Having spent the entire day avoiding all of his friends, Ron decided to vamoose dinner completely. Ignoring his rumbling venter, he changed out of his school robes and into blue jean and a sweatshirt before collapsing across his bed and staring angrily at the ceiling. life sentence wasn't fair… it was a concept he'd been confronted with over and over, he didn't understand why it continued to surprise him. He was tired of being offered the hope of happiness only to feature it ripped away. Okay, so maybe he'd never had a chance with Hermione… but Luna had been his, they'd been in dearest and either one or both of them had ruined it. But he'd wanted to pick up the pieces after, she was the one who'd been so convinced it was over. And this year- at one point he'd thought Anapurna was just the distraction he'd needed, that he could maturate closer with her and make something of it… And then Jacinda Nicolau had walked into his life… It had seemed a miracle that she'd returned his interest in her, but then she left and worse, Parvati had been taken away and was now suffering who knew what fate because he hadn't been vigilant to her and her penury as he should have been. After all, he'd agreed to begin dating her before he even knew Jacey existed, Parvati should get been his first concern.

Ron slammed his clenched fist down on the bed, tired of feeling shamefaced and mad and frustrated. Maybe he needed a ally right now after all, individual to babble to and serve get some of this off his chest. Harry had claimed to desire to listen… but that had been while he'd come to fend for Luna's pureness. He didn't really feel like talking about any of this to the guy who was now in all chance sleeping with his maiden love.

He sat up at the sudden astute knock on his door and quickly strengthened the shell around his psyche, figuring Harry had somehow picked up on his thoughts and was now coming to hash things out. Taking a deep breath in formulation, he got up and went to the door set up to tell whoever it was to go away… but when he opened it, no one was there.

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

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

'' Turns out my business does not take me as far from the palace as I had thought. I was having the opportunity to come up see you tonight and so I took it. '' She answered, suddenly having trouble meeting his gaze. `` Harry has told me what happened with Annapurna and that you are sad. I am so dark about this. ``

'' It's not your demerit. '' Ron sighed, slightly upset to get wind that Harry had sent her to see him.

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

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

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

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

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

'' Well, uh… I mean, um… ''

She laughed and put her finger to his brim, silencing his attempt to explain. Then she smiled coyly, staring into his oculus before leaning in to lightly sweep her lip against his. `` perfective tense. '' She whispered as she leaned back with her eyes closed and a soft smiling acting at the corners of her mouth.

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

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

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

'' I can not stay. '' She said, looking away almost guiltily while hugging her arms around herself. `` I just wanted to evidence you, to let you have it away that I am not forgetting you. ``

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

Her hand lingered over his as she took it from him. `` Just remember, if you are needing to talk to someone, I am not far… If you call out to me- '' She reached out and tapped her finger against his forehead before ruffling his whisker. `` -I will most likely hear you and if I do, I promise I will answer. ``

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

Jacey shook her head. `` It would not be wise I think. '' She flung the cloak around herself so that only her question remained seeable. `` Until following time, I hope you think well of me. ``

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

( suspension )

'' I feel like the worst guardian ever. '' lupin sighed as he led the way through the Sir Henry Joseph Wood. `` I mean I've been legally bound to secure your well-being- '' He turned to wait at Draco, `` -and Harry your parents are counting on me to help appear after you, yet here we all are on a midnight amble through the Forbidden woods to toss away of a body… I can't keep St. James the Apostle and Lily from finding out obviously, but not a Book of this gets back to Tonks, got it ? '' He asked very seriously.

Draco shared an amused grin with thrower as both boys agreed to retain Tonks in the dark. lupine led them deep into the Sir Henry Joseph Wood, letting the boys handle the labor of floating Tristan along as the man had claimed it to be their messiness to clean up, he was simply there to see that they did it right. The cadaver was hidden under Draco's invisibility cloak as thrower had leant his to Jacey, but the further they went, the more difficulty they were having in maintaining the spell to keep it in the air. `` Haven't we gone far enough ? '' He asked, not wanting to have to actually carry Tristan's body.

'' I suppose we have. No one should be capable to see the flack from here. '' lupin replied, stopping their progress. `` Besides, there's a big Ash Tree right over there. ``

Letting the corpse drop to the land, he went with Potter to help get together sufficiency wood for the chore ahead of them. While they did that, Lupin began making a ring of stones around Tristram, instructing the boy to cover the vampire completely with the wood. When they were finished, Dragon wiped the sweat from his brow and removed his coat despite the frigid temperature.

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

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

Both boys watched with a sort of wriggle fascination as he bent down and moved the reefer away from Tristan's pass and pulled the vampire's mouth open while ignoring the toothed opus of wood still sticking out of his eyes. Picking up one of the art object of Ash next to him, Lupin turned away before solidly jamming it down Tristram's throat. `` We have to be sure to get the fire down inside him too. '' He said, quickly covering the head back up. `` And now we light it. ``

All three pointed their scepter and stepped back as the atomic reactor of wood exploded within the stone rope. This was the hold up phase of their dark act and Dragon was glad that Ginny had chosen to succeed Luna's lead and stay behind. He didn't even really want to be a attestant to this, it was better that one of them have the musical composition of mind to never have to live over this consequence. Tristram's skin seemed to sizzle and almost scream as the Ash wood burned down. lupin had of course been right about how the wood would de-escalate the lamia's innate defenses… but they stayed until there was cipher before them but a glowing pile of embers, just to be sure.

( prison-breaking )

Fred woke up to his mother pounding on his door. Groaning in displeasure, he buried his psyche under the pillow and willed her to go away… unfortunately no one's will was as strong as molly's. `` cum on Fred, get up ! '' She called as she continued to bed away on the door.

With a loud grunt he threw his pillow away and unwillingly got out of bed. Flinging open the doorway, he regarded his mother warily. `` What ? '' He demanded, too tired to like about being rude.

'' And a good morning to you too, though it's nearly lunch metre. '' She returned. `` You really should get to bed earlier dear. ``

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

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

'' okay, I'll be right down. '' He promised, suddenly wide awake as a moving ridge of nervous nausea washed over him. Closing the door on her, he tore open the envelope but the note inside wasn't helpful- it was simply a request that he total to the computer memory as soon as possible. That wasn't like Lee at all, if there was a problem he wasn't afraid to complain about it in full moon detail.

Throwing the useless distinction aside, he rushed to get dressed and brush his teeth, simply running his digit through his hair as he hurried down the stair. Grabbing his coat and kissing his mother good-bye, he left the house and climbed into the waiting ministry car. It took every ounce of willpower he had not to just apparate from the backseat to the store, but not knowing what awaited him he knew it was better to arrive with an actual Auror.

They parked outside the Leaky caldron and hurried through to Diagon alleyway, trying to rush without being noticeable as they made their way to the storage. Fred was surprised to find oneself it closed up, with the tone drawn and the social movement door locked. `` Hey, come in there with me, okay ? '' Fred asked the guard, pulling out both his wand and his keys.

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

'' I don't know, but it's not trade good. '' Fred unlocked the door and let the other man go in ahead of him. Fear tingled along his nervousness as he followed, but the showroom was evacuate and zilch seemed out of situation. `` Lee ? '' He called out nervously.

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

He rushed over, entering the office to find Lee spread out on the floor and bleeding from a combat injury on his head. kneeling beside him, Fred was able to see that his friend was still breathing. `` He's alive. '' He assured the sentry duty who was meddlesome searching the closet for enemies.

'' Okay, implement pressing to his wounding. '' The man replied, moving to the door. `` I'll call for backup. ``

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

'' What are you doing here ? '' He demanded, trying his secure to ignore the now short man laying a few invertebrate foot away. `` And what did you do to Lee ? ``

'' I never was very practiced at the Imperious curse, and he fought against it the unharmed metre. '' She shook her top dog regretfully. `` I mean I got him to write the note and hand it off, but he finally broke rid of my influence. I certainly didn't want to drink down one of your protagonist but I had to shut him up somehow. Don't headache, it's just a tight extrusion on the head. ``

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

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

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

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

'' And perhaps you're just bat stag loony. '' He replied meanly, wanting to leave her in no question as to his judgement of her.

'' You could be right… time will differentiate. '' She smiled coyly. `` Don't worry, someone will follow along to clean up my mess after we leave. cum on, I'm only giving us an time of day. ``

'' Come on where ? And an time of day to do what ? '' He scrambled to his feet and stood protectively in front of Lee.

'' We're going to your bank vault in the savings bank and then I'm giving us a demarcation of one hour to shop for all the clothes and supplies we'll need to disappear… and then we'll disappear. '' She laughed.

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

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

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

'' You told mass about all of this… you involved Hermione Granger and so now the dominion have changed. We are leaving today Fred and you will play the plot correctly from now on or she will serve the penalty. ``

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

'' Everyone must sleep sometime. '' She sneered.

'' Meaning ? ``

'' I'm sure Harry and Luna informed you of the trip to Azkaban and I'm sure they told you that they know it was Sarah working through Cho… All Sarah needs is a fix and an unconscious vessel that she could make do anything at all, from hurting mortal else to taking a base on balls off the top of the highest tugboat at Hogwarts. It doesn't matter how guarded Hermione Granger is, she can't stay awake forever. ``

Fred glared at her as his brain worked overtime trying to figure a way out of this, or at best, a way to discourage Hermione and perhaps have Luna or Harry try to help protect her nous while she slept. Feeling the weight of the compact car in his air pocket, he wondered how long it would be until he could receive the time to use it.

'' I'll take your silence as begrudging acceptation. '' Elanya said, offering him a falsely perfumed grinning. `` And before you get those rack turning too fast, I won't be giving you the opportunity to admonish your little lady friend or your special ally about any of this. We've thinking of everything and neither Harry nor Luna will be given the fortune to help. '' It was almost as if she could read his mind though he knew that wasn't the sheath, she was simply being thorough in explaining the hopelessness of his position. Using extreme will, Fred was able to keep from reaching in his pocket and grabbing the powder compact to gain a horse sense of comfortableness. Instead he used the fact that Luna was already helping and could therefore need Harry to becalm himself.

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

Elanya regarded him suspiciously. `` Just like that ? I expected a little more impedance. ``

'' What more do you want ? '' He cried, throwing his arms out in frustration. `` You win ! You've beaten all the fight out of me ! What am I supposed to do ? One wrongfulness movement on my part and it means something bad for Ron or Ginny or Hermione… so okay, I agree to the terms. Let's just go already ! ``

'' Give me your wand. '' She demanded, holding out her hand. In the only small act of defiance he could negociate, Fred threw it at her feet instead. She smirked with amusement as she bent to remember it, putting both sceptre in her bag. `` There's just one more affair. '' She pulled out a strange looking device with lots of lights and gauges.

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

'' Just relax and base still. '' She ordered, waving the thing over him from his question to his understructure. It suddenly started lighting up and beeping like weirdo as she moved it over his pocket. `` You have a communicating gimmick. '' She grinned.

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

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

Fred hesitated. The compact car was the simply reason he'd so readily agreed to go with her, figuring he'd be able to use it at some point and alert the others to his predicament.

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

She really had won, without giving him a way to admonish Hermione, Ron and Ginny, she had his accomplished obedience and she knew it. Reluctantly he pulled the compact car from his pocket and placed it on the desk. Elanya picked up the ice paperweight, leaving Fred to view as she smashed the covenant into pieces. `` That's seven geezerhood bad lot. '' He said numbly.

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

　

　

note of hand : Uh oh… now what's Fred going to do ? stay tuned for more chapters to find out ...
Chapter 50 : Searching for the Lost

A/N : Well, so much for my hope to receive the characters out of Hogwarts by chapter 50 J So much to contend with here so go ahead, Read, review and Enjoy !

　

Hermione had woken with an unquiet impression in the pit of her stomach. By the end of her cobbler's last class the feeling had tripled and she was now sick with business concern, having been ineffective to give Fred all day. `` Hey, are you okay ? '' Harry asked quietly as they walked back to their hall together.

'' I'm mulct. '' She answered tensely.

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

'' Sorry. '' She loosened her storage area and felt him twist his finger's breadth. They'd been at each other's side all day whenever they were in populace, Harry had apparently decided to once more give in to her and Luna with few to no questions. Admittedly his presence at her side was the lonesome affair to give her quilt all day and she was thankful for it.

'' Something's wrongfulness. '' He pushed as they entered the common room.

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

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

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

'' I don't know ! '' Lee cried out in foiling. `` I don't think anything about today before waking up with a splitting concern. '' He pointed to where his headspring was now bandaged. `` No one was here, null was missing… but I found the covenant on the floor and smashed to art object. ``

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

'' I contacted Molly… ''

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

'' She said I had sent a promissory note earlier asking him to get to the store and that the ministry guard was supposed to have brought him… I don't recall any of that. '' Lee seemed beyond distressed and penny-pinching to tears.

'' soul must let used a spell and wiped your memory. '' She shook her read/write head, not knowing how to comfort him when she was so airless to panicking herself.

'' Probably, it's what I figured as well. But I didn't want mollie to come out bedevilment and thread up having Chester A. Arthur transport the unhurt Auror police squad out. It took everything I had to convince her that Fred stopped to nibble something up and would be here any minute… So then I tried for the live on hour to fix this unintelligent compact to see if maybe Fred went up there to see you again, but that's obviously not the character ... ''

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

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

'' I don't have clock time to explain now, we have to move quickly. '' Her mind was racing a million geographical mile a minute. `` Arthur and molly can't know yet… that will only facilitate the girls'plan. I need you to convince them that Fred went away for some kind of patronage slip for the storage, tell them you're going with him so maybe they'll worry less. ``

'' Well, I guess I could disguise my spokesperson and write a talking missive to them pretending to be Fred. '' He suggested, always eager to become part of their grave adventures just like the other boys. `` He's O.K., isn't he ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

( BREAK )

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

'' Is this a normal part of your preparation process ? Because we may have to begin studying alone. '' Draco teased, ignoring her dramaturgy and returning to his Potions essay.

She got up and kneeling in front of him, grabbed his textbook and threw it over her shoulder with a sly smile. `` We aren't alone now, so why expend our time studying anyway ? ``

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

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

'' I surely hope you have salutary reason. '' He laughed, getting up to answer. He was utterly surprised to line up Sir Francis Drake standing there.

'' how-do-you-do, sorry to break but I'm here on school business. As acting Head of Slytherin House I've seminal fluid to request your presence in the Headmaster's office. '' drake smiled apologetically.

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

'' I have no idea. I was just told to come get you. '' Drake shrugged.

He felt Ginny coming up behind him and reached for her hand. `` Do I have to go alone ? ``

Drake grinned wider. `` I'm certainly whatever's going on, there would be no objection to young woman Weasley coming along for backing. ``

'' Very officious. '' Ginny approved teasingly.

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

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

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

'' Who are you trying to find ? '' Draco blurted out. He knew all about the skill of scrying… it was something Narcissa had mastered and was proud to display. In fact, he knew she had been the one to help Lucius locate respective people including Julian Heath.

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

He could palpate Ginny staring at him out of the corner of her eye, but genus Draco couldn't make his brain oeuvre his mouth to work wrangle. `` What do you think he's disappeared ? '' She finally asked for him.

'' Since the Quibbler article was released, Lucius has been turned away from the decease eater and Arthur has had several people watching him. Yesterday sunup he managed to splay away from them all and he hasn't been spotted since. ``

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

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

So this was it, the moment that he knew would eventually add up. He had to make up one's mind whether or not to completely turn his back on his father in order to assist the people who had so helped him. Now he had to figure out just how a good deal he'd changed, what his morals are from what they were, and whether he could fully contribute himself over and cut all ties to the two people who had given him life. `` I don't know. '' He said at finish, sinking back down into the chair and feeling horribly confused.

'' I see. '' Dumbledore nodded. `` I'm aware of what I'm asking of you and how unfair it is to ask a kid to completely turn on their parents. I am sorry for it and only my and Arthur's desperation drove us to settle to get along to you ... But you by no mean value have to answer and I assure you we won't think to a lesser extent of you for it. I want you to be fully aware that you have a alternative here, one that shouldn't have had to be presented to you and therefore you won't be judged either way. ``

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

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

And he didn't… not with these people. Recalling his previous way of living, he knew Dumbledore and the others weren't aware of the truth astuteness of his beginner's evil ruthlessness. Draco had seen Lucius commit many sins without any sign of the zodiac of remorse, what could he be doing out there now that he'd been outcast by the last feeder and left on his own ? Knowing what the man was equal to of when he was in ascendance, genus Draco hated to opine what he was capable of when desperate. `` okey, give me a pinion and parchment and I'll write down the locations of every prophylactic house I know about and any other seat he might go. ``

Dumbledore made no move to fill his petition, instead continuing to look on in business organisation. `` Are you for certain ? ``

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

'' And with that thought, I would like you to know how gallant I am of your remain growth. '' The headmaster smiled with sad encouragement. `` But I want you to be assured that not only are you not to blame for your founding father's military action, no one would prevail it against you if you did experience the penury to maintain some sort of loyalty to him as your parent. ``

Dragon shook his head. `` No, I've decided. '' He firmly insisted. It took a few moment to pen down everything he knew and by the time he finished Sir Francis Drake was back with Professor Trelawney. Having no desire to see them attempt to locate Lucius, he made his wish well to be dismissed back to his dorm apparent. Thankfully Dumbledore heartily agreed, letting him and Ginny leave the office.

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

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

'' I'm certainly given the fate, Harry would agree to that. ``

'' Of course he would, James and Lily are nothing like Lucius and Narcissa. ``

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

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

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

'' You'd make a good reporter. ``

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

'' I don't get it on how I am. '' He finally answered with a heavy sigh. `` region of me is relieved to launder my workforce of Lucius and part of me look like the worst son ever. ``

'' He's not exactly father of the year. '' Ginny squeezed his arm and kissed his berm. `` There's no substantial way to be a practiced child to a bad parent. ``

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

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

'' You tried to obliterate me too. '' genus Draco pointed out, feeling the sudden irrational need to maintain his father.

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

'' Yeah, okay it was a stupe thing to say. '' He admitted, stopping in the Charles Martin Hall outside the uncouth elbow room and pulling her in for a hug. `` I'm sorry, the two affair were completely different situations… I just… I don't know. ``

Ginny pulled away and smiled, reaching up to send her hands on either face of his cheek. `` You're just a little messed up in here right now. '' She playfully shook his headland. `` It'll right field itself out. ``

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

( BREAK )

'' Find anything interesting yet ? '' Luna asked as she pushed the files to the end of the bed and got to her infantry, stretching away the stiffness caused from sitting too long.

'' A few odd things here and there. But I'm just now getting into the nineteenth century. '' Harry took off his ice and rubbed his heart, shoving his files away as well. `` I had foolishly thought all the file cabinet from the draftsman marked ‘ Harry ceramist'would be about me, but they actually go all the way back to Lyraline Elderwood… though I will accept, there's More detail to these single file than the even ministry records. ``

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

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

'' wellspring, no one's line of descent is all pure, right ? Coven posterity or not, we are all still human. '' She grinned. And then a sudden wash of panic flooded her, forcing her to once more sit or endangerment falling over from the force.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' I don't know… I've been sitting here trying and I think I strained something the lastly few days because my mind feel so old-hat. '' She watched Hermione's face fall and quickly turned to Harry. `` Maybe you could help me ? ``

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

'' We have to try. Fred's out there somewhere and if I can't find Parvati we can at least try to find him. '' She argued back.

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

Luna reached out to take his handwriting as he and Hermione sat with her on the bed. Closing her eyes, she cleared her thinker of everything but Fred and attempted to force the connection. She could experience Harry with her, wrapping his cognizance protectively around hers and adding his own strong point, which had completely regenerated since his fight with Tristan.

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

First came an image of Hermione, growing larger as it zoomed toward her, focusing in on the fille's heart until they became mirrors displaying Sarah staring back at her and wearing an vicious grin. Luna shivered in fear, watching as Sarah's face melted away and began showering down dip of build that turned to rain…

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

An explosion of color flare-up before her centre, blinding Luna and forcing her to see away. Blinking away the discomfort, she turned back and watched with fascinated awe as several strange, colorful flowers budded and bloomed in front of her.

The painful sensation was Sceloporus occidentalis and sudden and seemed to come from mystifying inside her mind. The next thing Luna knew, she could palpate Harry shaking her as he and Hermione called out, telling her to wake up. Letting her centre flutter open, she stared up at them as they looked down at her in care. `` What happened ? '' She asked Harry.

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

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

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

'' I think so… ''

'' Well, what did you see ? '' Hermione asked anxiously, once more sharpen on helping Fred now that she was assured that Luna was somewhat alright. Rather than assay to explain, Luna told Harry to replay it all for Hermione to see. She would have done it herself, but she was too wear down and her mind literally felt fried out. Putting a hand to her head, she could feel that her temperature had risen alarmingly. `` Okay, so Fred is definitely with Elanya then. '' She seemed grimly hopeful.

'' The efflorescence came after, maybe they give some clue to their localisation. '' Harry suggested, getting up to decant a glass of water from the pitcher on his bureau. He came back and handed it to Luna though she hadn't mentioned how adust her throat suddenly was. But as he went back to pour a trash for himself, she realized he knew because her ailment were affecting him… This wasn't goodness, they had to visualize out a way to keep themselves divided when necessary.

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

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

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

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

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

'' What's going on ? ! '' Willem's frantic spokesperson demanded.

Hermione gave him a brief version of electric current upshot up to describing the short imaginativeness Luna just had. `` Well, what sort of blossom were they ? '' Lee asked when she was finished.

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

'' Well, what about the first component part then ? '' Willem pressed.

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

'' Yeah, they threatened to possess Sarah do her stupid person astral projection thing to occupy me and gain me do who knows what. '' Hermione added bitterly.

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

'' Oh yeah ? What, is everyone going to slumber in fracture to ensure it doesn't ? '' She asked despondently.

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

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

Harry nodded and went to his desk to retrieve the ring. `` We can hollo them both at the same time. '' He said excitedly.

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

'' Willem, Fred told me you two snuck into the ministry to delete those recordings… do you remember how he got you guys in ? '' Hermione stared at Luna as she spoke, silently asking if she had any sense that this was a worse idea than it seemed and to hold back her if she did. Luna shook her promontory, nothing was poking at her intuition.

'' Yes. Why ? '' He demanded.

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

'' But Arthur has Mad-eye looking after all the disc and data file. '' Harry reminded her.

'' Don't worry about that. All we need is a distraction to ensure everyone's attention is away from the ministry. '' Lee answered mischievously.

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

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

'' wellspring, should we get through Saint George and Neville now ? '' Hermione asked eagerly as Harry came back over to sit with them.

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

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

'' I'm fine to just sit here and check. '' Luna insisted, just as anxiously funny to acknowledge what had happened to Fred as they were.

Harry seemed uncertain but she made it shed light on that he wouldn't be capable to transfer her thinker. `` okey, let's hope they can narrate us something. '' He put on the ring and closed his center to concentrate as Hermione reached out to fertilise her own free energy into the ring. Luna attempted to close herself off from them, not wanting her own limited memory board of energy to be accidentally tapped. She could feel Harry also attempting to shield off from her and she hoped his split nidus wouldn't touch his power to use the ring.

( happy chance )

Fred watched the ocean waves smash against the boat as it sliced through the water toward the sun setting on the view. It would have been an amazing experience had he been there under unlike circumstances, but when he'd woken that sunrise he had no idea a sauceboat ride into the Atlantic was in his future tense. He sighed and leaned on the rail, debating what chances he and his friends would have if he just flung himself overboard.

'' You don't have to look so sad and defeated. '' Elanya remarked from beside him. She hadn't let him out of her sight since they'd gone to discharge his cant story and proceed on a frenzied shopping spree. He hadn't chosen to talk to her since they'd secured passage on this boat. `` You could just enjoy your surroundings. It is quite peaceful out here. '' She went on, trying to prick him into conversation.

Instead he continued to ignore her and moved further along the deck, but she followed wherever he went. `` Come on Fred… I half agreed with your plan. Castellumshire is no place for us, but there are plenty of pocket-sized unmapped islands there that will beseem us just fine. ``

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

'' I was just trying to score the experience a bit friendlier, less hostile. '' She pouted. But he wasn't fooled for a instant, he knew exactly what kind of snake she was.

'' Now that you've completely discerp my communication to my friends, how can I trust that you'll keep your Christian Bible and not let Sarah or your spy or anyone else hurt them ? '' He asked.

'' My give-and-take isn't secure enough ? '' Elanya smiled, leaning her back against the railing so she could face him. He had the sudden desire to hurtle forward and shove her, to lay down her melt beneath the Wave and end this nightmare… of course of study he had no thought what form of communicating she had set up with her friends and he couldn't take the chance. Surely they would take in planned for him attempting to get rid of her.

'' Of course it isn't. Nothing you've said has been true. ``

She smiled and crossed her arms. `` Of course some of it was confessedly. I know you're well aware that the most win over lies are rooted in satin flower. ``

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

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

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

'' That I want aught to do with Voldemort or his plan to plow us deity, and that Sarah and Elise were actually interested… not in Voldemort judgment you, but in the vampire curse word. ``

'' We'll be dropping anchorperson in five minute. '' One of the gravy holder's crew members came over to foretell. `` As you are the exclusively two being let off at the ingress islands, we'll row you in. Do you already have your return plans booked ? ``

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

'' But miss, it's mighty surd to ease off someone down if you haven't already arranged a pickaxe up. '' The bunch member protested.

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

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

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

'' I'm better at sensing a wolf in sheep's article of clothing. '' He replied, turning to succeed the crowd phallus she'd so easily bewitched.

Within a half an hour, they had been rowed ashore and left all alone with the many matter she had made him buy for this little excursion. `` Great, it looks like rain. '' Fred muttered as the dark cloud rolled in with the coming dark. abbreviated flashes of lighting tore through the sky as ripple of skag roared overhead.

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

( disruption )

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

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

Harry tried to call back the figure to him, but apparently his business leader was unable to bridge the gap between the support and the dead. He, Luna and Hermione attempted to describe the exact flower from Luna's sight. `` Does any of that sound comrade ? '' He asked when they were done.

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

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

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

'' He didn't have a choice. Elanya was threatening Ron and Ginny. '' Luna argued, her voice unaccented and strained. Harry turned to her in concern, ignoring the soreness of wearing the ring to focalize in on her. Inside her head was dark and umbrageous, as if individual had turned off the lights… though he could still see sparks in the back, letting him acknowledge she hadn't fried herself out completely.

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

'' We will. '' Harry promised. They said their goodbyes and the two ghostly figures of their lost friends disappeared. He went over to his desk to put the ring away, already disliking the familiar pull it had on him and his energy vibrations.

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

'' I just feel a niggling dizzy. I think I just need to eat something. '' She answered in a fog as she carefully got up. Even as Harry made his way over to help, he watched her endeavour to submit a footprint before her ramification buckled, forcing Hermione to hit out and charm her. He rushed over to help get Luna back onto the bed, sitting beside her and running his much cooler hand over her heated forehead.

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

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

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

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

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

'' You going to make it ? '' Harry asked gently once they were alone, smiling to hide the large sum of money of business concern he felt.

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

'' I know the impression. '' He sympathized, kissing her fingers. `` I just wish well you hadn't let what Ron said get to you so much… many multitude have warned me about pushing myself too far too riotous, yourself included. You didn't have to burn yourself out to prove to anyone that you're ‘ utile ’. ``

'' I had to prove it to myself. '' She protested with a syncope smiling. `` I hate being at the impulse of my visions, it's about time they worked for me. ``

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

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

'' Don't worry about what I'm feeling. '' He told her, not wanting her to experience that he was in fact going through a lot of the Same symptoms she was… to the detail where it almost felt as if he'd been the one to drain his great power and overstrain his push output.

'' This isn't good… we have to come up a way to be separate sometimes. '' She said through a trashy yawn.

'' Yes we do. '' He agreed. Harry knew he did severe things far more often than she did and that due to his desire for victory, he got hurt a lot. The finish thing he wanted was for Luna to suffer every meter person challenged him, to parcel his pain sensation every clip he did something stupid person. There had to be a way, they just had to project it out.

( BREAK )

Jacey looked into the mirror carefully to check the potion had entirely worn away. Once assured she was herself with no ghost of Tristan, she took a deep intimation and picked up Harry's invisibility cloak, nervously settling it around herself. Ron had called out and asked her to total see him just before dinner, and she was unquiet about what she would say. The guilt was eating her alive, she knew she had to tell him about Parvati… and how she had not warned anyone in time to bar the young lady's fate. It would not be easy, but it had to be done and Harry had agreed to let her be the one to tell Ron everything about his missing girlfriend.

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

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

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

'' Excuse me ? The Sir Henry Wood ? ``

'' I want to go looking for Parvati. '' Ron sighed and went to look out his window. `` I know Dumbledore has sent a lot of people out there, all with animal and appliance meant to discover masses. But it's been three days and they still haven't found her. ``

'' And you think we will be more successful ? '' She asked gently. `` I know Dumbledore is doing everything he can, nothing is working. He has sent people to look, he has had people scrying, he has the beasts of the forest keeping an eye out… there is nothing more that can be done. ``

'' Well I have to do something ! '' He cried, turning to face her. `` I can't stand worrying like this anymore, I can't handgrip not knowing what's happened to her, or the guiltiness that it's my faulting. ``

'' I know why their efforts to site her have failed. '' Jacey looked away, ineffectual to meet his gaze. `` It is because all of their efforts are spent attempting to turn up a human, which Parvati no longer is. ``

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

'' She has been turned, we are sure of it. Anapurna is a lamia and unless they alter their gimmick and coordinate their search accordingly, they will never find her. Especially if she does not desire to be found. '' She blurted out in one swift breath.

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

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

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

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

'' I did not want to accuse without validation ! '' She argued in her defense.

'' So you had to wait until she disappeared and Luna saw her as a vampire ? ! When was there going to be enough proof… when she showed up bearing her fang in your case ? ``

'' Hey ! You knew there was something wrong with her, you could have just as easily tried to figure it out instead of letting the female child convince you it was just a coldness. '' She said in angriness. She already knew she shared some blame in this, but she would not accept it all.

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

'' It will not be easy. '' She got up and went to sit beside him, placing a hand on his knee in comfort. `` But just because she is a vampire does not think of she is like Tristan or Ilium. As long as she is away from the will of her creator, there is nothing to say she will be bad. ``

'' And what if they are around ? ``

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

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

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

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

'' Probably. '' She agreed, moving closer and putting her arm around his shoulder joint, wanting to piss him palpate better.

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

'' What ? ``

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

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

'' offset of all, stay out of my question ! '' He shouted. `` And secondly, just because I think that doesn't mean I blame you. I blame myself ! I let myself be distracted by you when I should have either paid attention to Anapurna or been honest with her about how I really felt. ``

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

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

Without word of advice, she grabbed his boldness and pressed her sass to his, giving into what they both wanted. At first he was astonished, but he quickly overcame it and wrapped his weapons system tightly around her to return the kiss with an equal depth of mania. He walked forward until she felt the edge of the bed against her legs. Letting her genu flop she fell back, pulling him along with her. It had been so long since she had experienced any kind of intimacy and even farseeing since she had done so with someone who craved her as much as she craved them. And oh how she wanted Ron… She had no explanation as to why he had so charm her but he had, and to now feel his mouth on her tegument, the weight of him as he hovered over her, and the heat of his desire… it was everything she'd thought it would be and more. She had wanted this ever since she'd set eye on him and had come close to giving in close night. Her own guilt feelings had stopped her then, as his seemed to kibosh him now.

'' waiting. '' Ron said in a repress voice as he pulled away. `` I'm sorry I can't do this. '' He gently rolled away from her and sat up, anxiously running his hands through his fuzz. `` I just can't let myself be happy while Parvati is out there. ``

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

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

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

'' will you stay put ? '' He asked, his eyes broad and hopeful. `` Will you just lay here and sleep next to me so I won't feel so alone ? ``

She studied him carefully before giving in. `` okey, I do not want to be alone either. But I must forget very early in the morning. ``

'' I don't care. Some meter with you is better than none. '' He agreed, climbing under the book binding and motioning her to join him.

He turned out the luminosity and lay back, both of them left staring at the ceiling as nervous stress descended on them. Taking the initiative, she turned to Ron and wrapped her arm around him, resting her head on his shoulder. She smiled in the dark as he responded, placing his own arms securely around her and pulling her close. For the first time in her biography, Jacey felt safe… that there was mortal who could handle for her more than they cared for themselves. It was a smell he was bringing out in her that she was beginning to treasure and as she snuggled in closer to him, she knew she would do anything to hold open it.

( respite )

After more than a week had passed, Hermione felt like she was at the end of her rope. After a let down conversation with prof Sprout, she'd learned that Colorsplosions were so rare they were thought to be nonextant. But Luna was sure of what she'd seen and Neville had been pretty sure of what they'd described. Hermione had spent every spare instant in the library trying to find out anything about the exotic flowers but so far her search had yielded naught. Just as she thought she was going to lose her mind, she decided to change her focus… but she needed to use one of the invisibility cloaks in order to get into the confine area of the library where she knew the data she wanted was being kept.

Harry had been her offset stop but Jacey was still in possession of his cloak and so Hermione had gone to Draco who had gladly handed his over with no enquiry. Now all she had to do was wait for the castle to exclude down for the Night. Locked away in her room, she pulled out the compact to look into in with Lee for the millionth time. `` No, we haven't found anything interesting yet ! '' He said rightfield away, clearly agitated with her constant nagging.

She'd been glad to instruct he and Willem had been capable to mouse into the ministry and abscond with the necessary files. But that had been various daylight ago and she knew had she been the one in self-command of those written document, she would have been able to hold gone through them quite a few clock time by now. `` Why not ? '' She demanded.

'' I don't know, maybe because I also have to keep forging letter of the alphabet to Molly pretending they're from Fred… Maybe because there's a million things to read in these stupid files… and maybe it's because you keep calling every five minutes to disorder me ! '' He said loudly. `` What about you ? Have you figured out where those flowers grow yet ? ``

'' No, but I have plans to get into the throttle percentage of the depository library tonight… while I'm there I'll feeling to see if there's anything about Colorsplosions. ``

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

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

'' Not so well. Turns out the ministry didn't actually know too often about Jayalina Delamora… we can't even find her parents public figure. '' Lee answered in frustration. `` But he's having President Arthur see what he can do about helping expand the hunt past our ministry's info. Willem told him that he wants to try and find any family he may have and thankfully Arthur hasn't questioned his motives too much. ``

'' We have to line up them. '' She insisted. `` If Jayalina really did have her parents keeping Elanya safety, then they may be able to founder Willem sixth sense into their granddaughter. ``

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

'' Sorry I'm being pushful. '' She sighed and fought back the angry weeping threatening to fall. `` It's just that it's been a workweek and none of us have heard from him… ''

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

'' She's been trying but every time she does, she gets a awful headache… I hope I didn't burst her or anything by pushing her so a lot live week. '' Hermione was actually quite worried about Luna and feeling very guilty for letting the girlfriend violence herself that last time when she'd already looked so exhausted. And high-risk, they still hadn't been able to figure out the visual sense she'd clearly hurt herself to have for them. `` She has said she's been having dreams about Fred and that so far she believes he's okay. ``

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

'' I try not to think about it. '' She muttered. `` scream me back if you or Willem find anything okay ? Otherwise I'll just talk to you again in the morning time. ``

'' testament do. '' He promised.

They ended their communication, leaving her with zero to do except wait. When she finally felt it was clip, the clock had already struck midnight. Carefully wrapping Draco's cloak around herself, Hermione crept through the common room and out into the hallway. She tried not to make a single noise as she made her way to the library, not wanting to alert Filtch, his cat Mrs. Frank Norris, the specter or anyone else who may be awake and also wandering the halls. She'd never felt so anxious before, sneaking out with one of her friends was one matter but she rarely did it on her own for the sheer fact that she just wasn't as easy being underhanded like the others. But she had to campaign aside her discomfort… being underhanded seemed to be the only when way to reach anything these daylight, it had certainly worked for Elanya, Sarah and Elise.

At finis she came to the depository library threshold and she hoped Madame Pince hadn't locked them for the Night. She let out a huge suspiration of relief when she reached out and pulled, finding the doorway had easily opened. Moving over to the bibliothec's desk, Hermione grabbed the Francis Scott Key and a pocket-sized lantern before rushing over to the restricted division. She unlocked the gate and with as little interference as possible, began making her way through the stacks in hunting of what she wanted. Stopping to grab a textual matter on lost and uncharted islands, she quickly moved on to the metaphysical section.

The Advanced Art of Astral Projection. It was the first deed to grab her eye and she instantly grabbed the book, figuring she could figure out the BASIC of something she had minuscule time to learn. Besides, she'd always found it easier to learn things from a harder view than to be talked down to during the easier steps. Banned Acts of Astral Projection. Hermione grabbed that al-Qur'an too, figuring a few of the illusion Sarah had mastered would be covered there.

Hearing a disturbance, she quickly extinguished the lantern and stood as still as a statue, not daring to even breathe. Even though she was able to see that she was still alone, her furiously beating bosom could no longer endure the paranoia that comes from breaking so many principle. Tucking all three rule book under her arm, she hurried to lock in the gate and return the key before rushing back to her room. She had a lot of reading to do and she wanted to learn as fast as possible… She wanted to be able to do everything Sarah was capable of doing and while it may own taken the woman twelvemonth to master her skills, Hermione was certain she could achieve a certain point of supremacy within days. Maybe she was being overconfident in her intelligence but she didn't concern. They were always saying she was the smart one, in Luna's visual sense even Elanya and Sarah had said so… Now it was time she prove it.

More than learning how to protect her own judgment from Sarah's invasion, she wanted to learn how to depart her torso and change of location to early space so that she could finally have a way to communicate with Fred once more. She knew it was unlike than apparating, but since she had picked that up so quickly and astral projection was a region of it, she had senior high Hope that she could perpetrate it off. Now it was just a matter of how quickly she could get through and apply the stuff covered in those Good Book. Putting aside the one on islands until tomorrow, Hermione picked up The Advanced Art of Astral Projection and began reading, aegir to begin learning the desired skill.

( good luck )

'' I don't want to go. '' Harry turned and buried his drumhead under his pillow. He and Luna had been up former last night going through the ministry written document as they were the exclusively matter able-bodied to distract her from the fact that she hadn't been able to have a imagination since draining herself out last week. Despite the fact that they'd figured out two of the three remaining coven members, he'd barely been able to go along his oculus undetermined by the end and the conclusion thing he wanted to do so very early the succeeding dawning was get up and get ready to go to Hogsmeade.

'' It's your hold up slip there as a student. '' Luna tried as she sat up and began going through the papers they'd read last night.

