughts and annoying at the Professor driven from his mind.

Never in his lifespan would he have imagined Dumbledore being unable to teach him something.

'' Occlumency, Harry, is less about erecting mental barrier, and more than about controlling one 's emotions. Keeping your emotions hidden from the opposition is of extreme importance. And frankly, gets easier with age. '' Dumbledore stood with a rather large feather duster and began to attack a disgruntled portrait with it.

'' Harry, you have become quite practiced at creating barriers, visualizing a brick wall is your barrier of choice is it not ? '' Harry nodded but Dumbledore was continuing. `` But the only if way to tone up that paries at this point, is to read to block out your emotions. ``

Harry stared somewhat unabashedly as the late headmistress made a rather crude deal motion.

'' Er ... Professor ? '' He questioned hesitantly. `` What exactly do you mean by 'masking'them ? ``

'' Ah, not explaining myself very well am I ? ``

He valued his training far too much to respond truthfully.

'' well Harry, when one sifts through your thinker, abominable memories can get unearth. It 's natural to recall the emotions these experiences caused you. Such a distraction is all the enemy would ask to cut into profoundly into your mind. '' Dumbledore was carrying on with all the air of one discussing a weekend outing. `` And you have no shortage of abominable computer memory Harry. It would be quite loose for Voldemort to retrieve one to use against you. ``

He did not take Dumbledore to separate him that, he had already re-lived the guilt trip of Sirius'Death all summer.

'' So are you going to progress to me live over those memories for praxis ? '' He asked, somewhat apprehensive.

Dumledore turned to await at him, balancing precariously on the stool he was using to reach ole Phinneus'portrait. `` Why of course not. Certainly, I could go sifting about through your nous, forcing you to recollect bad multiplication in your life. But dredging up old memories and forcing you to deal with them would only help you build up emotionlessness. We do n't want that. ``

Dumbledore turned back and shoved the plume dust storm right where Phinneus'face had just re-appeared. The one-time schoolmaster cringed and jumped out of the frame again.

'' Harry, what we do want, is for you to occur to terms with the crueler component of your past. And only you can define what those terms are. But I dare prompt you, there is a deviation between allowing the retiring to remind you, and allowing the past to control you. ''

Dumbledore jumped down from the stool, wiping his dusty hands on his robes. `` Well now that's done. Now I have something to show you. ``

He beckoned him to where he stood, withdrawing a worn, leather leap book from one of his shelves. `` You know, I almost lost this after that squabble yourself, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Kaylens had the early day Harry. '' He peered down his spectacle at him. `` I trust that is now resolved ? ``

Harry found himself oddly stuttering. `` S-sort of ... ''

Dumbledore shrugged. `` Well, hold it time, dedicate it time. It may pick out her awhile to open up to anyone, seeing as how thing are. ''

The master was running his wand up and down the pricker of the Holy Scripture in an odd zig-zag normal, muttering something about mothballs. A loud 'pop'was heard, making Harry start, and the al-Qur'an sprang out of Dumbledore 's hands, falling open on the table before them.

'' Now this Harry, is something you will not have seen, nor heard of before. ``

Harry had to take that Dumbledore was short on.

Inside the opened book, where the page should have been, lay a pink layer of fog. There was a sensation of depth to the interior of it, and Harry had the dim sense that another dimension lay just beyond the peacefully swirls.

Dumbledore reached his mitt into it. `` It is a rather cunning concealment spot for thing. Not only is the locking mechanism for it rather tricky, but only a bridge player with my DNA could reach into this and still regain their hand attatched. ``

Harry had been unconsciously leaning forward, trying to peer through the fog, but at this say-so took a tone back. Dumbledore 's helping hand fished around blindly for a few bit, before emerging with a silvery chain. A pocket-sized vial was attached to the end of it.

The Headmaster shut the book, muttering a few charms, and replaced it upon the shelf. `` This is something that I have been wanting to present you for quite some time Harry. But until recently, the chance had not presented itself. The fact that it had not, is entirely my flaw, and for that I am sorry. ``

The headmaster, indeed, truly looked sorry. In fact he was looking rather grave all of a sudden. `` Ever since the day that cursed prophecy was made Harry, myself and a few others have been working on this. I still feel that it is woefully inadequate, but for now, it is all I can give you. ''

At this dictum, Dumbledore handed the vial over. Harry took it with no small amount of trepidation. The vial, Harry found, was surprisingly ardent

'' The ampul you now hold is a exceptional physique of pensieve, Harry. '' Dumbledore said by way of explanation. `` It is called a Kunnskap. It means knowledge. And unlike normal pensieves, it does not let an limitless capacitance. It can only bear a select few memories, and I believe that there are 81 dissimilar deterrent example contained within this one. ''

Only eighty-one ? He thought, slightly amused by the Headmasters definition of only. He turned the vial within his hands, noting that unlike in Dumbledore 's pensieve, blue specification darted to and fro within the silvery substance here, colliding frequently to emit iniquity green Spark. It was like watching the reflection of pyrotechnic in a silvery pond, only on a miniature scale.

A thought occurred to him.

'' What do you intend by lesson, Professor ? '' He asked curiously.

'' I was just getting to that. '' Dumbledore replied, looking strained. `` But given the danger that you have been in ever since that cursed divination was made, I wanted to deliver a way of preserving, and passing on, noesis of sure piece to you. ``

The master paused, shutting the leather volume. Whisps of curling pink tendrils snuck out around the bound as he placed it back upon the shelf.

'' Times were disconsolate. '' He continued gravely. `` I did not know how many of us would exist, but we knew it was crucial to reach on our knowledge to the next coevals. This was our way of ensuring that at least one good wizard recieved that if the rack up were to happen. ``

Such a glum say-so chilled him, for in admitting that he had once prepared for the worst, Dumbledore had admitted to his own mortality.

Despite his annoyance and anger at all the schoolmaster had withheld over the twelvemonth, the thought of a person Dumbledore shook his construct of a unchanging universe.

The Headmaster motioned Harry into a plush plum tree armchair, oblivious to his pupil 's wickedness thoughts.

'' Over the years, myself, and others within the old Order, added select piece of music of cognition that we wanted to start out to you, to this. You 'll even find some of my old school day lessons there. affair like fantasm, curse-breaking, animagus studies ... They are all in there. ``

Harry listened intently, not wanting to omit a word of honor. The conversation had become oddly personal.

A house elf popped into existence then, extending a plate of biscuits to him. He scarcely managed to conduct one, for his idea was fixated on the cruel irony of the situation.

This vial was a true giving, yet he was only receiving it because of the prophecy 's heavy burden.

Suddenly he felt rather blunt. `` Professor, you made this to help me figuer out how to get the better of Voldemort, did n't you ? ''

Dumbledore smiled sadly, sipping the tea that had materialized. `` We made it, because we still have hope. ``

Hope ... Why could n't someone else have been wizarding kind 's Bob Hope ?

Dumbledore was mercifully forgetful to the dark view still flitting through his mind.

'' Harry, the Kunnskap does not run like a normal pensieve. Instead of entering a memory, the memory enters you. So once you unearth one, it 's noesis will continue permanently yours. ``

This piqued his sake. `` So you mean that I can go an animagus just by looking at the memory in it ? ``

Dumbledore smiled ruefully. `` No. This will teach you the theory, and knowing the theory of something is entirely different from putting it to use. However ... '' The man 's blue optic twinkled mischievously. `` I have it on good word that learning and researching just the theory on animagi can take years. So all you will ingest left to do is practice putting what this will teach you, into use. ``

thinking of what he, Ron, and Hermione had planned, he suddenly wondered, for the thousandth time since coming to Hogwarts, just how much that the Headmaster knew about his students.

Against his better judgment, he broke out into a small grin. Even Hermione, with all her condemnation against taking short cuts to hear something, would probably die for a look into this thing.

God he would miss them ... Perhaps one day, when thing were unlike ....

As if reading his sentiment, Dumbledore smiled. `` For the sentence being Harry, I would continue this to yourself. Because of the Kunnskap 's potential for misuse, only seven were made. We would not want this falling into the haywire men. ``

Harry was taken aback. For once, Dumbledore was actually trusting him with something crucial. `` T-thanks prof. I 'll attend after it. ``

He 'd be damned if he disappointed him.

Dumbledore smiled over his cup. `` I 'm surely you will Harry. Do try to use it in private though. When one uses it they tend to seem in a trance, and I would hate to see what your roomy would do if they stumbled upon you in such a commonwealth. And I would know, Mrs. Benjamin Franklin Norris Jr. once caught me using this. ``

Harry nearly choked on his biscuit.

The past fortnight, he realized, had truly been full of surprisal.




Thank you SticksN'Stones for the excellent banner !






'' Choose to be not a product of your surroundings, nor of your experience, but a product of what your heart tells you the world can be in its finest hour. ``
~ A.K. Sir Bernard Lovell ~



Chapter 18 ~ The Scars Life Leaves


Tonks threw open the shades, allowing the shiny afternoon light to stream in, filling the room with yellow hues so bright that not even Remus, who was valiantly feigning nap, could ignore them.

She marched to the side of meat of his bed, throwing open the bed hangings.

'' Get up. '' She clipped, her reflexion anything but amused.

'' How did you get past the Mrs. Humphrey Ward ? '' Remus groaned, pulling his pillow over his headspring so he resembled a burrowing animal.

She contented herself to narrowing her violet eyes. `` banknote 's a curse word breakers. And when he and I have over two hebdomad with cypher to do but check the Barbara Ward on our obstinate seat of a protagonist 's habitation we tend to bring home the bacon. ``

Remus emitted a low rumbling sound, undecipherable to any man ear. It was at this tip that she decided she had had enough. She ripped the binding from his bed, and flung them out the now open window.

'' Remus did you really think you could avoid us forever ! '' She hollered. `` What the hell is the matter with you ? ``

At his want of responsiveness she stomped her foot angrily, and began spraying him with water from the tip of her wand.

Remus jerked so violently that he rolled right out of bed, landing in a mint on the floor. He blinked groggily, his brass scrunched up and dripping. He looked extremely disgruntled.

'' You look like a sopping wet dog Remus ! Now get your unregenerate ass off the floor right now and get quick ! We have an ordination get together in an hour and if you are not there so help me Merlin I will issue forth back here, Montgomery Ward be damned, and make you follow ! You ca n't forefend us forever ! ``

He groaned unhappily.

She glowered down, deciding to not leave just yet. `` And you know what else Wolfy ? You are the singularly, most selfish soul that I have ever met ! ``

'' Mrmph ... ''

'' Do n't mrmph at me ! '' She practically shouted. `` As if it 's not bad enough for you to stay here, wallowing in self pity for two hebdomad, but you left me to talk to Harry for you ! He deserved to see you there ! Not me ! Instead you hid here away from everyone acting like a child ! ``

'' Go. Away. '' He interjected moodily.

'' NO I WO N'T ! '' She screeched in a very un-Tonks-like fashion. `` I am FAR from being DONE ! I have n't even started on Kalliandra ! Do you have any idea how often she probably needs you right now ? ``

He apparently had found something fascinating underneath the bed, because now he had taken to staring beneath it.

'' She doesn't need me. I nearly got her killed. ``

Tonks stomped again, very near his read/write head. `` You know that was n't your shift Remus ! No one knew what that spell would do ! ``

'' You should go. '' He mumbled morosely. `` I could still ferment at any import. ``

Her jaw dropped. `` Is that what this self-induced isolation has been about ? You think your going to turn again ? ''

When he did n't answer she actually laughed. `` Remus you prat ! You turned within an time of day of being hit with that spell ! Do you really think that it could possibly turn you again ? Two workweek later no less ! ? ``

'' I ca n't gamble it .... ''

'' Well that 's just too damn bad Wolfy because your going to. '' She did n't wait for a reception and marched over to throw open his closet. She grabbed the closest shirt and threw it at him. `` Now go shower and get dressed. I do n't have all day and so serve me you are going to write to Harry and Kalliandra before we leave ! ``

He could be seen over his bed, fumbling with his shirt. `` When we leave ? Was n't I kicking you out now ? ``

'' I 'd like to see you try. I 'm not leaving because I do n't feel like fighting with your wards again. '' She paused, and almost as an rethink added, `` And do n't change the matter because you are writing to them ! ``

He shook his head, his shaggy hair falling around his eyes messily. It looked like he had n't showered in days. `` No. If they wanted to blab out to me they would have .... ''

'' Would have what ? '' She was far beyond losing her patience at this spot. `` Contacted you ? Remus, Kalliandra tried ! That damn sack lookout of yours has been glowing all workweek at home base ! We tried sending it back to you but you keep sending it back ! Kalliandra probably thinks your ignoring her by now and Harry ... ''

'' Harry is safer if I stay away. '' Remus interjected, picking up his wand.

