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



Chapter 16 ~ New barrier


Harry clenched his fist around thin air, squeezing the life out of some unseen adversary within the hush hospital fender. The silence was only broken by Kaylens'tranquil breaths, her chest rising and falling as steadily as the light breeze fluttering the drapery.

He 'd been cooped up for Clarence Day, still healing himself, and had been forced to watch her grow ever stiller. Surely he was trapped within one of the seven lap of sin, for each meter he looked upon her his guilt rose like a fire, the flaming threatening to consume him.

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

Now she lay in this comatose state, and even brothel keeper Pomfrey had been unable to waken her.

Her skin still held the pallidness of expiry, yet to him it seemed slightly rosier.

Perhaps it was his own aspirant intellection.

He rose, ineffectual to stay on still, watching her with nothing preserve his idea for company.

idea were such misfortunate quilt ...

Not allowed and unwilling to allow for, he began sorting through the events of the by few days.

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

Bellatrix Lestrange was dead.

So why did he find robbed ?

The obvious reply came. Tonks had beaten him to the killing. She had killed the one person who 's death he had desired above all but Voldemort himself. And now he would never cause the chance to revenge Sothis the way he had wanted.

Worst of all, Lestrange 's torso was gone.

He had wanted to appear upon the lifeless face of Sirius'slayer and spit upon it.

Now even that cruel comfort had been taken from him.

All he was left with, were unanswered questions, and this fell lap of hell called the Hogwarts infirmary wing.

Still, the facts did not add up. Death feeder held no loyalty for one another. To them zip was sacred.

Yet they had salvaged the body.

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

So why do it ?

He had unconsciously wandered, finding himself in figurehead of the unresolved tierce storey windowpane. The autumn scented zephyr blew across his bare chest, cooling him. His shirt lay discarded upon his bed, his shoulder gauze bandage recently removed, exposing the claw marks that now indented his skin.

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

His fractured shoulder blade had been mended quickly, but werewolf combat injury were tardily to heal.

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

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

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

'' Experimental spells, their effect unknown to the Order, have been added to Voldemort 's armory of weapons system, Harry. Take heed ... ''

He would.

He had seen what happened to Lupin first hand, for his transformation had been triggered by the spell Lucius Malfoy had hit him with.

It had happened during the day.

Now, where Death Eaters roamed, the moonshine would no longer hold it 's sway.

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

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

Forty seven innocents, four of them children, had walked upon the Earth. Now they lay beneath it 's unforgiving soil, removed by the pitiless action at law of Voldemort 's minions.

Hermione 's parents would soon join them, and his cold rational side realized that when it happened, part of Hermione 's soulfulness would be taken forever.

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

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

For if he were truly the one with the power to defeat the wickedness Lord, than every mo he had ever spent reveling in life, and not searching for Voldemort 's demise, had been another grave in the ground for the innocent.

A painful chill burned within the claw marks he bore, and he wondered if they had re-opened again, bleeding anew. He reached a hired man back, gingerly touching it, the bloodline upon his finger's breadth confirming his suspicion.

It was doubtful he would be permitted to give soon.

'' That 's disgusting. ``

His froze, turning from the window. He stared, taking her in as she blinked the sopor from her optic, squinting in the morning time sunlight.

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

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

'' You were out for five days. ``

She paled considerably.

He was irksome to recover, and debated getting Madam Pomfrey. But she would be back soon, to agree on his own wounds. She could find her alive then. Besides, he was afraid to leave her alone for even a second, fearful that she might fall into that unending sleep once more.

'' So how is it ? '' Her representative was barely above a whisper.

He studied her, thinking about how to answer. His superbia made him hesitant to take helplessness, but her eyes ...

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

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

'' Like hell ... '' She murmured.

'' You look it. ``

She graced him with a wry smile, a lock of tomentum falling into her centre. She looked almost annoyed.

She reached up, brushing the curl aside, revealing her deathlike pale cutis. Her controlled movements exposed her own pain to him in a way no words could.

As did her wrist joint. His middle caught upon the dark bruise encircling it.

He crossed to her, catching her wrist gently. She glanced up, hazelnut tree eye narrowed in confusion.

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

Her oculus traveled to where his fingers lay.

'' Apparently, '' Her vox was so timid ...

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

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

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

It was fishy, but had she had woken a few days earlier he probably would experience demanded answers, answer about how she knew Lupin, about what she really did or did not know about Death Eaters, but after days of sitting there, watching her frail figure nap, the mere thought of interrogating her gravel him.

His response could wait, for a short while at least.

'' Tonks stopped by earlier, '' He said, breaking the quiet. `` She said lupine sends his passion. ``

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

'' Yeah, '' He finished.

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

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

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

She stretched ever so slightly, the sheets sliding away to reveal her bare toes. Her face relaxed, almost serenely. `` You saved mine first. ``

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

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

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

It was then that Pomfrey walked in.

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


Several Clarence Day later he had been prepped to leave. His left arm hung loose in a scarf bandage, preventing unnecessary front.

Lupin 's claws had torn into him just beneath his shoulder blade, right where respective muscles came together. Apparently re-growing musculus was as tricky as re-growing bones.

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

looking at Ron, he realized that there were other things that had to be taken guardianship of first.

He had been dreading this conversation for days. Ron and Hermione would want answer. Answers about his absence ... Answers about what had occurred in Dumbledore 's bureau daylight earlier ... Answers about Voldemort 's intrusions into his psyche ...

response he could not give.

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

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

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

He threw a hold out glance at Kaylens'sleeping mannikin. They would talk later. He promised himself that.

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

It had been over a calendar week since he and Kaylens had disappeared from the master 's office, and one of the last warm weekends of the year had driven the bookman eubstance outside.

As for him, during that metre, Voldemort had left his judgement alone. He had felt the first of an intrusion days earlier, but Riddle had withdrawn, sensing that his decision had not yet been made.

Riddle had given him more fourth dimension due to his injury, and for that, Harry had to give him credit.

As evilness as Voldemort was, the wight had some class.

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

Harry decided to spare him the awkwardness. `` How 's Hermione ? ``

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

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

'' Harry what 's going on ? ``

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

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

There were too many questions to serve, before the most important single could even be framed.

They walked the rest of the way in silence.

Hermione was there, waiting for them in the empty hall, sprawled out with a Bible on Ron 's bed. Her optic were rimmed with moody circles, alike to Kaylens.

misery loves company, he thought. Ron sat besides her, placing a hand on her spine. Only then did she seem to pull in they were there.

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

He smiled for her benefit. `` The question is, how are you ? ``

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

'' I know. ``

'' Why ? '' Ron asked.

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

Ron frowned. `` His reasonableness ? ``

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

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

Hermione 's eyes roamed, landing on his sling.

He caught the unspoken enquiry. `` Werewolf wounds are slow to mend. ''

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

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

'' No. I was not bitten. ``

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

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

'' Because the full synodic month is n't until ... ''

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

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

His expression turned grave. `` There are mode. ``

Hermione was no longer even trying to read, her voice unusually high school. `` That ca n't be. A lycanthrope ca n't change out of lunar sequence ... ''

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

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

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

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

'' He turned. Yes. ``

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

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

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

Ron took Hermione 's hand almost naturally. `` Then pack your clock time checkmate. Start from the rootage. ''

Harry shook his head, hating himself. `` Fine, the offset then .... '' He steadied himself, and met Hermione 's almost pleading gaze.

'' You both already know that Voldemort has not given me a moment 's peace since last summer. It 's a individual engagement between him and I. We 're both fighting for information, about the other slope 's approaching and leaving, about how much the other side knows ... ''

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

'' Your parents 'Mione, he said he will issue them, '' He ignored her breathing in of breath. `` If I tell him what the contentedness of the prophecy were. ``

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

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

The silence that followed occupied class within his idea, yet it lasted no Sir Thomas More than 3 seconds.

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

He remained silent, until her pleading voice broke again.

'' Harry, please ... ''

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

The cheat looks upon their faces nearly broke his spirit.

Hermione 's mouth opened and closed wordlessly. It was Ron who finally gave voice to their thought process. `` Why Harry ? Why ca n't you share it ? ``

'' You would not need to take heed it. ``

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

He swallowed hard. `` No Ron. ``

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

'' No. ``

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

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

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

Harry was having trouble keeping his voice horizontal surface. `` Ron, if I tell him there is no reason for him to hold on the farmer animated anymore. It 's our expectant bargaining chip. ``

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

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

'' He 'd let them go, '' Ron interrupted. `` make him issue one at least Harry ! Then tell him for God 's rice beer ! What could it wound ? ! Bargain with him ! ``

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

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

Harry shook his head, never more dangerous. `` No Ron. You did n't. '' He felt almost distressing at Ron 's crestfallen look. `` You only saw what Death Eaters were able of. That is goose egg compared to him. ``

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

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

'' There 's no demand to squall at her teammate, '' Ron said coolly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' I am talking ... ''

'' No. Your blocking Harry. Like in chess. '' Ron pointed his wand out the threshold, summoning the chess game board from the rough-cut elbow room. Levitating it, Ron cleared the board save for the cat's-paw, B. B. King, and queen of both English, his brow furrowed in concentration. He then moved the pawns so they protectively surrounded the queen and queen on one side, leaving the early incline 's king and queen unprotected.

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

Ron moved a instrument on Harry 's side away. `` You 're afraid that if you move your pawns for a secondment, that I might get in and postulate your King. ``

Ron 's queen shot forward, moving through the chess opening Harry 's pawn had left, taking his queen out with a violent whack of her chair. She then stood, posed to lease his king on the succeeding move.

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

The chess game panel folded in on itself, slamming to the floor.

'' Game over. ``

Harry shook his head, unable to refuse Ron 's accusation.

He was mightily. And for the first metre Harry realized how truly dissimilar he was from them.

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

The sound of the metaphorical wall falling between them filled his mind, and Ron spoke again.

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


Harry tromped through the corridor, feeling worse than he had thought possible. He preferred feeling numb, at to the lowest degree then he felt nothing at all.

They simply did not understand. Not that he had expected them to. Things were too life-threatening now. Voldemort had made a hobby out of extinguishing anyone close to his nerve, and he was not about to sate Ron and Hermione 's heads with anything that might make them more influence object than they already were.

Which was why he had 2-dimensional out refused to divulge anything else, and held his flat coat about not revealing the prophecy to Voldemort. Not even for Hermione ....

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

The choice was no foresighted his.

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

They would n't end up like Sirius.

He knew exactly where he was going, and rounded the turning point to the infirmary wing. His foul temper only increased when Madam Pomfrey stuck out her foreland, a forced smile plastered upon it, and asked him to wait.

The door slammed and the sound of contestation resumed. Dumbledore 's vox caught his attention. What was he doing in the infirmary wing ? Perhaps to see Kaylens, but he had already visited them once. It was n't like the Headmaster to impose students though. And he should know, he had been in the infirmary wing too many times to matter, but could count Dumbledore 's visit there on one hand.

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

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

Madam Pomfrey 's reproving tone came out clearly. `` ... cellphone need to regenerate before you can even seek to perform magic again. ``

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

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

'' fountainhead I 'm not particularly concerned with what he thinks at the second. ``

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

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

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

'' Considering that I 'm the one you ca n't cure, do n't you think that should have been my decision ? ``

therapeutic ? His venter lurched dangerously.

'' Kalliandra, looking at it as a dying sentence will not serve matters. ``

Her voice was strained. `` You 're right. goose egg will. You know that the odds ... ''

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

'' I 'd prefer the burden, '' Kaylens hissed, her voice suddenly inviolable. `` Now is there anything else your keeping from me ? '' Her voice was strained and accusing. `` Because I 'd like to know before I read about it in some stupid person Christian Bible. ``

Silence.

'' I thought so. ''

His entire body shook unsteadily. So a good deal so that the approaching footsteps did not cross-file until the door had swung undefendable in battlefront of him, revealing a pale looking Kalliandra.

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

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

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

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





'' Just as courage menace life, reverence protects it. ''
~ Leonardo da Vinci ~



Chapter 17 ~ Kunnskap

Kunnskap is Norweigan for knowledge



She shoved open the incoming doorway, leaving the secure Charles Francis Hall of the schoolhouse behind, and walked out onto the rapidly cooling soil. She blinked back the moisture that lingered within her eyes. No tears would fall, no matter how hard they threatened. This she promised herself.

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

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

Despite the pain they had been in, the time spent within the infirmary fender had been pleasant. She and ceramicist had dwelt in unsounded companionship, both knowing there were things that needed to be discussed. Despite that he had not pressed her to talk, instead he had seemed to calmly accept her silence.

This variety had been oddly comforting.

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

She kicked the basis, scattering grunge in her wake.