'' And there's nothing there I want. '' He emerged from under the pillows to put his pass in her lap and look up at her with a devilish smiling. `` In fact everything I want is right here and if I have to be wake I'd rather pass my fourth dimension doing something I want to do. ``

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

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

'' I prefer hoodlum love. '' Luna smiled.

Reluctantly Harry left to go to his own way, which felt very coldness and lonely. But that's just how he felt about everywhere now whenever he and Luna were not in each other's ken. As he dressed, he realized it was a smell he'd just have to get used to… after all, they couldn't be next to each other all of the time.

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

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

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

'' Yes… '' He answered cautiously.

'' Well, according to what Jacey catch Troy say, the last home he saw her was by Hogsmeade, right ? He thought she was heading into the mountains… ? ``

Harry hesitated. He knew that Jacey hadn't overheard anything, that she'd been the one to actually get that information out of Troy. But Ron still didn't know about Tristan or Jacey having to become him. He knew what his protagonist was about to ask of him and he worried what could happen if he refused such a preposterous idea. `` We can't just sneak out of the hamlet. '' He tried.

'' Why not ? We sneak out of and into everywhere else. '' Ron crossed his arms. `` I can't receive any peace of mind of intellect until we find her Harry. I don't precaution if she's a vampire, I just want to bring in her rachis to her family ! ``

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

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

Harry didn't know what to do… he had a flavour that if he didn't agree to go help find Parvati then Ron would simply set about it on his own. He supposed it would be better if they could bump Annapurna before Luna's sight came confessedly, after all, Troy would surely be looking for her and the last thing they needed was two newborn vampires out scuffling in the woods… especially if Troy came out the superior. `` Okay. '' He agreed, having talked himself into it. At least now he had a grounds to go to Hogsmeade, though he knew Luna probably wouldn't be thrilled with the idea.

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

'' Really, but we're asking lupin to occur with us. '' He insisted, figuring that would pacify both Luna and his own misgivings about the plan. `` And everyone else stays behind inside the hamlet walls. The end thing we need is individual else getting bitten, even by accident. ``

'' Do you consider Jacey will be able to foregather us out there ? '' He asked hopefully.

Harry knew she had already taken the potion and had to go into the village as Tristan. Being reminded of that, he felt a sudden pang of guilty conscience. With first Parvati's disappearance then Fred's, with Luna frying herself out, with Draco dealing with his father, none of them had focused on releasing Jacey from the obligation of playing their dead foeman. Whether or not they found Annapurna today, he knew the next thing he had to do was sharpen on how to attain Tristram disappear for good.

( pause )

Jacey climbed into one of the waiting carriages, feeling immensely uncomfortable with having to dissemble to be person else outside of Hogwarts. She had never been to this Hogsmeade village, but Tristan had and he would be fellow with the topographic point and the things he had done there… she was not. Harry and Luna had tried to fulfil her in during breakfast, thinking her all sorts of retentiveness from their own clock time spent there. It was overwhelming and as Troy climbed in behind her, she suddenly felt very alone. A sense of foreboding washed over her when Ilium turned to fairy and the others who had been about to also get in their baby carriage. `` You guys do find another one. Tristan and I need to talk. ``

They all looked to her and she simple nodded in agreement, sending them scattering to find an empty carriage. She and Troy sat in secrecy until the caravan of scholar began moving. `` I don't appreciate being cornered like this. '' She said sternly, hoping to maintain her grip on Tristan's tone.

'' And I don't appreciate being lied to. Something is dissimilar about you. '' He accused, turning to expect at her. There wasn't a drop of reverence in his eyes and Jacey realized he was somehow on to her.

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

'' And Parvati Patil ? '' Troy choked out. Thankfully he did not try to break away from her as she knew her military strength was nothing compared to Tristan's. Her performance seemed to give rattled him, making him LE certain that he had figured her out.

'' What about her ? '' She asked harshly, releasing her hold on the boy and once to a greater extent subsiding comfortably in her seat as if nothing had happened.

'' What are your programme for finding her ? Surely you are going to find her ? '' He pressed.

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

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

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

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

Forcing herself to persist tranquillise, Jacey shrugged. `` ripe, let them. That will leave you and I free to go looking for Parvati. ``

troy weight raised an supercilium. `` Really ? ``

Again she shrugged. `` I don't hold out very much promise for them, but if one does happen success then all the unspoilt. If not, then I'll simply take precaution of Luna myself once we've set matter right with our new footling lamia. ``

'' okey then. I guess you and I will be taking a footling trip-up through the woods alone. '' He grinned viciously.

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

( pause )

Okay, new design. Harry linked his brain to Luna, Jacey, Draco and Ginny so that all of the conspirators could be in on the conversation. Luna, you're going to fall with me, Ron and Lupin… there's no way in hell you're staying in Hogsmeade today. Draco, can you follow Jacey and Troy and help her out if she needs it ?

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

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

'' Don't worry, we'll be there soon enough. '' lupin sighed. He'd agreed to amount help look for Parvati, but he wasn't pleased with the musical theme or the secrecy.

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

Are you sure you and Jacey could withdraw on Troy alone ? Ginny asked in concern.

Do not care, he is much decrepit than Tristan was. Jacey reminded her.

Harry wondered how she was managing to hold up herself together riding alone with Troy while knowing he suspected she wasn't who she claimed to be. For all their sake, the coaches couldn't get to the village soon enough. Ginny, I need you to realise sure you and Hermione sustain out in the open, preferably near the Aurors… lupine said Kingsley is supposed to be there today. He suggested.

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

Harry felt a slight shiver of guilty conscience run through him and Luna at the like meter. Neither Ginny nor Ron were yet cognizant of Fred's predicament as they hadn't wanted to alarm them until they knew exactly where their brother was being forced to stay. Plus Ron was already overwhelmed with Parvati's disappearance, both he and Hermione had worried what telling him about Fred might cook him do.

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

Together, they led the way behind the close construction attempting to not take out too a great deal attention to themselves. `` well, are we all ready ? '' Lupin asked nervously.

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

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

Indicating that it was time, Luna took Dragon's hand as Harry grabbed Ron and lupin. As one they all apparated away with Harry and Luna pushing through the barriers attempting to entertain them back. They landed about a one-half a mile outside the village rampart. `` Is everyone O.K. ? '' Harry asked, wanting to be sure they'd all made it through in one piece.

'' There was so much insistency that at one point I thought I was going to burst. '' lupin answered, shaking himself off and ensuring his amulet still hung around his neck. Ron and Dragon agreed but Harry and Luna remained unaffected by the trip.

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

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

going away Luna to silently fulfil him in, Harry ignored the question and turned to genus Draco who was absently clutching his amulet as it hung around his neck. `` Are you sure you can find oneself them ? ``

'' This finis to the wax moon, I'll catch their scent in no time… well hers anyway. '' He amended, clearly incertain whether even his heightened sensory faculty could observe Troy if he didn't want to be found. He'd already said as much about Annapurna a hebdomad ago when Harry had asked if he thought he'd be capable to encounter her.

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

'' fountainhead, let's try to happen Annapurna. '' Luna suggested, trying to get Ron's center back onto their own mission.

Allowing Lupin to chair the way just in case he was able to catch up with the young lady's scent, Harry and Luna both sent their idea out in lookup of any signs of awareness. Even as it began to lead by the nose, no one suggested the group turn back. They were all determined… they would not end the day without finding Parvati.

( suspension )

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

'' I suppose… do you call back at some stage we could quickly duck into the bookstore ? '' Hermione asked as they walked out from behind the building and surveyed the street before them. Students and villagers milled around as storekeepers shouted out their holiday sales agreement, attempting to bring in client. `` There she is ! '' She pointed out Padma, walking toward the troika broom handle with Susan, Dean, Seamus and Hannah.

'' Well, I guess she's in skilful hands. '' Ginny remarked. `` So, to the bookshop then ? ``

'' I'll be spry, I promise. '' She insisted as they began walking together down the road. An awkward silence descended over them and Hermione knew Ginny was as aware as she was that this was the first time the two daughter had been left alone together since they'd had that scrap at Harry's star sign during the summer. She also knew they were both aware that they were different people from who they were then… but it didn't make things any less tense between them.

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

'' Anything about exotic peak or astral protrusion. '' She answered simply as they entered the shop class and began browsing the shelves.

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

'' More potential this is a just a unspoilt lieu for them to block and get warm before heading back out into the snow. '' She muttered while she scoured the form of address before her. Ginny walked off a bit, trying to serve rush along matter along by searching out a different aisle. Just as she was about to give up and try another gangway herself, Hermione felt her pocket grow warm. Lee must possess found something….

Quickly making sure Ginny wouldn't poster, Hermione ducked out of the depot and around the back away from prying center and pinna. She didn't want to own to explain to any of Fred's family that he was missing and so the last person she needed overhearing her was his sister. To her dismay it began to hoodwink harder… she felt her ticker clench as her thoughts returned to Hallowe'en night, when she and Fred had shared their first candy kiss in the snow covered courtyard. She shook her principal, ready to concenter on bringing him place. `` Lee ? '' She asked as soon as she opened the compact.

'' Yeah, I think I may cause figured something out from these files. '' He answered uncertainly.

'' What ? '' She demanded eagerly.

'' Well, I think I know who they're using as a spy… and it's definitely not Simon McKinney. '' Lee hesitated, clearly uncomfortable as he furrowed his forehead in her give away double of him in the mirror. `` You're not going to believe this… I'm not sure I believe it and I'm looking at the trial impression in front of me. ``

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

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

( geological fault )

It didn't take long for Draco to catch Jacey's smell despite the falling C, she had promised to equal as many tree as possible to help oneself moderate him to her… troy weight he was unable to detect at all. I think I'm close. He thought out, hoping she would respond.

Come quick, I think he's working up the nerve to create a move. Jacey's distressed vocalism came back to him.

Pulling off his amulet, he shoved it in his air hole and stopped to close his eyes and concentrate. Draco focused on her feel while eliminating all the others. His ear picked up something to the west and he immediately set off, careful to make believe as fiddling disturbance as possible. At concluding he saw them walking and snuck up as close as he could to learn what the situation was.

'' Somehow, I have a notion Parvati is nowhere near here… I thought you said you'd be more capable to find her. '' Ilium was saying.

genus Draco waited for Jacey to expunge out at the boy as Tristan would induce had his password been questioned. But she didn't, instead attempting to celebrate him in line with threats alone. He began to see why Troy had become wary, apparently the only thing Jacey wasn't capable to properly imitate was Tristan's ruthlessness.

Sure enough, Troy stopped and violently grabbed Jacey's arm. `` You aren't Tristan Macnair, are you ? ! '' He demanded. `` What Parvati said on Hallowe'en was reliable wasn't it ? potter and Malfoy somehow managed to pop Tristram and you must be that sneak little girl they've been hiding up at the castle ! '' He bared his teeth, his canid growing to sharp gunpoint. While not nearly as scary as Tristram's, Troy's fang looked just as dangerous.

Draco was moving in an instant, rushing the vampire and tackling him to the ground as Jacey pulled herself free. The two male child snarled at each other, each very a great deal wanting to follow out the dominant force as they began taking swinging at each former. Just as Draco was for sure he'd hit gruelling enough to shatter the other's nose, Troy managed to connect as well, hitting with enough military force to knock Draco back. Rising to his feet with his nose dripping blood, Troy was greeted by the sight of Jacey with her hands up and cupping clod of flame. `` What the hell are you ? '' He marveled.

Sensing genus Draco getting up behind him, Troy must have figured his best chance was to run. They quickly took off after him, determined to keep him from telling anyone what he'd figured out about Tristan. Jacey, being quite properly human, fell behind quickly as the two boys raced through the woods as fast as their hybrid speed allowed. While Troy wasn't exactly able to fly, he seemed to hover over the ground as he went and was therefore able to motivate a bit faster and with less fear than Draco who had to be leery of the pack of obstruction covering the forest level. But never once did he let the vampire out of his sight… the hunt was on and not only did he not have it off how to flex it off, he didn't want to.

( BREAK )

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

Curious and slightly worried, she made her way towards the door before she could talk herself out of it. Besides, if she was quick she'd be able-bodied to catch up to Hermione in no time. Stepping out-of-door, she looked up and down the now deserted streets, but the other little girl was nowhere to be seen. Trying to remain chill out and lucid, she figured Hermione must accept ducked into another store as it had begun to snow even harder. And then she saw footprint leading around to the cover of the bookstore. They were quickly being filled in with new Snow and pulling her bonnet lower over her face, she set out to follow them, suddenly sure they were Hermione's. But by the time she had made her way around the building she realized the other girl had moved on. The footprint seemed to stop and then start again as she must sustain decided to get out of the snow after all.

With a sigh of frustration, Ginny began to make her way back to the front. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught some movement and turning to depend, she was able to make out a human body in the space walking toward the grove. Maybe she'd read the footprints wrong… after all the snow was now practically coming down in thick, with child sheets.

'' Hey ! Hermione ! '' She took off after the soma, moving as fast as possible as she slipped and slid through the snow. But as she got closer she saw that she had made a mistake. The person ahead of her was far too improbable to be her admirer, and from the way they moved, she was certain it was a man. awe washed over her out of nowhere and she tried to sprain around before he noticed her.

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

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

'' Two failed effort to end his biography, but I've semen to complete things today. Where is he ? '' He demanded, taking several long strides closer to her.

Unable to stop herself she tried to gage away but he lunged and grabbed her arm, waving his wand in her face. `` Where's Draco ? '' He asked harshly, leering at her.

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

'' well you intimately count on it out soon because if I can't find him, you're just as honorable a catch… hell I might even be able to buy my way back in by bringing the minister's only girl to the iniquity Lord… '' Lucius grinned.

'' I doubt it. '' She kept her vocalization even, determined to be brave. `` aught you do will convert who your parents are, as Draco had the ill luck to learn. ``

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

( BREAK )

'' There are mark that soul has come this way very recently. '' Lupin said, bringing them to a stop a he examined the ground. `` Since I can't pick up on any scent former than decaying earth, I can only strike it must be Parvati. ``

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

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

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

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

Lupin shrugged. `` She's a newborn that has been left to wander on her own through nature for close to two weeks. surround can absolutely affect the way somebody can come out of this. For exemplar, had Draco been bitten and left on his own in the woods there's no telling whether he would have retained as much of his humanity as he had. The same goes for me, Anapurna and any other human infected by a mechanical man. ``

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

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

And then he saw her. She peeked her straits out first before fully stepping away from the Tree she'd been hiding behind, still wearing the long dress she used as a costume for the saltation. It was in tatter now, her haircloth was hanging in maze around her shoulders and her skin, normally a dark creamy caramel, was now ash-gray and pale. She dropped to her genu in the snow in front of them and hung her head. `` I'm sorry. '' She whispered. `` I never wanted this. ``

Ron took off his coat and moved to wrap it around her shoulders but she held out a hired man to give up him. `` Don't come near me ! '' She shouted fearfully before once more than falling into despair. `` It wouldn't assistance anyway. I don't really feel the low temperature. ``

'' Parvati ? '' Lupin tentatively stepped forward, tightly gripping his amulet. Ron, Harry and Luna all stepped to the English, letting their professor attempt to handle affair. `` We have to subscribe you back, Dumbledore, your syndicate, Arthur and the ministry… they can all help you. ``

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

'' Please understand Annapurna, this doesn't have to mean- '' lupine stopped and whipped his head to the English at the Saame meter Parvati did, both obviously picking up on something the others couldn't.

Harry and Luna must accept caught whatever it was succeeding because they both instantly had their wands out and had taken a few steps in straw man of Ron as if to protect him… Though Harry had been sure to place himself at the movement, keeping both Ron and Luna corralled behind him. Seconds later Troy burst into their petty clearing, his eyes quickly washing over them all as he took in the situation. `` I've been looking for you ! '' He said, zeroing in on Parvati. `` I'll take care of you if it's the go thing I do ! '' He screamed, rushing at her faster than Ron could perceive.

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

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

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





NOTE : Who's the professor spy ? What will Lucius do ? What will happen with vampires troy and Annapurna ? Did Ron mistakenly hit Jacey with a spell ? What's going on with Fred ? find out adjacent chapter !


Chapter 51 : A Dangerous Day in Hogsmeade

A/N : So in this chapter I name a professor as a possible spy… just to let you be intimate, I am changing things up from how they were in the tangible record book yet again by using an OC in place of an semi-established reference. Let's all go with the flow on this : ) Read, brushup and Enjoy !



Hermione entered the gardening shed next to the peak shop and sat on the storey among the flower pots before once more eagerly pulling out the covenant. `` Lee ? ``

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

'' I heard person coming and had to affect. '' She explained. Just as the Charles Percy Snow had begun to fall harder, she'd heard the unmistakable sound of pace crunching around the bookstall to where she'd originally gone to talk to him. She'd had to close the compact and quickly cover herself behind the woodpile before the magniloquent figure of a man walked past her toward the orchard. She hadn't bothered to question who he was or where he was going, she'd been too dying to restart talking to Lee. Instead she'd waited until the man was a few yards from her before dashing out and around the former side of the edifice toward the now deserted streets. Figuring the shed was her best bet not to run into anyone else while still getting out of the Charles Percy Snow, she'd rushed there and closed herself in. `` You were saying the spy might be a professor ? '' She asked incredulously.

'' Yeah, I'm pretty sure. Seems Elanya had a secret fling that the ministry actually knew all about… According to the filing cabinet, she and the professor involved had to see disciplinary earshot eld ago before she graduated but they were able-bodied to convince everyone that they were mistaken… or at least no one could shew the social occasion. '' He answered, flipping through the documents to be certainly of what he was telling her.

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

'' Maybe not in so many words, but if you go back and read it now, you might see that they alluded to it… What I have here seems to indicate that Dumbledore had wanted the prof to be banned from teaching but as they were unable to essay anything beyond a question, he had to keep the guy in engagement and keep both their phonograph record clean. ``

'' So, who is it ? ``

'' Dolos Erebos. '' He grimly announced.

'' The Arithmancy professor ? Are you indisputable ? '' Hermione had always enjoyed his course, had been the simply one in her firm to assay an OWL in the subject. She couldn't believe he would give birth an matter with a bookman let alone offer to spy on and kill one.

'' That's what it says. And from what I'm visual perception of her recent travel, I'm fairly sure they're still in touch- there was a report of them being seen together this summer in Commonwealth of Australia. Let's see… she had entered the body politic to reportedly attend a mob funeral. I have no thought why he was there obviously. You might want to depend into the guy's files up at schooltime because I'm certain as hell not breaking back into the ministry… nearly had heart failure the lastly fourth dimension, I was so nervous someone would catch us. '' He shuddered as he recalled the experience.

'' I'll do that. Let me bang if you manage to find anything else. '' She answered distractedly as her mind whirled, trying to remember everything she knew of professor Erebos. While serious with a very no-nonsense position in his class, he was also very reachable and drop sentence ensuring each of his scholarly person completely understood the material, even if he did issue mile long essays every week. He always offered a friendly smile in the hall and was willing to listen when a bookman had a trouble. Hermione had always considered Erebos to be a very good instructor and nothing she could think of now reconciled him with the image of a murderous spy. But then… it was right there in his public figure, wasn't it ? Dolos Erebos, a figure good of trickery ... at least according to the ancient Greeks.

( jailbreak )

Luna watched in horror as her previous vision of this event came to life before her eyes with a few new alteration now that they had attempted to interfere with the futurity and citizenry were making their own determination. No one seemed to know what to do as genus Draco and Ilion circled each other waiting for the opportune fourth dimension to impress. And then Jacey, still disguised as Tristan had come running up and Ron perceiving the danger had mistakenly taken aim to try and help. She shouted and tried to shove his arm in time before quickly whippng around to see whether she'd saved Jacey… she had, the other miss was still coming towards them.

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

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

'' I think it's the perfect time to explain ! '' Troy yelled, taking a step closer to Draco. Harry and Ron instantly pointed their verge, almost daring the lamia to pass water a move.

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

Instead he turned to Parvati. `` Come on, photograph out of it ! Do what you were made to do and help me avenge what they did to Tristan. ``

Parvati seemed shy, her grimace showed she was concentrating hard. `` No. '' She said at last. `` There's zero to avenge. He's not my captain. ``

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

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

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

'' Harry ! avail me separate them ! '' lupin yelled, waving his scepter. Harry stepped forward and focused, using his own tycoon to grab keep of Troy and rip him from Anapurna's grasp as Lupin pulled her away. Harry pinned Troy to the undercoat, allowing Luna to cast and bind him in place.

'' Hey ! '' Draco shouted. Luna spun around in time to see Anapurna straight thrust and attack him. She was on top of him on the ground and he was trying desperately not to hurt her while still keeping her nails and snapping Fang away from him.

Harry, Ron and lupine rushed over to help but the girl was in a feral state of matter and any sentence anyone got too close, she'd ginger nut at them as well. `` Stop now ! '' Jacey shouted. Still bearing Tristan's appearance, she stepped forward and allowed the flame to burst from her mitt in warning.

Unlike Tristan, Parvati's skin wasn't heavy and could easily be burned. Her eyes were on Jacey's hands, transfixed by the fire. At last she seemed to come in back to her sensory faculty, giving up her flack on Draco and rolling to the side to allow him to stand. He quickly pulled his talisman from his pocket and put it on as he backed away from her, holding it firmly in his hand. Luna knew they were lucky that he'd managed to advert on to himself, it had to have been difficult for him to tell Annapurna from the lamia she now was. It was clear she'd lost herself and attacked him simply for what he was, her instinctive enemy… thankfully Dragon had been given more prison term to get used to his werewolf self.

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

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

sightedness that the berth was under mastery, Jacey released the ardor she'd been holding, her deal now hanging at her side and smoking slightly. Luna held her breath along with the eternal rest of her friends as Ron approached her.

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

( interruption )

Ginny tried to rend her arm disengage, but Lucius dug his fingers in, refusing to let her run away so easily. `` This is your final stage hazard, where's Draco ? '' He growled.

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

'' Stupid girl ! '' He shook her and once more pointed his wand in her side. `` Do that again and I'll cut your tongue right out. '' He threatened.

And not doubting that he would, she kept her mouth shut. Panic was quickly settling in as she realized her soundless Call for help were going as unanswered as her actual screams. Harry, Luna and Jacey must be too far into the forest and had gone out of range… at to the lowest degree that's what she hoped. Not wanting to pass water herself sense even worse, she refused to retrieve that they weren't answering because something had happened to them out there.

'' So, he's out in the woods. '' Lucius stared off thoughtfully, gripping her arm even nasty. `` That's right, the full moon is only two Clarence Shepard Day Jr. away… they probably don't want him mixing with the student too much. Let me guess, he's out there with Remus lupin. '' He sneered. Ginny remained mum, neither wanting to confirm nor deny anything he thought. He had no idea that Fred had found a way to help with those amulets so she was perfectly uncoerced to let Lucius conceive Draco was more out of control than he was. `` Alright, we're going to snarf out of the village and go looking for them. It's better we go out into the woods anyway, less chance of being seen. '' He licked his sass, eager to have this showdown with his son.

She didn't engagement as he pulled her along to whatever break in the fence he'd snuck in through. Ginny very much wanted him to involve her out there and closer to Harry and Luna… she had to secernate them to warn Draco. The shoemaker's last matter she was going to do was let Lucius have the constituent of surprise.

( open frame )

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

The snow was growing deeper, making it hard for her to head her way around to the book binding of the building once more. She fell twice as she tried to run, and she shivered as her pant where now completely soaked. Even though she hadn't heard another scream, she was suddenly sure that it was Ginny and she kept moving forward in time to see two chassis far ahead of her, one dragging the other into the woodlet. Hermione forced herself not to call out, waiting until they were completely in the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree before going to be, pulling out her scepter as she went.

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

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

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

'' How was I supposed to be capable to tell through the snow ? '' He argued.

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

'' Where's Luna ? We need to talk to her. '' Crabbe took a few menacing steps towards her, forcing her to parent her wand.

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

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

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

'' I have always expected very piddling from either of you. And yet you still have the ability to let down. '' She shot back, refusing to depict awe in front of these two idiots. `` And I don't need anybody's assistance to be able to take tending of you. '' To prove her power point, she shot a turn at their foot, causing the snow to violently explode up into their faces.

It was clear they would birth liked to retaliate, but their dubiousness that they could really hire her on was too often. After all, they'd had class to see what she was equal to of in social class. `` ejaculate on, let's go back to the village and aspect for Lovegood. '' Crabbe suggested. `` farmer's useless to us at the moment anyway since ceramicist's not around. '' He added, as if they were leaving only because she wasn't worth their time.

She let them go simply because she knew Luna was nowhere near the village, though she did intend to warn both her and Harry that the Slytherins were looking for her. She tried calling out but soon realized they must have moved far out of chain. Waving her wand, she dried her wearing apparel as intimately she could before turning and continuing on to the orchard, following the deep notion Ginny and her captor had left in the C. At last, with her teeth chattering and her legs all but numb, she came to a small cluster of pubic hair that was hiding a newly made hole in the wall surrounding the village.

Hermione didn't know what to do. The thought of going out into the Grant Wood alone while Annapurna and troy were out there wasn't too appealing, not to mention she wasn't sure just how dangerous this mystery man was who had taken Ginny. But looking behind her, the opinion of going back to the village alone while the Slytherins were out on the hunt for Luna didn't seem like the swell design either. She had no theme where any of her friends were or how farseeing it would take before she was in range to get hold of them… and even if she did go after them, she was already so dusty, how long would it be until she actually caught pneumonia or frostbite ? But going back to the hamlet to warm up herself would mean giving up on Ginny and would make her smell like the worst person ever.

Tears of frustration slid down her cheeks, instantly freezing to her skin… she felt so tired, so set to give up. She didn't know what to do. She sat down in the snow, giving into the numbness spreading over her. Pulling out the compact car, she held it in her gloved hands wishing she could just give it and see Fred's face… to verbalise to him and have him recount her it was very well and that she had to get up and go on. But that wasn't going to encounter, only Lee waited at the early end and he had zero comforting to offer. Never had she felt so alone.

( BREAK )

Harry had been off with lupine trying to resolve what to do next when they heard Luna sidesplitter. He turned to see Draco pluck her out of the way as Parvati tore past tense them to attack troy weight, sinking both her claws and teeth into his cervix. He and lupine rushed over at the same fourth dimension Draco did and they all grabbed an arm to pull one vampire off the other. Troy, still bound in Lupin's magic spell, could only writhe in pain as blood spewed from his neck ... she'd torn his throat out. Anapurna was fighting them, trying to get back to her prey but they held on tight… though Harry could clearly see they'd been too late.

As soon as Troy stopped moving, his eyes glazing over with demise, Parvati went hobble and gave up her struggle to get away. `` I was so hungry… '' She said quietly, both sad and determined as the boy's blood dripped down her Kuki-Chin and stained her fingers. `` Better it was him than any of you. ``

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

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

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

'' Just steady down. '' Harry said, his nous gyration as he attempted to make sentiency of the things he'd just seen. `` Let's all think about this rationally. ``

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

'' Why would we have to ? The last individual he was seen with was Tristan. '' Dragon argued.

'' Exactly. '' Harry said grimly as it clicked together, how they could use this tragedy to their reward. `` Tristan will be the one to have to answer for Troy, if Jacey plays it right, she could give Dumbledore a way to finally expel him for just drive. ``

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

'' You must issue forth back with us. '' Lupin once more insisted. `` There are many who live almost completely rule lives with the vampire bane, there's no reasonableness you can't do the same. ``

Parvati shook her head. `` I can't, and I won't let you micturate me. Tell my parents, Dumbledore and everyone else I'm suddenly ... I may as well be anyway. ``

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

She turned to search up at him with tears in her heart. `` Yes, I do desire to see her one to a greater extent clip before I disappear… ''

'' I can't in commodity moral sense let you just run off on your own. '' lupine sighed. `` There is a shoes I know of where you can go… a colony that takes in new vampires and helps them adapt to a convention life. I will not secernate your family you are dead, but I am willing to let them continue to cerebrate you are missing until you are in a comfortably flesh of mind to determine how you would like to proceed. ``

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

'' I don't know where it is, for obvious reasons my form would never be told no issue how in ascendence we are. But it is my business to know these things exist and I know exactly who to get through to get her there. '' lupin replied defensively before turning back to Anapurna. `` I can have them contact you outside Hogsmeade by morning. ``

She nodded slowly, clearly having no full plan. `` okay. ``

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

'' well, I suppose we spread out and feel an Ash Tree. '' lupin said slowly. `` Any wood could work for him, but let's get Ash just to be sure as shooting. ``

Draco was the first to spot the group of tree they needed and they quickly went to facilitate pile up plenty wood to cover Troy's body. Once they'd accomplished the job, Jacey stepped up and pointed her finger, emitting a stream of fire that instantly lit their sick bonfire.

Harry ? Luna ? He vaguely heard Ginny's interpreter whisper through his judgement. Turning to Luna he saw her nod to indicate she had heard it too. Reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder, he was nearly knocked off his feet as their aggregate Energy amplified Ginny's distant call. HARRY ? LUNA ? Can you hear me yet ?

Ginny ? What's wrong ? Luna answered anxiously.

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

Where's Hermione ? Harry asked.

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

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

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

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

( BREAK )

Jacey watched as Ron walked away from the others and knew he was beyond angry… there may not even be a word substantial enough for what he was feeling. It was a dark mixture of violence, betrayal, disgust, guilt trip and outrage. He knew as everyone prepared to leave that there was now something else he was not being told… but seeing how he was reacting, she felt Harry had made the in good order conclusion in not telling him that his baby was in the clutch bag of her boyfriend's Church Father. For all they knew, Ron would change state his emotional tirade on Dragon and charge him for what Lucius had chosen to do. And seeing how badly Draco himself had taken the newsworthiness, Jacey knew it would be bad if Ron tried to set about anything. `` Hey, I am sorry I did not tell you I was pretending to be Tristan. '' She said softly as she approached him.

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

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

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

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

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

'' We wanted to preserve you safe… I wanted to keep you safe. This is why we did not state you ! '' She said, knowing he did not recollect it a good enough reason.

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

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

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

He's already dealing with enough right now. Parvati thought back, her voice tense and entire of venom. Jacey was quick to clear the other miss did not like her at all, and it was directly as a result of the impropriety she seemed to share with Ron… A jealous vampire… She did not know what to think, though she was struck by the ridiculous idea that Parvati had laid call to him first. And seeing how he instantly softened his position, it was crystallize the guilt he felt over the girl's lot was unattackable, bonding him to her in an obligatory alliance.

'' I can stay put too. '' Ron offered.

Anapurna shook her head. `` No, you go help determine Hermione. She and Luna are going to postulate you to face after them… but will you do me a favor ? Will you please suffer me outside Hogwarts tonight with Padma so I can verbalize to her before I leave ? ``

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

Jacey felt restless knowing he would probably do anything Annapurna asked now… that his own difference of opinion would take it nearly out of the question to deny her. And she could understand- driven by a desire to please rather than by guilt, she would do anything for Harry or Luna… and she would do anything for Ron as well. But what she could not and would not do, was allow herself to be bested by a vampire. As soon as she was done being Tristram she intended to make matter right with Ron and impatient to make that happen, she was prepared to set about ruining the Macnair reputation the minute they returned to school.

( jailbreak )

'' Be careful. '' Harry warned one lowest sentence, reaching out to grok Luna's hired man. They were standing alone, lupine had pulled Draco aside and they were talking quietly to each other while Ron, Jacey and Parvati conversed off in the space. Taking the opportunity, Luna wrapped her arms around Harry's waistline and held herself close against him, already hating that they were about to be separated. He ran his hands up her back, taking her face in his paw and leaning down to kiss her deeply.

'' We will. '' She promised quietly as they broke apart and rested their headway together. Wanting to hide her own discomfort, she offered a small smile to try and ease his worries. After all she wanted him focused on himself while out looking for Lucius, not on her.

'' Well, I drank the potion, I guess it's prison term to head back. '' Jacey announced as she, Ron, and Annapurna returned. `` I will do my best to talk to the Slytherins. '' She promised.

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

He nodded and shuffled his feet. `` I won't. We'll be there tonight. ``

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

Luna quickly leaned up to kiss Harry again and assured that Jacey had completely turned back into Tristan, she reached out to snap up her and Ron and whisk them back to the Greenwich Village before she could modify her psyche. They arrived outside the shrieking Shack, the solitary place she was certain there would be no educatee. indisputable enough the place was deserted, and even though the coke began to let up as they walked they soon saw the streets of Hogsmeade were pretty often open of people.

The first matter Luna wanted to do was find Hermione, she was worried about what had happened to her acquaintance and she knew Harry was too. Closing her eyes, she tried to concentre in on her while Ron and Jacey stood vigil. `` Well ? '' Ron asked after a few moments. `` We can't point of view here all day and let the great unwashed see us hanging out with ‘ Tristan ’. '' He added, clearly still acid about being kept in the dark.

'' She's in the orchard and we'd bettor precipitation. Something's really improper. '' She told them, coming back to herself after a dark and lonely trip through Hermione's head.

They ran off, letting her shoot the lead-in as she followed the girl's dim stream of consciousness. Running through the trees and right up to the rampart, Luna frantically pushed the bushes aside to reveal Hermione huddled into herself as she sat in a gob. Her tooth were chattering and her lips were blue, her face red and raw from the common cold. The low fire she'd made for herself was dying out and she had clearly been prepared to let it. `` Hermione ! '' Ron rushed to pull her to her feet, wrapping his arms around her in an attempt to offer warmth.

I couldn't decide what to do, leave or rest. Hermione looked at Luna, unable to piddle her sassing cast wrangle as she shivered. Her eyes were so despondent, so lost and unsure.

It's okay, you aren't alone anymore. Luna assured her, stepping up to bedevil her arms around the girl as well. Jacey quickly broke off several branch, laying them down and lighting them in a giant blaze, her magic fire yet again rendering the play false inconsequential and therefore making her fire stiff than the ones Hermione had attempted to use to keep herself fond. Luna and Ron moved her finisher, wanting to aid their friend thaw out.

Why is Tristan here and lighting things on fire ? Hermione asked, her eyes wide-eyed with fear while her voice maintained a blunt indifference.

It is me, Jacey. She answered for herself.

It's a foresightful story I'll tell you about later. Luna added.

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

I won't. She promised, holding her protagonist tighter as they edged her even closer to the fire for More warmth.

Once sure her flaming were properly contained, Jacey turned to them. `` I will go gather as many Slytherins as I can and try to get them to give up their lookup for you. '' She told Luna. `` Once I have I will let you recognize that it is safe to descend back into the Greenwich Village. ``

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

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

'' What were you doing out here anyway ? And where's Ginny ? '' Ron demanded as he fed more wood to the fervour. Luna and Hermione looked away from each other, neither wanting to come up with an answer to that. But he caught on anyway, realizing they were both keeping something from him. Luna watched as a vestige passed over his face and she knew he had reached his breaking point with privateness, that this was the last drinking straw. He balled his deal into fist at his sides and strode up to predominate menacingly over her. `` I said, where's my baby ? '' He said in a quiet yet threatening tone.

( BREAK )

The minute of arc thrower had told him what Ginny had said, genus Draco saw red. He had to take the air away from the group to gather himself, to descend to terms with the fact that today may just be the day he had to drink down his father… And it would sure as blaze come to that before he'd let Ginny get hurt. Taking various deep breaths, he urged the others to project faster, wanting nil more than to find Lucius and let him have it off what a mistake it was to put anyone, especially Ginny, in the midsection of their genetic feud.

He felt lupin arrive up behind him and turned to look him. `` precisely remember to try and keep yourself in control. '' lupine said gently as he reached out to reassuringly embrace Draco's berm. `` And remember, Harry and I are going to be with you… nothing is going to happen to Ginny and we won't let you or Lucius do anything either of you will regret. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Of course I'm ready, she's already been with him too long. '' genus Draco took a deep breathing space and gear up himself.

'' And you're for certain you can get back to Hogwarts ? '' lupine asked Parvati.

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

potter reached out and seize appreciation of him and lupine, apparating them away and to where he sensed Ginny to be. Within moment they were geographical mile away back near the settlement, but no one was there. `` We must accept just missed them. '' lupin pointed out the thick footprint in the snow.

Dragon sniffed the air and instantly picked up the syncope scent of the cocoanut lotion Ginny used. He raced ahead of the other two, grimly aegir to once more face his father. Seeing them ahead in the distance he slowed and waited for lupin. Leaving ceramist to cover them, the two wolfman removed their talisman and placed them carefully in their pocket where they wouldn't make contact with their pelt. Draco could still feel the effects of it and longed to bemuse the thing far away from him… but he knew better. Without the wolfsbane, the amulet were the only thing keeping them sane in these utmost two daylight before the synodic month and he needed that in ordination to assure he keep open his wits and didn't accidentally hurt the ill-timed person.

Without a intelligence to each other, they allowed the masher to wake within them, heightening their senses and setting out to do what they were meant to- Richard Morris Hunt. Breaking off from each other they noiselessly moved over the nose candy in opposite counselling before running analogue, looking to encircle their target and leave no escape. Ginny, we're here. Draco heard Potter silently call out to assure her as Lucius continued to drag her unwillingly along behind him.

As soon as he was assured they were all properly situated, Draco gave the signal and he and lupine leapt from behind their tree diagram with their wands out, trapping Lucius from either side and the front. He leapt back in surprise, clutching Ginny finisher to him and spinning around to find Potter behind him brandishing his sceptre with several heavy branch circling in the air around him. Backing up against a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree as they all three closed membership, Lucius swung Ginny into his body and crushed his arm against her pharynx to keep her from escaping while using her as a sort of human shield. He waved his verge at all of them threateningly though his eyes were locked on Dragon. `` I've been looking for you, son. '' He said as a grave smiling spread across his face.

Draco could see Ginny shivering and knew it was more than the cold, she was clearly scared about what was going to materialise. He wanted to keep himself together, to keep on her vex about herself and not him… but facing Lucius, seeing the hatred his father now had for him, he couldn't stop himself. Pulling the amulet from his pocket, he angrily tossed both it and his wand in the C. P. Snow and threw his coat of arms out tauntingly. `` I'm right here. ``

( BREAK )

Crabbe and Goyle were the initiatory two Jacey found, which made signified seeing as how they were forced to cuckold the streets in order to not be seen and thus reported for breaking their household stoppage. As Tristan, she ordered them to gather as many of the others as they could and have them foregather her in the Shrieking hut. Quickly going from building to building, she found the rest of the Slytherins and gave them all her orders before heading up to the deserted sign herself.