She growled in frustration and yanked the pocket watch out of her pocket. Mundungus had found it near one of the dead children after the attack.

'' Well at to the lowest degree take this back Remus. '' She said, placing it on his worn desk. `` I do n't care what you say but she really does need you. '' She searched him for some augury that he accepted this fact, but he only leaned out the windowpane and summoned his cover back up.

Watching his piteous drive, she suddenly felt like collapsing.

Remus had been the one she could count on, to hold together for her. Ever since Sothis ...

She could n't bear to think of it, let alone voice it, but ever since that wretched night she had grown to rely on Remus. She needed him so very much it scared her.

It had been his cool, light brown heart she had awoken to in St. Mungos. The healer said he had never left her side. Even then he refused, and took to sleeping on a make-shift cot in the street corner or her room. He had claimed it was to not miss the fun of her griping, whenever the healer had poked and prodded her with their wands, but she had known better. He had been worried, and who could fault him when she had never felt worse.

But his presence had kept her cerebration from straying to Sirius.

She shuddered, remembering how he had found her curled up on her couch one night that summertime, positively balling her eyes out, the few mental picture of Sirius she had spread out on her coffee table. If only she had stunned Bellatrix when she had had the fortune ! By Merlin he would still be here !

With a cool down cup of mocha coffee Remus had sat with her, logically reminding her that hindsight is 20/20, and of the futility of blaming herself.

Catching the bastards was the only thing that could help Sothis now, he had told her. And as an auror, that would be her job. He had told her how she needed to give together for that.

If he had not shown up when he had, she may have curled up in the closest, damp broom loo, and not come out till Christmas.

She had passed out that night, vaguely suspect that her mocha had been laced with dull firewhiskey. Remus always had claimed that alcohol assuaged the nervousness ....

She had only just realized how thankful she was for the lowly traces of witticism he shared with her.

She had grown so expend to him always being there, and it had taken Remus'absence to reach her actualise how very much he meant to her.

Never again, did she want to go through another fortnight like the one she had just had without him.

The view of him wallowing in self pity any longer made her physically ill, and she felt her shallow reticence of military capability folding in.

She had to resist the urge to run over there and smack him.

She drew herself up, ignoring the annoyance tingling in her bureau. `` Harry does want you Remus. '' She started. `` Your all he has left. Imagine how he 'd feel if you shut him off now ? ``

Remus was flipping the sympathizer back onto the bed, straightening it meticulously. `` He does n't need me. Neither does Kally. They 'll just lift up hurt ... ''

'' Well dam n't Remus ! I need you ! '' She shot out, ignoring his shocked stare. `` Do n't you get that ? I miss you ! And I 'm not the only one ! Harry misses you ! He sent me an owl because you have n't responded to his letters ! I can only assume by that big bucks on your desk that you have n't read any of them yet ! And you ! You 're just .... ''

She trailed off, frustration effectively silencing that train of thought.

'' Go exhibitor. I 'll await downstairs. ``

She turned in a huff and stormed out, resolving to send Harry and Kalliandra fall apart notation demanding that they pester Remus until he broke out of this self-created shell.

She missed the disbelieving eyes of a certain werewolf, following her longingly.
* * *


Harry allowed the Bible to fall close up. His read/write head had long since fallen upon the table, his body slumped over in frustration. A thousand and one dark curses swirled through his psyche, their counter expletive eluding his memory in a maddening way.

Why, in the figure of Merlin, had Professor Tres been so against teaching them this ?

The sheer enormity of the job before him had hit home nearly an hour before, and the constant exercising weight on his shoulders seemed determined to crush him now. It was pressing down on his pectus, making his headway spin, the realization of how little time he had to dominate this had finally sunk in.

Voldemort could come for those he loved tomorrow, and somehow he doubted the fiend 's minions would deposit to simple jinxes.

For the first time in his lifetime, he was starting to feel helpless. He had borrowed the Word from Dumbledore 's office, changing the back so no one could have a go at it what coloured arts it contained, and after only a few twenty-four hour period of study he had come to a realization.

Avada Kedarva was amongst the most merciful of dark curses.

For the dark liberal arts could do so much bad than simply toss off in one blow.

The could burn you alert from the inside out, your screams confounding those around you, your skin not blackening as invisible fiery tendrils licked at you hungrily.

By the time those around you realized ....

assistant for victims of the mort ardente would be far too late.

Other curses could could slit your cutis in slow, long slice. The invisible blast lasting for time of day, as medi-wizards and therapist tried to preserve you, only to watch you succumb as slash after destroying diagonal undid their healing, spilling your life pedigree, killing you ...

Others could slowly crush your dresser, driving the air from your lungs, suffocating you under the imperativeness of a twelve hippogriffs ....

He shuddered involuntarily, almost glad that death had been quick and merciful for Sirius and Cedric. He had not known before, but their lives could have been extinguished in much worse fashion ....

The school organisation had failed them. Harry knew this now. For they had not prepared them adequately for what they might face in the war.

Professor Tres had shown him that merely a week ago. Kaylens had been the one to bring in it up, asking when they would acquire the sorry of the Dark Arts themselves.

He had n't been sure as shooting whether to applaud her for her astuteness, or bedamn her for sounding like overzealous Malfoy.

But she had been right ....

If one did not know what the whammy sounded like, how could they oppose themselves with accurate counter-curses ?

So while her and Malfoy had argued their point, and lost valiantly as Tres started twitching under insistence, he had composed a alphabetic character to Dumbledore asking for access to materials about the wickedness arts.
Dumbledore had granted him that ...

He propped himself on his elbows, reopening the ancient, blackened leather textual matter. He was determined to find out every deadly curse the world had to tender him.

And before he found Voldemort with them, he would first find Pettigrew ...

The man who had stolen his life from day one.

Pettigrew would pay. Harry would earn him feel all of the pain he had felt ever since his arrival on the Dursley 's doorstep.

Then Pettigrew would die.

Then, once he had seen what the curses did on a live human, then he would find Voldemort.

The creature was going to pay.
* * * * *


Kalliandra clutched Tonks'letter in deal and stormed to the animal foot of the gargoyle.

She had done exactly as Tonks had requested. She had already tried contacting him. She had tried saying, shouting, and cursing his gens into that blasted compact of hers, had sent owls armed with letters and order of magnitude to hen-peck at his workforce until he replied, and even had sent a self-writing quill with the live on one so it would write whatever he said down upon receiving it.

That particular owl had had rescript to nobble whatever was written before Remus had a chance to nobble it up himself.

Well apparently Remus had been too warm for the owl, because she had gotten back a broken flight feather and a ripped, space patch of paper.

Damn your self-will to Hades Remus ! She thought in annoying, stomping her foot outside Dumbledore 's business office.

She had grown so annoyed with him avoiding contact and canceling their tutoring seance that she had finally slipped on James Whitcomb Riley 's halo and tried port keying directly to Remus, only that had n't worked either.

Which was precisely why she found herself outside of Dumbledore 's stunned rock gargoyle, shouting every confect that came to listen.

'' red gum ! Bat droppings dung ! Bertie Pops ! apple ! looker ! '' She exclaimed at it, abandoning candies in favour of fruits. `` Oh damn it to hell ! Peach Schnapps ! Peach cobblestone ... ''

The Oliver Stone gargoyle had sprung to life, allowing her entrance.

'' looker schnaps ? You 've got to be kidding me ... '' She muttered, springing up the stairs and bursting into his government agency, being heedful to smack Crusantheus on the way in.

Dumbledore looked up idly from his desk, a bemused expression across his weather condition worn boldness. `` Why Kalliandra, what a pleasant surprisal. ``

She did not agree. `` prof what does Remus intend he is doing ? '' She demanded, stopping in front end of his desk. `` He ca n't avoid us forever ! Why does n't my larboard key work anymore ? And why are you now using hard liquor as your passwords ! ? ``

Dumbledore looked rather puzzled. `` peach Schnapps ? A liquor ? And here I thought it was a rather apt form of candy ... ''

Had she not been so worked up she would let rolled her center. `` No, it 's not. But why wo n't this work .... '' She held up her pack for effect.

'' Ah, I was wondering when you would ask. '' Dumbledore commented airily. `` Remus requested that your port key be de-activated for the time being. ``

She glowered. `` Did he say why ? ``

'' I am sure you know why Kalliandra. ``

An odd, sinking feeling had wormed it 's way into her belly. `` Yeah, I think I do. But does n't he translate that it was n't his geological fault ? ``

'' On some level, yes. But much like someone else you know ... '' Dumbledore eyed her shrewdly, leaving no head about who he was referring to. `` He has taken to blaming himself, shoving away those fold to him in order to protect them. ''

She sighed defeatedly. `` So there 's nothing we can do to babble some sense into him ? ``

'' I rather think, that this is something he has to come to accept on his own terms. We can not force him into realizing that we would rather be near him with all of the peril, than away from him and safe. ``

'' I wish we could ... '' She said sadly.

Dumbledore chuckled slightly, recognizing the irony of her statement. `` You know Kalliandra, in our own way, we are all a danger to those we love, for the unsubdivided fact that true friends will go to any length to help each other, even if that means sacrificing their own life in telephone exchange for another 's. ``

His word of honor struck a bass chord within her, one she was not quite ready to hear. `` Thanks prof ... '' She muttered, all anger gone. `` Can you at to the lowest degree give him this when you see him ? '' She extended a alphabetic character to him, it 's addressee version To The Obstinate Wolf.

Dumbledore smiled, `` I 'll see that he gets it. ``
* * * * *


Harry rested his cheek against the haggard surface of the table, letting his dank hair's-breadth drip over his face. The dripping water supply from his recent exhibitor eased the dull ache that had begun in his scar.

Drip ....

A beading of wax broke exempt from the glowing candle, falling to douse into the unsealed ridges of the oak desk. The shock sounded erectile, for his ear remained pressed against the desk 's surface, amplifying the sound ten fold.

Across the common room, far from where he sheltered in the shadows of a single wax light wick, the fire glowed warmly. Several straggling seventh twelvemonth, no uncertainty putting in the extra hours for newt preparation, remained there, blissfully oblivious to the late hour.

Sleep would once again, not be his associate. When his scar ached so sharply, it was in fact the enemy.

Voldemort was there, just beneath the surface of his mind, waiting for a chance to get in as he dreamt. He knew Hermione 's parents were as ripe as dead, but he would not earmark Voldemort the information he demanded for their hypothetical 'release .'

If they were going to die, it would not be in vain.

Fiery shadows danced across his subject text, and he wearily rubbed his scar, trying to con the counter curse for one of the many crushing hexes.

The one he was looking at would take air from the lungs slowly, till the person could only claw at their neck in agony, line of descent watercraft in their eyes bursting as oxygen left them.

The mordant and white instance showed a wizard captured in a silent howling, his fingers already falling limp around his throat.

He shuddered at the raft, not noticing the determined reflexion flitting across her face.

He had never even noticed her studying him, concealed as she was, lying on the story across the way, warming herself before the fire.

She made her way towards him, making up her mind.

'' Hey Potter. ``

Her voice pulled him away from his thoughts, and he swallowed firmly, looking up as she slid into the tooshie before him. She leaned backwards relaxingly, her face falling into the apparition of the corner they sheltered in.

'' Kaylens. '' He said steadily, pump pounding. Be it at her sudden suspension or the retentiveness of the dying brass, he did not have sex. `` What are you doing here ? '' He slid a hand across the morbid photograph, staring intently at her.

She met his optic, for the first prison term in Clarence Day, holding them seriously. `` Talking Potter. Just talking. '' Candlelight danced in them ...

His cicatrice gave a dull Sudanese pound, reminding him of his own fragile nation. Tonight was not the time for talking, even with her, whom he had grown odd about. `` You know ... '' He stated carefully, watching her smooth her silken lock chamber behind her ears. `` There is usually a reason for why mortal sits exculpate across a relatively empty room from everyone else. ``

She nodded, a whimsical frown tracing her features. `` Oh ? And what 's that ? ``

'' Their poring over. ``

'' Or they want to be left alone. '' She whispered, voicing his unspoken cerebration. `` Believe me thrower, I know your distressed with me. I would n't bother you if it was n't of import. ``

He was thrown. `` I 'm not unhappy with you. '' He said quietly, before he could stop himself. `` I just do n't sympathise why your so hostile. ``

Her eyes danced in the candlelight, her hands playing around the pedestal of the cd, picking at the solidify wax. `` It 's not important why. I just am. '' She whispered, sounding clearly pained.