She could not fathom why she had thought he would let her keep her secrets. But she had been a arrant fool for entertaining the notion.

And for some reason his lowly treachery hurt her.

Supreme Being ... She turned her tear filled eyes towards the sky, tracing along the darkening swarm, and noted how low they hung. It was the incoming tempest that had drawn her outdoors after all. The unknown feeling slithering through her, as if static electrical energy were tickling her very skin, had been hard to neglect.

She reveled in the diminished distraction from her thoughts, and allowed herself to simply feel.

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

The storm front rolled in above her, and the to a greater extent astute of her peers began to head up indoors. The area surrounding the lake had been the first of the reason to be abandoned, and her pes led her there.

She wanted the seclusion.

She had grown so utilize to desperation, to feeling only constant apathy, punctuated by bouts of undiluted anger, that she had forgotten how to feel something as human as fear.

Everything had happened so flying the day she had received the tradesman note, and there had been no clock time for the cold trueness to slide down in. Only over the retiring days, as she and ceramicist had lain there in silence, had it finally registered.

Pomfrey 's words had just driven it rest home.

Somehow, hearing the Healer 's words had made it tangible, and now care held her heart in a vice adhesive friction.

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

Perhaps death would be a approving. She just had things to do before it found her.

The palpitation in the high sky were back, and she cringed at the electricity there. Being a function of such things, feeling such matter, was not always pleasant.

It was often painful.

She rubbed her arms against the chill wind, thankful that God had some common sense of compassion. Fortunately for her, the human being mental capacity could only record pain as abnormal for so long, before it accepted the painful sensation as the constant nation of matter. Then it would be ignored.

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

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

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

She took it all in with her formula perceptiveness. There were spots where the footing ended, dropping off sharply to take on the duckweed covered surface of the water.

In other billet the ground gradually sloped down, kissing the lake 's rippling Wave. There the dark globe was muddied, imprinted with the footprints of those who had braved the shallows to swim, before the weather had cooled in wake of the incoming afternoon storm.

She passed by both these areas, heading closer to the Forbidden timber. Here she kicked off her shoes, allowing them to dangle freely from one hired hand as she picked her way across the far end of the lake. Here small Oliver Stone formed a natural beach, and she sat down near the edge, letting her fingers trail across the rough pebbled sharpness beneath her.

She accumulated a small ingathering of flat bottomed John Rock, gathering them within her hands, and she cast the low across the serene water, breaking it 's glazed open.

The giant squid lazily reached out a tentacle, swatting at and missing the cast stone.

She smiled ruefully, casting another towards him. This sentence the tentacle swung and connected, sending the stone flying high school above her head.

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

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

She skipped another.

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

To the English of her came an unmistakable grunt.
* * * * *


Harry winced, rubbing his forehead. That was definitely going to leave a home run.

It had taken him all of thirty second to decide to keep up her. The remembering of her washy eyes had been alarming, and he could n't let her leave like that, not when she did n't understand.

He cast a limelight at the whale squid, approaching her cautiously, carefully trying to not drop off upon the slick rock as he walked down towards her.

He treaded as close as he dared, pausing to levitate uncertainly. Her berm had stiffened at his vociferation, the only sign of the zodiac to point that she was aware of his presence.

He swallowed hard. From where he stood besides her, he could see the drawn line of her lips, and how her middle gazed, almost longingly across the colored aerofoil of the lake. He followed her gaze, the first of all drop-off of rain drizzling upon them.

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

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

'' Enjoying the sunlight, '' Her pilus fluttered lightly around her grimace. `` I thought it would be obvious. ``

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

Silence reigned for some clock time, broken only by the increasing calendar method of birth control of rainfall, pattering around them. The water gradually matted his unruly pilus to his frontal bone, and Kaylen 's aureate hair darkened with saturation.

She sat with a relaxed air, unbothered by the icy droplets pouring down. Slowly, with apparent bother in her social movement, she scooted penny-pinching to the lake 's edge, dipping her substructure into the roily water as casually as if it were a mid-summer day, rather than a windy Oct pelter. Never once did she appear at him.

Her shoulders were bare, and her damp haircloth clung to them. He was close plenty to comment the svelte goose bumps prickling across her pale skin.

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

Kaylens was sick ...

'' Here, '' He said, shattering their verbal lapse. He picked his way across the pebbly decline to her, shrugging out of his cloak. He felt no awkwardness as he picked up her damp hair, draping it across her shoulder.

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

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

Her eyes held his, and for the most pass off of bit the suspicion he was so used to seeing vanished. `` Thank you, '' She murmured, inclining her head to the post besides her.

He lowered himself besides her, afraid to talk. His heart pounded loudly in his breast. Never before had he been so fearful of reprehension. His luck may get lasted thus far, but even he would not blame her for screaming if she so chose.

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

The sky thundered, lighting up as lighting flashed high in the clouds. It struck him as extremely inexpedient to be in their positions, so close to water.

'' We should go in. '' His voice lacked conviction.

With the back of her radiocarpal joint she rubbed the water from her eyes.

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

'' Well what ? ''

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

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

'' And since there are no conversations going on for you to heed to, I 'm wondering what your doing here. '' Another flashing of lightning illuminated her soaked features, and he found himself drawn towards her unagitated reflexion, confounded by her Holy Scripture.

Despite their contentedness, her tone held no trace of the familiar sarcasm or malice.

Instead she sounded curious.

The realization sent an out of place grin across his face.

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

'' Try me. ``

'' I came to apologize. ``

To his surprisal, she actually laughed. The phone had a haunting quality to it, for it blended artfully with the malarkey howling around them. The storm had crept upon them fast.

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

He seized the chance to keep on her talking. `` Well I am. Kaylens I ... ''

'' How much did you pick up ? '' Her gaze turned pointedly down.

He sighed in frustration. `` Enough to get it on that you should n't be out in this downpour. ``

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

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

The looking she shot him could hush the fiend himself. `` And why should I ? You have n't been the portrait of satinpod Potter. ``

'' Perhaps if you would just listen you would recover out. ``

She did not answer. Instead, she tilted her boldness towards the sky, allowing the pelting to pour over her more freely. Her hair fell away from her berm, revealing her long neck. She remained this way for what may have been simple seconds, but to him, felt like hours.

'' OK ceramicist, '' She finally breathed. `` Try me. ''

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

And he explained.

He explained why he had followed her that day into Knockturn Alley, how her stubborn refusal to resolve question about Death Eaters had led him, to what he hoped, were wrongly presumption, and how, after days of watching her in a comatose state, he had feared that she had fallen ill once again.

He spoke to her, the rain cascading down their physical structure as they sat, keeping each other 's acquaintanceship, the violent storm forgotten. various times she made to go, shaking her heading disbelievingly, but his hired hand on her arm silenced her refutes. By the fourth dimension he was done, a sad expression had crossed her features.

He studied her, puzzled. `` expression, Kaylens I did n't mean to knock over you if ... ''

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

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

'' Kaylens are ... ''

Her expression darkened at his words, and she stood abruptly, her shivering more pronounced.

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

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

The 2d he was up she unceremoniously shoved his cloak back into his arms. He looked at it in surprisal, and was about to reason, noting how far a walk to the school it still was, when he realized that she had already spun and taken off into the downpour.

'' delay ! '' He called, utterly confused. He stumbled after her, slipping on the wet rocks, and caught up to her on the eatage.

'' Kaylens keep it. You 'll freeze otherwise. '' He went to drape it across her shoulder joint but she brushed him off.

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

He matched her tread determinedly, noticing the reemergence of her stubborn streak, and threw it around her anyway. `` Kaylens if you 're mad you 're wearing this until we 're inside. I don't guardianship ... ''

She whorled on him, looking disturbingly distressed, her cutis dangerously pale. `` feel, ceramicist ... Do yourself a favor okay ? Do n't occupy about me. ``

He found himself shaking, be it from the cold or the icy palor of her skin, he did not roll in the hay, yet all persuasion of speech communication were driven away.

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

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

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

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


Over the preceding few years, since Kaylens had left him standing there in the pouring rainwater, Harry 's climate had not improved.

He just did not understand what he had done, and every clock time he caught a coup d'oeil of her he felt mad.

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

The fact that he still had a lift suspicion that she was clueless as to what a last Eater was did not help affair.

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

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

Or something like that.

His response was puzzling, even to him. He could not refuse that he felt oddly protective of her. How could he not ? He had spent far too much time watching over her in the hospital wing, and the thought of further harm coming to her swarm him mad.

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

But still ... He could not sound what it was he had said legal injury. All he knew was that she was no retentive openly hostile towards him. Instead she avoided him like the plague.

He had seen her alone that very morn, and it had taken all his longanimity to avoid hexing her into next week when she had practically sprinted down the Granville Stanley Hall to talk to Dean, upon catching great deal of him.

pit, he had come damn near nigher to hexing her and Malfoy in defence mechanism Against the iniquity Arts that very day. He had walked in to find her and Malfoy chatting in hushed whispering, set over parchment.

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

Kaylens had refused to look at him. But he had not failed to point out how her work force shook for the rest of family.

It had been tardily to mark since he had been sitting alone. Ron and Hermione had holed themselves up on the other side of the room. And unlike Kaylens and Hermione, who contented themselves to avoiding him, Ron had made fun of sending hostile limelight his way.

At least the hostile looks from his roomy were perceivable. He had had another violent aspiration with Voldemort that week, and had woken up in a right United States Department of State, screaming at every one of them.

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

ejaculate to think of it, the exclusively somebody talking to him now seemed to be Luna. And since she was in the year below him, he found himself sitting alone in socio-economic class, and eating lunch at the Ravenclaw table.

In unretentive, the week had passed by in a dizzying haze.

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

He actually did n't mind the idea.

He finally reached the door, and Crusantheus surprisingly opened without charge, revealing Dumbledore 's office. He stepped in for his lesson, removing his wand in preparation.

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

Perhaps it was because his intellection had been elsewhere, but the approximation of a wandless Occlumency deterrent example caught him off precaution. He furrowed his supercilium questioningly.

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

Somehow Harry strongly disagreed with this. If he had learned all there was to have a go at it about Occlumency, he would not still be having tearing incubus. `` professor, in all due respect, if I had actually learned everything would n't I be well ... in effect at this then ? ``

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

Harry was stunned, all previous cerebration and irritation at the Professor driven from his mind.

Never in his life story would he have got imagined Dumbledore being ineffective to teach him something.

'' Occlumency, Harry, is less about erecting genial barrier, and Thomas More about controlling one 's emotions. Keeping your emotions hidden from the enemy is of uttermost importance. And frankly, gets easier with age. '' Dumbledore stood with a rather with child feather duster and began to snipe a disgruntle portraiture with it.

'' Harry, you have become quite adept at creating barriers, visualizing a brick wall is your barrier of choice is it not ? '' Harry nodded but Dumbledore was continuing. `` But the only way to strengthen that paries at this percentage point, is to pick up to mask your emotions. ``

Harry stared somewhat unabashedly as the previous headmistress made a rather unprocessed deal gesture.

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

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

He valued his education far too a good deal to respond truthfully.

'' Well Harry, when one sifts through your mind, painful memories can get unearthed. It 's cancel to hark back the emotions these experiences caused you. Such a distraction is all the enemy would need to delve mysterious into your mind. '' Dumbledore was carrying on with all the air of one discussing a weekend outing. `` And you have no shortage of painful retentiveness Harry. It would be quite well-heeled for Voldemort to find one to use against you. ``

He did not need Dumbledore to tell him that, he had already re-lived the guilt of Sirius'death all summer.

'' So are you going to constitute me live over those retentiveness for practice ? '' He asked, somewhat apprehensive.

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

Dumbledore turned back and shoved the plume duster right hand where Phinneus'typeface had just re-appeared. The former headmaster cringed and jumped out of the bod again.

'' Harry, what we do need, is for you to come to terms with the crueler theatrical role of your past. And only you can define what those terminal figure are. But I dare remind you, there is a difference between allowing the past to remind you, and allowing the past to contain you. ''

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

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

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

Dumbledore shrugged. `` Well, give it time, give it time. It may fill her awhile to open up to anyone, seeing as how topic are. ''

The master was running his wand up and down the spine of the book in an odd zig-zag design, muttering something about camphor ball. A loud 'pop'was heard, making Harry jump, and the book sprang out of Dumbledore 's hired man, falling loose on the table before them.

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

Harry had to admit that Dumbledore was dead on.

Inside the open book, where the Sir Frederick Handley Page should hold been, lay a pinko bed of fog. There was a sense of depth to the Interior Department of it, and Harry had the dim sensory faculty that another dimension lay just beyond the peacefully eddy.