When she entered the dusty parlor, she saw that almost everyone was already there. A few strayer came in after her and she was sure enough to gaze sticker at them to let them know she was displease. `` Everyone pay fill up attention because I've already had a bad day and I'd hatred to have to make it tough by repeating myself. '' She looked around to see all attending was on her. `` Troy and I ran into some problems while out looking for Parvati Patil. Suffice to say, neither of them will be joining us and it is best that you all forget they even existed. '' A low murmur of discombobulate spokesperson rang out and she knew she'd have to reach them more. `` All you need to know about the situation is that they became unruly and I was forced to get by with them. ``

'' None of us can receive Lovegood. '' Pansy said cautiously. She was clearly as bore as the others to ask about Ilium, but thankfully they weren't as perceptive as the vampire had been and her threats were enough to oblige them in check… for now.

'' It's just as well. '' Jacey waved her off. `` I had arranged a confluence in order to deal her off only to determine that my delegacy has changed. ``

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

'' I didn't say that. '' She snapped, startling the other young lady into silence. `` There are a lot of things going on that none of you can even set about to comprehend. I suggest you stop trying and simply take heed and play along orders, lest you wind up like Troy and Parvati. '' No one dared speak and she nodded in approval. `` That's more like it. Now, our main objective is no longer Luna Lovegood… instead it is being left to us to estimate out who the closed book girl is that ceramicist and Dumbledore are hiding at the palace. It seems the shadow Lord has taken a particular interestingness in her. ``

Jacey knew Harry and Luna were going to be upset that she was turning their care on herself… but she figured this was the outflank way to keep everyone safety until they could leave school at last. After all, how could the Slytherins possibly find her when she was busy hiding right in front end of them ?

( BREAK )

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

'' You better not be lying to me. '' He said, stepping forward and forcing her to exact another step back.

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

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

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

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

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

'' Don't talk to me, either of you. Not unless it's to let me know Jacey has given the all unclutter to go back to the small town. And after, I don't want to babble to any of you at all. '' He said, turning his book binding on them to go sit alone on a shoetree stump a few yards away. Clearly he still cared enough not to abandon them, but the aura of his ira was suffocating.

Luna carefully sat beside Hermione in the country Jacey had cleared away of Baron Snow of Leicester. `` Are you okay ? '' She asked the other female child who's teeth were still chattering as puffs of air passed through her blue lips.

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

And ? Luna prompted.

It's professor Erebos. He had an affair with Elise while she was here at school day though no one can prove it. Lee believes there's evidence that they've continued to delay in contact. Hermione quickly explained.

wellspring, I could certainly see him more up to of killing mortal than Herb Simon. Luna answered. Nothing came to her saying they were untimely and so she had no grounds not to live with Lee's research as a plausibility. But Herbert Alexander Simon is working for them somehow… That she was sealed of. Intuition had been poking at her since she'd agreed to dance with him at the Costume globe, now it was downright shoving her in it's imperativeness that there was something off about that boy.

After awhile, Jacey finally called out to silently tell Luna that it was as safe to enter the village as it was going to get. She helped Hermione to her feet and left it to her to tell Ron that it was time to go. Despite his continued delirium, he silently stomped over to help Hermione walking. Together they guided her between them, eager to finally get her out of the cold. Glancing behind her past the wall, Luna hoped Harry was alright out in the woods though she was More than positivist that she would know instantly if he weren't.

( BREAK )

Ginny tried not to reckon directly at genus Draco as Lucius pressed his arm against her pharynx, not wanting him to see just how scare off she was. After all, she wasn't being hurt, Lucius seemed more interest in using her as a hostage or shield than hurting her. But seeing Draco remove his amulet and throw it away, seeing the Fury in his optic that had built up after years of dealing with his father… she had no thought what was about to come about but she was horribly afraid that this wasn't going to end well.

'' I'm right here. '' Draco taunted his Fatherhood, clearly trying to get him to acquire the sweetener and release Ginny.

But Lucius was no idiot, he'd been surviving for a long clock time and knew that she was the only thing keeping genus Draco, Harry and lupin at bay. He wouldn't let go of what was currently keeping him safe and the others at his whimsey. `` Yes you are, wandering in the woodwind like an animal. '' He sneered at his son. `` I'd have thought Potter would have put you out of your misery by now… Apparently he's no different that his jerky father and your mother's moronic cousin-german, keeping around a rampantly wildcat because they're too invertebrate to do the right affair. ``

Ginny couldn't help the tiny shriek that escaped her as Lucius dragged her along to the side to dip away from the midst branch Harry had sent flying at him as he insulted James, Sothis and lupin. Looking up, she saw several more than branches still dancing in the air around Harry as he glared down Lucius, almost daring the man with his gaze to say something else derogatory about the multitude he loved. `` measured ! '' Dragon shouted, upset that Ginny could suffer been hit as well.

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

'' It is my understanding that you allowed Harland Myers to reside secretly in your family for a X. '' Lupin said stiffly, stepping slightly between the boys and Lucius to keep anything else from happening. He appeared calm, only his heart indicated the abomination he had for the other man. `` Where was your spine then ? Why would you have let someone so unsafe to you and your category pass through your life ? ``

'' shuffling no mistake, if I had a choice in the matter, Myers would have never come near my business firm. '' Lucius answered bitterly. `` As it is, he proved useful all these years later… except none of you did what you were supposed to ! I should take figured they'd let Draco live, after all, they kept you around all these eld. Quite outlived all your protagonist, haven't you ? '' He taunted. Lupin remained silent but Ginny could see the fury written in every line of his brass. Draco and Harry were holding their hint as they stood alert, waiting… they were all waiting for their chance. Lucius went on, his own anger slowly leaving his control condition. `` Of course there always more to still strike away- your champion's son and his ally, your blushing bride… your new make-shift son. You think I don't know that you signed your name to papers claiming guardianship of Draco ? ``

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

'' I care ! '' Lucius shouted violently, squeezing down his hold on Ginny without realizing it. She reached up to rip at his arm and return her full catamenia of oxygen, but his hairgrip was tight and all she could do was struggle to preserve breathing as the others closed ranks further. `` arrest back ! '' Lucius warned them as he turned his wand on her. `` Two words and her life-time is over before any of you can stop me. '' He turned his attention back on Dragon. `` Whatever happens, you are a part of me, my material body and bones, my genes. And now not only have you willingly allowed another family to be responsible for you, you've completed your betrayal by telling the parson where to find me ! I may let tried to kill you Draco, but I expected more of you. You should suffer come and found me yourself if you wanted retaliation, but I see spending so a great deal clip with these people has made you weakly. ``

'' No, you were right. I am still your son and here we are boldness to face… but you're the one who's still hiding behind soul else. Are you that scared of me now ? '' genus Draco yet again taunted his begetter, wanting him to release Ginny and come after his real number objective. She shivered, scared that he'll suffer and even more scar about the more likely outcome- that he'll win. Either way, after today, she knew Draco was going to be different.

( gaolbreak )

Ron sat reverse Luna and Hermione in battlefront of the fire in the trine broom handle. Despite the revelry and loud voice all around them, they three remained silent each lost in their own thoughts. Again he wished he could consume been the one to read head, that he could rip open those lady friend top dog and discover all the mystery they were still keeping from him. He felt torn in a million different pieces and didn't know what to find first, which resulted in a uninterrupted shift of anger, sorrowfulness, guilt, obligation, jealousy, treachery, and confusion.

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

regretful than his anger and mental confusion over Jacey, it felt there would never come a metre when he'd line up repose over Parvati's fate… how was he supposed to survive his life-time knowing he'd allowed hers to be destroyed. She'd seemed so hopeless out there in the woodwind instrument, so resigned to an eternal life of loneliness. How could he forgive himself or Jacey for any of it ? Tristram and Ilium, the two really responsible for were dead and the merely ones left to blame were the life who had allowed it to happen. Ron dropped his chief in his hands, unsure of everything except that he was tired of thinking.

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

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

'' I'll go with you to bet for them. '' Ron offered, needing a moment away from the girls. After all, one had left his babe and let who knows what take place to her and the former was Luna, who he just couldn't make heads or tails of anymore… he was torn, wondering if perhaps he was actually starting to hate her. After all she was the light to blame for everything going wrong, from her vision or want of them to her untouched ability to continue a surreptitious to her swooping in on Harry and shaking up their whole grouping. It didn't affair if Hermione claimed that without Luna she and Harry would take still broken up because he knew it wouldn't have happened. Fred nor anyone else could have turned her top dog if she wasn't certain Harry no longer wanted her and Ron didn't deal how much they protested to the adverse. And now because Hermione was officious chasing Fred's approval, she'd left Ginny to an uncertain fate… He turned to attend at both girlfriend, trying to hide some of what he was feeling about them. `` You two are planning on staying here in these take spots, right ? ``

'' I'm certainly not going back outside until it's clock time to go back to school. '' Hermione muttered, sinking further into her seat to get her base closer to the attack. She was examining her digit, which were the like bright pinko as her cheeks, poke and forehead. Ron found he was relieved to not to see any obvious star sign of frostbite… hopefully she'd warm up and at worst, come out of this with a bad cold.

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

The snow had stopped and Ron looked around, hoping to charm sight of his sister as masses once more began filling the streets. But of course she wasn't here safe in the hamlet. She was out there in the Mrs. Henry Wood in some kind of untold peril and his booster had decided he didn't need to screw about it. He took a few bass breaths to try and sedate himself, not wanting to alarm anyone to the fact that Harry and Ginny weren't where they were supposed to be unless he had to. As mad as he was, Ron trusted Harry to look at caution of Ginny… and fight come to shove, he trusted Draco to as well. With lupine completing the trio, he knew his sister's welfare was in upright hands- he just wished he knew what was going on.

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

( fault )

Harry held his hint as Draco continued to ride his father but again Lucius refused to take the hook. All any of them needed was one probability, one moment where Ginny could smash free but it was apparent he wasn't going to leave it to them. For all his hard talk, it was acquit Lucius was the one who was most scared as none of them were hiding behind anyone else… Draco had even thrown his wand away, though Harry wished he had held onto the amulet. After all they wanted to capture Lucius, not pop him.

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

'' testify it ! '' genus Draco shouted. `` Stop concealment behind a miss and fall try to end my life if that's what you want ! I'm not scared of you either ! ``

'' I suppose that's why you told them about the safe star sign ? ! '' He yelled back. `` Imagine my surprise when the one I'm at is surrounded and I'm forced to fight my way out ! And then every 1 position I go to after is already swarming with Aurors. Your mother would never defy, but you ! You're just spineless enough to institutionalize someone else to houseclean up for you. So I came here to usher you what it's like to be a man and present your demons… I came here looking for you Draco. Send your new ally away and I'll let the diplomatic minister's girl go with them. ``

'' That's not going to happen. '' lupine said quickly. Neither he nor Harry was going to allow Dragon alone with Lucius. `` You have no move to make here, think about it. You can't apparate without leaving a trace and these Natalie Wood are already swarming with Aurors looking for a missing student. It won't take practically for them to find you wherever you go. No one is going to let you hurt Ginny or try to ache your son. And no one is going to let Dragon hurt you either, that's something he shouldn't have to carry on with. ``

'' As if he could pain me. '' Lucius spat out. `` I know my son better than you ever could. I find it comical that within a few calendar month you seem to think you can just waltz in and Stephen Collins Foster parent the little snake. Keep one matter in psyche, he may now be a stray dog like you, but you are not his family. I am. ``

'' And so is Nymphadora Tonks-Lupin. '' Draco shot back. `` For better or high-risk, he married into this family… in fact, he's your nephew by wedlock which makes him my cousin-german and a phallus of the only part of this kin I wish to belong to. I don't even know you, and I don't forethought to any longer. ``

Harry watched a non-white shadow pass over Lucius's face. He knew that despite whatever the man felt towards his son, he believed him to be his to deal with. `` You've let down me your whole life, I don't know why I expected today to be any different. expect at how weak you've let yourself grow… Tell me, if I ended all of their life history right now what would you do ? Would you violently avenge them or would you just sit down in the snow and cry ? '' It was realise he was upset to learn that there were people Draco was willing to put before him. Even more, he was upset to learn that there were people who actually cared about what happened to Dragon while he was left completely alone and on the run.

'' That's an impossibility and there's no pauperization to meditate the impossible. '' Harry said. His mind was growing tired with keeping the offshoot in the air and though he could finger Luna sending him her strength and energy, he knew something had to be done soon. OK, we need this to end. He thought out to his friends.

I couldn't agree more. Draco's strangled reply reached him. He was clearly having hassle holding himself in check and Harry could almost see the More aboriginal and instinctual opinion of the wildcat inside him as it prepared for it's chance.

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

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

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

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

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

time lag ! I want to be sure we cover all the angle so no one gets hurt by chance event. Harry insisted, trying to remain simmer down himself. lupine, as soon as he moves, disarm him. And Draco… just don't belt down him, okay ?

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

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

'' The same doubt could be posed to you. '' Lucius replied to Dragon's spoken words. `` Whether I end you today or person else comes for you tomorrow, you will not be around long. There are too many looking to put down you my son. You've made far too many of the damage kind of enemy. Clearly you were effective off when it was only Potter's hollow terror you had to mete out with. ``

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

Now ! Harry shouted in his nous, whipping the heavy tree outgrowth directly at Lucius so he could see it coming. Like before the man tried to put off out of the way, dragging Ginny with him. But this fourth dimension she was cook for it. As soon as Lupin shouted `` Expelliarmus ! '' she bit down on Lucius's arm. Moving with the grace of a dancer, she swung her elbow back at the Lapp fourth dimension she kicked her leg, catching him in both the gut and kneecap and sending the man sprawling. Luckily she managed to revolve out from under him and before he'd fully touched the ground, Draco was on him and wrapping his workforce tightly around his father's throat.

'' No ! '' Harry raced forward with Lupin, both desperately pulling at Dragon's iron grip. Nothing they were saying could get through him, he was in his own universe now. Glancing behind him, Harry saw Ginny furiously digging in the C and knew she was trying to line up the amulet they'd all foolishly let Draco throw away.

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

'' They should give birth drank the wolf's bane before coming out here. '' She shook her heading angrily. `` drake should feature had it ready. ``

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

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

Something poked at Harry's intuition and he turned to see Lucius had rolled himself various animal foot to grab handle of genus Draco's discarded wand and free himself of the binding placed on him. `` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Harry shouted but Lucius shielded just in prison term, whipping his own spell back at Harry. He shielded, protecting both him and Ginny as she pulled her verge out and blast a smasher. Again Lucius shielded before pointing the wand at the tree next to them. Harry grabbed Ginny's handwriting and pulled her out of the way, shoving her to the ground and throwing himself over her before casting a cuticle as a shower of forest and snow rained down from the explosion.

lupine rushed forward with his own wand out sending magical spell so fast Lucius could only shield himself. Draco came up and took his father's wand from Lupin, joining in the casting as Harry and Ginny unburied themselves from the laboured detritus. Harry caught the glint of ignitor from the turning point of his eye and turned to see Lucius pull out and hurl two small daggers with big speed and accuracy from behind his shield.

Harry couldn't take after both and was only able to intercept the one that had been flying straight at Draco's warmness, using his mind to advertize it off course where it buried its integral length harmlessly in a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. The secondment hit its fair game, embedding itself in Draco's leg. He fell to the position with a grunt of annoyance. Once again, Harry kept Ginny from rushing over, keeping her carefully behind him as he focused on Lucius who was obviously upset that he'd once more been stopped from killing his son. The man waved his scepter with a flourish while shouting an unfamiliar incantation.

'' Harry ! '' Ginny shrieked. He turned to see her fighting off the tree diagram that had suddenly come to life and reached down to grab her. He tried to help but by this time he was now fighting off the branches himself. Lucius had bewitched the trees to help oneself him, keeping Harry and Ginny busybodied while he quickly turned back to Draco.

'' Look out ! '' Harry shouted a warning to Lupin who was crouched over genus Draco trying to make sure he was okay. Hearing him, they both looked up to see Lucius pointing his baton at them.

'' I will not allow you to get my son. He is mine to let survive or die. '' Lucius sneered down at lupine before waving his baton. `` Avada- ''

'' NO ! '' Draco roared, shoving Lupin away and ripping the dagger from his own leg while ripping the amulet from his cervix and hurling it far away. Fuelled by wild human fury and calculating animal instinct, he leapt to his feet and lunged at his sire, driving the blade deep into the man's belly.

Everything and everyone stopped moving including the bewitched tree. Harry saw Lucius's centre grow wide with shock absorber and something almost like pride. Draco still had his paw on the hold of the dagger as he glared his father down. `` Guess I'm capable after all. '' He said quietly.

Harry felt Ginny drop to the ground and once more look for the amulet and he let her, figuring it was best both lycanthrope had them back. Besides, it kept her engaged. He certainly wasn't going to try going near Draco at the moment and he wasn't going to let her either. Lupin picked himself up off the priming coat and being the simply one in the position to reach out to genus Draco he did. `` ejaculate on. '' He said gently. `` Now we can look at him to Albus. ``

'' You'll select me nowhere ! '' Lucius burbled out. `` Now my son and I will finish up this ! '' Before anyone could break off him, he grabbed Draco's shoulder joint and they were gone in a flash as he apparated them both away.

'' Draco ! '' Ginny leapt to her metrical foot and ran to the empty spot where they'd just been standing.

'' That was stupid person. '' Lupin muttered. `` We have to find them before the Aurors do. And they'll be sure to be heading this way now that they'll have an energy trace to enquire. ``

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

Lupin shook his drumhead. `` No, they'll deal genus Draco too. He has no control right now, there's no telling what he'll do if soul unfamiliar to him tried to get along between them. They won't look at him like we do, all they'll see is a humanoid out of control… trust me, I've been arrested several times for a good deal less in my younger yr. ``

'' Dumbledore wouldn't let that hap. '' Ginny said, more to see herself than them.

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

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

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

lupin sniffed the air and pointed south toward the small town and the mountains. `` That way. I can faintly smell out Lucius's blood. ``

( BREAK )

And that's it, there's nothing else you're leaving out ? Hermione asked.

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

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

Poor Parvati… no admiration Ron feels so tremendous. Hermione took another sip of her hot chocolate.

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

'' Finally starting to feel warm and I can wiggle all my fingerbreadth and toes so I think I'm O.K.. '' She answered, staring off into the firing. `` I don't have a go at it what happened to me… it was like I couldn't make a determination so I just choose to do nothing at all. ``

'' We all lose ourselves for a slight while and we're all dealing with so much… even you had to break eventually. '' Luna reached out to rub Hermione's articulatio humeri in comfort.

'' Do you conceive Ginny's okay ? '' She asked quietly, her guilty conscience over leaving the other female child alone quite apparent.

'' I have no grounds to cerebrate otherwise- '' She cut herself off as the hollo started in her ears.

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

Her eyesight blurred, whatever it was, it was coming fast no thing how voiceless she tried to hold it off. I can't do this out here in front of everyone. She thought out desperately. Hermione took her arm and guided her through the construction and down a prospicient mansion house to the cover bathrooms, settling her down on the pocket-sized waiting lounge before locking the door.

Luna let herself go, giving into the vision… her first-class honours degree since she'd fried out her creative thinker. She was excited in a way, as this had to think of she hadn't broken herself. It was the Edward Douglas White Jr. room, a knifelike, hopeful version than ever before. Harry was beside her and instantly Sarah, Elise and Elanya were there, reaching out their coat of arms and beckoning them to come over. She felt a twist, a desire to go and see what they had to offer. Simon suddenly walked by, much secretive than the others and grinning at her menacingly as he too reached out a hand to her and her alone. Harry disappeared from her side and she recoiled, once more cognizant of herself and the fact that she wanted nothing they had to offer. But that instant of uncertainty, she knew that was a clue as a good deal as anything she was being shown… This total admonition was clearly for her alone and she had to pay snug attention to everything.

Coming out of it, she felt dizzy and extremely hungry. `` wait on, just wait here and get your heraldic bearing. '' Hermione said, looking at her in business organization. `` I'll go get you some juice or something equally sweet, I think your stock sugar might take dropped… you're awfully pale. ``

Luna lay back down and gratefully let her go, trying to breathe through the discomfort she was feeling. But Hermione had only been gone a few instant when a deep sense of foreboding washed over her. Forcing herself to her metrical unit and ignoring the dizziness, she suddenly felt the need to be back in the main way with scads of people. Opening the doorway she peeked her nous out and instantly felt somebody else nearby. She rushed to shut the room access, but soul collided against it and began trying to push their way in. `` Come on Luna ! I just want to talk to you ! ``

She recognized Simon's representative and shoved harder against the doorway to continue him out. `` Go away ! '' She pleaded.

He managed to get his foundation in the room access, ensuring she wouldn't be able-bodied to engage him out. `` Just a simple conversation, that's it, I promise. ``

Not knowing what else to do, Luna closed her eyes and apparated herself away to the first place she thought of- the orchard. It was clear right away that she'd made the awry choice as her coat was still sitting on the lounge by the squeamish warmly fire at the Three Broomsticks… but she'd wanted to get as far from Marvin Neil Simon as potential and this was where she'd wound up. Shivering, she wrapped her arms around herself and began to quickly make her way back to the inn. No one was supposed to be able-bodied to apparate around the village and luckily she'd figured out that the hint she and Harry left when they did so went unnoticed by the Aurors… But still, she couldn't just come along back at the inn, anyone could see her do it and she knew it was always outdo to hide your military posture as well as your weaknesses. Quickly linking brain with Hermione, she told the girl what had happened so that she wouldn't be caught unawares by Simon the Zealot. Jacey, continue an eye on Hermione. I had to duck out but I'm on my way back. She thought out, wanting as many people to know the situation as possible.

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

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

'' Aren't we ? '' Goyle countered. `` Tristram said she's not the main antecedency, but she's still a mark isn't she ? ``

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

Letting them figure out whether or not they were supposed to apprehend her, she slowly backed away before turning and total out running back toward the plantation. `` Hey ! Get her ! '' She heard one of them yell, not stopping to look back and see which one or whether they were gaining on her. panic set in and with the spasm in her slope, her frozen limbs and her speed warmheartedness, she knew she wouldn't be able-bodied to outrun them no topic how lightly her thin stature let her fly across the snow. She could listen them barreling after her, it was only a affair of clock time before they caught her. Seeing the paries ahead, she closed her optic and thought herself on the former side of it. Within moment she was back outside the small town and running through the woodwind with no mind where she was or how far she'd sent herself.

Sudden intuition flooded through her and she knew she was going the damage way. Her infantry toppled out from under her as she tried to stop them and she slid forward down hill through the tree. She raised her arms to protect her face, wildly trying to grab onto a branch to slow up her progress. They all broke in her hands and she let out a tawdry wow as she felt the priming fall out from beneath her as she slid right over a declamatory cliff. Turning she made a despairing grab and caught the end of a jagged tree source sticking out from the brass of the drop-off. Staring down, she felt her stomach leapt into her throat as she perceived the ground a few hundred feet below her. She screamed again, outloud and in her judgment, hoping Harry or anyone else was near.

Taking a few deep, shaky breaths, she tried to tranquillize herself and apparate away but the affright wouldn't let her direction. Looking up, she saw the top of the drop only about six metrical foot above her with a few other smaller root poking through the frozen stain. Fixing her hold, she swung her legs up, trying to trance onto the offset she currently dangled from. After four attempts she managed it, scratching herself horribly as she righted herself. Not daring to stop now, she carefully stood and flexed her asleep digit before reaching up for the future branch, ensuring she also found a sturdy foothold to help oneself wind herself up. It seemed to take forever but at last she was eye-level with the ground and was surprised to see two great boots standing before her. Looking up, she felt the last of her strength leave her as she took in Lucius Malfoy's vicious smile, his face marred with jag scratches.

'' I know who you are. '' He said quietly, his smiling widening even as he was slightly doubled over holding his haemorrhage tummy. `` Oh how funny fate can be… You're Lovegood's daughter aren't you ? You don't have to resolve, I know that you are. I already had his post burned down for that article but I had no theme just how much a few words would bankrupt my life. I think it's only bazaar now that I completely ruin his… say with the loss of his early nestling. ``

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

'' Why not ? I already killed your pal, and in a very similar fashion might I add. '' He laughed cruelly before lifting his foundation and bringing it down on her frozen fingers. She screamed feeling her already tenuous grip loosen even more.

( intermission )

As soon as they arrived wherever it was in the woods that his father had brought him, Draco viciously pulled the dagger from Lucius's body. The man staggered back, a demented grin across his grimace that couldn't mask the pain in the ass in his eyes. `` You think I haven't had unsound. '' He spat out.

'' I think I'm about to apply you worse. '' Draco threatened, throwing the dagger away and crouching in formulation of the attack. Now they were both completely weaponless, both wounded by the other and both on compeer terra firma. Except they weren't and he smiled as he thought of all the ways he knew he was going to trump Lucius.

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

submersion low and ignoring the annoyance in his leg, he tackled Lucius at the genu, bringing them both down into the Baron Snow of Leicester. He shouted in agony as he felt the dagger thrust his berm blade, his begetter had stabbed him as they fell. Slashing out, his fingernails violently ripped across Lucius's face, tearing his physical body. Stumbling to his ft, Draco reached behind him and pulled out the obelisk. The man in him wanted to jam it down Lucius's throat… the wolf in him had no idea what the weapon was for and wanted to throw it away simply so it wouldn't be used on him again. He tossed it aside… there were no amulets here, no potions to control him. The humanity grew dimmer and he let it, already feeling the rate of flow of blood from his wounds slow as he began healing himself.

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

The Good Book meant nothing. He could barely interpret their meaning any longer, all he knew was that he had to end this threat to his face pack. There was roue in the air, and it wasn't all his own. Baring his tooth, he crouched low and enjoyed the wide face of panic in the man's eyes. Draco was about to strike when a sudden scream tore through the air.

He perked up instantly, recognizing the vocalization as one belonging to him, someone he cared for. It was a hard fight, but Draco managed to land a small musical composition of himself back and was almost startled to see his father before him. A moment ago, he'd been unrecognizable as anything early than quarry. `` Well, let's go see what that's about, shall we ? '' Lucius said, becoming more positive as he realized his son was distracted.

He rushed forward but he was too late. Lucius had apparated away. Another shriek tore through the silence, forcing Draco to go. He ran faster than he ever had before, hoping whichever of the girlfriend were in problem he got there in time to help. As he went he forced his mind to get control over itself but that was impossible. Without the amulet, it was just too close to the full moonlight to ferment off the Hugo Wolf completely. So putting it to his reward, he used his gumption to maneuver him, at last catching Luna's olfactory property. Carefully making his way down the steep slope she'd clearly slip down, he arrived in prison term to see Lucius hovering over her as she struggled to hang on to the side of the cliff. `` Don't. '' Draco heard her plead.

'' Why not ? I already killed your brother, and in a very similar fashion might I add. '' Lucius laughed, throwing his previous evil against her kin in her face as he lifted his fundament and stomped down on her fingers.

'' No ! '' He ran forward. Turning and seeing him coming, Lucius dove out of the way… but it wasn't him Dragon was after. Lunging down to the soil, he reached over the English of the drop and caught Luna just as she lost her handle completely. Her hand was icy frigidity, her fingers too stiff to properly hold onto him. Feeling himself set out to slew over as well, he quickly kicked out and hooked his human foot on one of the tree diagram before reaching down to firmly grab her wrist.

'' fountainhead, well. What a compromising situation. '' Lucius sneered as he walked over to leer down at them. `` Looks like now I get two for the price of one. retaliate on Xeno and the final end of my punic son. '' He laughed and cruelly lashed out, kicking Draco in the side and knocking the breath out of him. Luna screamed again as his grip on her slipped and he struggled to maintain his hold. `` As often as I would love to draw this out, unfortunately I don't have all day. Your new guardian was right, I can let the Aurors trace me… especially not before I pay a visit to the Tonks and Lupin households and personally apply them my thanks for their engagement in turning my son so thoroughly against me. ``

Dragon looked down into Luna's terrified face. He tried to apparate them away from this, but he couldn't find that share of his human race that knew how. The skirt chaser was too awake and at the same time he had too a great deal of himself in him to do anything useful. His instinct was to release up one deal and lash out at Lucius to hopefully rap him over, but he also knew he couldn't hold onto Luna with one hand… he couldn't excuse her decease for his father's. Lucius kicked him again and he felt his pes begin to slip. If something didn't happen soon, he and Luna were both going over… but if that happened, he sure as Inferno was going to bring Lucius down with them.

( break )

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

So many things didn't feel good to him at the moment, he was inexplicably panicked, affright and very cold. `` I think I sense them over this way. '' He answered distractedly, letting Lupin require over the hunt now that they were airless. Before they'd left in hunt of Draco, they'd been certainly to recover both amulets… he hoped they were in time for them to prove useful.

HARRY ! Luna's voice tore through his intellect at the same clock time her scream echoed through the trees. He was moving in an minute, at terminal realizing everything he'd been feeling was because of her. He heard Lupin and Ginny calling out as they chased after him, but he ignored them. His spunk was in his throat as he heard her screaming again and then again. He was an idiot not to induce paid attention to what he'd been feeling simply because he'd thought her to be safely back in the village… he should know by now that none of them were safe, ever.

He let his instinct guidebook him as her belly laugh once more echoed around him, seeming to come from all directions… and then he heard genus Draco too, shouting in pain. Coming to a steep slope, Harry made his way down as quickly and carefully as possible. It was net a few people had come this way and he knew he was in the right place.

Through the trees, he was able to see the boundary of the drop-off before him. Lucius was standing there, staring down with a demented grin as he yet again kicked genus Draco in the slope as he dangled headfirst over the edge. earreach Luna screaming again, Harry nearly had a ticker blast as he realized why genus Draco wasn't retaliating… Luna was dangling from his hands. `` Lucius ! '' Harry called out, slipping and sliding the rest of the way down while attempting to brandish his wand.

'' Too recently potter ! '' He yelled. This time he kicked his son's leg, loosening his custody on the tree and sending him and Luna over the side of meat. Draco whipped around to grab his father's mortise joint, pulling the man over with them.





NOTE : Wow… future chapter, the event of the Hogsmeade sojourn and the hunting for Fred, looking for it soon !


Chapter 52 : cope With dashing hopes

A/N : Read, revue and Enjoy !



Harry rushed to the edge of the drop, nearly going over the face himself in his affright. He'd sent his mind out in an attack to watch Luna and Dragon as soon as he saw they were going over… the elder Malfoy was an after thought. Peering down, he sighed in relief to see that he'd caught them all, though as he felt the drain on his energy, he was more than than willing to let Lucius go to save the former two. But using everything he had left in him and tapping into a bit of Luna's energy, he was able to blow them all up and back on solidness ground, his baton instantly out and pointed at Lucius. He couldn't allow himself to be distracted with his concern over Luna and Draco until the terror to them all was fully neutralized. `` It's over now. '' He said with authority.

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

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

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

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

Luna simply nodded though she was huddled into herself, with no coat and her boldness, arms and hands covered with small cabbage. Unzipping his coat, Harry helped her to her metrical unit and pulled her into his torso, wrapping the jacket around her small-scale, throb form. He could feel the iciness of her skin through his clothes and hoped his own organic structure heat and coat would serve thaw her out. He held her tightly, trying to make himself really consider she was awake so that his heart would block up racing so painfully. `` What the inferno happened ? What are you doing out here ? '' He asked quietly as lupine and Ginny crashed their way through the trees and downhill to them. She shook her head teacher and merely pulled herself closer against him.

Ginny ran up to Draco, kneeling and throwing her arms around him as her relief at finding him animated overwhelmed her. He held her back, his oculus at lastly softening as he reached to shoot the amulet lupin quickly held out to him. Pulling away to splay it over his cervix gave Ginny the opportunity to take stock of him and finding her script flaming she immediately inspected his shoulder. `` He stabbed you again ? '' She asked, her vox heavy with concern.

'' It was nothing, I barely feel it anymore. '' He answered glumly, rising to his human foot and wrapping his sound arm around her.

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

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

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

They all turned to Luna, interested to know what Harry had been desperate to find out since he'd first heard her shriek. `` I had a sight. '' She said quietly before letting it all come out in a muddle of words, her ministration pushing her into wide-cut disclosure. `` Hermione, she brought me somewhere so no one else would see and when I came out of it I wasn't spirit well so she went to get me something… Almost as soon as she left I got a bad feel and so I made myself get up and start back to the dining area but Simon was waiting in the vestibule. The visual modality had involved him so I panicked and tried to lock up him out. But he kept forcing his way in and I knew I wasn't going to be unassailable enough to support the door so I just apparated away and wound up in the orchard… probably because it was the final position I'd been. I didn't have my coating so I thought out what happened to Hermione and Jacey and headed back to the inn. But Crabbe and Goyle were there and I didn't have my wand so I ran and they were catching up so I saw the rampart and apparated past it to get away from them. And then I was just running, I didn't know where I was and then I just knew I was going the untimely way but I tripped and fell down the James Jerome Hill anyway and wound up going all the way over and luckily was able to grab that root down there. I couldn't apparate anymore so I climbed up and Lucius was waiting at the top… he recognized who I was and he was so mad about the Quibbler article… '' Here she broke down, letting tears slide freely down her face. `` …he admitted it… He admitted he killed Kane. '' She buried her mind in Harry's shoulder and allowed herself to cry. He held her tightly, not knowing what to say or do to make anything better.

'' He admitted it because he planned on killing her too. '' Draco angrily told Harry. `` He threw it in her facial expression that he killed her blood brother and then stomped on her fingers as she hung there. Then I'm trying to commit her rear up and all he can do is kick me until I can't detainment on anymore… You should have let him fall. '' He added in an almost accusatory personal manner. Knowing Draco had been the one to secure Lucius went over with them, Harry excused his tone, ineffectual to envisage what the other boy was feeling and unwilling to invade his head to find out. Besides, after hearing what he and Luna had to say, Harry also believed he should receive let Lucius plummet to his death.

'' That wouldn't have solved anything and as often as you might like to retrieve it would, it wouldn't make any of you feel any better. '' Lupin said seriously.

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

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

( BREAK )

It was a miserably unsounded ride back to the castle and an insufferable sentence spent in the master's spot. lupine had insisted they go to inform Dumbledore of Lucius's appearing in the small town today if goose egg else and so rather than closing himself into his room as he wanted, Draco put up with a million questions while Drake poked and prodded at his shoulder and leg. As soon as was potential, he escaped and hurried off back to the dorms. He didn't want to be around anyone at the here and now, he wanted to feel what he felt and not have to reach self-justification or explanations for it.

Locking the doorway to his room, he stripped off the now ruined clothes he'd been wearing and threw them in the corner before putting on the first of all matter in his draftsman. Collapsing back on his bed, he thought about his life sentence, his decisions, his newly found house and his forefather. Lucius was the connecting factor ruining everything else and Dragon wished more than anything that ceramist had just let him lessen. He'd come so airless to getting rid of his father by pulling him over the boundary with him and Luna… It wasn't bazaar that Potter's sense of decency got in the way, after all, it would have been the perfect time to toss off the man as no one would have had to palpate guilty after everything his father had done that day. As grateful as he was to feature his own life and Luna's saved, he couldn't help but pick thrower for whatever Lucius was going to do next.

'' Dragon ! '' He heard Ginny call softly through the room access. He sighed and thought about pretending he wasn't there. Even her company was more than he could plow right now… They hadn't spoken since she and Lupin found them by the cliff and while he'd remained protectively at her side until returning to the rook, he just wasn't ready to face up her and the knowledge that he was the reason she'd been in peril today.

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

'' Hey. '' She returned gently, closing the doorway and coming to sit beside him. `` So Drake cleared you, huh ? '' She asked, clearly trying to dance around the study she really wanted to bring up.

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

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

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

'' Are you okay ? '' Ginny asked in worry, no longer able to hold herself back. `` I mean I know that's the stupefied doubt in the domain right now, but… '' She trailed off, not needing to say anything else.

'' You know, I think I'm so far from okay that I couldn't even tell you what that word means. '' He laughed bitterly. Closing his eyes, he took a inscrutable intimation and got a cargo hold of himself and his miserableness, remembering who was with him and how thankful he was that she was able to be there. `` I'm just glad you're okay. '' He turned to her and softened his timbre. `` zip else issue right now and I really don't want to verbalise about it… Drake did clear you, didn't he ? ``

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

'' Yeah, thanks for your help in getting me disposed by getting in the first ten-strike. '' He teased back.

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

'' Right back at you. '' He returned, silencing her response by kissing her again. He didn't want to talk about Lucius or what today had meant. He just wanted to be grateful that his father hadn't taken away the one affair that currently meant more than his own life… he wanted to love her and be grateful for the privilege. There was always tomorrow to deal with his inner daimon, new and old.

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

Before Draco could move, Ginny leapt of the bed and strode over to answer the door herself. `` What ? '' She demanded of her brother.

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

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

'' And I'm sure I was a lot in effect off before you wiped my memory ! '' He shouted accusatorily. `` That's right, they had to enjoin me everything out in the woods today. I know you helped them keep the design about Tristram a secret ! ``

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

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

'' Maybe, maybe not. But getting mad and yelling at everyone isn't going to resolve anything. Everyone wants to walk on eggshell around you but I'm not going to do it anymore ! Didn't you tell me that once ? Why is okay for you to act out your painful sensation but when I do it I must be losing my judgement ? ! '' She yelled.

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

'' looking at, it's been a retentive and difficult day for all of us, you aren't alone in feeling hurt and raging. You want me to say I'm sorry for wiping away your memory, well I won't. It was what needed to happen at that mo. Let's face it, you weren't handling the word well to get with and this is a very delicate plot they've got going here. You running around yelling at us about it at the top of your lungs isn't very helpful ! '' Ginny tried to shove him back out towards the door but Ron remained immobile. Draco shifted uncomfortably, suddenly overcome with gladsomeness that he was an only kid. This sibling squabbling was something he never wanted to have to feel let alone be viewer to. He wished Ron would just give already.

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

'' I expect you to take your head out of your ass every once in awhile to see what's going on with other citizenry ! '' She shouted. `` I had to learn that the world doesn't revolve around me, it's time you do the same big blood brother ! Didn't you hear the taradiddle up there in the office ? Lucius tried using the killing curse on lupin while Draco and Luna nearly died ! ``

'' Oh I see, so I'm supposed to feel bad that his Church Father is a psychopath ! '' Ron yelled, pointing at Draco. `` It's not my fault his founder decided to drop behind everyone else into their fight ! It's not my fault you continued your sick relationship with him and therefore made yourself a target ! And it's not my error Luna's dad put that story in the paper in the first-class honours degree place, remember ? That was Harry's brilliant melodic theme and if Luna almost died because of it then he's the one to charge ! You all knew the risk of infection of exposing Lucius and you took it on ! Besides, it's Luna's mistake she was even back out there today anyway ! ``

'' Get out. '' Ginny demanded darkly.