He nodded, accepting this. `` If that's the suit, then am I, or am I not, supposed to stay the hell away from you ? ``

She chewed on her depleted lip thoughtfully, fidgeting. `` For someone who seemed eager to talk, your certainly making this difficult. ``

He smiled forcefully at this, probably looking like a grim merry andrew. `` And that has nothing to do with you storming off, then refusing to occur within a ten cadence vicinity of me ? ``

'' Touché. '' She murmured. `` But this is n't about you or me. It 's about Remus. ``

Her voice held an centre of loss as lupine 's name fell off her lips, and for a fleeting minute he understood. He did not have it away how the two knew one another, and felt the stabbing pain of betrayal that Lupin had kept better communication with her rather than him, his C. H. Best protagonist 's son, but in that blink of an eye, he knew that his quondam prof had not spoken to her since that day either.

He felt oddly good about that. For a change, he was not the only one being ignored, or kept in the dark.

'' Wo n't reply to any of your missive either then ? '' He queried, knowing the answer.

She shook her brain, her hair coming loose from where it lay tucked behind her ear, falling to lay artfully over her heart. `` He 's started sending mine back. ''

He felt a small grin tugging at the sharpness of his backtalk. `` Hedwig is tenacious. ``

'' An owl ? ``

He grunted in answer, the ache in his scar was starting to sunburn slightly.

'' We ca n't just let Remus shut himself off. ``

He jolted forward, dropping his head into his hired man to treat the painful grimace now crossing his face. `` suspect earreach you say that. '' He groaned as the first wave of botheration attacked him. `` Because is n't that what your doing ? ``

Through his fingerbreadth he saw a shrewd expression cross her face. `` Do you need me to get Madam Pomfrey ? ''

'' Why .... '' Picture the wall ... .The bricks ... Their rough grain stretching infinitely upwards .... `` Why would I desire you to get the nurse ? '' He asked, barely guising the pain in the ass that was now coming forth in waves. She needed to depart. She needed to leave now, but not to get the nurse ...

'' Your in bother ceramist. I 'll be ... ''

Before she could even move his bridge player had shot out like a lightning bolt, attaching itself to her articulatio radiocarpea. `` Do n't get her ... I 'll be exquisitely. '' He hissed lowly, not keen to pull the care of the one-seventh age still down there.

An unpleasant sensation swept through him, the feel of Kaylens'radiocarpal joint turning barely registered as the dark room spun. He was no longer fully there as his eye flickered half shut, half seeing the wall Dumbledore had taught him to so carefully conception, one-half seeing Kaylens kneeling down besides him.

'' The entirely way to tone your paries at this point, is to memorize to mask your emotions .... '' Dumbledore 's words came back to him ...

'' potter ? potter look at me. '' Kaylens spoke quickly, an unfamiliar border to her voice. He waved her away, feeling her hands wrapping around his own. She had to leave ...

Voldemort was prickling at the boundary of his envisioned wall.

The creature 's voice filled his mind, cat valium tendrils leaking through red brick.

Been sssstudying the benighted artssss I sssssee. It'ssss about time you learrrrned ....

He turned his eyes away from his book, leaning away from Kaylens to slam it shut before Voldemort could get wind more.

'' Sodding hell Potter of all the fourth dimension ... '' Kaylens murmured. He felt her arm sliding beneath his berm, a strange tingling trickling through him as he unconsciously leaned tightlipped, allowing his eubstance to sag against her as she hauled him up.

He rose his eyes, finding her own surprisingly close, flickering with that unfamiliar concern. `` Kaylens leave ... '' He muttered, feeling a violent edge forming within his survive tenacious persuasion. He had nearly attacked Ron in a similar res publica, under Voldemort 's egging influence ...

Ah compannnnny .... Voldemort sounded almost cheerful, and Harry felt his face unwillingly turning towards her further.

Suddenly it was no longer he who was searching her features.

Interesssstinnnng ....

'' Kaylens ... '' He gasped. `` Get the hell out of here. ``

She grimaced determinedly, kicking open the portrait door. He heard her shouting something about Pomfrey to mortal, but their form was so blurry ... He could n't make them out ...

It doessssss n't matterrrrrrr who they arrrrre Harrrrrrry. Who issss sssssssheeeee ....

'' parting .... '' He groaned, barely shoving the words out. She was dragging him down the residence hall now ...

'' ceramicist I 'm not going anywhere. '' She got out, sounding strained.

It'ssss near to bang they have not messssed up assss badly assss believvvvved ....

Who messed up ! ? ! ? He thought, grasping lucidity, desperate to reap Voldemort 's signification.

Calling on his survive apothecaries' ounce of mental reserves he dug his heels into the land. He turned, squirming away from the reassuring bearing of her weaponry, suddenly finding his own feet untrustworthy.

He was collapsing to the I. F. Stone floor, the great mullein lit halls a brilliant blur ...

Whooooo ...

Unable to assure the difference between speechmaking and thinking, his back talk opened to scream his own question into the dead of nighttime ...

Kaylens hand clamped over his sass, and he found himself breathing in her peel, moistness with sudor and the waxy essence of the candle she had been fidgeting with bare present moment before.

'' red cent you Potter be quiet ! '' She hissed dangerously.

He struggled dazedly, her chin coming to reside on his shoulder as she stilled him, delirious hushing sounds escaping her own lips. Had she had a harsh bound to her ? He could no longer remember ...

Jussssst a epithet Harrrrrrry .... What harrrrm everrrr came frrrrom a epithet Harrrry ....

He relaxed, leaning against her again, feeling her arms stiffen. Of course .... It only made sense .... Voldemort would need to know of someone as fascinating as her, who would n't ? He certainly did, no matter how infuriating she grew he was curious. What injury could a name do ...

'' Kalliandra Kaylens .... '' He murmured druggedly.

'' sword lily to see you think formality. Now please get up, I 'm not strong enough to drag ... ''

A jubilant waving washed over him, so intense as to drown out every other word filtering through his auditory system.

Voldemort withdrew as quickly as he came, and he realized, with a sinking feeling look, that he had just given the Dark Lord something he very much wanted, without realizing it.

The feeling of Kaylens'hands tugging up on his shoulders, the tactile property of her recollective hair brushing against his cheek as she leaned over him, the dark shadower of the deserted Hogwarts corridor ...

The sanctity of his psyche restored, it all came into stark focus.

His legs becoming his own again, he powerfully squeeze them into the floor on his own conformity, scrambling eagerly away, his sudden departure sending her spilling across the coldness, dirt dusted gemstone floors.

He rounded on her downed form, failing to detect her appall expression. One thought was on his head. One he had been putting off asking.

'' What does Voldemort want with you ? '' He asked pointedly, the maniacal flicker that always accompanied Voldemort 's touch still in his eyes.

She glared up unflinchingly, gold hair limply splayed out across her face. `` So were at this again are we ? '' She whispered, brushing it aside, revealing the steely glint of her own glossy orbs.

'' Yes. '' He said seriously, his script lingering near his wand. `` Yes we are. ``

She pushed herself up, slowly, wincing as she did so. `` Does that really require an answer then ? ``

'' Yes. ``

They stared at one another, both look unreadable.

Finally, an eternity passing them by, she tilted her head to the side. `` How much do you know ? '' She whispered.

'' Enough to know he was all too well-chosen to learn your name tonight. '' He knew the result of this, if horrifying, would be his to contain. It was not a thought he cherished, and a part of him almost wished for her to concede into the night her loyalty to the wickedness noble, so he could strike her down feather, guilt trip free.

Yet another, taking in the way her left helping hand shook ever so slightly, declared him the chump for not going to her to fix what he might throw done.

This last thought was silenced by the way her eyes darkened coldly onto him. `` And you were happy to collapse him that information. Were n't you monkey around ? ``

His own paw, now balled in fist, shook with inhibit rage at himself for doing so. `` None of this would have happened if you had just listened to me. Why did n't you leave when I told you to ? ``

She shrugged one shoulder, almost testingly, in an out of place manner. `` You looked like you were having a fit Potter. I thought you needed the hospital annexe ... ''

'' Whether I need the hospital fender is none of your CONCERN ! '' He hissed angrily, albeit too loudly. Someone was bound to listen, but he did n't worry. Let Filch just try and punish him ...

She looked stricken by his watchword. `` I see. '' She whispered, moving to walk past him, back towards where the Fat Lady 's portrait observed in awed horror.

Once again, before he could finish himself, he had her radiocarpal joint in his hands, spinning her around to pin her against the wall. He pressed his body against hers, their faces dangerously close. Her side remained an undecipherable mask, save for the beading of perspiration glistening upon her forehead in the torchlight.

They stared at one another, each daring the early to speak. Releasing one of her articulatio radiocarpea, he moved his mitt to catch one's breath above her shoulder, cutting off any thought process of her leak.

'' I said I understood Potter. '' Her breath was barely a whisper, and beneath his ribbon he felt her carpus cooling, the cool October air prickling goose prominence across her arms.

'' No ... '' He said quietly. `` I do n't cerebrate you do. Not really ... ''

She breathed in deeply, her breast rising to entreat against his own for the briefest of secondment. `` precaution to enlighten me ? ``

He nodded coldly, his moist hair falling to hide his scrape, a disturbing sizzling sound drawing Kaylens eye uncomfortably towards it.

Her challenging demeanor vanished, confusion flickering in her eyes. Her gratis hand unconsciously reached upwards, but he stilled her movement by aggressively squeezing her shoulder blade.

'' I would n't ... recommend ... doing ... that ... '' He said coldly, ignoring how she bit her lip, her face clearly contorted in nuisance. If she could n't take that what in the pit did she plan on doing when Voldemort got to her. He 'd teach her what she was dealing with ...

'' Do you have any estimate what your dealing with ? I have a suspiciousness ... '' He spoke mechanically, as if lecturing a small nestling. `` That you do not. So I am going to ask you one ... to a greater extent ... time. What ... does ... he ... want ... with ... you ? ``

She tilted her chief up to his slightly. `` What makes you think that he wants anything with me at all ? ``

He smiled cruelly. `` Let 's just say we have ways of chatting. ``

Her eyes instantly narrowed, her body tensing beneath his. `` Are you saying your involved with him ? ''

'' Perceptive ... '' He murmured coldly, leaning in till her hint breezed across his face. `` But I never said friendly. You on the other hand openly admitted it. ``

'' Trygve Halvden Lie ... '' She spat.

He could no longer assure if she were glaring or crying, for his forehead was pressed firmly against her own, driving her harder against the wall. Her speech lingered on his unshaven Kuki, and he grimaced wryly, realizing how close he was to finding out the truth.

'' I have news show for you. '' He whispered. `` You said you would rather be a end Eater than be like me. So you either are one of his follower, or you are clueless as to what a Death Eater is. Now which is it ? ``

Her expression remained unfaltering for far too prospicient for his perceptiveness.

'' Fine. '' He whispered. `` Here is what I think. I think that you have no clew what one is. Either that, or you are the estimable actress I have ever seen. But for that to be honest, you would either have to be a Muggle, which you clearly are not, or you would receive to have been a solitary from wizarding society. So ... '' He tilted his face down, practically meeting her own.

'' Which one is it ? '' He breathed, tension reverberating in the still student residence 's air.

She turned her wrist in the confines of his idle suitcase, her sputter brushing against his own. He could come down her reactions, being so close, his eyes locked onto hers. She was going to run, it was like feeling what she was feeling ... fearfulness ...

Suddenly he knew what was occurring, why her body was shuddering ever so slightly in nominal head of his own. He stared into her eyes for a moment longer, allowing his expression to soften misleadingly.

'' Well if you do n't require to secern me .... '' He murmured, releasing her wrist before she could bolt. She eyed him with surprise, and mistrust, never seeing his deal falling to rest upon his wand.

'' Legilimency. '' He whispered.

Her life ... It all flooded his brain in one over powering waving. A swirl of upshot that were impossible to discern ... Until one belly laugh filled his mind with a blinding red hue, bringing it all into staring clarity.
'' RILEY ! ''


The whirl of icon changed, becoming the congruent picture of a blonde tike, whisker much unaccented than he knew it would darken to turn, was approaching a door, answering it ...

A man smiled toothily down, removing his hat to give away closely cropped, pestiferous blond hairsbreadth, bowing slightly. The youngster smiled upwards, but the image of his smile froze, faltering, as if it had forever been burned into her memory.

And now his ...

The door flew undecided, the man 's foot connecting with it, sending it bulleting inwards, hitting her with it against the face. Blinding painfulness kept her conscious, for the domain was black be-speckled, and her shrieking configuration fell to land in the front foyer.

The guilt .... Almost overpowering ... She should n't have screamed ... My God if only she had not ...

A halcyon haired man, only slightly sometime than they were now, came sliding into the hall. The girl screamed on the base, her broken, bloodied poke rendering her monition incomprehensible.

The blond haired colossus dropped a knee joint onto the girl 's back, pinning her to the level. The flash lamp of a buck tongue drawn from a casing caught Harry 's eye, and the young man, who now bore a look of the furthest fury.

'' Wan na go boy ? Come here ! ``

The golden haired man was already charging, but the fiend had drawn a gun and fired before James Whitcomb Riley could even extend to her ...

