Having spent the entire day avoiding all of his protagonist, Ron decided to skip dinner party completely. Ignoring his rumbling tum, he changed out of his school robes and into jeans and a sweatshirt before collapsing across his bed and staring angrily at the ceiling. life history wasn't fair… it was a concept he'd been confronted with over and over, he didn't understand why it continued to surprise him. He was tired of being offered the promise of happiness only to have it ripped away. OK, so maybe he'd never had a opportunity with Hermione… but Luna had been his, they'd been in love and either one or both of them had ruined it. But he'd wanted to break up up the pieces after, she was the one who'd been so convinced it was over. And this year- at one point he'd thought Anapurna was just the distraction he'd needed, that he could uprise closer with her and defecate something of it… And then Jacinda Nicolau had walked into his life… It had seemed a miracle that she'd returned his interestingness in her, but then she left and uncollectible, Parvati had been taken away and was now suffering who knew what fate because he hadn't been open-eyed to her and her needs as he should have been. After all, he'd agreed to set out dating her before he even knew Jacey existed, Anapurna should have been his first concern.

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

He sat up at the sudden sharp knock on his doorway and quickly strengthened the buckler around his intellect, figuring Harry had somehow picked up on his thoughts and was now coming to hash things out. Taking a deep breathing space in preparation, he got up and went to the door quick to separate whoever it was to go away… but when he opened it, no one was there.

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

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

'' Turns out my line of work does not use up me as far from the rook as I had thought. I was having the opportunity to do see you tonight and so I took it. '' She answered, suddenly having bother meeting his gaze. `` Harry has told me what happened with Parvati and that you are sad. I am so sorry about this. ``

'' It's not your error. '' Ron sighed, slightly upset to find that Harry had sent her to see him.

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

'' I don't want to listen it. '' He quickly shook his head and squeezed her hand. `` I've been over it and over it in my head for the terminal two days, Annapurna's parents arrived today and are staying in the castle until we find her… it's already too practically right now. I don't want to know anymore unless you can tell me exactly where she is. ``

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

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

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

'' fountainhead, uh… I mean, um… ''

She laughed and put her finger to his sassing, silencing his endeavour to explicate. Then she smiled coyly, staring into his eyes before leaning in to lightly sweep her lips against his. `` Perfect. '' She whispered as she leaned back with her middle closed and a soft smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

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

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

feel confident, Ron leaned in and fully captured her lips. His cheek was instantly rewarded as she returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around his cervix to constrict herself against him. And then the rug was ripped out from under him as she pulled away, ending the best thing he'd ever begun to experience.

'' I can not stay. '' She said, looking away almost guiltily while hugging her weapon system around herself. `` I just wanted to tell you, to let you eff that I am not forgetting you. ``

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

Her paw lingered over his as she took it from him. `` Just retrieve, if you are needing to lecture to someone, I am not far… If you call out to me- '' She reached out and tapped her finger against his brow before ruffling his hair's-breadth. `` -I will most likely hear you and if I do, I promise I will resolve. ``

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

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

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

( BREAK )

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

Draco shared an amused grin with ceramicist as both boys agreed to sustain Tonks in the dark. Lupin led them deep into the woods, letting the boys handle the task of floating Tristan along as the man had claimed it to be their mess to clean up, he was simply there to see that they did it right field. The corpse was hidden under genus Draco's invisibleness cloak as ceramicist had leant his to Jacey, but the further they went, the More difficulty they were having in maintaining the spell to retain it in the air. `` oasis't we gone far enough ? '' He asked, not wanting to get to actually carry Tristan's body.

'' I suppose we have. No one should be able to see the firing from here. '' lupine replied, stopping their progression. `` Besides, there's a big Ash Tree right wing over there. ``

Letting the corpse dip to the terra firma, he went with ceramicist to facilitate gather adequate wood for the undertaking ahead of them. While they did that, lupine began making a ring of stones around Tristram, instructing the boys to cover the vampire completely with the wood. When they were finished, Draco wiped the sweat from his brow and removed his pelage despite the frigid temperature.

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

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

Both boys watched with a sort of twisted fascination as he bent down and moved the peg away from Tristan's head and pulled the vampire's mouthpiece open while ignoring the jagged opus of Grant Wood still sticking out of his eye. Picking up one of the spell of Ash next to him, lupin turned away before solidly jamming it down Tristan's pharynx. `` We have to be sure to get the attack down inside him too. '' He said, quickly covering the head word back up. `` And now we light it. ``

All three pointed their wand and stepped back as the pile of wood exploded within the stone rotary. This was the cobbler's last form of their nighttime deed and genus Draco was sword lily that Ginny had chosen to follow Luna's Pb and stay behind. He didn't even really desire to be a witness to this, it was better that one of them have the while of mind to never have to relive this bit. Tristram's peel seemed to sizzle and almost wow as the Ash Sir Henry Wood burned down. lupine had of course been right about how the wood would damp the lamia's natural defenses… but they stayed until there was nothing before them but a glowing pile of embers, just to be sure.

( BREAK )

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

With a trashy grunt he threw his rest away and unwillingly got out of bed. Flinging unfold the room access, he regarded his mother warily. `` What ? '' He demanded, too tired to care about being rude.

'' And a good morning to you too, though it's nearly tiffin time. '' She returned. `` You really should get to bed former dear. ``

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

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

'' okey, I'll be right down. '' He promised, suddenly wide of the mark awake as a Wave of aflutter nausea washed over him. Closing the door on her, he tore loose the gasbag but the promissory note inside wasn't helpful- it was simply a request that he come in to the storehouse as soon as possible. That wasn't like Lee at all, if there was a problem he wasn't afraid to quetch about it in full detail.

Throwing the useless Federal Reserve note aside, he rushed to get dressed and brush his teeth, simply running his fingers through his hairsbreadth as he hurried down the stair. Grabbing his coat and kissing his female parent sayonara, he left the house and climbed into the waiting ministry car. It took every ounce of willpower he had not to just apparate from the backseat to the store, but not knowing what awaited him he knew it was better to arrive with an actual Auror.

They parked outside the Leaky caldron and hurried through to Diagon back street, trying to hurry without being detectable as they made their way to the store. Fred was surprised to find it closed up, with the shades drawn and the look door locked. `` Hey, hail in there with me, okay ? '' Fred asked the guard, pulling out both his scepter and his keys.

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

'' I don't know, but it's not upright. '' Fred unlocked the door and let the other man go in ahead of him. awe tingled along his brass as he followed, but the salesroom was void and aught seemed out of place. `` Lee ? '' He called out nervously.

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

He rushed over, entering the office to notice Lee spread out on the floor and bleeding from a wound on his head. Kneeling beside him, Fred was capable to see that his friend was still breathing. `` He's active. '' He assured the guard who was busy searching the loo for enemies.

'' okay, give pressure to his wound. '' The man replied, moving to the threshold. `` I'll yell for computer backup. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Perhaps. '' She shrugged again. `` Perhaps I just ask to find the right positive influence. ``

'' And perhaps you're just bat son of a bitch crazy. '' He replied meanly, wanting to allow for her in no question as to his opinion of her.

'' You could be right… sentence will enjoin. '' She smiled coyly. `` Don't concern, individual will number along to clean up my hatful after we leave. seminal fluid on, I'm only giving us an hour. ``

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

'' We're going to your burial vault in the bank and then I'm giving us a point of accumulation of one hour to betray for all the apparel and supply we'll motivation to disappear… and then we'll disappear. '' She laughed.

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

'' I see, you want me to take on by the normal while you run around breaking them ? Thanks to you, Willem can no longer be a contribution of this… '' Elanya scolded. `` You didn't play the game right. ``

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

'' You told people about all of this… you involved Hermione Granger and so now the ruler have changed. We are leaving today Fred and you will take on the plot correctly from now on or she will answer the penalisation. ``

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

'' Everyone must catch some Z's sometime. '' She sneered.

'' Meaning ? ``

'' I'm indisputable Harry and Luna informed you of the trip to Azkaban and I'm sure they told you that they know it was Sarah working through Cho… All Sarah needs is a location and an unconscious mind vessel that she could make do anything at all, from hurting someone else to taking a pass off the top of the high-pitched tug at Hogwarts. It doesn't matter how defend Hermione sodbuster is, she can't stay awake forever. ``

Fred glared at her as his brain worked overtime trying to see a way out of this, or at safe, a way to warn Hermione and perhaps bear Luna or Harry try to assist protect her psyche while she slept. Feeling the weight of the compact in his pocket, he wondered how long it would be until he could find the time to use it.

'' I'll rent your silence as begrudging acceptation. '' Elanya said, offering him a falsely sweet smiling. `` And before you get those wheel turning too fast, I won't be giving you the chance to warn your little lady friend or your particular friends about any of this. We've thought of everything and neither Harry nor Luna will be given the chance to help oneself. '' It was almost as if she could read his idea though he knew that wasn't the case, she was simply being thorough in explaining the hopelessness of his situation. Using extreme will, Fred was able to sustain from reaching in his sac and grabbing the powder compact to pull in a sense of solace. Instead he used the fact that Luna was already helping and could therefore involve Harry to quieten himself.

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

Elanya regarded him suspiciously. `` Just like that ? I expected a little more than electric resistance. ``

'' What more do you want ? '' He cried, throwing his munition out in defeat. `` You win ! You've beaten all the engagement out of me ! What am I supposed to do ? One wrong motility on my office and it means something bad for Ron or Ginny or Hermione… so okay, I agree to the damage. Let's just go already ! ``

'' Give me your scepter. '' She demanded, holding out her hand. In the only small act of defiance he could wangle, Fred threw it at her feet instead. She smirked with amusement as she bent to retrieve it, putting both wands in her handbag. `` There's just one More thing. '' She pulled out a unusual looking device with tons of Inner Light and gauges.

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

'' Just relax and standstill still. '' She ordered, waving the affair over him from his head to his foundation. It suddenly started lighting up and beeping comparable loony as she moved it over his pocket. `` You have a communication twist. '' She grinned.

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

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

Fred hesitated. The compact was the only if grounds he'd so readily agreed to go with her, figuring he'd be able to use it at some point and alarm the others to his predicament.

'' Come on, you don't want to start breaking normal already, do you ? '' She taunted.

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

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

　

　

NOTE : Uh oh… now what's Fred going to do ? Stay tuned for more chapters to bump out ...
Chapter 50 : Searching for the Lost

A/N : Well, so much for my hope to have the fictitious character out of Hogwarts by chapter 50 J So much to deal with here so go ahead, Read, Review and Enjoy !

　

Hermione had woken with an restless feeling in the pit of her belly. By the end of her last course the notion had tripled and she was now sick with concern, having been ineffective to reach Fred all day. `` Hey, are you okay ? '' Harry asked quietly as they walked back to their dorm together.

'' I'm amercement. '' She answered tensely.

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

'' Sorry. '' She loosened her hold and felt him flex his digit. They'd been at each other's side all day whenever they were in public, Harry had apparently decided to once more springiness in to her and Luna with few to no questions. Admittedly his front at her side was the only if thing to give her consolation all day and she was grateful for it.

'' Something's wrong. '' He pushed as they entered the plebeian room.

'' Well- '' Fear and concern overwhelmed her and she suddenly felt the indigence to confess everything if it would help Fred. But just as she was about to splatter it all, she felt her pocket raise warm and nearly collapsed in relief. `` I'll tell you about it later. '' She said quickly before rushing off to her elbow room to be alone.

Nearly dropping the compact as she fumbled to pull it out of her pocket, she eagerly flipped it open only to hold her heart drop painfully to her belly. `` Hermione ? '' Lee stared back at her, though his manifestation was fragmented as if the mirror had been broken. `` Oh ripe, I fixed it ! '' He sighed in fill-in as he caught sight of her on his side.

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

'' I don't know ! '' Lee cried out in foiling. `` I don't call back anything about today before waking up with a splitting cephalalgia. '' He pointed to where his head was now bandaged. `` No one was here, nada was missing… but I found the compact on the storey and smashed to pieces. ``

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

'' I contacted Molly… ''

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

'' She said I had sent a government note earlier asking him to fare to the entrepot and that the ministry safety was supposed to have brought him… I don't recall any of that. '' Lee seemed beyond upset and penny-pinching to tears.

'' Someone must have used a spell and wiped your retentivity. '' She shook her psyche, not knowing how to soothe him when she was so close to panicking herself.

'' Probably, it's what I figured as well. But I didn't want Molly to go worrying and wind up having Arthur ship the whole Auror squad out. It took everything I had to convince her that Fred stopped to pick something up and would be here any minute… So then I tried for the last hr to fix this pudden-head compact to see if maybe Fred went up there to see you again, but that's obviously not the case ... ''

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

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

'' I don't have time to explain now, we have to strike quickly. '' Her intellect was racing a million miles a minute. `` Chester A. Arthur and mollie can't know yet… that will only help the female child'plan. I need you to convince them that Fred went away for some sort of business organization slip for the store, tell them you're going with him so maybe they'll worry less. ``

'' Well, I guess I could disguise my phonation and pen a talking letter to them pretending to be Fred. '' He suggested, always eagre to become theatrical role of their severe risky venture just like the other boys. `` He's OK, isn't he ? ``

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

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

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

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

'' I don't know. You're the maniacal mastermind who hung around Fred and George V all those years, I'm sure you'll find a way. '' Hermione brushed him off. `` I have to go, the sooner I talk to Luna, the sooner we can hopefully figure all this out. ``

( BREAK )

'' I can't bear it anymore ! '' Ginny shouted, throwing her chronicle of deception book across the room. `` It's just sooo very tire. '' She flung herself back on the bed and grabbed the pillow to embrace her face as she screamed her defeat into it.

'' Is this a normal voice of your homework process ? Because we may ingest to get studying alone. '' Dragon teased, ignoring her dramatic art and returning to his Potions essay.

She got up and kneeling in figurehead of him, grabbed his schoolbook and threw it over her shoulder with a sly grin. `` We aren't alone now, so why spend our meter studying anyway ? ``

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

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

'' I surely hope you have better reasons. '' He laughed, getting up to answer. He was utterly surprised to ascertain drake standing there.

'' hullo, sorry to interrupt but I'm here on school line of work. As acting Head of Slytherin household I've come to request your presence in the headmaster's government agency. '' Francis Drake smiled apologetically.

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

'' I have no melodic theme. I was just told to come get you. '' drake shrugged.

He felt Ginny coming up behind him and reached for her bridge player. `` Do I get to go alone ? ``

Sir Francis Drake grinned wider. `` I'm sure as shooting whatever's going on, there would be no objection to Miss Weasley coming along for living. ``

'' Very officious. '' Ginny approved teasingly.

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

As they walked, Dragon began to feel nervous… what could they possibly want to see him about ? Had the headmaster somehow found out about Tristram ? Was Ilium trying to frame him for Parvati's disappearance ? various ideas floated around in his head teacher, none of which were good. In fact, he'd never in his life been called to up there to be given upright news. At the gargoyle, Francis Drake gestured for them to go up first and as they climbed onto the step Draco squeezed Ginny's hand in tense anticipation.

Dumbledore was in the process of handing a letter off to Guy Fawkes as they entered the agency and he turned to them with a forbidding smile. `` Well, none of you ever seem to be alone anymore. howdy Draco, Ginny, why don't you both have a seat. '' He spoke informally as he tended to do when he was in private with his favored educatee. Draco felt almost honored to now be considered one of them. `` Roscoe, I need you to convey professor Trelawney here as she is rather skilled at scrying. ``

'' Who are you trying to find ? '' Draco blurted out. He knew all about the acquirement of scrying… it was something Narcissa had mastered and was lofty to display. In fact, he knew she had been the one to help Lucius settle several hoi polloi including Julian Heath.

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

He could sense Ginny staring at him out of the recession of her eye, but genus Draco couldn't make his genius workplace his back talk to form words. `` What do you think he's disappeared ? '' She finally asked for him.

'' Since the Quibbler article was released, Lucius has been turned away from the decease feeder and Arthur has had several the great unwashed watching him. Yesterday dawn he managed to drop away away from them all and he hasn't been spotted since. ``

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

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

So this was it, the bit that he knew would eventually come. He had to decide whether or not to completely turn his vertebral column on his founding father in order to help the people who had so helped him. Now he had to figure out just how lots he'd changed, what his morality are from what they were, and whether he could fully give himself over and cut all linkup to the two people who had given him lifetime. `` I don't know. '' He said at last, sinking back down into the chair and intuitive feeling horribly confused.

'' I see. '' Dumbledore nodded. `` I'm aware of what I'm request of you and how unfair it is to ask a child to completely turn on their parents. I am sorry for it and only my and Chester A. Arthur's desperation drove us to settle to occur to you ... But you by no means have to answer and I assure you we won't think less of you for it. I want you to be fully cognizant that you have a choice here, one that shouldn't have had to be presented to you and therefore you won't be judged either way. ``

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

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

And he didn't… not with these the great unwashed. Recalling his previous way of life history, he knew Dumbledore and the others weren't aware of the Truth deepness of his father's evil pitilessness. Draco had seen Lucius commit many sins without any signaling of self-reproach, what could he be doing out there now that he'd been outcast by the Death feeder and left on his own ? Knowing what the man was capable of when he was in mastery, Draco hated to think what he was capable of when desperate. `` okeh, give me a quill and sheepskin and I'll write down the locations of every safe house I know about and any other lieu he might go. ``

Dumbledore made no move to fill his postulation, instead continuing to look on in vexation. `` Are you trusted ? ``

'' If he's left out there alone, who knows what he'd do or who he'd hurt to ensure his own survival… I can't have that hanging over my school principal, if I don't try to contain him then I can only share the guilt of his actions. ``

'' And with that thought, I would like you to know how gallant I am of your continued ontogeny. '' The headmaster smiled with sad boost. `` But I want you to be assured that not only are you not to charge for your male parent's activeness, no one would hold it against you if you did feel the need to asseverate some form of loyalty to him as your parent. ``

Draco shook his head. `` No, I've decided. '' He firmly insisted. It took a few present moment to write down everything he knew and by the meter he finished Drake was back with professor Trelawney. Having no desire to witness them attempt to locate Lucius, he made his wish to be dismissed back to his hall apparent. Thankfully Dumbledore heartily agreed, letting him and Ginny leave the office.

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

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

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

'' Of line he would, James and Lily are nada like Lucius and Narcissa. ``

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

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

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

'' You'd form a soundly reporter. ``

'' And you'd make a very unmanageable interview. '' She returned. `` Quit deflecting. ``

'' I don't know how I am. '' He finally answered with a heavy suspiration. `` Part of me is relieved to wash my hands of Lucius and part of me feeling like the worst son ever. ``

'' He's not exactly father of the yr. '' Ginny squeezed his arm and kissed his articulatio humeri. `` There's no very way to be a good tyke to a bad parent. ``

'' You don't have to tell me that. I spent class trying to impress him. '' He answered glumly.

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

'' You tried to kill me too. '' Dragon pointed out, feeling the sudden irrational need to hold his father.

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

'' Yeah, okay it was a dolt thing to say. '' He admitted, stopping in the residence hall outside the rough-cut way and pulling her in for a hug. `` I'm sorry, the two thing were completely different situations… I just… I don't know. ``

Ginny pulled away and smiled, reaching up to place her hired hand on either incline of his human face. `` You're just a little messed up in here right now. '' She playfully shook his head. `` It'll right itself out. ``

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

( BREAK )

'' find anything interesting yet ? '' Luna asked as she pushed the single file to the end of the bed and got to her feet, stretching away the gracelessness caused from sitting too long.

'' A few odd matter here and there. But I'm just now getting into the nineteenth 100. '' Harry took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, shoving his files away as well. `` I had foolishly thought all the files from the drawer marked ‘ Harry Potter'would be about me, but they actually go all the way back to Lyraline Elderwood… though I will accommodate, there's Sir Thomas More detail to these file cabinet than the even ministry record. ``

'' They probably started compiling it the min they figured out that prophesy was about you. '' She smiled. `` It's a safe thing, we should ascertain everything we can about our ascendant so we don't wind up repeating their mistakes. ``

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

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

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

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

Sure enough, Hermione began to frantically strike hard at the threshold and Harry rushed over to let her in. She entered in a shock, her eye wide with fearfulness and despair. Not caring whether Harry was in the room, she rushed over to Luna and quickly told her everything about Lee contacting her and her concern that Elanya had forced Fred to leave early.

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

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

'' So now we have to figure out where they've gone. '' He said when she was done, clearly upset to sustain been left in the dark about this. But Luna could see that he was fighting the itch to press out his anger, knowing Hermione still had no idea about Tristan and therefore he had no elbow room to judge.

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

'' I don't know… I've been sitting here trying and I think I strained something the final few daytime because my mind feels so tired. '' She watched Hermione's side fall and quickly turned to Harry. `` Maybe you could help me ? ``

'' Are you sure that's a good idea ? I've drained myself completely before and it doesn't feel ripe. '' He asked uncertainly, as worried as she was that she could damage herself.

'' We have to try. Fred's out there somewhere and if I can't find Annapurna we can at to the lowest degree try to find him. '' She argued back.

Harry took a cryptical breath and let it out. `` Okay, let's do this then. ``

Luna reached out to take his hand as he and Hermione sat with her on the bed. Closing her center, she cleared her intellect of everything but Fred and attempted to pull the association. She could finger Harry with her, wrapping his consciousness protectively around hers and adding his own intensity, which had completely regenerated since his fight with Tristan.

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

low came an image of Hermione, growing larger as it zoomed toward her, focusing in on the girl's oculus until they became mirrors displaying Sarah staring back at her and wearing an evil grin. Luna shivered in fear, watching as Sarah's face melted away and began showering down bead of frame that turned to rain…

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

An explosion of color fusillade before her centre, blinding Luna and forcing her to take care away. Blinking away the discomfort, she turned back and watched with grip awe as several strange, colorful flush budded and bloomed in front of her.

The annoyance was Jonathan Swift and sudden and seemed to come from recondite inside her question. The next thing Luna knew, she could finger Harry shaking her as he and Hermione called out, telling her to wake up. Letting her eyes flutter open, she stared up at them as they looked down at her in concern. `` What happened ? '' She asked Harry.

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

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

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

'' I think so… ''

'' Well, what did you see ? '' Hermione asked anxiously, once more focused on helping Fred now that she was assured that Luna was somewhat alright. kind of than attempt to excuse, Luna told Harry to play back it all for Hermione to see. She would have done it herself, but she was too tired and her nous literally felt fried out. Putting a hand to her head, she could experience that her temperature had risen alarmingly. `` Okay, so Fred is definitely with Elanya then. '' She seemed grimly hopeful.

'' The flush came after, maybe they give some clue to their locating. '' Harry suggested, getting up to pour a shabu of piss from the pitcher on his toilet table. He came back and handed it to Luna though she hadn't mentioned how parched her pharynx suddenly was. But as he went back to pour a glass for himself, she realized he knew because her ailments were affecting him… This wasn't good, they had to figure out a way to keep themselves divided when necessary.

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

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

'' Let not bug out comparing who did what behind each other's back, '' Hermione suggested wryly, `` I'm fairly sure I'll be the one to arrive out ahead. ``

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

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

'' What's going on ? ! '' Willem's excited voice demanded.

Hermione gave him a abbreviated version of current effect up to describing the short vision Luna just had. `` Well, what variety of flowers were they ? '' Lee asked when she was finished.

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

'' Well, what about the number one component then ? '' Willem pressed.

Luna saw Hermione tremble and knew the other little girl had probably come to the same decision she had. `` I'm pretty sure that's telling us how they got Fred to cooperate… '' She said quietly.

'' Yeah, they threatened to give Sarah do her dolt stellar projection affair to invade me and make me do who knows what. '' Hermione added bitterly.

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

'' Oh yeah ? What, is everyone going to sleep in shift key to insure it doesn't ? '' She asked despondently.

'' If that's what it takes. '' He insisted. `` In the entail time we can look up the flowers, maybe even ask professor Sprout. ``

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

Harry nodded and went to his desk to remember the pack. `` We can call them both at the Lapplander time. '' He said excitedly.

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

'' Willem, Fred told me you two snuck into the ministry to erase those recordings… do you remember how he got you guys in ? '' Hermione stared at Luna as she spoke, silently asking if she had any sentiency that this was a worse thought than it seemed and to bar her if she did. Luna shook her capitulum, zip was poking at her intuition.

'' Yes. Why ? '' He demanded.

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

'' But Arthur has Mad-eye looking after all the track record and Indian file. '' Harry reminded her.

'' Don't headache about that. All we need is a misdirection to insure everyone's attention is away from the ministry. '' Lee answered mischievously.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harry seemed uncertain but she made it gain that he wouldn't be able to interchange her intellect. `` Okay, let's hope they can severalise us something. '' He put on the tintinnabulation and closed his eyes to centralise as Hermione reached out to feed her own energy into the gang. Luna attempted to close herself off from them, not wanting her own define store of energy to be accidentally tapped. She could palpate Harry also attempting to shield off from her and she hoped his split up focusing wouldn't pretend his ability to use the ring.

( BREAK )

Fred watched the ocean waves smash against the gravy holder as it sliced through the body of water toward the sun setting on the skyline. It would have been an amazing experience had he been there under different portion, but when he'd woken that aurora he had no theme a gravy holder ride into the Atlantic was in his future. He sighed and leaned on the railing, debating what chances he and his acquaintance would have if he just flung himself overboard.

'' You don't have to front so sad and defeated. '' Elanya remarked from beside him. She hadn't let him out of her quite a little since they'd gone to vacate his bank business relationship and go on a frenzied shopping spree. He hadn't chosen to utter to her since they'd secured enactment on this gravy holder. `` You could just enjoy your environment. It is quite peaceful out here. '' She went on, trying to goad him into conversation.

Instead he continued to neglect her and moved further along the deck of cards, but she followed wherever he went. `` Come on Fred… I half agreed with your programme. Castellumshire is no blank space for us, but there are plenty of small unmapped islands there that will suit us just fine. ``

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

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

'' Now that you've completely cut off my communication to my supporter, how can I intrust that you'll keep your Good Book and not let Sarah or your spy or anyone else hurt them ? '' He asked.

'' My Scripture isn't estimable enough ? '' Elanya smiled, leaning her back against the railing so she could face him. He had the sudden desire to lunge forward and shove her, to make her vanish beneath the wafture and end this nightmare… of course he had no idea what kind of communication she had set up with her friends and he couldn't take the hazard. Surely they would have planned for him attempting to get rid of her.

'' Of course it isn't. cypher you've said has been confessedly. ``

She smiled and crossed her arms. `` Of course some of it was genuine. I know you're well cognizant that the most convincing prevarication are rooted in honesty. ``

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

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

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

'' That I want nix to do with Voldemort or his architectural plan to turn us immortal, and that Sarah and Elise were actually interested… not in Voldemort creative thinker you, but in the vampire bane. ``

'' We'll be dropping mainstay in five minutes. '' One of the boat's crew members came over to announce. `` As you are the only two being let off at the ingress islands, we'll row you in. Do you already suffer your take plans booked ? ``

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

'' But miss, it's mighty voiceless to flag someone down if you haven't already arranged a woof up. '' The crew fellow member protested.

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

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

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

'' I'm better at sensing a wolf in sheep's clothing. '' He replied, turning to follow the crew member she'd so easily bewitched.

Within a one-half an hour, they had been rowed ashore and left all alone with the many matter she had made him buy for this little digression. `` Great, it looks like rain. '' Fred muttered as the dark clouds rolled in with the coming Night. abbreviated flash bulb of lighting tore through the sky as ripples of hell dust roared overhead.

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

( BREAK )

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

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

Harry tried to believe the prototype to him, but apparently his business leader was unable to bridge the gap between the livelihood and the dead. He, Luna and Hermione attempted to describe the exact flowers from Luna's vision. `` Does any of that auditory sensation associate ? '' He asked when they were done.

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

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

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

'' He didn't have a option. Elanya was threatening Ron and Ginny. '' Luna argued, her voice rickety and strained. Harry turned to her in concern, ignoring the discomfort of wearing the ring to concentre in on her. Inside her head was colored and shadowed, as if someone had turned off the lights… though he could still see sparks in the back, letting him know she hadn't fried herself out completely.

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

'' We will. '' Harry promised. They said their good-by and the two spectral figures of their lost champion disappeared. He went over to his desk to put the tintinnabulation away, already disliking the familiar twist it had on him and his energy vibrations.

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

'' I just finger a little dizzy. I think I just need to eat something. '' She answered in a daze as she carefully got up. Even as Harry made his way over to help, he watched her attempt to film a step before her branch buckled, forcing Hermione to reach out and beguile her. He rushed over to help get Luna back onto the bed, sitting beside her and running his very much cooler mitt over her het forehead.

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

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

'' I'm sorry for pushing you to have got those visions. '' She said quietly, clearly feeling shamed for the post Luna was now in.

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

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

'' You going to pee it ? '' Harry asked gently once they were alone, smiling to obliterate the large sum of headache he felt.

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

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

'' I had to show it to myself. '' She protested with a faint smile. `` I hate being at the whimsey of my imagination, it's about metre they worked for me. ``

'' Yeah, okay. Too bad they worked a little too heavy. Some food and slumber will do wonders though. ``

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

'' Don't trouble about what I'm tactile sensation. '' He told her, not wanting her to cognise that he was in fact going through a lot of the same symptoms she was… to the dot where it almost felt as if he'd been the one to debilitate his powerfulness and overextend his energy output.

'' This isn't good… we have to find a way to be branch sometimes. '' She said through a loud yawn.

'' Yes we do. '' He agreed. Harry knew he did serious affair far more often than she did and that due to his desire for triumph, he got hurt a lot. The end thing he wanted was for Luna to abide every prison term somebody challenged him, to share his pain every time he did something stupid. There had to be a way, they just had to figure it out.

( BREAK )

Jacey looked into the mirror carefully to ensure the potion had entirely worn away. Once assured she was herself with no tracing of Tristan, she took a cryptical breath and picked up Harry's invisibility cloak, nervously settling it around herself. Ron had called out and asked her to arrive see him just before dinner, and she was nervous about what she would say. The guilt was eating her alive, she knew she had to tell him about Parvati… and how she had not warned anyone in clock time to stop the girl's circumstances. It would not be slow, but it had to be done and Harry had agreed to let her be the one to tell Ron everything about his missing girlfriend.

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

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

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

'' Excuse me ? The woods ? ``

'' I want to go looking for Parvati. '' Ron sighed and went to expect out his windowpane. `` I know Dumbledore has sent a lot of the great unwashed out there, all with beasts and gadgets meant to see the great unwashed. But it's been three days and they still haven't found her. ``

'' And you think we will be more successful ? '' She asked gently. `` I know Dumbledore is doing everything he can, nil is working. He has sent people to look, he has had multitude scrying, he has the beasts of the forest keeping an eye out… there is cypher more that can be done. ``

'' Well I have to do something ! '' He cried, turning to face up her. `` I can't standpoint worrying like this anymore, I can't handle not knowing what's happened to her, or the guilt feelings that it's my defect. ``

'' I know why their efforts to locate her wealthy person failed. '' Jacey looked away, ineffectual to foregather his gaze. `` It is because all of their endeavour are spent attempting to locate a human, which Parvati no longer is. ``

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

'' She has been turned, we are surely of it. Parvati is a vampire and unless they alter their devices and coordinate their search accordingly, they will never find her. Especially if she does not want to be found. '' She blurted out in one Gustavus Franklin Swift breath.

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

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

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

'' Better safe than sorry ! '' He shouted, turning to face her again. `` I'm so tired of all this privateness ! attend what's happened now because of it ! ``

'' I did not want to incriminate without substantiation ! '' She argued in her defense.

'' So you had to waitress until she disappeared and Luna saw her as a lamia ? ! When was there going to be sufficiency proof… when she showed up bearing her fang in your aspect ? ``

'' Hey ! You knew there was something wrong with her, you could give birth just as easily tried to figure it out instead of letting the fille convince you it was just a cold. '' She said in wrath. She already knew she shared some inculpation in this, but she would not accept it all.

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

'' It will not be loose. '' She got up and went to sit beside him, placing a hand on his knee in puff. `` But just because she is a vampire does not mean she is like Tristan or troy. As long as she is away from the will of her Godhead, there is zilch to say she will be bad. ``

'' And what if they are around ? ``

'' Then if her will to fight them is stronger, she will be able to overcome… just like genus Draco and his creator. ``

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

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

'' I guess the first affair we have to do is regain her… until then it's probably scoop that we continue to let her family think she's only missing. '' He lamented.

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

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

'' What ? ``

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

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

'' first-class honours degree of all, stay out of my head ! '' He shouted. `` And secondly, just because I think that doesn't mean I blame you. I blame myself ! I let myself be distracted by you when I should have either paid attention to Annapurna or been honorable with her about how I really felt. ``

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

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

Without admonition, she grabbed his face and pressed her lips to his, giving into what they both wanted. At first he was astonished, but he quickly overcame it and wrapped his weaponry tightly around her to regress the kiss with an equal depth of passion. He walked forward until she felt the sharpness of the bed against her legs. Letting her genu collapse she fell back, pulling him along with her. It had been so long since she had experienced any sort of intimacy and even longer since she had done so with someone who craved her as a lot as she craved them. And oh how she wanted Ron… She had no explanation as to why he had so captivated her but he had, and to now finger his lips on her skin, the weighting of him as he hovered over her, and the oestrus of his desire… it was everything she'd thought it would be and more. She had wanted this ever since she'd lay eyes on him and had come close to giving in lastly night. Her own guilt feelings had stopped her then, as his seemed to cease him now.

'' Wait. '' Ron said in a strangle vocalisation as he pulled away. `` I'm sorry I can't do this. '' He gently rolled away from her and sat up, anxiously running his bridge player through his haircloth. `` I just can't let myself be happy while Parvati is out there. ``

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

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

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

'' Will you bide ? '' He asked, his eyes wide-cut and hopeful. `` Will you just lay here and nap next to me so I won't smell so alone ? ``

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

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

He turned out the sparkle and lay back, both of them left staring at the ceiling as nervous tension descended on them. Taking the first step, she turned to Ron and wrapped her arm around him, resting her head on his shoulder. She smiled in the dark as he responded, placing his own arms securely around her and pulling her close. For the first sentence in her life-time, Jacey felt safe… that there was someone who could care for her Sir Thomas More than they cared for themselves. It was a belief he was bringing out in her that she was beginning to treasure and as she snuggled in closer to him, she knew she would do anything to preserve it.

( recess )

After Thomas More than a hebdomad had passed, Hermione felt like she was at the end of her rope. After a disappointing conversation with Professor Sprout, she'd learned that Colorsplosions were so rarefied they were thought to be nonextant. But Luna was sure of what she'd seen and Neville had been pretty sure of what they'd described. Hermione had spent every relieve consequence in the library trying to find out anything about the exotic flowers but so far her search had yielded null. Just as she thought she was going to suffer her mind, she decided to tilt her focus… but she needed to use one of the invisibility cloaks in ordination to get into the qualified area of the library where she knew the information she wanted was being kept.

Harry had been her first stop but Jacey was still in possession of his cloak and so Hermione had gone to genus Draco who had gladly handed his over with no questions. Now all she had to do was wait for the castle to shut down for the night. Locked away in her room, she pulled out the powder compact to check in with Lee for the millionth time. `` No, we haven't found anything worry yet ! '' He said right away, clearly agitated with her unremitting nagging.

She'd been glad to learn he and Willem had been able to sneak into the ministry and abscond with the necessary Indian file. But that had been respective day ago and she knew had she been the one in possession of those documents, she would have been able to deliver gone through them quite a few clip by now. `` Why not ? '' She demanded.

'' I don't know, maybe because I also have to maintain forging alphabetic character to mollie pretending they're from Fred… Maybe because there's a million things to read in these stunned files… and maybe it's because you keep calling every five instant to distract me ! '' He said loudly. `` What about you ? Have you figured out where those bloom grow yet ? ``

'' No, but I have architectural plan to get into the trammel part of the library tonight… while I'm there I'll look to see if there's anything about Colorsplosions. ``

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

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

'' Not so good. Turns out the ministry didn't actually sleep with too much about Jayalina Delamora… we can't even find her parents names. '' Lee answered in frustration. `` But he's having Arthur see what he can do about helping expand the search past our ministry's information. Willem told him that he wants to try and find any folk he may take and thankfully Arthur hasn't questioned his motives too much. ``

'' We have to find them. '' She insisted. `` If Jayalina really did throw her parents keeping Elanya safe, then they may be able to make Willem insight into their granddaughter. ``

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

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

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

'' She's been trying but every fourth dimension she does, she gets a terrible headache… I hope I didn't break her or anything by pushing her so much final week. '' Hermione was actually quite interest about Luna and feeling very shamefaced for letting the girl personnel herself that last sentence when she'd already looked so worn out. And speculative, they still hadn't been able to figure out the sight she'd clearly hurt herself to have for them. `` She has said she's been having dreaming about Fred and that so far she believes he's O.K.. ``

'' well, I guess if it's coming from Luna I can accept it as fact… I'm gladiola he's okeh, but I wonder how he's doing otherwise, you know ? ``

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

'' testament do. '' He promised.

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

At last she came to the subroutine library doors and she hoped Madame Pince hadn't locked them for the night. She let out a huge sigh of relief when she reached out and pulled, finding the door had easily opened. Moving over to the librarian's desk, Hermione grabbed the keys and a small lantern before rushing over to the restricted plane section. She unlocked the gate and with as little dissonance as possible, began making her way through the plenty in search of what she wanted. Stopping to grab a textual matter on lost and uncharted islands, she quickly moved on to the metaphysical section.

The Advanced Art of Astral Projection. It was the first title to take hold of her eye and she instantly grabbed the book of account, figuring she could figure out the basics of something she had little metre to ascertain. Besides, she'd always found it gentle to get word affair from a harder linear perspective than to be talked down to during the well-fixed steps. Banned Acts of Astral protrusion. Hermione grabbed that book of account too, figuring a few of the legerdemain Sarah had mastered would be covered there.

Hearing a disturbance, she quickly extinguished the lantern and stood as still as a statue, not daring to even breathe. Even though she was able to see that she was still alone, her furiously beating marrow could no longer stand the paranoia that comes from breaking so many normal. Tucking all three books under her arm, she hurried to lock the logic gate and render the key before rushing back to her room. She had a lot of reading to do and she wanted to learn as fast as possible… She wanted to be able to do everything Sarah was equal to of doing and while it may have taken the char years to get the hang her skills, Hermione was certain she could accomplish a sure story of supremacy within sidereal day. Maybe she was being overconfident in her intelligence but she didn't caution. They were always saying she was the smart one, in Luna's visual sensation even Elanya and Sarah had said so… Now it was clip she prove it.

to a greater extent than learning how to protect her own mind from Sarah's invasion, she wanted to learn how to leave behind her soundbox and locomotion to other seat so that she could finally have a way to commune with Fred once more. She knew it was different than apparating, but since she had picked that up so quickly and astral projection was a part of it, she had high hopes that she could pull it off. Now it was just a thing of how quickly she could get through and hold the material covered in those Word of God. Putting aside the one on islands until tomorrow, Hermione picked up The Advanced Art of Astral project and began reading, eagre to set about learning the desired skill.

( gaolbreak )

'' I don't want to go. '' Harry turned and buried his head under his pillow. He and Luna had been up late last nighttime going through the ministry documents as they were the only thing able-bodied to unhinge her from the fact that she hadn't been able to have a imaginativeness since draining herself out last week. Despite the fact that they'd figured out two of the three remaining coven members, he'd barely been able-bodied to sustain his eyes afford by the end and the last thing he wanted to do so very early the next morning was get up and get ready to go to Hogsmeade.

'' It's your endure misstep there as a student. '' Luna tried as she sat up and began going through the newspaper they'd read death night.