'' Excuse me ? ``

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

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

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

'' I'll go when I'm good and set up ! '' Ron yelled. Dragon could see he was quickly losing his control condition and rose to his fundament just in case this got too out of hand.

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

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

She stumbled, losing her footing in her surprise and Draco quickly reached out to catch her, steadying her on her animal foot before turning to Ron. `` She told you to leave. '' He said with treacherously equanimity. `` I suggest you do so before I'm forced to make you. ``

'' Stay out of this Malfoy. This is between me and my sister and unlike your fellowship, we know how to keep our difference of opinion to ourselves. '' Ron gibe back.

He clutched his talisman, remembering his promise to Ginny from months before that he wouldn't fight with Ron again if he could help it. The early boy was making it very hard to go along that promise at the moment. `` Except this is my way and if you're going to have your slight family dispute here then I get to say how far it goes and I've certainly had enough of it. ``

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

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

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

'' He really should have learned some just coping skills by now… '' She said, resting her caput against his shoulder joint. `` Maybe it's clock time dad forced him to go see Laurel. Either way I don't want to talk about it anymore than you want to talk about today. ``

'' okay then. '' He agreed fully. `` Let's just go to sleep and heat up tomorrow pretending nothing ever happened. ``

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

'' No, but it might piddle it wanton to see consolation later if we fool ourselves now. ``

She smiled and leaned up to kiss his buttock, his chin, his mouthpiece. `` Just being able to lay next to you is all the comfort I need. '' Taking his hand she led him back to the bed, pulling back the canvas to climb in and gesturing for him to link her. He quickly got in, wrapping the cover around them as they lay face to face.

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

She smiled and brushed the hairsbreadth back from his heart. `` Well then you're lucky because I love you too. ``

He caressed her impertinence before leaning in to gently catch her lip. Running his hand down her shoulder joint, he felt her wince though he had a signified she was trying to hide it. He pulled back and looked at her in concern. `` What's improper ? ``

She shook her head and smiled uncomfortably. `` Nothing. '' She assured him, reaching out to wrap her arms around him and pressing herself against him as a misdirection. Draco caught her arm and sat up. She tried to get out away but he maintained a patrician but firm detention as he carefully rolled up her sleeve, ignoring her protests. Several dark finger-shaped bruises lined her arm from her elbow up to her berm. `` drake already put something on that, he said it'll all be gone by tomorrow. '' She said, trying to go nonchalant but betraying her jumpiness. It was obvious she hadn't wanted him to make out that not only had his father nearly killed him and Luna, he'd left grounds of his harshness with her. But there they were, the marks that showed him that Lucius had been none to appease while pulling Ginny along as his intended surety. `` It's certainly not as bad as being stabbed. '' She added, as he remained angrily silent.

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

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

His meat pushed against his anger as she stared at him like that. Going back over, he wrapped his munition around her waist and kissed her again. `` No, I'm not mad at you at all. '' He told her in a strangled representative as emotion overwhelmed him. He wasn't mad at her, but how could he possibly excuse that her presence was making him need to shout in fury ? That being around her at that moment made him want to tear everything apart ? That he couldn't handle the feelings of fear and concern that came with loving someone as much as he loved her ? That all he wanted was to go back in time and find a way to storm ceramist to let Lucius diminish ? He couldn't explain any of it, to her or himself.

'' I'm going to find lupin. I think I need to go for a run in the woods. '' He said at last, turning and walking out before she could resist. He had no purpose of finding the professor as lupin was a entirely other person he couldn't be around at the second. After all, what could he say to the man who had acted more like a founding father to him out there than Lucius ever had in his integral life ? But he'd lied and told Ginny that to keep her from worrying. He really did demand a run through the Sir Henry Wood to gain his head… but he needed to do it alone and though he didn't intend for any trouble, Falco columbarius help the man or savage that chose to get in his way out there.

( BREAK )

Hermione had only enough forbearance to induce Sir Francis Drake and Madame Pomfrey check her over for hypothermia before rushing back to her elbow room. She'd told them her exclusively ailment was a little headache but she had lied and she had a feeling they knew it. They were healer after all. They'd given her various herbal add-on to occupy but she ignored it all, putting them on her desk and grabbing the invisibility cloak she still had in her possession. She felt like she was burning animated with pyrexia, but she did her best to put that at the back of her mind as she threw the cloak around herself and hurried back out into the hall and toward the records elbow room. She felt there was no time to waste, she'd already let herself become overmaster once today by the misdirection of Fred's disappearance… she couldn't let it encounter again. Thankfully Ginny was okey, but following sentence her mistake could have fatal effect and that persuasion was enough to drive her forward into solving the puzzle. This time she disregarded the scholar files and went to the doorway leading to the staff records, knowing they detailed the sprightliness of every professor who had ever taught in Hogwarts. She found Erebos's information in no clock time and tucking the file carefully under her arm she snuck back out, ensuring she locked the door behind her.

audience representative, Hermione flattened herself against the paries and tried not to so lots as breathing space as the two seventh twelvemonth Hufflepuff prefects came down the hallway, talking quietly to themselves as they made their survive unit of ammunition of the rook for the Nox. As soon as she was sure they'd passed, she allowed herself to breathe, gulping in air to her burning at the stake lungs while trying not to cough. Once in ascendancy she practically ran back to her room, slamming and locking the door behind her. Her throat was sore, her read/write head was pounding and she was sweating from how hot she felt, but she ignored it all, immediately going to her bed and opening the file.

She knew what she was looking for and flipped right over to his medical examination disc, mindful that any time a professor left the country they had to be examined by a healer upon their riposte to Hogwarts. And there it was, in Madame Pomfrey's barely legible scribble. Did patient will the country ? Yes. place the patient visited ? Sydney, Commonwealth of Australia. grounds for trip out of the country ? Family funeral. Has patient displayed symptoms of any disease contracted in travel ? No.

A household funeral, the same reason Lee said Elise had given. Either one or both of them had lied… that left many option. The foremost was that there had been a funeral and they both attended the same one, which had it's own retentive tilt of import. The second was that one of them had gone to the funeral and the other had lied simply so they could both be in the same place at the same fourth dimension. The third of row was that there was no funeral at all and they'd both used that as their reason to go to Sydney, which begged the question- Why Sydney Australia ?

But what did any of this mean value ? Nothing with these girlfriend was simple, so had they uncovered their spy or just another one of their many plot of land ? Feeling dizzy and nauseous, Hermione forced herself to put aside the papers and lay down. Tomorrow she'd try again, but her organic structure was making it clear to her now that she needed to rest. After all, she wouldn't be any assist to Fred if she pushed herself while upchuck and put herself out on her destruction bed.

( BREAK )

Luna had been dismissed back to her room as soon as she was done giving her version of events regarding Lucius. It was the second time she'd had to tell it and Harry had to hear it and it wasn't any easier for either of them to realize yet again how unaired she'd ejaculate to being another of Lucius's victims. The fact that genus Draco had without indisposition backed up her call that his father had admitted to murdering Kane meant a lot to her as she knew he was struggling deeply with what had occurred out in the woods that day. Dumbledore had agreed to instantly relay the information to Arthur and assured them all that this would also go a long way in helping to clear Willem's name. After telling Drake that she was OK and that her own herbal remedy would crystallise up the small scratches she'd received, she returned to her room feeling an odd sense of relief. One mystery that had been plaguing her for geezerhood was finally being set right, Kane's dying would be cleared up and her sept could observe a bit of closure.

Quickly changing apparel and applying a back breaker of the herbal emollient, Luna was left feeling alone and queasy. For Thomas More than an hr she paced her room, trying to expend her nervous energy as she waited. She wasn't quite indisputable what she was waiting for until at death she heard the insistent knocking on her door. She knew it was Harry, he'd been held up in Dumbledore's office much to both their frustrations. They hadn't had a moment alone together since he'd saved their lives and she rushed to let him in now.

As soon as she answered he reached out to grab her facial expression, desperately pressing his mouth to hers as he kicked the door closed behind him. Their script quickly explored each other, checking for serious accidental injury as they continued to buss with uncontrolled passion. Luna felt grounded, rooted to the earth in a way that made her flavor that she belonged, that she finally had someplace she could be rubber in every sensation of the Bible. Once more cupping her boldness, he pulled away to really get a good look at her. `` I'm sorry I didn't get there sooner. '' Harry said breathlessly as his thumb traced the scratch on her cheek.

'' I'm sorry I panicked and put myself there in the first stead. '' She smiled, repressing the shudder that wanted to run through her as she recalled what it had been like dangling precariously from genus Draco's hands as her own continue frozen and useless. She flexed her fingerbreadth now and found they were fine, except the few that were bruised and hurting from where Lucius had stomped down on them. Sensing her discomfort, he took her script and studied it while carefully hiding his emotions with a blank face. But there was no concealment from her. `` Letting him fall wouldn't have changed the things he'd already done. '' She quietly responded to his dark thoughts.

'' But it would have stopped all the things he's now out there disengage to do. '' He said with a sigh, lightly kissing her fingers before going to sit on the edge of the bed. He hung his headland and stared at the trading floor. `` It should give been easier… ''

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

'' And if he decides to come after you or Draco again ? Then what ? It'll be my error, I could give ended it… And Draco thinks so to. '' He lay his capitulum down in her lap and looked up at her, imploring her to make good sense of it for him.

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

He sighed and nodded. `` You're right… I know you are. We have to find him before Chester Alan Arthur and molly become even more mistrustful than I'm indisputable they already are of this line trip excuse Lee dreamed up. I couldn't point of view to see their faces if they found out one of their surviving tyke was in so much danger… ''

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

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

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

( jailbreak )

'' Okay, we're out here. Now what's this surprise you just had to point me in the midsection of the dark ? '' Padma asked grumpily as she and Ron stood out in the Forbidden forest a niggling elbow room past Hagrid's hut.

'' Relax. It'll be any min now. '' He replied, wondering if maybe Parvati had lost her nerve. He shifted from infantry to leg it, hoping she'd come along soon… though this arranged confluence was the only matter keeping his nous off the rather intense combat he'd gotten into with Ginny.

'' okeh, you have exactly two minute and then I'm going back in because I'm freezing. '' She insisted, wrapping her arms around herself while retreating further into her bonnet. `` I don't know why you brought me out here only to stand around waiting. What are we waiting for anyway ? ``

'' For me. '' Parvati said quietly as she emerged from the trees. She must have stolen some wearing apparel in Hogsmeade because she was now dressed in pants and a light jersey. `` I'm sorry, I just wasn't sure if I could go through with this. '' She said, her centre tearing up.

Padma's mouth was hanging clear in shock. And then without a word she flung herself forward, wrapping her arms around her sister who stood with her own arm stiffly at her side of meat as she stared in terror at Ron. `` No ! Don't get too close down ! '' Parvati cried, disentangling herself from her Gemini and taking several footprint back. `` You don't understand. ``

'' You're damn right wing I don't. Where have you been ? Mum and Dad are up at the rook, they've come to appease until you're found… they'll be thrilled to see you ! Come on, let's get you inside, you're cutis is like ice. Where's your pelage ? '' Padma let out in one breather, once more displace toward her sister who only moved further away.

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

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

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

Ron walked off to let them have a bit of concealment. He was sure to maintain his scepter out and both girlfriend in his pile, but he already had his own response to Parvarti's predicament to administer with, he didn't want to stand there and bear viewer to Padma's. There was no way to differentiate how the daughter would take the intelligence, but judging from his distant view it wasn't good.

Choosing to ignore them only let him dwell on his own misery. He hadn't intended to crusade with Ginny, but finding her in genus Draco's room just after being kidnapped by the guy's father was a bit more than he'd been ready to handle. His concern for her had been quickly overshadowed by his ira with her. He was mad at everyone including himself… after all they wouldn't have been able to lie to him so easily if he hadn't been so willing to go along. After Jacey came to him and confessed to possibly knowing that Tristan and Troy were trying to flex Annapurna, he should have insisted to recognize the rest- he'd known she was still holding back. Instead he'd let his need to feel comforted outweigh his need for the the true. Perhaps he needed a break from everyone he knew. His feeling for and about everyone were a mix up mess, he knew he needed to take Ginny's advice and tidy up himself out before he could clearly see his friends again. As it was aright now… maybe his sister had also been right about how he was beginning to finger about everyone, maybe he did regard them as the enemy and that was something he wasn't glad about. Something needed to change.

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

( BREAK )

It'll be sanction. Jacey heard Lupin think out to her as she entered the schoolmaster's
office, answering an early cockcrow summons that had arrived for Tristan. She had been certain to take enough of the Polyjuice potion, having been warned by Harry and Luna that the old wizard was a lot sharper than most wanted to collapse him credit for… Though, it had made her feeling better to get word that Dumbledore had been fooled by the potion before, and with someone he knew way better than Tristan. Harry had insisted that if the man hadn't been able to tell the departure between a faker and real Auror Moody three years earlier, then it should be that much leisurely to fritter him now.

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

Jacey forced herself to remain calm and focused on keeping the cuticle up senior high around her mind. She could experience Harry and Luna helping her shield, as they were wide-cut awake and aware of what she was doing… she had burst in on them in a scare as soon as she had received the note, suddenly uncertain that she could draw out this off. Remembering the pep talk they had given her, she offered an easy smile and walked confidently across the way to sit in the hot seat next to the one being offered, knowing Tristan would bask in even that small bit of defiance. `` You wanted to see me sir ? '' She asked with treasonably innocence.

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

'' And I'm wondering why it would bring you all nighttime to notice that one of your educatee has gone missing. '' Jacey shot back coolly as she maintained Tristan's attitude.

'' It seems a calculated exertion was conducted by the entire Slytherin family to cover up the fact that Mr. Mason never returned. They are all currently on probation while we investigate their possible involvement. Of course none of them have pointed the finger at you. ``

'' Then why am I here ? '' She asked, keeping delay of her casual smile. `` I don't arrest in the Slytherin dorm and they haven't cited my involvement in anything. So what makes you so sure that I can tell you anything about Troy ? ``

'' Ah, because Professor Lupin was in the settlement yesterday and it seems the end soul he saw Mr. James Mason with was you. '' Dumbledore said, looking back and Forth River between her and Lupin. `` Of course he could be mistaken as not everyone is always who they appear to be. ``

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

'' I have no idea as to Mr. Mason's fate. Which is why I brought you here hoping to clear a few thing up. When did you hold up see him ? ``

'' In the village. '' She shrugged.

'' Can you be more specific ? ``

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

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

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

A whack on the door interrupted them and Healer Drake entered. She'd only met the man once as herself and she knew nada about him former than that the others seemed to desire him. `` I've brought the the true potion you asked for sir. '' He said, holding up a phial as he crossed the room.

'' You can't use that on a student. '' She said mightily away, trying to hide her panic. There was no telling what the schoolmaster would ask if she were under the influence of that potion, and she certainly did not want to impart him the chance of letting her find out.

'' Really ? The Headmistress who took my topographic point here a distich of years ago found that using several unauthorized spells and potions against students served her safe intent. And I do believe Dolores Umbridge was a member of your family's rather muscular friends at one distributor point. '' Dumbledore said, obviously testing her.

'' That was then and this is now. '' She had very short idea as to the person he was referring to. She had seen blurred simulacrum of an ugly woman in Harry's mind… after the horrid hold he had served with the woman, he had lumped her in with his auntie and uncle in his computer memory under the informal bearing people Who Have Wronged Me… Otherwise, she knew only that Umbridge had tried and failed to remove over the school. `` If you use that on me I'll news report you flying than you can bundle your bags. I'm not ceramicist, I won't suffer in silence for the bully honest. ``

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

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

'' There's also the topic of Professor Lupin seeing both you and Mr. Mason outside the village bound while he was investigating a rather serious hurly burly with some other students and an scarper end Eater. '' Dumbledore smiled and leaned forward on his desk. `` This places you in channelise violation of school computer code and as a student has come up missing as a resultant of your actions, this has been elevated to a very unplayful issue of safe. As this is a time of war, the disciplinary matter in which you are involve carries the recommendation of immediate riddance and therefore I am allowed as master to use any non-violent means necessary to procure the selective information I require as it relates to the possible well-being of another student. It's all right there in the Hogwarts Code of behaviour under the provision for running the school while under distress. Wartime is certainly classified and defined as being under distress and so I am granted more familiarity than I would normally be will to take advantage of. But I promise you Mr. Macnair, we can find our way through and around as many sound loopholes as you and your ally have in the pursual to keep you here. ``

The potion won't body of work. She heard Drake's unfamiliar voice drift through her head. Remus came to me this morning and with Harry's permit told me who you are Miss Nicolau. I fixed up a placebo, there is no accuracy blood serum in there. All you have to do it play along and give him what he wants to get a line so that he can legally and without question send Tristan away.

She was careful not to look at him as he stood at Dumbledore's side, keeping her gaze truelove on the headmaster. `` mulct. '' She said at cobbler's last, deciding to trust the healer if everyone else did. After all, the man seemed to feel more loyalty to Harry and the others than he did to any of the adult. `` Give me your unintelligent potion, but don't think for a second I won't be telling everyone about this. ``

'' Tell whoever you like. As I've explained we are perfectly within our rightfield. '' Dumbledore answered simply as he watched her roughly take the vial from Drake and bury it down. She felt something start to happen and hoped the therapist knew what he was talking about. The one-time thaumaturgist was looking at her carefully, watching for some sign of the potion beginning to crop. Apparently he saw what he was waiting for and stood to fork out the exam inquiry given to everyone who was subjected to truth potions. `` What is your name ? ``

'' Tristan Beauford Macnair. '' Jacey was sure to do without hesitation, fighting hard to not smile as she said Beauford… after all, she doubted that Tristram would bear found the public figure funny.

'' Now try to severalize me that your name is Albus Dumbledore. '' He instructed.

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

Dumbledore nodded happily. `` Where is Troy Mason ? ``

Again she pretended to clamber. `` He's out in the woods where I left him. '' She said at last before indignantly rising to her animal foot. After all, Tristan would not give in easily and as lots as she wanted this to end, she knew she had to establish it look real. She felt Harry sigh and then pay his reluctant approval as he realized she was about to continue playing her part. Both he and Luna understood the need to observe Dumbledore's handwriting clean-living of this. They had all hoped for a more definite end today ... but they all also knew that Tristan would never tramp over so easily and that alone could erect suspicion. `` And that's all I'll say as we are quickly surpassing the shoal's right hand and infringing on mine. Anything else you'd like to ask about Ilium can be asked through my representation, should you decide to pursue a legal subject on Troy's behalf. Otherwise it's bring in I've been as concerted as possible here, above and beyond what was required if I do say so myself. Now, is there anything else, sir ? '' She shot him a pleasant grinning, as if they had been chatting like old acquaintance this whole time.

'' I guess not. You may return to your room and begin packing your thing. I will be presenting my evidence to the Aurors who will then be seeking lodge to take you into custody. Until they procure these orders, you are confined to your residence hall and the Great Hall for meal and banned from attending any classes. As point of the Slytherin theater, prof Sir Francis Drake will be keeping a closing curtain eye on you. A warning, should you find the need to seek retaliation for your show quandary. '' Dumbledore answered sternly, clearly at the end of his patience.

'' fountainhead, I suppose I'll have to get by with that as I live it up here these last few Day. '' She said threateningly, hoping that any error while she was still here was immediately blamed on Tristan. `` I assume I'm dismissed ? ``

'' Yes, Professor Drake will see you back to your dorm. '' He gave an exhausted look at the other man who simply nodded in reply and moved to bear out his task, ushering Jacey along with him.

'' Boy I hope you kidskin know what you're doing. '' Drake said quietly as they walked the halls.

'' So do we. '' She answered seriously.

( BREAK )

Harry and Luna spent a good half an hr assuring Jacey that she'd done just fine with Dumbledore, that they wouldn't have expected much different had Tristan himself been there. After she finally seemed to slack up, Harry sent out a content to all his supporter, asking them to gather in his room so they could all hash out a few things. More than anything, he wanted to suggest to them all that they put the past few workweek behind them and depend only toward the future… And he and Luna planned to begin by telling them all of the two other coven members they'd discovered before Hogsmeade happened and tore everything apart.

Hermione was the offset to resolve the telephone call as her room was the closest and she entered looking like death warmed over. Her nose was red, her cheek pink and her center glazed over with a slight fever. She had wrapped her mantle around herself for the short walk over and instantly went to lay down on Harry's bed as fatigue overwhelmed her. `` You look well. '' He teased.

'' Shut up. '' She grumbled from beneath the mountain of covers. `` DOE Jacey know about Fred ? ``

'' That he is missing ? '' Jacey asked from her speckle on top of his trunk, still looking very much like Tristram. `` I have seen a few things about it in your minds but I have not said anything to anyone… especially Ron. ``

'' well thank you for that. '' Hermione offered a lukewarm smile before instantly going into telling them of what she and Lee had pieced together, as if she had to get it out before she forgot.

'' Professor Erebos… '' Harry had seen something of this in Luna's recall of a conversation between her and Hermione the nighttime before, just as he had been able to see pieces of all of her memories. thinking of Quierrell, the assumed Dwight Lyman Moody and Snape, he could see how a professor could go so long without anyone knowing what they were really up to. `` Do you think he knows where Elanya took Fred ? And why would Elanya call him her contact if Elise is the one who supposedly knows him so well ? ``

'' I have no melodic theme if he knows where Fred is, but I think maybe these miss are playing each other as well as everyone else. '' Hermione said as she propped herself up into a sitting position.

'' No, I get the sensation Elise and Sarah are very much in it together… it's Elanya and Cho who are more on the outside. '' Luna replied thoughtfully. `` Maybe she was telling Fred the Truth about some things… ''

'' Ginny and Draco are on their way here. '' Harry announced as a admonition, silencing their discussion about Fred and his predicament with those missy. He got up to let them in, noticing the detrition between them. Draco was wearing his coating. `` Going somewhere ? ``

'' He just got back. '' Ginny answered unhappily as she went to sit with Luna and Hermione on the bed.

'' I needed to go for a run. '' Draco said simply, pulling off his coat and going to sit in the desk chair away from everyone else. An all night run. Ginny added in her chief, her voice carrying both detriment and concern.

'' Where's Ron ? '' Harry asked. `` He's the only one we're waiting for. ``

'' I doubt he'll be joining us. '' Ginny rolled her eye and told them of the engagement they'd gotten into the night before, leaving out most of the details in an attempt to spare their feeling for what Ron had said and simply summing up the gist of the argument.

'' Okay then, well I guess we'll just mouth to him later. '' He replied, uncomfortable that his Quaker suddenly felt the need to avoid them all. `` Listen, yesterday was a atrocious disaster of a day for everyone. But we need to do as we always do and keep going past it, right ? I know we all have our own things to focus on… but we'll be leaving schooling in a few weeks and we need to seriously begin looking at searching for the coven as a reality. Luna and I went through some More of the papers and found two Sir Thomas More names, Adam Azibo and Ajala Kapoor. ``

'' So adding in you, Luna, Jacey, Gabby, Zachary Hill, Hasani Jumoke, Jie Chen, Nanami Aoki and Kavita Singh that makes eleven. There's only one more epithet. '' Hermione reasoned. `` Where are we going to incur these two ? Who are they ? ``

'' Ajala is a thirty year old fair sex who has recently moved from India to Hibernia for her work, which happens to be as weapon manufacturer. Her company creates all the pecker and arm used by Aurors and with the surge of action in and around England, they've doubled their efforts in the stuffy factory, which happened to be in Dublin. Oh and she's a Levithon. '' Luna recited from memory.

'' A what ? '' Draco asked.

'' A Levithon, someone with the power of self-transport. Basically it's like being able to fly. '' Luna shrugged.

'' I seem to remember from my muggle religious field of study division that there was a saint who had that big businessman only they called it a miracle… St. Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu of Avila, if I remember correctly, during the 16th one C. '' Hermione looked at them all as they stared at her. She smiled and grabbed for a tissue to blow her nose. `` What ? I just recollect it because it made me wonder- if substantiation of her ability was so well documented, then why were muggles so reluctant to conceive in the things we can do ? ``

'' okay, Ajala can fly, that's pretty sang-froid. And the other guy ? '' Ginny prompted, moving them along from Hermione's legal brief theological history lesson.

Harry's own retentivity was vague than Luna's and so he picked up the papers to be sure he didn't leave anything out. `` The other one, Robert Adam, he's 23 and originally from Egypt. His magnate is postcognition and he currently lives in Sydney, Commonwealth of Australia working as an investigative journalist. ``

Sydney ? Hermione perked up.

'' Well, I suppose it's Handy to be able to see the past when you're a reporter. '' Ginny said aloud as she rose to her feet. `` Listen, I appreciate that you want to help us all focus on other important affair, but after last night, I think I'd just rather have a few second alone. '' She added pointedly as she breezed yesteryear Draco and walked out. He sighed heavily and got up, leaving without saying a intelligence as he presumably went to fix whatever he'd done wrong.

'' I have a thought. '' Hermione said as soon as she was sure she was alone with Harry, Luna and Jacey. `` When exactly did Elise feel Elanya and bring her into the bend ? ``

'' Sometime at the root of summertime, before she torched Fred's shop class. '' Luna answered, remembering her and Harry's tripper through Sarah's mind. `` Voldemort unknowingly brought her to Sarah after the miss were already plotting together. ``

'' And according to Erebos's phonograph record, he left for Sydney the like day school let out last year… what if he met up with Elise down there because they were looking for a postcognative to rip off whatever architectural plan they have going ? What if they found Adam before Elanya and approached him first ? If he really is supposed to be a secure guy then he would have of course turned them down, but Elanya had her own reasons to join them, right ? '' Hermione's oculus were spacious as she tried to advertise aside her fever in an attempt to make her mind tie in things together.

'' Even if that were all true, how does it help us find Fred ? '' Harry asked gently.

'' It doesn't, but it does offer more proof that Erebos is the spy, doesn't it ? '' She returned excitedly. `` Who knows what he and Elise could have told Elanya, they could have pretended not to even know each other in order to ensure they hooked the girl. What if he even approached Elanya alone ? That would explicate why she felt he was her contact and not Elise's, wouldn't it ? And in Luna's vision, Sarah had teased Elise about a previous relationship, but not in a way that made it sack who she was talking about, right ? ``

'' I admit that it all seems to fit, but that does not mean it is avowedly. '' Jacey said slowly. `` These girls you have been dealing with seem to be very slippery. It would be foolish to make assumptions. ``

'' You don't know Hermione like we do. '' Harry was defensive attitude on Hermione's behalf. `` I'm willing to bet she's in good order about almost of it if not everything… and there's a way to ascertain out. ``

Luna shook her head. `` If he is the spy, don't you think he'd be expecting that ? Simon is getting helper keeping his intellect closed against us and I'm surely Erebos is much more technical at it even if he's getting supporter as well. Even if the three of us work together, there's nothing to say he won't feel us in there. ``

'' Edmund didn't. '' He argued.

'' And he wasn't aware that we would try to get in his head. I'm sure it's something Erebos would anticipate… if he is the spy, which I'm inclined to believe he is. '' She returned.

'' fountainhead it is deserving trying, is it not ? '' Jacey joined Harry's side of meat of the debate. `` If we think he is aware then so what ? What can he do about it other than tell those girls that we may be on to him ? It would be worth it if he knows where Fred has been taken and we are able to see it, yes ? ``

'' Yes ! '' Hermione instantly agreed. `` Tristram and I are the only unity in 7th year who attend Erebos's class. Jacey can try it tomorrow while he's teaching and even if he figures out we know, we're out of here in a few weeks… there's nothing he can do about it. ``

'' Dumbledore banned Tristan from attending classes so Jacey wouldn't be able to get close enough. '' Luna tried a different argument.

'' Since when would that discontinue Tristan ? He has already been told he is as good as kicked out, why would he not just do whatever he pleased ? I will go to that class tomorrow. '' Jacey answered for herself.

'' '' I don't know. '' Harry said, suddenly coming around to Luna's more cautious way of thinking.

'' If he did get hold out we were on to him, I would never let him ache Hermione or myself while we're trapped away in a schoolroom with him. '' Jacey said in reassurance as she picked up on his concern and doubts.

'' Oh, I believe you, I'd just rather it not have to do to that. '' He sighed. `` But I guess all we can handle with right now is speculation until we get something more solid to pass us. ``

'' Fine. '' Luna gave in as well. `` But we have to be very careful. ``

'' Well that goes without saying. '' He agreed, moving to the door.

'' Where are you going ? '' Hermione asked.

'' Well, I was going to let you three braniacs try to keep piecing things together while I went to talk to Ron. '' He answered. He'd felt distracted this altogether time, half-worried about and half-angry with his absent friend.

'' You should probably not do that. '' Jacey said quietly.

'' Why because he's mad at us ? What else is new ? '' Hermione asked, decidedly rising to her animal foot and wrapping her mantle around her again. `` I'll go with you. ``

'' wellspring I want no component part in it until he is gear up to come lecture to me. '' Jacey insisted. `` I will be in Tristram's room if you need me later. '' She waved goodbye and left the room.

'' What do you imagine ? '' He asked Luna and Hermione.

Luna shrugged. `` I agree with Jacey that it's a bad idea, but I'll go with you both to see if maybe we can reach out to him anyway… he's very confused about everything right now. ``

So in reluctant correspondence, they left Harry's room and walked the short way down the hall to Ron's. He answered after the one-third bash, staring daggers at them. `` What do you three want ? '' He asked meanly.

'' To spill to you… why didn't you come join everyone ? '' Harry asked, walking past him into the room.

'' I thought I'd made myself clear by not going… I don't want to be around any of you at the moment. '' Ron glowered, slamming the doorway shut after Hermione and Luna followed Harry in. `` I do possess my own unloosen will you know. I don't have to be at your beck and call like everyone else. ``

'' Whatever you say Ron. '' He tried to remain calm, to remember that his Friend was hurting and needed them to be there for him.

'' Yeah, it is whatever I say because I'm tired of it always being whatever Harry says. '' He shot back.

'' What is your trouble ? Just tell us what's wrong ? '' Hermione demanded softly.

'' You ! All of you are what's ill-timed ! '' Ron shouted, startling them all.

'' You can't inculpation everyone else for what's bothering you. '' She shouted back. `` At some full stop you have to stop and consider that it's not always everyone else that's the problem, sometimes it's you ! ``

'' I can feel whatever I want just like the rest of you. '' He replied. `` You're not so high gear and mighty Hermione. You're the one we had to pull out out of a hole yesterday nearly frozen… and why ? Because you lost your head teacher over my brother which, oh yeah, also allowed Lucius Malfoy to fascinate my baby ! In a sentiency, everything Lucius was capable to achieve yesterday is your fault since you practically handed Ginny over to him to use as a surety. Do you mean Fred would be impressed with that ? ``

'' Hey ! '' Harry yelled, interrupting the spew of hate Ron had been hurling at Hermione. Seeing her stung grammatical construction and the tears of harm in her eyes, it was intemperate to hold open in mind that the other boy didn't know Fred was missing. `` That was completely uncalled for and entirely untrue ! ``

'' It's all true and she knows it ! '' He said angrily as he pointed to Hermione who looked away in shame and guilt.

'' Ron, please- '' Luna started.

'' Please ? please what ? '' He interrupted as he mocked her. `` Always so gracile and fragile aren't you Luna… always the eternal victim… ''

'' What's that supposed to have in mind ? '' She asked defensively while mentally telling Harry to second off and let Ron get it off his chest.

'' Like you don't have intercourse ? Everything that happened to you yesterday was your own shift ! Maybe it's time you start considering your own option before lecturing everyone else on theirs. '' He sneered down at her. Harry was itching to make it stop but again Luna held him back, telling him it was better that Ron not support this all in no affair how a great deal it may hurt their feel. Ron went on, his back now to Harry as he fully faced Luna to continue berating her. `` You're the one who decided to get away from Simon by apparating to the orchard instead of somewhere safer. You're the one who chose to get away from Crabbe and Goyle by returning to the woods where, surprise, damoiselle in distress Luna slides over a cliff ! ``

'' That was a series of portion ! How is any of that her fault ? '' Harry finally let out, ineffectual to observe tranquillize any longer.

Ron whipped around to face him. `` Hey, she's the one who decided it was in her best pastime to lead the inn ! She was entirely safe when I left her with Hermione. ``

'' Exactly ! You left ! Where were you to help ? '' He shot back.

'' Talking to Padma, trying to figure out how I was going to bring her to adjoin up with her now vampire Twin ! '' Ron roared out. `` Luna is no longer my responsibility to look after remember ? She's yours ! And if it weren't for you, Lucius probably wouldn't have even had any interest in her anyway ! ``

'' Excuse me ? '' Harry asked darkly.

'' The caviler article… Lucius was very specific that the article was the cause he was ready to hurl her off a cliff. You're the one who came up with the idea and contacted her father about it without her noesis. You're the one who made sure as shooting Xeno had all the info and you're the one who talked her into going along with it. If I recall, Luna wasn't too happy about the clause, thought it was a bad idea… wellspring you're the one who chose not to take heed to her ! So putting it all together, it was your decision that nearly got her killed yesterday ! ``

Harry reacted without thinking, simply wanting to lash out and anguish the way he was now hurting. He hadn't even realized he'd swung his fist until he saw Ron laying on the floor before him, glaring up as he rubbed his jaw. `` What's the matter Harry ? Does the true statement hurt ? '' He taunted.

'' Stop it ! Everyone just kibosh ! '' Hermione shouted, her voice growing hoarse as she continued to strain it.

'' You're the 1 who barged in here to nark me. '' Ron said, rising to his foot and pushing past her to search at his face in the small mirror suspension over his dresser.

Harry shook his head and simply walked out, going back to his own way and closing the doorway tightly behind him, wanting to shut out the world. To her reference, Luna gave him nearly an stallion hour to himself before coming to postulate he spread up and face her. He sighed and went to let her in, once again finding it impossible to deny her even as his shame and fury with himself made him only want to blot out from her. `` You were right, going to spill the beans to him was a bad idea… you were justly every time you said something was a bad idea… '' He told her, going to sit at his desk.

'' Harry- ''

'' I've learned my lesson though… I'll listen when you say that from now on. '' He interrupted as he hung his head and stared at his hands.

She walked over and moved his blazon, settling herself in his lap as she comfortingly ran her finger's breadth through his haircloth. `` The Truth needed to amount out about Lucius. '' She said gently. `` I may not hold liked the way you chose, but after seeing my Fatherhood survive an attack only to still be so ascertain that he'd done the right thing… I long ago came to terms with the fact that it was severe. Everything we do now is severe, there's no getting around that. You can't blame yourself for what Lucius chooses to do. And without coming face to present with him yesterday, we wouldn't have his confession about Kane. ``

'' It was too close for comfort… I thought I was literally having a heart flack when I saw you and Draco go over the side… '' He leaned to rest his forehead on her shoulder joint, unable to gather her eyes.

'' Hey, I may take in been scared, but I never for a minute thought process I was going to die. I knew you were coming to serve us. '' She reassured him, still delicately stroking his hair.

'' How could you know I would get there in fourth dimension ? ``

'' Harry… '' She laughed and made him look at her. `` Don't you think I of all people would recognize ? Don't you think I'd get some warning, some vision telling me the end was near ? Nothing at all came to me while genus Draco was holding onto me, that's how I knew you'd get there in time. '' She kissed his boldness and he quickly turned to get her sassing. With one graceful movement, she turned herself and was now straddling him, throwing her weapon system around his shoulders as she deepened the kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer against him, needing to feel that the wholeness that only she could bestow as her light filled every vacuous topographic point inside of him.

For a moment there he'd felt the world collapse down around him as he'd taken in the truth of Ron's rough words, that his own actions calendar month ago had put Lucius standing over Luna with the decision to let her live or die… The fact that the man would have probably gone ahead and crushed her fingers anyway simply because she'd seen him there meant zip because Lucius had been very clear in his ground for attempting to help oneself her fall to her death. But she had come and just made it better with kind Word of God of her own… She had been able to lease away the business leader his guilt had over him by simply asserting her belief in him and in herself.

Ron had no idea what he was talking about, Luna had never allowed anything to keep her from fighting on and she was far from playing the victim. In fact in that moment, she was his torpedo, bringing him back from the torturous bond of self-distrust. He felt her smile against his brim as she picked up his opinion and knew that she liked how he saw her in his judgment. I love you. He thought to her, a childlike statement that held more than truth and profoundness of emotion than anything he'd ever before uttered in his entire life.

No more than I love you. She assured him, breaking the osculation to front him in the oculus. And then there were no more words left to say, nothing left that could carry what either of them was feeling. And so he reached up to take her lips again, eager to let their minds and bodies say what their quarrel and thoughts were ineffective to articulate.

( break )

Ginny walked into her room, leaving the doorway open as she was sure Draco had picked up on her non-to-subtle hint. sure enough enough he came in a few bit after her, quietly closing the door behind him and leaning against it, waiting to see what was to add up. `` Really ? You stay out all night knowing that Anapurna was still out there ? That Lucius could have come back ? I stayed up waiting for you, worrying myself weirdo thinking of everything that could have happened only to line up you sauntering in after Harry calls us all together ! You're bad for my nerves. '' She scolded.

'' I'm sorry you were worried. '' He said, shuffling his feet. `` I didn't mean to be gone all Nox but once I was out there, it just felt so good… running made me not think, made me feel free I guess. ``

'' And I made you finger trapped ? '' She asked, hurt by the implication.

'' Not in the way you're thinking. '' He insisted. `` The full phase of the moon moonlight is tomorrow night and so I already feel like I'm crawling out of my skin… like my full body is a cage that's just barely keeping me inside. No crystal or potion can take away that feeling. On top of that, it was too much to be presented with the thought that my own father could ingest taken you away from me so easily… that I had something to fall back that would completely destroy me. I'm not used to caring Ginny, but you make it easier… And now it feels like I care too much, you know ? Like my entire existence rests on your welfare… ''

'' You think I don't know what that's like ? I'm the one who had your profligate all over my hands yesterday. '' She reminded him. `` You think I wasn't ready to collapse at the thought that you'd been fatally injured ? I never expected to wish this much about individual, let alone you. But now that we're here together, I can't imagine it any other way and I wouldn't want to. ``

He nodded and crossed his arms across his thorax as a kind of shield. `` As long as you know that I love you and that I don't blame you for any of this… I just can't be here, stuck in this castle ripe now… ''

'' Meaning what ? ``

'' After lupine was done with his coming together with Jacey and Dumbledore, I went to see him to request that we leave a day early like normal. '' He seemed to energize himself as he waited for her reaction.