James Whitcomb Riley ... My God, Harry thought ...

Her error ... The guilty conscience ... If only she had n't screamed.

The girl was bucking on the trading floor, screaming, nearly freezing in veneration as blood line pooled from Riley 's bureau wounding, his eighteen year old body twitching spasmodically, his mouth gaping, gasping for breathing place ...

Yet Riley had crawled, leaving a smear lead of reddened death on the linoleum story in his wake, for he had been unable to let his trivial sister be pillaged ...

His dying breath came, the girl 's eyes spacious with horror for only her Brother, as the buck tongue plunged into Young Kaylens', deep into the spinal column of her eight class old berm blade.

Hot, fiery pain sensation intensified, followed by a tingling aesthesis of the most curious kind ...

He could almost finger what she had ... Her shoulder was tingling, little pin pricks attacking her cutis as they would when her foot would inflame up from falling asleep ...

Her hysterical screams only intensified, and Harry watched in horror as the teras gripped her fuzz, yanking her school principal back roughly as Harry once himself had done to her, before slamming her face savagely into the linoleum.

'' Were going to have some fun are n't we little miss ? Are n't we ! ? ! ? ! Just as soon as you shut your bloody mouth and tell me where that confection little brother of yours is ... ''

'' Go away ! '' slight Kaylens was screaming her sum out.

In Voldemort 's mind he had seen adults wither in infliction and crepuscule apart at so much lupus erythematosus ...

His core broke as he watched her small pattern continue struggling, screaming, yet the man only pinned her face down to the storey harder, dragging the buck knife across her shoulder in a tenacious, cruel line ...

A swirl of colors, and he was gone. stuff out not by magic, but by the savage traveling bag individual had taken up on the back of his robe, yanking him away from her. He staggered backwards, disoriented, his arm flailed into the torch holder ...

His sleeve was on fervidness, burning him, the flames licking up his arm when someone floored him, dousing him with water.

His sear skin throbbed, but not so a lot as his mind.

Kaylens stood motionless, still pressed against the wall, chalk Edward Douglas White Jr., mum tears streaming down her beautiful cheek. A single slender bridge player was clutching her berm. The same one he had grabbed roughly. The Lapp one he had seen stabbed viciously ...

It was as if he were seeing her for the first time.

'' K-kaylens ... '' He whispered shakily, pleadingly.

'' Shut it Harry ! ``

Harry rolled over to see Ron and Hermione, returning from nightly Prefect rounds, glaring hatefully down at him.








'' The death of one man is a tragedy. The death of 1000000 is a statistic. ''
~ Joseph Joseph Stalin ~



Chapter 19 ~ Le Règne d'Enfer Commence


Once his judgement awakened, his wits dimmed by the drugged wine he had willfully taken, it was not the swarthiness, nor his unfamiliar surroundings, nor even the dissemble public figure patiently waiting besides him that he noticed.

It was the dusty air.

He sniffed.

They were coming ...

Just as he had.

It was why he had isolated himself for the past fortnight. From Harry, from Kally, from Tonks ...

Lucius Malfoy had not given up on recruiting him. After all, there were only so many thoroughbred werewolves.

Two days after the incident with Kally and Harry, he had received a blank gasbag addressed to him, sealed with the Dark Mark.

After reading it 's depicted object, it 's whirl of safe haven from the cruel, prejudiced Ministry standing in cruel contrast to the Death Eater 's own prejudicial opinion, Dumbledore had asked the one thing of him that he had felt unable to do.

He had asked him to deliberate joining them.

He had stayed in isolation, not wanting his affection for Harry, Kally, or Tonks, especially Tonks, to shake his decision.

The other lycanthrope began emerging from the underground corridors surrounding him. Here the paries were lined with bone. femoris rising up like sadistic pillars from hell, supporting the long line of skulls outlining the subversive passage. aplomb water dripped rhythmically from the dampness ceiling, wetting his sweating scalp.

There was only one space in the creation that flaunted such morbidness. thick beneath the streets of Paris, over sixty million of a prison term foresighted retiring lay dead. Their skeletons disassembled, grouped systematically to form walkways, a remnant of a darker time.

Upon drinking the do drugs wine, the last feeder had said he would waken in the Empire of Death. Only now did he realize what he had meant.

A centre shape, shaped out of human being skulls, lay set into the walls of the Paris catacombs besides him. A standing remnant of the macabre signified of temper, stretching endlessly into the darkness.

This was a prefect position of coming together. Public, isolated, and gothic.

Not to name how winding the corridors were. It was doubtful that anyone would be there to find their dealings.

'' After our last confluence I must admit that I am surprise to see you here. ``

Lucius Malfoy stepped Forth River from a shadowed corridor, dropping his hood to reveal white blonde pilus.

He inclined his head. `` Since then I 've realized how my sort is rewarded for good works. '' He replied resolutely.

Lucius gave him an appraising look, before reaching forth a dissemble hand to wave the others forward. Half a XII other cloaked figures emerged from the shadows, forming a circle around him.

'' Who 's the gaunt one ? '' Growled one of them. Remus distinctly saw the flicker of fang beneath the hood.

My God ... It is true ....

Voldemort had truly found a way to control their translation.

Werewolves could now roam the world at will.

'' The gaunt one ... '' Lucius said sneeringly. `` Is a pathetic excuse of a pureblood, friend of the thrower .... ''

'' Former ally. '' Remus interrupted nastily, snarling for impression. `` I 've seen how their variety repays my kind, thinking I 'd betray them because of what I .... ''

'' Spaaaaaare us the speech brute. '' Interrupted the one who had brought him there. `` What we need to know is if we can entrust you. ``

'' Of course we ca n't. '' Lucius snarled, threateningly extending his incisors and nails. `` But we can seduce him one of us. ``

'' If you do n't bank me how do you plan on accomplishing that ? '' Remus countered, not wanting to go too eager.

Lucius smiled evilly. `` I 'm so glad you asked. '' He withdrew a silver flaskful from his scoop, tossing it to him.

Remus caught it with his shirt sleeve, uneager to come in contact with the forbidden metal.

'' Tsk, tsk. Not too trusting are we blood double-dealer ? '' Lucius chided.

'' Not really. ``

'' It 's Pt. Would n't require to be carrying around something deadly now would we ? Remember, I ploughshare the same swearing as you. ``

Remus scoffed. `` By alternative. ``

'' Ahh .... Still looking at it as a burden rather than the king it is ? ``

'' You said you 'd reach me a reason to suppose of it otherwise. ``

'' That I did. Now drink it. '' Malfoy ordered.

He eyed the solid flask distastefully, uncorking it to sniff. `` What 's in it ? ''

The Death eater that had brought him there smirked. `` You drank the other means without enquiry. ''

Remus shrugged. `` Your not about to vote down a potential difference ally before you have clip to try and twist them now are you ? ``

Lucius laughed. `` Always the shrewd one. ''

'' It keeps me alive. ``

'' So. It. Does. '' He said coldly. `` That inwardness ... '' Lucius indicated the flask. `` volition assure that you are one of us. But once you drink it, there is no going back. ``

Remus eyed him with distrust. `` substance ? ``

'' Meaning that you will pull ahead the power, like most of us here, to transform at will. The synodic month will no longer hold it 's world power over you. ``

He watched Lucius pacing down the deaden corridor, rubbing his pale finger along the rough osseous tissue. `` And ? ``

Lucius halted. `` Once it 's drunk, you will know what the taste of human frame feels like. '' His pale oculus shone with a homicidal glean. `` They say once you know that, there is no going back. You will crave it forever. Your treasured Mudblood lovers will never live with you back once you desire the taste of kernel. ``

Remus felt his insides run cold. Now there was a taking into custody neither Dumbledore nor himself had thought of. It was too perfect really. They did n't trust him, and they would establish him something that would progress to him crave human material body so much that he was bound to join their side, regardless of his purpose upon first coming there.

'' I told you. '' Snarled a fair sex 's voice. She must have seen his vacillation, smelt his fear. `` It was a error bringing him here. ``

Remus knew what he had to do. He only hoped his will was strong enough to never cave.

He turned to the unidentified beldam, smirking as evilly as potential. `` The only mistake was not seeing what those Ministry by-blow have kept from me my unanimous life. ``

He felt the air thicken with tension.

'' And what 's that ? '' Nott squabble from besides him.

Remus curled his lips back, tilting the flaskful to his lips, chugging it down. Liquid fervor flowed through his veins, energizing him, changing his molecular pull in up ...

A delicious, tantalizing tasting filled his lip, leaking over his tongue, overwhelming his senses so that he nearly lost himself to it.

Reigning the hunger in, feeling the mogul his kind had always been meant to feel, rather than the pain, Remus met their gazes, his own teeth elongating. He was as changed as they were now. One of Voldemort 's mutated creatures, even if he were internally against them.

Only now he understood what superpower it was to be the beast he was, even as his consciousness screamed out the consequences, his hunger beckoned.

He tilted his head back and howled.

Lucius stepped forward, a wolf like snarl on his human face. `` receive ... ''

'' brother. ``
* * * * *


The rain hammered down, darkening the gravestone. A small fille was crouched besides one, sheltering beneath the comforting dryness of her principal speckled umbrella, her tress flapping lightly in the wind. The resemblance to her female parent was striking.

Watching the child kneel, Tonks barely restrained her own tears.

Emily Bothan had just asked her mother to number home soon. She missed her bedtime fairy narrative. While she told her mother 's slab of Edward Durell Stone this, Emily meticulously arranged, then rearranged, the flowers in the bouquet her father and her had brought.

Mummy only deserved the best.

Emily has said so herself, when she had spent the better part of an hour searching the floral boutique, seeking out the perfective tense organization of fleur-de-lis and hydrangeas. mommy favorites.

Tonks sniffled, allowing the luminousness air to inconspicuously dry her eyes.

'' You saved my girl 's life. '' He said, finally speaking. `` And for that, I owe you mine. ``

The thin line of Kenneth Bothan 's lips gave away his carefully hidden despair. He was a man of private mourning.

'' No Mr. President, if any ... ''

'' Kenneth. Please. '' He implored, his sorry optic never leaving the small form of his daughter. `` If anyone has earned the right to administer with formality it is you. ``

Tonks smiled sadly, not agreeing. The fiasco had been entirely her break. Her own incompetence leading to why his young wife, his high gear school knockout, lay beneath his daughter 's small feet. `` If anything Kenneth, your daughter saved mine. She has the bravery of one three times her age. ``

'' Like her mother. '' He whispered, looking loving upon his trivial little girl, who was now recanting the events of her week into the grass.

One day, Tonks realized, the red would hit Emily. But for right now, she was grateful that the minor could still smile for her begetter 's sake.

Because when she looked at Kenneth, she could evidence he needed his picayune lady friend to remain just that. She prayed to God that Emily would never picture the cicatrice of what she had gone through.

'' It 's such a shame ... '' Kenneth remarked, gesturing to his girl, drawing her from her persuasion. `` That it takes something like this to happen, before maven will let individual know of their beingness, or of any peril from them. ``

She paused thoughtfully. `` You were a chronicle major. I trust that you are companion with the Salem beldam trials. ''

President Bothan nodded. `` Yes. ``

She smiled ruefully. `` That 's why. Were afraid of what Muggles would do to us. Even we can fall dupe to guns. ``

Kenneth Bothan sighed. `` Part of me understands. But it still saddens me. '' His brow wrinkled, pain etched in every occupation. `` All the misapprehension between both our form ... Had I only known before hand I would never throw let Emily 's company occur. We could consume remained inside. My menage would have been better protected. ``

'' They still would take found you. '' She spoke truthfully. `` When the colossus we spoke of wants to hurt somebody, he will, no affair what the obstacle or cost. ``

Kenneth nodded sadly. `` I suppose I knew that. Hindsight is 20/20. ``

The rainwater was letting up, a soft scent wafting towards them. One that had nothing to do with the flowers speckling the unfrequented cemetery.

sword lily ....

Kenneth tilted his head to the sky, breathing deeply. Sometime in the future tense, he would assert to Tonks that sometimes, like right then, that he could still smell her darling flush in the breeze.

Watching him now, Tonks was thankful the monastic order had granted her and several other member permission to persist with him and his girl as a rotating safety device.

They would be needing it.
* * * * *


Harry hung his head over the butterbeer, not hearing a word Luna said. He had tuned her out when she had started talking animatedly about the special edition of the Quibbler that week, the one concerning how Cornelius Fudge 's army of Heliopaths had drowned in a freak potty floodlight stroke in the Department of Mysteries.

The lenify chime of buzzer drew his attention to the door of the Three broomstick, just in fourth dimension to see Kaylens, James Byron Dean, and Neville walk in, their hair windswept from the rough fall piece of cake that day.

He instantly looked back down into his mug, not wanting to suffer a repeat of their latest confrontation.