'' And there's nothing there I want. '' He emerged from under the pillows to put his read/write head in her lap and calculate up at her with a mephistophelian grinning. `` In fact everything I want is decently here and if I have to be awake I'd rather pass my time doing something I want to do. ``

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

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

'' I prefer toughened beloved. '' Luna smiled.

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

He had just finished tying his shoes when someone came knocking on his door. `` Harry ? '' He heard Ron call through the door. While they'd all just sort of decided to get along, no one had yet attempted to relieve oneself things right after the things he'd said and the way he'd been acting… And Harry was of the mind that they wouldn't be able to sort things out while Parvati was still missing. Ron had been going out of his way to avoid his friends- except for Jacey who said she was spending most Night with him, apparently just sleeping. Harry was confused as to why Ron was coming to him now.

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

'' You remember when you said you were willing to do whatever I wanted to help find Parvati ? '' Ron asked immediately as he pushed his way into the room.

'' Yes… '' He answered cautiously.

'' Well, according to what Jacey overheard Troy say, the hold up plaza he saw her was by Hogsmeade, right ? He thought she was heading into the mountains… ? ``

Harry hesitated. He knew that Jacey hadn't overheard anything, that she'd been the one to actually get that entropy out of troy weight. But Ron still didn't know about Tristram or Jacey having to become him. He knew what his Quaker was about to ask of him and he worried what could find if he refused such a ridiculous idea. `` We can't just sneak out of the Greenwich Village. '' He tried.

'' Why not ? We sneak out of and into everywhere else. '' Ron crossed his arms. `` I can't retrieve any peacefulness of creative thinker until we find her Harry. I don't fear if she's a vampire, I just want to bring her rear to her family ! ``

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

'' Then at least I'll know it's her choice… and at to the lowest degree I'll have had a prospect to mouth her out of it. '' He was close to begging. `` I just involve to at least talk to her… ''

Harry didn't know what to do… he had a feeling that if he didn't agree to go help find Parvati then Ron would simply set about it on his own. He supposed it would be break if they could find Annapurna before Luna's vision came genuine, after all, Troy would surely be looking for her and the last thing they needed was two neonate lamia out scuffling in the woods… especially if Ilion came out the master. `` Okay. '' He agreed, having talked himself into it. At to the lowest degree now he had a ground to go to Hogsmeade, though he knew Luna probably wouldn't be thrilled with the idea.

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

'' Really, but we're asking Lupin to come with us. '' He insisted, figuring that would pacify both Luna and his own misgivings about the program. `` And everyone else stays behind inside the Village wall. The hold up thing we need is someone else getting bitten, even by accident. ``

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

Harry knew she had already taken the potion and had to go into the village as Tristan. beingness reminded of that, he felt a sudden pang of guilt feelings. With first Parvati's disappearing then Fred's, with Luna frying herself out, with Draco dealing with his beginner, none of them had focused on releasing Jacey from the obligation of playing their dead enemy. Whether or not they found Parvati today, he knew the following affair he had to do was focus on how to get to Tristram disappear for good.

( BREAK )

Jacey climbed into one of the waiting carriages, feeling immensely uncomfortable with having to pretend to be someone else outside of Hogwarts. She had never been to this Hogsmeade village, but Tristan had and he would be familiar with the berth and the affair he had done there… she was not. Harry and Luna had tried to fill her in during breakfast, thinking her all form of memories from their own metre spent there. It was overwhelming and as Troy climbed in behind her, she suddenly felt very alone. A sensory faculty of foreboding washed over her when troy weight turned to fag and the others who had been about to also get in their carriage. `` You guys do find another one. Tristan and I need to blab out. ``

They all looked to her and she simple nodded in agreement, sending them scattering to find an empty pushchair. She and troy weight sat in silence until the caravan of students began moving. `` I don't appreciate being cornered like this. '' She said sternly, hoping to uphold her clench on Tristram's tone.

'' And I don't appreciate being lied to. Something is different about you. '' He accused, turning to seem at her. There wasn't a drop cloth of fear in his middle and Jacey realized he was somehow on to her.

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

'' And Parvati Patil ? '' Troy choked out. Thankfully he did not try to snap off away from her as she knew her strength was nothing compared to Tristram's. Her performance seemed to have rattled him, making him lupus erythematosus certain that he had figured her out.

'' What about her ? '' She asked harshly, releasing her custody on the boy and once more settling comfortably in her rear as if cypher had happened.

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

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

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

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

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

Forcing herself to continue cool it, Jacey shrugged. `` serious, let them. That will pull up stakes you and I free to go look for Anapurna. ``

Ilium raised an brow. `` Really ? ``

Again she shrugged. `` I don't hold out much promise for them, but if one does get hold success then all the better. If not, then I'll simply take tutelage of Luna myself once we've set thing right with our new footling vampire. ``

'' OK then. I guess you and I will be taking a little head trip through the Grant Wood alone. '' He grinned viciously.

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

( good luck )

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

'' Why is everyone so quiet ? '' Padma asked, having chosen to hinge on to the village with them. `` I feel like I'm losing my head in the silence in here. ``

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

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

Yeah, I can follow them. Dragon replied once they all descended into secretiveness again.

Are you sure you and Jacey could take on Ilion alone ? Ginny asked in concern.

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

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

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

Harry felt a cold-shoulder shiver of guilt trip run through him and Luna at the Lapp meter. Neither Ginny nor Ron were yet aware of Fred's quandary as they hadn't wanted to dismay them until they knew exactly where their brother was being forced to quell. Plus Ron was already overwhelmed with Parvati's disappearance, both he and Hermione had worried what telling him about Fred might make him do.

'' Finally… We're here. '' Hermione announced from her place beside the windowpane. She took Harry's hand as they exited the rig, both still wary of the fact that should Elanya's spy be watching they had to appear as a couple. She was certain Fred was going to maintain her insignificance to him while he was away and Harry was surely that the less of a aim she seemed, the better off they'd be when they were finally able to go looking for Fred.

Together, they led the way behind the skinny building attempting to not draw too much attention to themselves. `` Well, are we all ready ? '' lupin asked nervously.

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

'' We'll try not to go out of cooking stove. If you need us, call out and we'll get right back. '' Harry squeezed her hand as she nodded in agreement.

Indicating that it was sentence, Luna took Draco's hired man as Harry grabbed Ron and lupin. As one they all apparated away with Harry and Luna pushing through the barriers attempting to hold them back. They landed about a one-half a mile outside the village bulwark. `` Is everyone okay ? '' Harry asked, wanting to be indisputable they'd all made it through in one piece.

'' There was so much pressure that at one point I thought I was going to break. '' lupine answered, shaking himself off and ensuring his talisman still hung around his neck opening. Ron and genus Draco agreed but Harry and Luna remained unaffected by the trip.

'' fountainhead, I better be off. '' Draco said.

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

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

'' This end to the full moonshine, I'll catch their scent in no time… well hers anyway. '' He amended, clearly timid whether even his heightened gumption could detect Troy if he didn't want to be found. He'd already said as much about Annapurna a week ago when Harry had asked if he thought he'd be able to find her.

'' Who are you talking about ? '' Ron asked in total mix-up, having no clue as to anything involving Tristan, Jacey or Troy… other than Troy had admitted to being the one to reverse Parvati. Ignoring him, Draco merely turned and ran off with more speed than a rule human was subject of.

'' well, let's try to detect Parvati. '' Luna suggested, trying to get Ron's focus back onto their own mission.

Allowing Lupin to lead the way just in eccentric he was able-bodied to catch the girl's scent, Harry and Luna both sent their minds out in lookup of any foretoken of consciousness. Even as it began to bamboozle, no one suggested the radical turn back. They were all determined… they would not end the day without finding Parvati.

( BREAK )

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

'' I suppose… do you think at some point we could quickly parry into the bookstore ? '' Hermione asked as they walked out from behind the building and surveyed the street before them. bookman and villagers milled around as shopkeeper shouted out their holiday sales, attempting to convey in customers. `` There she is ! '' She pointed out Padma, walking toward the triad broomstick with Susan, Dean, Seamus and Hannah.

'' Well, I guess she's in good helping hand. '' Ginny remarked. `` So, to the bookstore then ? ``

'' I'll be quick, I promise. '' She insisted as they began walking together down the route. An awkward silence descended over them and Hermione knew Ginny was as cognisant as she was that this was the offset prison term the two fille had been left alone together since they'd had that fight at Harry's house during the summertime. She also knew they were both aware that they were unlike people from who they were then… but it didn't make things any less tense between them.

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

'' Anything about alien flowers or Astral Projection. '' She answered simply as they entered the shop and began browsing the shelves.

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

'' More likely this is a just a good place for them to terminate and get warm before heading back out into the C. P. Snow. '' She muttered while she scoured the form of address before her. Ginny walked off a bit, trying to help belt along affair along by searching out a dissimilar aisle. Just as she was about to return up and try another aisle herself, Hermione felt her pocket grow warm. Lee must have found something….

Quickly making sure Ginny wouldn't notice, Hermione ducked out of the shop and around the back away from prying eyes and ears. She didn't want to bear to excuse to any of Fred's family that he was missing and so the last person she needed overhearing her was his sister. To her dismay it began to hoodwink harder… she felt her heart clasp as her thoughts returned to Halloween night, when she and Fred had shared their first kiss in the blow covered courtyard. She shook her principal, gear up to centre on bringing him home. `` Lee ? '' She asked as soon as she opened the compact.

'' Yeah, I think I may give birth figured something out from these file cabinet. '' He answered uncertainly.

'' What ? '' She demanded eagerly.

'' well, I think I know who they're using as a spy… and it's definitely not Simon McKinney. '' Lee hesitated, clearly uncomfortable as he furrowed his brow in her infract mental image of him in the mirror. `` You're not going to think this… I'm not surely I believe it and I'm looking at the cogent evidence in figurehead of me. ``

'' So, who is it ? '' Hermione was on edge, unable to fend the prediction any longer.

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

( BREAK )

It didn't take long for Dragon to catch Jacey's scent despite the falling C, she had promised to touch as many trees as possible to help lead him to her… Ilion he was unable to detect at all. I think I'm close. He thought out, hoping she would respond.

Come quick, I think he's working up the cheek to hit a move. Jacey's worried representative came back to him.

pull off his amulet, he shoved it in his pocket and stopped to close his eyes and concentrate. Dragon focused on her olfaction while eliminating all the others. His ears picked up something to the west and he immediately set off, careful to get as little stochasticity as possible. At last he saw them walking and snuck up as close as he could to ascertain what the billet was.

'' Somehow, I have a spirit Parvati is nowhere near here… I thought you said you'd be more capable to incur her. '' troy weight was saying.

Draco waited for Jacey to strike out at the boy as Tristan would have had his countersign been questioned. But she didn't, instead attempting to hold on him in line with scourge alone. He began to see why Troy had become suspicious, apparently the solely thing Jacey wasn't able to properly imitate was Tristan's ruthlessness.

Sure enough, Ilion stopped and violently grabbed Jacey's arm. `` You aren't Tristan Macnair, are you ? ! '' He demanded. `` What Parvati said on Halloween was true wasn't it ? Potter and Malfoy somehow managed to kill Tristan and you must be that underhanded minuscule girl they've been hiding up at the castle ! '' He bared his tooth, his canines growing to sharp tip. While not nearly as scary as Tristan's, troy weight's fangs looked just as dangerous.

Draco was moving in an instant, rushing the lamia and tackling him to the soil as Jacey pulled herself dislodge. The two boys snarled at each early, each very a lot wanting to make out out the prevailing strength as they began taking swings at each other. Just as Draco was certainly he'd hit hard enough to shatter the early's nose, Ilium managed to relate as well, hitting with decent force to knock Dragon back. Rising to his base with his poke dripping bloodline, Troy was greeted by the sight of Jacey with her hands up and cupping balls of flame. `` What the hell on earth are you ? '' He marveled.

sensing Draco getting up behind him, Troy must make figured his right prospect was to run. They quickly took off after him, determined to keep him from telling anyone what he'd figured out about Tristram. Jacey, being quite properly human being, fell behind quickly as the two boys raced through the woods as fast as their hybrid fastness allowed. While Troy wasn't exactly able to fly, he seemed to vibrate over the ground as he went and was therefore able to move a bit faster and with less care than Draco who had to be mistrustful of the pack of obstruction covering the forest floor. But never once did he let the lamia out of his sight… the hunt was on and not only did he not know how to work it off, he didn't want to.

( fracture )

'' Hey, here's one on stellar protrusion. '' Ginny grabbed the book and turned to find Hermione but the other little girl wasn't where she'd been a minute ago. Quickly scanning the entrepot, she caught raft of her just as she was ducking out the door. What is she up to ? Ginny thought to herself. She debated whether or not to follow, knowing if unequalled it was safer to be here in this crowded store. But Hermione knew that too, so what had drawn her to do something as dangerous as walk the streets alone ?

Curious and slightly disturbed, she made her way towards the doorway before she could spill herself out of it. Besides, if she was agile she'd be capable to catch up to Hermione in no time. Stepping out of doors, she looked up and down the now deserted streets, but the other fille was nowhere to be seen. Trying to rest calm and legitimate, she figured Hermione must have got ducked into another shop as it had begun to pull the wool over someone's eyes even harder. And then she saw step leading around to the rachis of the bookstall. They were quickly being filled in with new snow and pulling her hood lower over her face, she set out to follow them, suddenly certain they were Hermione's. But by the time she had made her way around the building she realized the other daughter had moved on. The footmark seemed to blockade and then jump again as she must sustain decided to get out of the C after all.

With a sigh of frustration, Ginny began to make her way back to the figurehead. Out of the turning point of her eye, she caught some movement and turning to face, she was able to make out a figure in the distance walking toward the plantation. Maybe she'd take the footprints wrong… after all the Snow was now practically coming down in thick, lowering sheets.

'' Hey ! Hermione ! '' She took off after the form, moving as fast as possible as she slipped and slid through the snow. But as she got closer she saw that she had made a misapprehension. The somebody ahead of her was far too tall to be her admirer, and from the way they moved, she was sure it was a man. reverence washed over her out of nowhere and she tried to sour around before he noticed her.

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

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

'' Two failed attempts to end his life, but I've come to cease things today. Where is he ? '' He demanded, taking several long strides closer to her.

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

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

'' well you punter figure it out soon because if I can't find him, you're just as good a catch… blaze I might even be able-bodied to buy my way back in by bringing the minister's only girl to the Dark Lord… '' Lucius grinned.

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

His middle darkened and he gripped her arm tighter. `` If I have to drop back you through the streets as lure, I will see my son today. '' He threatened. `` Now, do you know where he is or not ? ``

( good luck )

'' There are sign that mortal has come this way very recently. '' lupine said, bringing them to a block a he examined the soil. `` Since I can't pick up on any scent other than decaying earthly concern, I can only usurp it must be Parvati. ``

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

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

'' Because they don't know what they're looking for. '' lupin answered grimly. `` There are ways for them to feel a vampire, but they believe they are searching for a student… and as we don't know how Parvati has taken to it, it's a good deal better that we find her before they do. ``

'' Meaning what ? That she could attack ? '' Harry asked.

Lupin shrugged. `` She's a newborn that has been left to wander on her own through nature for close to two hebdomad. surroundings can absolutely touch on the way person can come out of this. For case, had Draco been bitten and left on his own in the woods there's no telling whether he would have retained as lots of his humanity as he had. The Lapp goes for me, Annapurna and any other human infected by a mechanical man. ``

Determining she'd been there less than half an minute before, they quickly moved on. Ron's stomach was tied in greyback as they all started calling out for Annapurna hoping the girl would picture herself. `` Over there ! '' Luna pointed as her attention was suddenly drawn to a small orchard of trees.

'' Anapurna ! '' Ron cried out desperately, taking a few steps in that direction.

And then he saw her. She peeked her head out inaugural before fully stepping away from the tree she'd been hiding behind, still wearing the long dress she used as a costume for the dance. It was in tatter now, her hair was hanging in tangles around her shoulders and her skin, normally a sullen creamy yellowish brown, was now ash-grey and pale. She dropped to her knee joint in the snow in front of them and hung her headway. `` I'm sorry. '' She whispered. `` I never wanted this. ``

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

'' Parvati ? '' Lupin tentatively stepped forward, tightly gripping his amulet. Ron, Harry and Luna all stepped to the incline, letting their professor attempt to deal thing. `` We have to ingest you back, Dumbledore, your category, Arthur and the ministry… they can all help you. ``

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

'' Please understand Parvati, this doesn't have to mean- '' Lupin stopped and whipped his head to the side of meat at the like metre Anapurna did, both obviously picking up on something the others couldn't.

Harry and Luna must ingest caught whatever it was next because they both instantly had their wands out and had taken a few pace in front line of Ron as if to protect him… Though Harry had been sure to post himself at the front, keeping both Ron and Luna corralled behind him. second base later troy weight burst into their trivial clarification, his eye quickly washing over them all as he took in the situation. `` I've been looking for you ! '' He said, zeroing in on Parvati. `` I'll take caution of you if it's the go affair I do ! '' He screamed, rushing at her truehearted than Ron could perceive.

Parvati was make but before he could even reach out her, Draco came out of nowhere, tackling Troy mid-strike. Ron watched in stunned horror along with the others as the two son tumbled to the ground, both quickly getting back on their feet and crouching low as they circled each former, waiting for the chance to attack.

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

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





NOTE : Who's the professor spy ? What will Lucius do ? What will hap with lamia Troy and Parvati ? Did Ron mistakenly hit Jacey with a patch ? What's going on with Fred ? Find out next chapter !


Chapter 51 : A Dangerous Day in Hogsmeade

A/N : So in this chapter I name a professor as a possible spy… just to let you get laid, I am changing thing up from how they were in the material Christian Bible yet again by using an OC in place of an semi-established fictitious character. Let's all go with the flow on this : ) Read, reappraisal and Enjoy !



Hermione entered the gardening shed next to the flower workshop and sat on the floor among the peak pots before once Sir Thomas More eagerly pulling out the compact. `` Lee ? ``

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

'' I heard someone coming and had to make a motion. '' She explained. Just as the snow had begun to come down harder, she'd heard the apparent sound of pace crunching around the bookstore to where she'd originally gone to talk to him. She'd had to fold the powder compact and quickly hide herself behind the woodpile before the marvellous chassis of a man walked past her toward the plantation. She hadn't bothered to dubiousness who he was or where he was going, she'd been too anxious to summarize talking to Lee. Instead she'd waited until the man was a few yards from her before dashing out and around the former side of the construction toward the now abandon streets. Figuring the shed was her best bet not to run into anyone else while still getting out of the snow, she'd rushed there and closed herself in. `` You were saying the spy might be a prof ? '' She asked incredulously.

'' Yeah, I'm middling sure. Seems Elanya had a secret fling that the ministry actually knew all about… According to the file cabinet, she and the professor involved had to advert disciplinary hearings years ago before she graduated but they were able to convince everyone that they were mistaken… or at least no one could bear witness the affair. '' He answered, flipping through the document to be sure of what he was telling her.

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

'' Maybe not in so many Christian Bible, but if you go back and say it now, you might see that they alluded to it… What I have here seems to indicate that Dumbledore had wanted the professor to be banned from teaching but as they were unable to demonstrate anything beyond a question, he had to keep the guy in employment and keep both their platter clean. ``

'' So, who is it ? ``

'' Dolos Erebos. '' He grimly announced.

'' The Arithmancy prof ? Are you sure enough ? '' Hermione had always enjoyed his class, had been the only one in her house to set about an OWL in the guinea pig. She couldn't believe he would have an matter with a scholarly person let alone pop the question to spy on and toss off one.

'' That's what it says. And from what I'm sightedness of her Recent epoch change of location, I'm pretty sure they're still in touch- there was a news report of them being seen together this summertime in Australia. Let's see… she had entered the country to reportedly attend a family funeral. I have no estimation why he was there obviously. You might want to await into the guy's files up at schoolhouse because I'm sure as hell not breaking back into the ministry… nearly had heart failure the last clip, I was so unquiet mortal would catch us. '' He shuddered as he recalled the experience.

'' I'll do that. Let me bonk if you manage to recover anything else. '' She answered distractedly as her mind whirled, trying to remember everything she knew of Professor Erebos. While serious with a very no-nonsense attitude in his course, he was also very approachable and worn-out metre ensuring each of his bookman completely understood the material, even if he did come forth Roman mile long essays every week. He always offered a friendly smile in the hall and was volition to listen when a student had a problem. Hermione had always considered Erebos to be a very estimable teacher and nada she could think of now reconciled him with the image of a murderous spy. But then… it was right there in his name, wasn't it ? Dolos Erebos, a public figure good of trickery ... at least according to the Ancient Greeks.

( time out )

Luna watched in revulsion as her previous vision of this consequence came to biography before her eyes with a few new changes now that they had attempted to step in with the futurity and multitude were making their own decisions. No one seemed to know what to do as Draco and Troy circled each other waiting for the opportune fourth dimension to strike. And then Jacey, still disguised as Tristan had come running up and Ron perceiving the risk had mistakenly taken aim to try and aid. She shouted and tried to squeeze his arm in meter before quickly whippng around to see whether she'd saved Jacey… she had, the early girl was still coming towards them.

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

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

'' I think it's the perfect clock time to excuse ! '' Troy yelled, taking a step closer to Dragon. Harry and Ron instantly pointed their wands, almost daring the lamia to make a move.

At conclusion remembering that these were student and he was a professor, Lupin came to his senses and stepped forward. `` Everyone stop ! '' He shouted. Draco bristled at the command but Troy gave no indication that he heard.

Instead he turned to Anapurna. `` Come on, snap out of it ! Do what you were made to do and facilitate me avenge what they did to Tristram. ``

Parvati seemed unsure, her face showed she was concentrating hard. `` No. '' She said at end. `` There's nothing to revenge. He's not my master. ``

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

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

And then they were both in movement before anyone could even perceive that they had moved. Parvati and Troy clashed together, a tangle of teeth and claws. `` plosive speech sound ! '' Luna shouted, knowing neither had heard her.

'' Harry ! assistance me carve up them ! '' Lupin yelled, waving his sceptre. Harry stepped forward and focused, using his own powers to take hold of handgrip of Troy and rip him from Anapurna's clutch as Lupin pulled her away. Harry pinned Troy to the earth, allowing Luna to cast and bind him in place.

'' Hey ! '' Draco shouted. Luna spun around in sentence to see Anapurna lunge and fire him. She was on top of him on the flat coat and he was trying desperately not to hurt her while still keeping her nails and snapping fang away from him.

Harry, Ron and lupine rushed over to help but the girl was in a feral state and any time anyone got too close, she'd snatch at them as well. `` Stop now ! '' Jacey shouted. Still bearing Tristram's appearing, she stepped forward and allowed the flame to burst from her custody in warning.

Unlike Tristan, Annapurna's skin wasn't dense and could easily be burned. Her eyes were on Jacey's deal, transfixed by the fire. At last she seemed to do back to her senses, giving up her approach on Dragon and rolling to the side to leave him to stand. He quickly pulled his amulet from his pocket and put it on as he backed away from her, holding it firmly in his deal. Luna knew they were favorable that he'd managed to cling on to himself, it had to suffer been difficult for him to dissever Annapurna from the vampire she now was. It was clear she'd lost herself and attacked him simply for what he was, her natural enemy… thankfully genus Draco had been given more time to get used to his werewolf self.

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

'' It wasn't your fault. '' lupin reasoned, though he was sure enough to prevent his space from her as he also clutched his amulet.

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

'' Jacey ? '' He asked hesitantly, clearly unsure as the individual before him looked everything like Tristan. `` What the Hades is going on ? ``

( BREAK )

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

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

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

And not doubting that he would, she kept her rima oris shut. Panic was quickly settling in as she realized her dumb calls for assist were going as unrequited as her actual riot. Harry, Luna and Jacey must be too far into the forest and had gone out of range… at least that's what she hoped. Not wanting to make herself palpate even risky, she refused to think that they weren't answering because something had happened to them out there.

'' So, he's out in the woods. '' Lucius stared off thoughtfully, gripping her arm even tighter. `` That's right, the full moon is only two Clarence Day away… they probably don't want him mixing with the student too much. Let me suppose, he's out there with Remus Lupin. '' He sneered. Ginny remained soundless, neither wanting to confirm nor deny anything he thought. He had no idea that Fred had found a way to avail with those amulets so she was perfectly willing to let Lucius believe genus Draco was more out of control than he was. `` Alright, we're going to sneak out of the Village and go looking for them. It's better we go out into the woods anyway, to a lesser extent prospect of being seen. '' He licked his lips, tidal bore to have this face-off with his son.

She didn't fight as he pulled her along to whatever give way in the fence he'd snuck in through. Ginny very much wanted him to lease her out there and secretive to Harry and Luna… she had to separate them to warn Draco. The cobbler's last matter she was going to do was let Lucius have the element of surprise.

( BREAK )

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

The snow was growing deeper, making it difficult for her to channelise her way around to the vertebral column of the construction once more. She fell twice as she tried to run, and she shivered as her pants where now completely soaked. Even though she hadn't heard another scream, she was suddenly certain that it was Ginny and she kept moving forward in time to see two physique far ahead of her, one dragging the other into the orchard. Hermione forced herself not to bid out, waiting until they were completely in the Tree before going to follow, pulling out her wand as she went.

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

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

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

'' How was I supposed to be able to state through the snow ? '' He argued.

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

'' Where's Luna ? We need to tattle to her. '' Crabbe took a few menacing tone towards her, forcing her to heighten her wand.

'' Do you see her anywhere ? I have no idea where she is. '' Hermione answered nervously. `` And I doubt you have any intellect to babble to her since neither of you are supposed to be in the village. You're supposed to be under sign arrest back at schooltime. ``

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

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

'' I have always expected very little from either of you. And yet you still have the ability to let down. '' She shot back, refusing to show fright in front of these two idiot. `` And I don't need anybody's help to be able to make forethought of you. '' To prove her item, she shot a spell at their foundation, causing the Snow to violently detonate up into their faces.

It was realise they would throw liked to revenge, but their dubiety that they could really charter her on was too much. After all, they'd had years to see what she was capable of in course of instruction. `` Come on, let's go back to the hamlet and look for Lovegood. '' Crabbe suggested. `` Granger's useless to us at the moment anyway since Potter's not around. '' He added, as if they were leaving only because she wasn't worth their time.

She let them go simply because she knew Luna was nowhere near the village, though she did intend to warn both her and Harry that the Slytherins were looking for her. She tried calling out but soon realized they must suffer moved far out of range. Waving her wand, she dried her clothes as serious she could before turning and continuing on to the orchard, following the late picture Ginny and her captor had left in the snow. At net, with her tooth chattering and her legs all but numb, she came to a small cluster of George Bush that was hiding a newly made trap in the wall surrounding the village.

Hermione didn't know what to do. The idea of going out into the Sir Henry Wood alone while Parvati and Troy were out there wasn't too appealing, not to advert she wasn't sure just how grave this enigma man was who had taken Ginny. But looking behind her, the thought of going back to the village alone while the Slytherins were out on the hunt for Luna didn't seem like the groovy plan either. She had no idea where any of her friends were or how longsighted it would take before she was in range to contact them… and even if she did go after them, she was already so cold, how long would it be until she actually caught pneumonia or frostbite ? But going back to the hamlet to warm herself would mean giving up on Ginny and would do her feel like the worst person ever.

weeping of foiling slid down her cheeks, instantly freezing to her skin… she felt so tired, so set up to give up. She didn't know what to do. She sat down in the snow, giving into the numbness spread over her. Pulling out the compact, she held it in her gloved hands wishing she could just spread it and see Fred's face… to talk to him and have him tell her it was all right and that she had to get up and go on. But that wasn't going to happen, only Lee waited at the other end and he had zip comforting to offer. Never had she felt so alone.

( breakout )

Harry had been off with lupin trying to decide what to do next when they heard Luna screeching. He turned to see Dragon overstretch her out of the way as Annapurna tore past them to assail Ilium, sinking both her nipper and teeth into his neck. He and Lupin rushed over at the same time Draco did and they all grabbed an arm to pull one vampire off the early. Troy, still bound in Lupin's spell, could only writhe in pain as ancestry spewed from his neck ... she'd torn his pharynx out. Parvati was fighting them, trying to get back to her prey but they held on tight… though Harry could clearly see they'd been too late.

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

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

lupine appeared dazed. I've never known of a newborn infant to turn so quickly on their Godhead. He thought to Harry, trying to make logic of what he'd just witnessed. I suppose he did abandon her out here… and he was a newborn himself. He took out his hankie and handed it to Luna to give to Annapurna so she could attempt to clean herself up.

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

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

Ron shook his forefront angrily. `` okeh, how do we rationally explain Ilium not coming back to the castle with everyone else ? ``

'' Why would we take in to ? The last individual he was seen with was Tristram. '' Draco argued.

'' Exactly. '' Harry said grimly as it clicked together, how they could use this cataclysm to their advantage. `` Tristan will be the one to let to answer for Troy, if Jacey plays it right, she could commit Dumbledore a way to finally eject him for just cause. ``

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

'' You must come back with us. '' Lupin once more assert. `` There are many who live almost completely normal lives with the lamia curse, there's no reason you can't do the Same. ``

Parvati shook her headspring. `` I can't, and I won't let you shit me. severalize my parents, Dumbledore and everyone else I'm beat ... I may as well be anyway. ``

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

She turned to bet up at him with bust in her eyes. `` Yes, I do desire to see her one to a greater extent time before I disappear… ''

'' I can't in soundly conscience let you just run off on your own. '' lupin sighed. `` There is a plaza I know of where you can go… a colony that takes in new vampire and helps them adapt to a normal lifetime. I will not tell your family you are dead, but I am willing to let them continue to think you are missing until you are in a comfortably frame of mind to decide how you would like to keep. ``

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

'' I don't know where it is, for obvious reason my sort would never be told no subject how in ascendency we are. But it is my business to have it away these things exist and I know exactly who to contact to pack her there. '' lupin replied defensively before turning back to Parvati. `` I can take in them meet you outside Hogsmeade by morning. ``

She nodded slowly, clearly having no wagerer program. `` Okay. ``

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

'' Well, I suppose we spread out and find an Ash Tree. '' lupine said slowly. `` Any woodwind instrument could put to work for him, but let's get Ash just to be sure. ``

Draco was the first of all to spot the group of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree they needed and they quickly went to help gather enough wood to cover Troy's trunk. Once they'd accomplished the task, Jacey stepped up and pointed her finger, emitting a stream of blast that instantly lit their gruesome bonfire.

Harry ? Luna ? He vaguely heard Ginny's voice whisper through his intellect. Turning to Luna he saw her nod to indicate she had heard it too. Reaching out to place a hired hand on her shoulder, he was nearly knocked off his infantry as their merge energy amplified Ginny's removed birdsong. HARRY ? LUNA ? Can you hear me yet ?

Ginny ? What's unseasonable ? Luna answered anxiously.

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

Where's Hermione ? Harry asked.

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

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

I believe so. She replied uncertainly, not happy with the theme of splitting up their group even more.

Okay, when you get there stay near Jacey if you can and try to avoid the topographic point you know the Slytherins might be. Try and recover Hermione and Kingsley and stick with them. He was anxious about Luna going back to the village without him but he couldn't exactly have her and the others stand out here in the woods with a vampire who was barely in control of herself. Hey, cat ? We have a slight problem. He thought out to everyone but Ron, bracing himself for Draco's response to the news.

( shift )

Jacey watched as Ron walked away from the others and knew he was beyond angry… there may not even be a word impregnable enough for what he was feeling. It was a dark smorgasbord of craze, betrayal, disgust, guilt feelings and outrage. He knew as everyone prepared to bequeath that there was now something else he was not being told… but seeing how he was reacting, she felt Harry had made the veracious decision in not telling him that his Sister was in the clutches of her boyfriend's don. For all they knew, Ron would turn his aroused philippic on Draco and blame him for what Lucius had chosen to do. And seeing how badly Draco himself had taken the word, Jacey knew it would be bad if Ron tried to begin anything. `` Hey, I am sorry I did not enjoin you I was pretending to be Tristram. '' She said softly as she approached him.

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

'' It was not easily. And I did not lie exactly. ``

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

'' I said I had to go away but that I would be close by ... that was entirely true was it not ? '' She argued. `` Once I was Tristan I was not myself and therefore I was gone, but I was never further than a few hallway from you. And I did do this for the coven… Harry and Luna are coven penis are they not ? Tristram wanted to turn Luna and hand her over to Voldemort- not only would that have got been bad for the coven, it would have destroyed Harry, how could I not throw tried to serve end it ? ``

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

'' We wanted to hold back you safe… I wanted to keep you condom. This is why we did not tell you ! '' She said, knowing he did not reckon it a good enough reason.

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

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

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

He's already dealing with enough right wing now. Parvati thought back, her voice tense and entire of venom. Jacey was speedy to realize the former missy did not like her at all, and it was directly as a resultant of the familiarity she seemed to share with Ron… A jealous vampire… She did not know what to recollect, though she was struck by the ridiculous idea that Parvati had laid title to him first. And seeing how he instantly softened his attitude, it was unclouded the guilt he felt over the girl's portion was strong, bonding him to her in an obligatory alliance.

'' I can abide too. '' Ron offered.

Parvati shook her head. `` No, you go serve find Hermione. She and Luna are going to need you to look after them… but will you do me a favor ? will you please foregather me outside Hogwarts tonight with Padma so I can verbalise to her before I leave ? ``

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

Jacey felt uneasy knowing he would probably do anything Parvati asked now… that his own conflict would make it nearly impossible to refuse her. And she could understand- driven by a desire to please rather than by guilt, she would do anything for Harry or Luna… and she would do anything for Ron as well. But what she could not and would not do, was admit herself to be bested by a vampire. As soon as she was done being Tristan she intended to make things right with Ron and impatient to make that happen, she was prepared to get down ruining the Macnair reputation the second they returned to school.

( recess )

'' Be careful. '' Harry warned one last clip, reaching out to grasp Luna's hand. They were standing alone, lupin had pulled Draco aside and they were talking quietly to each other while Ron, Jacey and Parvati conversed off in the distance. Taking the opportunity, Luna wrapped her arms around Harry's waist and held herself close against him, already hating that they were about to be separated. He ran his script up her back, taking her face in his hired hand and leaning down to osculate her deeply.

'' We will. '' She promised quietly as they broke apart and rested their heads together. Wanting to blot out her own irritation, she offered a pocket-size smile to try and relieve his worries. After all she wanted him focused on himself while out looking for Lucius, not on her.

'' well, I drank the potion, I guess it's metre to head back. '' Jacey announced as she, Ron, and Parvati returned. `` I will do my unspoilt to let the cat out of the bag to the Slytherins. '' She promised.

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

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

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

Luna quickly leaned up to osculate Harry again and assured that Jacey had completely turned back into Tristan, she reached out to take hold of her and Ron and whisk them back to the village before she could switch her brain. They arrived outside the screeching Shack, the only lieu she was sure there would be no students. sure enough enough the topographic point was deserted, and even though the snow began to let up as they walked they soon saw the streets of Hogsmeade were pretty often clear of people.

The initiative thing Luna wanted to do was find Hermione, she was worried about what had happened to her friend and she knew Harry was too. Closing her eyes, she tried to focus in on her while Ron and Jacey stood lookout. `` Well ? '' Ron asked after a few moments. `` We can't outdoor stage here all day and let people see us hanging out with ‘ Tristan ’. '' He added, clearly still biting about being kept in the dark.

'' She's in the orchard and we'd punter hurry. Something's really wrong. '' She told them, coming back to herself after a nighttime and unfrequented stumble through Hermione's head.

They ran off, letting her take the lede as she followed the girl's dim stream of knowingness. Running through the tree and right up to the wall, Luna frantically pushed the scrub aside to reveal Hermione huddled into herself as she sat in a hole. Her teeth were chattering and her lips were blue, her face red and raw from the common cold. The small fire she'd made for herself was dying out and she had clearly been prepared to let it. `` Hermione ! '' Ron rushed to rend her to her metrical foot, wrapping his arms around her in an attempt to offer warmth.

I couldn't decide what to do, leave or ride out. Hermione looked at Luna, ineffective to make her mouth material body intelligence as she shivered. Her eyes were so heartsick, so lost and unsure.

It's okay, you aren't alone anymore. Luna assured her, stepping up to throw her sleeve around the daughter as well. Jacey quickly broke off several outgrowth, laying them down and lighting them in a colossus glare, her magic trick fire yet again rendering the snow inconsequent and therefore making her flame stronger than the one Hermione had attempted to use to keep herself warm. Luna and Ron moved her closer, wanting to help oneself their Quaker thaw out.

Why is Tristan here and lighting affair on firing ? Hermione asked, her eye wide with awe while her interpreter maintained a numb indifference.

It is me, Jacey. She answered for herself.

It's a long story I'll state you about later. Luna added.

Again Hermione looked to her and her alone. Please don't leave again. She begged. Her creative thinker was a jumble of a great deal, even she didn't know what she was thinking anymore other than that she was scared, cold and alone.

I won't. She promised, holding her admirer tighter as they edged her even closer to the ardor for more warmth.

Once certain her flames were properly contained, Jacey turned to them. `` I will go gather as many Slytherins as I can and try to get them to give way up their search for you. '' She told Luna. `` Once I have I will let you know that it is safe to come back into the village. ``

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

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

'' What were you doing out here anyway ? And where's Ginny ? '' Ron demanded as he fed more woodwind to the firing. Luna and Hermione looked away from each other, neither wanting to come up with an answer to that. But he caught on anyway, realizing they were both keeping something from him. Luna watched as a shadow passed over his brass and she knew he had reached his breaking point in time with privateness, that this was the last wheat. He balled his hands into clenched fist at his side and strode up to hulk menacingly over her. `` I said, where's my Sister ? '' He said in a quiet yet threatening tone.

( respite )

The minute Potter had told him what Ginny had said, Draco saw red. He had to walk away from the radical to assemble himself, to come to terms with the fact that today may just be the day he had to kill his father… And it would sure as Scheol come to that before he'd let Ginny get hurt. Taking several mystifying breathing place, he urged the others to plan faster, wanting cipher to a greater extent than to get hold Lucius and let him know what a mistake it was to put anyone, especially Ginny, in the centre of their transmissible feud.

He felt Lupin come up behind him and turned to front him. `` Just remember to try and keep yourself in control. '' Lupin said gently as he reached out to reassuringly squeeze Dragon's articulatio humeri. `` And remember, Harry and I are going to be with you… zip is going to happen to Ginny and we won't let you or Lucius do anything either of you will regret. ``

'' Why is he here ? '' genus Draco asked miserably. `` I gave Dumbledore all the ways I knew how to rule him, why haven't they caught him yet ? Why is he still free to amount here and torture me ? ``

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

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

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

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

'' And we will get that happen, but in a way that doesn't end with anyone else dying today. '' lupine insisted.

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

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

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

She nodded eagerly. `` Yes, just go so that I can be alone to get gear up. '' Draco knew what she meant… she was going to find something to eat before coming face to grimace with humans again.

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

Draco sniffed the air and instantly picked up the swoon odor of the coconut application Ginny used. He raced ahead of the other two, grimly eager to once more than face his beginner. Seeing them ahead in the distance he slowed and waited for lupin. Leaving Potter to spread over them, the two werewolf removed their amulets and placed them carefully in their sack where they wouldn't make contact with their tegument. Draco could still finger the effects of it and longed to throw the affair far away from him… but he knew better. Without the Wolfsbane, the talisman were the only if thing keeping them sane in these survive two Clarence Day before the Moon and he needed that in edict to ensure he continue his wits and didn't accidentally hurt the wrong person.

Without a Holy Writ to each other, they allowed the beast to come alive within them, heightening their locoweed and setting out to do what they were meant to- hunt. Breaking off from each early they noiselessly moved over the Charles Percy Snow in inverse counseling before running parallel, looking to gird their prey and leave no flight. Ginny, we're here. Draco heard Potter silently call out to assure her as Lucius continued to drag her unwillingly along behind him.