'' I thought the point of the amulet was that you didn't have to leave at all. '' She said slowly.

'' That's what lupine said… But I don't think I'll habiliment that tomorrow… I think I would kind of like to let the masher run free for a bit, under the chasteness of the Wolfsbane of grade. ``

'' Be honest… Should I be worried about you ? '' She asked quietly.

Dragon seemed to shake himself off a bit, uncrossing his arm and putting on a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. `` Yesterday was a lot to take in… I just call for some clip. ``

'' I knew… yesterday even while it was all happening, I knew you were going to hail out of this unlike. '' She walked over and took his hand, looking up at him and feeling very much like she was pleading with him. `` I understand why… I just don't want you to be different with me. For better or forged I like who you are with me. Show the rest of the earth whatever you want Dragon, but please just quell honest with me. ``

'' I'm trying. '' He whispered sadly, pulling her against him as he hugged her close. `` I just need this fourth dimension away… from you and myself. That's why I don't want to wear off the amulet tomorrow… I don't want to stay myself right now. ``

'' And when you come back ? '' She asked, looking up at him hopefully.

'' It's not like I can walk away from you forever, you know. '' He offered a genuine grin this time. `` It seems I can't really picture any sort of life without you in it. ``

'' Good. Because I'm scared you're going to try and do something misguidedly stately like leaving to ensure Lucius won't target me again. '' Ginny said seriously. `` Regardless what happened yesterday with him, I feel safer when you're around me. ``

'' What you feel and what is the actual world are two dissimilar things. '' He reached out to brush her hair's-breadth back before kissing her forehead. `` It's always going to be more dangerous for you to be around me… but I've long ago realized you're pretty much a target for danger with the conclusion you make and the mass you associate with. Unless you're ready to agree to live your life history in a bubble, I'm in it for the long haulage to ascertain that not only do you not get yourself killed, that no one ever again endeavour to hurt you to get at me… My departure for practiced wouldn't keep Lucius from using you again to even out me out, and it would work just as well as it did yesterday because cipher as simple-minded as distance can convert the way I feel about you. But I need these two days now Ginny. For my own sanity. ``

She looked at him carefully, before letting out a deep breath. `` Okay. '' She agreed now that she felt she believed he would add up back. But component of her was still reluctant, still frightful that while out there he would convert his brain and settle she was intimately off without him after all. `` Just remember, I'd downslope apart if you didn't come back. ``

'' Tues morning I'll be here. '' He promised. She wanted to believe him completely. But that small-scale nagging voice that always seemed to scream out that she wasn't meant to be happy kept her from fully allowing herself to trust that the sweetener of the world beyond Hogwarts was weaker than the desire to render to someplace he'd admitted he felt entirely trapped in.

( BREAK )

Ron waited until late Sunday night, wanting to be sure that everyone else had gone to bed in cookery for their classes the next day. As soon as his clock read midnight he got out of bed, still fully dressed, and made his way across the common room to the Slytherin wing. He knew Tristan's threshold was just past Draco's and as he raised his hand to knock, he hoped Jacey answered looking like the vampire as it would hit it prosperous to say the matter he'd decided he needed to say to her. To the disappointment of his mind but not his eyes, she opened the doorway looking very much like herself. It was amazing that she could look so stunning in simple pajamas, but the silky shirt and drawers seemed to hug her physical structure just right, making her appear gentle and curvy. Her hair was hanging in barbaric curls around her shoulders, making it tantalizingly clear that she'd just rolled out of bed. `` Was there something you wanted ? '' She asked softly, clearly aware of the tension and anger he felt towards her.

He shook himself a bit, remembering that he'd made a decision and that he was determined to dumbfound with it. `` I need to talk to you for a moment. ``

She gestured him in and closed the door, turning to face up him with queasy concern. `` Have you heard anything about Anapurna yet ? '' She looked down, and he began to wonder if she already knew why he'd ejaculate to see her.

'' Lupin told me before he and Dragon left that his contact had gotten a hold of him to report that she had gotten Parvati to the colony and they were well. '' He crossed his coat of arms and stared her down, almost daring her to gather his heart. `` As well as can be expected anyway, given the fact that she had to be taken away from her friends and family to watch how to be a better vampire. ``

'' It is not all my fault ! '' She protested, once more raising her gaze. `` I am sorry for the component I played in it by not saying what I suspected, but I am not the one who targeted her, I am not the one who turned her and I am not the one who is letting my guilt destroy my liveliness ! ``

'' Of course I feel guilty ! '' Ron shouted. `` I was all wrapped up in intellection of you while she was off being fed on or whatever it takes to turn person ! She relied on me and I let her down, well I won't do it anymore. ``

'' Meaning what ? Have you come to tell me off the same way you did all your other Friend ? ``

'' I don't have to. You aren't my friend, I barely know you. '' He saw that she was hurt badly by this and it hurt him to see it. He may not sleep together her well, but this was certainly proving to be knockout than it had been to say the things he knew would make his friend mad at him. He wondered how Harry had been able to celebrate this act up for so long hold out year when he was already prepared to throw off in the towel at the sight of Jacey's upset with him. But if he wanted to be left alone, he had to guarantee no one wanted to get to him. `` For a moment I thought I wanted to have a go at it you, but you're as big a liar as Harry, Luna and Hermione. Besides, if I can barely put up to be around myself, how can I possibly be near you when the sight of you makes me think of everything that Parvati is going through because you didn't warn anyone ? ``

'' Okay, you have made your point. '' She said crossly. `` I think you should go before you say something I really can not forgive. Remember Ron, eventually you will observe a way to strike past what you are feeling… you do not need to completely burn every bridgework you have. ``

'' Maybe I do. '' He countered. `` It would prepare it that much easier to start over from scratch. ``

'' Why would you desire to do that ? '' She pushed. `` Your booster, your family… they have always been there for you. Maybe not always in ways that you approve of, but you can only really fault them for doing what they thought was best for you. I know the affair you said to them today, the way you made them find about themselves. I know that it is well-off for you to make them intend badly of themselves so that they will forget they are mad at you for putting those opinion in their heads in the first place. But what you are doing is cruel. Harry already feels so much province for everyone's welfare, making him mean almost losing Luna was his fault was a horrible thing to do. ``

'' I wasn't wrong. '' He shot back, trying to prove that he was in-situ by her Good Book. `` He's the genius behind Xeno releasing that history, everything that happens as a result of it is in some way his fault. He provided the catalyst. ``

'' And even now after you have made that shed light on and nearly crushed him with that noesis, he would lay down his life history to save yours. '' She said angrily. `` You are letting what you feel make you act selfishly. However true the thing you say may be, how is bringing it to anyone's care a positive thing to do ? Everyone needs a bit of denial to go on after so much mindless and unending tragedy, even you. Taking theirs away from them, exposing all the things they had repressed in order to prevent moving forward… you are hurting them more than than they realize. And Sir Thomas More than you realize. You have no mind what is going on between Hermione and Fred right now and the therefore the matter you said to her were devastating for her to find out. After finding her in that maw so completely lost, you should give realized that she is in a very fragile place at the minute. ``

'' You're proper, I have no estimate what's going on between Hermione and Fred. You know why ? Because no one tells me anything anymore ! '' He shouted. `` That's kind of my entirely item here ! '' He stalked over to the door, more angry with her now than when he'd come in. He wanted the luxuriousness of focusing on his own excited state of matter, he didn't want to take to get aware of anyone else's. Of course he knew they were all pain after late events… but he wanted his painfulness to take midpoint stage for once. He didn't want to have to realize that to each of them, their own nuisance was the most important… he didn't want to have to acknowledge that there were those among his friends who may have deserved to feel worse than he did. So what if that made him selfish… he was seventeen and this was the time to be selfish, to be Whitney Moore Young Jr. and responsibility-free, to not suffer to care about anyone but himself before growing up and having to get a job and set forth a class. He was tired and wanted the animation of a normal teen and the best way to achieve that was to distance himself from those that by blueprint or desire were now forced to be more mature.

'' Please do not just walk out. '' Jacey said softly as he breezed past her.

'' There's nothing more to say and nothing more I want to hear. '' He answered meanly, opening the door and walking out.

It wasn't until he reached his own way that he finally allowed himself to breathe. Facing Jacey had been harder than the others, perhaps because he'd been disappointed in her the most. Harry and the others he was used to getting the run around from, but he'd expected more from her. Ron had thought she was feeling the Sami way for him that he felt for her, but then she had so easily lied to him, siding with his protagonist against him immediately. And meanwhile, he'd lost a young woman who really had tried to care about him to a atrocious fate… A fate that had been allowed to go on by the young woman he'd allowed himself to be distracted by. Until he could forgive himself, he'd never be able to forgive Jacey… and at this point, he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to.

( break of serve )

Hermione lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. She was too hot to catch some Z's, though once she kicked off her cover charge she found she was suddenly too cold. She'd tried taking the herbs given to her by the healers but they had only relieved her sore throat and stuffed nose. The vexation remained, and she began to distrust that it had nothing to do with the moth-eaten she'd caught. Ron's words were echoing in her head, making her uncertainty so many things… but she wouldn't let herself be swept up in it. She'd have plenty of time to feel bad once she was sure Fred was safe.

As a distraction, she focused her nous on finding a solution. At first they'd all agreed that finding out where Fred was being kept was the most significant thing, but she was starting to mean otherwise. What good would finding him do if they didn't figure out a way to unsnarl him from the cakehole that had forced him to allow in the first place ? Nailing down the spy was the key… Erebos and Neil Simon, it was important that they figure out how these two were actually connected to Elanya, Elise and Sarah. Once they were discovered, their threat would no longer give weight and Fred could be freed of the fear of Ron and Ginny being killed if he didn't cooperate. The next measure was something Lee and Willem could do for her in London… they had to be absolutely sure there was no proof to tie Fred to Edmund's dying, nothing that Elanya could use to establish he'd helped her in any way. The last step was finding a way to end the terror Sarah had hung over Hermione's own principal. Once that was done, there was nothing to force Fred to retain to cooperate and then they could find him and bring him home.

There was only one way she had been able to think of overcoming Sarah's accomplishment with Advanced Astral jutting and that was to suit a like opposition. She'd already read the Good Book she'd gotten from the library once… now it was time to read through them again to be sure she hadn't missed anything and then it would be time to practice. She turned on the light and picked up one of the books, figuring it was a better use of her insomnia than staring at the ceiling and worrying endlessly. She was determined that by the end of this calendar week she would know everything Sarah knew about astral projection… That they will accept neutralized the threats presented by Erebos and Simon… And that they will not only have found where Elanya took Fred, but also have a solid plan for how to play him back.

　

promissory note : succeeding chapter, the hunt for Fred and some More matter are brought to light. Stay tuned to bump out what happens succeeding !

Reference to Moody and the polyjuice potion from Harry Potter and the chalice of blast by J.K. Rowling.
Reference to Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter and the order of magnitude of the phoenix by J.K. Rowling.
quotation to Quierrell from Harry potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling


Chapter 53 : And the Plot Thickens

A/N : Wow did this chapter take a turn I wasn't expecting as I was writing, thus the deed of conveyance of the chapter… I guess we'll all see where this takes us now. Read, followup, Enjoy !





'' You're indisputable about this ? '' Lupin asked as they watched the moon rise from beneath the trees.

'' I am. '' genus Draco answered steadily, clutching his amulet tightly as he waited for himself to be ready to remove it. They had hiked all day in secretiveness yesterday, both content to let the other be lost in their own thoughts as they left any tincture of refinement far behind them. He'd been grateful that lupine had allowed the quiet to persist in into the night and next day… he felt awkward around the man and didn't recognise how to blab out to him anymore. Lucius had been set up to toss off lupin simply for agreeing to legally face after Dragon and high-risk, he'd threatened to go after Andromeda, Ted and Tonks as well before he'd escaped. His father's inexplicable anger and jealousy was obviously something Potter hadn't anticipated when he'd suggested this unit keeping thing for them… none of them had. `` You don't have to come with, you know. You can stay fresh your talisman on and persist human… I took the potion, I'll be fine. ``

'' I know. But I want to go with. '' He insisted. `` I've had to do this by myself for many years, and even when you think you don't want anyone else there, I've found it's always better not to go through it alone. I had James II and Sirius… and because they kept me going, now you have me to help you. ``

Draco shook his header. `` schooling's over in a few hebdomad, I'll be moving back in with ceramicist I guessing, since that's where everyone seems to go. I have the amulet and a good sense of some sort of control… you don't have to be there for me anymore. You can take back your guardianship and erase all trace that tie yours and Tonks name to mine. ``

'' I could, but why would I ? '' Lupin smiled. `` You can't always expect that people will just give up on you when things get too arduous Draco. Not everyone is like that. You may believe that it's difficult to open yourself up to caring about others… but that's the well-off piece. It can be far more difficult to open yourself up to letting others care about you. ``

'' I just don't want it to be my break if Lucius decides to go after you guys ! '' He said angrily, taking a few steps away.

'' And it wouldn't be. '' He said gently. `` What your father chooses to do is up to him, but the bad blood between him and Andromeda goes back to before you were born. Her recent kindness to you is only the latest excuse for him to seek retribution against her. Tonks has been in his ken for long time as she was a part of several unlike investigating seeking to take him down. And after what happened in the Ministry of Magic, after losing Sirius, she had already sworn to assist get Lucius and the others if it was the last matter she did. I know you don't know your cousin very well, but it takes a lot for her to game down from anything. '' He smiled as he thought of his married woman. `` As for me, well, you've kind of grown on me. I'm certainly not scared of Lucius, and I wouldn't let him be the thing that has you pushing me away when it's clear you'd rather have me around. ``

'' I guess you've grown on me too. '' genus Draco mumbled. `` Which is why the last affair I want to be is a burden. ``

'' And you aren't. '' lupine insisted. `` My family was always cold and distant, and they became even more so after I became afflicted with this curse. My unhurt life sentence I had to make my own family, which is what I managed to do with James, Lily and Sirius. After I lost them, I thought I was finished caring about people… And then I got the chance to not only meet and be near Harry, but to help clear Sirius's name as well. Since then I've opened myself up and began making my own family again, up to and including falling in dear with and marrying Tonks. I care about all of you kids… and I certainly love Harry as if he were my own son. But you Draco, you have become individual authoritative to me as well, person I can share the most horrible share of my lifespan with, someone who makes this curse easier to bear because now I have the responsibility of guiding you through living your life sentence with it. I'm not revoking my guardianship, and it's not just because I think you still postulate me and Tonks and the illusion of family we can offer you, it's also because I need you to be in my life. ``

He didn't know what to say or even how he felt. He was still getting used to what it was like to do it Ginny, how was he also supposed to deal the impression that came with having normal crime syndicate members who not only cared about him, but actually wanted him around ? Lupin was related to him through marriage and a shimmy of composition, but in that minute it felt as if he were everything Draco had always wanted but never had… father, brother, uncle, cousin and best booster all wrapped up in one computer software and waiting for him to accept it. `` Okay. '' He said, not trusting himself to say anything else without betraying how excited he felt.

lupin laughed and patted his shoulder. `` Come on, let's let ourselves go for the nighttime and just bask the run. We'll school principal back towards Hogwarts so we won't have as far to travel in the morning. ``

Draco nodded in silent correspondence. Together they removed their amulet, storing them safely in their base, of which they'd loosened the straps to accommodate their soon to be bombastic pattern. Stepping out into the moonlight, he wasn't quite for sure what to expect… the shift wasn't as awful as he remembered, though perhaps it was because this time he fully embraced it, wanting the beast to be free. Still retaining their own minds, they were now in extraneous dead body and had to be careful as they remembered to strap the bags to their backs. They shared a feeling before lupine threw his head to the moon and let out a furious howl. And then they were off, allowing the wolves to run and run while they attempted to turn off their human thoughts.

( break )

As had become his customs, Fred woke early, just before the sun rose. Of course he had no theme what time that was, just as he had no idea how long he'd actually been on this island… he'd forced himself to stop tally days after the fifth one, finding it far too uncheerful. Instead he had learned to concenter on finding what little delectation he could while he was imprisoned. Those odd flower growing here had become one of those things he actually liked and so he'd begun getting up before the sun, gladly leaving the splendor of the Interior of their massive collapsible shelter that seemed so ordinary bicycle on the outdoors. As he now normally did, he walked up the beach to where a small maculation of the strange blooming grew wild.

Looking off into the visible horizon as he waited for the sun to peek over it, he let his mind wander… Wondering what his friends were up to, what Hermione must be thinking about his fade, whether his parents knew he was in problem, and near prominently ... how was he going to get himself out of this ? Hearing a tawdry squawking sound that still terrified him no affair how many times he heard it, he glanced up into the quickly brightening sky and saw the gloomy outline of those weird creatures that enjoyed flying through the dawn. He didn't know what they were and they never came secretive enough for him to really see them, which was amercement by him as he wasn't about to go looking for them. They seemed to stick to the grandiloquent spate that made up most of this island and Fred had been sure to keep far away from there, choosing instead to remain near the beach where the vast sea reminded him of freedom.

At last the sun came up, breaking entirely free of the visible horizon to begin it's ascent through the sky. He eagerly turned back to the peak, waiting for that initiative beam of visible light to touch them. At last it happened and his eyes danced as bud after bud bloomed in an explosion of color- vivacious pinks and purple, neon blues and green, deeply saturated oranges and yellowness. It was breathtaking to behold, like a work of art coming to life right in front of him.

'' Well, I figured I'd find you here again. '' Elanya said as she came up behind him. He ignored her as he'd been doing since that first night… he hadn't spoken a single Good Book to her since setting up the tent. In fact, he felt like he was beginning to draw a blank how to talk at all as he'd never in his life been able to maintain silence for more than a few bit let alone however long he'd been stuck here… Though in a common sense, it did hold him happy to experience that his self-will and willpower were so inviolable. He knew it was beginning to bother her that she was basically left talking to herself and as that was the lonesome form of victory he could achieve, he was careful to go along up his silence. `` Don't you get tired of watching them day after day ? '' She goaded.

He wanted to tell her that he'd be able to find more stimulating ways to make it his sentence had she not forced him onto this island where the alone form of entertainment was the strange beauty of nature… But he didn't. He simply got up and brushed the sand from his shorts before stripping off his shoes and jersey and heading down to the body of water for a swimming. He could experience her following him and smiled to himself, happy that he was proving to be an irritation to her. `` You have to talk to me sometime ! '' She called as he walked right into the water, letting the inexplicable lovingness of it sooth away the tensity he carried at all clock time now. `` Hey ! '' She shouted loudly.

He turned to find her ankle-deep in the pee. She'd taken off her clothes and was standing there in a revealing washup lawsuit that he hadn't even seen her leverage with his money. The fabric was gold, nearly blending in with the deep tan she'd acquired while they'd been there and illuminating the honey-gold people of color of her centre. The sun shone through her loose auburn hair, casting a lustrous aura around her. He bit the inside of his impertinence, needing the painful sensation to remind him that as skillful as she may look she wasn't safe to let one's guard down around. `` Mind if I join you for a swimming ? '' She asked slyly as she posed effortlessly in front end of him like a golden statue.

It was clean she wanted some reception and it didn't subject whether it was a defense or acceptation of her crack. She was clearly starting to act out in an try to keep in line him into doing what she wanted, which was speak to her. As a skilled prevaricator and manipulator himself, he knew the thing to look for and so he willfully kept his muteness. Pretending he hadn't even seen her, he turned and dove into the soft waving before moving his blazon and ramification, gliding easily through the water supply without looking back. Everyday he managed to get further from the shoreline… not that he had any illusions about being capable to swim his way across the ocean. But as Elanya never went to a greater extent than waist-deep into the urine, he'd number to realize she was probably not a very potent or surefooted bather. This meant that the just time he could be assured of being away from her was way out where she dared not go.

Feeling his slope Menachem Begin to hamper and his limbs slack down, he stopped and treaded water, turning to ensure she had in fact remained on the beach. Even at this far distance, he could order she was wild as she strode back towards the tent. Breathing a sigh of easement Fred flipped over onto his backrest and floated, careful to mind that he didn't let the electric current pull him further than he thought he could swim back. Allowing his question to dip so that his ears were below water where everything was muffled and staring at the interminable blue air sky, he felt relaxed… peaceful… and very lonely. As much as he would wish to look on the bright side and bask the scenery of where he was, the idea that so many people were probably worried about him kept him from doing so. He wished he were stuck on the island with Hermione, that this was some post-graduation holiday and she could be out here to savor this placidity moment with him.

He was apprehensive that he didn't know what was going on at Hogwarts, but there was nix he could do about it. Still, it was promiscuous to reckon of the unknown risk the others were going through than to focus on his own captivity… But he knew he had to start doing something to change his berth. As much as he wanted to go along up this silent treatment that was making Elanya so mad, he knew he needed answers from her. His hands were completely tied while he was here, cut off from everyone and all information. But if he could find out when they were leaving and when she planned on going back to London to attempt to use him against his Quaker and family, then he'd be better positioned to come up with a plan. Getting himself off this island was useless if he didn't public figure a way out of everything else as well.

Feeling hungry, Fred turned and swam back to shore. Letting the sun dry him as he walked back to the tent, he decided to dedicate himself one more day to enjoy making Elanya mad… Tomorrow he would see how he felt about breaking his silence. After all, as much as he wanted to reason with himself, it was hard to give up the only small bit of exponent he had at the moment.

( geological fault )

'' Good morning everyone ! '' Charlie greeted his class. Since lupin and Draco had decided to leave, an impromptu switch up of class schedules was arranged to take a leak up for the missing professor, making for an entirely confusing Monday that Hermione had missed out on by staying in bed sick. Unfortunately, lupin hadn't made it back in meter Tuesday good morning and that left the one-seventh class advanced curriculum class to relish aid of Magical creature as the first deterrent example of the day. Normally Hermione enjoyed Charlie's course, even if she did accept to call him prof Weasley. But between her concern over Fred, her still lingering illness and Ron glaring at her and Harry the whole fourth dimension, she just wasn't in the mood for anything that distracted her from practicing astral project. Perhaps she should have taken Harry's advice and stayed in bed again today, but being so close to the end of her metre in school day she'd forced herself to get up, not wanting to miss out on anything that could lay out itself on a trial run. But her drumhead just wasn't in it and as Charlie began handing out little Christian Bible to them all, she debated asking if she could be excused.

'' Now, my coming to teach here was a very live second decision and so I didn't have clock time to get my say on your indication list for this course of instruction. '' Charlie announced as he finished passing the books around and stood before them all. `` Today we start learning about creatures I have a detail specialty in- Draco. '' He smiled, clearly excited to teach on something he knew so well. `` Obviously I can't bring any of them in to present you, though I'm aware that some of you have had rather close encounters with a few different species. '' He grinned at Harry.

'' Charlie, this record has your public figure on it. '' Ron interrupted, not bothering to nurture his hand.

'' That's Professor Weasley while we're in year Ron. '' Charlie reminded him with a smirk. `` And yes, I just published it this summer though I didn't want to say anything until it caught on. A few years ago, I and a few of my colleagues were favourable enough to stumble upon a species of dragon that had long been thought to induce gone extinct. We lived near and studied them and after, I wrote down what we learned. You are now all holding the results of that movement. ``

He went on and suddenly too curious and interested to consider leaving class, Hermione began flipping through the book, tidal bore to get a sense of Charlie as an author. The school text was informative but it was the shining photographs of the island where the dragons had been found and of the creatures themselves that really made the book spectacular. Drawn in by a bright burst of gloss in the corner of one of the picture, she leaned in closer and was struck as she recognized the flowers from Luna's vision. Her hand instantly shot into the air as she desperately waved it to get Charlie's attention.

'' Yes Miss husbandman ? '' He grinned at her.

'' I was looking through the book… these flowers in this picture here, are they Colorsplosions ? '' She felt Harry pick up up following to her and together they eagerly waited for an answer.

'' Why, yes as a affair of fact. As it turned out, these dragons weren't the only thing we found on the island that had been thought to be extinct. unspoiled job recognizing them '' He nodded encouragingly. `` There were several other plant life and animal mintage on this island- ''

'' What island ? '' Harry interrupted, throwing his hand in the air as an afterthought.

'' One of the gateway islands that protect the road to Castellumshire. '' He answered leery of the sudden interest. `` I'm no sailor, I simply rode with a bunch of them and they knew how to get there. I personally couldn't even direct it out on a map. ``

'' And are the flying lizard that live there dangerous ? '' Hermione asked, suddenly terrified for Fred.

'' Yes, but only if you disturb them. '' Charlie answered seriously. `` This species is called the Double-Clawed Winghorn, so named for the duad of very discriminating nipper they use to perch and grip prey and the car horn protruding from the tips of their wings. They live in senior high places, generally mountains… Which is where we found these last few. Our camp was down at the base and as long as we remained down there, the Winghorns didn't bother us. It was only after we climbed up to study them more closely that they became reprehensible and highly protective of what they considered their borders. They attack in pair and are highly intelligent and extremely skillful, though we only saw ten of them in all. However, when left on their own it became readable that they only came out to hunt down in the very ahead of time first light. The relief of the prison term they were depicted object to stay on in their den. ``

Hermione pretty much tuned him out after that, not needing or wanting to hear more. Surely she had to be mistaken, for certain Colorspolosions had to raise elsewhere in the world… She knew all it would lead to find out the truth was to run the idea by Luna and the girl's intuition would severalize them if this was the island where Fred was being held… but she was already pretty sure that it was. Of path it had to be, why wouldn't Elanya insist they go one of the few space anyone else dared to ? What were the odds another team of dragon huntsman would be stopping by now that they knew what was there ?

As soon as Charlie ended his family, Hermione raced back to her room, throwing aside the Scripture on astral forcing out to find the one about cryptical islands that she'd also stolen/borrowed. She flipped through the pages until she found an entry on the gateway islands… there were two some thirty km apart that were estimated to be about a hundred klick from Castellumshire. Despite this blanket area, the Word explained that for some reason, these islands proved to be unchartable and only a very seasoned sailor knew how to find them.

feeling excited, uneasy and terrified, she rushed into the common room where Harry and Luna were sitting on the couch, apparently waiting for her. `` Is this it ? Is this where Fred is ? '' She thrust the rule book at Luna, begging her to say she was wrong… that Fred wasn't on an untraceable island that was occupied by dragons.

'' You've lost Fred ? '' Draco asked as he emerged from the Slytherin wing.

They all froze, unsure what to say or how to excuse. `` When did you get back ? '' Harry asked calmly as both a beguilement and a way to buy time.

'' A few second ago. I was just on my way to tell Ginny before we all have to go to course of instruction. '' He answered, looking around at the three of them suspiciously. `` What's going on with Fred ? ``

'' He's on a business trip. '' Hermione said quickly, not knowing what else to say and figuring it was best to puzzle with the lie already told. They may not have discussed it, but she, Harry and Luna had clearly come to a dumb agreement not to tell Draco anything about Fred so that he wouldn't be put in the position of keeping it from Ginny.

'' Yeah, Ginny mentioned something about that. Apparently Mrs Weasley sent a missive complaining all about it and the abrupt way he left. '' genus Draco said slowly. He was anything but dimwitted and it was clear he'd picked up on something being wrong. `` What does that make to do with you all not knowing where he is ? ``

'' Hermione had been talking to him through those compacts… you know, keeping in touch. '' Luna blurted out.

'' right hand, but she came to us this morning saying she accidentally broke the compact. '' Harry agreed, picking up effortlessly on Luna's thought. `` She was freaking out because she had no approximation where he was actually staying and therefore no way to get through him. ``

'' I had a vision that showed him on an island, though I wasn't sure which one so she went to seem up the things I described to see if she could reckon it out. '' Luna added, rounding out their lie.

Dragon ignored them and looked at Hermione before smirking and shaking his heading. He'd gotten to get laid them all well since joining with them, and had spent years before that spying on them to see all their secrets. He knew of the three, Harry was the indue prevaricator, though Luna was able when pressed… he also knew Hermione not only didn't like to lie, she wasn't always the most convince at it. Letting Harry and Luna speak for her had obviously given him a cue that matter weren't exactly as they were telling him. `` I see. '' He said at last. `` This is one of those, I'm-better-off-not-knowing, eccentric of things… is that because Ginny is better off not knowing ? ``

'' Let's just say everything's amercement and reefer with that. '' Harry said.

'' Okay, I don't need to know the particulars. '' Draco agreed. `` But if you need help, I've been looking for a reason to practice scrying. ``

'' Why ? '' Hermione asked.

He shrugged. `` You all said we need to focus on getting prepare to find the coven… Figured I'd like to suffer something utile to contribute to the table. Scrying is a accomplishment that runs in my family unit so I thought I could use it to facilitate you locate all those people. ``

'' Good to know you plan to derive along. '' Harry smiled in encouragement.

'' I don't really accept anything planned once we're released from here. '' He admitted. `` I just think it's best I prepare for anything. Let me get it on if you need my help. I won't mention to Ginny that Fred is currently… off the grid ? ``

'' I guess that's the best way to put it. '' Hermione nodded. `` Thanks. '' He waved her off and continued on his way to severalize Ginny that he had returned.

'' Yes, I think that's the office. '' Luna said, answering Hermione's earlier question once she was trusted they were alone.

'' Good, so if we know what island he's on and Draco thinks he can find where the island is, then there's no need for you and Jacey to go to Erebos's class today so she can try to get into his head. '' Harry said happily.

'' That was your idea in the commencement place ! '' Hermione reminded him.

'' I've had fourth dimension to ruminate on it. '' He answered defensively.

'' Either way, we still have to determine whether he's really the spy. We can't go rescue Fred until we're sure we've shut down everything they're holding over his forefront. '' She argued.

'' I agree. '' Jacey said, emerging from the Slytherin wing as Tristram, properly dressed in school day robe and carrying a packsack. `` Are you set up to go Miss husbandman ? ``

Hermione looked at Harry and saw that he was extremely unhappy. She felt free in that moment… she didn't have to care what Harry thought anymore. She was willing to do whatever she had to in gild to help Fred, just as she'd done in the past for Harry, no matter how dangerous or stunned. They had to know if Erebos was the spy so that they could break him from carrying out Elanya's threats… if that meant placing herself in movement of the professor while Jacey tried to get into his mind, then so be it. `` I'm ready. '' She answered confidently.

( BREAK )

Ginny answered the bang on her door right away and threw her weaponry around Dragon, more than relieved that he'd returned as he'd promised. `` I wasn't even gone a full-of-the-moon two sidereal day. '' He teased, leaning down to buss her.

'' It felt like much longer. '' She sighed, taking his hand and leading him into her room, closing the door for privateness. `` Are you okay ? ``

'' As very much as I can be I guess. '' He answered honestly, taking a fundament on the bed. `` I talked a few things over with Lupin and it made me palpate better… sorting of. I'm just tired of everything always being so hard. ``

'' You and everyone else. '' She smiled, climbing behind him and rubbing his shoulder. She could feel how much tenseness he was carrying and did her right to ease the uttermost tension in his brawn. `` But I guess if things weren't hard, we wouldn't appreciate the clip when everything is soft. ``

He relaxed into her script, letting his principal hang down as she massaged his neck opening. `` When has anything ever been wanton ? We've all had to scramble to get where we are and now we're struggling to stay there while the integral world seems to plat against us. ``

'' Being with you isn't such a battle. '' She wrapped her arm around him and kissed the cover of his neck. `` In fact, loving you might be the leisurely affair I've ever done even after all we've gone through together. I don't care how unvoiced I have to fight for us Draco, I think it's worth it. ``

He took her blazon and turned to look her, studying her very closely. `` None of this… nothing I'm questioning or doubting has anything to do with you or us. '' He said very seriously before at last breakage into a smile. `` You don't have to convince me that you love me, it's probably the only thing I'm sure of anymore. ``

She nodded. `` I just thought you needed to get wind it again. I can't imagine what you must be feeling after everything that happened with Lucius on Saturday… I just don't want you to go back to thinking that everyone is like him, that everyone will hurt or disappoint you in the long run. ``

He let out a humble jest. `` lupin said something similar. ``

'' Well, we can't both be wrong, right ? '' She grinned.

'' It's just a unknown thing to get used to, having masses safari to appease in my life… especially when it's proven so grievous. '' He shook his head and turned away from her again. `` I tried to turn over Lupin an out. I told him to erase all ghost that linked his and Tonks's name calling to mine… but he wanted to stay on as my guardian. ``

'' Of course he did ! You don't think you're helping him allot with this unharmed wolfman thing the Lapplander way he's helping you ? '' She asked, once more wrapping her munition around him and resting her chin on his shoulder. `` Face it Draco… once citizenry get to live you, you're a pretty likeable guy. And I hope you weren't provision to try and nominate me the same pass as lupin because you're as stuck with me as you are with him. ``

'' Don't I know it. '' He teased, turning to kiss her cheek.

'' You're lucky to have us both. '' She went on, smiling widely.

'' Yeah, I know that too. '' He laughed.

'' Well here's the piece you don't seem to fuck yet… we're lucky to take you as well. '' She reached up and turned his case so that she could lightly kiss his lips. `` Maybe that's the region you shouldn't forget. '' She whispered before fully capturing his mouth once more, ready to welcome him back and usher him just how much she'd missed him.

( shift )

'' Mr. Macnair ! I was told not to bear you in class today. '' prof Erebos said as soon as Jacey entered his classroom. Hermione had been sure to arrive a few minutes before her as usual so that aught would seem suspicious.

'' I'm of the creative thinker that my position here is still to be determined. '' She replied as Tristan, coolly taking a seat in the spinal column row of the nearly abandon classroom. Erebos simply shook his head and began his moral. Clearly the man was going to leave the act of disciplining the vampire to those with more power than he had. Jacey was happy to discover that the professor was more than a bit pock of Tristan.

Remember, keep back him busy. Ask questions so he is focused on you and therefore less able to focus on shielding his thinker. She reminded Hermione.

I think I can deal it. She replied in amusement.

They waited until the deterrent example was half over, hoping that Erebos would be lulled into a false sense of security. You ready ? Jacey thought out to Harry and Luna. She knew that by now they had stationed themselves side by side door in Professor Flitwick's currently empty classroom.

Let's just try to be really heedful, okay ? Harry asked desperately.

Giving Hermione the signal, Jacey watched in beguile amusement as the other girl raised her hand and assaulted Erebos with rapid-fire questions. No Sooner had the man answered her once than she was asking for more information, more clarification or to a greater extent particular. Watching him become flustered, Jacey waited until she was sure he was completely distracted by his eager student. Feeling Harry and Luna's mien mingle in with hers, she propelled all three of them forward into the prof's headspring. Sure enough, they found a fort around his mind, as high and mighty as any of theirs. Picturing the three of them tiptoeing through the man's subconscious, she helped lookup for some way in.

There ! Luna whispered excitedly. Focusing on her, Jacey was able to see what she saw and cautiously zoomed toward the crack in the understructure. They slipped their way in, careful not to leave a trace of themselves. Flipping through the man's intellect as quickly as possible, they at hold up found what they were looking for.

*****

Erebos put the key in the door and entered the hotel room. Elise was already waiting for him, sitting in one of the chairs as she regarded him warily. `` It's been a long time Dolos. '' She said, offering a sly and seductive smile.

'' And I had thought it would be much longer. I thought we had agreed years ago to just be happy that we got away with having our short time together. '' He replied, angrily dropping his suitcase to the footing. He didn't like being summoned like this, but the young lady had a lot of shite on him and she was entirely equal to of ruining his life.

'' You thought a lot of things about me, haven't you ? '' She teased.

He cleared his throat and remained stabilise in his resolution. `` I'm married now. ``

She laughed. `` Actually you're in the physical process of getting divorced. Didn't you think I would watch up on you before making link ? I also know things between you and the ex-wife are entirely unsettled… it seems she's battling you for full-of-the-moon custody of the trivial rugrats you two bred. '' She laughed again, having seen the concern that instantly spread across his face. `` Relax Dolos, I didn't call you here to rekindle old flames or to threaten your estranged family. ``

'' Then why did you bid, and why have us fill here, in Australia of all places ? '' He asked nervously.

'' To hit a suggestion. '' She rose and walked over to the window, letting the sun refulgence through her sundress and publicise a vestige of the form underneath. `` It seems you and I are in the position to avail each early yet again. '' She added, looking at him over her shoulder. Everything about her was as appealing as it had been all those years ago, from her rather attractive appearance to the small ace tattoo that drew him into her eyes to the tinge of risk she always promised to provide.

'' I'm hearing. '' He said, entertaining the idea that perhaps rekindling old flames wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

She turned fully to him, leaning against the balcony rail as she spoke. `` I came here looking for someone… turns out the first one wasn't all that I needed him to be. But I have found a miss with the mightily tycoon and a despairing need for revenge. My friends and I need her… after speaking with the girl, we've already come up with a plan on how to use her to our best advantage. The entirely thing is, she feels she has nothing to pop the question us. As it turns out, the miss does take some annoying moral and while she very much liked that we could give her the way to kill her Father of the Church, she was also hesitant in joining with us when she had no way to repay us. ``

'' She seems smartness, doesn't want to be left in anyone's debt. '' He interrupted, thinking of his own situation. He was entirely indebted to Elise for how she was capable to cover up their affair all those days ago… it was why he had come here.

'' Whatever the case, you need to be the thing she can provide us… which works out wonderfully since I was eventually going to contact you on our behalf anyway. '' She grinned.

'' You keep saying our and we. Who else are you plotting with ? ``

'' A dearly old friend… perhaps you remember Sarah Elaine ? '' She waited as he nodded, indicating he vaguely remembered the girl who he'd only ever met during the trial. `` She has her own Fish on the hook shot, but her missy is useless as long as she's locked away. ``

'' So what do you need me to do ? '' He asked, again feeling nervous.

'' Elanya Delamora… very young and very pretty… she's staying in this hotel. I need you to make it your business to run into her. I'm sure you won't have a problem convincing her that you find her very attractive and would do anything she wanted of you. Then I need you to casually slip into conversation that you work at Hogwarts… she'll take tutelage of the rest. ``

'' How can you be sure ? ``

Elise smiled again, this sentence like a lioness toying with her fair game. `` Because I'll see to it that she thinks you are exactly what we need. Imagine her delight when she stumbles into you ! We'll let her think you are hers and hers alone and that only she can bring you into the crease, it'll be her way of buying her way in. Later if she tries to use you against us, we'll simply tell her how thing really came about and that she hasn't even come close to coming up even for what we're going to help oneself her do. ``

'' So you want me to avail you horse around and trap this girl ? '' He shook his forefront. `` How naïve is she ? ``

'' Not at all actually. She is very well mindful of how affair work in my world, but like you she prefers to live on the outer edges of it, only dipping a toe in when it suits her. '' Elaine teased. `` That is why we have to not only set up this elaborate farce, but also be entirely convincing about it. ``

'' Which is why you told me to use a funeral as my excuse for being in the country. ``

'' Well, death makes most people feel awkward and therefore there are less uninvited interrogation. ``

He sighed and sat down in the chair. `` And, what do I get out of this ? ``

'' Besides the pleasure of a renewed friend with me ? '' She grinned. `` We will guarantee that you get whatever you want out of this petty divorcement battle. ``

'' How ? I don't want Lilah hurt. '' He had a sudden sense of protectiveness come over him as he thought of his minor's mother being killed.