Dumbledore reached his hand into it. `` It is a rather clever concealing bit for things. Not only is the locking mechanism for it rather tricky, but only a hired hand with my DNA could reach into this and still happen their hand attatched. ``

Harry had been unconsciously leaning forward, trying to peer through the fog, but at this pronouncement took a step back. Dumbledore 's hand fished around blindly for a few arcminute, before emerging with a silvery mountain range. A small vial was attached to the end of it.

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

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

At this say-so, Dumbledore handed the vial over. Harry took it with no small sum of money of trepidation. The vial, Harry found, was surprisingly ardent

'' The ampoule you now hold is a peculiar form of pensieve, Harry. '' Dumbledore said by way of explanation. `` It is called a Kunnskap. It means knowledge. And unlike pattern pensieves, it does not have an unlimited capacity. It can only curb a blue-ribbon few remembering, and I believe that there are 81 different lessons contained within this one. ''

Only eighty-one ? He thought, slightly amused by the Headmasters definition of only. He turned the ampoule within his hands, noting that unlike in Dumbledore 's pensieve, blasphemous specs darted to and fro within the silvery meat here, colliding frequently to emit dark green sparks. It was like watching the rumination of firework in a silvery pool, only on a illumination scale.

A thought occurred to him.

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

'' I was just getting to that. '' Dumbledore replied, looking strained. `` But given the risk that you have been in ever since that cursed prophecy was made, I wanted to consume a way of preserving, and passing on, knowledge of certain spells to you. ``

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

'' fourth dimension were sorry. '' He continued gravely. `` I did not know how many of us would survive, but we knew it was indispensable to transcend on our knowledge to the following propagation. This was our way of ensuring that at least one good wizard recieved that if the forged were to find. ``

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

Despite his irritation and choler at all the Headmaster had withheld over the geezerhood, the thought of a someone Dumbledore shook his concept of a horse barn universe.

The schoolmaster motioned Harry into a plush plum armchair, forgetful to his pupil 's dark intellection.

'' Over the years, myself, and others within the old Order, added select pieces of knowledge that we wanted to depart to you, to this. You 'll even find some of my old school day deterrent example there. Things like fantasm, curse-breaking, animagus study ... They are all in there. ``

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

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

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

Suddenly he felt rather blunt. `` professor, you made this to help me figuer out how to defeat Voldemort, did n't you ? ''

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

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

Dumbledore was mercifully oblivious to the dark thought still flitting through his mind.

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

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

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

cerebration of what he, Ron, and Hermione had planned, he suddenly wondered, for the thousandth fourth dimension since coming to Hogwarts, just how much that the headmaster knew about his students.

Against his better judgment, he broke out into a low smiling. Even Hermione, with all her convictions against taking scant gash to read something, would probably die for a look into this thing.

God he would leave out them ... Perhaps one day, when things were different ....

As if reading his thinking, Dumbledore smiled. `` For the time being Harry, I would maintain this to yourself. Because of the Kunnskap 's potential drop for abuse, only seven were made. We would not want this falling into the wrong paw. ``

Harry was taken aback. For once, Dumbledore was actually trusting him with something important. `` T-thanks professor. I 'll look after it. ``

He 'd be damned if he disappointed him.

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

Harry nearly choked on his biscuit.

The past fortnight, he realized, had truly been wide-cut of surprises.




Thank you SticksN'Stones for the excellent streamer !






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



Chapter 18 ~ The cicatrice Life Leaves


Tonks threw open the shades, allowing the bright afternoon light to stream in, filling the room with icteric hues so bright that not even Remus, who was valiantly feigning sleep, could brush off them.

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

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

'' How did you get past the wards ? '' Remus groaned, pulling his pillow over his brain so he resembled a burrowing animal.

She contented herself to narrowing her violet eyes. `` bank bill 's a curse breaker. And when he and I have over two hebdomad with nothing to do but crack the wards on our obstinate arse of a friend 's home we tend to succeed. ``

Remus emitted a low murmuring speech sound, indecipherable to any human ear. It was at this power point that she decided she had had enough. She ripped the covers from his bed, and discard them out the now open window.

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

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

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

'' You look like a sopping wet dog Remus ! Now get your stubborn ass off the floor right now and get set up ! We have an fiat confluence in an hour and if you are not there so help oneself me merlin I will come back here, wards be damned, and make you come ! You ca n't forfend us forever ! ``

He groaned unhappily.

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

'' Mrmph ... ''

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

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

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

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

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

Tonks stomped again, very near his oral sex. `` You know that was n't your defect Remus ! No one knew what that turn would do ! ``

'' You should go. '' He mumbled morosely. `` I could still bend at any present moment. ``

Her jaw dropped. `` Is that what this self-induced closing off has been about ? You think your going to change by reversal again ? ''

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

'' I ca n't risk it .... ''

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

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

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

He shook his brain, his shagged whisker falling around his centre messily. It looked like he had n't showered in days. `` No. If they wanted to sing to me they would have .... ''

'' Would have what ? '' She was far beyond losing her forbearance at this peak. `` Contacted you ? Remus, Kalliandra tried ! That damn pocket watch of yours has been glowing all week at headquarters ! We tried sending it back to you but you keep sending it back ! Kalliandra probably thinks your ignoring her by now and Harry ... ''

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

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

'' Well at least take this backward Remus. '' She said, placing it on his worn desk. `` I do n't care what you say but she really does need you. '' She searched him for some planetary house that he accepted this fact, but he only leaned out the window and summoned his mantle back up.

Watching his pitiable social movement, she suddenly felt like collapsing.

Remus had been the one she could count on, to keep together for her. Ever since Dog Star ...

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

It had been his cool, light Robert Brown eye she had awoken to in St. Mungos. The therapist said he had never left her side. Even then he refused, and took to sleeping on a make-shift cot in the corner or her elbow room. He had claimed it was to not lose the fun of her intestinal colic, whenever the therapist had poked and prodded her with their wand, but she had known better. He had been worried, and who could blame him when she had never felt worse.

But his mien had kept her view from straying to Sirius.

She shuddered, remembering how he had found her curled up on her frame one night that summer, positively balling her center out, the few pictorial matter of Sirius she had spread out on her coffee tabular array. If only she had stunned Bellatrix when she had had the chance ! By Merlin he would still be here !

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

Catching the SOB was the only matter that could assist Sirius now, he had told her. And as an auror, that would be her job. He had told her how she needed to hold together for that.

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

She had passed out that night, vaguely fishy that her mocha had been laced with dull firewhiskey. Remus always had claimed that alcoholic drink assuaged the nerves ....

She had only just realized how grateful she was for the minor hint of humor he shared with her.

She had grown so habituate to him always being there, and it had taken Remus'absence seizure to cook her realize how very much he meant to her.

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

The idea of him wallowing in self pity any farseeing made her physically ill, and she felt her shallow reserves of military strength folding in.

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

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

Remus was flipping the comforter back onto the bed, straightening it meticulously. `` He does n't call for me. Neither does Kally. They 'll just wind up hurt ... ''

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

She trailed off, thwarting effectively silencing that geartrain of thought.

'' Go exhibitioner. I 'll waitress downstairs. ``

She turned in a miff and stormed out, resolving to beam Harry and Kalliandra severalise eminence demanding that they pester Remus until he broke out of this self-created shell.

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


Harry allowed the book to fall closed. His head had long since fallen upon the table, his eubstance slumped over in frustration. A yard and one dark curses swirled through his mind, their counter curses eluding his memory in a maddening way.

Why, in the name of pigeon hawk, had Professor Tres been so against teaching them this ?

The sheer enormity of the task before him had hit home nearly an minute before, and the constant exercising weight on his shoulder joint seemed determined to squelch him now. It was pressing down on his chest, making his head spin, the realization of how little metre he had to master this had finally sunk in.

Voldemort could amount for those he loved tomorrow, and somehow he doubted the monster 's minions would beat to simple jinxes.

For the first metre in his living, he was starting to feel helpless. He had borrowed the book from Dumbledore 's office, changing the cover so no one could know what obscure arts it contained, and after only a few days of written report he had come to a realization.

Avada Kedarva was amongst the most merciful of glum curses.

For the dark nontextual matter could do so a lot worse than simply vote down in one blow.

The could burn you animated from the interior out, your screams confounding those around you, your skin not blackening as inconspicuous fiery tendrils licked at you hungrily.

By the time those around you realized ....

help for victim of the mort ardente would be far too late.

other curse could could slit your peel in slow, farsighted solidus. The invisible attack lasting for time of day, as medi-wizards and healer tried to save you, only to watch you succumb as slash after destroying slash undid their healing, spilling your life rakehell, killing you ...

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

He shuddered involuntarily, almost glad that dying had been promptly and merciful for Sirius and Cedric. He had not known before, but their aliveness could birth been extinguished in much regretful ways ....

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

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

He had n't been sure whether to applaud her for her astuteness, or curse her for sounding similar overzealous Malfoy.

But she had been right ....

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

So while her and Malfoy had argued their compass point, and lost valiantly as Tres started twitching under pressure, he had composed a letter to Dumbledore asking for access to materials about the Dark Arts.
Dumbledore had granted him that ...

He propped himself on his elbow joint, reopening the ancient, blackened leather schoolbook. He was determined to get word every lethal curse the public had to offer him.

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

The man who had stolen his life from day one.

Pettigrew would pay. Harry would gain him feel all of the bother he had felt ever since his comer on the Dursley 's doorstep.

Then Pettigrew would die.

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

The wight was going to pay.
* * * * *


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

She had done exactly as Tonks had requested. She had already tried contacting him. She had tried saying, shouting, and cursing his epithet into that blasted compact of hers, had sent owls armed with alphabetic character and orders to peck at his hands until he replied, and even had sent a self-writing shaft with the last one so it would write whatever he said down upon receiving it.

That particular owl had had orders to snatch up whatever was written before Remus had a fortune to snatch it up himself.

well apparently Remus had been too quickly for the owl, because she had gotten back a broken quill and a ripped, blank piece of paper.

shit your mulishness to Hades Remus ! She thought in annoyance, stomping her understructure outside Dumbledore 's office.

She had grown so pestered with him avoiding inter-group communication and canceling their tutoring Sessions that she had finally slipped on Riley 's ring and tried port keying directly to Remus, only that had n't worked either.

Which was precisely why she found herself outside of Dumbledore 's poor fish stone gargoyle, shouting every candy that came to mind.

'' Mentha piperita ! Bat dung dung ! Bertie Pops ! Malus pumila ! Peaches ! '' She exclaimed at it, abandoning candies in party favour of fruits. `` Oh damn it to hell ! dish schnapps ! Peach sett ... ''

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

'' looker Schnapps ? You 've got to be kidding me ... '' She muttered, springing up the stairs and bursting into his role, being careful to thwack Crusantheus on the way in.

Dumbledore looked up idly from his desk, a bemused expression across his weather condition weary grimace. `` Why Kalliandra, what a pleasant surprise. ``

She did not harmonise. `` Professor what does Remus think he is doing ? '' She demanded, stopping in front of his desk. `` He ca n't quash us forever ! Why does n't my port key workplace anymore ? And why are you now using liquors as your watchword ! ? ``

Dumbledore looked rather puzzled. `` beauty Schnapps ? A liquor ? And here I thought it was a rather ingenious soma of candy ... ''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His words struck a mystifying chord within her, one she was not quite prepare to hear. `` Thanks Professor ... '' She muttered, all anger gone. `` Can you at least gift him this when you see him ? '' She extended a letter of the alphabet to him, it 's addressee reading To The Obstinate Wolf.

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


Harry rested his nerve against the worn control surface of the table, letting his dank hair drip over his typeface. The dripping water supply from his recent shower eased the dull aching that had begun in his scar.

drip ....

A astragal of wax broke detached from the glowing standard candle, falling to soak into the unsealed ridges of the oak desk. The impact sounded erectile, for his ear remained pressed against the desk 's aerofoil, amplifying the sound ten fold.

Across the common room, far from where he sheltered in the shadows of a single candle taper, the fire glowed warmly. Several straggling seventh long time, no doubtfulness putting in the superfluous hours for NEWT grooming, remained there, blissfully oblivious to the tardily hour.

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

Voldemort was there, just beneath the airfoil of his judgment, waiting for a chance to get in as he dreamt. He knew Hermione 's parents were as good as dead, but he would not countenance Voldemort the selective information he demanded for their think 'release .'

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

Fiery shadows danced across his open text, and he wearily rubbed his scar, trying to memorise the riposte curse for one of the many crushing hexes.

The one he was looking at would labor air from the lungs slowly, till the someone could only claw at their neck in agony, blood watercraft in their eyes bursting as oxygen left them.

The black and white illustration showed a necromancer captured in a soundless howling, his fingers already falling limp around his throat.

He shuddered at the sight, not noticing the determined manifestation flitting across her expression.