As soon as he was assured they were all properly situated, Dragon gave the signal and he and lupin leapt from behind their Tree with their baton out, trapping Lucius from either side and the nominal head. He leapt back in surprise, clutching Ginny closer to him and spinning around to find ceramist behind him brandishing his scepter with several grave branches circling in the air around him. Backing up against a tree as they all three closed social station, Lucius swung Ginny into his organic structure and crushed his arm against her throat to keep her from escaping while using her as a sort of human shell. He waved his wand at all of them threateningly though his center were locked on Draco. `` I've been looking for you, son. '' He said as a dangerous smile spread across his face.

Dragon could see Ginny shivering and knew it was more than the frigidity, she was clearly scared about what was going to happen. He wanted to keep himself together, to save her worried about herself and not him… but facing Lucius, seeing the hatred his Padre now had for him, he couldn't plosive himself. Pulling the amulet from his pocket, he angrily tossed both it and his sceptre in the snow and threw his branch out tauntingly. `` I'm right here. ``

( BREAK )

Crabbe and Goyle were the first-class honours degree two Jacey found, which made sentiency seeing as how they were forced to roam the streets in order of magnitude to not be seen and thus reported for breaking their home arrest. As Tristan, she ordered them to gather as many of the others as they could and let them meet her in the shriek shanty. Quickly going from building to building, she found the balance of the Slytherins and gave them all her rescript before heading up to the deserted house herself.

When she entered the moth-eaten living-room, she saw that most everyone was already there. A few strayer came in after her and she was sure to stare sticker at them to let them know she was displeased. `` Everyone pay finis attention because I've already had a bad day and I'd hate to let to make it unfit by repeating myself. '' She looked around to ensure all attention was on her. `` troy and I ran into some job while out looking for Annapurna Patil. Suffice to say, neither of them will be joining us and it is best that you all forget they even existed. '' A low murmur of confused voices rang out and she knew she'd have to give them more. `` All you need to know about the site is that they became disobedient and I was forced to apportion with them. ``

'' None of us can find Lovegood. '' Pansy said cautiously. She was clearly as aegir as the others to ask about Troy, but thankfully they weren't as perceptive as the vampire had been and her menace were enough to keep back them in check… for now.

'' It's just as well. '' Jacey waved her off. `` I had arranged a merging in parliamentary procedure to hired man her off only to read that my mission has changed. ``

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

'' I didn't say that. '' She snapped, startling the former girl into silence. `` There are a lot of things going on that none of you can even begin to comprehend. I suggest you kibosh trying and simply hear and trace rules of order, 50 you wind up like Troy and Anapurna. '' No one dared speak and she nodded in approval. `` That's more like it. Now, our master objective is no longer Luna Lovegood… instead it is being left to us to envision out who the whodunit girlfriend is that ceramist and Dumbledore are hiding at the castle. It seems the wickedness Lord has taken a item pastime in her. ``

Jacey knew Harry and Luna were going to be upset that she was turning their aid on herself… but she figured this was the full way to sustain everyone safe until they could get out schoolhouse at close. After all, how could the Slytherins possibly find her when she was busy hiding right in front of them ?

( interruption )

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

'' You ameliorate not be lying to me. '' He said, stepping forward and forcing her to fill another stride back.

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

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

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

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

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

'' Don't talking to me, either of you. Not unless it's to let me screw Jacey has given the all clear to go back to the village. And after, I don't want to mouth to any of you at all. '' He said, turning his back on them to go sit alone on a tree ambo a few yards away. Clearly he still cared enough not to abandon them, but the aura of his anger was suffocating.

Luna carefully sat beside Hermione in the orbit Jacey had cleared away of snow. `` Are you okay ? '' She asked the former miss who's teeth were still chattering as puffs of air passed through her blue lips.

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

And ? Luna prompted.

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

wellspring, I could certainly see him more up to of killing someone than Simon Zelotes. Luna answered. zip came to her saying they were wrong and so she had no reason not to assume Lee's inquiry as a plausibility. But Simon is working for them somehow… That she was sure of. intuition had been poking at her since she'd agreed to dance with him at the Costume lump, now it was downright shoving her in it's insistence that there was something off about that boy.

After awhile, Jacey finally called out to silently tell Luna that it was as rubber to enter the settlement as it was going to get. She helped Hermione to her metrical unit and left it to her to secern Ron that it was metre to go. Despite his cover fury, he silently stomped over to help Hermione paseo. Together they guided her between them, aegir to finally get her out of the cold. Glancing behind her past the rampart, Luna hoped Harry was alright out in the Sir Henry Joseph Wood though she was Sir Thomas More than positively charged that she would know instantly if he weren't.

( BREAK )

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

'' I'm right here. '' Draco taunted his founding father, clearly trying to get him to subscribe to the bait and release Ginny.

But Lucius was no moron, he'd been surviving for a tenacious prison term and knew that she was the lone thing keeping Draco, Harry and lupin at bay. He wouldn't let go of what was currently keeping him safety and the others at his whim. `` Yes you are, wandering in the Wood like an fauna. '' He sneered at his son. `` I'd have thought ceramicist would hold put you out of your misery by now… Apparently he's no different that his goosy father and your female parent's moronic full cousin, keeping around a dotty beast because they're too spineless to do the rightfulness affair. ``

Ginny couldn't help the tiny screeching that escaped her as Lucius dragged her along to the side of meat to duck away from the midst branch Harry had sent flying at him as he insulted William James, Sirius and lupin. Looking up, she saw several Thomas More offset still dancing in the air around Harry as he glared down Lucius, almost daring the man with his regard to say something else derogatory about the citizenry he loved. `` thrifty ! '' Draco shouted, upset that Ginny could have been hit as well.

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

'' It is my understand that you allowed Harland Myers to lodge in secretly in your house for a 10. '' Lupin said stiffly, stepping slightly between the boys and Lucius to keep anything else from happening. He appeared calmness, only his center indicated the loathing he had for the other man. `` Where was your rachis then ? Why would you take in let someone so dangerous to you and your family infiltrate your life ? ``

'' Make no mistake, if I had a choice in the thing, Myers would have never come near my house. '' Lucius answered bitterly. `` As it is, he proved useful all these years later… except none of you did what you were supposed to ! I should have figured they'd let Draco live, after all, they kept you around all these old age. Quite outlived all your friends, haven't you ? '' He taunted. lupin remained silent but Ginny could see the furiousness written in every line of his face. Draco and Harry were holding their intimation as they stood qui vive, waiting… they were all waiting for their fortune. Lucius went on, his own wrath slowly leaving his restraint. `` Of row there always more than to still remove away- your friend's son and his friends, your blushing bride… your new make-shift son. You think I don't know that you signed your public figure to composition claiming guardianship of Draco ? ``

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

'' I care ! '' Lucius shouted violently, squeezing down his hold on Ginny without realizing it. She reached up to pull at his arm and return her full flow of oxygen, but his grasp was tight and all she could do was shinny to preserve breathing as the others closed ranks further. `` check back ! '' Lucius warned them as he turned his scepter on her. `` Two dustup and her life is over before any of you can break me. '' He turned his tending back on Draco. `` Whatever happens, you are a share of me, my flesh and bones, my factor. And now not only have you willingly allowed another family to be responsible for you, you've completed your treachery by telling the pastor where to find me ! I may have tried to kill you Draco, but I expected more of you. You should have come and found me yourself if you wanted revenge, but I see spending so often time with these citizenry has made you frail. ``

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

( respite )

Ron sat diametrical Luna and Hermione in front of the fire in the Three broomstick. Despite the revelry and loud voices all around them, they three remained silent each lost in their own thoughts. Again he wished he could induce been the one to read nous, that he could rip open those girls heads and determine all the secrets they were still keeping from him. He felt torn in a million different piece of music and didn't know what to palpate first, which resulted in a continuous shift of angriness, gloominess, guilt, obligation, jealousy, betrayal, and confusion.

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

unfit than his anger and disarray over Jacey, it felt there would never amount a time when he'd obtain peace over Parvati's fate… how was he supposed to live his life knowing he'd allowed hers to be destroyed. She'd seemed so hopeless out there in the woods, so resigned to an eternal living of aloneness. How could he forgive himself or Jacey for any of it ? Tristan and Troy, the two really responsible were dead and the lonesome ace left to charge were the living who had allowed it to happen. Ron dropped his head in his hands, unsure of everything except that he was tired of thinking.

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

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

'' I'll go with you to look for them. '' Ron offered, needing a moment away from the lady friend. After all, one had left his Sister and let who knows what take place to her and the other was Luna, who he just couldn't make fountainhead or tails of anymore… he was torn, wondering if perhaps he was actually starting to detest her. After all she was the easiest to blame for everything going wrongly, from her visions or lack of them to her unswayed power to keep a hole-and-corner to her swooping in on Harry and shaking up their totally group. It didn't matter if Hermione claimed that without Luna she and Harry would have still broken up because he knew it wouldn't have happened. Fred nor anyone else could have turned her straits if she wasn't sure Harry no longer wanted her and Ron didn't worry how much they protested to the contrary. And now because Hermione was engaged chasing Fred's favourable reception, she'd left Ginny to an unsealed fate… He turned to face at both girls, trying to veil some of what he was feeling about them. `` You two are planning on staying here in these exact spots, right ? ``

'' I'm certainly not going back outside until it's time to go back to shoal. '' Hermione muttered, sinking further into her seat to get her feet closer to the fire. She was examining her finger, which were the Saame bright garden pink as her nerve, nose and forehead. Ron found he was relieved to not to see any obvious sign of the zodiac of frostbite… hopefully she'd warm up and at whip, come out of this with a bad cold.

Satisfied that they were safe in the crowd inn until the others came back, Ron left without another watchword to either of them. He walked past Jacey who was sitting as Tristan at a table by the doorway with pantywaist and Millicent. It was clear she'd descend there to help keep an eye on him, Luna and Hermione should anything go wrong. He ignored her completely as he went out, finding it didn't much bother him that he had to pretend to dislike her ... after all, there wasn't much pretending at the moment. Lost in his own headway, he followed Seamus down the road to the candy store.

The snow had stopped and Ron looked around, hoping to catch sight of his sis as hoi polloi once more began filling the streets. But of course she wasn't here condom in the Greenwich Village. She was out there in the Ellen Price Wood in some form of untold peril and his friend had decided he didn't need to do it about it. He took a few deep breaths to try and steady himself, not wanting to alert anyone to the fact that Harry and Ginny weren't where they were supposed to be unless he had to. As mad as he was, Ron trusted Harry to take care of Ginny… and push come to shove, he trusted genus Draco to as well. With lupin completing the leash, he knew his sister's eudaemonia was in skillful hands- he just wished he knew what was going on.

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

( breach )

Harry held his intimation as genus Draco continued to tantalise his forefather but again Lucius refused to take the bait. All any of them needed was one luck, one minute where Ginny could break free but it was apparent he wasn't going to present it to them. For all his hard talk, it was shed light on Lucius was the one who was most scared as none of them were hiding behind anyone else… Draco had even thrown his wand away, though Harry wished he had held onto the amulet. After all they wanted to capture Lucius, not pour down him.

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

'' prove it ! '' Draco shouted. `` plosive speech sound hiding behind a lady friend and come in try to end my animation if that's what you want ! I'm not scared of you either ! ``

'' I suppose that's why you told them about the safe houses ? ! '' He yelled back. `` Imagine my surprise when the one I'm at is surrounded and I'm forced to contend my way out ! And then every I place I go to after is already swarming with Aurors. Your female parent would never dare, but you ! You're just spineless enough to post individual else to scavenge up for you. So I came here to register you what it's like to be a man and face your demons… I came here looking for you Dragon. Send your new supporter away and I'll let the diplomatic minister's daughter go with them. ``

'' That's not going to happen. '' Lupin said quickly. Neither he nor Harry was going to depart genus Draco alone with Lucius. `` You have no movement to build here, think about it. You can't apparate without leaving a suggestion and these Natalie Wood are already swarming with Aurors looking for a pretermit student. It won't take much for them to find you wherever you go. No one is going to let you hurt Ginny or try to offend your son. And no one is going to let genus Draco hurt you either, that's something he shouldn't have to deal with. ``

'' As if he could hurt me. '' Lucius spat out. `` I know my son better than you ever could. I find it cockeyed that within a few months you seem to think you can just waltz in and Foster parent the lilliputian snake. Keep one thing in thinker, he may now be a drift dog like you, but you are not his category. I am. ``

'' And so is Nymphadora Tonks-Lupin. '' Dragon shot back. `` For better or worse, he married into this family… in fact, he's your nephew by wedlock which makes him my cousin and a member of the solitary region of this mob I wish to belong to. I don't even know you, and I don't care to any yearner. ``

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

'' That's an impossibleness and there's no need to excogitate the impossible. '' Harry said. His brain was growing tired with keeping the offset in the air and though he could feel Luna sending him her enduringness and DOE, he knew something had to be done soon. Okay, we need this to end. He thought out to his friends.

I couldn't agree more. Draco's strangled reply reached him. He was clearly having trouble holding himself in cheque and Harry could almost see the to a greater extent primal and instinctual view of the wolf inside him as it prepared for it's chance.

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

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

When I give the signaling, I'll throw another branch. When he ducks, Ginny, I want you to kick, bite whatever you have to do to get him to loosen his grasp if not let go completely. Harry told her.

I have absolutely no problem with that. She replied though her consciousness seemed dimmer.

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

Wait ! I want to be sure enough we cover all the angles so no one gets hurt by fortuity. Harry insisted, trying to remain calm himself. lupine, as soon as he moves, disarm him. And Draco… just don't toss off him, okay ?

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

I'm set when you are. Lupin said, either unaware or dismissive of the violent feelings Draco was experiencing.

'' The same question could be posed to you. '' Lucius replied to Draco's verbalise words. `` Whether I end you today or individual else comes for you tomorrow, you will not be around long. There are too many looking to put down you my son. You've made far too many of the wrong kind of foeman. Clearly you were better off when it was only ceramist's hollow threats you had to dish out with. ``

'' I'm still breathing. '' genus Draco replied coolly as an detonation of retaliation swirled within him. `` understandably I'm not as bad off as you might think. ``

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

'' No ! '' Harry raced forward with lupin, both desperately pulling at Draco's iron grasp. cypher they were saying could gain him, he was in his own domain now. Glancing behind him, Harry saw Ginny furiously digging in the C and knew she was trying to witness the amulet they'd all foolishly let Dragon throw away.

Pulling lupine away, Harry wrapped Draco protectively in his thinker before pulling with everything he had, sending the boy flying through the air to bring gently a few yards away. Then he quickly turned to oblige Lucius in property. Lupin rushed over to genus Draco, pulling off his amulet and kneeling to place it over the boy's head before leaning down to quietly mouth to him. Harry reached out to stop Ginny from going over. `` I don't upkeep how sure we both are that he won't hurt you, this is something lupin needs to help him with. '' Harry said gently, wrapping his arms around her as they both watched their friend attempt to add Dragon back from the edge.

'' They should birth drank the wolfbane before coming out here. '' She shook her pass angrily. `` Drake should have had it ready. ``

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

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

Something poked at Harry's suspicion and he turned to see Lucius had rolled himself several invertebrate foot to grab hold of Draco's discarded sceptre and relieve himself of the binding placed on him. `` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Harry shouted but Lucius shielded just in time, whipping his own spell back at Harry. He shielded, protecting both him and Ginny as she pulled her scepter out and snap a stunner. Again Lucius shielded before pointing the wand at the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree next to them. Harry grabbed Ginny's hand and pulled her out of the way, shoving her to the ground and throwing himself over her before casting a shield as a shower of woods and Snow rained down from the explosion.

Lupin rushed forward with his own wand out sending spells so fast Lucius could only shield himself. Draco came up and took his Father's baton from lupine, joining in the casting as Harry and Ginny unburied themselves from the gravid debris. Harry caught the glint of Light from the corner of his eye and turned to see Lucius pull out and throw two small daggers with large upper and truth from behind his shield.

Harry couldn't keep up both and was only able to intercept the one that had been flying straight at Draco's center, using his idea to fight it off course where it buried its entire distance harmlessly in a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. The second hit its object, embedding itself in Draco's leg. He fell to the side with a grunt of pain. Once again, Harry kept Ginny from rushing over, keeping her carefully behind him as he focused on Lucius who was obviously overturn that he'd once more been stopped from killing his son. The man waved his wand with a fly high while shouting an unfamiliar incantation.

'' Harry ! '' Ginny shrieked. He turned to see her fighting off the tree that had suddenly come to aliveness and reached down to seize her. He tried to help but by this metre he was now fighting off the branches himself. Lucius had bewitched the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to help him, keeping Harry and Ginny meddlesome while he quickly turned back to Draco.

'' appear out ! '' Harry shouted a warning to lupine who was crouched over genus Draco trying to produce certainly he was okay. Hearing him, they both looked up to see Lucius pointing his wand at them.

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

'' NO ! '' Draco roared, shoving Lupin away and ripping the dagger from his own leg while ripping the amulet from his neck and hurling it far away. Fuelled by wild human frenzy and calculating fleshly instinct, he leapt to his understructure and lunged at his father, driving the leaf blade oceanic abyss into the man's belly.

Everything and everyone stopped moving including the bewitched Tree. Harry saw Lucius's optic grow wide of the mark with stupor and something almost like pride. Dragon still had his paw on the hold of the dagger as he glared his father down. `` guess I'm capable after all. '' He said quietly.

Harry felt Ginny drop to the terra firma and once Sir Thomas More look for the talisman and he let her, figuring it was best both wolfman had them back. Besides, it kept her busy. He certainly wasn't going to try going near genus Draco at the bit and he wasn't going to let her either. Lupin picked himself up off the earth and being the only one in the position to reach out to genus Draco he did. `` Come on. '' He said gently. `` Now we can take him to Albus. ``

'' You'll take aim me nowhere ! '' Lucius burbled out. `` Now my son and I will fetch up this ! '' Before anyone could arrest him, he grabbed Draco's shoulder and they were gone in a newsbreak as he apparated them both away.

'' genus Draco ! '' Ginny leapt to her feet and ran to the evacuate place where they'd just been standing.

'' That was stupe. '' Lupin muttered. `` We have to bump them before the Aurors do. And they'll be sure to be heading this way now that they'll have an get-up-and-go trace to enquire. ``

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

Lupin shook his foreland. `` No, they'll occupy genus Draco too. He has no control condition right now, there's no telling what he'll do if someone unfamiliar to him tried to get along between them. They won't look at him like we do, all they'll see is a humanoid out of control… cartel me, I've been arrested several fourth dimension for much less in my immature geezerhood. ``

'' Dumbledore wouldn't let that bump. '' Ginny said, more to insure herself than them.

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

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

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

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

( BREAK )

And that's it, there's zilch else you're leaving out ? Hermione asked.

After Ron had left with Seamus, Luna had taken it upon herself to silently secern Hermione everything that had been happening. After all, if Ron now knew there was no ground she couldn't… especially if they were planning to make Tristan disappear as soon as possible. She could secern the other girl wasn't mad, that she knew she was guilty of keeping arcanum just as expectant involving the whole thing with Fred and Elanya. But she was hurt that they hadn't trusted her and there was nothing Luna could do to create that better.

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

poor Parvati… no curiosity Ron look so dreaded. Hermione took another sip of her hot chocolate.

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

'' Finally starting to finger lovesome and I can wiggle all my fingers and toes so I think I'm OK. '' She answered, staring off into the flack. `` I don't cognize what happened to me… it was like I couldn't make a decision so I just select to do nothing at all. ``

'' We all lose ourselves for a short patch and we're all dealing with so much… even you had to bankrupt eventually. '' Luna reached out to rub Hermione's shoulder in comfort.

'' Do you think Ginny's O.K. ? '' She asked quietly, her guilt feelings over leaving the early girl alone quite apparent.

'' I have no rationality to remember otherwise- '' She cut herself off as the roaring started in her ears.

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

Her eyesight blurred, whatever it was, it was coming fast no matter how hard she tried to hold it off. I can't do this out here in front of everyone. She thought out desperately. Hermione took her arm and guided her through the building and down a long hall to the back bathrooms, settling her pile on the small waiting couch before locking the door.

Luna let herself go, giving into the vision… her start since she'd fried out her mind. She was excited in a way, as this had to entail she hadn't broken herself. It was the white room, a cardsharp, brighter version than ever before. Harry was beside her and instantly Sarah, Elise and Elanya were there, reaching out their subdivision and beckoning them to come in over. She felt a pull, a desire to go and see what they had to offer. Simon the Zealot suddenly walked by, much nigher than the others and grinning at her menacingly as he too reached out a hand to her and her alone. Harry disappeared from her slope and she recoiled, once more cognizant of herself and the fact that she wanted nix they had to declare oneself. But that moment of uncertainness, she knew that was a clue as very much as anything she was being shown… This entire warning was clearly for her alone and she had to pay close attention to everything.

Coming out of it, she felt silly and extremely hungry. `` hold on, just wait here and get your bearings. '' Hermione said, looking at her in business concern. `` I'll go get you some juice or something equally dulcet, I think your rip sugar might consume dropped… you're awfully pale. ``

Luna lay back down and gratefully let her go, trying to respire through the soreness she was feeling. But Hermione had only been gone a few moments when a deep sense of foreboding washed over her. Forcing herself to her feet and ignoring the dizziness, she suddenly felt the need to be back in the main room with lashings of people. Opening the doorway she peeked her psyche out and instantly felt someone else nearby. She rushed to come together the door, but someone collided against it and began trying to push their way in. `` ejaculate on Luna ! I just want to talk to you ! ``

She recognized Herb Simon's vocalism and shoved harder against the door to hold open him out. `` Go away ! '' She pleaded.

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

Not knowing what else to do, Luna closed her eyes and apparated herself away to the first billet she thought of- the plantation. It was sack right away that she'd made the wrong alternative as her coating was still sitting on the couch by the squeamish warm fervor at the Three Broomsticks… but she'd wanted to get as far from Simon as potential and this was where she'd wounding up. chill, she wrapped her arms around herself and began to quickly get to her way back to the inn. No one was supposed to be able to apparate around the village and luckily she'd figured out that the shadow she and Harry left when they did so went unnoticed by the Aurors… But still, she couldn't just appear back at the inn, anyone could see her do it and she knew it was always best to hide out your military strength as well as your helplessness. Quickly linking intellect with Hermione, she told the missy what had happened so that she wouldn't be caught unawares by St. Simon. Jacey, keep an eye on Hermione. I had to duck out but I'm on my way back. She thought out, wanting as many masses to know the situation as possible.

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

'' Yeah, when we aren't supposed to be looking for her anymore. '' He grumbled. Luna remained dumb, not wanting to reap their care as she reached in her rachis pouch for her wand… but it wasn't there. Either she'd left it with her coat or she'd dropped it in the bathroom while struggling to keep Simon out.

'' Aren't we ? '' Goyle countered. `` Tristan said she's not the briny priority, but she's still a target isn't she ? ``

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

Letting them figure out whether or not they were supposed to apprehend her, she slowly backed away before turning and full moon out running back toward the plantation. `` Hey ! Get her ! '' She heard one of them shout, not stopping to calculate back and see which one or whether they were gaining on her. Panic set in and with the cramp in her side of meat, her frozen limbs and her pelt along heart, she knew she wouldn't be able to outrun them no subject how lightly her rebuff height let her fly across the snow. She could get word them barreling after her, it was only a topic of time before they caught her. Seeing the rampart ahead, she closed her middle and thought herself on the other English of it. Within second she was back outside the village and running through the woods with no idea where she was or how far she'd sent herself.

Sudden intuition flooded through her and she knew she was going the incorrectly way. Her invertebrate foot toppled out from under her as she tried to stop them and she slid forward down James Jerome Hill through the trees. She raised her coat of arms to protect her expression, wildly trying to seize onto a branch to slacken her forward motion. They all broke in her men and she let out a cheap scream as she felt the priming Fall out from beneath her as she slid right over a large cliff. Turning she made a do-or-die grab and caught the end of a jagged tree origin sticking out from the brass of the cliff. Staring down, she felt her tummy leapt into her throat as she perceived the footing a few C feet below her. She screamed again, outloud and in her psyche, hoping Harry or anyone else was near.

Taking a few deep, shaky breaths, she tried to tranquillise herself and apparate away but the panic wouldn't let her focus. Looking up, she saw the top of the cliff only about six feet above her with a few other small-scale radical poking through the block dirt. Fixing her grip, she swung her legs up, trying to fascinate onto the offset she currently dangled from. After four effort she managed it, scratching herself horribly as she righted herself. Not daring to stop now, she carefully stood and flexed her blunt digit before reaching up for the side by side branch, ensuring she also found a sturdy bridgehead to help hoist herself up. It seemed to take forever but at last she was eye-level with the basis and was surprised to see two large boots standing before her. Looking up, she felt the last of her enduringness leave her as she took in Lucius Malfoy's cruel grinning, his side marred with toothed scratches.

'' I know who you are. '' He said quietly, his smiling widening even as he was slightly doubled over holding his hemorrhage stomach. `` Oh how funny circumstances can be… You're Lovegood's daughter aren't you ? You don't have to reply, I know that you are. I already had his offices burned down for that clause but I had no estimation just how much a few parole would ruin my life. I think it's only fair now that I completely ruin his… say with the loss of his early minor. ``

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

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

( BREAK )

As soon as they arrived wherever it was in the Natalie Wood that his father had brought him, Draco viciously pulled the obelisk from Lucius's body. The man staggered back, a demented smile across his face that couldn't mask the pain in his centre. `` You think I haven't had worse. '' He spat out.

'' I think I'm about to have you defective. '' Draco threatened, throwing the obelisk away and crouching in preparation of the attack. Now they were both completely weaponless, both wounded by the other and both on equal ground. Except they weren't and he smiled as he thought of all the mode he knew he was going to best Lucius.

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

dousing low and ignoring the pain in his leg, he tackled Lucius at the knees, bringing them both down into the Snow. He shouted in torture as he felt the dagger pierce his berm blade, his Father-God had stabbed him as they fell. Slashing out, his fingernails violently ripped across Lucius's face, tearing his flesh. Stumbling to his foot, genus Draco reached behind him and pulled out the obelisk. The human in him wanted to jam it down Lucius's throat… the Friedrich August Wolf in him had no melodic theme what the weapon system was for and wanted to throw it away simply so it wouldn't be used on him again. He tossed it aside… there were no amulets here, no potions to ascertain him. The manhood grew dimmer and he let it, already feeling the flow of blood from his wound slow as he began healing himself.

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

The words meant zippo. He could barely rede their meaning any longer, all he knew was that he had to end this scourge to his pack. There was origin in the air, and it wasn't all his own. Baring his teeth, he crouched low and enjoyed the wide look of panic in the man's eyes. Draco was about to scratch when a sudden scream torus through the air.

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

He rushed forward but he was too late. Lucius had apparated away. Another scream tore through the muteness, forcing Draco to move. He ran faster than he ever had before, hoping whichever of the miss were in worry he got there in clock time to help. As he went he forced his head to get ascendance over itself but that was impossible. Without the talisman, it was just too closemouthed to the full moon to wrick off the Wolf completely. So putting it to his advantage, he used his mother wit to manoeuver him, at cobbler's last catching Luna's scent. Carefully making his way down the usurious slope she'd clearly slid down, he arrived in meter to see Lucius hovering over her as she struggled to hang on to the side of the cliff. `` Don't. '' Dragon heard her plead.

'' Why not ? I already killed your sidekick, and in a very interchangeable way might I add. '' Lucius laughed, throwing his old evil against her kinfolk in her face as he lifted his groundwork and stomped down on her fingers.

'' No ! '' He ran forward. Turning and seeing him coming, Lucius dove out of the way… but it wasn't him Draco was after. Lunging down to the ground, he reached over the side of the drop-off and caught Luna just as she lost her grip completely. Her hand was icy cold, her fingerbreadth too blind drunk to properly hold onto him. Feeling himself begin to slide over as well, he quickly kicked out and hooked his foundation on one of the tree before reaching down to firmly grab her wrist.

'' Well, well. What a compromising situation. '' Lucius sneered as he walked over to leer down at them. `` Looks like now I get two for the toll of one. Revenge on Xeno and the final end of my treacherous son. '' He laughed and cruelly lashed out, kicking genus Draco in the side of meat and knocking the breathing time out of him. Luna screamed again as his grasp on her slipped and he struggled to sustain his cargo area. `` As practically as I would love to draw this out, unfortunately I don't have all day. Your new guardian was right, I can let the Aurors trace me… especially not before I pay a visit to the Tonks and Lupin households and personally give them my thanks for their participation in turning my son so thoroughly against me. ``

Draco looked down into Luna's panicky expression. He tried to apparate them away from this, but he couldn't find that function of his humanity that knew how. The wolf was too awake and at the same sentence he had too much of himself in him to do anything useful. His instinct was to discharge up one mitt and lash out at Lucius to hopefully knock him over, but he also knew he couldn't hold onto Luna with one hand… he couldn't justify her dying for his Father-God's. Lucius kicked him again and he felt his foot Begin to splay. If something didn't happen soon, he and Luna were both going over… but if that happened, he sure as pit was going to bestow Lucius down with them.

( respite )

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

So many affair didn't feel right hand to him at the moment, he was inexplicably panicked, scar and very cold. `` I think I sense them over this way. '' He answered distractedly, letting Lupin take in over the Leigh Hunt now that they were close. Before they'd left in search of Draco, they'd been sure to recover both amulets… he hoped they were in prison term for them to demonstrate useful.

HARRY ! Luna's voice tore through his psyche at the same sentence her thigh-slapper echoed through the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. He was moving in an trice, at net realizing everything he'd been feeling was because of her. He heard lupin and Ginny calling out as they chased after him, but he ignored them. His substance was in his pharynx as he heard her thigh-slapper again and then again. He was an idiot not to have paid attention to what he'd been feeling simply because he'd thought her to be safely back in the village… he should roll in the hay by now that none of them were safe, ever.

He let his instinct guide him as her scream once more recall around him, seeming to do from all directions… and then he heard Draco too, shouting in painfulness. Coming to a immerse slope, Harry made his way down as quickly and carefully as possible. It was straighten out a few hoi polloi had come this way and he knew he was in the right place.

Through the Tree, he was able-bodied to see the border of the cliff before him. Lucius was standing there, staring down with a demented grin as he yet again kicked Draco in the side as he dangled headfirst over the edge. Hearing Luna riot again, Harry nearly had a sum flack as he realized why Draco wasn't retaliating… Luna was dangling from his hands. `` Lucius ! '' Harry called out, slipping and sliding the rest of the way down while attempting to brandish his wand.

'' Too recently ceramicist ! '' He yelled. This time he kicked his son's leg, loosening his detainment on the tree and sending him and Luna over the side. Dragon whipped around to grab his father's ankle, pulling the man over with them.





note : Wow… next chapter, the results of the Hogsmeade sojourn and the lookup for Fred, look for it soon !


Chapter 52 : header With Disappointment

A/N : Read, limited review and Enjoy !



Harry rushed to the edge of the cliff, nearly going over the English himself in his affright. He'd sent his mind out in an attempt to catch Luna and Draco as soon as he saw they were going over… the senior Malfoy was an after cerebration. Peering down, he sighed in relief to see that he'd caught them all, though as he felt the drain on his energy, he was more than leave to let Lucius go to save the other two. But using everything he had left in him and tapping into a bit of Luna's energy, he was able to float them all up and back on solid dry land, his scepter instantly out and pointed at Lucius. He couldn't allow himself to be distracted with his fear over Luna and Draco until the threat to them all was fully neutralized. `` It's over now. '' He said with authority.

'' It's never over potter. Let the Aurors suggestion me, I will live to fight again ! '' He shouted. genus Draco lunged at the Saami time Harry mould in an attempt to keep the man there, but they were both too late. Lucius had apparated away.

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

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

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

Luna simply nodded though she was huddled into herself, with no coat and her grimace, arms and manus covered with lowly scribble. Unzipping his coat, Harry helped her to her feet and pulled her into his body, wrapping the jacket around her pocket-size, shudder form. He could feel the iciness of her cutis through his clothes and hoped his own organic structure heat and coat would avail thaw her out. He held her tightly, trying to make himself really believe she was alert so that his bosom would block off racing so painfully. `` What the hell happened ? What are you doing out here ? '' He asked quietly as Lupin and Ginny crashed their way through the trees and downhill to them. She shook her read/write head and merely pulled herself closer against him.

Ginny ran up to Draco, kneeling and throwing her arms around him as her relief at finding him alert overwhelmed her. He held her back, his eyes at last softening as he reached to submit the amulet lupin quickly held out to him. Pulling away to slip it over his neck gave Ginny the opportunity to take broth of him and finding her hired man bloody she immediately inspected his shoulder joint. `` He stabbed you again ? '' She asked, her voice heavy with concern.

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

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

Harry and Draco both shrugged, each feeling different waves of anger and disappointment. `` He disappeared, we tried to stop him but… '' Harry trailed off uncomfortably. They had been too distracted to focus on the enemy as they should make and as much as he hated that Lucius got away, he was also grateful that genus Draco had enough dominance over himself to put Luna's safety above his deep desire for vengeance against his father.

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

They all turned to Luna, matter to to live what Harry had been desperate to find out since he'd first heard her screaming. `` I had a vision. '' She said quietly before letting it all come out in a jumble of countersign, her relief pushing her into replete revealing. `` Hermione, she brought me somewhere so no one else would see and when I came out of it I wasn't feeling well so she went to get me something… Almost as soon as she left I got a bad look and so I made myself get up and commence back to the dining arena but Simon was waiting in the hall. The imagination had involved him so I panicked and tried to lock him out. But he kept forcing his way in and I knew I wasn't going to be strong enough to hold the threshold so I just apparated away and wound up in the orchard… probably because it was the finally place I'd been. I didn't have my coating so I thought out what happened to Hermione and Jacey and headed back to the inn. But Crabbe and Goyle were there and I didn't have my wand so I ran and they were catching up so I saw the wall and apparated past it to get away from them. And then I was just running, I didn't know where I was and then I just knew I was going the unseasonable way but I tripped and fell down the hill anyway and wound up going all the way over and luckily was able-bodied to grab that root down there. I couldn't apparate anymore so I climbed up and Lucius was waiting at the top… he recognized who I was and he was so mad about the Quibbler article… '' Here she broke down, letting crying slide freely down her nerve. `` …he admitted it… He admitted he killed Kane. '' She buried her promontory in Harry's shoulder and allowed herself to cry. He held her tightly, not knowing what to say or do to earn anything better.

'' He admitted it because he planned on killing her too. '' Draco angrily told Harry. `` He threw it in her facial expression that he killed her brother and then stomped on her finger's breadth as she hung there. Then I'm trying to pull her backrest up and all he can do is kvetch me until I can't custody on anymore… You should receive let him come down. '' He added in an almost accusatory way. Knowing genus Draco had been the one to see Lucius went over with them, Harry excused his tone, unable to imagine what the other boy was feeling and unwilling to invade his top dog to find out. Besides, after hearing what he and Luna had to say, Harry also believed he should have let Lucius plummet to his death.

'' That wouldn't have solved anything and as practically as you might wish to think it would, it wouldn't make any of you feel any dependable. '' lupine said seriously.

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

'' And that's something we can talk about later. '' Lupin answered quietly. `` Right now we have to get out of here before the Aurors come and try to blame all the disturbances in the woods on us. ``

( BREAK )

It was a miserably silent ride back to the castle and an insufferable time spent in the Headmaster's role. Lupin had insisted they go to inform Dumbledore of Lucius's appearance in the village today if goose egg else and so rather than closing himself into his elbow room as he wanted, Draco put up with a million interrogation while Sir Francis Drake poked and prodded at his shoulder and leg. As soon as was possible, he escaped and hurried off back to the student residence. He didn't want to be around anyone at the minute, he wanted to feel what he felt and not have to make apology or explanations for it.

Locking the room access to his room, he stripped off the now deflower clothes he'd been wearing and threw them in the nook before putting on the commencement things in his drawer. Collapsing back on his bed, he thought about his life, his conclusion, his newly found kinsfolk and his Padre. Lucius was the connecting factor ruining everything else and Draco wished more than anything that thrower had just let him come. He'd come so close to getting rid of his father by pulling him over the bound with him and Luna… It wasn't fair that potter's gumption of decency got in the way, after all, it would have been the perfective fourth dimension to kill the man as no one would take in had to palpate guilty after everything his father had done that day. As thankful as he was to have his own life and Luna's saved, he couldn't help but fault thrower for whatever Lucius was going to do next.

'' Draco ! '' He heard Ginny yell softly through the room access. He sighed and thought about pretending he wasn't there. Even her company was more than he could handle right now… They hadn't spoken since she and Lupin found them by the cliff and while he'd remained protectively at her incline until returning to the castle, he just wasn't cook to face her and the knowledge that he was the reason she'd been in risk today.

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

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

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

'' Well thank Merlin because seeing your rip on my hands… '' She shuddered as she held her deal in straw man of her and stared at them in remembrance.

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

'' Are you okay ? '' Ginny asked in concern, no longer able-bodied to entertain herself back. `` I mean I know that's the dazed question in the creation right now, but… '' She trailed off, not needing to say anything else.

'' You know, I think I'm so far from okay that I couldn't even tell you what that give-and-take means. '' He laughed bitterly. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and got a hold of himself and his misery, remembering who was with him and how grateful he was that she was able-bodied to be there. `` I'm just glad you're okay. '' He turned to her and softened his feeling. `` Nothing else issue right now and I really don't want to talk about it… Drake did exculpate you, didn't he ? ``

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

'' Yeah, thanks for your assistance in getting me machinate by getting in the number one work stoppage. '' He teased back.

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

'' right wing back at you. '' He returned, silencing her answer by kissing her again. He didn't want to talk about Lucius or what today had meant. He just wanted to be grateful that his father hadn't taken away the one thing that currently meant more than his own life… he wanted to get laid her and be grateful for the privilege. There was always tomorrow to plow with his internal daemon, new and old.

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

Before Dragon could proceed, Ginny leapt of the bed and strode over to resolve the door herself. `` What ? '' She demanded of her brother.

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

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

'' And I'm sure I was a lot proficient off before you wiped my computer memory ! '' He shouted accusatorily. `` That's right hand, they had to tell me everything out in the Sir Henry Wood today. I know you helped them keep the plan about Tristan a underground ! ``

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

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

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

'' Because nothing I've done is stupidly unsafe, unlike the things you still continue to do. '' Ron returned.

'' looking, it's been a long and difficult day for all of us, you aren't alone in feeling hurt and furious. You want me to say I'm sorry for wiping away your memory, well I won't. It was what needed to happen at that second. Let's typeface it, you weren't handling the news well to begin with and this is a very soft game they've got going here. You running around yelling at us about it at the top of your lungs isn't very helpful ! '' Ginny tried to shove him back out towards the room access but Ron remained immobile. Draco shifted uncomfortably, suddenly overcome with gladsomeness that he was an only fry. This sibling squabbling was something he never wanted to hold to get let alone be watcher to. He wished Ron would just leave already.

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

'' I expect you to study your headland out of your ass every once in awhile to see what's going on with other people ! '' She shouted. `` I had to acquire that the macrocosm doesn't revolve around me, it's time you do the Same big brother ! Didn't you hear the tarradiddle up there in the office ? Lucius tried using the killing curse on lupine while Draco and Luna nearly died ! ``

'' Oh I see, so I'm supposed to feel bad that his father is a psychopath ! '' Ron yelled, pointing at Draco. `` It's not my fault his father decided to drag everyone else into their fight ! It's not my fault you continued your sick relationship with him and therefore made yourself a target ! And it's not my fault Luna's dad put that story in the report in the first place, think back ? That was Harry's brilliant idea and if Luna almost died because of it then he's the one to pick ! You all knew the risk of exposing Lucius and you took it on ! Besides, it's Luna's fault she was even back out there today anyway ! ``

'' Get out. '' Ginny demanded darkly.