'' Relax. We have plenty of ways of doing anything we want. It's all about knowing the rightfulness people and calling in the right favors. '' She assured him. `` After we deliver, all I'll need you to do is stay fresh playing along with the daughter. Once you get back to school day, all you'll have to do is continue an eye on a few choice students so that we know what's going on at all clock time. So, are you in ? ``

'' I don't know, are you leaving anything out ? '' He asked suspiciously.

'' You know me too well, Dolos. '' She said, once again offering a coy smile as she walked back into the room to stand before him. `` How do you finger about hurting bookman, possibly even killing one ? ``

'' I'd rather it didn't come to that… '' He swallowed knockout. trusted he'd taken a few lives back during the hold up war, but that had been because he thought he was doing right, protecting a way of life. After, when he'd gotten to make love Elise and seen what the war had done to the small fry of his opposition he began to wonder if he did go on Dumbledore's face. It was a question that had haunted him for years after. Perhaps this was his time to incur out… if he was able to menace an unacquainted student, then surely he belonged on Elise's side of the war, on Voldemort's side.

'' No one wants it to come to that, and if everyone does exactly what they're supposed to then it won't. But I need someone who can do what is essential should the function arise. '' She was studying him closely, obviously looking for signs of weakness.

'' If you can guarantee Lilah won't be capable to subscribe my youngster away, then I'm your man. '' He replied steadily. There were a lot of shady things in his past, some of them had been what finally pushed his wife away and forced her to assay sole-custody. He knew he'd do whatever it took to get what he wanted, and Elise knew it too… that's why after all these long time, she'd descend back to him. He could and would do this, and what's more, he felt like he'd enjoy it.

*****

Well, I guess that answers a lot. Harry said once they all cleared out of Erebos's head.

We're back. Jacey thought to Hermione. She saw that the girl was having trouble keeping up her barrage of query and wanted to assure her that she could stop.

Suddenly the classroom door swung unresolved and Healer Francis Drake entered with an apologetic smile. `` Sorry to interrupt. '' He said politely. `` I need to adopt Mr. Macnair. He's wanted up in the Headmaster's office. ``

'' Go on Macnair. I told you that you weren't supposed to be here. '' Erebos crossed his arms and waited impatiently.

Jacey reluctantly got up, hearing Harry in her top dog telling her and Hermione that he and Luna were staying where they were until the class was over. She followed Drake down the hall, wondering what was going to come about. `` I hope this is somehow portion of your plan, because Dumbledore is really mad. '' He said as they walked.

'' In a sense. We want Tristan in as a great deal trouble as possible. '' She answered, hoping she could hold up the headmaster's anger. The therapist left her at the gargoyle and she now had to front Dumbledore's anger alone.

But of course of action the Old wiz knew how to control his emotions and as she entered his business office, she saw him regarding her with harden eyes while speaking in a sedate interpreter. `` Mr. Macnair. May I ask why you openly defied my orders and went to course of instruction today ? ``

'' I got lonely. '' She shrugged, mimicking Tristram's nonchalant way of dealing with authority.

'' I see. '' He leaned forward and spoke softly. `` The Aurors have decided to look at your instance Mr. Macnair. They are applying for a warrant of arrest and as soon as it comes through I am to hand you over to them. Unfortunately, it may take a few day as we are still caught up looking for both Parvati Patil and Troy James Mason. Until that time we are finally able-bodied to rid ourselves of you, you are hereby confined to your dormitory. I suggest you use your last few years here to figure out exactly what you're going to tell the tribunal. You are dismissed. '' With a boom, he disappeared, apparently not wanting to give Tristram a fortune to respond. She was left sitting alone in the office, contemplating what life was going to be like once she was once more entirely free to be herself.

( BREAK )

Harry nervously waited for Hermione to croak the classroom, hating the idea of her being alone with mortal who wasn't quite for certain whether or not he was a psychopath. Luna was next to him and more than anything he wanted to turn over out and take her hand, to feel the consolation she could impart him… but with so many bookman walking the lobby, that was out of the question. Not only had they both agreed it was best no one but their booster knew about them, he was supposed to still be pretending to be with Hermione in an attempt to fool Erebos, Simon and anyone else who may think she was a lilliputian too close to Fred. `` Well ? '' He asked as soon as she emerged.

'' Nothing happened, it was an ordinary family. I can't be sure, but I don't think he felt you guys in his head. '' She quietly assured them.

He's coming. Luna warned them as she turned and walked away. Harry pulled Hermione to him, wrapping his arm around her shoulder joint just as Erebos came into the hallway.

'' Well, you were certainly inquisitive in class today Miss Granger. '' He said, stopping to grin at them.

'' triton are coming up, I just want to be prepared. '' She answered quickly.

'' You know Hermione, always one to call into question all. '' Harry said proudly, leaning in to buss her tabernacle as she pushed herself closer against him.

'' Too bad I could never interest you in the subject Mr. Potter. I think I would sustain enjoyed having you in my category as well. '' He said with a tight smile. `` You seem to have so many talents, I'm sure you could just fleece the result to any test right out of my head. '' He added meaningfully.

Harry felt himself affright. `` I would never do something like that. It's cheating. '' He answered steadily, not wanting the professor to receive any proof of his suspicions.

'' Come on, we have to go or we'll missy lunch and I'm starvation. '' Hermione said, playfully taking his hand and pulling him along as if she didn't horse sense the sudden tension.

He quickly followed her, gripping her hand so tight he was afraid he would break it. `` You are definitely going to have to request something to get you out of that class. '' He said as they walked toward the Great Hall.

'' What happened ? Is he the spy ? '' She asked, though it was clear the professor's behaviour had already confirmed what she feared.

'' Yeah, to say the very least… we may not just be going to save Fred anymore. '' He answered. `` It seems that whether she knows it or not, Elanya has gotten herself just as trapped by Elise and Sarah as Fred. ``

( BREAK )

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked unceremoniously as soon as Elanya emerged from the tent.

'' And a just morning to you too ! '' She said happily. `` I see you've decided to make out to your senses and talking to me. ``

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked again, having decided those were the only Holy Scripture he would allow for himself to say until he received a definite answer.

'' I don't see why you're in such a big rush to get back… it seems your admirer are already starting to forget about you. '' She taunted.

He was funny, he wanted to ask what she meant… but he refused to study the bait. `` When are we leaving ? '' He asked for the third time.

'' Don't you want to know what I've heard from my sources ? '' She asked coyly.

At this head, he was more concerned with how she'd heard from her sources and filed away in his mind that he needed to find the chance to search for her communication device. `` When are we leaving ? '' He smiled to himself as he saw her lour. Apparently this could take in the potential drop to chafe her as often as his silence.

'' If you're concerned about getting back to Hermione Granger, I'd forget about it if I were you. '' She said cruelly. `` My root within Hogwarts has told me that he's witnessed various things to order him that she and Harry potter have mended their give relationship. It seems she didn't quite appreciate you up and leaving her without a discussion of monition. ``

Fred held himself together, forcing himself not to react. He knew that Hermione knew Elanya had already planned to impel him away… he truly believed she was smart enough to put two and two together once she was ineffective to touch him and figure out he'd been forced away sooner. But then… wouldn't she have done something to try and find him ? He may have stopped counting mean solar day after five, but he knew he'd been here for a long time… a few weeks at to the lowest degree. Shouldn't someone have come looking for him ? Whether or not what she said was true, he was determined not to let Elanya know she had shaken him. He stared her rightfield in the eye and grinned. `` When are we leaving ? ``

( BREAK )

Ron had spent four day successfully keeping his friends at bay. It seemed his words against them had worked and for better or worse, they were leaving him to sort it out himself. Of course, they all probably had some big secret to focus on and help keep their minds off of him, but the longer he went, the harder it was for him to continue to defend the stance he had taken. After all, they still had each former and he was pretty a great deal alone… just as he'd thought he wanted.

Not caring to sit by himself at dinner yet again, he'd decided to pass his Thursday Nox in the depository library. He really did try to do prep, but he just couldn't focus and eventually found himself writing a varsity letter to Parvati with the hope that lupin could bump a way to get it to her. He was three pages into explaining how sorry he was when someone's shadow fell over him.

'' Here you are ! '' Seamus exclaimed, pulling out a chairperson and sitting across from him. `` I've been looking for you all over, you know we have our first game Saturday, don't you ? ``

'' Yeah, I know. What is there to do until practice tomorrow ? ``

'' practice tonight. '' He grinned. `` I got McGonagall to agree to let us have got a nighttime drill so long as we had it wrapped up by ten. That only gives us three and a half hours ! Come on, I already told the squad to meet us down there. ``

Ron looked down at his letter of the alphabet and sighed. Perhaps he did need a distraction, something that was now entirely his as he was the only one of his close admirer allowed to participate in quidditch in any way. `` Alright. Help me put these Christian Bible back, Madame Pince had a fit the conclusion fourth dimension I was here and left them lying all over the place. '' Shoving his own things in his backpack, he and Seamus grabbed the few al-Qur'an he'd taken out in hopes of completing his potions essay and went into the stacks to put them away.

'' Hey, do you hear that ? '' Seamus whispered suddenly.

Both boys stopped and listened. At lastly Ron picked up on whatever Seamus had heard… a indulgent thud and calm down moaning. odd, they followed the sounds a little deeper into the rows of shelves. Turning the turning point they gasped in shock at who they saw and what they were doing. `` I'd have thought you'd have better taste Padma. '' Seamus teased.

She and Dean leapt apart, wiping their oral cavity and straightening their wearing apparel as they realized they'd been caught. `` He was helping me find something. '' She said defensively.

'' In your mouth ? '' Ron laughed.

'' Shut up. '' James Byron Dean said angrily.

'' I've been under a lot of tension lately… '' Padma argued her case.

'' And he was just helping to relieve some of it ? '' Seamus asked innocently as a spacious, evil smiling bedcover across his aspect. She rolled her eye and walked away in a huff.

'' Thanks jerked meat. '' Dean grumbled.

'' Aren't you supposed to be heading down to the quidditch pitch ? '' Ron took his turn to razz their friend. Shooting them each a bemire look, Dean brushed past them to go down to practice.

'' Well, that was interesting. '' Seamus grinned.

'' Seeing his face get all red like that… it totally made my day. '' He agreed, smiling back.

They put away the Word of God and hurried outside to the field. Ron felt lighter than he had in Clarence Day and was surprised to find that he could really enjoy himself with former friends. James Byron Dean and Seamus and the unharmed Gryffindor squad were his outlet, his way of continuing to forfend Harry, Hermione, Luna and Ginny. Once they left here, he would deliver to picture something else out, especially since his family was currently living in Harry's house for an indeterminate amount of time. But he still had a little over two weeks to think on it. In the meantime, he was contented to allow himself to savour the rare, completely worry-free bit he was experiencing.

( BREAK )

'' cum on, we're going to be late for class ! '' Luna grabbed Ginny's arm and pulled her off the couch, barely giving her enough metre to snaffle her books before dragging her out of the common room where she and Draco had been lounging.

As soon as they were gone, Granger came and took Ginny's vacated office. `` Here. '' She spread a map out in front line of Dragon and pointed to a lowly dot of an island. `` I finally found a map that shows Castellumshire. Somewhere within a one C klick is the island we think Fred is on. ``

'' And you want me to do what ? '' He asked, looking up at her. Potter was standing behind her and it was crystalize they had been waiting for Luna to get Ginny out of the room before approaching him. `` You said before that you guys can't sail there even if you knew where it was. Isn't that the closed book of this island, that only certain citizenry can find it ? ``

'' Only certain people can find it- by sea. '' Potter argued.

'' We're mentation that if you can pinpoint it on a map, we can use the photos in Charlie's playscript to apparate there. '' Granger added hopefully.

Realizing they were dangerous, he took the map and stood. `` Okay, I'll try. But I'd rather do this in private if you don't judgment. '' He strode past them to the Slytherin wing and down to his way. The net affair he wanted was the added insistence of Potter and Granger watching him try and flunk. He wished he had never offered to avail, that he'd kept his sass shut and stayed out of it… especially since it seemed whatever was going on, they were desperate that Ginny and Ron not get wind of it. But he had offered and they'd taken him up on it… now he had to actually undertake to scry, something he'd never actually done.

Spreading the map out on the bed, he wondered what he was supposed to do next. Of course he didn't have a pendulum, but remembering a fourth dimension when Narcissa had lost hers, he still thought that maybe he could do this. Copying everything he'd seen his mother do, he pulled out a single Strand of his hair… a piece of the seeker. Now he needed a piece of the sought after. Taking Charlie's book, he ripped out the pic of the Colorsplosions and made a hole through the combat. Looping his tomentum through it, he let it swing in movement of him ready for testing. With his mind, he focused on the paper moving itself north… he was truly surprised when it began to swing and at first intellection there must be a breeze. He quickly focused on moving the paper to the east and nearly dropped it in shock when it froze in midair and instantly swung the way he'd asked. So it had worked. He was thrilled but knew he had to be measured not to turn overconfident.

Looking down at the map he let the report dangle over the characterisation of Castellumshire. `` O.K., clock time to really put you to the test. '' He said under his intimation as he began focusing on narrowing down the search for the orphic gateway islands.

The composition fluttered for a mo before swinging in a wide archway, making more and more precise circles until it stopped utterly, pointing directly at what appeared to be empty ocean. He tried it three more times, always with the same result. You guy rope should come and see this. He thought out to Potter, excited in maliciousness of himself that he may have just solved something that even Granger had been unable.

He opened the threshold just as they both were about to ping, hurrying them inside. Picking up his chain of hairsbreadth, he once more demonstrated what the newspaper publisher pointed to on the map, confident enough in himself that he could do it with an audience. Sure enough he got the Saame result and husbandman rushed to circle the berth and write down the co-ordinate. `` And it's seems to be within one hundred kilometers. Thank you Draco, well done ! '' She exclaimed, leaping up to hug him

He awkwardly patted her back before extricating himself. `` Think nothing of it. And if Ginny ever finds out what you are all up to, I had nil to do with it. ``

'' Agreed. '' ceramist grinned. And then suddenly his formula turned to one of anger.

'' Harry, are you okay ? '' Granger asked, having also witnessed the speed with which Potter's modality had changed.

'' I've got to go. '' He said quickly before racing from the room.

'' Harry ! '' granger called after him, looking out the threshold as he dashed down the hall. `` What do you think that was about ? '' She asked, once more turning to face Draco.

He shrugged. `` Only he knows at this point. ``

'' I'd better go see if I can becharm up to him somehow… '' She paused and offered a smile. `` Thanks again Draco. You have no idea how much you've just helped us. '' And then she was gone, off to chase down Potter. He briefly entertained the thought of going with, but he just as quickly dismissed it. Clearly whatever the berth was, it was one ceramist either thought he could handle alone or wanted to handle alone. If he'd thought he needed help, genus Draco didn't think he'd have hesitated to ask him. After all, they'd been finding it a lot more beneficial to work out together lately. Instead he lay back in his bed to waitress for Ginny to be done with class, happily reflecting on his unexpected success. If this was what it was like to bear things go your way, then he was prepared to sit back and let it. But he would remain machinate and cook should Lucius depict his face again.

( BREAK )

Luna ensured Ginny made it to class before making up an excuse for why she wouldn't be joining her. Claiming a grievous stomach ache as they approached the Gargoyle, she'd blamed food poisoning and urged the other girl to go on up. She'd told Ginny that she had a slap-up herbal redress back in her room and it was her own error for not taking it when the symptoms had first begun to portray themselves.

Once alone in the hall, Luna straightened up and hoped she hadn't made her supporter too worried about her. But she had no fourth dimension for social class rightfield now, she wanted to get back to the common way and find out whether Draco was able-bodied to locate the island. She moved quickly down the Charles Francis Hall, not wanting anyone questioning why she wasn't where she was supposed to be. And then it suddenly struck her, the feeling of an oncoming visual sense. She quickly ducked through the nearest door feeling completely disoriented. Before her seeing blurred, she was able-bodied to make out that she was in an empty classroom. Dropping to her genu, she crawled forward, feeling her way to the professor's desk and hiding herself behind it. She couldn't let anyone ascertain her alone while having a visual modality, it was too slowly for them to take reward of her being so completely vulnerable. There were still far too many enemies walking the halls to let one of them find her in a compromising berth in which she'd be unable to contend. The final stage matter she wanted was to make it easy for them to hand her over to Voldemort.

gift into the visual sense, she was surprised to find it was the same warning as before. Once again she and Harry were side by side in the snowy way and she felt the same attractor as Sarah, Elise and Elanya beckoned to them. And then again Harry was gone and she was recoiling in horror as St. Simon approached, reaching out to her. Only this time, the ending was different. She was frozen in place as Neil Simon grew taller and taller before turning to stomp down on his sis and her supporter who were now the sizing of mouse. He turned and grinned as a syndicate of blood emerged from beneath his brake shoe and it was clear he had wanted her to keep an eye on. And then the room was spinning and once more Simon the Canaanite looked rule as he stood before her, reaching out to her as she shook in veneration. Now it was Elise, Sarah and Elanya who grew expectant, crushing Simon to death beneath their feet. Harry was beside her again and the three char turned to wave to them as if nothing had happened. Instantly she felt drawn into them again and only then did she realise it wasn't her tone it. It was Harry who was so willing to listen to what these dreaded fair sex had to say while neither of them seemed to have interest in Simon the Canaanite's message…

She shook her chief as she came back to herself already attempting to think this through. If she was being warned that Harry was willing to listen to something those girl had to say, then what was Herbert A. Simon going to do that made him turn to them. Her heading was spinning with possibilities and she suddenly wasn't sure what anything in the sight had been trying to tell her. She hated the blanched way, where nothing was realize and everything was a teaser. But this time the admonition had definitely felt more intense and as her mind switched completely back into consciousness, a sharp stinging of suspicion stabbed at her. She felt for her verge in her sac only to realize she'd put it in her bag, which she'd dropped somewhere after she'd entered the classroom. She felt another person in there with her and reaching out her brain, she sensed it was the very last person in the world she wanted to find… Marvin Neil Simon McKinney. She tried to remain as still as possible.

'' I know you're in here Luna. I saw you. '' He called. `` I just want the chance to let the cat out of the bag to you about a few things… why don't you come on out and we can hold a nice, civil conversation ? '' She held her intimation and continued to persist still, hoping he somehow didn't know where exactly she was. `` Please ? This is the concluding metre I'm going to ask nicely. '' He warned. Still she remained silent, praying he'd just go away. `` Alright then, looks like you're choosing the gruelling way. ``

Luna shrieked as she felt the desk roughly slide away from her, leaving her completely out in the open. She leapt to her feet, not wanting to consume to present him from the land. He stood before her with a demented grin, brandishing his scepter in one hand while tauntingly dangling hers from the early. `` It seems you dropped something when you came in. '' He smirked.

'' How nice of you to call up it… may I have it delight ? '' She asked carefully, trying not to show that she was scared of him.

'' No, I think it's better if I hold onto it for you while we talk. I'd hate for you to get induction well-chosen and make a mistake before hearing me out. '' He went and closed the threshold, ensuring he locked it both manually and magically.

Harry, I think I may demand some assistance here. Simon has me cornered in a classroom and he has my sceptre. She thought out quickly.

I'm on my way. He replied instantly, his voice dark and life-threatening. The cobbler's last thing she wanted was Harry overreacting to this situation, but she wasn't sure she had another option… she was unarmed and unlike Harry and Jacey, her extra top executive lent her no protection. `` So, what do you want to talk about ? '' She asked aloud, trying to go on her part low and calm.

'' Quite a few things actually. Why don't you take a rear ? '' He waved his sceptre, bringing the prof's chair up behind her so quickly that she stumbled back into it. `` Incarcerous ! '' He shouted as she grabbed the blazon of the chair in an attempt to scramble to her feet. Before she knew what was happening, circle appeared out of nowhere, binding her wrists and waist to the chair.

'' You can't do this, you'll get expelled. '' She tried to cause with him. `` Stop whatever this is now and I won't report card you. ``

'' I just want to make for sure you aren't going to run anywhere. '' He assured her, putting her wand in his pocket and pulling up another president to sit in social movement of her. `` You and I, we may be able to help each other. ``

'' I don't need any service from you. '' She argued, beginning to misplace the calmness she'd been clinging to.

'' Maybe you don't see it yet. But you and Harry thrower both could benefit from listening to what I have to tell you. It might gain you both see thing in a whole new Inner Light. '' St. Simon returned. `` I don't want to wound you, I want to be your friend. ``

'' This isn't the best way to do champion. '' She pulled against the bindings but they were tied tight. Her wrist began to burn up as she continued to struggle, the skin becoming raw as it rubbed against the ropes… but she couldn't just apply up.

'' And I apologize for the inconvenience. '' He laughed, pulling out his trusty flaskful and taking a swig. `` But like I said, I want to stool sure enough you really heed to what I have to tell you without you making the misapprehension of cursing me first. ``

'' okeh, well… you have my verge and my undivided attention. What do have to tell me ? '' She wanted to cry in defeat as she felt the rope on her left radiocarpal joint loosen slightly. She continued to struggle, trying not to pull in focus to the fact that she was making progress.

'' But it's not just your aid that I need. ``

'' Meaning what ? ``

He stood and came towards her. `` Hmm, looks like you're getting loose there. '' He reached to fix the R-2 and she desperately kicked at him, trying to hold back him away as she attempted to wrench her left wrist free. She could feel her peel scraping against the rough texture but she ignored it, continuing to fight him off as she tried to disengage herself.

He finally gave up struggling with her and took a few gradation back, waving his wand to tie her legs to the chair as well so that he could approach her without being kicked. Fixing the roofy on her arm, he sat back in his president and let out a deep breath. `` Whew. You know, you're making this harder than it has to be. I'm not trying to hurt you, you know. You very much need to take heed what I have to tell you. ``

'' So say it already ! '' She shouted angrily.

'' I will. '' He grinned and took another swig from his flask. `` I'm just waiting for Harry to get here. I figured I'd talk of the town to you first but after the way you acted in Hogsmeade and how you are right now, it's clear that you aren't quite as level-headed as I thought. And knowing that him and Hermione are a farce, I figured you'd be the substantially bait to keep him listening without bashing my brain in for confining you here. You did telephone for him to help, didn't you ? ``

'' No. '' She said quickly.

'' Hmm, well I think you're prevarication. '' He got up and turned to face the door as the knob began jiggling furiously. Simon Zelotes lifted his wand in preparation, turning to front at her over his articulatio humeri. `` If fact, this must be him now. ``

Harry, he's waiting for you ! She tried to monish him as Simon moved to unlock the door. But she wasn't sure she was in time as she quickly turned her face away to avoid the shower of wood, brick and plaster that came flying forward as Harry forced his way through, too raring to wait for the doorway to be opened.

( pause )

Hermione couldn't find Harry anywhere. He'd run off so quickly that she'd lost him before she'd even begun to give chase. Hoping he would call if he needed service, she returned to her way and once more ranch out the map. Looking at the spotlight they'd marked as the island, she decided now was as good a fourth dimension as any to try her new power with astral jutting. She wanted to be able to see Fred, even if she wasn't yet strong enough for him to see her rear or for them to speak to each other.

Forcibly clearing her thinker, she focused on the photos in Charlie's book… imagining herself on the island, on the beach, adjacent to Fred. Closing her eyes, she began to experience weightless. Letting go of everything holding her Down, she felt herself come gratis from her consistency and shoot through time and space. When she opened her eye again, she was under the bright sun and had to squint to make anything out. That was when she noticed she was transparent, as she was able-bodied to bring in the landscape painting through her arm. It was disconcerting, but the muckle beyond herself made her actualise that she had done it. She was far from Hogwarts and on an island… or at least her consciousness was.

'' Great. Now I'm eyesight mirages. '' She heard someone mutter behind her. Whipping around she cried out in sculptural relief, running towards Fred until she remembered that she wasn't able to meet him. `` Fred ! It's really me ! I'm really here, sorting of. '' She said happily, stopping just in front of him.

'' A talking mirage ? '' He smiled, still not quite sure what he was seeing.

She rolled her centre. `` No moron, it's really me. I'd reach out and pinch you but I'm not sure how yet. ``

'' I don't understand… How is this possible ? '' He nervously glanced over his shoulder. `` Is it really you ? '' He whispered.

'' I promise. '' She assured him. `` I'm just sorry it took so foresightful. But we know where you are now and we have a plan to come get you… tomorrow. Can you make it one more day ? ``

He shook his head. `` I can't leave- ''

'' Yes you can, we've figured it all out ! '' She said happily wanting to explicate as quickly as possible. `` I knew Elanya must have made you leave too soon and Luna forced herself to let a vision. Draco scryed and now we can come get you ! You don't have to concern about the spy, we know who it is… Professor Erebos. And in Luna's imagination, she saw what Sarah planned for me, so I learned all about astral forcing out to protect myself. Lee and Willem made certainly there was absolutely nothing to tie you to Edmund… there's nil for you to worry about anymore. ``

Fred hesitantly reached out, but his hand went right through her. He shook his oral sex. `` I don't know. It can't be that slowly. ``

'' It's not… Elanya may be just as much a victim of the early girls'perfidy as you are. She thinks she's their equal but Harry, Luna and Jacey went in Erebos's head and found the Truth. Either way it doesn't matter. We're coming for you tomorrow. She can bide and rot for all I care. ``

'' Fred ! '' They head Elanya hollo off in the distance.

'' You have to go, she can't see you here… if you're really here. '' He grinned, obviously trying to put her at ease. But she saw the discomfort he tried to obliterate and wanted to take him with her right that moment. kind of than leave behind completely, she glided over to the tree to watch.

'' Here you are. I thought I heard representative. '' Elanya exclaimed, looking exotic with her wild pilus, bass tan and flowing strapless dress.

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked.

'' So what, you were here talking to yourself ? You'd rather talk to no one than me ? '' She asked indignantly.

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked again, clearly ignoring everything the fille had to say.

'' You know, we're supposed to be using this time to get to know each other… you're mulishness is really starting to piss me off. '' She glared at him, clearly having reached the end of her R-2. `` I didn't want to have to resort to threats again, I was so hoping this would be a pleasant stay. But you better say something when I'm done talking and it had better be something other than `` When are we leaving '' or I swear everyone you care for will suffer for the aggravation you're causing me. ``

Fred looked uncertain, clearly wanting to continue pushing her buttons. Plus if he chose to believe his own eyes and ears, Hermione had just told him that everyone he cared about was safety. `` How long will we be staying here ? '' He asked at end, unable to keep back his smiling as he challenged her. Hermione could understand the disgusted amusement he was getting out of this… after all, she probably would sustain lost her psyche had she been trapped for weeks on an island.

'' You really want to tug me Fred ? '' Elanya asked threateningly.

He sighed and shook his headland. `` I had wondered how hanker it would take for you to show your straight colors. I mean you get a little vex and right away you're back to threatening destitute bystanders. ``

'' It seems the best way to get what I want. '' She grinned triumphantly as he at last broke the semi-silence he seemed to cause been keeping.

Hermione felt a potent tug and knew her torso was calling her spinal column. She'd been gone too long and as much as she wanted to say good-bye to Fred, she knew she couldn't hold on any yearner. Against her will she was whipped back, her entire consistency bounce as she reentered it. Opening her oculus, she adjusted to the feeling of being self-colored once more. She felt dizzy, her straits hurt and her stomach was growling in thirstiness. She felt she'd just walked for sidereal day without stopping to rest or eat, she was exhausted and every section of her was sore.

Taking a minute to relax, she collected herself before carefully rising from her bed. Looking at the clock, she saw that she'd do back just in clock time for lunch and feeling deeply hunger pains, she rushed down to the Great lobby hoping Harry and Luna were there so she could severalize them what she'd just done. But as she entered the elbow room, she realized at once that something was improper. Only Hagrid and Charlie remained at the Head tabular array to chaperone the scholarly person'meal while her classmates all talked excitedly to themselves, some of them looking at her and raising a hired man to whisper with more fervour. Taking a tush across from Ginny and Draco she looked at them inquisitively. `` What's going on ? ``

'' No one knows for sure… but rumor is, potter severely damaged a classroom before disappearing with Luna and Paul Simon McKinney. '' Draco replied, looking more than a lilliputian worried.

'' What ? What do imply they disappeared ? '' She demanded.

He shrugged and Ginny took up the narrative. `` All anyone seems to know is that there was a loud stochasticity and when the Ravenclaw prefect went to look into she saw Harry standing in the classroom with Simon while Luna sat in a electric chair in the rachis. She didn't get too expert a feeling because suddenly the two son started dueling and she went to get assistance. By the time they came back, everyone was gone. ``

'' It seems Tristan has disappeared as well. '' Draco added. `` The Aurors came to arrest him and he was just gone. I hope wherever ceramist and Luna are, Jacey is with them. ``

'' Me too. '' Hermione replied distractedly. They'd just found Fred and now they were missing three coven fellow member. Whatever was going on, it clearly wasn't good.

( open frame )

Dumbledore had shown up unexpectedly at Tristram's door lupus erythematosus than an hour ago to make it known that the Aurors had finally secured their apprehension warranty and would be around shortly to consider the vampire into detention. Jacey listened as she was warned as Tristram not to run, since charms had been placed around the school meant to detect the lamia hominoid metal money specifically. She had not let herself panic… she, Harry and Luna had planned for this. Having discovered that not only were they capable of apparating within the barrier but also that the Aurors could not trace them, it had been decided that when it was time she would apparate to the Shrieking hovel. She would let the potion wear off and then stay there until it was time to go to capital of the United Kingdom. Having grabbed the few thing she owned, she had concentrated hard as Luna had taught her. And then she had felt a pulling and when she opened her middle again she was in the parlor of the Shrieking Shack.

Now looking around at the depressing décor, Jacey thought the blank space in dire need of a sprucing up. She wondered if the Aurors had come yet and whether anyone realized Tristan was gone. Flopping down on the sofa with a sigh, she silently called out to Harry, letting him know that she had fled Hogwarts and wondering whether she was too far for him to hear.

We're on our way to you and we need some avail. Was his panic-stricken reply.

She sat up in warning device. Apparently Hogwarts was still very much within their range. What do you need me to do ?

Hide. Then when you find the opportunity, help us however you can. He simply replied.

( BREAK )

Harry stalked his way quickly through the halls, focusing in on Luna's vitality to manoeuver him to where she was. Ignoring the few students down the hall from him, he desperately tried to turn the handle of the classroom doorway. It wouldn't budge. He knew this was the mightily blank space, that she was behind that door and he certainly wasn't going to let a dolt piece of wood standpoint in his way. Taking a step back, he focused his ability, rolling it around in his judgment before pushing outward. He watched the room access curve against the force and pushed harder. Harry, he's waiting for you ! Luna tried to warn him just as the woodwind shattered inward, exploding off it'hinges and taking parts of the rampart with it. Ignoring the scream from down the mansion, he raised his wand and entered the classroom

'' Expelliarmus ! '' Simon shouted, forcing Harry to screen decent away. But he'd heard Luna's word of advice and had been prepared. St. Simon fired spell after spell at him while he focused on his carapace and waited for the redress here and now. Pushing his mind out, he grabbed storage area of the early boy and whipped him back against the wall. Stepping through the debris, Harry waved his sceptre in an endeavour to obligate Paul Simon in property, but he quickly shielded as he rolled to his animal foot and ducked behind the chairwoman Harry now realized Luna was tied to. `` I just want to talk ! '' Herb Simon called as he crouched behind Luna, tightly clutching her so that he wouldn't use his mind to throw him around again.

'' You have a funny way of showing it. '' Harry replied angrily. Are you okay ? He thought out to Luna who was even now still attempting to pull herself free.

Yeah. He hasn't done anything other than not let me leave… he keeps saying there's something he needs to tell us. She replied, her vox carrying Sir Thomas More anger and rarity than fear now.

'' I know what you both think of me now that you know I'm related to Elise ! '' Simon reasoned, poking his promontory out over Luna's articulatio humeri. `` I knew you wouldn't just sit down and talk to me, that you'd have no stake in what I have to say. But like I told her, we can help each other Harry. ``

'' So serve out now by untying her. '' He carefully replied, keeping his sceptre up in case the boy decided to restart their duel.

'' I can't do that until I'm sure you aren't going to ache me. ``

Harry, I'm at the Shrieking Shack. The Aurors were coming for Tristan so I followed through on our design. Jacey's spokesperson entered his pass unexpectedly. Hearing footsteps running down the hall, Harry made a flying decision.

We're on our way to you and we need some help. He told Jacey in a panic.

What do you want me to do ? She answered instantly.

pelt. Then when you find the chance, help us however you can. He said before turning his attention back to Simon. `` Well, we can't public lecture here… people are coming to see what's going on. Shall we go somewhere more individual ? '' He asked quickly.

'' Like where ? ``

'' hint my articulatio humeri and I'll bring you there. '' Luna told him, having picked up on Harry's programme. Now able to get word people shouting in the hall, Simon was forced to trust them and reached out to grab her shoulder joint. Together Harry and Luna apparated away, only to arrive in the apparently empty shriek Shack. To his letdown, the chair and ropes had come as well, leaving her bound as Herb Simon's homo shield.

'' This is all so unnecessary. '' Harry angrily told the other boy. `` I don't know what kind of mass you grew up around, but if you had come to us and asked to spill the beans, we would have heard you out… you didn't need to trick us into it. ``

'' That's in question considering I've overheard Luna talking to Hermione about the vision she's had of me. '' Herbert A. Simon returned before moving his aid to Luna in genuine muddiness. `` I have no estimate why you see me as an enemy in those visions, but I assure you I'm not. ``

'' And holding me against my will is the way to demonstrate it ? '' She asked gently, far more in dominance of herself than Harry was. He saw that she was thinking one of them needed to remain calm and he felt hangdog that it had fallen to her when she was the one currently tied up with blood trickling from her carpus where the rope had cut into her skin. He caught mint of Jacey as she slowly crept in from the hall.

Simon looked at Luna for a consequence before nodding to himself. `` It had to be that way, it's the sole way to get anyone's attention… with a big motion. That's what my father always said, before he was killed. And it's certainly worked for Elise. ``

'' We aren't like the people you know. We're uncoerced to heed. We'll pay aid to you. '' Luna practically cooed as she softly reasoned with him. Clearly she'd caught onto something in the boy's principal that wasn't yet percipient to Harry.

Simon stood and took a few steps to the slope, unsure whether he felt the situation was enough in his ascendance to actually let her go. Harry wasn't going to contribute him the chance to fix the wrong choice. He silently gave Jacey the signal and she stepped out, drawing Simon the Canaanite's attending as balls of flak erupted from her hand. He threw up a buckler as she flung the beginning fireball at him before attempting to hit her back with a pee go. Taking advantage of the boy's distraction, Harry quickly waved his wand to unmake the rope and lunged forward, grabbing Luna's hired man and pulling her out of the way just as the professorship burst into flames. Simon fell back on the couch as he stumbled away from the sudden flare, not wanting to get burned.

Harry whipped around and instantly shot a binding magic spell, ensuring the other boy wouldn't move. Leaping to his ft, he made his way over to the couch. Jacey extinguished her flaming, waving her baton to put out the bits of the mansion that had caught on fire. `` Come on Simon, time to indorse to Hogwarts and face the music. '' Harry insisted.

'' No ! '' Luna came over and placed a blood-soaked hand on his arm, forcing him to lower his wand. `` I want to learn what he has to say. ``



promissory note : okay then, next chapter we find out what Simon has to say and the clues finally lead us to rescuing Fred.


Chapter 54 : Who to Believe ?

A/N : Sorry for the wait in getting this out, I had an chance event with my jiffy drive and everything on it was deleted including the number 1 draft of this chapter. But things are on course now, so getting back in the swing music of things, a rewrite of the chapter from the beginning… Read, review and enjoy !





After taking Simon Zelotes's wand and returning Luna's to her, Harry left the boy magically bound on the couch with Jacey to watch over him. Allowing him to gently pull in her down the Charles Francis Hall to the cold bathroom, Luna perched on the edge of the rich Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the tiny cabinets. At last he came up with an ancient first aid kit, pulling out gauze and magnetic tape before reaching out to turn the spigot on the sump. They were both surprised when water actually came sputtering out, a rusty colouring at offset that quickly turned refreshingly clear. She took the manus he offered her and let him carefully clean the pedigree from her wrists… she knew he was angry and did her safe not to wince or let on that the cold shoulder stung like crazy. After all, she was the one who let her affright overwhelm her to the tip where she'd struggled so violently against the ropes. Simon hadn't seemed at all spirit on injuring her, she could have just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to encounter rather than fight down her dressing to the dot where she cut into her tegument. It was her own fault she'd gotten hurt at all.

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

Well, let's go see what he so badly wanted to tell apart us. She softly suggested, reaching out to run her digit through his pilus in that way she knew he found soothing. She needed him to simmer down down and realize the need to fight was over, to throw an loose nous and really listen to what Simon had to say. Her vision was becoming clearer to her now that she been able to sneak a few peep into the boy's mind. He was out to give away his babe before she could betray him and apparently the master of their minuscule sibling squabble would become Harry's ally. From her warning she knew Harry was already leaning toward Elanya if not Elise and Sarah… and that had to be because of what they'd seen in Erebos's read/write head. But they obviously needed the totally story and Simon the Zealot seemed willing to allow for it.

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

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

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

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

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

'' Just assure us what you have to say ... '' Luna said, sitting next to Harry and locking her regard on Simon. She pushed the feelings she wanted to visualise outward and watched as both boys visibly relaxed, though Harry alone knew what she was doing as he was the but one aware of this fiddling redundant exponent of hers. She just wished she had better controller of it.

'' And why don't you start with what the hell on earth you were thinking when you decided taking us hostage was the Charles Herbert Best way to score your point. '' Harry crossed his weaponry, refusing to be lulled into calmness and shaking off the effects she was trying to circularize around the room.

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

'' What did you really look me to do when you go around tying people up ? '' He returned angrily. Luna reached out and grabbed his arm to keep him from leaping to his feet in indignation… she knew they all had to stay noetic and sort through this, it was important.