He did n't know what the netherworld he had been thinking, violating her like that.

That was just it. He had n't been thinking. He had been suffering the familiar after effects of Voldemort invading his thoughts, and those included everything from temp insanity to violence.

phonograph needle to say, forcibly getting the information he wanted out of her had seemed like a trade good idea at the time.

Hermione and Ron had seen the entire matter, turning the corner right as he shoved Kaylens against the paries, hissing `` Legilimens ''. Mione had gone on a philippic about their being no excuse for such rape of personal privacy, and him running after Kaylens'had n't helped.

Particularly when he grabbed her again, desperately trying to terminate her, to piddle her understand that he had not been in his right wing mind, only to find out that she had a rather nasty right hook.

'' Harry why do n't you just apologize. ``

Luna 's voice got through to him, and he turned a startle face to her. `` What do you think ? '' He asked, feigning stupidity.

Luna smiled, looking at something just over his head intently. `` If you like her, apologize. It 's as mere as that. ``

His jaw dropped, flabbergasted. `` What ! ? '' Embarrassed by the odd stares they were now receiving from his vociferation, he lowered his voice. `` Luna I do n't care her. I just feel bad becau ... Wait a min ? How did you know I had something to apologize for ? ''

Luna 's formulation changed, her normally dreamy countenance gone, if only for a second. She looked like she was about to lecture a pocket-size child. `` Every metre we 've seen her recently she has n't glared, she just pretends your not there. She stated simply. `` Before you both took every chance to be at each others throats. ''

Luna 's dreamy demeanor returned, and she opened her purse, withdrawing a lime green straw. `` Plus she just walked in, and now your staring into your butterbeer. You used to watch her you know. Or did n't you ? '' She looked up, befuddlement gracing her case. `` With you it 's hard to tell what you are or are not cognisant of. ``

Before Harry even had a chance to marvel at her astuteness, Luna had begun asking what kind of eulogy a Heliopath would care at it 's funeral.

'' I wonder if their flame go out when they die ? If not then their inhumation method would give to differ from our own, since they would bite right through their casket ... ''

'' I guess you 'll accept to get a grip of one of their bodies to find out. '' He commented cynically.

Luna looked scandalized. Indeed, she was shaking her prospicient, colly blond hair with such dynamism that it knocked over her drink. She did n't appear to notice.

'' Oh no Harry. '' She said very seriously. `` dada would never disrespect one of their trunk. Just because their a different species does n't mean they should be lupus erythematosus entitled to proper mourning. ''

He was so distracted by the ridiculous bend of conversation that he failed to notice Ginny until she dropped down next to Luna, grinning from ear to ear.

'' So Harry, I heard Ron gave you detention. '' She commented mischievously, giving Luna a warm one armed hug. `` Shocking is n't it ? Considering how he 's never exactly been the model Prefect. ``

Harry nodded miserably, longing for a retort to the Heliopath conversation. Anything was expert than talking about this again.

Luna nodded absentmindedly. `` Harry was just thinking of apologizing to that ... Well what would you visit her hair color ? '' Luna seemed to mull over this for a second before shaking out her own dirty blonde mane. `` Fourteen kt I suppose. But I think Harry 's having a hard prison term getting up the cheek to talk to her. ``

Harry gaped. Since when had he been considering doing that ? And her hairsbreadth was golden, not ...

He suddenly realized what he had been arguing with himself about, and hung his head.

Ginny shot him a likeable look. `` Ca n't say I blame you. How 's the eye by the way ? ``

His read/write head crack back up instantly. Was there anyone who did n't sleep with about that ?

'' Do n't interest Harry. The only ones who know are us three, Kally, Dean, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Seamus. '' Ginny said, ticking them off her fingers. `` No one would hold found out if that git of a brother of mine had n't blabbed. ``

Harry fought the urge to kvetch something.

The table leg was saved by Seamus'reaching. He had been getting butterbeer for himself and Ginny. `` Heya Harry. ''

He grunted in response.

Seamus chuckled, brushing his sandy flush from his middle. `` Heard Kaylens decked yaaaRH ! ``

Seamus'yell of pain in the neck was preceded by a loud THUNK from beneath the table, and a reproof tone from Ginny.

His Irish whisky housemate was rubbing his shin bone rigorously. `` Sorry ... Could n't resist ya know ? doyen and I have had this running breaker point system between you twooOW ! volition you stop that Ginny ! ? ``

Harry shot her a grateful flavor, to which she inclined her smirking head.

By this stop Luna 's ever-present dreamy flavor had once again fly, for she was clutching her belly with laugh, pounding a fist on the tabular array, making quite a scene as she ceased to restrain her laughter.

'' So glad my biography 's entertained everyone this week ... '' He muttered hollowly.

He spent the residual of the conversation sneaking surreptitious aspect across the relatively empty pub at Kaylens. Dean and Neville seemed to be debating something, and he thought he caught the word of honor 'bloody thesteral'more than once, while Kaylens stirred her butterbeer, sipping it through a stalk like Luna, looking for all the world as if she were not listening to a exclusive give-and-take her companions were saying.

He jumped, clearly startled when Ginny leaned down following to him, balancing on his shoulder. He had n't even noticed Seamus get up.

'' I 'm not sure what 's going on between you and Ron, but the git will get around, and everything will be okay. '' She said this so quietly only he heard. `` Just remember, I 'm not just his little sister, I 'm yours too. ``

She squeezed his shoulder lightly, re-joining Seamus, where he patiently had been waiting respective feet away, just far enough to sustain given her the privacy she had requested.

She linked arms with Finnigan, and a warm feeling billowed up inside him at her reassuring words. She was right, maybe not right now, but when this was all over affair would be okay.

He watched her wink over her shoulder joint before sauntering out into the vesication wind, her red hair swirling around like a risky tornado.

He smiled stupidly.

He had a piddling baby .... Regardless of what Ron currently thought.

The thought was comforting, and he hailed lady Rosmereta 's new waitress, a small, happy looking brunette, over.

There was zippo he could or would do about Ron and Hermione. At least not right wing now.

But a new resolve to fix the things he had legitimately screwed up had been awakened. It would be heavy, and he would probably wind up getting decked again, but it was worth a shot.

Luna smiled knowingly, humming Weasley is our King far too loudly for anyone 's taste but his. Except at the moment he thought it should be more along the lines of Weasley is our Queen.
* * * * *


Drip.

A single droplet, clinging to the earthen cap of the catacomb, broke free.

'' It 's time. ''

Plunk.

Remus caught the raw slab of centre that was thrown his way, not sickened as the four early wolfman with him dug in, watery blood dripping down their humanoid chins.

'' Dig in savage boy. You 're going to demand your strength for this. '' Nott chided.

He eyed Nott with aversion. He preferred Wolfy, only from Tonks'lips.

He let her public figure fade, giving in to the irresistible craving he had been fighting since aurora. Ever since he had drank that cursed potion ...

It was a craving for blood that would not go away, and for the dozenth time that day, he extended his canid fangs.

Only now he was using them to tear the proffer chassis, instead of just practicing his translation, hoping Dumbledore could concoct a remedy for this horrid craving he would now deal with.

His eyes rolled nigrify, the enjoyable taste consuming him

For a moment, the only if affair that mattered was the core in handwriting. The thought of protecting the innocent later on, forgotten.

Drip.

Now the lineage dripped from his mouth as well.
* * * * *


Kally sighed exhaustedly, wishing for the solitude of her hall. At least there she could give up and cry, venting without the prying eyes of others following her every move, as potter seemed to be doing from his seat in the shadowy bottom of the pub.

ceramicist was not someone she wanted to think about right now though.

She relaxed, allowing her cubitus to prop herself up. She cast a coup d'oeil resolutely down the bar 's counterpunch, stirring her straw around in her empty, bear-sized, mug. It was a unquiet substance abuse she had picked up as a nipper, when she used to twist them into random configurations. It had always been her buddy 's magnanimous pet peeve.

'' Ca n't take you anywhere .... '' Sean smirked, tousling her fuzz.

She swatted him away, glad to abash him in front of his friends.

A sharp-worded nudge caused her elbow to slip, freeing her from that line of thought. She cast an annoyed tone at her housemate, ignoring the shooting pain the sudden jarring had sent up her provide arm.

'' The physical scratch, the cheek damage ... They are the least of your youngster 's concerns Mr. And Mrs Kaylens ... ''

Dean was grinning lopsidedly back, ignorant to where her thought process had been, taking her back nearly a X. They had n't known she was listening when they had spoken to the hospital 's psychiatrist. But in their defense, her anesthesia had been heavy.

They had not been expected her to be waking up so soon.

'' You look like your off in your own little universe there Kaylens. I did n't drag you forcibly out of the castle for nothing today, so being a deaf-and-dumb person will just not do. '' Dean said cockily.

If possible, Dean 's grin had grown even more crooked with his wrangle.

The resemblance his smile had to Sean 's was striking.

Perhaps that was why she put up with him, while she distanced herself from all others, save for Remus. Dean was not Sean, but just seeing such similarity in another human was oddly comforting. It did not hurt like she had expected it to.

eyesight him looking at her expectantly, she shrugged, knowing full well he was about to come out prodding Neville. Dean was mortal who seemed to guess that it was his personal mission to make everyone around him laugh, and her stony silence was probably pushing him to the brink of insanity.

'' Well front at this Nev. '' He commented predictably, nudging Neville so hard that the inadequate boy almost fell from his ordure. `` We 've got ourselves a mute. I guess that means she ca n't stake talk of the town now can sh ... ''

'' Do n't even try it Norman Mattoon Thomas. '' She shot out, feeling the recession of her sassing tugging up at his tenaciousness. Not only had he been insistent about her needing to confabulate, but he had adamantly refused to leave the castle for this 'so-called'day of freedom in Hogsmeade, without her.

How Dean had convinced'I'm-Afraid-of-My-Shadow'Neville to serve in that enterprise was beyond her.

In the end, she had gotten ill of dean 's persistence and given in.

The heel counter vibrated as the three broom handle'waitress magicked three butterbeers to them with a gaudy thud. The liquid frothed a bit around the edges.

Catching their questioning looks the Thomas Young witch flashed a dazzling, dimpled smile. `` good manners of the gentleman's gentleman in the back. ''

She eyed the new butterbeer with a profound sense of distrust, before exchanging coup d'oeil with Neville and Dean. She spun around on the bar stool, catching spate of the simply patrons still in the spine of the pub.

No sodding way in infernal region did he send us this .... She thought with no minor amount of anger.

After what he had done, any motion of this sort was insulting.

She snatched up the butterbeer roughly, storming away from the startled Gryffindors towards ceramist.

topper to get this over with ...

She came to an precipitous halt in figurehead of him, slamming the mug down so voiceless that the liquid sloshed over the sides, joining the already pooling pool on his table.

'' What exactly do you think you 're doing ? '' She asked angrily, not bothering to hold the despite from her voice.

The young woman with him smiled dazedly, humming some unrecognisable tune, and Kally suppressed the impulse to stare her down. But the most vexing thing was ceramist himself.

He looked rather proud of, though she could not deduce why, since she was within half an inch of using the but hex she was open of on him.

'' Buying you a beverage. '' He replied steadily, wiping at the mess she had made with a spare napkin.

'' Oh ? '' She quipped sarcastically. `` And why 's that ? So you could spike it with truth serum and interrogate me in that dark-skinned pub down the street ? I must admit thrower, if that's the case you 're losing your touch. ''

She leaned down till their faces were level, using the tabular array for balance. `` After all ... '' She hissed quietly, ignoring the blond 's saying. `` Why drug individual for information when you can just hex it out of them. ``

Potter continued wiping at the table, unable to meet her eyes.

'' sweep ! ``

Kally jumped ever so slightly, ignoring ceramicist 's amused expression. She turned an eye on the blonde, who had just slammed her hired man down on the table top like an excited four year old. The girl 's protrubent blue centre were now so panoptic they looked fix to pop out of her skull.

'' Harry you would n't mind if I excused myself would you ? '' She said excitedly. `` All this tension could appeal an Ira, and I want to be in the scoop topographic point to see one. ``

Without waiting for an result the female child stood, not noticing their monovular expressions of bewilderment, and began shoving spare shuck into her lime green bag, speaking in a far off interpreter.

'' You can only see one in your peripheral vision you know. It 's why daddy has n't gotten a good video of one yet, but I 'd so enjoy to see one ... ''

The miss marched off to the other side of the pub, turned to face the bulwark, and stared blankly at it. Kally caught a few glimpses of sick gloomy oculus flickering their way, and each time this would happen the blond girl would grunt unhappily, stamp her base, and summarize staring at the wooden siding as if frustrated.

What the hell was that abo ...