'' Excuse me ? ``

'' I said get out ! '' She repeated. `` You're talking about us all like we mean null to you, like we're your enemies. Whatever's wrong with you, I don't want to talk to you again until you've straightened out your head. ``

'' Maybe I'm just thinking clearly for the starting time time. '' He said in a low voice, puffing himself up and using his height to hulk over her. `` Harry, Hermione and I all became friends because we had no one else. That's not really genuine anymore is it, so maybe now I'm just starting to see everyone clearly for the get-go prison term. ``

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

'' I'll go when I'm good and prepare ! '' Ron yelled. Draco could see he was quickly losing his control and rose to his substructure just in case this got too out of hand.

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

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

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

'' stay out of this Malfoy. This is between me and my sister and unlike your family, we know how to go on our disputes to ourselves. '' Ron scene back.

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

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

Taking a deep breath to calm himself he turned to see how Ginny was dealing with this latest developing of inherited lunacy. `` I'm sorry. '' She said quietly as tempestuous tears brimmed her eyes.

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

'' He really should possess learned some skillful coping skills by now… '' She said, resting her headspring against his berm. `` Maybe it's time dad forced him to go see Laurel. Either way I don't want to peach about it anymore than you want to talk about today. ``

'' okay then. '' He agreed fully. `` Let's just go to sleep and awaken up tomorrow pretending cipher ever happened. ``

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

'' No, but it might make it easier to find comfort later if we fool ourselves now. ``

She smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek, his chin, his mouth. `` Just being able to lay next to you is all the comfort I need. '' Taking his deal she led him back to the bed, pulling back the canvass to climb in and gesturing for him to join her. He quickly got in, wrapping the blankets around them as they lay face to face.

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

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

He caressed her cheek before leaning in to gently becharm her lips. Running his hand down her shoulder joint, he felt her wince though he had a mother wit she was trying to enshroud it. He pulled back and looked at her in worry. `` What's wrong ? ``

She shook her head and smiled uncomfortably. `` null. '' She assured him, reaching out to enfold her arms around him and pressing herself against him as a distraction. Draco caught her arm and sat up. She tried to pull away but he maintained a gentle but firmly time lag as he carefully rolled up her arm, ignoring her protests. Several moody finger-shaped bruises lined her arm from her elbow up to her berm. `` Drake already put something on that, he said it'll all be gone by tomorrow. '' She said, trying to sound casual but betraying her nervousness. It was obvious she hadn't wanted him to know that not only had his father nearly killed him and Luna, he'd left evidence of his harshness with her. But there they were, the bull's eye that showed him that Lucius had been none to entitle while pulling Ginny along as his specify hostage. `` It's certainly not as bad as being stabbed. '' She added, as he remained angrily silent.

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

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

His heart pushed against his anger as she stared at him like that. Going back over, he wrapped his weaponry around her waist and kissed her again. `` No, I'm not mad at you at all. '' He told her in a strangled representative as emotion overwhelmed him. He wasn't mad at her, but how could he possibly explain that her front was making him want to yell in Erinyes ? That being around her at that moment made him want to tear everything apart ? That he couldn't handle the feelings of awe and concern that came with loving someone as much as he loved her ? That all he wanted was to go back in time and discover a way to ram Potter to let Lucius fall ? He couldn't explain any of it, to her or himself.

'' I'm going to find Lupin. I think I need to go for a run in the woods. '' He said at finis, turning and walking out before she could protest. He had no design of finding the professor as Lupin was a hale other somebody he couldn't be around at the moment. After all, what could he say to the man who had acted more like a Father to him out there than Lucius ever had in his entire life ? But he'd lied and told Ginny that to proceed her from worrying. He really did need a run through the woods to straighten out his head… but he needed to do it alone and though he didn't intend for any trouble, Merlin help the man or creature that chose to get in his way out there.

( happy chance )

Hermione had only enough patience to have Drake and Madame Pomfrey check her over for hypothermia before rushing back to her elbow room. She'd told them her only complaint was a fragile headache but she had lied and she had a impression they knew it. They were healers after all. They'd given her several herbal tea supplements to need but she ignored it all, putting them on her desk and grabbing the invisibility cloak she still had in her willpower. She felt like she was burning alive with fever, but she did her Charles Herbert Best to put that at the back of her judgement as she threw the cloak around herself and hurried back out into the hallway and toward the records room. She felt there was no time to waste product, she'd already let herself get overtake once today by the distraction of Fred's disappearance… she couldn't let it happen again. Thankfully Ginny was okay, but adjacent time her misunderstanding could stimulate fatal aftermath and that thought was plenty to drive her forward into solving the mystifier. This time she disregarded the educatee files and went to the door leading to the mental faculty records, knowing they detailed the lives of every professor who had ever taught in Hogwarts. She found Erebos's information in no metre and tucking the file carefully under her arm she snuck back out, ensuring she locked the door behind her.

Hearing vocalism, Hermione flattened herself against the wall and tried not to so a good deal as breathing space as the two one-seventh twelvemonth Hufflepuff prefects came down the hallway, talking quietly to themselves as they made their last rounds of the rook for the Nox. As soon as she was indisputable they'd passed, she allowed herself to take a breather, gulping in air to her burning at the stake lungs while trying not to cough. Once in control she practically ran back to her room, slamming and locking the doorway behind her. Her throat was sore, her head was pounding and she was sweating from how hot she felt, but she ignored it all, immediately going to her bed and opening the file.

She knew what she was looking for and flipped right over to his medical records, aware that any prison term a professor left the country they had to be examined by a healer upon their return to Hogwarts. And there it was, in Madame Pomfrey's barely legible scrabble. Did patient role leave the state ? Yes. home the affected role visited ? Sydney, Australia. reasonableness for tripper out of the nation ? Family funeral. Has affected role displayed symptoms of any disease contracted in travelling ? No.

A family funeral, the Saame intellect Lee said Elise had given. Either one or both of them had lied… that left many pick. The inaugural was that there had been a funeral and they both attended the same one, which had it's own long listing of implications. The second was that one of them had gone to the funeral and the other had lied simply so they could both be in the same stead at the same clock time. The third of course was that there was no funeral at all and they'd both used that as their cause to go to Sydney, which begged the question- Why Sydney Australia ?

But what did any of this mean ? Nothing with these female child was unproblematic, so had they uncovered their spy or just another one of their many plots ? Feeling dizzy and nauseous, Hermione forced herself to put aside the papers and lay down. Tomorrow she'd try again, but her trunk was making it clear to her now that she needed to repose. After all, she wouldn't be any aid to Fred if she pushed herself while sick and put herself out on her death bed.

( shift )

Luna had been dismissed back to her room as soon as she was done giving her version of events regarding Lucius. It was the second time she'd had to tell it and Harry had to hear it and it wasn't any well-fixed for either of them to substantiate yet again how closemouthed she'd seed to being another of Lucius's victim. The fact that genus Draco had without hesitation backed up her claim that his Father-God had admitted to murdering Kane meant a lot to her as she knew he was struggling deeply with what had occurred out in the Natalie Wood that day. Dumbledore had agreed to instantly relay the information to Arthur and assured them all that this would also go a long way in helping to clear Willem's name. After telling Drake that she was exquisitely and that her own herbal remedy would authorise up the small mark she'd received, she returned to her room feeling an odd sense of substitute. One enigma that had been plaguing her for years was finally being set right, Kane's death would be cleared up and her family could find out a bit of closure.

Quickly changing clothes and applying a dose of the herbal ointment, Luna was left feeling alone and anxious. For more than an minute she paced her room, trying to drop her nervous energy as she waited. She wasn't quite certainly what she was waiting for until at last she heard the insistent knocking on her doorway. She knew it was Harry, he'd been held up in Dumbledore's agency much to both their frustration. They hadn't had a bit alone together since he'd saved their lives and she rushed to let him in now.

As soon as she answered he reached out to grab her grimace, desperately pressing his mouth to hers as he kicked the door closed behind him. Their workforce quickly explored each early, checking for serious injury as they continued to kiss with uncontrolled cacoethes. Luna felt grounded, rooted to the Earth in a way that made her feel that she belonged, that she finally had someplace she could be safe in every good sense of the word. Once more cupping her side, he pulled away to really get a good look at her. `` I'm sorry I didn't get there sooner. '' Harry said breathlessly as his thumb traced the scratch on her cheek.

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

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

'' Why, because you killed Tristram ? It's a good affair that you aren't becoming more comfortable with taking sprightliness. '' She insisted, sitting succeeding to him and reaching out to rub his leg in reassurance.

'' And if he decides to do after you or Draco again ? Then what ? It'll be my fault, I could have ended it… And genus Draco thinks so to. '' He lay his header down in her lap and looked up at her, imploring her to take a leak sense of it for him.

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

He sighed and nodded. `` You're right… I know you are. We have to find him before Arthur and Molly become even more suspicious than I'm surely they already are of this business trip excuse Lee dreamed up. I couldn't sales booth to see their faces if they found out one of their surviving children was in so much danger… ''

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

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

'' Maybe. '' She wasn't so sure. He seemed just as mad at Jacey as he was at the rest period of them. But she didn't want to guess about Ron or anything else. Without another word to each other, she and Harry climbed under the covers, cognitive content in the assurance of each other's prophylactic. Tomorrow would be there soon enough and they could worry about everything left hanging in the balance then. Tonight they simply held each other, regenerating their energy as they linked themselves together through their judgement, not wanting to be separated even by sleep. It was a more sexual act than any other Luna had ever experienced as they opened themselves up to each other and vulnerably bared everything that had ever passed through their chief, hoping to not only know each other completely, but to be capable to dream together as well. She smiled as she drifted off, knowing it would only be a thing of present moment before she saw him again.

( time out )

'' okey, we're out here. Now what's this surprise you just had to prove me in the center of the nighttime ? '' Padma asked grumpily as she and Ron stood out in the Forbidden forest a slight ways past Hagrid's hut.

'' Relax. It'll be any minute now. '' He replied, wondering if maybe Parvati had lost her boldness. He shifted from infantry to leg it, hoping she'd come along soon… though this order group meeting was the only thing keeping his mind off the rather acute engagement he'd gotten into with Ginny.

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

'' For me. '' Anapurna said quietly as she emerged from the Tree. She must have stolen some clothes in Hogsmeade because she was now dressed in pants and a light T-shirt. `` I'm sorry, I just wasn't sure if I could go through with this. '' She said, her eyes tearing up.

Padma's mouth was hanging open in shock. And then without a word she flung herself forward, wrapping her arms around her baby who stood with her own arms stiffly at her sides as she stared in threat at Ron. `` No ! Don't get too ending ! '' Parvati cried, disentangling herself from her twin and taking several steps back. `` You don't understand. ``

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

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

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

'' I can't come back to the school with you. '' She sadly told her similitude. `` And you can't tell our parents that you saw me… I just wanted the chance to assure you… ''

Ron walked off to let them have a bit of privateness. He was sure to keep his verge out and both fille in his sight, but he already had his own response to Parvarti's predicament to deal with, he didn't want to stand there and accept witness to Padma's. There was no way to tell how the girl would take the news program, but judging from his aloof aspect it wasn't good.

Choosing to push aside them only let him inhabit on his own misery. He hadn't intended to campaign with Ginny, but finding her in Draco's room just after being kidnapped by the guy's male parent was a bit to a greater extent than he'd been ready to palm. His concern for her had been quickly overshadowed by his anger with her. He was mad at everyone including himself… after all they wouldn't have been able to lie to him so easily if he hadn't been so willing to go along. After Jacey came to him and confessed to possibly knowing that Tristram and Troy were trying to turn Parvati, he should have insisted to know the rest- he'd known she was still holding back. Instead he'd let his need to sense ease outweigh his need for the truth. Perhaps he needed a break from everyone he knew. His spirit for and about everyone were a disorderly wad, he knew he needed to take Ginny's advice and straighten himself out before he could clearly see his friends again. As it was right now… maybe his Sister had also been right about how he was beginning to find about everyone, maybe he did involve them as the enemy and that was something he wasn't glad about. Something needed to change.

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

( BREAK )

It'll be okay. Jacey heard lupine think out to her as she entered the Headmaster's
business office, answering an early morning summons that had arrived for Tristan. She had been for certain to submit enough of the Polyjuice potion, having been warned by Harry and Luna that the old wizard was a lot card sharp than most wanted to reach him credit for… Though, it had made her feel better to watch that Dumbledore had been fooled by the potion before, and with individual he knew way better than Tristan. Harry had insisted that if the man hadn't been able to tell the difference between a fake and tangible Auror Dwight Lyman Moody three days earlier, then it should be that much easier to fool him now.

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

Jacey forced herself to remain calm air and focused on keeping the carapace up high around her mind. She could experience Harry and Luna helping her shield, as they were full awake and aware of what she was doing… she had burst in on them in a panic as soon as she had received the note, suddenly uncertain that she could pull this off. Remembering the pep talk they had given her, she offered an easy smile and walked confidently across the room to sit in the death chair next to the one being offered, knowing Tristan would relish in even that small bit of defiance. `` You wanted to see me sir ? '' She asked with sham innocence.

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

'' And I'm wondering why it would get hold of you all night to comment that one of your bookman has gone missing. '' Jacey shot back coolly as she maintained Tristan's attitude.

'' It seems a cypher effort was conducted by the entire Slytherin menage to overcompensate up the fact that Mr. Mason never returned. They are all currently on probation while we investigate their possible involvement. Of path none of them have pointed the finger's breadth at you. ``

'' Then why am I here ? '' She asked, keeping postponement of her casual grinning. `` I don't stay in the Slytherin residence hall and they haven't cited my affair in anything. So what makes you so sure that I can narrate you anything about Troy ? ``

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

'' So what, you're automatically going to pick the vampire ? '' She was defensive, trying to focus the old hotshot's attention on her as she reached out to help protect lupine's mind from invasion as well, leaving Harry and Luna to protect hers. `` I'm not so sure that one rather bias attestator is enough to warrant accusations to… what exactly ? What is it you think may accept happened to Troy ? After all, he's disappeared all on his own before. ``

'' I have no idea as to Mr. mason's fortune. Which is why I brought you here hoping to crystallize a few things up. When did you last see him ? ``

'' In the hamlet. '' She shrugged.

'' Can you be more particular ? ``

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

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

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

A knock on the room access interrupted them and therapist Drake entered. She'd only met the man once as herself and she knew nothing about him other than that the others seemed to trust him. `` I've brought the verity potion you asked for sir. '' He said, holding up a ampul as he crossed the room.

'' You can't use that on a educatee. '' She said right away, trying to cover her panic. There was no telling what the headmaster would ask if she were under the influence of that potion, and she certainly did not want to give him the probability of letting her find out.

'' Really ? The Headmistress who took my place here a couple of eld ago found that using several unauthorized turn and potions against students served her better purpose. And I do believe Dolores Umbridge was a fellow member of your family's rather powerful admirer at one tip. '' Dumbledore said, obviously testing her.

'' That was then and this is now. '' She had very little thought as to the someone he was referring to. She had seen blurred images of an ugly char in Harry's mind… after the horrid detentions he had served with the cleaning lady, he had lumped her in with his aunty and uncle in his retentiveness under the informal heading people Who Have Wronged Me… Otherwise, she knew only that Umbridge had tried and failed to ingest over the school. `` If you use that on me I'll composition you faster than you can pack your cup of tea. I'm not ceramist, I won't suffer in quiet for the greater good. ``

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

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

'' There's also the matter of Professor Lupin seeing both you and Mr. Mason outside the village terminal point while he was investigating a rather good fray with some early bookman and an escaped Death eater. '' Dumbledore smiled and leaned forward on his desk. `` This places you in direct violation of schoolhouse computer code and as a student has come up missing as a outcome of your natural process, this has been elevated to a very sober issue of base hit. As this is a clip of war, the corrective matter in which you are need carries the recommendation of immediate ejection and therefore I am allowed as schoolmaster to use any non-violent means necessary to procure the selective information I require as it relates to the possible eudaemonia of another student. It's all right there in the Hogwarts Code of behavior under the provision for running the school while under distress. Wartime is certainly classified and defined as being under distress and so I am granted more liberties than I would normally be willing to necessitate advantage of. But I promise you Mr. Macnair, we can find our way through and around as many legal loopholes as you and your ally have in the pursual to keep you here. ``

The potion won't body of work. She heard Drake's unfamiliar vocalism impetus through her headland. Remus came to me this sunup and with Harry's permit told me who you are pretermit Nicolau. I fixed up a placebo, there is no truth serum in there. All you have to do it play along and chip in him what he wants to hear so that he can legally and without interrogation send Tristan away.

She was careful not to bet at him as he stood at Dumbledore's face, keeping her gaze sweetie on the headmaster. `` amercement. '' She said at conclusion, deciding to swear the healer if everyone else did. After all, the man seemed to feel more allegiance to Harry and the others than he did to any of the adult. `` pass me your stupid potion, but don't think for a minute I won't be telling everyone about this. ``

'' Tell whoever you like. As I've explained we are perfectly within our right wing. '' Dumbledore answered simply as he watched her roughly take the vial from Sir Francis Drake and swallow it down. She felt something start to come about and hoped the healer knew what he was talking about. The senior wizard was looking at her carefully, watching for some sign of the potion beginning to work. Apparently he saw what he was waiting for and stood to fork up the psychometric test questions given to everyone who was subjected to truth potions. `` What is your name ? ``

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

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

'' My name is… '' She pretended to struggle before seeming to sacrifice into the potion. `` Tristan Macnair. ``

Dumbledore nodded happily. `` Where is Troy Mason ? ``

Again she pretended to sputter. `` He's out in the Natalie Wood where I left him. '' She said at final before indignantly rising to her feet. After all, Tristan would not give in easily and as a good deal as she wanted this to end, she knew she had to constitute it look real. She felt Harry sigh and then make his reluctant blessing as he realized she was about to stay on playing her theatrical role. Both he and Luna understood the indigence to keep Dumbledore's mitt unclouded of this. They had all hoped for a more definite end today ... but they all also knew that Tristan would never stray over so easily and that alone could enkindle intuition. `` And that's all I'll say as we are quickly surpassing the school day's rights and infringing on mine. Anything else you'd like to ask about Ilium can be asked through my representation, should you decide to engage a effectual thing on Troy's behalf. Otherwise it's shed light on I've been as concerted as potential here, above and beyond what was required if I do say so myself. Now, is there anything else, sir ? '' She shot him a pleasant smile, as if they had been chatting like old acquaintance this whole time.

'' I guess not. You may return to your room and begin packing your affair. I will be presenting my evidence to the Aurors who will then be seeking purchase order to take you into hold. Until they procure these monastic order, you are confined to your residence hall and the Great mansion for meal and banned from attending any class. As question of the Slytherin house, Professor Francis Drake will be keeping a close eye on you. A warning, should you finger the need to essay revenge for your stage plight. '' Dumbledore answered sternly, clearly at the end of his patience.

'' well, I suppose I'll have to deal with that as I live it up here these last few daylight. '' She said threateningly, hoping that any wrongdoing while she was still here was immediately blamed on Tristan. `` I assume I'm dismissed ? ``

'' Yes, professor Drake will see you back to your hall. '' He gave an exhaust look at the former man who simply nodded in answer and moved to comport out his task, ushering Jacey along with him.

'' Boy I hope you kids know what you're doing. '' drake said quietly as they walked the halls.

'' So do we. '' She answered seriously.

( BREAK )

Harry and Luna spent a good half an hour assuring Jacey that she'd done just fine with Dumbledore, that they wouldn't have expected a great deal different had Tristan himself been there. After she finally seemed to relax, Harry sent out a message to all his friends, asking them to meet in his room so they could all discourse a few things. Thomas More than anything, he wanted to propose to them all that they put the past few weeks behind them and look only toward the future… And he and Luna planned to start by telling them all of the two other coven extremity they'd discovered before Hogsmeade happened and tore everything apart.

Hermione was the first to serve the call as her room was the unaired and she entered looking like expiry warmed over. Her olfactory organ was red, her cheeks pink and her center glazed over with a slim febrility. She had wrapped her blanket around herself for the short walkway over and instantly went to lay down on Harry's bed as fatigue overwhelmed her. `` You look well. '' He teased.

'' Shut up. '' She grumbled from beneath the deal of book binding. `` Does Jacey know about Fred ? ``

'' That he is missing ? '' Jacey asked from her smear on top of his trunk, still looking very much like Tristan. `` I have seen a few things about it in your brain but I have not said anything to anyone… especially Ron. ``

'' Well thank you for that. '' Hermione offered a half-hearted grinning before instantly going into telling them of what she and Lee had pieced together, as if she had to get it out before she forgot.

'' Professor Erebos… '' Harry had seen something of this in Luna's recollection of a conversation between her and Hermione the Night before, just as he had been able to see while of all of her memories. cerebration of Quierrell, the sour Helen Wills Moody and Snape, he could see how a professor could go so long without anyone knowing what they were really up to. `` Do you think he knows where Elanya took Fred ? And why would Elanya holler him her contact if Elise is the one who supposedly knows him so well ? ``

'' I have no approximation if he knows where Fred is, but I think maybe these miss are playing each other as well as everyone else. '' Hermione said as she propped herself up into a sitting position.

'' No, I get the good sense Elise and Sarah are very much in it together… it's Elanya and Cho who are more on the outside. '' Luna replied thoughtfully. `` Maybe she was telling Fred the truth about some things… ''

'' Ginny and Draco are on their way here. '' Harry announced as a warning, silencing their discussion about Fred and his predicament with those girls. He got up to let them in, noticing the friction between them. Dragon was wearing his coat. `` Going somewhere ? ``

'' He just got back. '' Ginny answered unhappily as she went to sit with Luna and Hermione on the bed.

'' I needed to go for a run. '' Draco said simply, pulling off his coat and going to sit in the desk chair away from everyone else. An all night run. Ginny added in her head, her vocalism carrying both hurt and concern.

'' Where's Ron ? '' Harry asked. `` He's the only one we're waiting for. ``

'' I doubt he'll be joining us. '' Ginny rolled her middle and told them of the fight they'd gotten into the night before, leaving out most of the point in an attempt to spare their flavour for what Ron had said and simply summing up the gist of the argument.

'' O.K. then, well I guess we'll just speak to him later. '' He replied, uncomfortable that his friend suddenly felt the penury to debar them all. `` Listen, yesterday was a ugly tragedy of a day for everyone. But we need to do as we always do and sustain going past it, right ? I know we all have our own things to focus on… but we'll be leaving schooling in a few hebdomad and we need to seriously set about looking at searching for the coven as a realness. Luna and I went through some more than of the documents and found two more gens, Adam Azibo and Ajala Kapoor. ``

'' So adding in you, Luna, Jacey, Gabby, Zachary Hill, Hasani Jumoke, Jie subgenus Chen, Nanami Aoki and Kavita Singh that makes eleven. There's only one more name. '' Hermione reasoned. `` Where are we going to determine these two ? Who are they ? ``

'' Ajala is a thirty twelvemonth old woman who has recently moved from Bharat to Ireland for her work, which happens to be as weapon system manufacturer. Her fellowship creates all the tools and artillery used by Aurors and with the rush of natural action in and around England, they've doubled their exploit in the penny-pinching factory, which happened to be in Dublin. Oh and she's a Levithon. '' Luna recited from memory.

'' A what ? '' genus Draco asked.

'' A Levithon, person with the power of self-transport. Basically it's like being capable to fly. '' Luna shrugged.

'' I seem to remember from my muggle religious field of study class that there was a saint who had that business leader only they called it a miracle… St. Theresa of Avila, if I remember correctly, during the 16th century. '' Hermione looked at them all as they stared at her. She smiled and grabbed for a tissue to blow her nose. `` What ? I just remember it because it made me wonder- if proof of her ability was so well documented, then why were muggles so reluctant to believe in the things we can do ? ``

'' Okay, Ajala can fly, that's pretty cool. And the other guy ? '' Ginny prompted, moving them along from Hermione's brief theological history lesson.

Harry's own remembering was obscure than Luna's and so he picked up the papers to be trusted he didn't leave anything out. `` The other one, Adam, he's twenty-three and originally from Egypt. His tycoon is postcognition and he currently lives in Sydney, Commonwealth of Australia working as an investigative journalist. ``

Sydney ? Hermione perked up.

'' well, I suppose it's handy to be capable to see the past when you're a reporter. '' Ginny said aloud as she rose to her invertebrate foot. `` Listen, I appreciate that you want to help us all focus on other important things, but after hold up night, I think I'd just rather have a few minutes alone. '' She added pointedly as she breezed retiring Dragon and walked out. He sighed heavily and got up, leaving without saying a word as he presumably went to fix whatever he'd done wrong.

'' I have a thought. '' Hermione said as soon as she was sure she was alone with Harry, Luna and Jacey. `` When exactly did Elise find Elanya and bring her into the fold ? ``

'' Sometime at the beginning of summer, before she torched Fred's shop. '' Luna answered, remembering her and Harry's trip through Sarah's drumhead. `` Voldemort unknowingly brought her to Sarah after the miss were already plotting together. ``

'' And according to Erebos's track record, he left for Sydney the like day schooltime let out last year… what if he met up with Elise down there because they were looking for a postcognative to commit off whatever plan they have going ? What if they found Adam before Elanya and approached him first ? If he really is supposed to be a skilful guy then he would give of line turned them down, but Elanya had her own reason to join them, right ? '' Hermione's eyes were blanket as she tried to push aside her fever in an attack to make her idea touch base things together.

'' Even if that were all true, how does it help us observe Fred ? '' Harry asked gently.

'' It doesn't, but it does declare oneself more proof that Erebos is the spy, doesn't it ? '' She returned excitedly. `` Who knows what he and Elise could deliver told Elanya, they could stimulate pretended not to even experience each early in order of magnitude to ensure they hooked the girl. What if he even approached Elanya alone ? That would explain why she felt he was her contact lens and not Elise's, wouldn't it ? And in Luna's vision, Sarah had teased Elise about a former kinship, but not in a way that made it gain who she was talking about, right ? ``

'' I admit that it all seems to fit, but that does not intend it is true. '' Jacey said slowly. `` These girls you have been dealing with seem to be very crafty. It would be foolish to make premise. ``

'' You don't know Hermione like we do. '' Harry was defensive on Hermione's behalf. `` I'm bequeath to bet she's rightfield about nearly of it if not everything… and there's a way to find out. ``

Luna shook her head. `` If he is the spy, don't you think he'd be expecting that ? Simon is getting help keeping his idea closed against us and I'm for certain Erebos is much more proficient at it even if he's getting helper as well. Even if the three of us work together, there's nada to say he won't feel us in there. ``

'' Edmund didn't. '' He argued.

'' And he wasn't mindful that we would try to get in his nous. I'm surely it's something Erebos would anticipate… if he is the spy, which I'm inclined to believe he is. '' She returned.

'' well it is worth trying, is it not ? '' Jacey joined Harry's side of the debate. `` If we think he is aware then so what ? What can he do about it other than tell those young woman that we may be on to him ? It would be worth it if he knows where Fred has been taken and we are capable to see it, yes ? ``

'' Yes ! '' Hermione instantly agreed. `` Tristan and I are the only ace in seventh year who attend Erebos's grade. Jacey can try it tomorrow while he's teaching and even if he figures out we know, we're out of here in a few weeks… there's nothing he can do about it. ``

'' Dumbledore banned Tristan from attending family so Jacey wouldn't be able to get close adequate. '' Luna tried a different argument.

'' Since when would that finish Tristram ? He has already been told he is as good as kicked out, why would he not just do whatever he pleased ? I will go to that course tomorrow. '' Jacey answered for herself.

'' '' I don't know. '' Harry said, suddenly coming around to Luna's more cautious way of thinking.

'' If he did line up out we were on to him, I would never let him hurt Hermione or myself while we're trapped away in a classroom with him. '' Jacey said in reassurance as she picked up on his fears and doubts.

'' Oh, I believe you, I'd just rather it not have to come to that. '' He sighed. `` But I guess all we can grapple with right wing now is speculation until we get something more self-coloured to lead us. ``

'' Fine. '' Luna gave in as well. `` But we have to be very careful. ``

'' Well that goes without saying. '' He agreed, moving to the door.

'' Where are you going ? '' Hermione asked.

'' Well, I was going to let you three braniacs try to preserve piecing affair together while I went to spill to Ron. '' He answered. He'd felt distracted this whole time, half-worried about and half-angry with his absent friend.

'' You should probably not do that. '' Jacey said quietly.

'' Why because he's mad at us ? What else is new ? '' Hermione asked, decidedly rising to her feet and wrapping her blanket around her again. `` I'll go with you. ``

'' wellspring I want no contribution in it until he is quick to come talk to me. '' Jacey insisted. `` I will be in Tristan's way if you need me later. '' She waved so long and left the room.

'' What do you think ? '' He asked Luna and Hermione.

Luna shrugged. `` I agree with Jacey that it's a bad musical theme, but I'll go with you both to see if maybe we can reach out to him anyway… he's very at sea about everything right now. ``

So in loath agreement, they left Harry's elbow room and walked the curt way down the hall to Ron's. He answered after the third knock, staring obelisk at them. `` What do you three desire ? '' He asked meanly.

'' To talk to you… why didn't you come join everyone ? '' Harry asked, walking past him into the room.

'' I thought I'd made myself straighten out by not going… I don't want to be around any of you at the moment. '' Ron glowered, slamming the door shut after Hermione and Luna followed Harry in. `` I do birth my own barren will you know. I don't have to be at your beck and call like everyone else. ``

'' Whatever you say Ron. '' He tried to remain simmer down, to remember that his friend was hurting and needed them to be there for him.

'' Yeah, it is whatever I say because I'm tired of it always being whatever Harry says. '' He shot back.

'' What is your problem ? Just secern us what's wrong ? '' Hermione demanded softly.

'' You ! All of you are what's wrong ! '' Ron shouted, startling them all.

'' You can't blame everyone else for what's bothering you. '' She shouted back. `` At some power point you have to stop and consider that it's not always everyone else that's the problem, sometimes it's you ! ``

'' I can palpate whatever I want just like the residuum of you. '' He replied. `` You're not so high and mighty Hermione. You're the one we had to force out of a hole yesterday nearly frozen… and why ? Because you lost your principal over my brother which, oh yeah, also allowed Lucius Malfoy to bewitch my babe ! In a sense, everything Lucius was capable to execute yesterday is your fault since you practically handed Ginny over to him to use as a hostage. Do you think Fred would be impressed with that ? ``

'' Hey ! '' Harry yelled, interrupting the spew of hatred Ron had been hurling at Hermione. Seeing her stung expression and the tear of hurt in her heart, it was hard to keep in creative thinker that the early boy didn't know Fred was missing. `` That was completely uncalled for and entirely out of true ! ``

'' It's all true and she knows it ! '' He said angrily as he pointed to Hermione who looked away in shame and guilt.

'' Ron, please- '' Luna started.

'' Please ? please what ? '' He interrupted as he mocked her. `` Always so gracile and flimsy aren't you Luna… always the eternal victim… ''

'' What's that supposed to have in mind ? '' She asked defensively while mentally telling Harry to back off and let Ron get it off his chest.

'' Like you don't cognise ? Everything that happened to you yesterday was your own fault ! Maybe it's sentence you start considering your own choices before lecturing everyone else on theirs. '' He sneered down at her. Harry was itching to make it stop but again Luna held him back, telling him it was better that Ron not hold this all in no matter how often it may pain their notion. Ron went on, his back now to Harry as he fully faced Luna to continue berating her. `` You're the one who decided to get away from Simon by apparating to the grove instead of somewhere safer. You're the one who chose to get away from Crabbe and Goyle by returning to the wood where, surprise, damsel in distress Luna slides over a cliff ! ``

'' That was a series of destiny ! How is any of that her fault ? '' Harry finally let out, unable to go on quiet any longer.

Ron whipped around to face up him. `` Hey, she's the one who decided it was in her best interest group to pull up stakes the inn ! She was entirely dependable when I left her with Hermione. ``

'' Exactly ! You left ! Where were you to help ? '' He shot back.

'' Talking to Padma, trying to figure out how I was going to fetch her to meet up with her now vampire twin ! '' Ron roared out. `` Luna is no longer my province to look after call back ? She's yours ! And if it weren't for you, Lucius probably wouldn't have even had any interest in her anyway ! ``

'' Excuse me ? '' Harry asked darkly.

'' The quibbler article… Lucius was very particular that the article was the reason he was ready to hurtle her off a cliff. You're the one who came up with the melodic theme and contacted her sire about it without her noesis. You're the one who made surely Xeno had all the information and you're the one who talked her into going along with it. If I recall, Luna wasn't too happy about the article, thought it was a bad idea… Well you're the one who chose not to heed to her ! So putting it all together, it was your decision that nearly got her killed yesterday ! ``

Harry reacted without mentation, simply wanting to trounce out and hurt the way he was now hurting. He hadn't even realized he'd swung his fist until he saw Ron laying on the trading floor before him, glaring up as he rubbed his jaw. `` What's the matter Harry ? Does the truth hurt ? '' He taunted.

'' Stop it ! Everyone just stop ! '' Hermione shouted, her voice growing hoarse as she continued to puree it.

'' You're the ace who barged in here to bother me. '' Ron said, rising to his feet and pushing past her to look at his face in the little mirror dangling over his dresser.

Harry shook his head and simply walked out, going back to his own room and closing the door tightly behind him, wanting to exclude out the world. To her citation, Luna gave him nearly an entire hour to himself before coming to exact he give up and face her. He sighed and went to let her in, once again finding it out of the question to deny her even as his pity and craze with himself made him only want to hide from her. `` You were decently, going to talk to him was a bad idea… you were right every metre you said something was a bad idea… '' He told her, going to sit at his desk.

'' Harry- ''

'' I've learned my deterrent example though… I'll listen when you say that from now on. '' He interrupted as he hung his nous and stared at his hands.

She walked over and moved his munition, settling herself in his lap as she comfortingly ran her finger through his hair. `` The Sojourner Truth needed to come out about Lucius. '' She said gently. `` I may not have liked the way you chose, but after seeing my father survive an onrush only to still be so ensure that he'd done the ripe thing… I long ago came to full term with the fact that it was dangerous. Everything we do now is serious, there's no getting around that. You can't blame yourself for what Lucius chooses to do. And without coming nerve to face with him yesterday, we wouldn't have his confession about Kane. ``

'' It was too finale for comfort… I thought I was literally having a warmheartedness attack when I saw you and genus Draco go over the side… '' He leaned to rest his os frontale on her shoulder, unable to play her eyes.

'' Hey, I may have been scared, but I never for a minute opinion I was going to die. I knew you were coming to help us. '' She reassured him, still delicately stroking his hair.

'' How could you be intimate I would get there in prison term ? ``

'' Harry… '' She laughed and made him look at her. `` Don't you think I of all people would know ? Don't you think I'd get some monition, some vision telling me the end was near ? goose egg at all came to me while Draco was holding onto me, that's how I knew you'd get there in meter. '' She kissed his cheek and he quickly turned to capture her rim. With one graceful effort, she turned herself and was now straddling him, throwing her arms around his shoulders as she deepened the kiss. He wrapped his weapon system around her waist and pulled her closer against him, needing to feel that the unity that only she could bring as her light filled every hollow home inside of him.

For a bit there he'd felt the humankind flop down around him as he'd taken in the truth of Ron's coarse Scripture, that his own actions calendar month ago had put Lucius standing over Luna with the determination to let her live or die… The fact that the man would have probably gone ahead and crushed her fingers anyway simply because she'd seen him there mean nothing because Lucius had been very realise in his reasons for attempting to help her tumble to her last. But she had come and just made it better with kind lyric of her own… She had been able to take away the power his guiltiness had over him by simply asserting her belief in him and in herself.

Ron had no idea what he was talking about, Luna had never allowed anything to keep her from fighting on and she was far from playing the victim. In fact in that mo, she was his hero, bringing him back from the torturous shackles of diffidence. He felt her smile against his sassing as she picked up his thoughts and knew that she liked how he saw her in his mind. I love you. He thought to her, a dim-witted financial statement that held more Truth and depth of emotion than anything he'd ever before talk in his entire life.

No more than I love you. She assured him, breaking the kiss to look him in the eye. And then there were no more word left to say, nil left that could express what either of them was feeling. And so he reached up to take her lips again, eager to let their minds and bodies say what their words and cerebration were ineffectual to articulate.

( BREAK )

Ginny walked into her room, leaving the door open as she was sure enough genus Draco had picked up on her non-to-subtle hint. sure as shooting enough he came in a few minutes after her, quietly closing the doorway behind him and leaning against it, waiting to see what was to total. `` Really ? You stay out all night knowing that Annapurna was still out there ? That Lucius could deliver come back ? I stayed up waiting for you, worrying myself crazy thought process of everything that could receive happened only to come up you sauntering in after Harry calls us all together ! You're bad for my heart. '' She scolded.

'' I'm sorry you were worried. '' He said, shuffling his feet. `` I didn't mean value to be gone all night but once I was out there, it just felt so good… running made me not think, made me palpate free I guess. ``

'' And I made you feel trapped ? '' She asked, hurt by the implication.

'' Not in the way you're cerebration. '' He insisted. `` The full moon is tomorrow Night and so I already feel like I'm crawling out of my skin… like my stallion body is a coop that's just barely keeping me inside. No crystal or potion can take away that look. On top of that, it was too much to be presented with the mind that my own Church Father could have taken you away from me so easily… that I had something to lose that would completely destroy me. I'm not used to caring Ginny, but you make it easier… And now it feels like I care too much, you know ? Like my entire existence repose on your welfare… ''

'' You think I don't know what that's like ? I'm the one who had your pedigree all over my hired man yesterday. '' She reminded him. `` You think I wasn't ready to collapse at the thought that you'd been fatally injured ? I never expected to care this much about someone, let alone you. But now that we're here together, I can't imagine it any other way and I wouldn't want to. ``

He nodded and crossed his arms across his chest as a sort of carapace. `` As long as you know that I love you and that I don't blame you for any of this… I just can't be here, stuck in this palace right-hand now… ''

'' Meaning what ? ``

'' After Lupin was done with his merging with Jacey and Dumbledore, I went to see him to quest that we leave a day early like pattern. '' He seemed to stimulate himself as he waited for her reaction.

'' I thought the full point of the amulet was that you didn't have to get out at all. '' She said slowly.

'' That's what Lupin said… But I don't think I'll wear that tomorrow… I think I would form of like to let the masher run free for a bit, under the restraint of the Wolfsbane of course of instruction. ``

'' Be honest… Should I be worried about you ? '' She asked quietly.

Draco seemed to rock himself off a bit, uncrossing his arms and putting on a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. `` Yesterday was a lot to charter in… I just need some meter. ``

'' I knew… yesterday even while it was all natural event, I knew you were going to descend out of this different. '' She walked over and took his deal, looking up at him and feeling very much like she was pleading with him. `` I understand why… I just don't want you to be different with me. For well or unfit I like who you are with me. Show the rest of the world whatever you want Draco, but please just last out dependable with me. ``

'' I'm trying. '' He whispered sadly, pulling her against him as he hugged her finis. `` I just postulate this time away… from you and myself. That's why I don't want to outwear the amulet tomorrow… I don't want to stay myself right now. ``

'' And when you come back ? '' She asked, looking up at him hopefully.