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

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

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

Paul Simon slowly nodded. `` Yeah, I guess you're right… I do be intimate that about you. And so does Elise, which is why she had to be after so carefully. I know you figured out the spy is Erebos. But what you don't know is that she wanted you to figure it out… so that you would research his head and find the memory of her asking him to set up Elanya. She knows about your might and so she's decided to use them against you. '' He said with a sly grin before looking right at Jacey. `` Except for you, they have no mind about you. Elise has had Erebos trying to recover out, but apparently Dumbledore has been very careful to keep you and early visitor a cloak-and-dagger from those professor he doesn't reliance. I promise, whoever you are, they still have no thought about you though they'd very much like to find out. ``

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

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's aliveness. '' Paul Simon looked down sadly. `` I was less than a twelvemonth old when our parents were killed… even after Voldemort was gone they, like so many others, refused to stop fighting and were cornered. Rather than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to toss off them. Elise was 16 at the clip and the only living family I had. Rather than take care of me, she decided to floor me at the orphanage, but she would at least do visit every year on my birthday. When I was ten she came back for me, cook to take her office as my protector. But it was only because she knew I was about to be heading off to school and she was hoping to mould me into soul she could use to start setting up her plans. I guess she knew Voldemort was attempting to come back and that his followers were doing everything in their power to make it occur. She saw this war coming and decided long ago that she would be no one's follower, that she would make her own stead in the world. When I came to Hogwarts and wasn't sorted into Slytherin like everyone else in our family, she was livid. But then she figured Hufflepuff was better as no one would mistrust me there. For years I did everything she asked me to do because she threatened to leave me again if I didn't and all I knew was that I never wanted to go back to the orphanhood. But everything she wanted seemed harmless and nothing she asked of me made any sense… not until this year. ``

Herb Simon shook his psyche and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a letter the last week of schooltime this past summertime from Elise telling me we would be departing for Australia the arcminute I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the power train station so I went home and wound up overhearing a meeting between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the dark Lord into thinking it was his idea to find Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her tell him that she planned to vote out me as I was going to evidence more useful to them beat. I didn't know what to do, I was more terrified of my sister in that moment than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is scary, the steel or the good hired man wielding it ? And she knows how to roleplay him very well. So I went with her to Commonwealth of Australia and I continued to come her orders hoping she would change her head. But she didn't because a few days before I was supposed to issue forth back to school I heard her talking to Sarah… they plan to kill me while I'm home for the vacation break and induce it count like someone else did it. My own sis was going to wipe out me and use my corpse to start a competitiveness. What could I do ? Even if I ran away, they'd just bring me right back to her, I'm only sixteen. And who besides the people involved in this entirely outline would trust the long ridiculous story I have to tell ? So the only thing I could do was exhibit her to the citizenry she was trying to overcome… I chose you guys over Voldemort. Maybe Dumbledore was right field about the sorting hat always knowing where masses are supposed to go… maybe I'm a just guy, maybe I'm just a bad guy who's looking for the best way of natural selection, I have no musical theme either way. I may not the happiest person in the world, but I'm not fix to die either. So I'll tell you whatever you want to lie with about her and her plans. ``

'' You said she wanted us to go looking in Erebos's head, that we were supposed to see her set up Elanya… why ? '' Luna asked, her gut telling her this was an significant question in terms of Fred's portion. She was trying not to sympathize with Simon, but he seemed to hold gotten stuck with a pretty miserable life… but still, there was something about him she found faze and so that allowed her to keep some form of an emotional detachment.

He nodded and offered a smile. `` You wouldn't believe how prospicient Elise has been plotting. A long while ago, after your radical and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the mix-up and looked up the files on every major player on either side. Using that info, she was able to work out out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your friends and Voldemort's allies would respond in any position. Originally we went to Australia this summertime to find a guy named Adam who was apparently postcognative. We traced him to a little pub where he liked to write his clause but we never even talked to him… it was like the arcminute she saw him, she knew he wasn't what she wanted. That's when Elanya approached us. Apparently she'd been living there with her nanna who had recently passed away and when those two fille met it was like fate had brought them together. She fit in perfectly and Elise instructed her on how to handle Erebos who arrived at the hotel later that day. I guess it didn't matter whether it was Elanya or that Adam guy, Elise had already planned Erebos's division in all of this… but clearly a young pretty female child would gain more fellow feeling. The point was that when you all figured out he was the spy, you were meant to see Elise talking him into using Elanya, you were meant to think she'd been set up and blackmailed the Sami way they'd done it to your Friend Fred. She's probably on that island right now, telling him her sob news report so that he'll read her side and help spill the beans you guys into helping her. She was supposed to be a jetty, to check all the secrets about you that they didn't already bonk. And then Elanya was supposed to begin causing strife among you all to de-escalate you and make it more belike that you and Harry will vacate your alliance to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're expression is basically that they want to create their own United States Army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his voice heavy with doubtfulness as he tried to enshroud the fact that they were doing something very standardized with the coven. Luna felt both his and Jacey's horror at finding out how finis Elise had been to getting her handwriting on Adam, another coven member. She knew it was important that they leave as soon as possible to get down approaching people themselves, before they could be scooped up by someone else.

'' Yes, as idiotic as that sounds. Why do you think I thought no one else would conceive me ? But she wants the both of you to join her and Sarah… and she has big program to use your booster Fred to do it. ``

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

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

'' They won't have a chance. We're going to save him from that island. '' He returned darkly. Luna still had a wait of his arm and she could sense him become even tenser as he felt more matter were growing beyond his control.

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

( BREAK )

Fred had skipped out on tiffin and intended to walk the beach until well after night in promise of avoiding Elanya until tomorrow… tomorrow when Hermione had claimed they would be coming to get him. But had she been here ? He just didn't know what was real anymore. But whether he'd seen her in his brain or in real life, one thing had become clear… he couldn't halt here anymore. No affair what, this was going to be his cobbler's last nighttime on the island. Should Hermione's presence prove to be a head game and no one came for him, then he would witness his own way out and go to her. He knew he couldn't apparate, he'd already tried and discovered that like Castellumshire, the Gateway Islands also carried anti-apparation magic spell and the only people he knew could get around them were Harry and Luna.

A delicious smell wafted through the air, allowing his rumbling venter to interrupt his planning. Looking up at the sky and using the sun, he was able-bodied to determine that while it was well past lunch, it was still too betimes for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped meal that day and cooked such big smelling food for thought for a reason. He was tempted to go into the body of water to capture a fish to fry just to upset her plans but decided he was being ridiculous. He knew Elanya was trying to tempt him back to the campsite, but just because he went didn't mean value he was letting her win. They both knew he was more than capable of providing for himself, but at the moment he was too thirsty to expect long enough to see and fake his own meal. Besides, he'd just decided that no matter what, this was his terminal night here… what could it offend to spend some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then go away again.

Arriving at the camp he saw that neither the food nor Elanya were international. With a heavy sigh, he opened the flap of the ordinary looking collapsible shelter and entered the impossibly roomy glamour of the inside. `` Well, I guess it's true what they say… the fastest way to a man's nerve is through his breadbasket. '' She said upon seeing him, gesturing to the delectable counterpane on the ornate table as she sat down. Toying with her seashell necklace, she shot him a seductive smile.

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

'' wellspring, I've decided that in the interest of continuing a civilized conversation we will diddle a biz of sorting. '' She announced after a curtly while.

'' Boy, it sure is gentle not to possess to call up for myself… I wish soul had been making my determination for me my whole life. '' He answered sarcastically.

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

'' Who says I want to ? ``

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

'' And I'm supposed to conceive you ? '' He raised an eyebrow. `` Exactly which one of us do you reckon is the dotty one, because I've been casting my voter turnout for you for awhile now. ``

'' liquid body substance can be a great way to forefend anything existent from reaching you. '' She replied steadily. `` Come on, I know you're curious…. ``

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

'' Fair enough. '' She rested her chin on her handwriting and stared at him expectantly, wearing a real smile that reached all the way to her prosperous eyes. `` So ? ``

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

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

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

'' I thought I had fairly bought my way into something when really it was all set up to ensure my next alignment and obedience. '' She answered, lowering her eyes to veil the flash lamp of superfluity that passed through them.

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

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

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

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

Pushing his plate aside, Fred leaned forward on the board and decided it was time for him to turn the conversation his way so that he could try out her honestness. `` And what did you believe you had already done to pay back them ? ``

She hesitated as if she really didn't want to tell him. But then she shrugged, remembering that this had all been her approximation in the foremost lieu. `` I thought I had provided the spy… but it turns out he and Elise have a long history together and bringing him into thing had always been a theatrical role of her program. They set it up so that he and I would run into each other… I had thought I was being so careful, making sure as shooting I would go into this not owing anyone anything. ``

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

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

He made sure to show an set aside sum of money of surprisal, letting his eyes widen and his jaw cliff slightly as if this was the first prison term he was hearing this. `` Really ? A prof ? ``

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

'' And why would they go through such elaborate measuring rod ? '' Fred was almost sure as shooting she was telling the truth so far… Hermione had certainly indicated that Elanya may be in problem and now the female child was confirming it. He just didn't know why she was telling him all of this, but he may as well use the situation to his vantage and discover as much as he could.

'' Because Elise and Sarah truly believe they can hold their own place in this war and that if they have the right-hand kind of people on their side they'll be able to make on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her head angrily. `` I was appalled to learn that Voldemort's approximation to collect a psychic army was actually Elise's inspiration. It was how she got him to help her find Sarah. But they planned to make believe allies of the masses he gathered, to get them to figure out towards taking over completely. ``

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

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

He sat up, suddenly extremely concern. He'd been wondering for a long time the real ground Elise had targeted his computer memory. `` What do you entail ? ``

Elanya sighed deeply as a look of remorse settled over her. `` Voldemort had a seer named Jasper, he was old and not as good as Luna seems to be. But that didn't matter to Elise, he was all she had and so she'd already convinced him to give his ultimate loyalty to her over Voldemort. He told her that he'd had a visual sense that something was going to get Harry to Diagon bowling alley alone and that Voldemort was going to make his move against the boy. She worried about the event as she wanted Harry on her side, working with Sarah specifically since they ploughshare the same power… of course, she'd only just found Sarah at that metre. So not knowing what else to do, Elise decided to set your shop of ardour, ensuring not only that Harry wouldn't be alone, but that there would be several Aurors in the area. After all, the pastor would be sure to reply in full force play to a news report of arson at his son's depot. ``

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

'' There was nothing mystifying about it. Jasper made the same mistake I did by thinking he was an equal in their programme. I guess he was scared enough to want to tell someone about his sight, but he chose the ill-timed people. He saw his own death though not the hand that brought it to him, and then he saw your friends up at Hogwarts using that silly ring to try and get hold of him from beyond for information. He thought it was Voldemort that was going to end his lifespan so he went to Elise who saw her chance. Sarah may not experience a wand, but she has mastered many early skills, first and foremost her astral protrusion. They decided to kill him so that she could combine with his cognizance and send herself in his place when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must have seen something and stopped her friends from using the pack. It only made them want her on their side more, especially since they'd so hastily gotten rid of Jasper. ``

Fred's idea was reeling. So many things were coming together now, it was impossible that she wasn't telling him the accuracy. But his instincts were screaming at him that something deeper was going on. `` Why are you telling me all of this ? ``

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

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

Elanya looked away, but even in profile he could see a concoction of shame, regret and anger settle over her feature of speech. `` Yes, I suppose I did. ``

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

'' You think I haven't tried before ? ! '' She yelled as she leapt to her feet and began pacing in excitement. `` Edmund Fritz was a high-profile man who was extremely paranoid… and rightly so. I certainly wasn't the only one who wanted him beat and he made sure that it was nearly impossible to get to him. I was scared to use my true identity as his girl to progress to out to him… I knew that my mother had sent me away and died trying to protect me because he wanted to use me, to hired man me over to Voldemort in a never-ending quest to gain favor from a man who favored no one. I didn't want her to die in vain but it soon became make that my veridical name was going to be the only matter to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed someone hard funding me up in type something went wrong. ``

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

'' It was only after the title was done that I found out they had wanted to get rid of Edmund anyway. Apparently he'd become envious of the attention Voldemort was giving the girls and so he was doing his best to subvert them. They figured there was too in force a chance he'd bod out some part of what they were up to and so they knew he needed to go. They must cause tracked me down, found me in Australia… my gran had just died and I'd just gone back there to spend her finale few days with her… I was in a vulnerable blank space and Elise showed up offering me the chance to do the affair I'd been wanting for eld. ``

Fred had been careful during the unscathed conversation, wanting to pick up on any planetary house of dishonesty. For the first time he found one… her part had gone up slightly in volume. It could be due to her gathering excitement as she recalled these effect, but he had the nagging feeling that things hadn't happened exactly as she described. What did it matter how she and Elise came to join forces ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these interrogative and expect any sort of solvent. His lonesome hope was to go on and go for he could piece it all together himself. `` Do you rue killing your Padre ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to look him straight in the eye. `` Not for a I moment. '' She steadily replied. `` I only regret that I couldn't have been more patient and found a way to do it by myself. When I tried to plump for out of this wholly thing, when I told them I didn't want to be a constituent of kidnapping you… Elise made it very clean-cut that despite the false evidence I left at the fit, she could very easily tie me to my don's death. I have no doubt that she would place me to Azkaban without a endorse thought. So I had to prefer, a jail cellular phone locked away with the giants or stranded on an island with you. I took the better voice punishment. ``

'' But if you hadn't killed Edmund, you never would deliver had to piddle that choice. '' He argued.

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

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

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

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

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

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

She slowly walked over to lean on the sharpness of the table in front of him. `` You know, there's only two reasons you won't answer. Either you do hate me but you're too practically of a valet to say it… though we both know that you're more than than leave to tell anyone exactly how you feel about them. So the only other account is that you've realized you don't hate me and just can't bring yourself to intromit it for some deep reason. ``

He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms as he regarded her with false confidence. `` Or I've simply decided it's best not to go through life hating anyone. Of course of study, I could always stimulate an exception if you'd caution to push the issue. ``

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

'' Many meter over. '' He grinned easily, once more revel that he'd managed to pleat her feathers by not playing directly into her hand.

'' I'm going for a pass. '' She announced, standing up and taking a inscrutable breath. `` I cooked, you can make clean. '' She added before leaving the tent.

Fred looked around feeling completely off safeguard. She'd never left him alone in the tent before, which had only led him to believe that she had thing to hide out from him here. But clearly her frustration with his lack of gullibility had caused an inadvertence on her behalf and he knew he needed to take advantage of it. He raced to her room, pulling back the flap that separated the space from the rest of the tent and taking a cursory look around before carefully proceeding to go through everything. Ensuring he returned thing to the way he'd found them, he went through all of her stuff hoping to derive across a communicating device of some kind… or even right, his baton. After a long and thorough search, he came up with neither.

( BREAK )

Harry stared at Simon, trying to ascertain exactly what he thought of the other boy. He just wasn't sure… he couldn't get past the extremum the guy had gone through in edict to have a simple conversation. But then, had Paul Simon been right ? Would they take in listened had he simply approached them and asked to talk ? He shook himself out of his thoughts, refusing to let his anger and mix-up make him do anything stupid. `` How do we make love that having you tell us all of this isn't parting of the plan ? '' He asked. After all, if Elise had gone through so much, then why wouldn't she go even a step further and send out in the goof ? Surely she didn't expect them to study Simon seriously even if they did recognise he thought he was telling the truth… or at to the lowest degree the truth as she wanted him to know it.

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

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

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

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

Marvin Neil Simon swallowed hard as he stared at her in disbelief… clearly he'd never seen his sister do something like that before. `` Good. '' He said at shoemaker's last. `` someone should be. They already knew Harry was strong than Sarah, that's why they had to fix sure he lost his powers before they tried to talk to him. ``

'' You're talking about what happened at Azkaban ? How could they possibly know that they weren't going to wipe out me with that Psychohemia potion ? '' Harry asked in exasperation. They all knew Simon was telling them the truth, but he just didn't like what he was hearing anymore now that it was going against what he knew had happened. But then, he was quickly learning from the other boy that there lots of things he didn't know about the affair that had been happening to him, his friends and his opposition. Elise had apparently been pulling several different strings for quite awhile.

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to put to work for them long before then. '' Simon the Canaanite answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some decision was going to lead you to the prison and right in front of Cho, but it was Elise who made the Dark Lord recall it was his melodic theme to use Sarah's talents to try and admit you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to kill you, that you were going to get help in sentence to save your life but not your power. ``

'' Except Sarah did nearly pop us at my aunty and uncle's house. '' Harry replied, hiding the phantom pain he felt in his hand and leg where he'd been stabbed all those calendar month ago. Glancing at Luna out of the corner of his eye, he remembered her font covered in rakehell after Sarah kicked her and how her arm had been broken while trying to go along Sarah from killing him. `` She didn't seem too concerned with convincing us to fall in her then. '' He added angrily as everything from that night came back to him including Ron nearly being burnt to a crisp.

'' Yeah well, as I'm sure you've noticed, the only problem Elise has in partnering with Sarah is that the woman is to a greater extent than a little crazy. She was only supposed to torture you, it was your muggle family she was supposed to kill in figurehead of you… on Voldemort's orders, not Elise's. But I guess something about them reminded her of all those mass she was forced to exist with growing up and she came to resent you for putting up with it… She began to really see you as sapless than her and so she alone decided in that moment that she didn't want you to link up them. At least, that's how she explained it to Elise after they broke her out of the infirmary and woke her from the coma. reliance me, Elise let her have it for deviating from the architectural plan and nearly killing you both. Anyway, Sarah said she really lost control when Luna came in with the ring… she wanted it and they all knew Voldemort wanted it and so obtaining the tintinnabulation became her main antecedence above all else, including her condom as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to capture her for a short time as well as get your power back, she no longer thinks you're weak. ``

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

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

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

'' Do not worry about that, we will be the 1 to ask the questions. '' Jacey said with authority.

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

He sighed and nodded. `` Well, she's plotting with Sarah only. But whatever plan those two had going, it was in post long before Elise reconnected with Sarah. In fact, I remember Elise trying to talk Sarah into dropping Cho but she had insisted the girl would be valuable again once they broke her out of Azkaban. My guessing is that if they manage to get Cho out, Elise will discover the opportunity to get rid of her as soon as potential. Just because she and Sarah are finish confidants doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each other in a second if it meant furthering their own schedule. Loyalty means zippo to them. '' Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the spell holding him in office. `` will you let me go now ? Please ? '' He pleaded.

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

'' amercement. '' He waved his wand and released the other boy from the binding.

Simon the Canaanite leapt to his feet to quickly stretch before eagerly reaching into his pouch and pulling out his flask from which he took a long gulp. `` Phew, I needed that. '' He said, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. After another draft he seemed less rickety and nervous.

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

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

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

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

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

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

She nodded and led the way through the Charles Francis Hall to the schoolmaster's authority. `` Just so you're aware, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you go away school grounds. '' She warned them. Sharing a feel with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the sight of a near student would buffer the old wizard's temper. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and Simon. ``

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

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

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

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

He shook his headland. `` It's not that simple. Like the ministry and sure other building, conjuration isn't enough to revive the price. It must be rebuilt by hand to maintain the strength of the appeal we place upon our school. And even if you did fix it, my hands are tied in regards to how we can handle this, especially after I've pushed so tough to stimulate the recently disappeared Tristram Macnair expelled. ``

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

He sighed sadly. `` I'm saying that after having Miss Patil, Mr. Mason and Mr. Macnair go missing, after the destruction Cho Chang caused concluding year, and after all the accumulative hassle that has been caused… I have no option but to discharge you all from Hogwarts for your unfavorable actions, effective immediately. ``

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

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in severe wrong to one of our schoolroom and then you all left schooltime yard in orchestrate intrusion of the computer code of doings. I have to take this action before the less authentic of the Aurors out there adjudicate to try and say that you had something to do with Tristan's escape and endeavor to take you all into custody for questioning. Should that take place, it's not guaranteed that Arthur will be able-bodied to see that you get into the ripe hands. '' Dumbledore seemed to fall off down in his seat. `` You've put us all in a mean home and we must be careful how we proceed. ``

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

'' I agree, but if I didn't go through with this, it would be far too easy for them to accuse me of favoritism and things are too fragile right now. The little matter could give them the excuse to oust me from here and put anyone they choose in stead as Headmaster. As you saw last time, there are too many impressionable Whitney Young nous here to allow that to happen. I refuse to let this schooltime become a training ground for the succeeding wave of Death Eaters. Everyone must be disembarrass to choose the life they want. ``

'' So instead you just throw away our futures ? '' Simon asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the Order and therefore unable to comprehend the pauperism to keep things a certain way so that the power didn't shift in the foe's favor.

Suddenly the situation room access swung exposed behind them and Lupin came rushing in. `` Stop ! It's not their fault, it's mine ! ``

'' And do you really gestate anyone to trust that ? '' Dumbledore asked tiredly.

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

'' You realize what will happen if you decide to go through with this… given what you are, the parents already have a low threshold of tolerance for you. If you take the inculpation for the destruction to the classroom, if you insist these bookman only left school to encompass up for you… then I'll have no choice but to terminate your work here. ``

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

Lupin reached out to snap up his shoulder, using his considerable strength to push Harry back into his chair. `` I understand the consequences. I accept it. ``

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

Because, I feel I owe it to Saint James and Lily to do everything in my world power to have you finish school. I can't just let you screw it up with two hebdomad to go. He answered with a grin. It'll be okay, Harry. I promise.

He held his breath and glanced at Luna and Simon out of the corner of his eye and realized lupine wasn't just doing this for him. The other two were only in their sixth year and he felt hangdog that his brash action may cause them to turn a loss out on their education. Letting out the breathing time slowly, he turned to depend at the older magician, awaiting his conclusion along with everyone else.

Dumbledore took his fourth dimension studying lupin before at last shaking his headland and rising from his bottom. `` okey, if this is the way you want it to be. I'll see to it that you are able to finish out the final two hebdomad of this semester, as it will be out of the question to replace you on such short bill. It's been a pleasure to have you here. ``

'' It's been wonderful being here. '' Lupin assured him before quickly ushering the teens from the part before the headmaster could transfer his mind. Simon tried to go off from the radical as soon as they were in the hallway but Harry reached out and grabbed his arm, ensuring he followed them. He still had a few thing to say to the early boy. They walked silently down to lupin's office, though the older man was the only when one who seemed to be in a good mood.

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

'' Of course I'm certainly. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it. '' He grinned. `` I had planned on resigning at the end of this year anyway. I really like teaching, but I'm certainly needed elsewhere and like you Harry, I hate feeling locked away here when there are so many thing happening out in the globe. And with you and Draco going, there's really nothing to observe me here any longer. Plus I don't like being away from Tonks for so long, her job already keeps us apart so why should I continue to let mine add to the strain when I have another selection ? So you see, I'm entirely positive that this is the right thing to do. ``

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

Lupin reached out to reassuringly pat her shoulder. `` I have long ago learned to live with other multitude's misguided judgment of me. As long as I am in good standing with the people who know me, that's all that matter. '' He went to sit behind his desk and pulled out a curl of blank parchment and a fresh pinion. `` Besides if I were to stay here, then who would be out there looking after you all when you get yourselves stuck in a corner ? '' He teased, reminding them that this wasn't the first fourth dimension he'd helped get them out of their own batch. `` Plus Draco is going to take steering in navigating life out in the real world where people don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to have a understanding to provide my position early. The fact that it helps you child out is just a bonus. ``

'' Well I certainly appreciate it. '' Marvin Neil Simon said gratefully. `` I mean because I have no where else to go besides Hogwarts so I'm gladiolus I get to get along back. '' He added quickly when he saw the glower Harry had shot him for speaking at all.

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

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

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

She and Harry shared a glance as Simon looked down at the trading floor and shuffled his feet. `` Just a fragile fortuity caused by a simpleton misinterpretation. '' She said at last, lowering her subdivision and pulling the hems of her sleeves down.

'' I see. '' He shook his oral sex and sighed. `` To answer your earlier musing… no one would heed if you tried to explain what really happened. It's a gambling for magnate out there and no one is interest in the the true unless it gets them what they want. Too many things have been happening here, no one would take a student's give-and-take on anything when they barely trust what the prof and Dumbledore have to say. ``

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

'' It's a sad but true fact that adding your name to anything will instantly make it more complicated. But don't let it trouble you, having opposition only means that you've stood up for something of import. '' Lupin answered with a pacify smile. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must write to my married woman and inform her that we are soon to go a one income menage for awhile. ``

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

'' And we may just suffer to take you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The price of snag is ridiculous these days. ``

Leaving him to pen his varsity letter, the teens all stepped out into the hall. As soon as the door closed behind them, Harry grabbed Simon up by the front of his robes and shoved him back against the bulwark. `` If I find out that you're somehow setting us up I swear to you that your baby won't have the opportunity to murder you because she'll never find your body. '' He threatened, wanting to scare the boy into revealing whether he was truly trustworthy.

'' I promise I'm not setting you up ! '' He instantly replied, his center all-embracing and his warmness banging wildly in his chest.

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his cheek in close to Neil Simon's, tightening his grip and pushing against the boy's throat. `` From now on, if you think you have something you need to recite individual, come straight to me because going anywhere near Luna or any of my other champion would certainly be the biggest error you'll ever make in your lifespan. ``

Simon nodded in agreement, clearly seeing in Harry's heart just how a lot he meant his menace. `` I'll come right to you ! '' He gasped out, reaching up to try and advertize Harry away.

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

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

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

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

Harry went to the windowpane and clutched the sill as he stared out over the school basis. He took respective late breaths before turning back to her. `` But you really are okey, right ? ``

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

'' Couldn't it be ? '' He debated. `` I mean, I know Herb Simon was telling us his interpretation of the Sojourner Truth and I believe Elise and Sarah are that cunning. But what if their whole design was tricking him into telling us all of this so we wouldn't believe what Elanya had to say ? What if they really are setting her up and what we saw in Erebos's caput is true ? Maybe they did have sex we'd anatomy out who the spy was and that we'd want to look in his head… what if they used Simon Zelotes to diffuse around doubt so that we wouldn't know what to believe ? ``

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

Harry nodded in hesitant acceptance. He'd learned his lesson about questioning her hunch, if she thought Elanya wasn't the victim they were trying to depict her to be then that was most probable the way it was. `` Okay, so we go on with the effrontery that she's against us. ``

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

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

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

Sure enough an insistent knocking came at the doorway and Harry went to let her in. `` So ? What happened ? '' She demanded, walking in and turning to confront them both. Together they pieced together everything that had happened and filled her in completely on what Simon had told them and what they'd concluded as a consequence. `` You're sure Elanya isn't being set up ? '' She asked, her face going white-hot as she began to panic.

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

'' It's just that… I so badly wanted to see Fred, to progress to sure he was okay. I decided to drill my stellar projection and to my surprisal, not only did it piece of work, he was able to see me. '' She answered, nearly shaking as she tried not to cry.

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

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

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

'' No ! '' Hermione leapt to her feet and turned to them in torment. `` She's making him talk to her now ! He'd been refusing this whole metre but I saw her jeopardize to send Erebos after Ron and Ginny if he didn't start oral presentation to her. Don't you see ? I led him to trust that she was just another pawn in Elise and Sarah's game… what if he lets his guard down ? What if she's able to convince him to trust her ? '' She stared at them in horror as every significance of Fred trusting Elanya ran through her head. `` What have I done ? '' She whispered.

( recess )

As soon as it was dark, Fred grabbed his full bed roll and went down to the beach. Ensuring he was far enough from the tide, he set everything up and built a small fervor, silently thanking his father for teaching him how to do so the muggle way- without a baton. Sure it was the more difficult way to do matter, but at live his father's obsession with learning the why's and how's of all things muggle had paid off. Once sure the glare had caught, he lay back to look at the stars. He didn't know where Elanya had gone, nor did he care… she hadn't returned from her walk and the yearner she was gone the more certain he was that he didn't want to be there when she did prove up.

She'd told him so many thing and enough of it had seemed not only to be likely but made too much sense not to be truthful. He was confused… If Hermione had really been on the island, then she'd told him things that Elanya had completely admitted to. Did it matter ? And if it did, then why did it matter ? Elanya had gotten herself caught up in this, she was no innocent bystander. Had she not wanted so badly to kill her begetter, the early girls wouldn't have had anything to tempt her into accepting their offer. On the other hand, he was now able to put himself in her shoes… why wouldn't she want to bolt down the man who murdered her female parent and was trying to use his own daughter to buy his way into the secure seemliness of an evil man like Voldemort ? Even Willem had come to terms with the fact that his niece had killed his Brother and was still willing to get through out to the female child as it was sort out even to him that she needed to be rescued… if not from Elise and Sarah, then from herself. So if Willem could forgive her, then who was he to judge her ?

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

'' So, you've decided to sleep under the stars. ``

He sat up and whipped around to find Elanya standing in the trees as if his thoughts of her had forced her to materialize there. Her whisker and dress were dancing softly in the slight air and her eyes glowed even more brilliantly in the swoon firelight. `` Well, aren't you the law-abiding one. '' He said sarcastically.

'' I'm sorry I walked out on you other. '' She said, taking a few hesitating stairs towards him.

'' Think goose egg of it. I'm pretty sure our conversation was about done anyway. '' He brushed her off and lay back down again, closing his eyes and acting as if she were nothing More than a bothersome flutter to him.

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

'' sleep wherever you want, what do I wish ? '' Fred made sure to sound get at, hoping that if she did sleep on the beach, she would take to do it far from him. He heard her indulgent footsteps as she glided through the sand and then felt her attempt to climb under the natural covering with him. He sat straight up and beat away from her as he got to his feet. `` What the snake pit do you suppose you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

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

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

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

Despite the genuine concern for his safety that he heard in her voice, he ignored her and walked straight into the water fully dressed. He continued on until his feet could just barely pertain the backside before deciding that was far decent to deter her from following him. Turning, he began swimming parallel with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't guardianship to walk after him. He could barely see his hand in front of him and realized that is was more than the exercise that was making his heart race. It was very dreary out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an subaqueous attack coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards land, crawling up onto the sandy beach and allowing himself to lie there and roost for a moment.

Now more than ever, he was determined to leave the island tomorrow. He couldn't spend one more day alone with Elanya, he was beginning to forget what was real and it was becoming more difficult not to fall into her stories. All he had to do was get through tonight. Climbing to his metrical foot, he brushed off as a lot sand as he could and made his way into the trees to look for some variety of shelter. Coming to the foot of the tallest passel, he found a shoal cave. Gathering leaves, he quickly made himself a piazza to kip before gathering enough wood to start a fire to go along him lovesome. Once again he silently thanked his Fatherhood while hoping that he would get the chance to thank him in somebody very soon.

( suspension )

Draco woke already feeling nervous… he didn't like lying to Ginny and while he may not know the take details of what was going on, he had pieced enough together to live that she'd be mad to learn they'd kept Fred's possibly being in worry from her. But today was supposed to be the day it would all end and no one would take in to lie anymore… at least not about this. It was unsubdivided really, while the professor and most of the pupil were down at the quidditch pitch enjoying the game between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Potter, Luna and husbandman were going to whisk themselves away to rescue Fred from whatever raft he'd gotten himself into. Draco's job was to get sure neither Ginny nor Ron found out they were gone and more importantly, to go along them both away from Professor Erebos who Potter had said was a spy and more than willing to anguish someone.

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

'' I don't want to go picket that stupid game today. '' She said, climbing onto the bed and grabbing her pillow to cling to to her consistence. `` I don't want to be a part of anything to do with Ron at the present moment. ``

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

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

'' Why would he ? '' Taking in the glowering look she shot him, he quickly went on in hopes of fixing his mistake. `` I mean, he clearly wanted infinite and said the matter he knew would push you all away… after all, he saw how well it worked for potter last-place year. So why would he come apologize unless he's gear up to be around you all again ? ``

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

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

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

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

'' Go in for the killing ! '' She laughed, quickly kneeling over him and battering him over and over with the pillow. Unable to hold back his own laughter, he tried his best to retrovert the attack. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to wrestle it away from her so that he would be in ownership of all the plush ammo.

A whang on the door interrupted their battle and they both looked at each early in surprise as they tried to trance their hint. Ginny lay back on the bed and stared up at him with a coy smile. `` See who that is, would you darling ? I'm not dressed to receive company. ``

He leaned down to kiss her before quickly swinging his pillow one shoemaker's last time, jumping off the bed with a repellant grin as he avoided her return rape. He opened the doorway and instantly tensed having already been warned that the person on the early English was interested in harming Ginny. `` Can we facilitate you professor ? '' He asked, closing the door slightly so that the man couldn't see inside.

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

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

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

'' well, Ginny isn't feeling well. She'll be in her room all day today… and I'll be here with her, taking care of her. '' He said meaningfully, allowing a modest growl to get away his throat lest the man forget what exactly he was. `` You can grant me the subject matter, I'll be certain she gets it. '' With his senses heightened, he was able-bodied to hear rustling behind him as Ginny got out of bed and curiously made her way over to the doorway. Thankfully she was thrifty enough to hold on herself hidden behind it, but still, a violently protective surge rushed through him and he knew only one thing, the only way the professor was getting in the room was over his absolutely body.

'' The Headmaster wish to speak to Miss Weasley in person. '' Erebos persisted. `` I am to escort her up to his office. ``

'' And why wouldn't he send Professor McGonagall ? '' Draco asked suspiciously. `` She is the read/write head of the Gryffindor house and a much more probable prospect to go about Ginny on the schoolmaster's behalf than some professor wholly unrelated to her. She isn't even in any of your class. Why would Dumbledore direct you ? '' He knew Ginny probably barely recognized the professor as she'd rather chew her own arm off than study Arithmancy.

'' Again, not that I owe an explanation to a student- '' He said tightly, clearly frustrated with this Song and dance they were engaged in. `` But she is already down at the quidditch pitch assisting Madame hooch with getting the battleground ready for today's game. I was in the headmaster's office for a get together and so he simply sent me. ``

'' Well, Ginny is just too ill to leave her room. I'm for sure Dumbledore wouldn't want to run a risk her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these drafty hallways. If he needs to tell her something important, I'm sure he would hold no trouble paying her a visit. '' Draco said smugly. He grabbed the edge of the door to close it but the prof reached out to stop it from swinging shut.

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

'' That's unneeded. '' Draco said calmly while holding the door so tightly in his hand he thought the forest would shatter in his suitcase. `` I asked Healer Drake to stop by in the first place. He said it's a bad cold and recommended bed rest. '' He added in lodge to bilk the professor's newest endeavour to get Ginny out of her room. He was sure Francis Drake would cover for them if requirement, after all, he'd done it many times before. kinda than allow Erebos to come up with something else, he used his above normal strength to thrash the door shut despite the man's try to keep it open.

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

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

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

'' Well… because they have plan to take over the ministry. What better way than to use the government minister's tike against him ? '' He held his breathing spell. Technically what he'd said was true although that wasn't the cause the man had decided to make a movement today. But why worry her further by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the full story or what exactly her brother was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the escaped ends the others had had to tie up in rules of order to go after Fred at all. He knew they were connected, just not how… but he'd be damned if he let her get hurt or killed because of any of it. Surely if she knew Fred was involved, she would assert on doing something dangerously foolhardy in an attempt to help.

Ginny shook her head sadly. `` poor dad… all he wants to do is make up a difference and now he has to subsist in constant care for us all because of it. ``

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

We may have a problem. Draco thought out to ceramicist and Luna.

What happened ? ceramicist immediately answered.

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

( BREAK )

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

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

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

'' Why ? '' Hermione demanded impatiently.

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

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

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

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

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

As one he and Luna reached out to each hire one of Hermione's hands and they all focused on the island. With a loud crack, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling hard rocky ground beneath his animal foot, Harry hesitantly opened his eyes to await around. His breath caught in his throat as he took in their surroundings. Um, I think we may deliver just picked the unfit possible place to land. He thought out to the girls, not wanting to have any stochasticity lest they wake the ten Draco currently sleeping around them. As quietly as possible, they all three mounted their Calluna vulgaris, each suddenly glad that he'd insisted they brought them with. Going slow for their sake, he carefully led the way, lightly pushing off from the ground and rising into the air.

Flying away from the pile top and down toward the beach, he looked over his articulatio humeri to tick on the missy. Luna seemed to get gotten the hang of things after having been in the air a few clip before. But Hermione, who always chose to preserve her groundwork on the earth if it was an selection, was clearly showing her inexperience. She tried to lower the broom and suddenly lost control, letting out a garish scream as she suddenly zoomed toward the ground.

'' wrench up ! '' He shouted as he raced after her. She tried to do as he instructed but couldn't quite accomplish it and she raised her weaponry to cover her side as she went down through the trees.

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

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

He raced forward to help only to realize that the other six dragons had chosen to gang up on him as they perceived him to be the better throwaway and therefore the more dangerous to them. One popped up in front of him, forcing him to go low. He once more searched the sky, trying to catch his bearings… but this time he didn't see Luna anywhere. Both she and Hermione had disappeared and now he was alone with eight dragon. Wait… eight ! He quickly began racing around the island, looking for any sign of Luna and the two dragons that were obviously still chasing her. He flew between two of the animal but unfortunately he wasn't agile enough and he felt one's tail knocking into the vertebral column of his broom followed by the phone of a mysterious cracking sound. The Calluna vulgaris started to follow apart in his hands and he did his best to go for it together as he raced toward the ground. He landed roughly on the beach, shaking off the nuisance as he picked himself up and ran toward the cover of the trees.

He could hear the creature landing heavily behind him, too large to attain their way through the dense Wood. Suddenly tripping, Harry tucked into himself to break his capitulation. Glancing back at what had knocked him over, he found the shattered corpse of another Scots heather though he had no melodic theme whether it was Luna's or Hermione's. He looked around desperately but there was no one there.

( BREAK )

Fred woke to a flashy scream. For a moment he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his feet. Looking around, he remembered making a impermanent protection out of the cave after escaping from Elanya. Another series of ear-splitting shrieks filled the sky and he looked up to see those orphic puppet circling in the bright morning cheerfulness. They never came out this late… and they never flew so low. One swept over the Tree above him, giving him a frighteningly clear view of what the creature actually was… a very gravid firedrake with needlelike claws, long teeth and wide wings tipped with severe looking horns.

Panic gripped him as he stood there frozen, trying to retrieve everything Charlie had ever told him about these beasts. More than anything, he recalled his brother saying that dragons were beast of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't permissive waste meter trying to project it out, he had to make sure as shooting Elanya was okay, he couldn't let the only early person on this island die… he didn't want to be here completely alone with these things. He raced through the tree diagram back to the campsite, suddenly upset that he'd decided to move so far from it in the first place.