'' Look Kaylens ... ''

His intrusion brought her rachis to the situation at script, and she narrowed her optic shrewdly. `` Ah your celebrated line. '' She whispered harshly. `` So which personality do I get today ceramicist ? Because really, this split personality thing is getting to be a bit of a cephalalgia. ``

Potter 's oculus rose, meeting her own in a way she had thought the coward incapable of, and for a second gear his pleased face faltered. He blinked oddly, drawing in a trench, audible hint. `` Kaylens ... '' He said quietly. `` I tried to rationalize for that once already, and it 's a bit knockout to explicate, but I was n't exactly myself when I did tha ... ''

Her eye widened considerably. `` Did it ever occur to you, in that thick skull of yours, that I might not hand a damn whether you apologized or not ? ``

His expression fell, the damp serviette dropping with an audible thump. `` After you stormed off that day by the lake, actually, yes. It did occur to me. ``

Trust him to bring that up, she thought angrily, warm to labor back the uprising of shame within herself.

She swallowed hard. `` glad to see your not quite that forgetful ceramicist. '' She muttered, forcing her vocalism icy. `` I would call up by now that any fabricated apology would be a mute point. ``

She felt more than heard him drawing in a deep, crucify breath. Jut like she felt, more than saw him leaning closer to where she stood. `` I was n't lying to you when I said I was sorry for all of those early things Kaylens. ``

He spoke so seriously, too seriously for somebody their age. `` And I did n't even get the chance to excuse for the other night ... '' He continued, his hug drug 's apple rising rhythmically. `` Since I did n't fancy getting decked again, I figured sending you a drink was the best excuse I could come up up with on short bill. At least the best one that could celebrate me a safe distance away, while getting you to come over here. ''

She arched an eyebrow disbelievingly, eyeing the mug a bit too carefully. `` Oh ? So you thought buying me a beverage would make up for that then ? '' She mused allowed.

He began to shake his read/write head in the negative but she cut him off, the wide-cut weight of his insulting, woefully inadequate gesture sinking in.

'' volition you just sit with me so I can try and expla .... ''

Impulsively she snatched up the mug, expelling it 's contents all over him, a sopping, frothing mess now staining the front of his shirt.

'' That's what I think of your pathetic apology. '' She muttered shakily. `` Enjoy. ``
* * * * *


Harry sat there sputtering. Of all the ways he had seen that possibly playing out, this had not been one of them.

posing there, stunned and sopping wet, he felt too shocked to respond effectively.

Instead his oculus fell upon her delicate left manus, hanging limply at her side.

It was shaking.

inside he felt a atrocious, twisting sense impression, recalling precisely why her hand shook thus. How could he have failed to observe before ?

'' That's what I think of your pitiful apology. '' Kaylens snapped shakily. `` Enjoy. ``

His rima oris flapped wordlessly, his tidings never reaching her auricle, for Madame Rosmerta 's alarm cry stole the words from his lips.

'' Lara what are yo.. '' Rosmerta questioned shrilly. Her eyes were fixated in discombobulation upon the Danton True Young waitress, the friendly one from whom he had ordered beverage earlier.

The same dimpled girl now had her scepter drawn, a clean expression drawn upon her feature film, striking a horrifying similarity to a porcelain doll.

'' Stupefy ! '' She hissed mechanically.

As if in slow apparent movement, Rosmerta fell, her limp form disappearing behind the bar 's wooden rejoinder. The methamphetamine hydrochloride she had been cleaning took flight, hovering in mid-air for a lowly eternity, before breaking rid of it 's unearthly suspension, shattering across the riposte.

For the first of all time in it 's history, the tercet broomstick fell silent. Only the howl of the October wind, leaking in through the windowpane, proved to him that he had not fallen into some dire mum flick.

The gentle chiming of bells broke his attention from where the porcelain girl stood, smiling cruelly down.

Ginny Weasley, floated slowly in, prof Très following closely, their apparent movement oddly halting.

minute seemed to have passed, but the clock registered mere seconds.

beholding Ginny 's wand haltingly cost increase, her movements faltering, as if some invisible force were yanking her arm forcibly up against her will, was what finally broke him loose of his slow motion reverie.

His blood ran frigidity at her dummy expression.

'' EVERYBODY down ! '' He shouted, overturning the table. liquid state splattered, and their empty stiff physiognomy had not even struck dry land before the first green curse word flew from Ginny 's wand.

His own already drawn, he screamed a smasher, watching the killing execration young lady Ron 's dismayed aspect by inches.

Ginny side stepped easily, and professor Très turned an eerie eye upon him.

'' Kaylens move ! '' He hollered, but she did not require telling twice. She was already dropping down, covering her head as a slew of wooden fragment whizzed by, an onslaught from the now smoldering hot seat before her.

A stunner grazed his ear, and his physical structure jerked instinctively away from the oestrus, and in that 1 irregular he lost sight of her.

Somewhere in the dim background of his nous the riot of the early patron began to register.

Less than a human foot away from where he stood, a decorative pumpkin exploded, a poorly aimed sweetheart searing right through it, striking the wall. Stringy orange pulp and seminal fluid erupted, hurtling outwards, covering the floor and himself with slippery orange tree clumps.

A red light flew from Très'wand, and he plunge to the reason, sheltering behind the table as the curse blasted through it. The screams of other bookman could be heard, pleading with the defense Professor.

Très could not hear their pleas, with his ear length hair flung over his eyes, his arm jerkily fired blindly at scholarly person, patrons, masses ...

Grabbing the side of the overturned, round table, Harry heaved it to the side, rolling it with all his strength, scrambling behind it like a rat until it hunkered to a check. ineffectual to go any farther, for an unconscious mind body now blocked it 's progress, he found the ingress to the bar in sight.

It ran the distance of the pub, and Ginny and Très'back were now to it. If he could just get behind it he 'd have prophylactic masking until he was right on them ...

He dove for it, leaving the screening of his tabular array behind, rolling across broken hot seat legs and glass until he came to a crouch behind it.

The waitress was hiding derriere it as well, firing swearing over the counter.

'' Stupefy ! '' He whispered, letting the red ignitor fly.

Her dead body went careening to the side, her verge flung from her clench as she passed out next to Rosmerta 's limp form.

He scampered down the length of it, snatching both their baton up, passing wine bottles, clean fall guy, and storage domain as he went.

Reaching the end near the tint covered windowpane, he hastily pocketed the wands in his trouser, leaping to his feet, the disarming spell partially formed on his lips.

His parole died there.

The jet of green light erupted from Ginny 's sceptre like a volcano of decease, LE than an arm 's length from where he stood.

Across the elbow room Ron leapt to his feet, abandoning the temporary shelter of a overturned Bench to dash to where Hermione and Luna fought unaided.

There was no time to think, to elude, to react.

The light-green light source hit Ron mid-stride, flinging his body backwards against the wall.

Hermione 's brownish eyes widened, her sassing caught in a stifled, silent plaint, and Luna only just pulled her to the ground before the next green spell whizzed by.

Time froze.

All was still.

The blank look of the Imperious curse faltered upon Ginny Weasley 's typeface, unabashed pain replacing it for but a second.

The mask was re-erected, his own verge turning to her, rip of anger streaming down his face at what had been just done to the only crony and sisters he had ever had.

Before the disarming spell could lead his back talk, a hard fist collided with his skull, sending the human beings blurring until it 's fiendish glory faded to black.
* * * * *


The sound of small pes, pattering in the rainfall, accompanied Emily 's return. The sound of her repose humming lingered like a hint of refreshful air upon Tonks'ears.

The small child stepped out onto the pebbled path, quickly shutting her midget umbrella before scurrying to huddle together beneath Tonks'.

Tonks smiled uncertainly as Emily 's petite bridge player interlaced with her own. Why Emily was choosing the consolation of her, a stranger, over that of her male parent was puzzling to her. Kenneth would later on grin, informing her that she had a lot to get wind about how children think.

But for now, Kenneth gave her a modest, ail grinning, before setting off across the swampy graveyard grass.

She had been right, he was a man of private mourning.

She adjusted the umbrella so the overflow would not drip onto the little princess'chief, never noticing the thoughtful look that suddenly passed across Emily 's tiny face.

Feeling the insistent tugging on her arm she looked down, two small brown center meeting her own. Emily looked rather pensive.

As Tonks inwardly wondered what one should say to a child who has just lost her mother, Emily spoke.

'' Your friend are in problem houri. ``



Le Règne d'Enfer Commence is French people for The Reign of Hell Begins

Recommended Stories of the Week :

Never Tickle a Sleeping Dragon by Black Prince Ollivander ( He has a fabulous and creative 6th year fan fiction featuring a HP/GW pairing, and it is completed. )

Dark trend by Two Sadists ( They have a 7th class fan fiction featuring a HP/OC pairing. )

photo couresty of the previously mentioned public knowledge domain site. Accreditations can be found via my personal website.






disavowal : All characters, stead, and melodic theme taken from the Harry thrower book series are prop of JKR. However, the idea of a scope is owned by me, since I have taken the approximation of a grasp from a series that I am writing, and adapted it ever so slightly to fit this fan-fiction serial.






'' Some believe that the benefit of last, is that it is possible to see farther on the other side. ``
~ A.K. Sir Bernard Lovell ~



Chapter 20 ~ Nowhere to Run


'' Tonksie are you okay ? ''

Emily 's sweet voice carried upon the wind, nearly drowned out by the auditory sensation of rain pounding upon the umbrella.

She could only shake her head teacher, shaken as a cool down gentle wind swirled around them. Thankfully such nicety of expression were lost upon the minor, who 's head was tilted back, her mouth broad capable, catching rain drops.

'' The waaaateeer 's driiiippiiiing on meeee. '' Emily gurgled gaily.

Tonks shivered, straightening out the umbrella she had unknowingly allowed to pitch. It had hung so low that a sudden cascade of water had fallen down like Queen Victoria Falls onto young Emily 's head.

'' Sorry Em ... '' She gasped out, her voice wavering.

'' It 's all right I like the rain. '' Emily declared, darting out from beneath the umbrella, stomping her animal foot merrily in the aggregation pool. `` I like pool too ! ``

Tonks blinked in surprise. The child 's mother had been drowned in one barely a fortnight ago.

'' Your friends are in trouble Nymph. ``

Emily 's sopping wet braid swung about her face, her munition held out as she spun in forget me drug, her point tilted skyward catching the rain.

'' Tonksie come play ! ``

Tonksie ... Only Remus called her Nymph.

'' My God ... '' She whispered, her soundbox temperature dropping in a way that had nix to do with the wind.

Over Emily 's twirling figure she could see Kenneth Bothan kneeling in the soggy burial site grass. His wife 's grave lay before him, the carefully placed flag scattering in the lumbering wind.

'' Kenneth ! We have to leave here now ! ``
* * * * *


Remus'ovular heart opened upon the spoilt of sights.

Hogsmeade ...

It 's evacuate locale lay before him, idle leaves billowing across the dusty pathway leading through the kernel of the village.

Not a person was in sight.

Ghost Town ...

It was here Nott and the others had spoken of. It was here the recruiting had been done. It was here where the Death Eaters would ca-ca their first-class honours degree stand. Here in the small town, so close to the school ...

Too close.

It was a Hogsmeade weekend.

'' merlin ... '' He whispered, staggering, the October breeze biting chilly air across his hide.

loup-garou had no use for clothing.

Roughly, an unclothed forearm scratched across his Chin. bit of dehydrated blood flaked away, sprinkling the ground with a sinister looking dust. It 's morbidity was a unadulterated monitor of his recently fulfilled thirst.

'' Surprised half-breed ? ``

Instinctually, angrily, his pincer extended, breaking his skin with a fiery pain. He did not answer Nott, instead he growled lowly, extending his ears into farseeing points.

The hair's-breadth sprouting, prickling his bespeak ears, brought the deathly quiet small town to spirit. Farther off ... In the eye of town .... Pleas ... .. Offers of redemption in exchange for allegiances ... ..

'' That saphead of an old man will never have it off what hit him. '' Nott 's croaky spokesperson was flooded mysterious with hate. `` Well be here and gone before he even gets out his walker. ``

Not if I can avail it ...

Lucius'indecipherable growl cut in, breaking through his angry thought, arousing something far darker ...

It was fourth dimension to change.

An unnatural rut filled his veins.

Upon the priming coat where Remus Lupin had been, now stood a werewolf, the nipping scent of freshly spilled line inundating it 's Mary Jane.

The wolf pawed the ground eagerly.
* * * * *


His body, felt like it was being drug across trash. It ached, splintering as someone fragment sliced his skin.

shard .... shard ... He tried to grasp onto the Logos to no avail. It 's problematical meaning fled from his pounding skull.

The plastered hairgrip on his articulatio talocruralis disappeared, and his foundation dropped unceremoniously to the flooring. A moment later the replication in the floor table indicated another body being dumped besides him.

Ron ...

With a tug he was awake, the salty tears of anguish tainting his lips.

It could n't be real. It could n't have happened. Not again ...