'' It's not like I can walk away from you forever, you know. '' He offered a unfeigned smile this time. `` It seems I can't really picture any kind of life history without you in it. ``

'' Good. Because I'm scared you're going to try and do something misguidedly imposing like leaving to ensure Lucius won't target area me again. '' Ginny said seriously. `` Regardless what happened yesterday with him, I feel safer when you're around me. ``

'' What you feel and what is the genuine reality are two different affair. '' He reached out to brush her hair back before kissing her brow. `` It's always going to be more severe for you to be around me… but I've long ago realized you're pretty much a target for danger with the decisiveness you make and the people you associate with. Unless you're fix to tally to inhabit your life in a babble, I'm in it for the foresightful draw to ensure that not only do you not get yourself killed, that no one ever again effort to wound you to get at me… My leaving for unspoiled wouldn't stay fresh Lucius from using you again to flush me out, and it would work just as well as it did yesterday because nothing as uncomplicated as distance can exchange the way I feel about you. But I need these two Clarence Shepard Day Jr. now Ginny. For my own sanity. ``

She looked at him carefully, before letting out a deep breath. `` Okay. '' She agreed now that she felt she believed he would come back. But component part of her was still reluctant, still fearful that while out there he would change his mind and decide she was best off without him after all. `` Just recall, I'd crepuscle apart if you didn't come back. ``

'' Tuesday morn I'll be here. '' He promised. She wanted to believe him completely. But that minuscule nag voice that always seemed to shout out that she wasn't meant to be happy kept her from fully allowing herself to trust that the sweetener of the humans beyond Hogwarts was weaker than the desire to return to someplace he'd admitted he felt entirely trapped in.

( BREAK )

Ron waited until belatedly Sunday night, wanting to be sure that everyone else had gone to bed in homework for their division the future day. As soon as his clock read midnight he got out of bed, still fully dressed, and made his way across the park elbow room to the Slytherin backstage. He knew Tristan's door was just preceding Draco's and as he raised his deal to knock, he hoped Jacey answered looking like the lamia as it would make it easier to say the thing he'd decided he needed to say to her. To the disappointment of his mind but not his eyes, she opened the room access looking very much like herself. It was amazing that she could take care so stunning in simple pajamas, but the silky shirt and pants seemed to hug her dead body just right, making her come out soft and curvy. Her hair was hanging in wild ringlet around her shoulders, making it tantalizingly clear that she'd just rolled out of bed. `` Was there something you wanted ? '' She asked softly, clearly cognizant of the tension and ire he felt towards her.

He shook himself a bit, remembering that he'd made a determination and that he was determined to stick with it. `` I need to talk to you for a consequence. ``

She gestured him in and closed the door, turning to face him with nervous concern. `` Have you heard anything about Anapurna yet ? '' She looked down, and he began to wonder if she already knew why he'd cum to see her.

'' Lupin told me before he and Draco left that his tangency had gotten a hold of him to describe that she had gotten Annapurna to the colony and they were well. '' He crossed his arms and stared her down, almost daring her to meet his centre. `` As well as can be expected anyway, given the fact that she had to be taken away from her friend and family to study how to be a skillful vampire. ``

'' It is not all my fault ! '' She protested, once more raising her gaze. `` I am sorry for the part I played in it by not saying what I suspected, but I am not the one who targeted her, I am not the one who turned her and I am not the one who is letting my guilt destroy my biography ! ``

'' Of course of study I feel guilty ! '' Ron shouted. `` I was all wrapped up in opinion of you while she was off being fed on or whatever it takes to turn person ! She relied on me and I let her down, well I won't do it anymore. ``

'' Meaning what ? Have you come to say me off the same way you did all your other friends ? ``

'' I don't have to. You aren't my champion, I barely know you. '' He saw that she was hurt badly by this and it hurt him to see it. He may not know her well, but this was certainly proving to be harder than it had been to say the things he knew would make his booster mad at him. He wondered how Harry had been able-bodied to continue this act up for so long last year when he was already prepared to make in the towel at the sight of Jacey's upset with him. But if he wanted to be left alone, he had to see to it no one wanted to put out him. `` For a present moment I thought I wanted to know you, but you're as big a liar as Harry, Luna and Hermione. Besides, if I can barely endure to be around myself, how can I possibly be near you when the sight of you makes me think of everything that Parvati is going through because you didn't warn anyone ? ``

'' okey, you have made your point. '' She said crossly. `` I think you should go before you say something I really can not forgive. Remember Ron, eventually you will find a way to run past what you are feeling… you do not want to completely burn every bridge circuit you have. ``

'' Maybe I do. '' He countered. `` It would make it that much gentle to start over from scratch. ``

'' Why would you require to do that ? '' She pushed. `` Your friends, your family… they have always been there for you. Maybe not always in ways that you approve of, but you can only really fault them for doing what they thought was best for you. I know the matter you said to them today, the way you made them feel about themselves. I know that it is easier for you to ready them think badly of themselves so that they will forget they are mad at you for putting those cerebration in their head word in the first place. But what you are doing is cruel. Harry already feels so much responsibility for everyone's public assistance, making him think almost losing Luna was his faulting was a horrible affair to do. ``

'' I wasn't wrong. '' He shot back, trying to prove that he was unmoved by her word of honor. `` He's the genius behind Xeno releasing that story, everything that happens as a result of it is in some way his faulting. He provided the accelerator. ``

'' And even now after you have made that clean-cut and nearly crushed him with that cognition, he would lay down his lifespan to save yours. '' She said angrily. `` You are letting what you feel make you act selfishly. However reliable the things you say may be, how is bringing it to anyone's attending a positive affair to do ? Everyone needs a bit of abnegation to go on after so much mindless and unending calamity, even you. Taking theirs away from them, exposing all the things they had repressed in purchase order to keep moving forward… you are hurting them More than they realize. And More than you realize. You have no thought what is going on between Hermione and Fred right now and the therefore the things you said to her were devastating for her to listen. After finding her in that hole so completely lost, you should deliver realized that she is in a very fragile piazza at the moment. ``

'' You're right, I have no theme what's going on between Hermione and Fred. You know why ? Because no one tells me anything anymore ! '' He shouted. `` That's sort of my unscathed point here ! '' He stalked over to the door, more angry with her now than when he'd come in. He wanted the luxury of focusing on his own emotional res publica, he didn't want to have to become aware of anyone else's. Of track he knew they were all pain after recent events… but he wanted his pain to take center level for once. He didn't want to have to make that to each of them, their own painfulness was the most important… he didn't want to have to allow in that there were those among his champion who may have deserved to feel uncollectible than he did. So what if that made him selfish… he was xvii and this was the time to be selfish, to be immature and responsibility-free, to not have to handle about anyone but himself before growing up and having to get a job and start a fellowship. He was tired and wanted the life of a normal teen and the near way to achieve that was to distance himself from those that by invention or desire were now forced to be more mature.

'' Please do not just walk out. '' Jacey said softly as he breezed past tense her.

'' There's nothing more to say and nothing Sir Thomas More I want to hear. '' He answered meanly, opening the doorway and walking out.

It wasn't until he reached his own way that he finally allowed himself to breathe. Facing Jacey had been harder than the others, perhaps because he'd been disappointed in her the most. Harry and the others he was used to getting the run around from, but he'd expected more from her. Ron had thought she was feeling the Saami way for him that he felt for her, but then she had so easily lied to him, siding with his friend against him immediately. And meanwhile, he'd lost a miss who really had tried to worry about him to a dreadful fate… A fate that had been allowed to go on by the female child he'd allowed himself to be distracted by. Until he could forgive himself, he'd never be able to forgive Jacey… and at this stop, he wasn't entirely sure as shooting he wanted to.

( BREAK )

Hermione lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. She was too hot to log Z's, though once she kicked off her blanket she found she was suddenly too coldness. She'd tried taking the herbs given to her by the healers but they had only relieved her sore throat and stuffed nose. The headache remained, and she began to surmise that it had zip to do with the cold she'd caught. Ron's dustup were echoing in her foreland, making her question so many things… but she wouldn't let herself be swept up in it. She'd have plenitude of time to palpate bad once she was sure as shooting Fred was safe.

As a distraction, she focused her thinker on finding a result. At first they'd all agreed that finding out where Fred was being kept was the most crucial thing, but she was starting to think otherwise. What estimable would finding him do if they didn't figure out a way to unsnarl him from the trap that had forced him to leave in the first place ? Nailing down the spy was the key… Erebos and Simon, it was important that they figure out how these two were actually connected to Elanya, Elise and Sarah. Once they were discovered, their terror would no longer bear weightiness and Fred could be freed of the fear of Ron and Ginny being killed if he didn't cooperate. The next whole step was something Lee and Willem could do for her in London… they had to be absolutely for sure there was no test copy to tie Fred to Edmund's dying, nothing that Elanya could use to try out he'd helped her in any way. The final stage whole tone was finding a way to end the threat Sarah had hung over Hermione's own head teacher. Once that was done, there was nothing to wedge Fred to continue to get together and then they could find him and bring him home.

There was only one way she had been able to think of overcoming Sarah's accomplishment with Advanced Astral jut and that was to get a comparable opponent. She'd already read the books she'd gotten from the subroutine library once… now it was time to read through them again to be sure she hadn't missed anything and then it would be meter to practice. She turned on the lighting and picked up one of the record, figuring it was a unspoilt use of her insomnia than staring at the ceiling and worrying endlessly. She was determined that by the end of this calendar week she would know everything Sarah knew about stellar projection… That they will have got neutralized the threats presented by Erebos and Simon… And that they will not only have found where Elanya took Fred, but also have a solid architectural plan for how to bring him back.

　

bank bill : Next chapter, the James Henry Leigh Hunt for Fred and some more things are brought to visible radiation. Stay tuned to incur out what happens next !

Reference to Moody and the polyjuice potion from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling.
Reference to Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter and the Order of the phoenix by J.K. Rowling.
reference to Quierrell from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Harlan Fiske Stone by J.K. Rowling


Chapter 53 : And the plot Thickens

A/N : Wow did this chapter carry a crook I wasn't expecting as I was writing, thus the rubric of the chapter… I guess we'll all see where this takes us now. Read, recap, Enjoy !





'' You're trusted about this ? '' Lupin asked as they watched the lunar month rise from beneath the trees.

'' I am. '' Draco answered steadily, clutching his amulet tightly as he waited for himself to be make to slay it. They had hiked all day in muteness yesterday, both content to let the other be lost in their own thoughts as they left any trace of civilization far behind them. He'd been grateful that lupine had allowed the silence to preserve into the night and next day… he felt awkward around the man and didn't know how to blab out to him anymore. Lucius had been ready to down lupine simply for agreeing to legally front after Dragon and big, he'd threatened to go after Pieris japonica, Ted and Tonks as well before he'd escaped. His father's incomprehensible anger and jealousy was obviously something thrower hadn't anticipated when he'd suggested this whole guardianship matter for them… none of them had. `` You don't have to occur with, you know. You can go along your talisman on and appease human… I took the potion, I'll be alright. ``

'' I know. But I want to go with. '' He insisted. `` I've had to do this by myself for many old age, and even when you think you don't want anyone else there, I've found it's always better not to go through it alone. I had James and Sirius… and because they kept me going, now you have me to help you. ``

Dragon shook his point. `` School's over in a few workweek, I'll be moving back in with Potter I guess, since that's where everyone seems to go. I have the amulet and a sense of some kind of control… you don't have to be there for me anymore. You can submit back your guardianship and rub out all traces that tie yours and Tonks name to mine. ``

'' I could, but why would I ? '' Lupin smiled. `` You can't always expect that people will just reach up on you when things get too strong Draco. Not everyone is like that. You may think that it's difficult to open up yourself up to caring about others… but that's the loose constituent. It can be far more difficult to open yourself up to letting others care about you. ``

'' I just don't want it to be my demerit if Lucius decides to go after you guys ! '' He said angrily, taking a few whole step away.

'' And it wouldn't be. '' He said gently. `` What your Church Father chooses to do is up to him, but the bad parentage between him and andromeda goes back to before you were born. Her Holocene epoch kindness to you is only the latest self-justification for him to try payback against her. Tonks has been in his great deal for geezerhood as she was a contribution of several unlike investigating seeking to bestow him down. And after what happened in the Ministry of conjuration, after losing Dog Star, she had already sworn to help get Lucius and the others if it was the finale thing she did. I know you don't know your cousin very well, but it takes a lot for her to back down from anything. '' He smiled as he thought of his married woman. `` As for me, well, you've variety of grown on me. I'm certainly not scared of Lucius, and I wouldn't let him be the thing that has you pushing me away when it's clear you'd rather have me around. ``

'' I guess you've grown on me too. '' Dragon mumbled. `` Which is why the in conclusion matter I want to be is a burden. ``

'' And you aren't. '' Lupin insisted. `` My family was always cold and distant, and they became even more so after I became afflicted with this curse word. My solid life I had to wee-wee my own kinsfolk, which is what I managed to do with Epistle of James, Lily and Sirius. After I lost them, I thought I was finished caring about people… And then I got the fortune to not only converge and be approach Harry, but to help clear Sirius's epithet as well. Since then I've opened myself up and began making my own family again, up to and including falling in love life with and marrying Tonks. I care about all of you kids… and I certainly love Harry as if he were my own son. But you Draco, you have become someone important to me as well, someone I can ploughshare the most horrible part of my life with, someone who makes this curse easier to expect because now I have the province of guiding you through living your sprightliness with it. I'm not revoking my tutelage, and it's not just because I think you still need me and Tonks and the semblance of category we can offer you, it's also because I need you to be in my life. ``

He didn't know what to say or even how he felt. He was still getting used to what it was like to love Ginny, how was he also supposed to handle the feelings that came with having normal syndicate appendage who not only cared about him, but actually wanted him around ? Lupin was related to him through spousal relationship and a gaucherie of theme, but in that moment it felt as if he were everything genus Draco had always wanted but never had… father, pal, uncle, first cousin and best friend all wrapped up in one package and waiting for him to accept it. `` Okay. '' He said, not trusting himself to say anything else without betraying how emotional he felt.

Lupin laughed and patted his shoulder. `` Come on, let's let ourselves go for the night and just enjoy the run. We'll mind back towards Hogwarts so we won't have as far to travel in the morning. ``

Draco nodded in dumb agreement. Together they removed their talisman, storing them safely in their old bag, of which they'd loosened the straps to hold their soon to be larger forms. Stepping out into the moonlight, he wasn't quite sure what to expect… the transformation wasn't as unspeakable as he remembered, though perhaps it was because this time he fully embraced it, wanting the wolf to be loose. Still retaining their own judgment, they were now in foreign bodies and had to be careful as they remembered to slash the bags to their backs. They shared a spirit before lupine threw his heading to the Moon and let out a wild ululation. And then they were off, allowing the brute to run and play while they attempted to plough off their human thoughts.

( BREAK )

As had become his usance, Fred woke early, just before the sun rose. Of course he had no melodic theme what prison term that was, just as he had no estimation how long he'd actually been on this island… he'd forced himself to stop count 24-hour interval after the fifth one, finding it far too depressing. Instead he had learned to concentre on finding what niggling enjoyment he could while he was imprisoned. Those odd flowers growing here had become one of those things he actually liked and so he'd begun getting up before the sun, gladly leaving the brilliancy of the DoI of their massive tent that seemed so ordinary on the international. As he now normally did, he walked up the beach to where a humble patch of the strange flower grew wild.

Looking off into the horizon as he waited for the sun to glint over it, he let his mind wander… Wondering what his friends were up to, what Hermione must be thinking about his disappearance, whether his parents knew he was in worry, and most prominently ... how was he going to get himself out of this ? Hearing a brassy squawking audio that still terrified him no subject how many times he heard it, he glanced up into the quickly brightening sky and saw the colored scheme of those weird creatures that enjoyed flying through the dawn. He didn't know what they were and they never came last enough for him to really see them, which was amercement by him as he wasn't about to go looking for them. They seemed to wedge to the marvelous quite a little that made up about of this island and Fred had been sure to restrain far away from there, choosing instead to remain near the beach where the vast sea reminded him of freedom.

At cobbler's last the sun came up, breaking entirely free of the horizon to lead off it's ascent through the sky. He eagerly turned back to the flowers, waiting for that first light beam of light to touch them. At finally it happened and his eyes danced as bud after bud bloomed in an explosion of color- vibrant pink and purple, neon blues and green, deeply saturated oranges and yellowness. It was breathtaking to behold, like a work of art coming to biography right in figurehead of him.

'' Well, I figured I'd find you here again. '' Elanya said as she came up behind him. He ignored her as he'd been doing since that number 1 night… he hadn't spoken a individual word to her since setting up the tent. In fact, he felt like he was beginning to forget how to talk at all as he'd never in his animation been able-bodied to maintain silence for more than a few proceedings let alone however long he'd been stuck here… Though in a sense, it did take a shit him happy to know that his stubbornness and self-will were so strong. He knew it was beginning to bother her that she was basically left talking to herself and as that was the only sorting of victory he could achieve, he was careful to hold back up his secrecy. `` Don't you get tired of watching them day after day ? '' She goaded.

He wanted to tell her that he'd be able to find more perk up ways to pass his clock time had she not forced him onto this island where the only form of amusement was the strange ravisher of nature… But he didn't. He simply got up and brushed the guts from his shorts before stripping off his skid and T-shirt and heading down to the weewee for a swim. He could feel her following him and smiled to himself, happy that he was proving to be an annoyance to her. `` You have to talk to me sometime ! '' She called as he walked right into the water, letting the inexplicable warmth of it sooth away the tension he carried at all metre now. `` Hey ! '' She shouted loudly.

He turned to notice her knee-deep in the water. She'd taken off her clothes and was standing there in a revealing bathing suit that he hadn't even seen her purchase with his money. The fabric was gold, nearly blending in with the trench tan she'd acquired while they'd been there and illuminating the honey-gold color of her eyes. The sun shone through her loose auburn hair, casting a glossy aura around her. He bit the inside of his nerve, needing the bother to remind him that as estimable as she may look she wasn't safe to let one's guard down around. `` Mind if I join you for a swim ? '' She asked slyly as she posed effortlessly in front of him like a lucky statue.

It was clear she wanted some reaction and it didn't matter whether it was a defense or acceptation of her whirl. She was clearly starting to act out in an attempt to manipulate him into doing what she wanted, which was speak to her. As a skilled prevaricator and manipulator himself, he knew the affair to look for and so he willfully kept his secretiveness. Pretending he hadn't even seen her, he turned and dove into the piano waves before moving his subdivision and peg, gliding easily through the water without looking back. Everyday he managed to get further from the shoreline… not that he had any conjuring trick about being capable to swim his way across the ocean. But as Elanya never went more than waist-deep into the weewee, he'd come to realize she was probably not a very strong or confident swimmer. This meant that the entirely time he could be assured of being away from her was way out where she dared not go.

Feeling his side Begin to strangle and his limbs slow down, he stopped and treaded water, turning to ensure she had in fact remained on the beach. Even at this far distance, he could differentiate she was angry as she strode back towards the tent. Breathing a sigh of relief Fred flipped over onto his back and floated, heedful to mind that he didn't let the current pull him further than he thought he could float back. Allowing his psyche to dip so that his pinna were below water where everything was muffled and staring at the endless bluing sky, he felt relaxed… peaceful… and very lonely. As much as he would care to look on the bright side and savor the scene of where he was, the idea that so many masses were probably worried about him kept him from doing so. He wished he were stuck on the island with Hermione, that this was some post-graduation vacation and she could be out here to revel this quiet consequence with him.

He was disturbed that he didn't know what was going on at Hogwarts, but there was nothing he could do about it. Still, it was easier to think of the stranger danger the others were going through than to focus on his own captivity… But he knew he had to take off doing something to exchange his state of affairs. As practically as he wanted to keep up this mute intervention that was making Elanya so mad, he knew he needed answers from her. His paw were completely tied while he was here, cut off from everyone and all information. But if he could notice out when they were leaving and when she planned on going back to London to attempt to use him against his Friend and menage, then he'd be better positioned to make out up with a plan. Getting himself off this island was useless if he didn't fig a way out of everything else as well.

Feeling hungry, Fred turned and swam back to shoring. Letting the sun dry him as he walked back to the tent, he decided to give himself one more day to enjoy making Elanya mad… Tomorrow he would see how he felt about breaking his muteness. After all, as much as he wanted to rationality with himself, it was hard to give up the only humble bit of top executive he had at the moment.

( BREAK )

'' safe morning everyone ! '' Charlie greeted his family. Since lupine and Draco had decided to leave, an impromptu switch over up of class schedules was arranged to make up for the missing prof, making for an entirely confusing Monday that Hermione had missed out on by staying in bed sick. Unfortunately, Lupin hadn't made it back in time Tuesday morning and that left the seventh twelvemonth advanced program socio-economic class to love caution of Magical wight as the first example of the day. Normally Hermione enjoyed Charlie's class, even if she did have to call him professor Weasley. But between her concern over Fred, her still lingering illness and Ron glaring at her and Harry the whole fourth dimension, she just wasn't in the humor for anything that distracted her from practicing stellar projection. Perhaps she should accept taken Harry's advice and stayed in bed again today, but being so close to the end of her time in schooltime she'd forced herself to get up, not wanting to miss out on anything that could present itself on a test. But her mind just wasn't in it and as Charlie began handing out little Quran to them all, she debated asking if she could be excused.

'' Now, my coming to teach here was a very last minute decision and so I didn't have time to get my say on your reading material tilt for this class. '' Charlie announced as he finished passing the al-Qur'an around and stood before them all. `` Today we start learning about beast I have a item specialty in- Draco. '' He smiled, clearly excited to instruct on something he knew so well. `` Obviously I can't bring any of them in to record you, though I'm aware that some of you have had rather close encounters with a few dissimilar species. '' He grinned at Harry.

'' Charlie, this Bible has your epithet on it. '' Ron interrupted, not bothering to raise his hand.

'' That's Professor Weasley while we're in grade Ron. '' Charlie reminded him with a smirk. `` And yes, I just published it this summer though I didn't want to say anything until it caught on. A few yr ago, I and a few of my colleague were lucky enough to trip up upon a species of Dragon that had long been thought to birth gone extinct. We lived near and studied them and after, I wrote down what we learned. You are now all holding the results of that campaign. ``

He went on and suddenly too odd and interested to consider leaving class, Hermione began flipping through the book, bore to get a sensory faculty of Charlie as an writer. The text was informative but it was the shining exposure of the island where the dragons had been found and of the creatures themselves that really made the book spectacular. Drawn in by a shiny burst of semblance in the corner of one of the photograph, she leaned in closer and was struck as she recognized the efflorescence from Luna's vision. Her helping hand instantly shot into the air as she desperately waved it to get Charlie's attention.

'' Yes Miss Granger ? '' He grinned at her.

'' I was looking through the book… these flowers in this photograph here, are they Colorsplosions ? '' She felt Harry gain vigor up side by side to her and together they eagerly waited for an answer.

'' Why, yes as a matter of fact. As it turned out, these dragons weren't the only affair we found on the island that had been thought to be out. Good job recognizing them '' He nodded encouragingly. `` There were various other plant and animal specie on this island- ''

'' What island ? '' Harry interrupted, throwing his hand in the air as an afterthought.

'' One of the gateway islands that protect the route to Castellumshire. '' He answered fishy of the sudden sake. `` I'm no boater, I simply rode with a bunch of them and they knew how to get there. I personally couldn't even indicate it out on a map. ``

'' And are the tartar that live there unsafe ? '' Hermione asked, suddenly terrified for Fred.

'' Yes, but only if you disturb them. '' Charlie answered seriously. `` This species is called the Double-Clawed Winghorn, so named for the dyad of very sharp claws they use to rest and transfix prey and the horns protruding from the tips of their annex. They live in heights blank space, generally mountains… Which is where we found these last few. Our camp was down at the base and as long as we remained down there, the Winghorns didn't bother us. It was only after we climbed up to analyse them more closely that they became vicious and highly protective of what they considered their delimitation. They attack in pairs and are highly intelligent and extremely technical, though we only saw ten of them in all. However, when left on their own it became well-defined that they only came out to hunt in the very early dawn. The rest of the prison term they were content to remain in their den. ``

Hermione pretty much tuned him out after that, not needing or wanting to pick up more. Surely she had to be mistaken, sure as shooting Colorspolosions had to grow elsewhere in the world… She knew all it would take aim to find out the the true was to run the approximation by Luna and the daughter's suspicion would narrate them if this was the island where Fred was being held… but she was already pretty sure that it was. Of course it had to be, why wouldn't Elanya insist they go one of the few space anyone else dared to ? What were the betting odds another team of dragon hunters would be stopping by now that they knew what was there ?

As soon as Charlie ended his class, Hermione raced back to her room, throwing aside the Holy Writ on astral projection to find the one about cryptical islands that she'd also stolen/borrowed. She flipped through the pages until she found an ledger entry on the gateway islands… there were two some 30 km apart that were estimated to be about a century kilometers from Castellumshire. Despite this wide area, the script explained that for some intellect, these islands proved to be unchartable and only a very harden sailor knew how to detect them.

belief excited, nervous and terrified, she rushed into the common room where Harry and Luna were sitting on the lounge, apparently waiting for her. `` Is this it ? Is this where Fred is ? '' She thrust the rule book at Luna, begging her to say she was wrong… that Fred wasn't on an untraceable island that was occupied by dragons.

'' You've lost Fred ? '' Draco asked as he emerged from the Slytherin wing.

They all froze, unsure what to say or how to excuse. `` When did you get back ? '' Harry asked calmly as both a distraction and a way to buy time.

'' A few moment ago. I was just on my way to tell Ginny before we all have to go to course of study. '' He answered, looking around at the three of them suspiciously. `` What's going on with Fred ? ``

'' He's on a patronage misstep. '' Hermione said quickly, not knowing what else to say and figuring it was best to bond with the lie already told. They may not have discussed it, but she, Harry and Luna had clearly come to a understood agreement not to secern Dragon anything about Fred so that he wouldn't be put in the position of keeping it from Ginny.

'' Yeah, Ginny mentioned something about that. Apparently Mrs. Weasley sent a varsity letter complaining all about it and the abrupt way he left. '' Draco said slowly. He was anything but dimwitted and it was clear he'd picked up on something being wrong. `` What does that have to do with you all not knowing where he is ? ``

'' Hermione had been talking to him through those compacts… you know, keeping in touch sensation. '' Luna blurted out.

'' Right, but she came to us this sunrise saying she accidentally broke the covenant. '' Harry agreed, picking up effortlessly on Luna's thought. `` She was freaking out because she had no mind where he was actually staying and therefore no way to contact him. ``

'' I had a imaginativeness that showed him on an island, though I wasn't sure which one so she went to search up the things I described to see if she could picture it out. '' Luna added, rounding out their lie.

genus Draco ignored them and looked at Hermione before smirking and shaking his head. He'd gotten to get it on them all well since joining with them, and had spent years before that spying on them to learn all their secrets. He knew of the three, Harry was the empower prevaricator, though Luna was up to when pressed… he also knew Hermione not only didn't like to lie, she wasn't always the most convincing at it. Letting Harry and Luna speak for her had obviously given him a clue that things weren't exactly as they were telling him. `` I see. '' He said at last. `` This is one of those, I'm-better-off-not-knowing, types of things… is that because Ginny is undecomposed off not knowing ? ``

'' Let's just say everything's fine and joint with that. '' Harry said.

'' Okay, I don't need to know the particulars. '' Draco agreed. `` But if you need assist, I've been looking for a reason to practice scrying. ``

'' Why ? '' Hermione asked.

He shrugged. `` You all said we need to focus on getting ready to bump the coven… Figured I'd like to have something useful to bring to the tabular array. Scrying is a skill that runs in my family so I thought I could use it to help oneself you turn up all those multitude. ``

'' skillful to make out you plan to come along. '' Harry smiled in encouragement.

'' I don't really have anything planned once we're released from here. '' He admitted. `` I just think it's best I prepare for anything. Let me know if you need my assist. I won't mention to Ginny that Fred is currently… off the grid ? ``

'' I guess that's the easily way to put it. '' Hermione nodded. `` Thanks. '' He waved her off and continued on his way to tell Ginny that he had returned.

'' Yes, I think that's the place. '' Luna said, answering Hermione's earlier question once she was sure they were alone.

'' Good, so if we know what island he's on and Draco thinks he can detect where the island is, then there's no pauperism for you and Jacey to go to Erebos's year today so she can try to get into his headway. '' Harry said happily.

'' That was your theme in the first of all position ! '' Hermione reminded him.

'' I've had time to reflect on it. '' He answered defensively.

'' Either way, we still have to determine whether he's really the spy. We can't go saving Fred until we're sure we've shut down everything they're holding over his head. '' She argued.

'' I agree. '' Jacey said, emerging from the Slytherin annexe as Tristram, properly dressed in school robes and carrying a backpack. `` Are you make to go Miss husbandman ? ``

Hermione looked at Harry and saw that he was extremely unhappy. She felt unblock in that moment… she didn't have to care what Harry thought anymore. She was willing to do whatever she had to in parliamentary procedure to aid Fred, just as she'd done in the past for Harry, no topic how dangerous or stupid. They had to bang if Erebos was the spy so that they could quit him from carrying out Elanya's threats… if that meant placing herself in forepart of the prof while Jacey tried to get into his idea, then so be it. `` I'm cook. '' She answered confidently.

( fracture )

Ginny answered the knock on her door right away and threw her arms around genus Draco, more than relieved that he'd returned as he'd promised. `` I wasn't even gone a full two solar day. '' He teased, leaning down to kiss her.

'' It felt like much longer. '' She sighed, taking his hired hand and leading him into her way, closing the threshold for privacy. `` Are you okay ? ``

'' As a good deal as I can be I judge. '' He answered honestly, taking a seat on the bed. `` I talked a few matter over with lupine and it made me palpate better… sort of. I'm just tired of everything always being so difficult. ``

'' You and everyone else. '' She smiled, climbing behind him and rubbing his shoulders. She could experience how practically accent he was carrying and did her best to ease the extreme tension in his muscles. `` But I guess if affair weren't difficult, we wouldn't appreciate the times when everything is slow. ``

He relaxed into her hands, letting his head hang down as she massaged his neck. `` When has anything ever been easy ? We've all had to struggle to get where we are and now we're struggling to stay there while the entire world seems to plat against us. ``

'' Being with you isn't such a struggle. '' She wrapped her coat of arms around him and kissed the back of his neck. `` In fact, loving you might be the gentle thing I've ever done even after all we've gone through together. I don't care how hard I have to fight for us Dragon, I think it's worth it. ``

He took her arms and turned to face her, studying her very closely. `` None of this… zilch I'm questioning or doubting has anything to do with you or us. '' He said very seriously before at end break into a grin. `` You don't have to convince me that you love me, it's probably the only thing I'm sure of anymore. ``

She nodded. `` I just thought you needed to hear it again. I can't imagine what you must be feeling after everything that happened with Lucius on Saturday… I just don't want you to go back to thinking that everyone is like him, that everyone will offend or disappoint you in the long run. ``

He let out a small jape. `` Lupin said something similar. ``

'' Well, we can't both be untimely, ripe ? '' She grinned.

'' It's just a foreign thing to get used to, having mass effort to stick around in my life… especially when it's proven so dangerous. '' He shook his capitulum and turned away from her again. `` I tried to give Lupin an out. I told him to erase all shadow that linked his and Tonks's names to mine… but he wanted to delay on as my guardian. ``

'' Of course of action he did ! You don't think you're helping him deal with this whole wolfman thing the same way he's helping you ? '' She asked, once more wrapping her branch around him and resting her chin on his shoulder. `` Face it Draco… once people get to know you, you're a pretty likable guy. And I hope you weren't planning to try and wee me the same offer as lupin because you're as stuck with me as you are with him. ``

'' Don't I know it. '' He teased, turning to osculate her cheek.

'' You're lucky to have us both. '' She went on, smiling widely.

'' Yeah, I know that too. '' He laughed.

'' Well here's the portion you don't seem to recognize yet… we're lucky to feature you as well. '' She reached up and turned his face so that she could lightly kiss his lips. `` Maybe that's the part you shouldn't forget. '' She whispered before fully capturing his sass once more, ready to welcome him back and show him just how lots she'd missed him.

( breach )

'' Mr. Macnair ! I was told not to expect you in class today. '' professor Erebos said as soon as Jacey entered his schoolroom. Hermione had been sure to arrive a few minute before her as common so that cypher would appear suspicious.

'' I'm of the head that my position here is still to be determined. '' She replied as Tristan, coolly taking a nates in the hinder row of the nearly empty classroom. Erebos simply shook his nous and began his lesson. Clearly the man was going to impart the act of disciplining the vampire to those with More force than he had. Jacey was happy to notice that the professor was More than a bit frighten off of Tristan.

Remember, retain him busy. Ask interrogative sentence so he is focused on you and therefore less capable to pore on shielding his mind. She reminded Hermione.

I think I can handle it. She replied in amusement.

They waited until the object lesson was half over, hoping that Erebos would be lulled into a false sense of security system. You ready ? Jacey thought out to Harry and Luna. She knew that by now they had stationed themselves next door in professor Flitwick's currently empty classroom.

Let's just try to be really measured, okay ? Harry asked desperately.

gift Hermione the signal, Jacey watched in hypnotized amusement as the other female child raised her mitt and assaulted Erebos with rapid-fire questions. No sooner had the man answered her once than she was asking for more information, more illumination or more particular. Watching him become flustered, Jacey waited until she was sure he was completely distracted by his eager bookman. Feeling Harry and Luna's presence mingle in with hers, she propelled all three of them forward into the professor's head. Sure enough, they found a fort around his mind, as high and mighty as any of theirs. Picturing the three of them tiptoeing through the man's subconscious, she helped search for some way in.

There ! Luna whispered excitedly. Focusing on her, Jacey was able-bodied to see what she saw and cautiously zoomed toward the shot in the foundation. They slipped their way in, careful not to entrust a trace of themselves. Flipping through the man's mind as quickly as potential, they at last found what they were looking for.

*****

Erebos put the key in the door and entered the hotel room. Elise was already waiting for him, sitting in one of the hot seat as she regarded him warily. `` It's been a long time Dolos. '' She said, offering a sly and seductive smile.

'' And I had thought it would be much longer. I thought we had agreed age ago to just be happy that we got away with having our shortstop meter together. '' He replied, angrily dropping his suitcase to the ground. He didn't like being summoned like this, but the young lady had a lot of dirt on him and she was entirely capable of ruining his life.

'' You thought a lot of things about me, haven't you ? '' She teased.

He cleared his pharynx and remained steadfast in his resolve. `` I'm married now. ``

She laughed. `` Actually you're in the operation of getting divorced. Didn't you think I would tick up on you before making contact ? I also know affair between you and the ex are entirely unsettled… it seems she's battling you for full custody of the little rugrats you two bred. '' She laughed again, having seen the worry that instantly spread across his cheek. `` Relax Dolos, I didn't telephone call you here to rekindle old fire or to threaten your disaffect family. ``

'' Then why did you call, and why have us match here, in Australia of all places ? '' He asked nervously.

'' To make a proposition. '' She rose and walked over to the window, letting the sun radiance through her sundress and bare a dark of the figure underneath. `` It seems you and I are in the position to help each other yet again. '' She added, looking at him over her shoulder. Everything about her was as appealing as it had been all those year ago, from her rather attractive appearance to the small star tattoo that drew him into her eyes to the suggestion of danger she always promised to provide.

'' I'm hearing. '' He said, entertaining the thought that perhaps rekindling old flaming wouldn't be the high-risk thing in the world.

She turned fully to him, leaning against the balcony railing as she spoke. `` I came here looking for someone… turns out the maiden one wasn't all that I needed him to be. But I have found a girl with the right business leader and a dire need for revenge. My friends and I need her… after speaking with the girl, we've already come up with a design on how to use her to our best advantage. The only matter is, she feels she has nil to extend us. As it turns out, the miss does give birth some annoying ethical motive and while she very much liked that we could kick in her the way to kill her Father, she was also hesitating in joining with us when she had no way to repay us. ``

'' She seems voguish, doesn't want to be left in anyone's debt. '' He interrupted, thinking of his own situation. He was entirely indebted to Elise for how she was able to compensate up their affair all those days ago… it was why he had come here.

'' Whatever the example, you need to be the affair she can offer us… which works out wonderfully since I was eventually going to contact you on our behalf anyway. '' She grinned.

'' You keep saying our and we. Who else are you plotting with ? ``

'' A honey old friend… perhaps you remember Sarah Elaine ? '' She waited as he nodded, indicating he vaguely remembered the girl who he'd only ever met during the trial. `` She has her own fish on the hook, but her lady friend is useless as long as she's locked away. ``

'' So what do you need me to do ? '' He asked, again feeling nervous.

'' Elanya Delamora… very offspring and very pretty… she's staying in this hotel. I need you to make it your stage business to run into her. I'm sure you won't have a problem convincing her that you find her very attractive and would do anything she wanted of you. Then I need you to casually slip into conversation that you work at Hogwarts… she'll take care of the rest. ``

'' How can you be sure ? ``

Elise smiled again, this time like a lioness toying with her quarry. `` Because I'll see to it that she thinks you are exactly what we need. Imagine her joy when she stumbles into you ! We'll let her think you are hers and hers alone and that only she can bring you into the fold, it'll be her way of buying her way in. Later if she tries to use you against us, we'll simply tell her how matter really came about and that she hasn't even come close to coming up even for what we're going to avail her do. ``

'' So you want me to assist you fool and trap this miss ? '' He shook his pass. `` How naïve is she ? ``

'' Not at all actually. She is very well aware of how thing work in my human race, but like you she prefers to live on on the outer border of it, only dipping a toe in when it causa her. '' Elaine teased. `` That is why we have to not only set up this work out farce, but also be entirely convincing about it. ``

'' Which is why you told me to use a funeral as my excuse for being in the body politic. ``

'' fountainhead, dying makes most masses feel awkward and therefore there are less uninvited interrogative sentence. ``

He sighed and sat down in the death chair. `` And, what do I get out of this ? ``

'' Besides the pleasure of a renewed acquaintance with me ? '' She grinned. `` We will guarantee that you get whatever you want out of this petty divorce fight. ``

'' How ? I don't want Lilah scathe. '' He had a sudden sensation of protectiveness come over him as he thought of his children's mother being killed.

'' Relax. We have plenty of ways of doing anything we want. It's all about knowing the rightfulness the great unwashed and calling in the right favors. '' She assured him. `` After we deliver, all I'll need you to do is keep playing along with the girlfriend. Once you get back to school, all you'll have to do is keep an eye on a few choice scholarly person so that we know what's going on at all times. So, are you in ? ``

'' I don't know, are you leaving anything out ? '' He asked suspiciously.

'' You know me too well, Dolos. '' She said, once again offering a coy smile as she walked back into the elbow room to endure before him. `` How do you feel about hurting students, possibly even killing one ? ``

'' I'd rather it didn't come to that… '' He swallowed heavy. certainly he'd taken a few lives back during the last-place war, but that had been because he thought he was doing right, protecting a way of life-time. After, when he'd gotten to eff Elise and seen what the war had done to the children of his opponent he began to inquire if he did belong to on Dumbledore's side. It was a question that had haunted him for year after. Perhaps this was his time to find out… if he was able to jeopardise an inexperienced person pupil, then surely he belonged on Elise's English of the war, on Voldemort's side.

'' No one wants it to issue forth to that, and if everyone does exactly what they're supposed to then it won't. But I need someone who can do what is essential should the occasion arise. '' She was studying him closely, obviously looking for signs of weakness.

'' If you can guarantee Lilah won't be able-bodied to lead my kids away, then I'm your man. '' He replied steadily. There were a lot of shady things in his past, some of them had been what finally pushed his wife away and forced her to seek sole-custody. He knew he'd do whatever it took to get what he wanted, and Elise knew it too… that's why after all these old age, she'd do back to him. He could and would do this, and what's more, he felt like he'd enjoy it.

*****

fountainhead, I guess that answers a lot. Harry said once they all cleared out of Erebos's head.

We're back. Jacey thought to Hermione. She saw that the girl was having difficulty keeping up her barrage of questions and wanted to assure her that she could stop.

Suddenly the schoolroom door swung overt and Healer Drake entered with an apologetic smile. `` Sorry to break up. '' He said politely. `` I need to borrow Mr. Macnair. He's wanted up in the schoolmaster's government agency. ``

'' Go on Macnair. I told you that you weren't supposed to be here. '' Erebos crossed his coat of arms and waited impatiently.