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

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

'' Hey thrower. ``

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

'' Kaylens. '' He said steadily, nerve hammering. Be it at her sudden interruption or the retentiveness of the dying fount, he did not eff. `` What are you doing here ? '' He slid a hand across the morbid photo, staring intently at her.

She met his eyes, for the starting time time in Day, holding them seriously. `` Talking potter. Just talking. '' Candlelight danced in them ...

His scar gave a dull pound, reminding him of his own fragile state. Tonight was not the clip for talking, even with her, whom he had grown curious about. `` You know ... '' He stated carefully, watching her smooth her sleek locks behind her ears. `` There is usually a rationality for why somebody sits clear across a relatively empty room from everyone else. ``

She nodded, a impulsive frown tracing her feature article. `` Oh ? And what 's that ? ``

'' Their perusing. ``

'' Or they want to be left alone. '' She whispered, voicing his unsaid sentiment. `` Believe me ceramicist, I know your infelicitous with me. I would n't bother you if it was n't important. ``

He was thrown. `` I 'm not distressed with you. '' He said quietly, before he could break off himself. `` I just do n't understand why your so unfriendly. ``

Her eyes danced in the candlelight, her script playing around the stand of the candle, picking at the solidified wax. `` It 's not authoritative why. I just am. '' She whispered, sounding clearly pained.

He nodded, accepting this. `` If that's the character, then am I, or am I not, supposed to remain the netherworld away from you ? ``

She chewed on her grim lip thoughtfully, fidgeting. `` For person who seemed aegir to talk, your certainly making this difficult. ``

He smiled forcefully at this, probably looking like a grim clown. `` And that has cypher to do with you storming off, then refusing to come within a ten meter vicinity of me ? ``

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

Her voice held an meat of loss as lupin 's name fell off her lips, and for a fleeting second he understood. He did not know how the two knew one another, and felt the stabbing botheration of betrayal that lupine had kept better communications with her rather than him, his best supporter 's son, but in that second, he knew that his previous prof had not spoken to her since that day either.

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

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

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

He felt a small grin tugging at the bound of his sass. `` Hedwig is persistent. ``

'' An owl ? ``

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

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

He jolted forward, dropping his head into his hands to cover the painful grimace now crossing his face. `` Funny hearing you say that. '' He groaned as the firstly wave of pain attacked him. `` Because is n't that what your doing ? ``

Through his finger's breadth he saw a scheming expression hybridisation her face. `` Do you want me to get Madam Pomfrey ? ''

'' Why .... '' Picture the wall ... .The bricks ... Their rough in texture stretching infinitely upwards .... `` Why would I need you to get the nursemaid ? '' He asked, barely guising the botheration that was now coming Forth in waves. She needed to leave. She needed to exit now, but not to get the nurse ...

'' Your in pain potter. I 'll be ... ''

Before she could even move his manus had shot out like a lightning bolt of lightning, attaching itself to her wrist. `` Do n't get her ... I 'll be fine. '' He hissed lowly, not keen to attract the attention of the 7th eld still down there.

An unpleasant ace swept through him, the tone of Kaylens'wrist turning barely registered as the shadow room spun. He was no longer fully there as his eyes flickered half shut, half seeing the bulwark Dumbledore had taught him to so carefully concept, half seeing Kaylens kneeling down besides him.

'' The only when way to tone up your wall at this stage, is to learn to mask your emotions .... '' Dumbledore 's words came back to him ...

'' ceramicist ? Potter look at me. '' Kaylens spoke quickly, an unfamiliar edge to her vocalism. He waved her away, feeling her handwriting wrapping around his own. She had to forget ...

Voldemort was prickling at the edges of his visualized wall.

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

Been sssstudying the sullen arts I sssssee. It'ssss about metre you learrrrned ....

He turned his eyes away from his book, leaning away from Kaylens to thrash it shut before Voldemort could determine more.

'' Sodding hell Potter of all the times ... '' Kaylens murmured. He felt her arm sliding beneath his shoulders, a strange prickling trickling through him as he unconsciously leaned closer, allowing his body to sag against her as she hauled him up.

He rose his eyes, finding her own surprisingly close, flickering with that unfamiliar concern. `` Kaylens leave ... '' He muttered, feeling a violent edge forming within his death ordered mentation. He had nearly attacked Ron in a standardised state, under Voldemort 's egging influence ...

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

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

Interesssstinnnng ....

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

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

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

'' leave of absence .... '' He groaned, barely shoving the run-in out. She was dragging him down the mansion house now ...

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

It'ssss good to know they have not messssed up assss badly assss believvvvved ....

Who messed up ! ? ! ? He thought, grasping lucidness, desperate to glean Voldemort 's meaning.

Calling on his last ounces of mental modesty he dug his heels into the ground. He turned, squirming away from the reassuring presence of her sleeve, suddenly finding his own feet untrustworthy.

He was collapsing to the Harlan Fiske Stone floor, the torch lit halls a brilliant fuzz ...

Whooooo ...

Unable to tell the remainder between speechmaking and thinking, his mouth opened to scream his own interrogation into the beat of night ...

Kaylens hand clamped over his lips, and he found himself breathing in her skin, damp with sweat and the waxy essence of the standard candle she had been fidgeting with simple instant before.

'' shucks you Potter be tranquillity ! '' She hissed dangerously.

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

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

He relaxed, leaning against her again, feeling her weapon system stiffen. Of form .... It only made sense .... Voldemort would require to have it off of person as entrance as her, who would n't ? He certainly did, no matter how infuriating she grew he was curious. What harm could a name do ...

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

'' Glad to see you call back formalities. Now please get up, I 'm not strong enough to dredge ... ''

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

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

The feel of Kaylens'hands tugging up on his shoulder joint, the tactile property of her recollective hair brushing against his face as she leaned over him, the dark shadows of the forsake Hogwarts corridor ...

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

His pegleg becoming his own again, he powerfully shove them into the floor on his own accord, scrambling eagerly away, his sudden departure sending her spilling across the frigidness, dirt dusted pit floors.

He rounded on her push down conformation, failing to discover her offend reflection. One persuasion was on his idea. One he had been putting off asking.

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

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

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

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

'' Yes. ``

They stared at one another, both expressions unreadable.

Finally, an timelessness passing them by, she tilted her head to the incline. `` How practically do you recognize ? '' She whispered.

'' Enough to know he was all too happy to learn your gens tonight. '' He knew the event of this, if frightful, would be his to pay. It was not a thought he cherished, and a part of him almost wished for her to profess into the Night her allegiance to the iniquity God Almighty, so he could chance on her John L. H. Down, guilt trip free.

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

This conclusion sentiment was silenced by the way her middle darkened coldly onto him. `` And you were happy to give him that selective information. Were n't you Potter ? ``

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

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

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

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

Once again, before he could kibosh himself, he had her radiocarpal joint in his helping hand, spinning her around to pin her against the rampart. He pressed his body against hers, their faces dangerously close. Her expression remained an unreadable masquerade, bring through for the beads of perspiration glistening upon her forehead in the torchlight.

They stared at one another, each daring the early to speak. Releasing one of her wrists, he moved his hand to rest above her shoulder, cutting off any thought of her escape valve.

'' I said I understood potter. '' Her hint was barely a whisper, and beneath his palm he felt her wrist cooling, the cool October air prickling jackass bumps across her arms.

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

She breathed in deeply, her chest rising to press against his own for the abbreviated of s. `` Care to enlighten me ? ``

He nodded coldly, his moist hair falling to conceal his scar, a disturbing sizzling intelligent drawing Kaylens eyes uncomfortably towards it.

Her challenging conduct vanished, confusion flickering in her eyes. Her free handwriting unconsciously reached upwards, but he stilled her question by aggressively squeezing her articulatio humeri blade.

'' I would n't ... advocate ... doing ... that ... '' He said coldly, ignoring how she bit her lip, her side clearly contorted in pain in the ass. If she could n't get hold of that what in the the pits did she program on doing when Voldemort got to her. He 'd teach her what she was dealing with ...

'' Do you have any idea what your dealing with ? I have a suspicion ... '' He spoke mechanically, as if lecturing a small tike. `` That you do not. So I am going to ask you one ... Thomas More ... prison term. What ... does ... he ... want ... with ... you ? ``

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

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

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

'' Perceptive ... '' He murmured coldly, leaning in trough her breath breezed across his nerve. `` But I never said favorable. You on the other helping hand openly admitted it. ``

'' prevarication ... '' She spat.

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

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

Her expression remained unfaltering for far too long for his tastes.

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

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

She turned her wrist joint in the confines of his loose bag, her shinny brushing against his own. He could fall her reactions, being so close, his center locked onto hers. She was going to run, it was like feeling what she was feeling ... veneration ...

Suddenly he knew what was occurring, why her physical structure was shuddering ever so slightly in front of his own. He stared into her oculus for a moment longer, allowing his look to soften misleadingly.

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

'' Legilimency. '' He whispered.

Her life ... It all flooded his mind in one over powering waving. A whirl of event that were impossible to recognise ... Until one scream filled his judgement with a blinding red hue, bringing it all into stark clarity.
'' Riley ! ''


The whirl of mental image changed, becoming the congruous picture of a blond child, whisker much lite than he knew it would darken to become, was approaching a door, answering it ...

A man smiled toothily down, removing his hat to reveal closely cropped, soil blonde hair's-breadth, bowing slightly. The child smiled upwards, but the look-alike of his smile froze, faltering, as if it had forever been burned into her memory.

And now his ...

The door flew spread out, the man 's pes connecting with it, sending it bulleting inwards, hitting her with it against the face. Blinding pain kept her conscious, for the populace was black be-speckled, and her cry form fell to bring down in the front foyer.

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

A favourable haired man, only slightly honest-to-god than they were now, came sliding into the entrance hall. The girl screamed on the floor, her broken, bloodied nose rendering her warnings incomprehensible.

The blond haired monster dropped a human knee onto the little girl 's back, pinning her to the floor. The ostentation of a buck knife drawn from a casing caught Harry 's eye, and the Pres Young man, who now bore a look of the utmost fury.

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

The gilded haired man was already charging, but the monster had drawn a gun and fired before James Whitcomb Riley could even reach her ...

Riley ... My God, Harry thought ...

Her mistake ... The guilt feelings ... If only she had n't screamed.

The girl was bucking on the floor, screaming, nearly freezing in fear as stock pooled from Riley 's breast injury, his XVIII class old physical structure twitching spasmodically, his mouth gaping, gasping for intimation ...

Yet Riley had crawled, leaving a smear track of crimson death on the linoleum base in his viewing, for he had been unable to let his piddling sister be pillaged ...

His dying breath came, the girl 's heart astray with horror for only her comrade, as the buck knife plunged into young Kaylens', deep into the spinal column of her eight year old shoulder blade.

Hot, fiery pain in the ass intensified, followed by a tingling sensation of the most curious sort ...

He could almost feel what she had ... Her shoulder was tingling, little pin pricks attacking her skin as they would when her human foot would wake up from falling asleep ...

Her hysterical screams only intensified, and Harry watched in horror as the goliath gripped her hair, yanking her headspring back roughly as Harry once himself had done to her, before slamming her case savagely into the linoleum.

'' Were going to bear some fun are n't we footling girl ? Are n't we ! ? ! ? ! Just as soon as you shut your bloody backtalk and severalise me where that sweet petty brother of yours is ... ''

'' Go away ! '' piffling Kaylens was screaming her mettle out.

In Voldemort 's mind he had seen grownup wither in pain and gloaming apart at so often less ...

His heart broke as he watched her small grade continue struggling, screaming, yet the man only pinned her face down to the base harder, dragging the buck knife across her articulatio humeri in a foresightful, brutal line ...

A vortex of colors, and he was gone. shove out not by deception, but by the savage handle someone had taken up on the back of his robes, yanking him away from her. He staggered backwards, disoriented, his arm flailed into the torch bearer ...

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

His blacken skin throbbed, but not so practically as his mind.

Kaylens stood motionless, still pressed against the wall, chalk white, silent tears streaming down her beautiful side. A single slender hand was clutching her berm. The same one he had grabbed roughly. The same one he had seen stabbed viciously ...

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

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

'' Shut it Harry ! ``

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








'' The dying of one man is a catastrophe. The last of millions is a statistic. ''
~ Joseph Stalin ~



Chapter 19 ~ Le Règne d'Enfer Commence


Once his mind awakened, his wits dimmed by the narcotised wine he had willfully taken, it was not the darkness, nor his unfamiliar surroundings, nor even the cloaked image patiently waiting besides him that he noticed.

It was the stale air.

He sniffed.

They were coming ...

Just as he had.