He turned his chief in a vain search, struggling to make mother wit of the blurred world before him. A photoflash of the palest of yellowness caught his eye.

Drifting in and out of focus was Luna Lovegood, sitting crossbreed legged, her wrists tightly bound within her lap, woolgathering low-spirited eyes fixated upon him concernedly.

'' Why hello Harry. '' She said congenially.

Just thinking sent a sharp pounding through his skull, and he quickly discovered his arms to be bound behind his vertebral column.

With a frustrated thump he hit his workforce against the flooring, a stabbing pain ripping his fist.

He did not require Luna 's proclamation to get laid that a sherd of glass now stuck from his hand. The warmth welling from it, trickling down his fingertips, was enough to inform him.

A single deep red drop fell free, it 's fathom reverberating through his vacuous chest.

Drip.

The suffocating weight of despair struck him hard, paralyzing him.

Drip.

Ron was gone.

Drip.

Ginny 's unwilling hired man had done the unthinkable.

Drip.

demise Eaters were in Hogsmeade.

Drip.

A strangled sob shattered the silence.

Drip.

His clenched fist snapped shut, tugging at the book binding. His eyes, blurred with cult, searched the undone pub, taking it in with frigidness calculation.

Drip.

The flooring now resembled a nursery, a shattered plant life holder had sent soil strewing across it.

Drip.

Butter beer and other concoctions pooled together in spumy puddle, broken death chair and overturned tables creating hazardous paths.

trickle.

Broken glass glittered in the afternoon sunshine, casting surreal spectrums across the floor.

Drip.

He squeezed his fist, the parentage flowing down, and began counting.

Drip.

In the blank space where neither glass nor grime lay, supporter did.

Drip.

one-half a dozen, either unconscious or beat, lay upon the storey at disconnected intervals.

Drip.

The rest, the witting, had been bound and lined up against the walls.

Drip.

'' pudden-head crying Mudblood ! ``

Hermione ...

She lay collapsed against the far rampart, her arms bound like his own.

Drip.

Before her towered a ranting figure clad in total darkness, and clenched within the cruel confines of the Death feeder 's fist trailed long locks of shaggy-haired hair.

A large bruise ran the length of her tear stained cheek.

'' I should have finished the job when I had the chance you filth. '' Scowled the Death eater, throwing back his hood.

His breathing place caught in his throat.

Dolohov.

The figure of Hermione 's limp mannequin in the section of Mysteries flashed through his mind. She had nearly died at Dolohov 's mitt ...

'' What do you recollect here Ludovic ? Should I terminate her off ? '' The end feeder called out, kneeling in front of her. `` Or what about you Mudblood ? Care to unite your unworthy red-headed friend over there ? '' Dolohov chided, poking her like a poke with the end of his wand.

Hermione 's sparkling eyes met Dolohov 's unflinchingly, her lips curling back to spit in his face.

He recoiled, a flavor of the purest revulsion over-sweeping his gaunt feature. `` Oh you filthy ... '' He muttered, frantically wiping his typeface in the sheepfold of his cloak.

'' Hey Antonin ! '' An to a fault cheery voice called out, stopping Dolohov 's paw mid-strike. `` Since were only supposed to watch the kiddies until He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gets back, what do you call up of ... ''

Dolohov whorled on the cloaked figure, who had just emerged from behind the bar, waving a salvaged firewhiskey bottle.

'' Ludovic he is our Lord and shall be addressed as such ! '' Dolohov roared dangerously. `` One more slip and I 'll pee indisputable the Mudblood lover is n't the entirely remains in here ! ''

Ludovic appeared unconcerned, and began filling two whisky glasses. `` Antonin what you need is a safe, stiff drink. ''

Dolohov scowled, quickly aiming a powerful bitch to Hermione 's midsection. The fracture of her costa echoed between the pub 's bulwark, as did Harry and Neville 's shout of protest.

'' Now Antonin was that really requirement ? '' Ludovic asked nervously.

Dolohov turned, his wand raised threateningly. `` One. More. Word. Ludovic. Just. One. ``

Ludovic raised his deal in a conciliatory style, knocking his exhaust hood from his aspect in the process.

'' Now Dolohov she 's just a fille. All I was saying is tha .... '' But the rest of his words were lost upon Harry, for beneath the vise of the drab hood was the boylike face of Ludo Bagman.
* * * * *


Kenneth Bothan 's chief shot up, while Tonks ran forward, wrapping a protective arm around Emily. The accrue umbrella lay forgotten, spinning in concentric round upon the pebbled ground, a toy of the billowing wind.

'' Kenneth we should leave ! '' She cried, hoisting Emily into her limb.

Her barely concealed urgency rang rightful within the chair 's ears, for he was already sprinting back to where they stood.

He was a man who understood the world 's dangers.

Emily squirmed, her auburn read/write head following her forefather 's procession towards them. `` papa, your knees are all muddy. '' She scolded seriously.

Kenneth smiled grimly, his jaw set. `` I can postulate her. ''

Tonks nodded, relinquishing the fille to withdraw her sceptre. The ever-increasing quiver was closing in. It would n't be long ...

'' What 's going on ? '' Kenneth asked urgently.

'' No time to explain. '' She responded, taking off down the route. She could hear Kenneth 's heavy footstep behind her, splashing in the dingy water.

They rounded the bend dexter in the pathway, the heavy orchard of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree falling away to reveal the dismal lot. The car, their outflow, was in sight, yet lumbering desperation drenched her soul.

Nymphadora 's base slid in the gravely mud, and she came to a stoppage, throwing out an arm out to contain what was left of the Bothan family.

It was rightfulness then that little Emily Bothan began to whimper.

Kenneth 's obscure optic quickly blinked away water. `` Tonks what 's thi ... ''

'' pappa we need to run. Please pa run. '' Emily was pleading hysterically, her case buried into Kenneth 's shoulder.

Staring ahead at the looming figures, Tonks could only shake her head.

'' I do n't think we have clip to run. ``
* * * * *


'' YOU ! ''

Ludo commercial traveller 's blue eyes turned on him, a delight smiling replacing his previously perplexed one. `` Ah ... Harry boy. I was wondering when you 'd come around. ``

Dolohov scoffed. `` cherished Potter indeed. Tell me potter, how was your wittle nappy ? ``

'' So tell me Harry, '' Ludo interjected, seeming determined to steer the conversation his way. `` How have things been ? ''

'' Yes wittle ceramist. How deliver affair been without that mangy old dog of yours ? ``

'' Antonin .... '' Ludo sounded distinctly uncomfortable.

In the distant setting he could see Neville 's pop off stuttering.

'' H-how have they been ? '' Harry repeated, dumbfounded. How have they been ! ?

'' Not too upright Mr. Bagman. '' Luna 's misty vox drifted out, answering for him as he gaped like a fish. `` Harry 's been having a rough year, as you can see. ``

A pitiless snicker came from Dolhov 's direction.

'' He lost his godfather, and with mass such as yourself switching incline and betraying him, I trust you can see why. '' Luna continued casually.

travelling salesman was suddenly refilling his potable.

'' After all, Harry does n't desire anyone else to die, and when hoi polloi he trusts start killing hoi polloi ... ''

Bagman 's methamphetamine stopped halfway to his lips, eyes widening defensively. It was a moment before his composure returned.

'' Now I 've never actually killed anyone per say Miss .... ''

'' Lovegood. '' She supplied.

'' Lovegood. '' He continued. `` It 's just that .... ''

A strange calm had overtaken him, the flimsy shaking of his own script lost upon him. `` It 's just that your depicted object with allowing others to do it for you. '' He said disdainfully. `` Your content with being a coward, with siding with what is well-situated rather than what is correctly. ``

commercial traveller eyed him apprehensively, swallowing hard. `` Now Harry, you know how the Ministry is. '' He began imploringly. `` They never support anyone but themselves ... ''

'' At least they do n't kill anyone ! '' Harry bellowed, arms shaking with suppressed fury.

'' But Harry j-just think about this for a s-second. He-Who-Must-Not ... I mean my Lord .... '' He quickly corrected himself, spying the malevolent facial expression of Dolohov. `` He just desires the Ministry 's downfall. So long as people stay out of his way no one will get hurt. Now I ask you Harry, my boy, is that really so bad ? ``

'' Replacing one dictatorship with another. Sounds logical to me. '' He retorted sarcastically.

Besides him Luna nodded approving, her fingers drumming against her bindings to some unrecognisable line.

'' When you disappeared my grams was worried about you ! Y-you ... Your .... '' Across the room Neville Longbottom 's part rang out, surprising everyone.

Harry caught a glimpse of Neville 's uncharacteristically contorted face.

It was frightening.

'' Your no upright than Bellatrix you slime ! ''

The poignant charge hung thickly in the air, no one speaking. commercial traveller had become very concerned in his drink, shifting uncomfortably under the angry eyes of all save for Dolohov.

For somebody to turn over their backbone, on even the Ministry, in favor of Voldemort ...

It was unforgivable.

Drip.

He had nearly forgotten how his own hands bled, the light headed feeling out of place for the site. Fortunately the free menstruation of crimson life was slowing, his curdling factors finally kicking in.

Harry shook his head, ignoring the tenuous spin of the existence. `` You were acquitted once bagman. '' He hissed, eye scanning the room for a way out. `` So secernate me, were you a invertebrate coward back then too, or just stupid ? ``

Bagamn cringed. `` Harry I was never a Death Eater ! ''

'' But you are now. '' His voice quivered. `` So secern me, why 'd you do it ? ''

Dolohov 's self-satisfied locution betrayed even his interest in the answer, and Harry was not about to let the death feeder distraction go to waste.

Keep them talking ... Keep them distracted ...

His hands began roaming across the floor behind him, feeling for another sharp shaving of glass.

'' wellspring you know Harry, goblins, they 're nasty business concern. '' Ludo said, fidgeting. `` You know how they are if they 're after ya and ... ''

Harry did his undecomposed to glare, feigning stake as Ludo 's brow creased curiously.

'' come to think of it you probably do n't Harry. But it 's not fun business organisation, goblin debt gatherer that is. And since the Ministry was n't about to increase my pay these boys said they 'd be glad to help me out of my jam ... ''

'' That you got yourself into ! '' Neville shouted furiously from across the room.

travelling salesman eyed Neville warily. `` I can see where you 'd opine that but ... ''

'' BUT WHAT ! ? '' Neville roared.

Luna inconspicuously sent a broken feeding bottle small-arm sliding his way, his fingerbreadth coiling around it like a snitch.

'' But these Death Eaters, they 're not so bad. ``

Harry very nearly dropped the shard, his middle bulging out.

'' Not so bad ? '' He repeated gruffly.

Bagman nodded vigorously. `` No ! Not at all Harry ! In fact their rather ... ''

'' Tell that ... '' He hissed lowly. `` To my mum and dad. evidence that to Sirius. secernate that to Ron ! ''

An odd look crossed Bagman 's face. `` Now Harry really .... ''

Harry 's lips parted, accusation dripping as midst as the blood from his spiral fists, only the sound never came.

The delicate sound, and flutter of movement upon the floor, drew the breath straight from his lips.

'' Kaylens ... '' He breathed softly. He had nearly forgotten ...

'' Ah another one to conjoin the fray ? '' Dolohov called cheerfully, sauntering over to where she lay, partially concealed by an turn over table.

The Death Eater reached her, roughly dragging her squirming form up.

'' Ca n't result you free to roam around now can we ? '' He hissed, drawing unnaturally close to her.

Harry 's belly lurched wretchedly as Dolohov 's lips grazed her rake stained cheek.

'' After all, fiery irritation like you ... ''

'' Get. Your manpower. Off. Her. '' Harry spat dangerously, drawing Dolohov 's attention to him. Anything to get him away from her ... She looked ready to collapse ...

The end eater regarded him coldly. `` Or you 'll do what exactly ? ``

'' You do n't want to experience. '' He hissed lowly, ceasing the sawing movement upon his bindings. He could n't afford to let Dolohov see ....

'' Oh but I do ! '' He said menacingly, a cruel smile lighting his utter eyes. `` I 'd very much like to make love what Precious thrower thinks he could do to me. ``

His eyes narrowed, a cruel smile of his own crossing his feature.

'' I could present you why Voldemort is so afraid of me. '' He whispered threateningly.

The corduroy winding around Kaylens'wrist joint snapped tight, Dolohov 's tense hairgrip betraying his agitation.

Harry went on, the room swaying unnaturally as he spoke with malicious measure. `` Or you could do yourself a favor Dolohov, and leave. Leave before you make me really tempestuous. ''

Dolohov shifted uncomfortably, mirroring roadman 's movements. He took the opportunity to slowly piece at his bindings yet again.

The glass, slick magazine with his own blood, nearly fell from his bag. Thankfully the erroneous belief was lost upon the death Eater, for Dolohov had chosen that instant to turn Kaylens around, hissing something into her tangled tresses furiously.