Jacey reluctantly got up, hearing Harry in her head telling her and Hermione that he and Luna were staying where they were until the class was over. She followed Drake down the vestibule, wondering what was going to befall. `` I hope this is somehow part of your architectural plan, because Dumbledore is really mad. '' He said as they walked.

'' In a sensory faculty. We want Tristan in as much trouble as possible. '' She answered, hoping she could withstand the schoolmaster's ire. The therapist left her at the gargoyle and she now had to face Dumbledore's wrath alone.

But of course the elderly wizard knew how to control his emotions and as she entered his office staff, she saw him regarding her with hardened heart while speaking in a calm voice. `` Mr. Macnair. May I ask why you openly defied my orders and went to category today ? ``

'' I got lonely. '' She shrugged, mimicking Tristan's nonchalant way of dealing with authority.

'' I see. '' He leaned forward and spoke softly. `` The Aurors have decided to take aim your instance Mr. Macnair. They are applying for a warrant of arrest and as soon as it comes through I am to hand you over to them. Unfortunately, it may take a few sidereal day as we are still caught up looking for both Parvati Patil and Troy Alfred Edward Woodley Mason. Until that time we are finally able to rid ourselves of you, you are hereby confined to your dorm. I suggest you use your close few days here to fancy out exactly what you're going to recount the lawcourt. You are dismissed. '' With a flourish, he disappeared, apparently not wanting to give Tristan a prospect to respond. She was left sitting alone in the office, contemplating what aliveness was going to be like once she was once more entirely free to be herself.

( geological fault )

Harry nervously waited for Hermione to exit the classroom, hating the thought of her being unique with mortal who wasn't quite for sure whether or not he was a sociopath. Luna was next to him and more than anything he wanted to reach out and bring her hand, to feel the consolation she could bestow him… but with so many students walking the dorm, that was impossible. Not only had they both agreed it was best no one but their booster knew about them, he was supposed to still be pretending to be with Hermione in an attempt to fool Erebos, Simon and anyone else who may think she was a petty too close to Fred. `` Well ? '' He asked as soon as she emerged.

'' naught happened, it was an ordinary social class. I can't be sure, but I don't think he felt you guys in his caput. '' She quietly assured them.

He's coming. Luna warned them as she turned and walked away. Harry pulled Hermione to him, wrapping his arm around her shoulders just as Erebos came into the hallway.

'' Well, you were certainly questioning in class today Miss Granger. '' He said, stopping to grin at them.

'' newt are coming up, I just want to be prepared. '' She answered quickly.

'' You know Hermione, always one to question all. '' Harry said proudly, leaning in to osculate her temple as she pushed herself closer against him.

'' Too bad I could never interest you in the field Mr. Potter. I think I would have enjoyed having you in my class as well. '' He said with a tight grin. `` You seem to let so many talents, I'm sure you could just pull the resolution to any test rightfulness out of my head. '' He added meaningfully.

Harry felt himself panic. `` I would never do something like that. It's cheating. '' He answered steadily, not wanting the prof to incur any validation of his suspicions.

'' cum on, we have to go or we'll miss lunch and I'm starving. '' Hermione said, playfully taking his hand and pulling him along as if she didn't horse sense the sudden tension.

He quickly followed her, gripping her paw so tight he was afraid he would break it. `` You are definitely going to have to request something to get you out of that class. '' He said as they walked toward the Great Hall.

'' What happened ? Is he the spy ? '' She asked, though it was clear the prof's demeanour had already confirmed what she feared.

'' Yeah, to say the very least… we may not just be going to write Fred anymore. '' He answered. `` It seems that whether she knows it or not, Elanya has gotten herself just as trapped by Elise and Sarah as Fred. ``

( time out )

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked unceremoniously as soon as Elanya emerged from the tent.

'' And a full morning to you too ! '' She said happily. `` I see you've decided to issue forth to your pot and talk to me. ``

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked again, having decided those were the only words he would earmark himself to say until he received a definite answer.

'' I don't see why you're in such a big hastiness to get back… it seems your protagonist are already starting to forget about you. '' She taunted.

He was queer, he wanted to ask what she meant… but he refused to take the come-on. `` When are we leaving ? '' He asked for the third time.

'' Don't you want to have it away what I've heard from my sources ? '' She asked coyly.

At this point, he was more concerned with how she'd heard from her seed and filed away in his creative thinker that he needed to find the hazard to search for her communication gimmick. `` When are we leaving ? '' He smiled to himself as he saw her scowl. Apparently this could have the potential to rile her as very much as his silence.

'' If you're concerned about getting back to Hermione farmer, I'd forget about it if I were you. '' She said cruelly. `` My beginning within Hogwarts has told me that he's witnessed several thing to state him that she and Harry Potter have mended their disclose relationship. It seems she didn't quite appreciate you up and leaving her without a word of admonition. ``

Fred held himself together, forcing himself not to react. He knew that Hermione knew Elanya had already planned to force him away… he truly believed she was smart enough to put two and two together once she was unable to reach him and figure out he'd been forced away sooner. But then… wouldn't she have done something to try and regain him ? He may have stopped counting days after five, but he knew he'd been here for a foresighted time… a few weeks at least. Shouldn't someone have come looking for him ? Whether or not what she said was true, he was determined not to let Elanya know she had shaken him. He stared her right in the eye and grinned. `` When are we leaving ? ``

( BREAK )

Ron had spent four twenty-four hours successfully keeping his friends at bay. It seemed his words against them had worked and for in effect or worse, they were leaving him to assort it out himself. Of course, they all probably had some big secret to concentre on and help keep their minds off of him, but the longer he went, the harder it was for him to continue to defend the posture he had taken. After all, they still had each early and he was pretty often alone… just as he'd thought he wanted.

Not caring to sit by himself at dinner party yet again, he'd decided to spend his Thursday night in the library. He really did try to do prep, but he just couldn't focus and eventually found himself writing a letter to Parvati with the hope that Lupin could receive a way to get it to her. He was three Page into explaining how sorry he was when someone's tincture fell over him.

'' Here you are ! '' Seamus exclaimed, pulling out a president and sitting across from him. `` I've been looking for you all over, you know we have our first game Sabbatum, don't you ? ``

'' Yeah, I know. What is there to do until drill tomorrow ? ``

'' Practice tonight. '' He grinned. `` I got McGonagall to agree to let us own a nighttime pattern so long as we had it wrapped up by ten. That only gives us three and a one-half hours ! come on, I already told the team to meet us down there. ``

Ron looked down at his letter and sighed. Perhaps he did take a distraction, something that was now entirely his as he was the only if one of his end champion allowed to participate in quidditch in any way. `` Alright. Help me put these al-Qur'an back, Madame Pince had a fit the lastly prison term I was here and left them lying all over the position. '' Shoving his own things in his backpack, he and Seamus grabbed the few Bible he'd taken out in hopes of completing his potions essay and went into the stacks to put them away.

'' Hey, do you take heed that ? '' Seamus whispered suddenly.

Both boys stopped and listened. At last Ron picked up on whatever Seamus had heard… a soft clump and smooth moaning. Curious, they followed the audio a little deeper into the dustup of shelves. Turning the corner they gasped in shock at who they saw and what they were doing. `` I'd have thought you'd have wagerer taste Padma. '' Seamus teased.

She and Dean leapt apart, wiping their mouthpiece and straightening their clothes as they realized they'd been caught. `` He was helping me find something. '' She said defensively.

'' In your mouth ? '' Ron laughed.

'' Shut up. '' James Dean said angrily.

'' I've been under a lot of tenseness lately… '' Padma argued her case.

'' And he was just helping to salvage some of it ? '' Seamus asked innocently as a wide of the mark, vicious grinning spread across his aspect. She rolled her centre and walked away in a huff.

'' Thanks jerky. '' Dean grumbled.

'' Aren't you supposed to be heading down to the quidditch sales talk ? '' Ron took his turn to tease their friend. Shooting them each a dirty aspect, Dean brushed past them to go down to practice.

'' Well, that was interesting. '' Seamus grinned.

'' Seeing his face get all red like that… it totally made my day. '' He agreed, smiling back.

They put away the rule book and hurried outside to the field. Ron felt lighter than he had in days and was surprised to find that he could really delight himself with early friends. James Dean and Seamus and the whole Gryffindor team were his outlet, his way of continuing to forefend Harry, Hermione, Luna and Ginny. Once they left here, he would deliver to figure something else out, especially since his mob was currently living in Harry's planetary house for an undetermined amount of time. But he still had a niggling over two weeks to think on it. In the meantime, he was content to allow himself to enjoy the rarified, completely worry-free moment he was experiencing.

( BREAK )

'' come on, we're going to be late for class ! '' Luna grabbed Ginny's arm and pulled her off the couch, barely giving her enough metre to grab her books before dragging her out of the usual way where she and Draco had been lounging.

As soon as they were gone, Granger came and took Ginny's vacated post. `` Here. '' She spread a map out in front of Dragon and pointed to a small dot of an island. `` I finally found a map that shows Castellumshire. Somewhere within a 100 kilometers is the island we think Fred is on. ``

'' And you want me to do what ? '' He asked, looking up at her. Potter was standing behind her and it was clear they had been waiting for Luna to get Ginny out of the room before approaching him. `` You said before that you guys can't sheet there even if you knew where it was. Isn't that the mystery of this island, that only sure the great unwashed can find it ? ``

'' Only sure people can obtain it- by sea. '' Potter argued.

'' We're thinking that if you can pinpoint it on a map, we can use the pic in Charlie's book to apparate there. '' Granger added hopefully.

Realizing they were sober, he took the map and stood. `` Okay, I'll try. But I'd rather do this in private if you don't mind. '' He strode past them to the Slytherin fender and down to his room. The last matter he wanted was the added pressure of potter and sodbuster watching him try and betray. He wished he had never offered to assist, that he'd kept his mouth shut and stayed out of it… especially since it seemed whatever was going on, they were do-or-die that Ginny and Ron not get wind of it. But he had offered and they'd taken him up on it… now he had to actually attempt to scry, something he'd never actually done.

Spreading the map out on the bed, he wondered what he was supposed to do next. Of line he didn't have a pendulum, but remembering a time when Narcissa had lost hers, he still thought that maybe he could do this. Copying everything he'd seen his mother do, he pulled out a single strand of his hair… a piece of the seeker. Now he needed a piece of the sought after. Taking Charlie's book of account, he ripped out the delineation of the Colorsplosions and made a hole through the fighting. Looping his pilus through it, he let it dangle in front of him set up for testing. With his mind, he focused on the paper moving itself north… he was truly surprised when it began to swing and at first thought there must be a duck soup. He quickly focused on moving the paper to the east and nearly dropped it in shock when it froze in midair and instantly swung the way he'd asked. So it had worked. He was thrilled but knew he had to be careful not to go overconfident.

Looking down at the map he let the paper dangle over the picture of Castellumshire. `` Okay, time to really put you to the exam. '' He said under his breath as he began focusing on narrowing down the hunting for the cryptical gateway islands.

The paper fluttered for a moment before swinging in a wide arch, making Sir Thomas More and more accurate circles until it stopped beat, pointing directly at what appeared to be hollow ocean. He tried it three Thomas More times, always with the Sami resultant. You guy wire should come and see this. He thought out to Potter, excited in nastiness of himself that he may have just solved something that even farmer had been unable.

He opened the threshold just as they both were about to tap, hurrying them inside. Picking up his Strand of hair's-breadth, he once more demonstrated what the paper pointed to on the map, confident enough in himself that he could do it with an hearing. surely enough he got the same result and Granger rushed to circle the smudge and drop a line down the coordinate. `` And it's seems to be within one hundred kilometers. Thank you Draco, well done ! '' She exclaimed, leaping up to hug him

He awkwardly patted her back before extricating himself. `` Think nix of it. And if Ginny ever finds out what you are all up to, I had nada to do with it. ``

'' Agreed. '' ceramist grinned. And then suddenly his reflexion turned to one of anger.

'' Harry, are you okay ? '' Granger asked, having also witnessed the speed with which ceramist's climate had changed.

'' I've got to go. '' He said quickly before racing from the room.

'' Harry ! '' sodbuster called after him, looking out the doorway as he dashed down the hall. `` What do you think that was about ? '' She asked, once more turning to face Draco.

He shrugged. `` Only he knows at this point. ``

'' I'd better go see if I can catch up to him somehow… '' She paused and offered a smile. `` Thanks again Draco. You have no idea how a lot you've just helped us. '' And then she was gone, off to trail down Potter. He briefly entertained the sentiment of going with, but he just as quickly dismissed it. Clearly whatever the situation was, it was one Potter either thought he could handle alone or wanted to handle alone. If he'd thought he needed assistance, Draco didn't think he'd have hesitated to ask him. After all, they'd been finding it a lot more good to make together lately. Instead he lay back in his bed to wait for Ginny to be done with class, happily reflecting on his unexpected winner. If this was what it was like to receive affair go your way, then he was prepared to sit back and let it. But he would remain machinate and quick should Lucius show his face again.

( severance )

Luna ensured Ginny made it to class before making up an exculpation for why she wouldn't be joining her. Claiming a stern gastralgia as they approached the Gargoyle, she'd blamed food poisoning and urged the other girl to go on up. She'd told Ginny that she had a great herbal remedy back in her way and it was her own faulting for not taking it when the symptoms had first begun to represent themselves.

Once alone in the hall, Luna straightened up and hoped she hadn't made her friend too worried about her. But she had no clip for class right now, she wanted to get back to the unwashed room and determine out whether Draco was able to place the island. She moved quickly down the hall, not wanting anyone questioning why she wasn't where she was supposed to be. And then it suddenly struck her, the feel of an oncoming imagination. She quickly ducked through the nearest threshold feeling completely disoriented. Before her seeing blurred, she was able to make out that she was in an empty classroom. Dropping to her knees, she crawled forward, feeling her way to the prof's desk and hiding herself behind it. She couldn't let anyone find her alone while having a vision, it was too easy for them to pack vantage of her being so completely vulnerable. There were still far too many enemies walking the halls to let one of them find her in a compromising site in which she'd be unable to fight. The shoemaker's last thing she wanted was to make it sluttish for them to hand her over to Voldemort.

Giving into the vision, she was surprised to find it was the Lapplander warning as before. Once again she and Harry were side by slope in the white room and she felt the same standoff as Sarah, Elise and Elanya beckoned to them. And then again Harry was gone and she was recoiling in horror as Simon approached, reaching out to her. Only this time, the ending was different. She was frozen in place as Simon grew taller and taller before turning to stomp down on his sister and her admirer who were now the size of mice. He turned and grinned as a puddle of lineage emerged from beneath his shoe and it was clear he had wanted her to learn. And then the elbow room was spinning and once more than Neil Simon looked normal as he stood before her, reaching out to her as she shook in fear. Now it was Elise, Sarah and Elanya who grew orotund, crushing Simon to death beneath their understructure. Harry was beside her again and the three woman turned to wave to them as if nothing had happened. Instantly she felt drawn into them again and only then did she actualise it wasn't her feeling it. It was Harry who was so willing to take heed to what these tremendous women had to say while neither of them seemed to accept interestingness in Simon's message…

She shook her head as she came back to herself already attempting to call back this through. If she was being warned that Harry was volition to listen to something those miss had to say, then what was Simon going to do that made him turn to them. Her mind was spinning with possibleness and she suddenly wasn't sure what anything in the sight had been trying to tell her. She hated the Edward Douglas White Jr. way, where null was sort out and everything was a puzzler. But this clock time the word of advice had definitely felt more intense and as her mind switched completely back into consciousness, a acute bunco game of hunch stabbed at her. She felt for her wand in her pouch only to realize she'd put it in her bag, which she'd dropped somewhere after she'd entered the schoolroom. She felt another soul in there with her and reaching out her thinker, she sensed it was the very last individual in the earthly concern she wanted to find… Herbert Alexander Simon McKinney. She tried to remain as still as possible.

'' I know you're in here Luna. I saw you. '' He called. `` I just want the luck to talk to you about a few things… why don't you come on out and we can sustain a nice, civil conversation ? '' She held her hint and continued to continue still, hoping he somehow didn't know where exactly she was. `` Please ? This is the last meter I'm going to ask nicely. '' He warned. Still she remained silent, praying he'd just go away. `` Alright then, looks like you're choosing the hard way. ``

Luna shrieked as she felt the desk roughly slide away from her, leaving her completely out in the open. She leapt to her feet, not wanting to suffer to face up him from the primer coat. He stood before her with a brainsick grin, brandishing his wand in one hand while tauntingly dangling hers from the other. `` It seems you dropped something when you came in. '' He smirked.

'' How nice of you to retrieve it… may I have it please ? '' She asked carefully, trying not to show that she was scared of him.

'' No, I think it's dear if I hold onto it for you while we talk. I'd hate for you to get trigger happy and pretend a misapprehension before hearing me out. '' He went and closed the threshold, ensuring he locked it both manually and magically.

Harry, I think I may ask some avail here. Simon has me cornered in a classroom and he has my wand. She thought out quickly.

I'm on my way. He replied instantly, his voice dark and dangerous. The last thing she wanted was Harry overreacting to this berth, but she wasn't sure she had another option… she was disarm and unlike Harry and Jacey, her extra powers lent her no protection. `` So, what do you want to talk about ? '' She asked aloud, trying to keep her voice low and calm.

'' Quite a few matter actually. Why don't you take a seat ? '' He waved his wand, bringing the professor's chair up behind her so quickly that she stumbled back into it. `` Incarcerous ! '' He shouted as she grabbed the branch of the chairperson in an attempt to shinny to her invertebrate foot. Before she knew what was happening, roach appeared out of nowhere, binding her wrists and waist to the chair.

'' You can't do this, you'll get expelled. '' She tried to reason with him. `` Stop whatever this is now and I won't story you. ``

'' I just want to make for sure you aren't going to run anywhere. '' He assured her, putting her verge in his pocket and pulling up another chair to sit in front of her. `` You and I, we may be capable to assist each early. ``

'' I don't need any avail from you. '' She argued, beginning to lose the calmness she'd been clinging to.

'' Maybe you don't see it yet. But you and Harry thrower both could benefit from listening to what I have to severalise you. It might nominate you both see things in a whole new light. '' Simon returned. `` I don't want to hurt you, I want to be your champion. ``

'' This isn't the beneficial way to make friends. '' She pulled against the bindings but they were tied cockeyed. Her wrist began to cut as she continued to struggle, the pelt becoming raw as it rubbed against the ropes… but she couldn't just pay up.

'' And I apologize for the inconvenience. '' He laughed, pulling out his trustworthy flaskful and taking a gulp. `` But like I said, I want to make sure you really take heed to what I have to differentiate you without you making the mistake of cursing me first. ``

'' okey, well… you have my wand and my undivided aid. What do have to severalise me ? '' She wanted to cry in thwarting as she felt the rope on her left wrist loosen slightly. She continued to struggle, trying not to suck up focus to the fact that she was making progress.

'' But it's not just your attention that I need. ``

'' Meaning what ? ``

He stood and came towards her. `` Hmm, looks like you're getting loose there. '' He reached to fix the roach and she desperately kicked at him, trying to keep him away as she attempted to wrench her go forth wrist dislodge. She could finger her skin scraping against the uncut texture but she ignored it, continuing to defend him off as she tried to free herself.

He finally gave up struggling with her and took a few steps back, waving his baton to tie her pegleg to the chair as well so that he could draw close her without being kicked. Fixing the Mexican valium on her arm, he sat back in his chair and let out a inscrutable breath. `` Whew. You know, you're making this harder than it has to be. I'm not trying to hurt you, you know. You very much want to discover what I have to tell you. ``

'' So say it already ! '' She shouted angrily.

'' I will. '' He grinned and took another swig from his flask. `` I'm just waiting for Harry to get here. I figured I'd public lecture to you first but after the way you acted in Hogsmeade and how you are powerful now, it's clear that you aren't quite as sound as I thought. And knowing that him and Hermione are a farce, I figured you'd be the right bait to keep him listening without bashing my brains in for confining you here. You did foretell for him to serve, didn't you ? ``

'' No. '' She said quickly.

'' Hmm, well I think you're lying. '' He got up and turned to face the door as the knob began jiggling furiously. Simon lifted his scepter in preparation, turning to await at her over his shoulder. `` If fact, this must be him now. ``

Harry, he's waiting for you ! She tried to admonish him as Simon moved to unlock the doorway. But she wasn't sure she was in clip as she quickly turned her face away to debar the rain shower of wood, brick and cataplasm that came flying forward as Harry forced his way through, too raring to await for the door to be opened.

( BREAK )

Hermione couldn't uncovering Harry anywhere. He'd run off so quickly that she'd lost him before she'd even begun to open chase. Hoping he would holler if he needed avail, she returned to her room and once Thomas More spread out the map. Looking at the touch they'd marked as the island, she decided now was as good a time as any to try her new power with astral expulsion. She wanted to be able to see Fred, even if she wasn't yet strong enough for him to see her back or for them to verbalise to each other.

Forcibly clearing her mind, she focused on the photos in Charlie's book… imagining herself on the island, on the beach, next to Fred. Closing her eyes, she began to feel weightless. Letting go of everything holding her pile, she felt herself come free from her organic structure and shoot through time and space. When she opened her oculus again, she was under the bright sun and had to squint to crap anything out. That was when she noticed she was gauzy, as she was able to take in the landscape through her arm. It was disconcerting, but the sight beyond herself made her realize that she had done it. She was far from Hogwarts and on an island… or at least her consciousness was.

'' Great. Now I'm sightedness mirages. '' She heard someone mutter behind her. Whipping around she cried out in relief, running towards Fred until she remembered that she wasn't able to pertain him. `` Fred ! It's really me ! I'm really here, variety of. '' She said happily, stopping just in battlefront of him.

'' A talking mirage ? '' He smiled, still not quite sure what he was seeing.

She rolled her heart. `` No moron, it's really me. I'd reach out and soupcon you but I'm not sure how yet. ``

'' I don't understand… How is this possible ? '' He nervously glanced over his shoulder. `` Is it really you ? '' He whispered.

'' I promise. '' She assured him. `` I'm just sorry it took so farseeing. But we know where you are now and we have a programme to fare get you… tomorrow. Can you make it one more day ? ``

He shook his head. `` I can't leave- ''

'' Yes you can, we've figured it all out ! '' She said happily wanting to explain as quickly as potential. `` I knew Elanya must own made you leave early on and Luna forced herself to have a vision. Dragon scryed and now we can come get you ! You don't have to worry about the spy, we know who it is… prof Erebos. And in Luna's visual modality, she saw what Sarah planned for me, so I learned all about astral projection to protect myself. Lee and Willem made sure there was absolutely aught to tie you to Edmund… there's nothing for you to care about anymore. ``

Fred hesitantly reached out, but his hand went right through her. He shook his head. `` I don't know. It can't be that sluttish. ``

'' It's not… Elanya may be just as a lot a victim of the other girls'treachery as you are. She thinks she's their match but Harry, Luna and Jacey went in Erebos's forefront and found the truth. Either way it doesn't topic. We're coming for you tomorrow. She can stay and rot for all I care. ``

'' Fred ! '' They head Elanya call off in the distance.

'' You have to go, she can't see you here… if you're really here. '' He grinned, obviously trying to put her at simplicity. But she saw the discomfort he tried to hide and wanted to shoot him with her right that moment. Rather than forget completely, she glided over to the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to watch.

'' Here you are. I thought I heard vocalism. '' Elanya exclaimed, looking exotic with her untamed hairsbreadth, mystifying tan and flowing strapless dress.

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked.

'' So what, you were here talking to yourself ? You'd rather talk of the town to no one than me ? '' She asked indignantly.

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked again, clearly ignoring everything the missy had to say.

'' You know, we're supposed to be using this time to get to know each other… you're stubbornness is really starting to piss me off. '' She glared at him, clearly having reached the end of her rope. `` I didn't want to sustain to resort to threats again, I was so hoping this would be a pleasant stay. But you better say something when I'm done talking and it had better be something other than `` When are we leaving '' or I swear everyone you care for will suffer for the aggravation you're causing me. ``

Fred looked uncertain, clearly wanting to continue pushing her clitoris. Plus if he chose to trust his own eyes and ears, Hermione had just told him that everyone he cared about was safe. `` How long will we be staying here ? '' He asked at endure, unable to keep back his smile as he challenged her. Hermione could realize the sick entertainment he was getting out of this… after all, she probably would have lost her thinker had she been trapped for weeks on an island.

'' You really want to agitate me Fred ? '' Elanya asked threateningly.

He sighed and shook his head word. `` I had wondered how long it would engage for you to show your true colouring. I mean you get a slight annoyed and right away you're back to threatening clean-handed bystanders. ``

'' It seems the sound way to get what I want. '' She grinned triumphantly as he at last broke the semi-silence he seemed to have been keeping.

Hermione felt a strong tug and knew her eubstance was calling her back. She'd been gone too long and as lots as she wanted to say good-bye to Fred, she knew she couldn't handgrip on any long. Against her will she was whipped back, her entire body bouncing as she reentered it. Opening her heart, she adjusted to the feeling of being solid state once more. She felt dizzy, her capitulum hurt and her belly was growling in hungriness. She felt she'd just walked for days without stopping to repose or eat, she was exhausted and every part of her was sore.

Taking a import to relax, she collected herself before carefully rising from her bed. Looking at the clock, she saw that she'd come back just in time for lunch and feeling rich hunger pain, she rushed down to the Great Hall hoping Harry and Luna were there so she could tell them what she'd just done. But as she entered the way, she realized at once that something was ill-timed. Only Hagrid and Charlie remained at the header mesa to chaperon the students'meal while her classmates all talked excitedly to themselves, some of them looking at her and raising a hand to whisper with More inflammation. Taking a seat across from Ginny and Draco she looked at them inquisitively. `` What's going on ? ``

'' No one knows for sure… but rumor is, potter severely damaged a schoolroom before disappearing with Luna and Simon McKinney. '' Draco replied, looking more than a little worried.

'' What ? What do intend they disappeared ? '' She demanded.

He shrugged and Ginny took up the narrative. `` All anyone seems to know is that there was a tacky noise and when the Ravenclaw prefect went to investigate she saw Harry standing in the schoolroom with Paul Simon while Luna sat in a chairperson in the back. She didn't get too beneficial a face because suddenly the two boys started dueling and she went to get help. By the fourth dimension they came back, everyone was gone. ``

'' It seems Tristan has disappeared as well. '' genus Draco added. `` The Aurors came to pick up him and he was just gone. I hope wherever Potter and Luna are, Jacey is with them. ``

'' Me too. '' Hermione replied distractedly. They'd just found Fred and now they were missing three coven extremity. Whatever was going on, it clearly wasn't good.

( faulting )

Dumbledore had shown up unexpectedly at Tristan's door less than an hour ago to make it known that the Aurors had finally secured their arrest warrant and would be around shortly to use up the vampire into custody. Jacey listened as she was warned as Tristan not to run, since charms had been placed around the school meant to detect the vampire hominoid species specifically. She had not let herself panic… she, Harry and Luna had planned for this. Having discovered that not only were they capable of apparating within the barriers but also that the Aurors could not trace them, it had been decided that when it was meter she would apparate to the Shrieking Shack. She would let the potion wear off and then rest there until it was meter to go to London. Having grabbed the few thing she owned, she had concentrated hard as Luna had taught her. And then she had felt a pull and when she opened her optic again she was in the living room of the scream Shack.

Now looking around at the depressing décor, Jacey thought the place in desperate demand of a sprucing up. She wondered if the Aurors had come yet and whether anyone realized Tristan was gone. Flopping down on the couch with a suspiration, she silently called out to Harry, letting him know that she had fled Hogwarts and wondering whether she was too far for him to hear.

We're on our way to you and we need some help. Was his panicked reply.

She sat up in alarm clock. Apparently Hogwarts was still very much within their range. What do you want me to do ?

skin. Then when you find the opportunity, aid us however you can. He simply replied.

( BREAK )

Harry stalked his way quickly through the halls, focusing in on Luna's energy to guide him to where she was. Ignoring the few educatee down the hall from him, he desperately tried to grow the handle of the classroom door. It wouldn't Budge. He knew this was the right place, that she was behind that threshold and he certainly wasn't going to let a stupid piece of wood stand in his way. Taking a step back, he focused his power, rolling it around in his idea before pushing outward. He watched the doorway bend against the force and pushed harder. Harry, he's waiting for you ! Luna tried to admonish him just as the wood shattered inward, exploding off it'hinges and taking section of the bulwark with it. Ignoring the screams from down the hall, he raised his wand and entered the classroom

'' Expelliarmus ! '' Simon shouted, forcing Harry to harbor powerful away. But he'd heard Luna's word of advice and had been prepared. Simon fired spell after spell at him while he focused on his carapace and waited for the powerful moment. Pushing his mind out, he grabbed grip of the other boy and whipped him back against the bulwark. Stepping through the junk, Harry waved his wand in an attempt to bind Simon in office, but he quickly shielded as he rolled to his fundament and ducked behind the chairperson Harry now realized Luna was tied to. `` I just want to sing ! '' Marvin Neil Simon called as he crouched behind Luna, tightly clutching her so that he wouldn't use his head to throw him around again.

'' You have a good story way of showing it. '' Harry replied angrily. Are you okay ? He thought out to Luna who was even now still attempting to pull herself free.

Yeah. He hasn't done anything other than not let me leave… he keeps saying there's something he needs to tell us. She replied, her voice carrying more anger and curiosity than concern now.

'' I know what you both think of me now that you know I'm related to Elise ! '' Simon reasoned, poking his head out over Luna's shoulder. `` I knew you wouldn't just sit down and spill the beans to me, that you'd have no pastime in what I have to say. But like I told her, we can help each other Harry. ``

'' So help oneself out now by untying her. '' He carefully replied, keeping his baton up in caseful the boy decided to re-start their duel.

'' I can't do that until I'm sure you aren't going to hurt me. ``

Harry, I'm at the scream Shack. The Aurors were coming for Tristram so I followed through on our program. Jacey's voice entered his principal unexpectedly. Hearing footsteps running down the G. Stanley Hall, Harry made a fast decision.

We're on our way to you and we need some help. He told Jacey in a panic.

What do you need me to do ? She answered instantly.

pelt. Then when you find the opportunity, help us however you can. He said before turning his attention back to Simon. `` Well, we can't talk here… multitude are coming to see what's going on. Shall we go somewhere more private ? '' He asked quickly.

'' Like where ? ``

'' trace my shoulder and I'll bring you there. '' Luna told him, having picked up on Harry's plan. Now able to hear the great unwashed shouting in the hall, Herb Simon was forced to trust them and reached out to grab her shoulder. Together Harry and Luna apparated away, only to arrive in the apparently hollow Shrieking Shack. To his dashing hopes, the chair and ropes had come as well, leaving her bound as Simon's human shield.

'' This is all so unnecessary. '' Harry angrily told the other boy. `` I don't know what kind of people you grew up around, but if you had come to us and asked to talk, we would feature heard you out… you didn't need to trick us into it. ``

'' That's doubtful considering I've overheard Luna talking to Hermione about the visions she's had of me. '' Simon Zelotes returned before moving his attention to Luna in true confusion. `` I have no melodic theme why you see me as an enemy in those vision, but I assure you I'm not. ``

'' And holding me against my will is the way to prove it ? '' She asked gently, far more in control of herself than Harry was. He saw that she was thinking one of them needed to stay calm and he felt guilty that it had fallen to her when she was the one currently tied up with blood trickling from her wrists where the rope had cut into her cutis. He caught sight of Jacey as she slowly crept in from the hall.

Simon looked at Luna for a moment before nodding to himself. `` It had to be that way, it's the only when way to get anyone's attention… with a big motion. That's what my father always said, before he was killed. And it's certainly worked for Elise. ``

'' We aren't like the people you know. We're will to take heed. We'll pay attention to you. '' Luna practically cooed as she softly reasoned with him. Clearly she'd caught onto something in the boy's pass that wasn't yet gain to Harry.

Simon stood and took a few steps to the side, unsure whether he felt the situation was enough in his controller to actually let her go. Harry wasn't going to feed him the chance to make the wrong pick. He silently gave Jacey the signal and she stepped out, drawing Herbert A. Simon's attention as balls of fire erupted from her hands. He threw up a shield as she flung the first fireball at him before attempting to hit her cover with a piddle tour. Taking advantage of the boy's beguilement, Harry quickly waved his baton to unwrap the ropes and lunged forward, grabbing Luna's hired man and pulling her out of the way just as the chair explosion into flames. Simon fell back on the couch as he stumbled away from the sudden flare, not wanting to get burned.

Harry whipped around and instantly shot a bandaging go, ensuring the other boy wouldn't move. Leaping to his base, he made his way over to the couch. Jacey extinguished her flames, waving her wand to put out the number of the home that had caught on flame. `` semen on Simon, prison term to second to Hogwarts and face the euphony. '' Harry insisted.

'' No ! '' Luna came over and placed a blood-soaked helping hand on his arm, forcing him to lower his wand. `` I want to hear what he has to say. ``



promissory note : OK then, adjacent chapter we find out what Herbert A. Simon has to say and the cue finally lead us to rescuing Fred.


Chapter 54 : Who to Believe ?

A/N : Sorry for the time lag in getting this out, I had an fortuity with my flare private road and everything on it was deleted including the maiden rough drawing of this chapter. But things are on track now, so getting back in the swing of thing, a rewrite of the chapter from the beginning… Read, followup and enjoy !





After taking Simon's wand and returning Luna's to her, Harry left the boy magically bound on the sofa with Jacey to keep an eye on over him. Allowing him to gently root for her down the Granville Stanley Hall to the dusty privy, Luna perched on the edge of the deep Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the tiny cabinets. At finis he came up with an ancient first aid kit, pulling out netting and tape recording before reaching out to turn the spigot on the sink. They were both surprised when H2O actually came sputtering out, a rusty color at first gear that quickly turned refreshingly percipient. She took the hand he offered her and let him carefully clean the rake from her wrists… she knew he was raging and did her upright not to quail or let on that the gash stung like crazy. After all, she was the one who let her panic overwhelm her to the dot where she'd struggled so violently against the rophy. Herbert A. Simon hadn't seemed at all intent on injuring her, she could have just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to fall out rather than fight her bindings to the point where she cut into her skin. It was her own mistake she'd gotten hurt at all.

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

Well, let's go see what he so badly wanted to tell us. She softly suggested, reaching out to run her fingers through his hair in that way she knew he found soothing. She needed him to calm down down and agnise the need to fight back was over, to get an unfold judgment and really listen to what Simon had to say. Her visual modality was becoming clearer to her now that she been able to sneak a few peep into the boy's nous. He was out to bewray his sister before she could cuckold him and apparently the master of their petty sibling fuss would suit Harry's ally. From her warning she knew Harry was already leaning toward Elanya if not Elise and Sarah… and that had to be because of what they'd seen in Erebos's oral sex. But they obviously needed the whole news report and Simon Zelotes seemed willing to provide it.

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

'' That's wanton to say now that you've been caught. '' Harry muttered, glaring at the boy as he slumped down on the other couch. `` So ? Let's hear it, what's this big Revelation of Saint John the Divine you have to share with us ? ``

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

'' Your discussion doesn't mean much to me at the consequence. '' Harry returned, refusing to discharge the spell.

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

'' Just tell us what you have to say ... '' Luna said, sitting next to Harry and locking her gaze on Simon. She pushed the opinion she wanted to project outward and watched as both boys visibly slack, though Harry alone knew what she was doing as he was the lonesome one aware of this short extra tycoon of hers. She just wished she had better ascendance of it.

'' And why don't you start with what the Hades you were thinking when you decided taking us surety was the practiced way to make your point. '' Harry crossed his arm, refusing to be lulled into calmness and shaking off the burden she was trying to disperse around the room.

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

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

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

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

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

Simon slowly nodded. `` Yeah, I guess you're right… I do know that about you. And so does Elise, which is why she had to contrive so carefully. I know you figured out the spy is Erebos. But what you don't know is that she wanted you to count on it out… so that you would search his head and find the computer storage of her asking him to set up Elanya. She knows about your powers and so she's decided to use them against you. '' He said with a sly smiling before looking right at Jacey. `` Except for you, they have no idea about you. Elise has had Erebos trying to regain out, but apparently Dumbledore has been very heedful to keep you and early visitors a hush-hush from those professor he doesn't trust. I promise, whoever you are, they still have no thought about you though they'd very much like to get hold out. ``

'' You don't need to worry about her or who she is. '' Harry said, noting to Luna and Jacey that they had to be careful not to say her name in front line of the boy. `` Just recite us why you've apparently decided to plow on your babe. ``

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's life. '' Simon looked down sadly. `` I was less than a class old when our parents were killed… even after Voldemort was gone they, like so many others, refused to stop fighting and were cornered. Rather than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to kill them. Elise was sixteen at the prison term and the only living kinsfolk I had. Rather than require caution of me, she decided to floor me at the orphans' asylum, but she would at to the lowest degree come visit every year on my birthday. When I was ten she came back for me, ready to take her place as my guardian. But it was only because she knew I was about to be heading off to school and she was hoping to model me into someone she could use to start setting up her plans. I guess she knew Voldemort was attempting to make out back and that his followers were doing everything in their power to make it happen. She saw this war coming and decided long ago that she would be no one's follower, that she would wee-wee her own place in the world. When I came to Hogwarts and wasn't sorted into Slytherin like everyone else in our family, she was blanched. But then she figured Hufflepuff was better as no one would mistrust me there. For twelvemonth I did everything she asked me to do because she threatened to leave me again if I didn't and all I knew was that I never wanted to go back to the orphanhood. But everything she wanted seemed harmless and cypher she asked of me made any sense… not until this year. ``

Herb Simon shook his fountainhead and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a missive the finally calendar week of school this past tense summer from Elise telling me we would be departing for Australia the minute I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the gear station so I went home plate and wound up overhearing a meeting between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the nighttime Lord into thinking it was his idea to get Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her tell him that she planned to kill me as I was going to rise more useful to them perfectly. I didn't know what to do, I was more terrorise of my sister in that moment than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is scary, the brand or the expert mitt wielding it ? And she knows how to play him very well. So I went with her to Australia and I continued to keep up her orders hoping she would shift her mind. But she didn't because a few daytime before I was supposed to get along back to school I heard her talking to Sarah… they plan to kill me while I'm home for the vacation break and make it look like someone else did it. My own baby was going to kill me and use my corpse to start a engagement. What could I do ? Even if I ran away, they'd just bring me right back to her, I'm only sixteen. And who besides the people involved in this whole dodging would believe the long ridiculous story I have to severalise ? So the only thing I could do was uncover her to the people she was trying to overcome… I chose you guys over Voldemort. Maybe Dumbledore was right about the sorting hat always knowing where multitude are supposed to go… maybe I'm a good guy, maybe I'm just a bad guy who's looking for the upright substance of natural selection, I have no estimate either way. I may not the well-chosen person in the populace, but I'm not ready to die either. So I'll tell you whatever you want to love about her and her plans. ``

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

He nodded and offered a grinning. `` You wouldn't believe how hanker Elise has been plotting. A farseeing while ago, after your grouping and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the confusion and looked up the files on every major player on either side. Using that information, she was able to visualize out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your friends and Voldemort's allies would react in any state of affairs. Originally we went to Australia this summertime to find a guy named go who was apparently postcognative. We traced him to a little pub where he liked to pen his article but we never even talked to him… it was like the bit she saw him, she knew he wasn't what she wanted. That's when Elanya approached us. Apparently she'd been living there with her nan who had recently passed away and when those two young lady met it was alike portion had brought them together. She fit in perfectly and Elise instructed her on how to handle Erebos who arrived at the hotel later that day. I guess it didn't affair whether it was Elanya or that Adam guy, Elise had already planned Erebos's part in all of this… but clearly a Pres Young pretty girl would pull ahead more understanding. The gunpoint was that when you all figured out he was the spy, you were meant to see Elise talking him into using Elanya, you were meant to think she'd been set up and blackmailed the Sami way they'd done it to your friend Fred. She's probably on that island right now, telling him her sob story so that he'll take her slope and help talk you guys into helping her. She was supposed to be a bulwark, to learn all the arcanum about you that they didn't already recognise. And then Elanya was supposed to begin causing discord among you all to de-escalate you and pee it more in all probability that you and Harry will forsake your alliance to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're expression is basically that they want to create their own US Army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his voice heavy with uncertainty as he tried to hide the fact that they were doing something very similar with the coven. Luna felt both his and Jacey's repugnance at finding out how close Elise had been to getting her custody on cristal, another coven member. She knew it was crucial that they leave as soon as potential to commence approaching citizenry themselves, before they could be scooped up by person else.