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

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

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

After reading it 's contents, it 's offer of prophylactic haven from the cruel, prejudiced Ministry standing in cruel contrast to the Death Eater 's own detrimental feeling, Dumbledore had asked the one affair of him that he had felt unable to do.

He had asked him to believe joining them.

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

The early werewolves began emerging from the underground corridors surrounding him. Here the paries were lined with bone. Femurs rising up like sadistic mainstay from hell, supporting the long lineage of skulls outlining the insurgent passages. cool water dripped rhythmically from the damp ceiling, wetting his sweating scalp.

There was only one place in the humanity that flaunted such morbidness. recondite beneath the streets of City of Light, over sixty million of a time yearn past lay dead. Their skeleton disassembled, grouped systematically to form walkways, a remnant of a darker time.

Upon drinking the narcotised vino, the Death eater had said he would awaken in the Empire of Death. Only now did he understand what he had meant.

A centre flesh, shaped out of human being skulls, lay set into the bulwark of the Paris catacombs besides him. A standing remnant of the grisly sense of humor, stretching endlessly into the darkness.

This was a prefect place of meeting. populace, isolated, and gothic.

Not to mention how winding the corridors were. It was in question that anyone would be there to see their dealings.

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

Lucius Malfoy stepped Forth River from a shadowed corridor, dropping his hoodlum to reveal Caucasian blond hair.

He inclined his pass. `` Since then I 've realized how my kind is rewarded for near works. '' He replied resolutely.

Lucius gave him an appraising look, before reaching forth a cloaked hand to beckon the others forward. Half a twelve other cloaked build emerged from the vestige, forming a circle around him.

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

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

Voldemort had truly found a way to control their transformations.

wolfman could now roam the humans at will.

'' The gaunt one ... '' Lucius said sneeringly. `` Is a pitiable excuse of a purebred, friend of the Potters .... ''

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

'' Spaaaaaare us the spoken communication wolf. '' Interrupted the one who had brought him there. `` What we need to have it off is if we can trust you. ``

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

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

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

Remus caught it with his shirt arm, uneager to number in touch with the preclude metal.

'' Tsk, tsk. Not too trusting are we blood traitor ? '' Lucius chided.

'' Not really. ``

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

Remus scoffed. `` By choice. ``

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

'' You said you 'd sacrifice me a cause to think of it otherwise. ``

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

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

The dying eater that had brought him there smirked. `` You drank the other meat without question. ''

Remus shrugged. `` Your not about to vote out a potential difference ally before you have metre to try and turn them now are you ? ``

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

'' It keeps me alert. ``

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

Remus eyed him with mistrust. `` Meaning ? ``

'' Meaning that you will gain the power, like well-nigh of us here, to transform at will. The moonshine will no longer hold it 's power over you. ``

He watched Lucius pacing down the damp corridor, rubbing his pale fingers along the harsh bones. `` And ? ``

Lucius halted. `` Once it 's drunk, you will know what the predilection of homo form flavor like. '' His pale eye shone with a homicidal glean. `` They say once you know that, there is no going back. You will crave it forever. Your precious Mudblood lovers will never accept you back once you desire the taste of meat. ``

Remus felt his inside run cold. Now there was a pinch neither Dumbledore nor himself had thought of. It was too complete really. They did n't hope him, and they would move over him something that would spend a penny him crave human pulp so much that he was bound to join their incline, regardless of his intention upon first coming there.

'' I told you. '' Snarled a woman 's voice. She must take in seen his wavering, smelt his fear. `` It was a mistake bringing him here. ``

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

He turned to the unidentified witch, smirking as evilly as possible. `` The only mistake was not seeing what those Ministry cocksucker have kept from me my wholly life sentence. ``

He felt the air thicken with tension.

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

Remus curled his lips back, tilting the flask to his rim, chugging it down. liquidity fire flowed through his veins, energizing him, changing his molecular make up ...

A delicious, tantalizing taste filled his sass, leaking over his glossa, overwhelming his senses so that he nearly lost himself to it.

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

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

He tilted his head back and howled.

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

'' sidekick. ``
* * * * *


The rain hammered down, darkening the tombstone. A pocket-sized girl was crouched besides one, sheltering beneath the comforting xerotes of her star speckled umbrella, her braids flapping lightly in the wind. The resemblance to her mother was striking.

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

Emily Bothan had just asked her mother to come family soon. She missed her bedtime fairy tale. While she told her mother 's slab of stone this, Emily meticulously arranged, then rearranged, the blossom in the bouquet her sire and her had brought.

Mummy only deserved the near.

Emily has said so herself, when she had spent the honorable part of an hr searching the floral boutique, seeking out the stark organisation of sword lily and hydrangeas. Mummies favorites.

Tonks sniffled, allowing the unhorse breeze to inconspicuously dry her eyes.

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

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

'' No Mr. president, if any ... ''

'' Kenneth. Please. '' He implored, his sullen eyes never leaving the small form of his daughter. `` If anyone has earned the right to dispense with formalities it is you. ``

Tonks smiled sadly, not agreeing. The fiasco had been entirely her demerit. Her own incompetence leading to why his untried married woman, his high up school sweetheart, lay beneath his girl 's lowly understructure. `` If anything Kenneth, your daughter saved mine. She has the bravery of one three fourth dimension her age. ``

'' Like her mother. '' He whispered, looking loving upon his footling female child, who was now recanting the events of her week into the grass.

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

Because when she looked at Kenneth, she could narrate he needed his slight missy to stay on just that. She prayed to God that Emily would never show the scratch of what she had gone through.

'' It 's such a shame ... '' Kenneth remarked, gesturing to his daughter, drawing her from her thoughts. `` That it takes something like this to encounter, before wizards will let soul jazz of their world, or of any danger from them. ``

She paused thoughtfully. `` You were a history major. I trust that you are familiar with the Salem witch tryout. ''

President Bothan nodded. `` Yes. ``

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

Kenneth Bothan sighed. `` region of me understands. But it still saddens me. '' His brow wrinkled, pain etched in every course. `` All the mistaking between both our kinds ... Had I only known before hand I would never have let Emily 's company occur. We could give birth remained inside. My kinsfolk would have been better protected. ``

'' They still would deliver found you. '' She spoke truthfully. `` When the monster we spoke of wants to offend person, he will, no subject what the obstacle or cost. ``

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

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

Irises ....

Kenneth tilted his head to the sky, breathing deeply. Sometime in the hereafter, he would aver to Tonks that sometimes, like right then, that he could still smell her dearie flower in the breeze.

observance him now, Tonks was grateful the ordering had granted her and several other member permission to remain with him and his daughter as a rotating guard.

They would be needing it.
* * * * *


Harry hung his head over the butterbeer, not hearing a Logos Luna said. He had tuned her out when she had started talking animatedly about the exceptional variant of the Quibbler that week, the one concerning how Cornelius Fudge 's army of Heliopaths had drowned in a freak pot deluge accident in the department of Mysteries.

The conciliate gong of Vanessa Bell drew his attention to the door of the ternion Broomsticks, just in metre to see Kaylens, Dean, and Neville walk in, their hair windswept from the roughly fall breeze that day.

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

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

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

needle to say, forcibly getting the information he wanted out of her had seemed like a serious approximation at the time.

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

Particularly when he grabbed her again, desperately trying to stop her, to make her understand that he had not been in his right intellect, only to rule out that she had a rather nasty right hook.

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

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

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

His jaw dropped, flabbergasted. `` What ! ? '' Embarrassed by the odd stares they were now receiving from his outcry, he lowered his part. `` Luna I do n't like her. I just finger bad becau ... Wait a minute ? How did you have sex I had something to apologize for ? ''

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

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

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

'' I wonder if their flames go out when they die ? If not then their burial methods would induce to differ from our own, since they would burn right through their coffin ... ''

'' I guess you 'll have to get a clasp of one of their organic structure to notice out. '' He commented cynically.

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

'' Oh no Harry. '' She said very seriously. `` Daddy would never disrespect one of their bodies. Just because their a unlike species does n't mean they should be less entitled to proper bereavement. ''

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

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

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

Luna nodded absentmindedly. `` Harry was just thinking of apologizing to that ... Well what would you bid her whisker color ? '' Luna seemed to mull this for a bit before shaking out her own dirty blonde mane. `` Fourteen karat I suppose. But I think Harry 's having a hard sentence getting up the nervus to talk to her. ``

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

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

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

His capitulum shot back up instantly. Was there anyone who did n't sleep with about that ?

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

Harry fought the itch to kick something.

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

He grunted in response.

Seamus chuckled, brushing his flaxen bangs from his eye. `` Heard Kaylens decked yaaaRH ! ``

Seamus'yell of pain was preceded by a loud THUNK from beneath the tabular array, and a trounce look from Ginny.

His Irish housemate was rubbing his shinbone rigorously. `` Sorry ... Could n't hold out ya have sex ? Dean and I have had this running point arrangement between you twooOW ! testament you stop that Ginny ! ? ``

Harry shot her a thankful look, to which she inclined her smirking point.

By this point Luna 's ever-present dreamy feel had once again vanished, for she was clutching her stomach with laughter, pounding a fist on the tabular array, making quite a scene as she ceased to restrain her laughter.

'' So beaming my life 's entertained everyone this week ... '' He muttered hollowly.

He spent the quietus of the conversation sneaking surreptitious looks across the relatively empty pub at Kaylens. Dean and Neville seemed to be debating something, and he thought he caught the language 'bloody thesteral'more than once, while Kaylens stirred her butterbeer, sipping it through a straw like Luna, looking for all the world as if she were not listening to a unity intelligence her companions were saying.

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

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

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

She linked subdivision with Finnigan, and a fond belief billowed up inside him at her reassuring words. She was right, maybe not right now, but when this was all over things would be okay.

He watched her wink over her shoulder before sauntering out into the blistering wind, her red whisker swirling around like a wild tornado.

He smiled stupidly.

He had a little sister .... Regardless of what Ron currently thought.

The thought was comforting, and he hailed brothel keeper Rosmereta 's new waitress, a small, happy looking brunet, over.

There was nothing he could or would do about Ron and Hermione. At least not right now.

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

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


Drip.

A bingle droplet, clinging to the earthen roof of the catacomb, broke free.

'' It 's fourth dimension. ''

Plunk.

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

'' Dig in Wolf boy. You 're going to postulate your strength for this. '' Nott chided.

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

He let her name disappearance, giving in to the resistless craving he had been fighting since dayspring. Ever since he had drank that cursed potion ...

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

Only now he was using them to tear the proffer figure, instead of just practicing his transformations, hoping Dumbledore could concoct a remedy for this outrageous craving he would now dispense with.

His eyes rolled black, the enjoyable taste consuming him

For a moment, the only matter that mattered was the inwardness in hired man. The thinking of protecting the inexperienced person later on, forgotten.

Drip.

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


Kally sighed exhaustedly, wishing for the purdah of her dormitory. At least there she could kick back and shout out, venting without the prying heart of others following her every relocation, as potter seemed to be doing from his seat in the faint fundament of the pub.

ceramicist was not person she wanted to recollect about right now though.

She relaxed, allowing her elbows to prop herself up. She cast a glance resolutely down the bar 's counter, stirring her chaff around in her void, bear-sized, mug. It was a nervous habit she had picked up as a child, when she used to twist them into random configurations. It had always been her brother 's biggest pet peeve.

'' Ca n't deal you anywhere .... '' Sean smirked, tousling her hair.

She swatted him away, glad to block him in nominal head of his friends.

A sharp nudge caused her cubital joint to err, freeing her from that line of thinking. She cast an peeved look at her housemate, ignoring the shooting pain the sudden jarring had sent up her left arm.

'' The physical cicatrix, the nerve terms ... They are the to the lowest degree of your tike 's concerns Mr. And Mrs Kaylens ... ''

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

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

'' You look like your off in your own minuscule world there Kaylens. I did n't drop back you forcibly out of the castle for nix today, so being a mute will just not do. '' James Byron Dean said cockily.

If possible, doyen 's grinning had grown even more hunched with his words.

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

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

Seeing him looking at her expectantly, she shrugged, knowing full well he was about to start prodding Neville. Dean was someone who seemed to think that it was his personal mission to make everyone around him laugh, and her stony silence was probably pushing him to the threshold of insanity.

'' Well count at this Nev. '' He commented predictably, nudging Neville so hard that the piteous boy almost fell from his stool. `` We 've got ourselves a deaf-mute. I guess that means she ca n't back public lecture now can sh ... ''

'' Do n't even try it Thomas. '' She shot out, feeling the corners of her backtalk tugging up at his persistence. Not only had he been clamant about her needing to visit, but he had adamantly refused to give the castle for this 'so-called'day of freedom in Hogsmeade, without her.

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

In the end, she had gotten disgusted of doyen 's persistence and given in.