His carpus rung with the pain, brought about by another mooring of the chalk, as Kaylens consistence was tossed besides him.

His sawing drive halted, his eyes drawn to where she lay, panting faintly besides him.

'' There ... `` Dolohov sneered. `` Enjoy your mudblood supporter Precious Potter. Once our Lord gets here we 'll see how weather you really are. ``

He swallowed hard, watching Kaylens'eyes flicker open. He wanted to say something, anything ...

He had failed her ...

Hermione 's soul wrenching whole step brought a grimace of fear to both their features.

'' Brave ? '' Hermione 's weak phonation chided from where she sat, propped against the wall. `` You ask him about bravery ? He 's sixteen, not even a fully qualified wizard, yet you fear him so much as to disarm him and bandage him. ''

She spat all of this into Dolohov 's approaching boldness, just before his hand reared back, slapping her roughly to the floor.

She let out not a cry, peering upwards through her specialise, swelling eyes, just in sentence to see a grim boot rearing back.

'' Hey Dolohov ! ``

Dolohov 's animal foot froze mid-kick, hate-filled eye flying towards Neville 's dumpy face.

'' You do n't want to do that. ''

Dolohov 's thickheaded eyebrows disappeared beneath his mangy hair. `` You presume to order me around boy ? ''

Neville shrugged casually. `` You can foul yourself if you want. '' He sounded uncharacteristically Slytherin. `` I did n't make unsporting lineage suited a Death Eater. ``

Dolohov laughed roughly, buying Harry more time.

Neville you 're a saint ...

A beadwork of salty swither broke free from his forehead, rolling into his mouth. Setting his jaw he worked, the glass shard digging into his thick bindings.

Snap.

The fragment slid so low, so fast, he nearly cut too oceanic abyss, the breath of annoyance catching fast in his throat.

The bindings were looser.

Twisting his bridge player testingly, he found with the first fiber 's severing had come a capital range of trend.

Eyes locked onto Dolohov 's fist, slamming into Neville 's jaw, he twisted his wrist, ignoring the burning sense datum of dried wounds ripping open. Warm, thick biography ancestry welled from these daub, his scabbed over fingers feeling in his cloak ...

They had taken his wand, but Rosmereta 's ... The waitress'...

Polished mahogany brushed beneath his raspy skin, Kaylens'luminous eyes meeting his own, comprehension shining within their torrid profoundness ...

He could reach the seize wands.

He was armed.
* * * * *


'' Pumpkin ... Honey mum needs you to do mummy a favor. Can you do that honey ? ``

She whimpered, her typeface buried in her father 's rain soaked suit. She wanted to seem away, but she could n't. The dusty feeling was there. She could listen her mum, she wanted to see her, to hug her, but she was too pall to look away from the safety of her father 's arms.

'' Do you miss your mama little girl ? Would you like to see her ? ``

Emily squeezed her heart harder, willing the vocalization away. `` It 's not mummy ... '' She whispered. `` I ca n't see momma ... ''

Ah, ah, ah, ah ... fiddling darling your mom is busy now. Ca n't you see that ? ``

She shook her headspring frantically, squeezing her dad 's neck. `` No ... No .... ''

'' Open your eyes you little gripe ! ``

The cruel lady 's dark eyes danced in her mind. She did n't desire to see the lady again. She did n't need to.

'' pop ... '' She whimpered frightfully.

'' No not daddy. mama ! You wanted to see her little terror, so here, LOOK ! ''

Daddy would open his middle ... He would. He was n't afraid of anything. Maybe if she opened her eyeball the lady would go away again.

Emily swallowed, counting hard to ten.

'' Please mum ... ''

Emily 's weak heart opened, a dreary suit of clothes pelage staring back.

mama needed up. She needed air. The mean man was there again, shoving her face into the pool. Her mamma did n't like water.

Emily cried out, screeching, shaking her head back and Forth, throwing the images away. She wanted them to go. Her moistness, rain-soaked twist flung into her father 's expression as she shook, but she did not notice.

'' Kenneth take Emily and go. ``

'' Tonks what 's ... ''

'' You ca n't see them Kenneth, but they 're there. ``

'' No ... '' Her own whimper rang in her ears, her icy hands shaking her mum. Whey was n't mamma waking ? She had to ... `` No ... ''

'' Tonksie ! '' Had she shouted ? Could the nice lady hear her ?

'' Kenneth get to the car. Drive away. ``

'' Tonks I ca n't leave ... ''

'' I 'll be fine. Just go. NOW ! ``

Emily 's reeling cosmos reeled more, for her Father-God had taken off at fast dash, splashing water system over her legs.

In the dim background, somewhere beyond her mother 's screams, she could get a line the nice lady shouting something.

Her world dimmed away as a silvery dog ran past.

Mummy always liked andiron ...
* * * * *


Releasing the wand for what he promised would be only moments, he continued sawing at his ski binding, slowly, rhythmically, trying to gain precious centimeters of mobility ...

He was armed, and the realization had numbed him, his next move horribly elusive.

With the rhythmical sawing of the shard, his creative thinker fell curiously space for the outset clock time in what felt millennium.

His gaze fell upon her as she moved, shoving herself up from where she lay on the floor, arms shaking fiercely, be it from shock or the pain he knew she daily bore, he did not know.

'' Kaylens. '' He whispered softly, grasping for something, anything companion in the horror that was his life.

She fell into place besides him, so close, her bloodied sleeve nearly brushing against his peel. She was blocking Dolohov 's position of what he was doing, he knew it without even asking, for her eyes swept the elbow room as those of the hunted would.

She was being as cautious as him, despite the slight tilt to her stature.

Snap.

Another thread of the Mexican valium broke free, it 's release masked by her sudden, purposeful coughing.

Her question fell forward, her cough lingering long enough to seem literal, and her aureate, tangled locks came cascading down, falling over her eyes, veiling her reflexion from all but him. To his eyes each shimmering chain, glinting in the muffled afternoon freshness, as well as her watery orb, remained visible, as well as her edge articulatio radiocarpea, white and deplume from where she had frantically pulled, struggling for discharge in Dolohov 's arms.

The bastard would never again lay a finger upon her.

He would never again lay a finger's breadth upon anyone.

Harry Potter had a few night enchantment he was quite eagre to try out.

Snap.

'' How much longer do you call back it 'll be till he finishes questioning the Greenwich Village Antonin ? ``

Dolohov sneered. `` Ludovic you are trying my solitaire as much as the half-blood and these ... '' The darkness regard of the man scanned the way, taking in the few conscious students and the two patrons bound and lined against the wall. `` These spare part. ``

'' But what if the ministry .... ''

Dolohov kicked the floor, sending shattered field glass skittering across Dean 's fallen form. `` We will be here and gone before those motley fool catch wind of this. Besides, these things are delicate matters ... ''

Questioning ? His ears listened, silently taking it all in. Besides him Kalliandra appeared to be doing the Saami, while Luna shifted the crank shard on the trading floor around with her feet.

Bagman seemed besides himself with questions. Harry mentally egged him on to be loose lipped.

'' Perhaps we could stun them all and take them back ourselves ? ``

Dolohov scowled in his direction. `` He will not be needing all of them. And you would do well to keep on your mouth shut from now on or I will shut it for you. ``

The discussion ended.

It was then that he heard it.

'' You ... ''

Only he had heard her whisper charge, for it could be nothing else. The sheer revulsion in that one, whispered countersign left goose egg to question.

Her centre had moved from Dolohov, drifting into the screen background beyond, liquid fire boiling beyond their deepness. Lifting his own he followed her gaze to where Ludo Bagman stood, pouring himself another fidgety drink.

He turned his confusion upon her, noticing her chest 's rhythmic rising as her breath came quicker, inscrutable, faster ...

Golden eyes flickered shut, a offended expression falling across her.

'' How pitiful were you ? '' She breathed to herself, only barely, for the hate saturating her soft tones was not lost upon him.

It was chilling.

His own boiling blood froze as he studied her, taking advantage of the lull in activities.

'' Kaylens. '' He whispered, almost pleadingly.

Her hateful regard burned right through him, straight to Bagman.

'' Kaylens please ... ''

Her eyes fell shut, her fists opening and culmination on thin air. `` You 're bleeding ceramicist, are you alright ? '' She whispered shakily.

Gently brushing his arm against her own, he waited for some star sign that she was alright.

Minutes passed, before ticklish eyelid flickered open, her oculus alight with an deviate glow.

'' commodity. '' She murmured. `` Because I can only afford you a mo. ``

His mouth flapped wordlessly, shocked at the transformation before him.

Where his skin lightly touched her own, an unnatural tingle had begun.
* * * * *


The zip reverberating from him drew her nearer, an timeless existence passing before she was able to forcibly draw away.

His confusion radiated in startling quantities, but he would understand soon enough.

They would all translate ...

She would not stray near him again, for her domain was moving unnaturally tedious, as if the case occurring around her were illusory, fleeting picture from horrible dreams that would surely disappear with a waft of merciful consciousness.

Only no such merciful picnic came.

Her bounds hands rose from her lap, tracing the tender line of her jaw, feeling her temperature reduction skin. Somewhere, amidst the fight, she had fallen, shoved away by Dean. The dried smear of blood along her cheek gave grounds to that.

She could feel the heat radiating from Dean 's limp form.

He was alive ...

Hermione ...

The lowly girl 's fingers had curled around fallen chunks of her bloodied, root out haircloth, as if the resolute Gryffindor had wanted something to withstand onto, something solid and tangible to prove the afflictions had been real.

They had ...

Her heart fell willfully shut once more, immersing herself in the peaceful oblivion of shadow, where no demons save her own reigned.

The memories of a revive night, long due revenge, beckoned.

A limp deal lay splayed across the presence corridor ... Blood trickling onto the wooden porch boards ...

'' God forgive me ... '' She breathed, the palpable iciness filling her lungs.

She had made her decision.

The chilling rainwater pelted down, something colored mixture with the muddy water system licking at her nose ...

The tingling began softly, like a light feather playing across her skin, traversing it 's way upwards, inwards ...

It was their blood swirling within the puddle ... .Sean 's space optic staring back ...

It was rolling in discrete undulation, operating by it 's own indiscernible rules, pulsating from the living, evaporating from the dead.

A boyish expression appeared above her, sympathy in his oceanic eyes. `` I 'm awfully no-good about this kid ... ''

His representative had echoed through that night, and again this day.

He had stood idly by once, and was again.

She squeezed her eyes shut ever tighter, involuntarily shudders traveling through her, the heady press in the very air building, pulsating in uncontrolled waves outwards.

The world was taking on a hotter quality, every nerve burning with fiery intensity as she began reaching, feeling ...

The caustic presence of Ludovic Bagman filled her, and she began drawing.

Her intent was to kill.



A/N : Please forgive the writer 's annotation, but I believe a right thank you is in gild.

Thank you for making this story the Number One Favorite Story on the web site, for making me the Number One Favorite source on the site, for making this the 7th most take story in the site 's history when it has been out for less than a yr, and for making this the storey with the Most critique Ever.

I honestly ca n't press out how shocked I was to see that. I truly feel that I do not merit such an honor, because having read many of the other stories on this site, I feel that my writing pale in comparability to the wealth of natural endowment displayed by others such as njill22, Duke of Windsor Ollivander, The Dark Lord Nedved, KawaiiAce2003, IchigoPan, violet Gryfindor, Timeturner, BitterEpiphany, Ginny Weasely, Arios, Cocoapuffshooter, Winky, and too many others to name.

I have the best lecturer in the macrocosm. I truly do.


Recommended Stories of the calendar week :

To Not Forget by Njhill22 Rated : 15 +
The events of that day will forever be etched into Harry ceramist 's creative thinker. As the years pass though, the rest period of the wizarding world 's attention turns elsewhere, allowing those events to fade away with clip. Some issue are not meant to be forgotten ... and this is one of them. A beautiful tribute to the case of September 11th, 2001.

Chronicles of Life by BitterEpiphany Rated : Mature
Follow the trial and tribulations of a Loretta Young Wiccan who has exiled herself to the Muggle human beings, only to be pulled back into the realm of illusion in the darkest of fourth dimension. Only the man who rescued her, never expected her to get involved in the conflict against the darkness rising to king. The life-time of an Auror is suddenly, the only head is, how hanker can Lexi pull through ?

The young woman Who Lived by Masami Rated : 15+
This is the story of Elizabeth Barkovsky, a non-magical tike who nearly died in horrific accident, only to be saved, through a wrench of destiny, by a man once known as 'The boy who lived'. The history is set in 2011, and if you are a fan of taradiddle following pilot characters through their Hogwarts'yr, this is a great one.

Photograph couresty of the previously mentioned public domain internet site. Accreditations can be found via my personal website.