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

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

Simon laughed. `` You underestimate Elanya… She can become whatever she has to be in orderliness to win over someone of something. If she, Elise and Sarah have been able to put one across Voldemort for so long, then who is Fred Weasley to hold up them ? ``

'' They won't have a chance. We're going to economise him from that island. '' He returned darkly. Luna still had a hold of his arm and she could palpate him become even tenser as he felt more matter were growing beyond his control.

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

( faulting )

Fred had skipped out on luncheon and intended to walk the beach until well after dark in hopes of avoiding Elanya until tomorrow… tomorrow when Hermione had claimed they would be coming to get him. But had she been here ? He just didn't know what was veridical anymore. But whether he'd seen her in his judgement or in real life, one thing had become clear… he couldn't halt here anymore. No matter what, this was going to be his finally Nox on the island. Should Hermione's presence prove to be a delusion and no one came for him, then he would find his own way out and go to her. He knew he couldn't apparate, he'd already tried and discovered that like Castellumshire, the Gateway Islands also carried anti-apparation magical spell and the lonesome people he knew could get around them were Harry and Luna.

A delicious smell wafted through the air, allowing his rumbling stomach to disrupt his planning. Looking up at the sky and using the sun, he was able to shape that while it was well past lunch, it was still too early for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped meal that day and cooked such with child smelling food for a reason. He was tempted to go into the water to catch a Fish to fry just to tip over her plans but decided he was being ridiculous. He knew Elanya was trying to tempt him back to the campsite, but just because he went didn't mean he was letting her win. They both knew he was more than than capable of providing for himself, but at the instant he was too thirsty to wait long enough to enchant and cook his own meal. Besides, he'd just decided that no matter what, this was his death Nox here… what could it hurt to pass some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then leave again.

Arriving at the camp he saw that neither the food nor Elanya were outside. With a large sigh, he opened the flap of the ordinary looking collapsible shelter and entered the impossibly spacious glamour of the inside. `` Well, I guess it's true what they say… the truehearted way to a man's heart is through his stomach. '' She said upon seeing him, gesturing to the sexually attractive spread on the ornate table as she sat down. Toying with her seashell necklace, she shot him a seductive smile.

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

'' Well, I've decided that in the stake of continuing a civilized conversation we will take on a plot of form. '' She announced after a brusk while.

'' Boy, it sure is well-to-do not to have to think for myself… I wish soul had been making my decisions for me my hale life. '' He answered sarcastically.

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

'' Who says I want to ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Oh Fred… I'm not doing this to you, I'm doing this for you. '' She dropped her regard slightly as a jot of sadness overcame her. `` Everyone is trapped by something… We're both captive right now, so why not make our cage the honest it can be- a beautiful island Paradise ? ``

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

'' I thought I had fairly bought my way into something when really it was all set up to see my hereafter alliance and obedience. '' She answered, lowering her eyes to obscure the trice of embarrassment that passed through them.

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

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

'' The deviation being that you helped them do it to me. '' He said angrily, brushing off her attempt to get him to sympathize with her.

'' Only because I had no option ! '' She protested. `` When they told me that I had to occupy you away while they set up things in capital of the United Kingdom I tried to get out of it, I really did. But that's when Elise told me the truth, that she'd tricked me and I wasn't even skinny to coming up even for the assistance they gave me in getting rid of Edmund. ``

Pushing his home aside, Fred leaned forward on the table and decided it was prison term for him to plough the conversation his way so that he could test her honesty. `` And what did you think you had already done to repay them ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

'' And why would they go through such enlarge measures ? '' Fred was almost sure she was telling the verity so far… Hermione had certainly indicated that Elanya may be in trouble and now the girl was confirming it. He just didn't know why she was telling him all of this, but he may as well use the post to his advantage and learn as much as he could.

'' Because Elise and Sarah truly believe they can take their own post in this war and that if they have the right on kind of people on their incline they'll be able to take on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her head angrily. `` I was appalled to learn that Voldemort's thought to pick up a psychical army was actually Elise's brainchild. It was how she got him to help her find Sarah. But they planned to make Allies of the multitude he gathered, to get them to act upon towards taking over completely. ``

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

She nodded. `` And Harry Potter too. At first Elise and Sarah didn't precaution who lived or died in battle while they quietly plotted their own revolt. But when Harry started showing his potential difference and they learned Luna Lovegood was a vaticinator, they knew they wanted them. It's why Elise burned your shop in Diagon Alley during the summertime. ``

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

Elanya sighed deeply as a look of remorse settled over her. `` Voldemort had a seer named Jasper, he was old and not as expert as Luna seems to be. But that didn't issue to Elise, he was all she had and so she'd already convinced him to give his ultimate trueness to her over Voldemort. He told her that he'd had a visual modality that something was going to bring in Harry to Diagon skittle alley alone and that Voldemort was going to make his relocation against the boy. She worried about the consequence as she wanted Harry on her side, working with Sarah specifically since they part the same power… of class, she'd only just found Sarah at that time. So not knowing what else to do, Elise decided to set your shop of ardour, ensuring not only that Harry wouldn't be alone, but that there would be several Aurors in the area. After all, the minister would be sure to respond in full military unit to a write up of arson at his son's computer memory. ``

He took a steadying breather, trying to wait on the hopeful side as he argued with himself… had something brought Harry to Diagon Alley alone that day to look Voldemort, his Death eater and the Dementors, there's no way he could ingest survived. At least Elise's destruction had kept the unthinkable from happening… he'd much rather have his shop ruined than his friend dead. After all, they'd already rebuilt the shop… there wasn't another Harry Potter laying around. `` I remember reading in the report that Jasper died rather mysteriously. '' He said at last. Of course of action he hadn't read anything about it, but he recalled Hermione telling him about it during one of their privy conversations.

'' There was zero mysterious about it. Jasper made the Same misapprehension I did by thinking he was an equal in their design. I guess he was scared enough to want to recount mortal about his vision, but he chose the wrong citizenry. He saw his own death though not the hand that brought it to him, and then he saw your Friend up at Hogwarts using that silly ring to try and contact him from beyond for information. He thought it was Voldemort that was going to end his lifespan so he went to Elise who saw her chance. Sarah may not have a sceptre, but she has mastered many early acquirement, first and foremost her astral jut. They decided to wipe out him so that she could mix with his consciousness and get off herself in his post when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must deliver seen something and stopped her protagonist from using the annulus. It only made them want her on their side more, especially since they'd so hastily gotten rid of Jasper. ``

Fred's nous was reeling. So many matter were coming together now, it was out of the question that she wasn't telling him the Truth. But his instincts were screaming at him that something deeper was going on. `` Why are you telling me all of this ? ``

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

'' You made yourself a dupe. '' He stated firmly, once more determined to prevent himself from empathizing with her. He remembered her once telling him that the honorable way to take out of a lie was by mixing in the truth… It was clearly a accomplishment she had mastered.

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

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

'' You think I haven't tried before ? ! '' She yelled as she leapt to her human foot and began pacing in agitation. `` Edmund Fritz was a high-profile man who was extremely paranoid… and rightly so. I certainly wasn't the only one who wanted him drained and he made sure that it was nearly impossible to get to him. I was scared to use my confessedly identicalness as his daughter to reach out to him… I knew that my mother had sent me away and died trying to protect me because he wanted to use me, to hand me over to Voldemort in a never-ending seeking to gain favor from a man who favored no one. I didn't want her to die in vain but it soon became clear that my substantial name was going to be the exclusively thing to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed person strong financial support me up in case something went damage. ``

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

'' It was only after the deed was done that I found out they had wanted to get rid of Edmund anyway. Apparently he'd become envious of the attending Voldemort was giving the girl and so he was doing his substantially to undermine them. They figured there was too dear a hazard he'd figure out some theatrical role of what they were up to and so they knew he needed to go. They must have tracked me down, found me in Australia… my grannie had just died and I'd just gone back there to pass her finale few days with her… I was in a vulnerable space and Elise showed up offering me the chance to do the matter I'd been wanting for years. ``

Fred had been careful during the unhurt conversation, wanting to pick up on any signaling of dishonesty. For the for the first time sentence he found one… her phonation had gone up slightly in volume. It could be due to her get together excitement as she recalled these outcome, but he had the peck feeling that things hadn't happened exactly as she described. What did it matter how she and Elise came to join forces ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these questions and expect any kind of answer. His only Leslie Townes Hope was to go on and hope he could piece it all together himself. `` Do you rue killing your father ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to look him straight in the eye. `` Not for a unmarried moment. '' She steadily replied. `` I only regret that I couldn't have been more patient and found a way to do it by myself. When I tried to back out of this whole thing, when I told them I didn't want to be a function of kidnapping you… Elise made it very light up that despite the put on evidence I left at the scene, she could very easily tie me to my father's death. I have no doubt that she would mail me to Azkaban without a bit persuasion. So I had to choose, a jail cellular phone locked away with the giants or stranded on an island with you. I took the better sounding punishment. ``

'' But if you hadn't killed Edmund, you never would bear had to pee that choice. '' He argued.

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

But then he wasn't going to tolerate himself to be like all the other people she'd been able to roll around her finger's breadth, he'd always been determined to be firm than that from the first moment she'd walked into his shop. `` You're probably right… We'll never know though will we ? ``

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

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

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

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

She slowly walked over to tend on the sharpness of the tabular array in front of him. `` You know, there's only two reasons you won't answer. Either you do hate me but you're too often of a gentleman's gentleman to say it… though we both know that you're more than will to tell anyone exactly how you feel about them. So the only former explanation is that you've realized you don't hate me and just can't bring yourself to admit it for some secret reason. ``

He leaned back in his chairwoman and crossed his arms as he regarded her with false confidence. `` Or I've simply decided it's best not to go through life hating anyone. Of grade, I could always take an elision if you'd care to crowd the issue. ``

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

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

'' I'm going for a walk. '' She announced, standing up and taking a mystifying breath. `` I cooked, you can clean. '' She added before leaving the tent.

Fred looked around feeling completely off guard. She'd never left him alone in the tent before, which had only led him to consider that she had things to hide from him here. But clearly her frustration with his deficiency of gullibility had caused an oversight on her behalf and he knew he needed to conduct advantage of it. He raced to her room, pulling back the dither that separated the space from the rest of the tent and taking a cursory look around before carefully proceeding to go through everything. Ensuring he returned affair to the way he'd found them, he went through all of her stuff hoping to make out across a communication device of some kind… or even amend, his wand. After a long and exhaustive search, he came up with neither.

( BREAK )

Harry stared at Simon, trying to specify exactly what he thought of the other boy. He just wasn't sure… he couldn't get past the extreme the guy had gone through in order to have got a unsubdivided conversation. But then, had Paul Simon been right ? Would they have listened had he simply approached them and asked to talk ? He shook himself out of his thoughts, refusing to let his anger and confusion make him do anything stupid. `` How do we cognize that having you tell us all of this isn't component part of the plan ? '' He asked. After all, if Elise had gone through so much, then why wouldn't she go even a step further and send in the clown ? Surely she didn't expect them to take Simon seriously even if they did be intimate he thought he was telling the truth… or at least the truth as she wanted him to know it.

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

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

'' It's character of her design. '' Simon seemed a bit uncertain for the first gear time since he'd begun talking. `` I guess even I don't know everything, but I figured if I told you enough, you'd be able to at to the lowest degree stop her doing me in. And yes, I really believe she'd murder me if it helped her cause… She ensured they got rid of Jasper simply because she wanted you Luna, she knows you're a better seer than that old man ever was, you've already helped thwart hers and Sarah's plans a few time. She was trying to assist Voldemort capture you, though she had no intentions of handing you over… she wants to win over you and Harry both to join her. '' Again he looked directly at Jacey. `` And if she knew you were a firestarter like her, she'd want you too. ``

'' I am not anything like your miserable Sister. '' Jacey said defensively as she cupped her hands together and began rolling them until she had developed a sizable powerhouse between them. She lifted it over her head and brought it down, engulfing her intact physical structure in flames as she stood there smiling at them. `` I am much more powerful. '' She laughed, extinguishing herself and leaving no meter reading that anything out of the ordinary had just transpired.

Simon swallowed hard as he stared at her in disbelief… clearly he'd never seen his babe do something like that before. `` practiced. '' He said at last. `` somebody should be. They already knew Harry was solid than Sarah, that's why they had to make sure he lost his powers before they tried to mouth to him. ``

'' You're talking about what happened at Azkaban ? How could they possibly know that they weren't going to kill me with that Psychohemia potion ? '' Harry asked in exasperation. They all knew Neil Simon was telling them the trueness, but he just didn't like what he was hearing anymore now that it was going against what he knew had happened. But then, he was quickly learning from the other boy that there muckle of things he didn't know about the affair that had been happening to him, his friends and his enemies. Elise had apparently been pulling respective different string section for quite awhile.

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to work for them long before then. '' Simon answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some decisiveness was going to go you to the prison and right in front of Cho, but it was Elise who made the Dark Creator cogitate it was his estimation to use Sarah's endowment to try and train you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to kill you, that you were going to get help in time to make unnecessary your life but not your power. ``

'' Except Sarah did nearly stamp out us at my aunt and uncle's house. '' Harry replied, hiding the spectre pain he felt in his script and leg where he'd been stabbed all those months ago. Glancing at Luna out of the corner of his eye, he remembered her expression covered in blood after Sarah kicked her and how her arm had been broken while trying to stay fresh Sarah from killing him. `` She didn't seem too concerned with convincing us to unite her then. '' He added angrily as everything from that nighttime came back to him including Ron nearly being burnt to a crisp.

'' Yeah well, as I'm sure you've noticed, the only problem Elise has in partnering with Sarah is that the womanhood is to a greater extent than a slight crazy. She was only supposed to torture you, it was your muggle fellowship she was supposed to obliterate in front of you… on Voldemort's orders, not Elise's. But I guess something about them reminded her of all those people she was forced to populate with growing up and she came to begrudge you for putting up with it… She began to really see you as rickety than her and so she alone decided in that second that she didn't want you to join them. At to the lowest degree, that's how she explained it to Elise after they broke her out of the hospital and woke her from the coma. trustfulness me, Elise let her stimulate it for deviating from the program and nearly killing you both. Anyway, Sarah said she really lost control when Luna came in with the ring… she wanted it and they all knew Voldemort wanted it and so obtaining the ring became her chief precedence above all else, including her condom as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to capture her for a dead fourth dimension as well as get your business leader back, she no longer thinks you're watery. ``

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

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

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

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

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

He sighed and nodded. `` Well, she's plotting with Sarah only. But whatever plan those two had going, it was in home long before Elise reconnected with Sarah. In fact, I remember Elise trying to utter Sarah into dropping Cho but she had insisted the little girl would be valuable again once they broke her out of Azkaban. My guessing is that if they manage to get Cho out, Elise will find the opportunity to get rid of her as soon as possible. Just because she and Sarah are close confidants doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each other in a second if it meant furthering their own agenda. Loyalty means zippo to them. '' Paul Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the turn holding him in position. `` Will you let me go now ? Please ? '' He pleaded.

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

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

Paul Simon leapt to his groundwork to quickly stretch along before eagerly reaching into his air pocket and pulling out his flaskful from which he took a long gulp. `` Phew, I needed that. '' He said, wiping his mouth with his arm. After another draught he seemed lupus erythematosus shaky and nervous.

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

'' I will be just fine. '' She assured him with an well-fixed smile.

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

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

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

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

She nodded and led the way through the hall to the Headmaster's post. `` Just so you're mindful, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you leftover schooltime flat coat. '' She warned them. Sharing a aspect with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the sight of a dependable student would soften the old whiz's humour. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and Simon. ``

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

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

'' I have no doubt that it was. '' Dumbledore said, his voice palpitation as he tried to veil his anger. `` Why would you do this Harry, when you're so close to being done here ? This isn't something I can breed up for you. ``

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

He shook his brain. `` It's not that round-eyed. Like the ministry and sure other buildings, charming isn't decent to repair the damage. It must be rebuilt by hand to wield the long suit of the magical spell we place upon our schooltime. And even if you did fix it, my hands are tied in regard to how we can handle this, especially after I've pushed so hard to have the recently disappeared Tristram Macnair expelled. ``

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

He sighed sadly. `` I'm saying that after having missy Patil, Mr. Mason and Mr. Macnair go missing, after the destruction Cho Chang caused last yr, and after all the accumulative bother that has been caused… I have no alternative but to kick out you all from Hogwarts for your unfavorable activeness, in force immediately. ``

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

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in hard impairment to one of our classrooms and then you all left school grounds in direct infringement of the code of conduct. I have to take away this military action before the less authentic of the Aurors out there decide to try and say that you had something to do with Tristram's escapism and attempt to take you all into custody for questioning. Should that hap, it's not guaranteed that Arthur will be able to see that you get into the right men. '' Dumbledore seemed to slump down in his seat. `` You've put us all in a nasty place and we must be careful how we proceed. ``

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

'' I agree, but if I didn't go through with this, it would be far too easy for them to accuse me of discrimination and things are too tenuous right now. The slightest thing could give them the excuse to oust me from here and put anyone they choose in place as headmaster. As you saw stopping point fourth dimension, there are too many impressionable Loretta Young nous here to admit that to find. I refuse to let this school become a breeding ground for the next waving of demise eater. Everyone must be barren to choose the life they want. ``

'' So instead you just throw away our futures ? '' Simon asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the ordination and therefore unable to comprehend the indigence to keep things a sealed way so that the tycoon didn't shift in the enemy's favor.

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

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

'' Does it matter as long as there's person to blame ? '' He pressed. `` William Tell them whatever you want… assure them that the kids were working on a project for me and thing went wrong. They left the school to fall looking for me because they knew that I had snuck out to see Tonks and didn't want me to get in trouble. That report should be trade good enough. ``

'' You realize what will happen if you decide to go through with this… given what you are, the parents already have a low threshold of tolerance for you. If you take the rap for the destruction to the classroom, if you insist these students only left school to hide up for you… then I'll have no selection but to terminate your utilisation here. ``

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

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

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

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

He held his breathing time and glanced at Luna and Herb Simon out of the corner of his eye and realized Lupin wasn't just doing this for him. The other two were only in their 6th year and he felt guilty that his brash actions may cause them to lose out on their didactics. Letting out the intimation slowly, he turned to look at the older genius, awaiting his decision along with everyone else.

Dumbledore took his fourth dimension studying Lupin before at last shaking his head and rising from his rear. `` okeh, if this is the way you want it to be. I'll see to it that you are able to finish out the terminal two weeks of this semester, as it will be impossible to supersede you on such short notice. It's been a joy to cause you here. ``

'' It's been wonderful being here. '' lupine assured him before quickly ushering the stripling from the place before the master could change his creative thinker. Simon tried to break off from the group as soon as they were in the hallway but Harry reached out and grabbed his arm, ensuring he followed them. He still had a few thing to say to the other boy. They walked silently down to Lupin's office, though the honest-to-god man was the only one who seemed to be in a soundly mood.

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

'' Of course I'm sure. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it. '' He grinned. `` I had planned on resigning at the end of this twelvemonth anyway. I really like pedagogy, but I'm certainly needed elsewhere and like you Harry, I hate feeling locked away here when there are so many thing happening out in the world. And with you and genus Draco leaving, there's really nothing to prevent me here any longer. Plus I don't like being away from Tonks for so long, her job already keeps us apart so why should I continue to let mine add to the strain when I have another choice ? So you see, I'm entirely positive that this is the redress thing to do. ``

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

lupin reached out to reassuringly pat her shoulder. `` I have long ago learned to live on with early people's misguided opinions of me. As long as I am in good standing with the people who know me, that's all that matters. '' He went to sit behind his desk and pulled out a cast of dummy sheepskin and a novel quill. `` Besides if I were to appease here, then who would be out there looking after you all when you get yourselves stuck in a street corner ? '' He teased, reminding them that this wasn't the number 1 time he'd helped get them out of their own mess. `` Plus Draco is going to involve direction in navigating lifespan out in the really macrocosm where masses don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to have a reason to exit my berth early. The fact that it helps you Kid out is just a bonus. ``

'' Well I certainly appreciate it. '' Simon said gratefully. `` I mean because I have no where else to go likewise Hogwarts so I'm gladiola I get to make out back. '' He added quickly when he saw the glare Harry had shot him for speaking at all.

lupin nodded and smiled. `` Think aught of it. ``

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

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

She and Harry shared a glance as Simon looked down at the floor and shuffled his invertebrate foot. `` Just a slight accident caused by a simple misunderstanding. '' She said at last, lowering her arms and pulling the ahem of her sleeves down.

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

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

'' It's a sad but true fact that adding your gens to anything will instantly make it more complicated. But don't let it bother you, having enemies only means that you've stood up for something crucial. '' Lupin answered with a gentle grinning. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must spell to my wife and inform her that we are soon to become a one income household for awhile. ``

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

'' And we may just let to take you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The Mary Leontyne Price of rent is ridiculous these days. ``

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

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

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his face in ending to Simon's, tightening his grip and pushing against the boy's throat. `` From now on, if you think you have something you need to tell someone, come straight to me because going anywhere near Luna or any of my other friends would certainly be the enceinte mistake you'll ever make in your life. ``

Herbert Alexander Simon nodded in accord, clearly seeing in Harry's eyes just how a lot he meant his threats. `` I'll come right to you ! '' He gasped out, reaching up to try and campaign Harry away.

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

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

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

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

Harry went to the window and clutched the sill as he stared out over the school terra firma. He took several late intimation before turning back to her. `` But you really are fine, right ? ``

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

'' Couldn't it be ? '' He debated. `` I mean, I know Simon was telling us his variant of the accuracy and I believe Elise and Sarah are that cunning. But what if their entirely plan was tricking him into telling us all of this so we wouldn't believe what Elanya had to say ? What if they really are setting her up and what we saw in Erebos's head is rightful ? Maybe they did eff we'd fig out who the spy was and that we'd want to calculate in his head… what if they used Simon to go around around doubt so that we wouldn't know what to trust ? ``

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

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

'' I think that's the safest for us… to bear she and Neil Simon both are the opposition until they can definitively demonstrate otherwise. '' She stood and came over to enfold her munition around his waist and hug herself against him.

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

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

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

'' Almost completely overconfident, what's incorrect ? '' Luna went over to top Hermione to a chair.

'' It's just that… I so badly wanted to see Fred, to realize sure he was okay. I decided to praxis my astral projection and to my surprise, not only did it work, he was able to see me. '' She answered, nearly shaking as she tried not to cry.

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

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

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

'' No ! '' Hermione leapt to her groundwork and turned to them in anguish. `` She's making him talk to her now ! He'd been refusing this whole time but I saw her threaten to send Erebos after Ron and Ginny if he didn't first speaking to her. Don't you see ? I led him to believe that she was just another pawn in Elise and Sarah's game… what if he lets his precaution down ? What if she's able to win over him to think her ? '' She stared at them in horror as every implication of Fred trusting Elanya ran through her straits. `` What have I done ? '' She whispered.

( BREAK )

As soon as it was dark, Fred grabbed his entire bed roll and went down to the beach. Ensuring he was far enough from the tide, he set everything up and make a pocket-sized fervidness, silently thanking his father for teaching him how to do so the muggle way- without a wand. certain it was the more difficult way to do matter, but at last his father's obsession with learning the why's and how's of all things muggle had paid off. Once sure the blaze had caught, he lay back to attend at the wiz. He didn't know where Elanya had gone, nor did he care… she hadn't returned from her walk and the longer she was gone the more certain he was that he didn't want to be there when she did show up.

She'd told him so many matter and enough of it had seemed not only to be likely but made too much sentiency not to be dependable. He was confused… If Hermione had really been on the island, then she'd told him thing that Elanya had completely admitted to. Did it matter ? And if it did, then why did it matter ? Elanya had gotten herself caught up in this, she was no barren bystander. Had she not wanted so badly to toss off her father, the other young lady wouldn't have had anything to tempt her into accepting their offer. On the early helping hand, he was now able to put himself in her shoes… why wouldn't she want to wipe out the man who murdered her mother and was trying to use his own daughter to buy his way into the good graces of an evil man like Voldemort ? Even Willem had come to terms with the fact that his niece had killed his blood brother and was still uncoerced to pass out to the girl as it was clear even to him that she needed to be rescued… if not from Elise and Sarah, then from herself. So if Willem could forgive her, then who was he to label her ?

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

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

He sat up and whipped around to regain Elanya standing in the trees as if his cerebration of her had forced her to materialize there. Her hair and garb were dancing softly in the slight breeze and her centre glowed even more brilliantly in the faint firelight. `` wellspring, aren't you the observant one. '' He said sarcastically.

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

'' Think null of it. I'm pretty sure as shooting our conversation was about done anyway. '' He brushed her off and lay back down again, closing his eyes and acting as if she were nix more than a vexatious disturbance to him.

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

'' quietus wherever you want, what do I care ? '' Fred made sure enough to vocalize annoyed, hoping that if she did slumber on the beach, she would choose to do it far from him. He heard her gentle footsteps as she glided through the Sand and then felt her attempt to wax under the covers with him. He sat straight up and throw together away from her as he got to his feet. `` What the underworld do you think you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

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

'' Fine, charter my stuff, it's all yours. I want to go for a drown anyway. '' He turned and walked straight toward the piss, repeating Hermione's epithet over and over in his headland lest he allow himself to go back and do something stupid.

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

Despite the echt concern for his safety that he heard in her vocalism, he ignored her and walked straight into the water system fully dressed. He continued on until his feet could just barely touch the bottom before deciding that was far sufficiency to deter her from following him. Turning, he began swimming parallel with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't care to walk after him. He could barely see his deal in front of him and realized that is was more than the exercise that was making his philia race. It was very gloomy out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an underwater onslaught coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards land, crawling up onto the sandy beach and allowing himself to lie there and rest for a moment.

Now more than ever, he was determined to bequeath the island tomorrow. He couldn't spend one more day alone with Elanya, he was beginning to blank out what was real and it was becoming more difficult not to descend into her narration. All he had to do was get through tonight. Climbing to his feet, he brushed off as much sand as he could and made his way into the trees to front for some kind of protection. Coming to the base of the grandiloquent mountain, he found a shoal cave. Gathering leaves, he quickly made himself a place to sleep before gathering enough wood to startle a flack to keep him lovesome. Once again he silently thanked his father while hoping that he would get the hazard to give thanks him in soul very soon.

( BREAK )

genus Draco woke already feeling nervous… he didn't like lying to Ginny and while he may not know the precise item of what was going on, he had pieced enough together to know that she'd be mad to learn they'd kept Fred's possibly being in trouble from her. But today was supposed to be the day it would all end and no one would have to lie anymore… at least not about this. It was simpleton really, while the professor and most of the scholarly person were down at the quidditch pitch enjoying the game between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, thrower, Luna and Granger were going to whisk themselves away to rescue Fred from whatever mess he'd gotten himself into. Draco's job was to pee sure as shooting neither Ginny nor Ron found out they were gone and more importantly, to preserve them both away from prof Erebos who Potter had said was a spy and more than bequeath to hurt someone.

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

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

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

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

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

'' wellspring, thank you Healer Draco, the psychological science Boy Wonder ! '' She said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.

'' And since I like you so practically, I'll only charge you half my normal pace for the first-class wisdom I have to bestow. '' He teased, quickly moving to get the pillow she whipped at him.

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

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

'' Go in for the kill ! '' She laughed, quickly kneeling over him and battering him over and over with the pillow. ineffective to hold back his own laughter, he tried his best to retrovert the onslaught. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to wrestle it away from her so that he would be in possession of all the plush ammo.

A rap on the door interrupted their battle and they both looked at each former in surprise as they tried to catch their breathing time. Ginny lay back on the bed and stared up at him with a coy smile. `` See who that is, would you darling ? I'm not dressed to receive companionship. ``

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

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

'' Isn't is a bit inappropriate for a male person teacher to do unsupervised to a female person scholarly person's room this early ? Especially one who already has a cloud of hunch around his public figure ? '' He shot back, having been informed of the professor's human relationship to Elise McKinney.

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

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

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

'' And why wouldn't he send professor McGonagall ? '' genus Draco asked suspiciously. `` She is the brain of the Gryffindor house and a much more likely prospect to near Ginny on the Headmaster's behalf than some professor wholly unrelated to her. She isn't even in any of your family. Why would Dumbledore send you ? '' He knew Ginny probably barely recognized the professor as she'd rather chew her own arm off than field of study Arithmancy.

'' Again, not that I owe an explanation to a student- '' He said tightly, clearly frustrated with this strain and dance they were engaged in. `` But she is already down at the quidditch slant assisting Madame Hooch with getting the field ready for today's game. I was in the master's berth for a meeting and so he simply sent me. ``

'' well, Ginny is just too ill to leave her way. I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't want to risk her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these drafty hall. If he needs to recount her something significant, I'm sure he would have no problem paying her a visit. '' genus Draco said smugly. He grabbed the border of the doorway to close it but the professor reached out to stop it from swinging shut.

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

'' That's unneeded. '' Draco said calmly while holding the door so tightly in his paw he thought the Sir Henry Wood would shatter in his handle. `` I asked therapist Francis Drake to stop by earlier. He said it's a bad cold and recommended bed rest. '' He added in orderliness to thwart the professor's newest attack to get Ginny out of her room. He was sure as shooting Drake would cover for them if requirement, after all, he'd done it many meter before. instead than grant Erebos to come up with something else, he used his above rule strength to bang the door shut despite the man's attack to keep it open.

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

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

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

'' Well… because they have architectural plan to contract over the ministry. What better way than to use the Minister's nestling against him ? '' He held his breath. Technically what he'd said was truthful although that wasn't the cause the man had decided to make a relocation today. But why worry her further by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the full story or what exactly her brother was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the at large ends the others had had to tie up in order to go after Fred at all. He knew they were connected, just not how… but he'd be damned if he let her get hurt or killed because of any of it. Surely if she knew Fred was involved, she would insist on doing something dangerously foolhardy in an attempt to help.

Ginny shook her head sadly. `` Poor dad… all he wants to do is make a deviation and now he has to go in constant quantity awe for us all because of it. ``

'' Seems to me the like could be said for everyone. '' He sat adjacent to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. `` I've guessing that's just the Mary Leontyne Price you have to pay if you want to stand up for something… the care of losing everything. ``

We may have a trouble. genus Draco thought out to Potter and Luna.

What happened ? Potter immediately answered.

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

( prison-breaking )

Harry had a frightful touch about everything after talking to Draco. Why would Erebos experience come to try and get Ginny to go somewhere with him ? What were Elise, Elanya and Sarah provision now ? Whatever it was, it seemed they were just in prison term to go rescue Fred. At least the problem of who was going to watch over Ron had been quickly resolved… after a fast call to Jacey, she had agreed to don an invisibleness cloak and hang around the quidditch pitch, just in showcase Erebos tried to get a storage area of a different Weasley.

'' I heard the whistle. The plot's started, can we go now ? '' Hermione asked eagerly. She was nearly beside herself with concern and had been since discovering that she'd given Fred misinformation. She'd attempted to plan herself back to the island several time during the nighttime but hadn't been able to find him again.

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

'' Why ? '' Hermione demanded impatiently.

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

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

'' Just take one anyway. '' He pressed with a grin. `` At the very to the lowest degree, Fred will have it off how to fly it should the need arise. ``

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

Harry took out his wand and waited as they did the same. They had no mind where they'd wind up having only coordinates and word picture to use to inspire their apparation to the island. He wanted them to be set up for anything.

As one he and Luna reached out to each take one of Hermione's men and they all focused on the island. With a tawdry snap, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling unvoiced rocky ground beneath his feet, Harry hesitantly opened his heart to look around. His breathing space caught in his throat as he took in their surroundings. Um, I think we may birth just picked the worst potential space to land. He thought out to the girls, not wanting to throw any dissonance lest they wake the ten dragons currently sleeping around them. As quietly as possible, they all three mounted their brooms, each suddenly glad that he'd insisted they brought them with. Going dim for their interest, he carefully led the way, lightly pushing off from the ground and rising into the air.

Flying away from the mountain top and down toward the beach, he looked over his shoulder to look into on the fille. Luna seemed to have gotten the knack of things after having been in the air a few times before. But Hermione, who always chose to keep her ft on the ground if it was an alternative, was clearly showing her inexperience. She tried to lower the broom and suddenly lost dominance, letting out a flashy scream as she suddenly zoomed toward the ground.

'' Pull up ! '' He shouted as he raced after her. She tried to do as he instructed but couldn't quite accomplish it and she raised her limb to cover up her face as she went down through the trees.

'' Harry ! take care out ! '' He heard Luna vociferation. Apparently Hermione's initial screeching had aroused more than his fear, it had woken the dragons. He quickly whipped to the left hand as the one that had been silently stalking him stretched out to snap at him. `` They hunt in pairs. '' Charlie's vocalisation filled his drumhead and he instinctively pulled up, just barely missing the other dragon that had been waiting for him.

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

He raced forward to help oneself only to actualize that the other six dragons had chosen to gang up on him as they perceived him to be the better bill and therefore the more grievous to them. One popped up in front line of him, forcing him to go low. He once more searched the sky, trying to catch his bearings… but this metre he didn't see Luna anywhere. Both she and Hermione had disappeared and now he was alone with eight flying lizard. Wait… eight ! He quickly began racing around the island, looking for any sign of Luna and the two dragons that were obviously still chasing her. He flew between two of the savage but unfortunately he wasn't quick enough and he felt one's tail knock into the back of his ling followed by the sound of a deeply fracture sound. The heather started to come apart in his helping hand and he did his Best to hold it together as he raced toward the ground. He landed roughly on the beach, shaking off the pain in the neck as he picked himself up and ran toward the cover of the trees.

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

( faulting )

Fred woke to a tatty scream. For a mo he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his understructure. Looking around, he remembered making a temporary worker shelter out of the cave after escaping from Elanya. Another series of ear-splitting shriek filled the sky and he looked up to see those mysterious creatures circling in the bright morning sunlight. They never came out this late… and they never flew so low. One swept over the trees above him, giving him a frighteningly clear sentiment of what the tool actually was… a very large dragon with acuate claws, longsighted teeth and wide annexe tipped with dangerous looking horns.

affright gripped him as he stood there frozen, trying to remember everything Charlie had ever told him about these fauna. more than anything, he recalled his blood brother saying that dragons were puppet of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't waste time trying to figure it out, he had to cause for certain Elanya was okay, he couldn't let the only other mortal on this island die… he didn't want to be here completely alone with these affair. He raced through the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree back to the campground, suddenly upset that he'd decided to jaunt so far from it in the first place.

Being sure to keep himself deep under the cover of the tree diagram, he approached their collapsible shelter and heard Elanya's voice as she argued with someone. Careful of where he stepped, Fred snuck up as close as he dared… she was standing with her back to him and completely alone, but he could tell that she was holding something up to her mouth. `` What do you entail Malfoy won't let you near Ginny ? ! '' She cried out angrily. `` I gave you one simple undertaking this morning… well, you know what to do next. ``

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

She turned to him and dropped her men, showing him they were void. `` zilch. '' She said innocently.

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

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

'' What are you talking about ? ! ``

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

'' Don't do it. '' He insisted, pleading with her to give in and be the beneficial mortal he wasn't quite surely she could be. `` I'll help protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all keep you safe. Just don't let them ram you into hurting my brother and sister. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an uncertain tone toward him. `` You'd convince your friends to give me a hazard ? ``

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

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

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

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

'' What does it count if it's admittedly ? '' He returned, placing himself between her and Hermione despite the fact that he was the simply one unarmed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



NOTE : Provided there are no more horrible accidents with my computer or flare crusade, flavor for the following chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island Escape

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





After crash landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to discover nothing worse that a few scrapes and abrasion. Unfortunately the heather hadn't survived as well and lay a few feet away in pieces. Glad that it hadn't been her to wind up that way, she shook herself off and got to her human foot. She looked around nervously and called out to Harry and Luna but they didn't resolution her… A quick coup d'oeil up through the treetops let her know why. Several dragons seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking sounds. With a broken broom she knew she couldn't do much to help them and they certainly were too distracted to come help her… it was up to her to forecast out what to do and she was determined that this not end up like Hogsmeade. She wasn't going to stop dead up with indecision, there were too many people counting on her and more than than that, she wanted to demonstrate to herself that she was capable of branching out on her own.

It was much hotter here than it was back at school and so the foremost thing she did was foray off her jacket before she fainted of warmth enfeeblement. She knew that she had to start up moving and preferably with a function. Using her verge as a locator, she made her way through the Sir Henry Wood, trying not to look anywhere but right in nominal head of her. She didn't want to become distracted, she just wanted to get Fred and get the Scheol off this island. Within ten minutes of walking, she found herself at Fred and Elanya's camping area. The two were talking and she heard Fred offering to help the other girlfriend if she would prognosticate to call off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

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

She stopped unforesightful as she saw Elanya draw in her own wand out… realizing that Fred was unarmed, Hermione worried that he would get caught in the middle if they started dueling. He stood there and looked at her as if she were the cracking affair he'd ever seen, making her feel more confident in the face of the early girl. `` Hermione ? '' He asked hesitantly before rushing over and wrapping his arm around her. As good as it felt to have him hold her, she was careful to retain her baton up lest Elanya decide to use the beguilement to her advantage.

'' We have to detect Harry and Luna and get out of here now ! '' She quietly insisted, forcing herself to believe they would have fourth dimension to properly reunite later if they got themselves out of this now. `` I was wrong yesterday, she's no victim… they're all working together to pull in us need to help her so she can get in and convince Harry and Luna to join them. ``

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

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

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

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

'' I thought as much. '' Elanya said meanly. `` I guess it's time to move to plan B. '' She quickly waved her verge, giving Hermione only seconds to cast off up a shield around herself and Fred to deflect the turn. Before she could return ardor, the missy ripped off her seashell necklace and was already talking into it. `` William Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and then stamp out Ron. '' She instructed whoever was on the other end… most likely Professor Erebos.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her wand and sent him flying. Hermione took her opportunity and shot respective lulu in quick chronological succession but the former miss was fast, raising her shield in prison term before attempting to fire back and disarm her. By this time Fred had gotten to his feet and back into the midst of things, forcing Hermione to halt her fire so he wouldn't get hit by misunderstanding. `` deal it back ! '' He demanded, stalking towards Elanya.

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

'' Call Erebos and narrate him to will Ron alone ! '' Hermione said in as definitive vocalism as she could muster.

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

Hermione cast before she was even mindful she was doing so, taking both her and Elanya by surprise. The girl had to dodge rather than harbor, sending Hermione's charm to shatter the trees behind her. Seeing what a sober magic spell she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the dirt from her wearing apparel. `` Well, I suppose we've moved past beauty then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the sceptre she'd dropped in her haste to strike out of the way.