The rejoinder vibrated as the 3 broom handle'waitress magicked three butterbeers to them with a loud clump. The liquid frothed a bit around the edges.

contracting their questioning looks the youthful hag flashed a dazzling, dimpled smile. `` Courtesy of the gentlemen in the back. ''

She eyed the new butterbeer with a profound sentience of distrustfulness, before exchanging glimpse with Neville and Dean. She spun around on the bar toilet, catching tidy sum of the entirely patrons still in the book binding of the pub.

No sodding way in hell did he send us this .... She thought with no small amount of anger.

After what he had done, any gesture of this sorting was insulting.

She snatched up the butterbeer roughly, storming away from the galvanise Gryffindors towards potter.

Best to get this over with ...

She came to an abrupt halt in nominal head of him, slamming the mug down so hard that the liquid sloshed over the slope, joining the already pooling puddle on his table.

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

The girl with him smiled dazedly, humming some unrecognisable melodic line, and Kally suppressed the itch to stare her down. But the most infuriating affair was potter himself.

He looked rather pleased, though she could not derive why, since she was within half an inch of using the only hex she was subject of on him.

'' purchasing you a drink. '' He replied steadily, wiping at the mess she had made with a surplus napkin.

'' Oh ? '' She quipped sarcastically. `` And why 's that ? So you could lace it with truth serum and interrogate me in that swart pub down the street ? I must accept Potter, if that's the type you 're losing your touch. ''

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

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

'' SLAM ! ``

Kally jumped ever so slightly, ignoring Potter 's amuse expression. She turned an eye on the blonde, who had just slammed her hands down on the tabular array top like an excited four year old. The girl 's protrubent bluish eyes were now so panoptic they looked ready to pop out of her skull.

'' Harry you would n't listen if I excused myself would you ? '' She said excitedly. `` All this tenseness could pull an Ira, and I want to be in the advantageously spot to see one. ``

Without waiting for an solvent the girl stood, not noticing their monovular expressions of bewilderment, and began shoving spare straws into her basswood green purse, speaking in a far off voice.

'' You can only see one in your peripheral device imagination you know. It 's why pappa has n't gotten a unspoiled picture of one yet, but I 'd so love to see one ... ''

The girl marched off to the other face of the pub, turned to present the wall, and stared blankly at it. Kally caught a few glimpses of pale blue eyes flickering their way, and each time this would happen the blonde missy would grunt unhappily, stamp her ft, and summarize staring at the wooden sidetrack as if frustrated.

What the hell was that abo ...

'' Look Kaylens ... ''

His intrusion brought her back to the situation at hand, and she narrowed her eyes shrewdly. `` Ah your renowned telephone line. '' She whispered harshly. `` So which personality do I get today Potter ? Because really, this split personality thing is getting to be a bit of a concern. ``

Potter 's eyes rose, meeting her own in a way she had thought the coward incapable of, and for a 2nd his delight look faltered. He blinked oddly, drawing in a late, hearable breathing space. `` Kaylens ... '' He said quietly. `` I tried to justify for that once already, and it 's a bit arduous to explain, but I was n't exactly myself when I did tha ... ''

Her centre widened considerably. `` Did it ever occur to you, in that thick skull of yours, that I might not ease up a darn whether you apologized or not ? ``

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

confidence him to wreak that up, she thought angrily, quick to push back the uprising of ignominy within herself.

She swallowed hard. `` sword lily to see your not quite that oblivious Potter. '' She muttered, forcing her voice icy. `` I would opine by now that any fabricated apologia would be a mute spot. ``

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

He spoke so seriously, too seriously for someone their age. `` And I did n't even get the chance to apologize for the former night ... '' He continued, his Robert Adam 's Malus pumila rising rhythmically. `` Since I did n't fancy getting decked again, I figured sending you a boozing was the dear apologia I could come up with on light notice. At to the lowest degree the best one that could keep me a safe distance away, while getting you to fall over here. ''

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

He began to shake his head in the negative but she cut him off, the total weighting of his insulting, woefully inadequate gesture sinking in.

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

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

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


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

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

Instead his eye fell upon her delicate left paw, hanging limply at her side.

It was shaking.

Inside he felt a horrible, twisting sensation, recalling precisely why her hired man shook thus. How could he let failed to notice before ?

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

His mouth flapped wordlessly, his Son never reaching her spike, for Madame Rosmerta 's alarmed cry stole the words from his lips.

'' Lara what are yo.. '' Rosmerta questioned shrilly. Her eyes were fixated in disarray upon the young waitress, the friendly one from whom he had ordered deglutition earlier.

The Saame dimpled lady friend now had her wand drawn, a blank grammatical construction drawn upon her lineament, striking a horrifying similarity to a porcelain doll.

'' Stupefy ! '' She hissed mechanically.

As if in slow up motion, Rosmerta fell, her limp frame disappearing behind the bar 's wooden counter. The chalk she had been cleaning took flight, hovering in mid-air for a small infinity, before breaking free of it 's unearthly suspension, shattering across the counter.

For the starting time time in it 's history, the leash broom handle fell silent. Only the howling of the October tip, leaking in through the Windows, proved to him that he had not fallen into some horrific silent cinema.

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

Ginny Weasley, floated slowly in, Professor Très following closely, their movements oddly halting.

Hours seemed to bear passed, but the clock registered mere seconds.

visual perception Ginny 's wand haltingly climb, her movements faltering, as if some invisible force were yanking her arm forcibly up against her will, was what finally broke him resign of his slow move daydreaming.

His stock ran common cold at her dummy expression.

'' EVERYBODY John L. H. Down ! '' He shouted, overturning the board. liquid state splattered, and their empty clay gull had not even struck solid ground before the first special K execration flew from Ginny 's wand.

His own already drawn, he screamed a stunner, watching the killing condemnation miss Ron 's appall face by inches.

Ginny English stepped easily, and Professor Très turned an eerie eye upon him.

'' Kaylens move ! '' He hollered, but she did not need telling twice. She was already dropping down, covering her drumhead as a mickle of wooden sherd whizzed by, an onslaught from the now smoldering chair before her.

A stunner grazed his ear, and his body jerked instinctively away from the heating plant, and in that single second he lost stack of her.

Somewhere in the dim desktop of his mind the screams of the former patron began to register.

Less than a understructure away from where he stood, a cosmetic pumpkin exploded, a poorly aimed knockout searing right through it, striking the wall. Stringy orange pulp and seeds erupted, hurtling outwards, covering the trading floor and himself with slippery Orange clumps.

A red light flew from Très'baton, and he dove to the priming coat, sheltering behind the table as the curse blasted through it. The screams of other students could be heard, pleading with the defence Professor.

Très could not pick up their pleas, with his ear duration hair flung over his eyes, his arm jerkily fired blindly at pupil, supporter, people ...

Grabbing the side of the overturned, turn table, Harry heaved it to the face, rolling it with all his strength, scrambling behind it like a rat until it hunkered to a stoppage. Unable to go any farther, for an unconscious dead body now blocked it 's progress, he found the entrance to the bar in sight.

It ran the length of the pub, and Ginny and Très'backbone were now to it. If he could just get behind it he 'd throw safe binding until he was right on them ...

He dove for it, leaving the cover charge of his tabular array behind, rolling across broken chair peg and spyglass until he came to a crouch behind it.

The waitress was hiding behind it as well, firing curses over the counter.

'' Stupefy ! '' He whispered, letting the red Christ Within fly.

Her organic structure went careening to the slope, her wand flung from her grasp as she passed out future to Rosmerta 's limp form.

He scampered down the duration of it, snatching both their wands up, passing wine-coloured feeding bottle, pick mugful, and memory board expanse as he went.

Reaching the end near the subtlety covered windows, he hastily pocketed the wands in his trouser, leaping to his infantry, the disarming trance partially formed on his lips.

His dustup died there.

The jet of green light erupted from Ginny 's wand like a volcano of death, less than an arm 's length from where he stood.

Across the room Ron leapt to his feet, abandoning the temporary worker tax shelter of a revolutionize bench to daunt to where Hermione and Luna fought unaided.

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

The fleeceable light hit Ron mid-stride, flinging his eubstance backwards against the wall.

Hermione 's brown eyes widened, her rima oris caught in a strangled, dumb wail, and Luna only just pulled her to the ground before the next green spell whizzed by.

clock time froze.

All was still.

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

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

Before the disarming spell could lead his lips, a hard fist collided with his skull, sending the world blurring until it 's hellish glory faded to blacken.
* * * * *


The strait of small foundation, pattering in the rain, accompanied Emily 's return. The sound of her quiet humming lingered like a breathing place of fresh air upon Tonks'capitulum.

The modest fry stepped out onto the pebbled itinerary, quickly shutting her tiny umbrella before scurrying to cower beneath Tonks'.

Tonks smiled uncertainly as Emily 's tiny hand interlaced with her own. Why Emily was choosing the solace of her, a unknown, over that of her Fatherhood was puzzling to her. Kenneth would later on smile, informing her that she had a lot to read about how children think.

But for now, Kenneth gave her a small, pained smile, before setting off across the boggy cemetery grass.

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

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

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

As Tonks inwardly wondered what one should say to a child who has just lost her mother, Emily spoke.

'' Your ally are in problem Nymph. ``



Le Règne d'Enfer Commence is French for The Reign of Hell Menachem Begin

Recommended news report of the Week :

Never Tickle a dormancy Dragon by Duke of Windsor Ollivander ( He has a fabulous and creative 6th year fan fable featuring a HP/GW pairing, and it is completed. )

Dark disposition by Two Sadists ( They have a 7th year fan fiction featuring a HP/OC pairing. )

Photograph couresty of the previously mentioned populace area website. Accreditations can be found via my personal website.






disclaimer : All characters, places, and ideas taken from the Harry Potter book series are property of JKR. However, the theme of a reach is owned by me, since I have taken the melodic theme of a Reach from a series that I am writing, and adapted it ever so slightly to fit this fan-fiction series.






'' Some believe that the benefit of decease, is that it is possible to see farther on the other slope. ``
~ A.K. Sir Bernard Lovell ~



Chapter 20 ~ Nowhere to Run


'' Tonksie are you okay ? ''

Emily 's sweet voice carried upon the wind, nearly drowned out by the sound of rainwater pounding upon the umbrella.

She could only judder her head, shaken as a cool breeze swirled around them. Thankfully such niceness of verbalism were lost upon the nipper, who 's head was tilted back, her mouth blanket unresolved, catching rain drops.

'' The waaaateeer 's driiiippiiiing on meeee. '' Emily gurgled gaily.

Tonks shivered, straightening out the umbrella she had unknowingly allowed to tilt. It had hung so low that a sudden cascade of water had fallen down like Victoria crepuscule onto young Emily 's head.

'' Sorry Em ... '' She gasped out, her voice wavering.

'' It 's hunky-dory I like the rain. '' Emily declared, darting out from beneath the umbrella, stomping her ft merrily in the aggregation puddles. `` I like puddles too ! ``

Tonks blinked in surprise. The child 's female parent had been drowned in one barely a fortnight ago.

'' Your friends are in trouble Nymph. ``

Emily 's sopping wet twist swung about her face, her arms held out as she spun in roofy, her head tilted skyward catching the rain.

'' Tonksie come play ! ``

Tonksie ... Only Remus called her Nymph.

'' My God ... '' She whispered, her body temperature dropping in a way that had nothing to do with the wind.

Over Emily 's twirling figure she could see Kenneth Bothan kneeling in the marshy cemetery pot. His wife 's grave lay before him, the carefully placed iris diaphragm scattering in the hard wind.

'' Kenneth ! We have to go away here now ! ``
* * * * *


Remus'ovular eyes opened upon the unfit of sights.

Hogsmeade ...

It 's vacuous locale lay before him, abruptly leaves billowing across the dusty footpath leading through the heart of the village.

Not a soul was in sight.

ghostwriter town ...

It was here Nott and the others had spoken of. It was here the recruiting had been done. It was here where the Death eater would make their first stand. Here in the Village, so close to the school ...

Too close.

It was a Hogsmeade weekend.

'' Merlin ... '' He whispered, staggering, the October breeze biting chilly lines across his pelt.

wolfman had no use for clothing.

Roughly, an undress forearm scratched across his chin. Flecks of dried blood flaked away, sprinkling the background with a sinister looking dust. It 's unwholesomeness was a austere reminder of his recently fulfilled thirst.

'' Surprised half-breed ? ``

Instinctually, angrily, his pincer extended, breaking his skin with a fiery pain. He did not answer Nott, instead he growled lowly, extending his ears into long points.

The tomentum sprouting, prickling his orient capitulum, brought the deathly quiet village to biography. Farther off ... In the heart of town .... Pleas ... .. crack of salvation in substitution for allegiances ... ..

'' That fool of an old man will never bonk what hit him. '' Nott 's guttural consonant vocalization was flooded deep with hate. `` Well be here and gone before he even gets out his walker. ``

Not if I can help it ...

Lucius'indecipherable growling cut in, breaking through his wild opinion, arousing something far darker ...

It was time to change.

An unnatural heating filled his veins.

Upon the primer where Remus Lupin had been, now stood a loup-garou, the pungent scent of freshly spilled blood inundating it 's senses.

The wolf pawed the ground eagerly.
* * * * *


His trunk, felt like it was being drug across glass. It ached, splintering as individual shard sliced his skin.

sherd .... shard ... He tried to grasp onto the word to no avail. It 's elusive signification fled from his pounding skull.

The tight grip on his ankle joint disappeared, and his groundwork dropped unceremoniously to the trading floor. A instant later the sound reflection in the story plug-in indicated another eubstance being dumped besides him.

Ron ...

With a jerk he was awake, the salty tear of anguish tainting his lips.

It could n't be real. It could n't have happened. Not again ...

He turned his brain in a vain search, struggling to make sense of the smudge earthly concern before him. A wink of the palest of yellows caught his eye.

Drifting in and out of nidus was Luna Lovegood, sitting hybrid legged, her wrists tightly bound within her lap, dreamy blue eyes fixated upon him concernedly.

'' Why hello Harry. '' She said congenially.

Just thinking sent a sharp pounding through his skull, and he quickly discovered his arms to be bound behind his spine.

With a frustrated clunk he hit his hands against the floor, a stabbing pain ripping his fist.

He did not ask Luna 's proclamation to sleep with that a shard of glass now stuck from his bridge player. The warmth welling from it, trickling down his fingertips, was enough to inform him.

A single deep red free fall fell dislodge, it 's vocalize reverberating through his holler chest.

Drip.

The suffocating weight of desperation struck him hard, paralyzing him.

Drip.

Ron was gone.

Drip.

Ginny 's unwilling hands had done the unthinkable.

Drip.

destruction Eaters were in Hogsmeade.

Drip.

A gag sob shattered the silence.

Drip.

His fists snapped shut, tugging at the bindings. His eyes, blurred with passion, searched the finished pub, taking it in with frigidness calculation.

Drip.

The floor now resembled a greenhouse, a shatter plant holder had sent dirt strewing across it.

Drip.

Butter beer and early confection pooled together in foamy puddles, broken chairs and overturned tables creating wild paths.

Drip.

Broken glass glittered in the afternoon sunlight, casting surreal spectrums across the floor.

Drip.

He squeezed his fist, the blood flowing down, and began counting.

Drip.

In the spaces where neither glass nor soil lay, patrons did.

Drip.

Half a dozen, either unconscious or all in, lay upon the flooring at scattered intervals.

Drip.

The rest, the conscious, had been bound and lined up against the walls.

Drip.

'' Stupid crying Mudblood ! ``

Hermione ...

She lay collapsed against the far wall, her arms bound like his own.

Drip.

Before her towered a ranting figure clad in dim, and clenched within the cruel confines of the Death Eater 's fist trailed prospicient curl of bushy hair.

A vauntingly bruise ran the distance of her tear stained cheek.

'' I should accept finished the job when I had the chance you filth. '' Scowled the Death Eater, throwing back his hood.

His breath caught in his throat.

Dolohov.

The image of Hermione 's limp form in the Department of Mysteries flashed through his judgement. She had nearly died at Dolohov 's hands ...

'' What do you reckon here Ludovic ? Should I end her off ? '' The Death eater called out, kneeling in front of her. `` Or what about you Mudblood ? Care to fall in your worthless red-headed friend over there ? '' Dolohov chided, poking her like a slug with the end of his wand.

Hermione 's sparkling eyes met Dolohov 's unflinchingly, her lips curling back to spit in his face.

He recoiled, a look of the purest revulsion over-sweeping his diminished feature article. `` Oh you filthy ... '' He muttered, frantically wiping his fount in the folds of his cloak.

'' Hey Antonin ! '' An overly cheery vocalisation called out, stopping Dolohov 's hired hand mid-strike. `` Since were only supposed to watch out the kiddies until He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gets back, what do you think of ... ''

Dolohov whorled on the draped figure, who had just emerged from behind the bar, waving a salvaged firewhiskey bottle.

'' Ludovic he is our Lord and shall be addressed as such ! '' Dolohov roared dangerously. `` One more slip and I 'll spend a penny sure the Mudblood lover is n't the only corpse in here ! ''

Ludovic appeared unconcerned, and began filling two whiskey glasses. `` Antonin what you need is a good, unshakable drinking. ''

Dolohov scowled, quickly aiming a powerful kick to Hermione 's midsection. The crack cocaine of her ribs echoed between the pub 's walls, as did Harry and Neville 's rallying cry of protest.

'' Now Antonin was that really necessary ? '' Ludovic asked nervously.

Dolohov turned, his wand raised threateningly. `` One. to a greater extent. Word. Ludovic. Just. One. ``

Ludovic raised his script in a compromising manner, knocking his hood from his face in the outgrowth.

'' Now Dolohov she 's just a young lady. All I was saying is tha .... '' But the relief of his Logos were lost upon Harry, for beneath the bench vise of the moody strong-armer was the boyish face of Ludo Bagman.
* * * * *


Kenneth Bothan 's head shot up, while Tonks ran forward, wrapping a protective arm around Emily. The fallen umbrella lay forgotten, spinning in concentrical R-2 upon the pebbled dry land, a toy of the billowing wind.

'' Kenneth we should leave ! '' She cried, hoisting Emily into her weaponry.

Her barely concealed urgency rang true within the United States President 's pinna, for he was already sprinting back to where they stood.

He was a man who understood the man 's dangers.

Emily squirmed, her auburn head following her father 's progress towards them. `` Daddy, your knees are all muddy. '' She scolded seriously.

Kenneth smiled grimly, his jaw set. `` I can take her. ''

Tonks nodded, relinquishing the girl to back away her sceptre. The ever-increasing thrill was closing in. It would n't be long ...

'' What 's going on ? '' Kenneth asked urgently.

'' No time to excuse. '' She responded, taking off down the track. She could try Kenneth 's heavy footfalls behind her, splashing in the muddied water.

They rounded the bend in the tract, the heavy woodlet of tree falling away to reveal the gloomy lot. The car, their escape, was in wad, yet expectant despair drenched her soul.

Nymphadora 's feet slid in the gravely mud, and she came to a halt, throwing out an arm out to break what was left of the Bothan family.

It was redress then that little Emily Bothan began to wail.

Kenneth 's obscure eyes quickly blinked away H2O. `` Tonks what 's thi ... ''

'' Daddy we need to run. Please daddy run. '' Emily was pleading hysterically, her face buried into Kenneth 's shoulder.

Staring ahead at the looming bod, Tonks could only shake off her head.

'' I do n't call up we have time to run. ``
* * * * *


'' YOU ! ''

Ludo Bagman 's blue heart turned on him, a please smile replacing his previously perplexed one. `` Ah ... Harry boy. I was wondering when you 'd add up around. ``

Dolohov scoffed. `` Precious Potter indeed. evidence me Potter, how was your wittle nappy ? ``

'' So tell me Harry, '' Ludo interjected, seeming determined to steer the conversation his way. `` How have things been ? ''

'' Yes wittle Potter. How feature thing been without that mangy old dog of yours ? ``

'' Antonin .... '' Ludo sounded distinctly uncomfortable.

In the removed background he could find out Neville 's back up stuttering.

'' H-how have they been ? '' Harry repeated, dumbfounded. How have they been ! ?

'' Not too well Mr. Bagman. '' Luna 's brumous voice drifted out, answering for him as he gaped like a Pisces. `` Harry 's been having a rough year, as you can see. ``

A pitiless snort came from Dolhov 's direction.

'' He lost his godfather, and with people such as yourself switching sides and betraying him, I trust you can see why. '' Luna continued casually.

commercial traveller was suddenly refilling his potable.

'' After all, Harry does n't want anyone else to die, and when the great unwashed he trusts start killing people ... ''

Bagman 's shabu stopped halfway to his brim, centre widening defensively. It was a moment before his calmness returned.

'' Now I 've never actually killed anyone per say missy .... ''

'' Lovegood. '' She supplied.

'' Lovegood. '' He continued. `` It 's just that .... ''

A strange calm had overtaken him, the svelte shaking of his own hands lost upon him. `` It 's just that your content with allowing others to do it for you. '' He said disdainfully. `` Your substance with being a coward, with siding with what is easy rather than what is right hand. ``

bagman eyed him apprehensively, swallowing hard. `` Now Harry, you know how the Ministry is. '' He began imploringly. `` They never support anyone but themselves ... ''

'' At least they do n't vote out anyone ! '' Harry bellowed, arms shaking with conquer fury.

'' But Harry j-just think about this for a s-second. He-Who-Must-Not ... I mean my master .... '' He quickly corrected himself, spying the malevolent look of Dolohov. `` He just desires the Ministry 's downfall. So long as masses stay out of his way no one will get hurt. Now I ask you Harry, my boy, is that really so bad ? ``

'' Replacing one despotism with another. Sounds logical to me. '' He retorted sarcastically.

Besides him Luna nodded approval, her finger's breadth drumming against her book binding to some unrecognizable tune.

'' When you disappeared my grams was worried about you ! Y-you ... Your .... '' Across the way Neville Longbottom 's voice rang out, surprising everyone.

Harry caught a glimpse of Neville 's uncharacteristically contorted face.

It was frightening.

'' Your no ameliorate than Bellatrix you slime ! ''

The poignant accusal hung thickly in the air, no one speech production. travelling salesman had become very interested in his drinkable, shifting uncomfortably under the angry heart of all save for Dolohov.

For someone to change by reversal their rachis, on even the Ministry, in favor of Voldemort ...

It was unforgivable.

Drip.

He had nearly forgotten how his own hands bled, the light headed feeling out of place for the situation. Fortunately the free catamenia of cherry life was slowing, his coagulation constituent finally kicking in.

Harry shook his top dog, ignoring the flimsy twisting of the world. `` You were acquitted once commercial traveller. '' He hissed, middle scanning the room for a way out. `` So differentiate me, were you a spineless Coward back then too, or just stupid ? ``

Bagamn cringed. `` Harry I was never a Death Eater ! ''

'' But you are now. '' His voice quivered. `` So tell me, why 'd you do it ? ''

Dolohov 's smug saying betrayed even his interest in the response, and Harry was not about to let the decease Eaters distraction go to waste.

Keep them talking ... restrain them distracted ...

His paw began roaming across the floor behind him, feeling for another knifelike paring of glass.

'' Well you know Harry, goblins, they 're nasty business. '' Ludo said, fidgeting. `` You know how they are if they 're after ya and ... ''

Harry did his dear to glare, feigning interest group as Ludo 's supercilium creased curiously.

'' seminal fluid to think of it you probably do n't Harry. But it 's not fun business, goblin debt accumulator that is. And since the Ministry was n't about to increase my salary these boys said they 'd be glad to assist me out of my jam ... ''

'' That you got yourself into ! '' Neville shouted furiously from across the room.

Bagman eyed Neville warily. `` I can see where you 'd cerebrate that but ... ''

'' BUT WHAT ! ? '' Neville roared.

Luna inconspicuously sent a broken bottleful piece sliding his way, his finger coiling around it like a snitch.

'' But these destruction Eaters, they 're not so bad. ``

Harry very nearly dropped the fragment, his eyes bulging out.

'' Not so bad ? '' He repeated gruffly.

traveling salesman nodded vigorously. `` No ! Not at all Harry ! In fact their rather ... ''

'' Tell that ... '' He hissed lowly. `` To my mum and dad. severalise that to Sirius. differentiate that to Ron ! ''

An odd expression crossed traveling salesman 's case. `` Now Harry really .... ''

Harry 's lips parted, accusation dripping as thick as the blood line from his coiled fists, only the sound never came.

The balmy auditory sensation, and flicker of cause upon the floor, drew the intimation straight from his lips.

'' Kaylens ... '' He breathed softly. He had nearly forgotten ...

'' Ah another one to unite the ruffle ? '' Dolohov called cheerfully, sauntering over to where she lay, partially concealed by an overturned table.

The Death Eater reached her, roughly dragging her squirming form up.

'' Ca n't leave you free to roam around now can we ? '' He hissed, drawing unnaturally close to her.

Harry 's abdomen lurched wretchedly as Dolohov 's sass grazed her rip stained cheek.

'' After all, ardent snappishness like you ... ''

'' Get. Your paw. Off. Her. '' Harry spat dangerously, drawing Dolohov 's attending to him. Anything to get him away from her ... She looked fix to fall in ...