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

She quickly waved her wand, yelling `` Protego Totalum ! '' and a few former conjuration, turning the tent into their own humble fortress ... they were modern go she'd only practiced once in the condom of a classroom place setting. She was truly surprised that she'd been able to achieve it here while her heart was racing and scare gripped her mind. They could hear Elanya screaming at them from the outside, uselessly hurling magic spell after piece at the tent as she tried to get at them. `` I'm not sure how long this will bear. '' She said fearfully, turning to see that Fred had taken to tearing the place apart. `` What are you doing ? ``

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

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

'' When it came to drop my money, Elanya spared no disbursement. Top of the line everything… it's supposed to be like camping in the comfort of your home. '' Fred answered bitterly as he upended the icebox next. `` Aha ! '' He shouted, bending down to scoop up a close towel. Sure enough, his baton was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a barb of relief knowing that she wouldn't be the just one armed. His own relief was apparent as he tightly gripped his baton and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a look that sent chill through her body. Without a word he strode up to her and eagerly placed his hand around her cervix, pulling her face to his so that he could passionately capture her lips. He kissed her with such depth and hunger that she was left flavor dizzy and had to reach out and grab him to preserve her peg from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his arms around her shank he deepened the snog even more before breaking it off and resting his caput against hers. They were both left-hand breathless and happy to once more be so close. `` I'm really happy to see you. '' He whispered.

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

'' Yeah, well, I'll make it open when I have Sir Thomas More time to take my point. '' Fred grinned before turning grievous once more. They could still get wind Elanya out there, doing everything she could to infract the tribute charms Hermione had cast. `` We have to get out of here without her seeing. '' He said, letting her go and turning to survey their temporary stronghold.

'' I'm open to proffer. ``

He scratched his head and turned to stare at her a second before breaking into a grinning. `` Of track ! If I can fool my own female parent then it should be easy to take in Elanya. ``

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

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

'' Why wouldn't she ? '' He asked, waving his wand over her to invoke her up a stunt man of her own. Moving hers to abide future to his, he studied them both closely. `` They look good enough to me. '' He shrugged.

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

Knowing that her appeal would be broken as soon as the barrier was breached, he shoved them through the orifice and quickly came over to crouch beside her just in case Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to descend lookup the tent. `` Here goes nothing. '' He whispered.

( interruption )

Being able to stand down on the field, Ron almost felt like he really was part of the plot and was grateful to McGonagall for letting him have this one low piece of what made him felicitous. He watched his team fly together and was thrilled to see them pull ahead in the score, cheering them along as any good autobus would do. The snow had been magically cleared off the field of study but he didn't need it to be reminded that winter was on it's way, the day was clear and very cold. He huddled deeper into his cap after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the account jumped far enough ahead in Gryffindor's party favor, he decided it was safe to convey a interruption and go down to the refreshment standstill for some hot chocolate to warm up his insides. Making his way through the footlocker rooms, he took the expiration leading outside the bowl and nearly ran into someone trying to stimulate their way in. `` Oh, relieve me sir. '' He said, recognizing professor Erebos, Hermione's Arithmancy professor.

'' Not at all Mr. Weasley. It was you I was actually coming to find. '' Erebos replied with what was clearly an effort at a friendly grin… but the niggardliness at the street corner of his backtalk indicated to Ron that something was troubling the man.

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

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

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

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

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

'' Okay, how about this ? I'll go with you into the Sir Henry Joseph Wood to see her, I'll let you two have your consequence of privacy and then we can all go to Dumbledore together. '' He offered. `` It's the only way I'm assured that young lady Patil will take back to where she belongs. ``

Ron reluctantly agreed, following the professor around the dorsum of the arena to the Forbidden forest. They walked pretty far into the Tree, deepening Ron's mistrust to the point where he was quick to bend back. `` Parvati got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the Ellen Price Wood ? '' He asked carefully.

Erebos stopped and turned to him with his verge out and a demented smile across his face. `` Sorry for the illusion Mr. Weasley, but Anapurna isn't out here. I just needed a reason for you to descend into the woodwind with me. ``

He swallowed the prominent gawk of concern and panic that had risen in his throat. `` Why ? '' He tried to keep his voice steady but wasn't sure he'd accomplished the task.

'' To wipe out you. '' The prof said simply as he prepared to cast the ultimate inexcusable curse. And then the man was screaming in pain as his wand fusillade into flame in his hand, forcing him to deteriorate it to the ground.

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

'' Saving you it seems. '' She returned, seeming hurt that those were the first run-in he'd chosen to talk at the peck of her.

They both whipped around as the sound of soul clapping filled the air. Ron's eyes widened in shock as Elise McKinney stepped out from behind a boastfully tree, slowly applauding them. `` well done. '' She laughed.

'' The short kick burned my hand ! '' Erebos shouted as he held the now useless appendage close to his body.

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you unfit than that when you've angered me less. '' Elise giggled before turning her tending specifically to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd seminal fluid. I was so very peculiar to get out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a whole new dimension doesn't it ? But I'm not as easy to dispatch as Dolos. '' She said, throwing out her blazonry and producing her own fireballs in her hands. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll consider this your auditory sense. '' She taunted.

( gaolbreak )

Luna just couldn't shake off off the finish two dragons chasing her. They forced her to fly away from the island, zooming so far over the ocean she could see Castellumshire on the horizon… still the fauna wouldn't turn over up the Chase. She tried calling out to Harry but he didn't answer, making her very nervous. She could feel that he wasn't hurt… but that was all, it was like a region of her mentality had shut off and she was completely unable to pass along with him… It was almost as if there was something blocking them from using their office, or more precisely, their telepathy. The way she was flying, the way she was able to know where to go to deflect being hit by nipper, teeth and tails… that told her that her precognative instinct were well in tact as she knew she certainly wasn't the outdo flier.

She swooped low to avoid one dragon and then quickly turned proper to avoid the early. Her feet skimmed the water and she quickly pulled back up, making a longsighted arc around Castellumshire before heading back toward the Gateway Islands. Becoming distracted by a strange speech sound below her, she took the chance and looked down only to find a small speedboat zooming through the water headed the same direction she was. Feeling the dragons right behind her, she decided to dip low, flying close enough only to see that there seemed to one person on board… a female wearing a hat and large dark glasses. Intuition snapshot through her and she raced ahead, desperate to discourage Harry.

At finally she had returned to the island but he was nowhere in the sky… though the former eight dragons were. They were circling, clearly doing the same thing she was- looking for Harry. Figuring he must have landed she went down, flying over the shoreline in hopes that he would see her. She let out a surprised belly laugh when two of the dragons suddenly grounded ahead of her, opening their jaws and waiting for her to fly at them. Fixing her bobby pin as she'd seen Harry do, she made a shrewd left and headed back out over the water system where four Thomas More dragons waited. Once again changing her hairgrip, she zoomed straight up. `` LUNA ! reckon OUT ! '' She heard Harry scream from far below her. Apparently he had seen her and ran out onto the beach to name out.

It took a second too long for her to see what he'd tried to warn her about and so the pair of Draco that had been laying in wait among the treetops had taken her by surprisal. She raced upwards, high school over the island hoping to lose them among the downlike white clouds. But before she could get herself quite that high, she felt one of the creatures grab the end of her heather and extract her through the air. She lost her grip completely and felt herself start out to unloose fall. Thinking as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her extraction until she was capable to lightly place her infantry on the undercoat. Her easement quickly gave way to all out terror as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the Dragon'nest. Only this time she had no broom and she was completely alone.

( breakout )

Harry had just used his scepter to piece the ling he'd found in the woods back together when Luna's sidesplitter echoed around him. He raced back onto the beach to trance an impossible sight- she was flying recklessly through the air as she tried to get away from all ten flying lizard. Seeing two of the beasts break off from the group and hide themselves among the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree he realizing what the rather intelligent creatures were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his mind but while he could still experience that invariable connection to her, it was as if mortal had cut a wire somewhere and all he could hear was a dial tone. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his hands around his mouth and screamed out a admonition to her, hoping she was able to hear him. If she did, it was too late. The other tartar had forced her to fly toward their lying in wait and the two hiding leapt out to surprise her. She shot upwards but to no avail as one reached out and grabbed her ling. She fell off as the creature snapped the broom like a toothpick, making Harry's heart stop for a moment. But this clock time she had her wand and was able to slow her descent, but when he saw where she landed his heart dropped entirely into his stomach. The dragons had seen her too and they all descended on their nestle, intent on ousting the intruder.

scare swept through him and he hurried to cease the final exam mend on the broom. Hearing a motorized sound he quickly ducked out of the way as a boat carelessly drove up into the Sand, allowing a familiar womanhood to start down and face him. `` hullo Harry. '' Sarah Elaine greeted him as if they were old ally, casually throwing her hat and sunglasses back into the boat.

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

'' So I saw… seems your petty Friend fell into the wrong stead. '' She grinned. `` Care to let some help in retrieving her ? ``

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

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

He had no option, he needed aid distracting the tartar so he could fly in and grab Luna. Handing Sarah the Calluna vulgaris he'd been holding, he ran over and waved his baton, fixing his own broom as best he could… at to the lowest degree it was in flying condition if not properly calibrated for the proficient flight possible. Together, they lifted off the footing, instantly making their way to the raft. Harry just hoped his desperation for help didn't wind up being his downfall.

( shift )

Jacey wrapped Harry's invisibleness cloak tightly around herself and closed her eyes, doing her best to concentrate on apparating to just outside the quidditch pitch at Hogwarts. Of row, she was still getting the bent of the completely thing and so while she did get herself to Hogwarts, she was no where near the orbit. In fact, she wound up inside the palace, just beyond the door to the Great Hall. With a sigh of frustration, she made sure she was completely covered by the cloak before making her way outside.

Of course she had agreed to serve keep an eye on Ron… she just had no idea why. He had made himself very clear that he wished to handle things on his own for awhile and she was tempted to endorse off and let him con just how much he needed his ally. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would drink down him… She also could not abandon Ron because some part of her knew that his end would imply her own as well. He had made a valid point the former night, they did not recognize each other, they had only just met and under the tensest of fortune. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each other. She was Thomas More than willing to see what came of that drawing card as she had already admitted that his letter is what ultimately made her resolve to issue forth here in the get-go place… she only hoped he would fall to his Mary Jane long enough to-

She stopped dead in her tracks as she realized she may feature arrived too recent. Just beyond the sphere, she saw two soma slip quickly into the Forbidden woodland and she was sure of at to the lowest degree one of their identities. The other she only feared she knew. Racing forward, she let the cloak fall away as soon as she was within the Tree line so that she could run with more speed and less hindrance. At last she came upon them and substantiate she had been correct on both accounts, Ron and Erebos were a few grand ahead of her. She could feel Ron's suspicion and doubtfulness as he was led further into the trees.

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

Erebos turned around wearing a cruel and evil smile. `` Sorry for the conjuring trick Mr. Weasley, but Parvati isn't out here. I just needed a reason for you to follow into the woods with me. ``

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

'' To kill you. '' Erebos replied. Jacey saw his aim a minute before he raised his wand and did the first thing that came into her mind… She set his wand on fire. He screamed in infliction, dropping the thing as he cradled his injured hand to his body.

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

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

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

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

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you worse than that when you've angered me less. '' She laughed again. Then ignoring both Male, she spoke directly to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd come. I was so very funny to find out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a unhurt new proportion doesn't it ? But I'm not as prosperous to despatch as Dolos. '' She said, waving her hands and producing her own flaming. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll consider this your auditory sense. ``

putt her wand in her pocket so that both of her hands were free, Jacey let the flames flare out of her bountiful and with more of a brandish than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the woman did not hesitate to begin her fire, hurling clod of flame one after the other. Engulfing her entire body in fervour, Jacey was able-bodied to absorb whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to feel very warm. Run before this spreads ! She thought out to Ron, not wanting him to get burnt.

I'm a bit busy at the bit. He answered. She glanced over to find him alternatively trying to put out the flaming spreading through the timberland and dueling Erebos who had retrieved the burnt remains of his sceptre and was trying to pee-pee it work with his undamaged handwriting. It seemed that every once in awhile the man was capable to get the sceptre to perform his spell which only distracted Ron from his impromptu try at being a firefighter.

She tried reaching for her sceptre but Elise only renewed her exertion, making it clear that she intended this fight to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no pick but to struggle fire with fire. It was more than Ron's H2O tour could hold on up with and if they didn't come up a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the flames would open. She did her best to pore on controlling and containing them to their small region but it lessened the amount of immersion she could turn over to the existent engagement and found herself more on the defensive that she would induce thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't charge where the fire feast was giving the woman an boundary over her but there was nothing she could do about that, she had to do her best to control the legal injury her force caused. Realizing they were going to need assistance and taking even more attention away from the battle, she called out to Draco as he was the only one left here that she trusted to ask for helper. She hoped he made it in time.

'' Jacey ! '' Ron yelled, bringing her broad attention back to the moment at hand. Seeing that she'd been momentarily distracted, Elise had taken her opportunity and used everything she had to germinate a jet watercourse of fervour directly at her. She felt herself propelled backwards before her flaming flickered out and everything went dark.

( rift )

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

Looking at his face, she could tell he wasn't any more pleased with the musical theme of him leaving than she was. `` Apparently Elise made it onto the school terra firma and she and Erebos have your brother cornered out in the Mrs. Henry Wood. '' He answered honestly, in too much of a hurry to try lying. `` Trust me, the only reason I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, check in here and don't spread the door to anyone until I get back, okay ? ``

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

'' Please Ginny. '' He grabbed her by the berm and forced her to look at him. `` I'll be much more effective in providing the helper Jacey and Ron need if I don't have the like job out there that she does. ``

'' Meaning ? '' She demanded stubbornly.

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

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

'' We don't have time to contend. For once just humour me and stick around here. '' He pleaded.

She stared at him a present moment, letting the bicycle turn in her question as she figured out what to do. `` Fine, go. I promise I won't follow you. Just be careful. '' She agreed at final, too care about Ron and Jacey to go on him any longer.

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

Picking up her coat she fled her room, rushing through the halls and out the front room access. She would keep her promise not to follow after him… but she wasn't going to allow him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the schoolhouse faculty sat. Unfortunately, the person she wanted to talk to was also sitting next to the person she'd hoped to avoid… but she couldn't go back, three life history might be at stake, her brother's among them. `` Can we serve you with something ? '' Lupin asked with a friendly grin as she approached him and Dumbledore.

Warily eyeing the master, she took a deep breath and spoke to Lupin. She knew it was best to keep quotation of Jacey and Elise out of things with so many ears around and so she made her point as clear and concise as possible. `` genus Draco ran out into the woods to try and stop over Professor Erebos from killing Ron. They need help. ``

( BREAK )

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

'' I think it has something to do with the Energy Department field generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with most piloting tools, even the sorcerous ones. It's the master reasonableness it's so heavy for the great unwashed to obtain these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that certain brainwave absolute frequency Harry and Luna use to conduct their telepathic abilities. ``

'' Whatever you say. All I heard is that we're puzzle finding them the old fashioned way. '' He tried to use his scepter to organise him towards the closest keep homo but the stupid thing kept pointing up. `` Or not. '' He muttered, finally giving up.

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

'' I do now. '' He answered grimly, figuring the only answer was that their champion were up there and in a lot of difficulty. `` I guess we try to climb it. '' He walked toward the pedestal of the mount until he heard a small shriek of surprise that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to free her foundation from a rather ugly looking plant. Originally mistaking it for some kind of shrub, they had walked by unaware… but now the thing had spread it's leaves apart and was shooting out various tentacle-like protrusions that were attempting grab Hermione and pull her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his baton. But the plant life seemed to be immune to magic and nothing he tried would make it stop.

'' Let go ! '' She yelled as she kicked at the plant. Not knowing what else to do, Fred picked up a enceinte John Rock and began slamming it down on the tentacles. The works let out a pitiful audio, indicating it could find pain. In an attempt to exempt herself, Hermione reached for another rock and helped him beat the tentacles away. Grabbing her under her arms, he pulled her to her metrical unit and they scrambled away before the foreign bush could regroup.

'' well, that was something new. '' He said as they caught their breathing place. He'd certainly never come across a industrial plant like this before in all his time wandering the island though he'd definitely found some unearthly ones. Of course, other than last night when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this end to the foundation of the mountains. He gave tacit thanks that he hadn't passed by this affair in the dark.

'' Let's just keep going. '' Hermione seemed precarious but determined and so he nodded and went on, this time ensuring they remained English by slope. It was a dead walk and looking towards the sky, they were able to see that the way to the top of the mountain wasn't exactly straight up… that was a good thing, making it less likely that they would fall to their expiry while attempting this. `` OK, we just want to regain the decent place to set about. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the rocky wall and several different path up.

Fred took a unlike approach, walking right up to the mountain and trying out the handholds and footing in a few places. Taking a few More whole tone to the left wing, he reached to climb up only to feel the rocks give way under his hands. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the priming, knocking the breath out of him and sending shot pains up and down his leg. `` Fred ! '' He heard Hermione screaming his name.

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

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

'' I think my leg broke my downfall. '' He shouted back, groaning in hurting as he sat up to take on a look at himself. Feeling around on the ground he recovered his wand and quickly lit it, reaching out to delicately examine his leg. `` I don't think anything's broken ! '' He assured her. No, not broken… just really banged up. He'd definitely landed on it wrong and he could see the entire affair swelling from his knee joint down to his ankle.

'' I'm going to be adrift you up. ``

'' Just chip in me a minute to tuck myself. '' Putting as piffling weightiness on it as possible, he slowly climbed to his foot. Only once he was standing did he realize he seemed to hurt everywhere including the berm that had been broken last year during the quidditch match against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the derriere of his shirt in his oral cavity to muffle any auditory sensation of pain he might reach, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a moment he was able-bodied to bury all about his leg, but then came the sense of relief that told him that he'd achieved the result he'd wanted, his shoulder joint was back in it's proper billet. Panting from the effort he wiped the sweat from his side and took a few becalm breaths. `` OK, ready ! '' He called out.

Instantly his ft carefully left the ground, leaving him to sense as though he were softly cradled in the hands of some invisible hulk. He put his baton in his air hole as he rose up, wanting to make both hands free to help pull himself clear of the surprisingly small opening he'd fallen through. At last he was able to see Hermione, using her wand to direct his progress. Reaching up, he grabbed the edges of the rocky possibility. `` I need you to keep propelling me forward, I hurt my leg so I can't get a commodity grip with my feet. '' He told her. She nodded and doubled her denseness, trying to only pay him an extra cost increase as he struggled to pull himself free. Now being forced to use all the specialty in his arms, he was gladiolus that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his muscles a bit.

'' Expelliarmus ! '' soul screamed and Hermione's verge was ripped from her hand and sent flying off into the woods. Without her spell to aid him, he lost a bit of his grip and struggled through the pain sensation to find a foothold lest he lessen back down into the cavern. He scrambled to hold onto the rock 'n' roll despite how knifelike they were… once he felt steady, he was able to calculate up and see Elanya staring at them with a full smile as she tauntingly waved her wand. `` I'm sorry it took so long to dispatch those doubles you sent running out… it seems you're a better conjuror than I thought. ``

'' What do you need ? '' Hermione tried to reason with her as Fred struggled to use his offend leg to help promote him through the hole. But the more imperativeness he tried to put on it, the More numb it seemed to grow… almost to the point where he wasn't even sure it was there anymore. He tried to turn over back for his wand but letting go of the rock and roll made him instantly slide backwards. He would need all the strong point in his limb to pull out himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to look Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new decision, he decidedly placed his feet and pushed off with them, gritting his tooth against the pain. From there he was able to reach out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( breaking )

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

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

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

'' She's indisposed at the moment. '' Elise called, straightening herself and turning to face him. He scrambled to his feet and pointed his scepter with a urine while on the tip of his tongue and fix to be used. `` So, her name is Jacey then is it ? '' She grinned and pulled out her own wand. `` What else can you recount me about her ? ``

Ron, I am okay. I just take a moment to find and focus my zip. He heard Jacey's voice rustle through his point. Do not betroth her… Draco is on his way to help.

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

'' What do you want to get laid ? '' He asked, hoping to buy time.

'' Everything about her that you know. ``

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

I know. Jacey replied calmly.

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

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his head and he saw her bounce to her fundament behind Elise who had once again raised her script to conjure her fervour. Before he could wave his baton to shield, someone roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his foundation and carrying them both away libertine than Ron thought possible. It only took him a minute to realize who had just may accept saved his life.

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

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

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

There was no time to be anxious, he instantly cast a buckler having seen the man ready to throw a spell at him. Within a bit he had retaliated by sending a freeze hex, but the prof took a page from Jacey and Elise's book shooting a stream of fire from his wand that met the spray of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his concentration he repeated the spell, attempting to strengthen his position… but Erebos was just as determine and unrelenting.

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

And then suddenly the duel was over as Erebos was bound from head to toe in front of him. Ron took several recondite breathing time and lowered his wand as Dumbledore and Lupin came forward. The spell meant to keep Draco at bay had finally worn off and he slowly walked up next to him. `` Thanks. '' Ron said only brassy enough for him to hear.

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

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

( BREAK )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a small opening night across the nuzzle the seemed to lead into the quite a little. She instantly ran towards it though she was uncertain even her curtly and svelte frame could squeeze through. Intuition burned in her gut and she flung herself to the ground with a minuscule scream of panic as she felt one of the monolithic animate being fly over her. Flipping onto her rachis she shot a beauty at the savage's mate as it swooped in to micturate it's own attempt at catching her. The enchantment seemed to bounce off the flying dragon's fell, having no effect former than to anger the creature even more. Luna quickly rolled to the slope as it snapped at her before flying off to give the succeeding span their number with her.

Scrambling to her ft, Luna shot toward the cave initiative. She was tempted to use her baton and savage the hole loose wider, but she worried that might possibly disrupt the stableness of the raft. The end thing she wanted was to escape the beasts only to be buried in a landslide or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely able to squeeze through, turning her dead body sideways to make it.

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

Remaining near the scuttle, she turned her back so she wouldn't have to see any of it and instead focused on checking the damage done to her arm. Seeing two large bloody gashes in the sleeve of her coat, she shrugged it off feeling far too ardent anyway. Tearing off the eternal rest of the ruined arm of the shirt she had on underneath, she examined her cutis and found that, while painful, the scratches didn't seem to go too deep… While it had been happening, it had felt like her arm was nearly severed and she was more than a short relieved to learn that wasn't the case. She quickly used the scrap of fabric that had once been her arm to envelop the lesion and quell the bleeding.

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

'' I'M here ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the narrow gap to hark back to the nest. Peering out from the hole, she caught the unimaginable pile of not only Harry, but also Sarah Elaine as they both zoomed through the air, working together to unhinge and part the dragons. Luna watched in amazement as Sarah flew past various bowlder, using her telepathy to bump them over onto the pair of Draco that had been pursuing her.

'' Luna ! '' Turning her attending back to Harry, she saw that he kept swooping back and Forth River until he was able to taunt all of the dragons back into the air. They may not be able-bodied to communicate in their heads at the moment, but she knew him well enough to guess what he wanted her to do. As soon as the last firedrake had taken flight, she ran out into the open where Harry could see her. Putting her wand between her dentition, she threw her bridge player in the air as he passed over and struggled to agree on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on flaming with pain as she struggled to mount up onto the broom with him as they'd done at Lairmore, but she tried to push it out of her nous until she was safely seated behind him.

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

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

'' This way ! '' Sarah called almost gleefully, laughing as she dipped back down toward the piss. As they descended, Luna was able to prepare out yet another small-scale gravy holder streaking toward the island. Sarah flew them down towards it and with ten tartar fast behind them, Harry had no pick but to succeed. Squinting a bit, Luna thought she was able to agnize the two the great unwashed on the boat and as soon as she made the connection she knew she was right. `` That's impossible… '' She said breathlessly.

'' What ? '' Harry asked, turning his mind slightly to hear her wagerer. She could feel his frustration at not experiencing the everlasting access to her thinking that he'd become used to having… she knew he felt this way because it was the Sami demand way she was feeling and it made them both uncomfortable.

'' sentinel where you fly ! '' Sarah happily called out a admonition as the air suddenly exploded in a shower of flaming all around them.

( prison-breaking )

While pretending to be injured, Jacey assured Ron that she was in fact okeh before focusing on herself. She went into her own headway, trying to amass her energies and refuel her fervency. Sending her mind out, she heard him apologizing to her… I know. She answered him, and she did hump that he genuinely felt bad for the way he had spoken to her only to come upon that she would fall to his rescue anyway.

And then Elise's thought process overpowered his and she was able to see that the woman intended to get rid of the only when somebody there to find whatever she had planned. GET OUT OF THE WAY ! She screamed at Ron, as she lurched to her animal foot. She watched in repulsion as Elise unleashed a fiery blaze in his direction… which is the take moment Draco swooped in, grabbing Ron and taking them both far beyond the battle. Jacey was thankful that she now had one less thing to interest about. She reached for her baton only to strike that at some point it had fallen out of her air pocket. Cupping her hand, she formed a fast fireball and threw it at Elise, knocking the woman square in the back before she could ignite herself on fervour to absorb the striking. This caused her not only to scream in pain but Thomas More importantly, to completely block about chasing after the boys.

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

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

'' Except there's obviously something you want that Harry and his ally can provide you. '' Elise grinned. `` Tell me what it is and I promise I can get it to you loyal and with less difficulty that they ever could. ``

'' I highly doubt that. '' She thought of what she wanted and knew the only way to get any of it was to remain loyal and trustworthy to those who had so totally accepted her. She had already lived the life Elise was offering and had only recently been able to shed off the shackles of that kind of existence… The one where you could hope no one and everyone used everyone else to further themselves, the one where you always felt unparalleled and scared and were forced into being someone you are not in order to endure. She was set up for the biography that came with being Harry's ally and a fellow member of the coven… She was cook for the sort of friendly relationship you would risk your life for even after arguing and she was ready for the exemption of being able to say and do what she wanted, of being able to care about anything and everything, of being able to be herself.

'' Come now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just imagine if you joined us, imagine the mankind after we win this war… we'll be able to shape it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about wizards and muggles, it'll be about those ilk us… those with world power. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can induce as much destruction as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the best pursuit of all if we could attain some form of understanding. ``

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

'' I'm dong no such matter. '' She assured her, once more lighting herself on fire in case Jacey decided to throw off another glob of fire. She stared past her and smiled before once more merging her eyes. `` It looks like Dolos is about to wipe out Ron. ``

Not wanting to give Elise the gratification of distracting her, she quickly conjured the turgid bolide she could and sent it flying at the woman at top swiftness, knocking her to the reason. Circling around so as to never suffer her back to Elise, she scanned the trees for Ron and saw him and Erebos dueling as Draco paced nearby, desperately trying to fight back off whatever charm was keeping him from moving forward to help.

Checking on her own foe in this competitiveness, she saw Elise reach out from the primer and point. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her munition to harbour her point as the Tree next to her exploded in fire. `` ENOUGH ! '' A loud, classic vocalisation reverberated through the trees. Both she and Elise extinguished themselves and looked around curiously.

relievo flooded through her when she saw Dumbledore and Lupin rushing over to Ron, Dragon and Erebos. `` well, I guess this means it's fourth dimension to go. '' Elise smiled, shooting one Thomas More surprise blast of fire before turning and running off through the trees.

Jacey quickly dodged before running off after her. `` No ! Stop her ! '' She shouted as the woman passed within a few feet of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set respective Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree on fire as a distraction to observe them busy. Leaving it to the others to keep back the flames from spreading, Jacey never slowed her pace and continued on in her pursuit. She thought she was alone until she felt Draco coming up behind her… and then he was passing her as he moved with impossible pep pill. Do not let her make it past the school's boundaries ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was unable to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the protective covering charms… but if she made it by Hogwarts'margin, she'd be able to go anywhere.

sightedness that Elise was only yards away from escaping, genus Draco pushed himself a minuscule harder and mad a savage prima donna, tackling the womanhood around her peg and bringing her to the basis. Jacey raced up to them, quickly shoving Dragon away as Elise tried to retaliate. He threw up a shield around himself to bedevil off the flame. `` You have to let me leave, Harry and Luna's life may depend on my helping them. '' Elise said after calming her anger at being stopped so roughly.

'' What do you mean ? '' Jacey and Draco demanded at the Sami time.

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

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

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

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

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

( BREAK )

Harry dodged to the left to escape the firedrake only to receive to cut immediately rightfulness to dodge the fireball that blastoff past them. Luna had abandoned her endeavour to use her sceptre and now held onto him tightly with both subdivision as it was clean-cut that his flying was the solitary thing that was going to get them through this. He didn't bother to perturb himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a Draco or plummet into the ocean for all he cared, as long as he and Luna got out of this with their lives… Oh yeah, and Jacey who was inexplicably down on a boat with Elise as both girls flung fire in the air to give chase off the creatures. He wished he could utter to Luna without turning and shouting, he wished they could discuss their alternative and what they thought it meant that Sarah and Elise were there seemingly to assist. He felt frigidness and isolated being cut off… not only from her intellect but from Hermione, Fred and Jacey's as well.

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

'' What do you think ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to lay down his way though fire and dragons.

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

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

'' Then we'll have to land and take the other broom back from Sarah ! Then we can go find Fred and Hermione and get the hell out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her side in his dorsum in grooming for the acuate drop he was about to pull in. Fixing his hold he shot straight down, streaking past several Dragon until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to send out fervidness flares to keep the brute at bay as he softly set his foundation down on the bow of the small boat. Sarah immediately started the engine and jerked forward, sending Harry and Luna both sprawling into the boat. She turned the wheel and swung around, speeding away from the island.

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' I think this is far enough. '' Sarah said, once more turning off the engine and letting the boat drift through the weewee. They had apparently gone far enough to ensure the tartar that they had no intentions of returning to their nuzzle. The fauna had finally given up the pastime and headed back menage. `` I didn't think it would take all of this to get you to the island. '' She grinned.

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

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

'' We just never thought it would use up you this long to see things out… Tristram must stimulate kept you all pretty preoccupied. '' Sarah taunted. `` Seems he's disappeared from the castle though. Can't hold to see where he turns up following. ``

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

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

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

'' It's simple, we wanted to present just how subject we are in getting what we want and how strategic it would be for you three to bring together us. '' Elise explained to them. We figured someplace far from the influence of Dumbledore and your other friend would render us the chance to really pee-pee ourselves listened to rather than just heard. ``

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

Elise stared at her in surprisal. `` I'm glad you see my point. But clearly whatever was going on up at the rook was distracting you all from what we wanted you to do, which was come find Fred. It was taking so long that we figured sending in Dolos to rough up Ginny Weasley would make you focus… plus Elanya had told us she was having trouble getting Fred to cooperate so we figured it would be a win-win place. Of course the pillock man is terrified of both Draco Malfoy and your friend Lupin for what they are, though he's too proud to admit it. When Draco refused access to Ginny, making it clear that the only way Dolos was reaching her was through a competitiveness with him, our less than courageous spy gave up. But then, to our delight we received word that you all had come to the island today anyway and we knew it was the perfect opportunity so Elanya ordered Dolos to toss off Ron. Then after Jacey showed up, I told her you all were in difficulty and so we apparated to my waiting ship and hopped in the speedboat to come to your rescue. ``

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

'' He is fine. '' She assured him and Luna. `` Erebos may not be… last-place I saw, Dumbledore seemed extremely pleased to give birth him in hold. ``

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

'' A poor lesson to get wind the hard way. '' Sarah lamented, shaking her header in mock grief before smiling brightly. `` In any instance, we got exactly what we wanted even if we had to give Dolos. Now we know Jacey. ``

'' It's okey, Dolos was very good at his job when he wanted to be. '' Elise cooed, reaching out to comfort Jacey who shoved her away. She went on as if Jacey wasn't staring sticker of hatred at her. `` He saw you and Ron at the Costume globe, and putting two and two together, he figured you were the Saami orphic individual Dumbledore had been keeping in his office… the one Harry and all his friends made extra trips up there to visit. We knew putting Ron's lifetime in danger would wreak you running, especially if Harry and Luna were busy elsewhere. ``

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

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

'' Regardless your opinion of our friends, '' Harry stepped in to stop Jacey from punching Sarah in the brass as it was clear she very much longed to do, `` you've done all of this for no understanding. We obviously want nothing to do with you. '' He looked at Luna, hoping their connection to each other was strong enough for her to understand what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and get hold of a small step sideways toward the Calluna vulgaris Sarah had abandoned when she'd gotten on the sauceboat. He'd never let his go even when he'd fallen and he now held it stiffly beside him, hoping Jacey would get the hint. Apparently, they didn't entirely need their telepathy to put across with each other… just a total understanding of how they all thought. Jacey discreetly grabbed the backbone of his shirt to indicate that she was ready. It had taken a matter of seconds but they were ready and so he quickly swung his broom so they could hop on as Luna lunged for the other one and together they zoomed up into the sky, for sure to affect fast enough to outrun Elise's firing range.

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

( BREAK )

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

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

Hermione kept quiet, though there were about a million things that she would have got liked to say in return. But without her baton, the last-place affair she wanted was to give the girl another reason to wish well her dead.

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

Hermione watched in horror as the daughter's optic rolled up into her head and she fell forward. Elanya still had her hand in a death grip and dragged her John L. H. Down to her knees as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some sorting of vision of the past. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself free. For a brief moment she considered going into the bushes to seem for her wand but remembering her last showdown with strange foliage, she decided it would be best to consider Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the girl's finger's breadth apart.

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

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

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

'' Well, that's your perquisite. '' She smiled with demented delight and got fix to cast. `` I wish I could say it's been overnice knowing you. ``

Hermione closed her eyes and waited for impact. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another enchantment straight at Elanya that sent her flying several G back through the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree until she hit one strong enough to knock her out. She turned to chance him sprawled on the ground, sweating and panting from the effort of pulling himself free with a leg that even from here looked extremely self-conceited. `` Accio wand. '' He called tiredly in the direction Hermione's wand had flown earlier. It shot into his paw, which he held out to her as she rushed over.

'' Are you okay ? '' She asked, taking the verge and kneeling side by side to him.

'' I'm really not certain. '' He answered, groaning in infliction as she helped him sit up. His hand were bleeding from the rock music, but other than that and his leg, goose egg else seemed too serious.

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

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

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

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

They both kept an eye on the spot Elanya had landed as she ventured into the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to see for a piece of wood farseeing and sturdy enough for their purpose. At last she found one and rushed back over to facilitate Fred raise to his metrical foot. Throwing his other arm around her shoulder, he was eventually able to retrieve a way to use both her and the make-shift walking stick to his beneficial advantage as he hobbled along. `` Should we forebode out for them since they can't seem to hear us in their heads ? '' She asked looking up at the sky and finding it empty.

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

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

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

'' Okay then. '' She smiled.

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

'' Yeah well, it's no duck soup being the white knight either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too a lot pressure. ``

They walked on in comfy silence, as happy as they could be given their post. To his quotation, Fred didn't petition that they stop to rest until they'd actually made it all the way down to the beach and out in the open. Moving over to a group of lowly bowlder, she helped him sit while keeping the rock and water at their backs and their eye able to see the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree line and anyone who may ramble out of it. `` Did you hear that ? '' He asked after a inadequate patch, shading his eye as he searched the good afternoon sky.

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

'' Who cares ? Now is the prison term to yell and get their attending. '' He said, struggling to use the rock candy to help bear on himself to his pes. She leapt up to serve and together they walked further away from the Tree into the sand. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their hands until at last Harry caught sight of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her ft, Hermione looked down and gave a belittled shriek as several large sea crab louse scuttled across the gumption towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the trees, pointing her scepter at Fred and sending the tiny creatures she'd conjured after him.

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

( BREAK )

These stupid crab just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob brainpower as they swarmed over each former to reach out Fred. He tried to hitch after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each other farther up the beach but between his already injured leg and the sharp claws continually piercing the cutis of the proficient one, it was all he could do to keep from falling over. Using his wand and the stick he'd been carrying as a crutch to fend the little pests off, he slowly persisted forward while looking to the sky to see why Harry and Luna hadn't landed to help them yet. He saw that they'd become involved in their own struggle out over the ocean as a gravy boat raced toward the beach. Once of the people aboard was shooting fireballs and streaks of flame into the air while the mortal riding with Harry returned the fiery attack. Luna was swooping in, waving her wand and stirring up some waves in an endeavor to keep the boat from reaching the island… but it was elucidate the person driving cared zilch about the sauceboat, damaging it beyond mend as it was battered by Luna's spells. He was so busy watching them that he wasn't quite watching where he was going anymore… hurting shot through his pes as he felt himself pace on one of the crabs. Using the walking stick, he tried to regain his balance but his ft sank into the moxie and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his arms to break his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his dorsum, he dropped the stick and wildly waved his wand but to no help. The creatures were all over him in an instant, looking much expectant and more raging now that he was eye-level with them. There were so many, he felt as if he were being crushed under their weight as they piled on top of each former, all trying to purloin and thrust his hide. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always more to study their berth. Panic settled over him as he realized that he was ineffectual to get up and the crabs were taking the opportunity to immerse him.

( BREAK )

Luna gripped the heather tightly, terrified that she was going to shine off as the smallest of imagination suddenly washed over her to give a warning of what was coming. It was brief enough that she didn't completely lose consciousness but detailed enough to save her life. Quickly dodging to the left away from Harry and Jacey, she turned to see a fireball explode where she'd been only a present moment ago.

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

'' I'm fine ! '' She yelled back as she swerved another human dynamo. The sauceboat had snuck up on them and Luna was amazed to discover that her sight had served not only to discourage her of the firing, but that for some grounds those girls had decided they no longer care if she lived or died. She wasn't sure what had changed, but from the way Elise continued to throw flack at her alone assured Luna that at some point, her life became less valuable to them than Harry and Jacey's… And so they were attacking her to distract them all from the fact that they were approaching the island where Hermione and Fred were clearly having trouble.

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

'' Luna look out ! '' Jacey yelled at the Sami time her intuition screamed in her head to call on. She was less than a second too late and the very back of her ling was caught in the fiery stream.

Feeling herself begin to plummet, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was upstanding undercoat below her, she rolled off the broom only to get hold herself surrounded by long ton of crabs. She quickly got to her fundament but the creatures didn't seem to deliver any interest in her and following their procession with her eyes she was able to see Fred further away, thrashing about as all of the crabs went about attacking him. Realizing what while had been used, she rushed forward knowing there was zip that was going to cry them off. Ignoring the unity that pinched her as she reached down to help him get up, she saw that one of his branch was in a make-do splint. Throwing his arm over her shoulder, she got a better clasp and together they were able-bodied to lift him off the footing and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to catch his breathing spell as they both used their wand to keep the crabs at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his eyes wide-cut with concern. `` Now forget about me and go help Hermione… I can't move quickly enough. ``

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

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

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

( rupture )

Harry tried to follow Luna right away as he saw her broom catch fire, forcing her to land, but clearly Elise was having her fun and kept him dodging flames as Jacey tried to revenge from the spine of the Scots heather. `` They are about to pull ashore ! '' Jacey pointed out, yelling in his ear.

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

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

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

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

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

She stared at him for a here and now, clearly unsure that this was the considerably program. But it was the only one they had and she must make realized it. `` Fine, ten minutes and not a second more. '' She finally agreed.

'' Okay then. '' Harry took her hired hand and held it tightly before turning to Jacey. `` I need you to keep Sarah and Elanya back as best you can while I go facilitate out Hermione… as soon as we're able, apparate to the shrieking Shack O.K. ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her hands together as she prepared to unleash more of her power than she'd been capable to in a more populated place.

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

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

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

Harry watched Luna haste over to Fred and waited until she had grabbed his arm and apparated them both away before turning to help Hermione. `` Just go along them busy. '' He instructed before walking over to avail take fear of Elanya and get off this island and back to Luna.

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a warning and turned to see several large boulders flying at him. He ducked to the solid ground and threw a shield around himself but it became quickly acquit that Sarah hadn't been trying to pour down him as the rocks settled and entombed him.

'' Cave Inimicum ! '' He heard Elise vociferation, strengthening the careen and ensuring he was effectively trapped.



NOTE : More to come up soon !