The Death Eater regarded him coldly. `` Or you 'll do what exactly ? ``

'' You do n't want to know. '' He hissed lowly, ceasing the sawing movement upon his cover. He could n't afford to let Dolohov see ....

'' Oh but I do ! '' He said menacingly, a cruel grinning lighting his dead eyes. `` I 'd very much like to know what Precious Potter thinks he could do to me. ``

His eyes narrowed, a cruel grin of his own crossing his characteristic.

'' I could show you why Voldemort is so afraid of me. '' He whispered threateningly.

The cords winding around Kaylens'wrist joint snapped crocked, Dolohov 's tense traction betraying his agitation.

Harry went on, the room swaying unnaturally as he spoke with malicious measure. `` Or you could do yourself a party favour Dolohov, and leave. Leave before you make me really wild. ''

Dolohov shifted uncomfortably, mirroring travelling salesman 's crusade. He took the opportunity to slowly slash at his bindings yet again.

The glass, slick with his own rake, nearly fell from his grip. Thankfully the error was lost upon the Death Eater, for Dolohov had chosen that import to sour Kaylens around, hissing something into her dishevel tress furiously.

His radiocarpal joint rundle with the pain, brought about by another gaffe of the chalk, as Kaylens body was tossed besides him.

His sawing movements halted, his eyes drawn to where she lay, panting faintly besides him.

'' There ... `` Dolohov sneered. `` Enjoy your mudblood friends precious thrower. Once our lord gets here we 'll see how brave you really are. ``

He swallowed hard, watching Kaylens'eyes flicker open. He wanted to say something, anything ...

He had failed her ...

Hermione 's soul wrenching spirit brought a face of fear to both their feature article.

'' Brave ? '' Hermione 's weak voice chided from where she sat, propped against the wall. `` You ask him about braveness ? He 's xvi, not even a fully qualified adept, yet you fear him so much as to disarm him and bind him. ''

She spat all of this into Dolohov 's approaching face, just before his deal reared back, slapping her roughly to the floor.

She let out not a cry, peering upwards through her nail down, swelling middle, just in time to see a dark bang rearing back.

'' Hey Dolohov ! ``

Dolohov 's foot froze mid-kick, hate-filled eyes flying towards Neville 's pudgy case.

'' You do n't need to do that. ''

Dolohov 's thick brow disappeared beneath his mangy pilus. `` You presume to parliamentary law me around boy ? ''

Neville shrugged casually. `` You can foul yourself if you want. '' He sounded uncharacteristically Slytherin. `` I did n't earn dirty parentage suited a Death eater. ``

Dolohov laughed roughly, buying Harry more time.

Neville you 're a holy man ...

A beading of salty sweat broke liberal from his frontal bone, rolling into his sassing. Setting his jaw he worked, the glass fragment digging into his thickset bindings.

Snap.

The shard slid so low, so fast, he nearly cut too deep, the intimation of pain catching fasting in his throat.

The binding were looser.

Twisting his hands testingly, he found with the initiative fiber 's severance had come a greater cooking stove of movement.

eyes locked onto Dolohov 's fist, slamming into Neville 's jaw, he twisted his carpus, ignoring the burning sentiency of dehydrated combat injury ripping subject. Warm, thick aliveness rakehell welled from these spots, his scabbed over digit feeling in his cloak ...

They had taken his wand, but Rosmereta 's ... The waitress'...

Polished mahogany brushed beneath his roughly skin, Kaylens'luminous eyes meeting his own, inclusion shining within their fiery profoundness ...

He could reach the keep apart wands.

He was armed.
* * * * *


'' pumpkin vine ... Honey mummy needs you to do mummy a favor. Can you do that honey ? ``

She whimpered, her font buried in her father 's rain soaked courting. She wanted to look away, but she could n't. The common cold touch was there. She could hear her mum, she wanted to see her, to hug her, but she was too scared to search away from the safe of her beginner 's arms.

'' Do you overlook your mum fiddling daughter ? Would you care to see her ? ``

Emily squeezed her eyes harder, willing the vocalization away. `` It 's not mummy ... '' She whispered. `` I ca n't see mummy ... ''

Ah, ah, ah, ah ... niggling darling your mummy is meddlesome now. Ca n't you see that ? ``

She shook her head frantically, squeezing her dad 's neck. `` No ... No .... ''

'' Open your eyes you picayune gripe ! ``

The cruel lady 's dark oculus danced in her mind. She did n't desire to see the Lady again. She did n't desire to.

'' pappa ... '' She whimpered frightfully.

'' No not daddy. ma ! You wanted to see her trivial little terror, so here, look ! ''

papa would afford his oculus ... He would. He was n't afraid of anything. Maybe if she opened her eyes the Lady would go away again.

Emily swallowed, counting grueling to ten.

'' Please mum ... ''

Emily 's watery oculus opened, a dark suit pelage staring back.

Mummy needed up. She needed air. The imply man was there again, shoving her face into the puddle. Her mummy did n't wish water.

Emily cried out, screeching, shaking her head teacher back and Forth, throwing the images away. She wanted them to go. Her damp, rain-soaked braid flung into her forefather 's face as she shook, but she did not notice.

'' Kenneth take Emily and go. ``

'' Tonks what 's ... ''

'' You ca n't see them Kenneth, but they 're there. ``

'' No ... '' Her own whine rang in her pinna, her icy hands shaking her mum. Whey was n't mummy waking ? She had to ... `` No ... ''

'' Tonksie ! '' Had she shouted ? Could the courteous ma'am hear her ?

'' Kenneth get to the car. Drive away. ``

'' Tonks I ca n't leave ... ''

'' I 'll be fine. Just go. NOW ! ``

Emily 's reeling Earth reeled more than, for her founder had taken off at fast sprint, splashing pee over her legs.

In the dim backdrop, somewhere beyond her mother 's screams, she could hear the nice peeress shouting something.

Her populace dimmed away as a silvery dog ran past.

mummy always liked dogs ...
* * * * *


Releasing the wand for what he promised would be lonesome present moment, he continued sawing at his bindings, slowly, rhythmically, trying to gain preciously centimeters of mobility ...

He was armed, and the realisation had numbed him, his next move horribly elusive.

With the rhythmical sawing of the shard, his mind fell curiously blank for the first time in what felt millennia.

His gaze fell upon her as she moved, shoving herself up from where she lay on the base, arms shaking fiercely, be it from shock absorber or the pain he knew she daily bore, he did not know.

'' Kaylens. '' He whispered softly, grasping for something, anything familiar in the horror that was his life.

She fell into spot besides him, so close, her bloodied sleeve nearly brushing against his skin. She was blocking Dolohov 's thought of what he was doing, he knew it without even asking, for her heart swept the way as those of the hunted would.

She was being as cautious as him, despite the rebuff sway to her stature.

Snap.

Another thread of the rope broke free, it 's release masked by her sudden, purposeful coughing.

Her head fell forward, her coughs lingering long enough to seem literal, and her golden, sweep curl came cascading down, falling over her eyes, veiling her manifestation from all but him. To his center each shimmering strand, glinting in the dull afternoon glow, as well as her watery eyeball, remained visible, as well as her limit wrists, gabardine and charge from where she had frantically pulled, struggling for release in Dolohov 's arms.

The bastard would never again lay a finger upon her.

He would never again lay a finger upon anyone.

Harry Potter had a few dark spells he was quite eager to try out.

Snap.

'' How much longer do you think it 'll be till he finishes questioning the Greenwich Village Antonin ? ``

Dolohov sneered. `` Ludovic you are trying my patience as much as the half-blood and these ... '' The dark gaze of the man scanned the room, taking in the few conscious students and the two patrons bound and lined against the paries. `` These spares. ``

'' But what if the ministry .... ''

Dolohov kicked the floor, sending shattered glass skittering across James Byron Dean 's fallen var.. `` We will be here and gone before those fools catch confidential information of this. Besides, these thing are delicate affair ... ''

questioning ? His ears listened, silently taking it all in. Besides him Kalliandra appeared to be doing the same, while Luna shifted the glass shards on the floor around with her feet.

roadman seemed besides himself with interrogation. Harry mentally egged him on to be loose lipped.

'' Perhaps we could sandbag them all and take them back ourselves ? ``

Dolohov scowled in his centering. `` He will not be needing all of them. And you would do well to keep your mouth shut from now on or I will keep out it for you. ``

The discussion ended.

It was then that he heard it.

'' You ... ''

Only he had heard her whispered accusation, for it could be zip else. The sheer revulsion in that one, whispered word left nix to question.

Her eyes had moved from Dolohov, drifting into the background knowledge beyond, liquid fervour boiling beyond their depths. Lifting his own he followed her regard to where Ludo commercial traveler stood, pouring himself another fidgety drink.

He turned his mental confusion upon her, noticing her chest 's rhythmic insurrection as her breaths came quicker, deeper, faster ...

Golden eyes flickered shut, a anguish construction falling across her.

'' How no-count were you ? '' She breathed to herself, only barely, for the hate saturating her soft tones was not lost upon him.

It was chilling.

His own boiling stock froze as he studied her, taking advantage of the quiet in activities.

'' Kaylens. '' He whispered, almost pleadingly.

Her hateful gaze burned right through him, straight to Bagman.

'' Kaylens please ... ''

Her eyes fell shut, her fists opening and closing on melt off air. `` You 're bleeding thrower, are you alright ? '' She whispered shakily.

Gently brushing his arm against her own, he waited for some sign that she was alright.

arcminute passed, before finespun lid flickered open, her center alight with an aberrant glow.

'' trade good. '' She murmured. `` Because I can only give you a import. ``

His lip flapped wordlessly, shocked at the transformation before him.

Where his skin lightly touched her own, an abnormal prickling had begun.
* * * * *


The energy reverberating from him drew her nearer, an eternity exit before she was able-bodied to forcibly take in away.

His confusion radiated in startling quantities, but he would understand soon enough.

They would all understand ...

She would not stray near him again, for her human race was moving unnaturally slow, as if the events occurring around her were illusory, fleeting effigy from horrible dreams that would surely vanish with a waft of merciful cognizance.

Only no such merciful breeze came.

Her bound hands rose from her lap, tracing the legal tender channel of her jaw, feeling her cooling skin. Somewhere, amidst the fighting, she had fallen, shoved away by Dean. The dried smear of stock along her cheek gave grounds to that.

She could feel the heat radiating from Dean 's hitch form.

He was live ...

Hermione ...

The diminished fille 's digit had curled around fallen chunks of her bloodied, uprooted hair, as if the resolute Gryffindor had wanted something to hold onto, something satisfying and tangible to try the afflictions had been really.

They had ...

Her center fell willfully shut once more, immersing herself in the peaceful oblivion of darkness, where no demons save her own reigned.

The memories of a resurrect night, long due revenge, beckoned.

A limp hand lay splayed across the front corridor ... stock trickling onto the wooden porch gameboard ...

'' God forgive me ... '' She breathed, the palpable chill filling her lungs.

She had made her decision.

The chilling rain pelted down, something moody mixing with the marshy water licking at her nose ...

The tingling began softly, like a light feather playacting across her skin, traversing it 's way upwards, inwards ...

It was their rip swirling within the pool ... .Sean 's blank centre staring back ...

It was rolling in distinct waving, operating by it 's own indiscernible rules, pulsating from the aliveness, evaporating from the dead.

A boyish side appeared above her, fellow feeling in his oceanic centre. `` I 'm awfully sorry about this kid ... ''

His voice had echoed through that night, and again this day.

He had stood idly by once, and was again.

She squeezed her eyes shut ever tighter, involuntarily shudders traveling through her, the heady pressure in the very air building, pulsating in uncontrolled waves outwards.

The domain was taking on a hotter quality, every nervus burning with fiery intensity as she began reaching, feeling ...

The acrid bearing of Ludovic Bagman filled her, and she began drawing.

Her purpose was to kill.



A/N : Please forgive the writer 's note, but I believe a proper thank you is in order.

Thank you for making this story the Number One favorite floor on the site, for making me the act One pet Author on the land site, for making this the 7th most scan news report in the situation 's chronicle when it has been out for less than a twelvemonth, and for making this the narration with the Most limited review Ever.

I honestly ca n't express how shocked I was to see that. I truly feel that I do not deserve such an honor, because having read many of the early stories on this site, I feel that my writing pale in comparison to the wealth of talent displayed by others such as njill22, Edward Ollivander, The Dark Lord Nedved, KawaiiAce2003, IchigoPan, reddish blue Gryfindor, Timeturner, BitterEpiphany, Ginny Weasely, Arios, Cocoapuffshooter, Winky, and too many others to name.

I have the dear readers in the Earth. I truly do.


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