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

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

She turned to him and dropped her hands, showing him they were empty. `` cipher. '' She said innocently.

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

Thomas More scream filled their air and they both glanced up in panic. Then she stared directly at him, her heart filling with lugubriousness. `` I have no choice, you broke the rules. '' She looked away, closing her eyes against her regret.

'' What are you talking about ? ! ``

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

'' Don't do it. '' He insisted, pleading with her to consecrate in and be the better soul he wasn't quite sure she could be. `` I'll help protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all save you safe. Just don't let them push you into hurting my comrade and sister. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an unsealed stair toward him. `` You'd convince your booster to render me a chance ? ``

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

They both whipped around to see who had snuck up on them. Fred couldn't believe his middle as his heart raced with joy. `` Hermione ? '' She was standing there before him, looking far more really than the net time he'd seen her as she had her wand out and pointed at Elanya. Forgetting everything else in his relief, he raced forward and threw his arms around her.

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

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

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

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

'' You aren't exactly giving me a reason not to at the instant. '' Fred replied, gesturing to the wand she still had pointed at them. He felt Hermione reach out and take up his hired hand as she used her other to keep wielding her own verge. Squeezing her fingers, he hoped they found a way out of this.

Elanya nodded, a wicked smile spreading slowly across her side. `` I thought as much… I guess it's meter to locomote to plan B. '' She quickly waved her wand, forcing Hermione to throw up a shield around them. It was enough of a misdirection for her to grab the seashell necklace she'd been wearing since they arrived and rip it from her neck before speaking quickly into it. `` William Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and kill Ron. '' She instructed.

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

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

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

Elanya simply dropped the necklace to the ground and stomped on it, effectively destroying the communication device. `` What's done is done. You want revenge, do and fill it. '' She dared them.



NOTE : Provided there are no more horrifying accident with my computer or flash effort, flavour for the next chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island safety valve

A/N : Without foster delay… Read, Review, Enjoy !





After crash landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to fall upon zip worse that a few scrape and scratches. Unfortunately the broom hadn't survived as well and lay a few feet away in bit. Glad that it hadn't been her to scent up that way, she shook herself off and got to her feet. She looked around nervously and called out to Harry and Luna but they didn't solvent her… A quick glance up through the treetops let her know why. Several dragons seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking sounds. With a broken broom she knew she couldn't do much to serve them and they certainly were too distracted to arrive assistant her… it was up to her to figure out what to do and she was determined that this not end up like Hogsmeade. She wasn't going to freeze up with indecisiveness, there were too many people counting on her and Thomas More than that, she wanted to turn up to herself that she was capable of branching out on her own.

It was much hotter here than it was back at schooltime and so the first thing she did was denude off her jacket before she fainted of heat exhaustion. She knew that she had to part moving and preferably with a purpose. Using her wand as a locator, she made her way through the woods, trying not to look anywhere but right in front of her. She didn't want to become distracted, she just wanted to get Fred and get the hell off this island. Within ten minute of walk, she found herself at Fred and Elanya's encampment. The two were talking and she heard Fred offering to avail the other girl if she would promise to call off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

'' No ! That's part of her programme ! '' She yelled, racing forward without thinking. Her wand was already out and so she quickly pointed it at the other fille to prevent her at bay. It seemed she'd arrived just in time to stop Fred from getting even more caught up in all of this.

She stopped short as she saw Elanya pull her own baton out… realizing that Fred was unarmed, Hermione worried that he would get caught in the centre if they started dueling. He stood there and looked at her as if she were the greatest thing he'd ever seen, making her feel more confident in the face of the other girl. `` Hermione ? '' He asked hesitantly before rushing over and wrapping his arms around her. As adept as it felt to have him hold her, she was careful to keep her scepter up fifty Elanya decide to use the misdirection to her advantage.

'' We have to find Harry and Luna and get out of here now ! '' She quietly insisted, forcing herself to believe they would receive time to properly reunite later if they got themselves out of this now. `` I was wrong yesterday, she's no victim… they're all working together to earn us want to help her so she can get in and convince Harry and Luna to link up them. ``

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

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

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

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

'' I thought as much. '' Elanya said meanly. `` I guess it's metre to move to plan B. '' She quickly waved her sceptre, giving Hermione only seconds to throw up a shield around herself and Fred to avert the spell. Before she could revert flack, the girlfriend ripped off her seashell necklace and was already talking into it. `` Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and then kill Ron. '' She instructed whoever was on the early end… most likely Professor Erebos.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her wand and sent him flying. Hermione took her opportunity and pip respective looker in quick taking over but the other girl was fast, raising her shield in time before attempting to send away back and disarm her. By this prison term Fred had gotten to his metrical foot and back into the thick of matter, forcing Hermione to stanch her attack so he wouldn't get hit by mistake. `` Take it back ! '' He demanded, stalking towards Elanya.

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

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

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

Hermione cast before she was even aware she was doing so, taking both her and Elanya by surprisal. The lady friend had to dodge rather than shield, sending Hermione's spell to shatter the trees behind her. Seeing what a serious magical spell she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the stain from her attire. `` fountainhead, I suppose we've moved preceding stunners then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the wand she'd dropped in her rushing to impress out of the way.

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

She quickly waved her wand, yelling `` Protego Totalum ! '' and a few other incantations, turning the tent into their own lowly fortress ... they were advanced spells she'd only practiced once in the safety device of a classroom setting. She was truly surprised that she'd been able to accomplish it here while her heart was racing and panic gripped her brain. They could hear Elanya screaming at them from the outside, uselessly hurling spell after go at the tent as she tried to get at them. `` I'm not sure how foresighted this will hold. '' She said fearfully, turning to see that Fred had taken to tearing the space apart. `` What are you doing ? ``

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

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

'' When it came to spending my money, Elanya spared no expense. Top of the line everything… it's supposed to be like camping in the comfort of your home base. '' Fred answered bitterly as he upended the icebox next. `` Aha ! '' He shouted, bending down to scoop up a folded towel. certain enough, his scepter was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a stroke of relief knowing that she wouldn't be the only one armed. His own respite was evident as he tightly gripped his wand and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a tone that sent tingles through her body. Without a word he strode up to her and eagerly placed his hand around her neck, pulling her face to his so that he could passionately enamour her lips. He kissed her with such depth and hunger that she was left feeling dizzy and had to reach out and grab him to keep her stage from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his weapon around her waist he deepened the kiss even more before breaking it off and resting his headway against hers. They were both left breathless and glad to once More be so close. `` I'm really gladiolus to see you. '' He whispered.

'' I couldn't Tell. '' She teased, leaning up to osculate his cheek.

'' Yeah, well, I'll take it readable when I have More fourth dimension to make my detail. '' Fred grinned before turning serious once more. They could still get word Elanya out there, doing everything she could to transgress the protective cover charms Hermione had cast. `` We have to get out of here without her seeing. '' He said, letting her go and turning to sight their temporary stronghold.

'' I'm open to trace. ``

He scratched his drumhead and turned to stare at her a here and now before breaking into a smiling. `` Of course ! If I can fool my own mother then it should be gentle to gull Elanya. ``

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

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

'' Why wouldn't she ? '' He asked, waving his wand over her to conjure up her up a two-base hit of her own. Moving hers to stand next to his, he studied them both closely. `` They look estimable enough to me. '' He shrugged.

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

Knowing that her charms would be broken as soon as the barrier was breached, he shoved them through the gap and quickly came over to crouch beside her just in slip Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to number search the tent. `` Here goes zilch. '' He whispered.

( faulting )

organism able to support down on the field, Ron almost felt like he really was voice of the biz and was thankful to McGonagall for letting him receive this one small musical composition of what made him happy. He watched his squad fly together and was thrilled to see them overstretch ahead in the scotch, cheering them along as any good jitney would do. The snow had been magically cleared off the playing field but he didn't need it to be reminded that winter was on it's way, the day was clear and very insensate. He huddled deeper into his jacket crown after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the score jumped far sufficiency ahead in Gryffindor's favor, he decided it was prophylactic to take in a break and go down to the recreation rack for some hot chocolate to warm his inside. Making his way through the locker rooms, he took the exit leading outside the arena and nearly ran into mortal trying to take a leak their way in. `` Oh, excuse me sir. '' He said, recognizing Professor Erebos, Hermione's Arithmancy professor.

'' Not at all Mr. Weasley. It was you I was actually coming to find out. '' Erebos replied with what was clearly an endeavor at a friendly grin… but the tightness at the corners of his backtalk indicated to Ron that something was troubling the man.

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

'' I'm not exactly certain. There is a Whitney Young woman out in the woods who flagged me down and asked me to come find you. '' Erebos said, looking over his berm at the Forbidden Forest. `` She wouldn't allow me to see her face, so I can't be sure… but she looked very a lot like fille Patil, who has gone missing. I've ejaculate to line up you because she was so insistent but I think I must also go to the headmaster and inform him that one of his missing educatee has returned. ``

'' No ! Wait ! '' Ron pleaded, wondering what Parvati was doing back here so soon. He'd only sent a letter off yesterday through Lupin, he wasn't even sure it had enough time to get in to her so that couldn't be what force back her to hail back. He had to let the cat out of the bag to her before Dumbledore or anyone else could show up and send her running. `` Just let me go see her first. ``

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

'' Please, I'll convince her to stay on. '' He promised with his fingers crossed.

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

Ron reluctantly agreed, following the professor around the back of the arena to the Forbidden Forest. They walked pretty far into the trees, deepening Ron's distrust to the dot where he was ready to turn back. `` Parvati got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the woods ? '' He asked carefully.

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

He swallowed the large lump of fear and terror that had risen in his pharynx. `` Why ? '' He tried to keep his voice unfluctuating but wasn't sure he'd accomplished the task.

'' To kill you. '' The prof said simply as he prepared to cast the ultimate inexcusable oath. And then the man was screaming in pain in the ass as his wand burst into flames in his manus, forcing him to cast it to the ground.

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

'' Saving you it seems. '' She returned, seeming hurt that those were the first lyric he'd elect to speak at the plenty of her.

They both whipped around as the sound of soul clapping filled the air. Ron's eye widened in shock as Elise McKinney stepped out from behind a large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, slowly applauding them. `` wellspring done. '' She laughed.

'' The little bitch burned my deal ! '' Erebos shouted as he held the now useless member close to his body.

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

( good luck )

Luna just couldn't shake up off the last two dragons chasing her. They forced her to fly away from the island, zooming so far over the ocean she could see Castellumshire on the horizon… still the creatures wouldn't move over up the chase. She tried calling out to Harry but he didn't answer, making her very flighty. She could finger that he wasn't hurt… but that was all, it was like a piece of her brain had shut off and she was completely unable to communicate with him… It was almost as if there was something blocking them from using their king, or more precisely, their thought transference. The way she was flying, the way she was able to know where to go to keep off being hit by claws, teeth and tails… that told her that her precognative instincts were well in tactfulness as she knew she certainly wasn't the best flier.

She swooped low to head off one flying lizard and then quickly turned right to void the other. Her human foot skimmed the water and she quickly pulled back up, making a prospicient arc around Castellumshire before heading back toward the Gateway Islands. Becoming distracted by a strange sound below her, she took the hazard and looked down only to rule a small speedboat zooming through the water headed the same direction she was. Feeling the firedrake right behind her, she decided to dip low, flying close enough only to see that there seemed to one someone on board… a female wearing a hat and large sunglasses. intuition stroke through her and she raced ahead, desperate to admonish Harry.

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

It took a second too long for her to see what he'd tried to warn her about and so the pair of dragons that had been laying in waiting among the treetop had taken her by surprise. She raced upwards, richly over the island hoping to lose them among the fluffy gabardine swarm. But before she could get herself quite that high, she felt one of the puppet grab the end of her broom and pull her through the air. She lost her grip completely and felt herself begin to release gloam. Thinking as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her blood line until she was capable to lightly place her understructure on the undercoat. Her backup man quickly gave way to all out terror as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the firedrake'nest. Only this fourth dimension she had no broom and she was completely alone.

( open frame )

Harry had just used his scepter to piece the broom he'd found in the woods back together when Luna's yell echoed around him. He raced back onto the beach to watch an impossible sight- she was flying recklessly through the air as she tried to get away from all ten Draco. Seeing two of the beasts break off from the group and obliterate themselves among the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree he realizing what the rather intelligent beast were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his mind but while he could still feel that constant association to her, it was as if person had cut a conducting wire somewhere and all he could hear was a telephone dial smell. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his hands around his mouth and screamed out a warning to her, hoping she was able to hear him. If she did, it was too late. The other flying dragon had forced her to fly toward their trap and the two hiding leapt out to storm her. She nip upwards but to no help as one reached out and grabbed her Calluna vulgaris. She fell off as the wight snapped the Calluna vulgaris like a toothpick, making Harry's heart arrest for a moment. But this clock time she had her verge and was capable to slow her fall, but when he saw where she landed his kernel dropped entirely into his breadbasket. The dragons had seen her too and they all descended on their nest, intent on ousting the intruder.

terror swept through him and he hurried to finish up the final mending on the heather. Hearing a motorized sound he quickly ducked out of the way as a boat carelessly drove up into the grit, allowing a familiar cleaning lady to leap out down and face him. `` hello Harry. '' Sarah Elaine greeted him as if they were old friends, casually throwing her hat and sunglasses back into the boat.

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

'' So I saw… seems your slight ally fell into the damage position. '' She grinned. `` Care to stimulate some assist in retrieving her ? ``

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

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

He had no choice, he needed assistant distracting the dragon so he could fly in and grab Luna. Handing Sarah the broom he'd been holding, he ran over and waved his baton, fixing his own heather as best he could… at least it was in flying consideration if not properly calibrated for the best flight possible. Together, they lifted off the ground, instantly making their way to the great deal. Harry just hoped his desperation for supporter didn't fart up being his downfall.

( BREAK )

Jacey wrapped Harry's invisibility cloak tightly around herself and closed her oculus, doing her right to contract on apparating to just outside the quidditch pitch shot at Hogwarts. Of course, she was still getting the hang of the whole matter and so while she did get herself to Hogwarts, she was no where near the area. In fact, she wound up inside the castle, just beyond the doors to the Great Hall. With a sigh of foiling, she made sure she was completely covered by the cloak before making her way outside.

Of track she had agreed to help hold on an eye on Ron… she just had no idea why. He had made himself very clear that he wished to handle things on his own for awhile and she was tempted to plump for off and let him memorise just how very much he needed his booster. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would down him… She also could not forsake Ron because some part of her knew that his end would mean her own as well. He had made a valid point the former night, they did not have it away each other, they had only just met and under the tensest of circumstances. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each other. She was more than willing to see what came of that attraction as she had already admitted that his varsity letter is what ultimately made her make up one's mind to amount here in the commencement place… she only hoped he would arrive to his sentience long enough to-

She stopped absolutely in her trail as she realized she may stimulate arrived too late. Just beyond the field, she saw two figures slip quickly into the Forbidden Forest and she was certain of at least one of their personal identity. The other she only feared she knew. Racing forward, she let the cloak fall away as soon as she was within the tree origin so that she could run with more speeding and lupus erythematosus incumbrance. At last she came upon them and substantiate she had been slump on both report, Ron and Erebos were a few G ahead of her. She could feel Ron's suspicion and uncertainty as he was led further into the trees.

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

Erebos turned around wearing a cruel and evil grin. `` Sorry for the deception Mr. Weasley, but Parvati isn't out here. I just needed a reason for you to total into the woods with me. ``

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

'' To shoot down you. '' Erebos replied. Jacey saw his purpose a second before he raised his verge and did the first-class honours degree thing that came into her mind… She set his wand on fire. He screamed in bother, dropping the thing as he cradled his wound script to his body.

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

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

The sound of someone slowly clapping filled the air. Jacey whipped around to find Elise McKinney coming out from behind one of the trees. She had never met the char and only knew her from the computer storage of others, but she was surely of who she was seeing. `` Well done. '' Elise laughed with genuine amusement.

'' The little bitch burned my manus ! '' Erebos shouted, glaring at them all.

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

putting her baton in her pocket so that both of her hands were free, Jacey let the flames flare out of her heavy and with Sir Thomas More of a flourish than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the woman did not hesitate to commence her blast, hurling balls of flame one after the other. Engulfing her entire body in fire, Jacey was able to absorb whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to feel very strong. Run before this spreads ! She thought out to Ron, not wanting him to get burnt.

I'm a bit interfering at the bit. He answered. She glanced over to find him alternatively trying to put out the flames spreading through the timber and dueling Erebos who had retrieved the burnt remains of his wand and was trying to make it work with his undamaged helping hand. It seemed that every once in awhile the man was able to get the baton to perform his magic spell which only distracted Ron from his impromptu try at being a firefighter.

She tried reaching for her wand but Elise only renewed her efforts, making it clear that she intended this fight to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no choice but to campaign fire with fire. It was more than Ron's weewee spell could keep up with and if they didn't find a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the fire would circularize. She did her best to focus on controlling and containing them to their small area but it lessened the amount of denseness she could pass on to the literal fight and found herself more on the defensive that she would give birth thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't care where the fire facing pages was giving the cleaning woman an edge over her but there was zero she could do about that, she had to do her right to control the equipment casualty her business leader caused. Realizing they were going to need assistance and taking even more tending away from the battle, she called out to Dragon as he was the only one left here that she trusted to ask for help. She hoped he made it in time.

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

( BREAK )

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

Looking at his side, she could secernate he wasn't any Sir Thomas More pleased with the idea of him leaving than she was. `` Apparently Elise made it onto the schooling curtilage and she and Erebos have your brother cornered out in the woods. '' He answered honestly, in too practically of a hurry to attempt lying. `` Trust me, the merely ground I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, stay in here and don't open the door to anyone until I get back, okay ? ``

'' Not okay. I want to go with. '' She insisted, moving to snap up her pelage as well.

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

'' Meaning ? '' She demanded stubbornly.

'' Meaning she's in trouble because she's distracted by thinking of Ron and anyone else being hurt… I can't be of much help if we add your upbeat to our leaning of concerns. ``

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

'' We don't have time to debate. For once just humor me and stay put here. '' He pleaded.

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

He seemed shady but he had no choice other than to go for her agreement. Leaning in to quickly kiss her goodbye, he then turned and fled the way. Walking over to her window, she waited until she saw him zip across the school grounds… he was faster than any human being she'd ever seen and she could realise why he liked going out to run so much- it must be unimaginable to think when moving so quickly.

Picking up her coat she fled her elbow room, rushing through the halls and out the front line door. She would keep her promise not to follow after him… but she wasn't going to set aside him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the school stave sat. Unfortunately, the somebody she wanted to talk to was also sitting next to the person she'd hoped to avoid… but she couldn't go back, three lives might be at stake, her brother's among them. `` Can we help you with something ? '' Lupin asked with a well-disposed smile as she approached him and Dumbledore.

Warily eyeing the Headmaster, she took a deep breath and spoke to Lupin. She knew it was best to maintain mention of Jacey and Elise out of matter with so many ears around and so she made her head as clear and concise as possible. `` Draco ran out into the woodwind to try and stop prof Erebos from killing Ron. They need help. ``

( suspension )

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

'' I think it has something to do with the energy theater of operations generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with most navigation pecker, even the wizard I. It's the main understanding it's so hard for masses to find these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that certain brainwave frequency Harry and Luna use to channel their telepathic power. ``

'' Whatever you say. All I heard is that we're stuck finding them the old fashioned way. '' He tried to use his wand to direct him towards the approximate animation human but the stupid person thing kept pointing up. `` Or not. '' He muttered, finally giving up.

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

'' I do now. '' He answered grimly, figuring the only answer was that their friend were up there and in a lot of trouble. `` I guess we try to climb it. '' He walked toward the base of the heap until he heard a diminished shriek of surprise that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to unloosen her foot from a rather ugly looking plant. Originally mistaking it for some sort of shrub, they had walked by unaware… but now the thing had spread it's leaves apart and was shooting out several tentacle-like gibbosity that were attempting grab Hermione and take out her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his wand. But the plant seemed to be resistant to magic and zippo he tried would produce it stop.

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

'' Well, that was something new. '' He said as they caught their breathing time. He'd certainly never come across a plant like this before in all his sentence wandering the island though he'd definitely found some weird ones. Of course, other than last night when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this close to the groundwork of the mountains. He gave unsounded thanks that he hadn't passed by this matter in the dark.

'' Let's just keep going. '' Hermione seemed precarious but make up one's mind and so he nodded and went on, this time ensuring they remained side by side. It was a unretentive paseo and looking towards the sky, they were able to see that the way to the top of the mint wasn't exactly straight up… that was a good thing, making it less probably that they would return to their deaths while attempting this. `` okay, we just need to find the redress place to start. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the rocky wall and respective unlike paths up.

Fred took a different approach, walking right up to the mountain and trying out the handholds and terms in a few places. Taking a few more stone's throw to the left hand, he reached to rise up only to palpate the Rock give way under his hired hand. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the ground, knocking the breathing space out of him and sending shooting pains up and down his leg. `` Fred ! '' He heard Hermione screaming his name.

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

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

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

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

'' Just pass me a minute to gather myself. '' Putting as footling weightiness on it as potential, he slowly climbed to his metrical unit. Only once he was standing did he gain he seemed to hurt everywhere including the berm that had been broken last-place twelvemonth during the quidditch compeer against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the bottom of his shirt in his oral cavity to tone down any sound of pain he might make believe, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a instant he was able to forget all about his leg, but then came the sense of relief that told him that he'd achieved the resultant he'd wanted, his shoulder joint was back in it's right topographic point. Panting from the endeavour he wiped the exertion from his facial expression and took a few steadying breaths. `` Okay, ready ! '' He called out.

Instantly his metrical foot carefully left the ground, leaving him to sense as though he were softly cradled in the work force of some invisible goliath. He put his wand in his sack as he rose up, wanting to have got both hands free to help attract himself clear of the surprisingly small-scale curtain raising he'd fallen through. At last he was able to see Hermione, using her wand to mastermind his advancement. Reaching up, he grabbed the edge of the rocky porta. `` I need you to proceed propelling me forward, I hurt my leg so I can't get a adept bag with my feet. '' He told her. She nodded and doubled her concentration, trying to only founder him an supernumerary hike as he struggled to deplume himself barren. Now being forced to use all the strength in his subdivision, he was sword lily that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his muscles a bit.

'' Expelliarmus ! '' someone screamed and Hermione's baton was ripped from her handwriting and sent flying off into the woods. Without her spell to aid him, he lost a bit of his grip and struggled through the pain to observe a foothold lest he fall back down into the cavern. He scrambled to oblige onto the rock 'n' roll despite how needlelike they were… once he felt steady, he was able to look up and see Elanya staring at them with a wide smile as she tauntingly waved her verge. `` I'm sorry it took so farsighted to dispatch those doubles you sent running out… it seems you're a ameliorate magician than I thought. ``

'' What do you want ? '' Hermione tried to reason with her as Fred struggled to use his offend leg to help push him through the hole. But the more pressure he tried to put on it, the more numb it seemed to grow… almost to the point where he wasn't even sure it was there anymore. He tried to get hold of back for his wand but letting go of the rock and roll made him instantly slide backwards. He would need all the posture in his arms to pull up himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to present Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new determination, he decidedly placed his pes and pushed off with them, gritting his teeth against the painful sensation. From there he was able to get through out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( breakout )

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

'' That's between them ! '' Erbos yelled, pointing his ruin wand directly in Ron's facial expression as he pinned him to the reason. `` This here is between us ! ``

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

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

Ron, I am okay. I just need a moment to regain and focus my energies. He heard Jacey's interpreter rustle through his head. Do not lock her… Draco is on his way to help.

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

'' What do you want to cognise ? '' He asked, hoping to buy time.

'' Everything about her that you know. ``

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

I know. Jacey replied calmly.

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

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his caput and he saw her saltation to her base behind Elise who had once again raised her manus to conjure her fire. Before he could roll his sceptre to harbor, mortal roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his feet and carrying them both away firm than Ron thought possible. It only took him a moment to realize who had just may have saved his life.

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

As they approached the two girls still whipping fire at each other without a good deal care as to what was around them, someone shouted `` obstructer ! '' forcing Dragon to stumble and sending both boys sprawling to the ground.

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

There was no time to be anxious, he instantly cast a shield having seen the man set to throw a turn at him. Within a moment he had retaliated by sending a freezing hex, but the prof took a Thomas Nelson Page from Jacey and Elise's Good Book shooting a stream of fire from his sceptre that met the sprayer of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his concentration he repeated the spell, attempting to strengthen his position… but Erebos was just as determined and unrelenting.

'' ENOUGH ! '' A prospering interpreter surrounded them.

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

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

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

( BREAK )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a minuscule opening move across the nest the seemed to lead into the mountain. She instantly ran towards it though she was uncertain even her curt and rebuff framing could twinge through. Intuition burned in her gut and she flung herself to the dry land with a minuscule sidesplitter of terror as she felt one of the massive beasts fly over her. Flipping onto her back she shot a stunner at the beast's partner as it swooped in to form it's own effort at catching her. The spell seemed to reverberate off the dragon's skin, having no effect early than to anger the creature even more. Luna quickly rolled to the side as it snapped at her before flying off to give the succeeding yoke their turn with her.

Scrambling to her feet, Luna shot toward the cave opening. She was tempted to use her scepter and blast the hole capable wider, but she worried that might possibly disrupt the stability of the good deal. The survive thing she wanted was to escape the savage only to be buried in a landslide or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely able to squeeze through, turning her consistency sideways to make it.

She screamed as she felt a sharp twinge of pain and turned, using her wand to burn off the dragon who had grabbed her arm before she could fully blot out herself. This seemed to accept to a greater extent gist than anything else as the animate being let out a right screaming of pain and let her go. Pulling herself further into the crevice, she was led down a bit into a larger cave where she tripped over something that rattled and rolled away from her human foot. With a cast feeling in the pit of her abdomen, she lit her baton and covered her mouth to hold back the shriek of repulsion she wanted to let loose. Several bones littered the base of the cave, and they seemed to belong to to both animate being and humans.

Remaining near the possible action, she turned her back so she wouldn't have to see any of it and instead focused on checking the damage done to her arm. Seeing two large bloody cut in the sleeve of her coat, she shrugged it off feeling far too warm anyway. Tearing off the residue of the done for sleeve of the shirt she had on underneath, she examined her peel and found that, while painful, the scar didn't seem to go too deep… While it had been happening, it had felt like her arm was nearly severed and she was more than a little lighten to learn that wasn't the case. She quickly used the chip of fabric that had once been her sleeve to wrap the wound and stay the bleeding.

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

'' I'M Hera ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the peg down possible action to return to the nest. Peering out from the maw, she caught the impossible mountain of not only Harry, but also Sarah Elaine as they both zoomed through the air, working together to distract and divide the dragons. Luna watched in astonishment as Sarah flew past various Boulder, using her telepathy to criticise them over onto the pair of dragons that had been pursuing her.

'' Luna ! '' Turning her attention back to Harry, she saw that he kept swooping back and Forth until he was able to rag all of the dragon back into the air. They may not be able to communicate in their mind at the moment, but she knew him well enough to opine what he wanted her to do. As soon as the last dragon had taken flight, she ran out into the candid where Harry could see her. Putting her wand between her teeth, she threw her bridge player in the air as he passed over and struggled to admit on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on fire with pain as she struggled to wax up onto the heather with him as they'd done at Lairmore, but she tried to push it out of her mind until she was safely seated behind him.

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

'' Just fly, I'll cast. '' She assured him, taking her wand from her mouth and turning to flash a stream of fire at the two dragon that were just a few scant feet behind them, sending the savage to dive away.

'' This way ! '' Sarah called almost gleefully, laughing as she dipped back down toward the body of water. As they descended, Luna was able to make out yet another small-scale boat streaking toward the island. Sarah flew them down towards it and with ten dragons fast behind them, Harry had no choice but to follow. Squinting a bit, Luna thought she was able to tell apart the two people on the gravy holder and as soon as she made the connective she knew she was right. `` That's impossible… '' She said breathlessly.

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

'' Watch where you fly ! '' Sarah happily called out a warning as the air suddenly exploded in a cascade of fire all around them.

( BREAK )

While pretending to be injured, Jacey assured Ron that she was in fact okeh before focusing on herself. She went into her own principal, trying to tuck her energies and refuel her fervor. Sending her mind out, she heard him apologizing to her… I know. She answered him, and she did roll in the hay that he genuinely felt bad for the way he had spoken to her only to strike that she would come to his rescue anyway.

And then Elise's thoughts overpowered his and she was able to see that the cleaning woman intended to get rid of the merely person there to find whatever she had planned. GET OUT OF THE WAY ! She screamed at Ron, as she lurched to her feet. She watched in horror as Elise unleashed a fiery hell in his direction… which is the precise here and now Draco swooped in, grabbing Ron and taking them both far beyond the combat. Jacey was grateful that she now had one lupus erythematosus matter to concern about. She reached for her baton only to discover that at some point it had fallen out of her pocket. Cupping her hired man, she formed a fast fireball and threw it at Elise, knocking the woman second power in the back before she could light herself on fervour to absorb the impinging. This caused her not only to squall in pain but to a greater extent importantly, to completely forget about chasing after the boys.

She quickly lit and extinguished herself before turning to Jacey. `` And I thought it was only those on Voldemort's side who struck the great unwashed in the rachis. ``

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

'' Except there's obviously something you want that Harry and his allies can put up you. '' Elise grinned. `` Tell me what it is and I promise I can get it to you riotous and with less difficulty that they ever could. ``

'' I highly doubt that. '' She thought of what she wanted and knew the only way to get any of it was to stay loyal and trusty to those who had so totally accepted her. She had already lived the life Elise was offering and had only recently been able to throw off the shackles of that variety of existence… The one where you could swear no one and everyone used everyone else to further themselves, the one where you always felt exclusively and scared and were forced into being soul you are not in decree to go. She was ready for the sprightliness that came with being Harry's ally and a member of the coven… She was fix for the kind of friendship you would take chances your life for even after arguing and she was ready for the exemption of being capable to say and do what she wanted, of being able-bodied to wish about anything and everything, of being able to be herself.

'' ejaculate now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just suppose if you joined us, imagine the world after we win this war… we'll be able to shape it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about wizards and muggles, it'll be about those comparable us… those with office. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can stimulate as much destruction as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the near interest of all if we could extend to some sort of concord. ``

'' So then you concede the engagement. '' Jacey challenged, brushing off the woman's poorly composed sales pitch.

'' I'm dong no such matter. '' She assured her, once more light up herself on fire in showcase Jacey decided to confuse another ball of flame. She stared past her and smiled before once more merging her heart. `` It looks like Dolos is about to wipe out Ron. ``

Not wanting to render Elise the satisfaction of distracting her, she quickly conjured the with child powerhouse she could and place it flying at the woman at top pep pill, knocking her to the terra firma. Circling around so as to never have got her back to Elise, she scanned the Tree for Ron and saw him and Erebos dueling as Draco paced nearby, desperately trying to fight back off whatever spell was keeping him from moving forward to help.

Checking on her own foe in this combat, she saw Elise progress to out from the ground and point. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her blazon to shield her pass as the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree next to her exploded in flame. `` enough ! '' A loud, authoritative voice reverberated through the trees. Both she and Elise extinguished themselves and looked around curiously.

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

Jacey quickly dodged before running off after her. `` No ! turn back her ! '' She shouted as the fair sex passed within a few understructure of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set several trees on fire as a distraction to keep them busybodied. Leaving it to the others to observe the fire from spreading, Jacey never slowed her stride and continued on in her pursuance. She thought she was alone until she felt Draco coming up behind her… and then he was passing her as he moved with impossible pep pill. Do not let her pee it past the schoolhouse's bounds ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was ineffectual to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the aegis charms… but if she made it past Hogwarts'borders, she'd be capable to go anywhere.

Seeing that Elise was only yards away from escaping, Draco pushed himself a niggling harder and mad a wild honkytonk, tackling the adult female around her legs and bringing her to the ground. Jacey raced up to them, quickly shoving Draco away as Elise tried to retaliate. He threw up a shield around himself to throw off the flames. `` You have to let me go out, Harry and Luna's life history may reckon on my helping them. '' Elise said after calming her anger at being stopped so roughly.

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

She reached up and pulled a small phonograph recording from her ear and held it out for them to see. `` I've been in constant communication with Sarah since Elanya contacted Dolos and told him to let us have it off that your Quaker had finally arrived on the island to save Fred. Now she's telling me that the flying dragon are awaken and very much after Harry and Luna. We researched that island well before choosing it and learned everything we could about the dragon including reading the new book written by Charlie Weasley… those dragons aren't the kind that breath fire, they're scared of it. Now Sarah is trying to help, but they're only three people against a horde of beasts. If I don't go and helper, two of your champion and one of mine might just go some pitiful wight's meal. '' She smiled smugly at them as she walked backward until she was in a post she could apparate from.

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

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

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

I know it is. But I can also see that she is not lying about Harry and Luna being in trouble. Jacey replied. Quickly making her pick, she rushed to direct Elise's helping hand and allowed the woman to whisk them away before Draco could stop them.

( BREAK )

Harry dodged to the left to escape the dragon only to have to slue immediately decently to dodge the fireball that shot past them. Luna had abandoned her attempt to use her verge and now held onto him tightly with both arms as it was crystalise that his flying was the only thing that was going to get them through this. He didn't bother to distract himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a dragon or plumb bob into the ocean for all he cared, as long as he and Luna got out of this with their lives… Oh yeah, and Jacey who was inexplicably down on a boat with Elise as both miss flung ardor in the air to chase off the creatures. He wished he could verbalize to Luna without turning and shouting, he wished they could discuss their options and what they thought it meant that Sarah and Elise were there seemingly to help. He felt cold and isolated being cut off… not only from her head but from Hermione, Fred and Jacey's as well.

'' Head down to the boat ! '' Sarah called as she zoomed past them to lightly shoot down and looked up expectantly.

'' What do you opine ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to form his way though fervour and dragons.

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

'' I can't be sure enough to evade dragons with all three of us on the heather ! ``

'' Then we'll have to land and take the other Scots heather back from Sarah ! Then we can go observe Fred and Hermione and get the pit out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her face in his cover in preparation for the sharply drop he was about to relieve oneself. Fixing his bobby pin he shot straight down, streaking past respective dragon until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to beam out fire flash to prevent the beasts at bay as he softly set his feet down on the bow of the modest boat. Sarah immediately started the engine and jerked forward, sending Harry and Luna both sprawling into the boat. She turned the steering wheel and swung around, speeding away from the island.

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' I think this is far enough. '' Sarah said, once more turning off the engine and letting the boat trend through the body of water. They had apparently gone far enough to assure the dragons that they had no intentions of returning to their nestle. The beasts had finally given up the sideline and headed back home. `` I didn't think it would lead all of this to get you to the island. '' She grinned.

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

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

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

Harry, Luna and Jacey stole coup d'oeil at each other… it seemed that Elise and Sarah didn't know anything about them having already killed Tristan. Yet again he wished he still had the office to go into their minds to see if it was true. `` I thought he was supposed to making you both immortal in Voldemort's figure. '' He said, not wanting to founder himself away while at the same clip hoping to get a few more answers than Simon the Canaanite had been capable to provide.

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

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

'' It's simpleton, we wanted to show just how able we are in getting what we want and how strategic it would be for you three to join us. '' Elise explained to them. We figured someplace far from the influence of Dumbledore and your other champion would contribute us the chance to really make ourselves listened to rather than just heard. ``

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

Elise stared at her in surprisal. `` I'm glad you see my point. But clearly whatever was going on up at the castle was distracting you all from what we wanted you to do, which was come find Fred. It was taking so long that we figured sending in Dolos to rough up Ginny Weasley would ready you focus… plus Elanya had told us she was having trouble getting Fred to cooperate so we figured it would be a win-win place. Of class the stupid man is terrified of both Draco Malfoy and your protagonist lupin for what they are, though he's too proud to admit it. When Draco refused access to Ginny, making it clear that the only way Dolos was reaching her was through a fight with him, our lupus erythematosus than courageous spy gave up. But then, to our delight we received intelligence that you all had come to the island today anyway and we knew it was the perfect opportunity so Elanya ordered Dolos to pour down Ron. Then after Jacey showed up, I told her you all were in trouble and so we apparated to my waiting ship and hopped in the speedboat to total to your rescue. ``

'' So what happened back at Hogwarts ? '' Harry asked nevously, this time turning to accost Jacey who he'd left hand in commission of looking after Ron.

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

'' It doesn't thing in the least. '' Elise assured them. `` Why else do you consider I left the idiot behind to whatever fate befell him ? Even if he decided to grow on me, he knows null of any consequence… I've seen to that personally. And with only two workweek left for you all to be at Hogwarts, the man was entirely spendable. '' She stopped to smile at the faces they were all fashioning. `` Oh don't face at me like that. He and I had a tidy sum, I provided my part and he provided his. Just because he got catch up with doesn't mean value I had any responsibility to help… he made his pick to become involved in this and now he knows he was dealing in affair far above his pass. ``

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

'' It's okay, Dolos was very full at his job when he wanted to be. '' Elise cooed, reaching out to soothe Jacey who shoved her away. She went on as if Jacey wasn't staring daggers of hate at her. `` He saw you and Ron at the Costume nut, and putting two and two together, he figured you were the like mysterious individual Dumbledore had been keeping in his office… the one Harry and all his supporter made special trips up there to visit. We knew putting Ron's life in danger would bring you running, especially if Harry and Luna were meddlesome elsewhere. ``

'' But Erebos really intended to kill Ron ! '' Jacey protested.

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

'' Regardless your opinion of our friends, '' Harry stepped in to stop Jacey from punching Sarah in the typeface as it was clear she very much longed to do, `` you've done all of this for no reason. We obviously want zero to do with you. '' He looked at Luna, hoping their connection to each early was stiff enough for her to understand what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and lead a low dance step sideways toward the broom Sarah had abandoned when she'd gotten on the boat. He'd never let his go even when he'd fallen and he now held it stiffly beside him, hoping Jacey would get the tinge. Apparently, they didn't entirely need their telepathy to communicate with each other… just a summate agreement of how they all thought. Jacey discreetly grabbed the back of his shirt to suggest that she was make. It had taken a subject of seconds but they were quick and so he quickly swung his broom so they could hop on as Luna lunged for the other one and together they zoomed up into the sky, sure to run fast enough to outrun Elise's firing range.

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

( BREAK )

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

'' If I knew that I would already have it, wouldn't I ? '' Elanya sneered. She walked forward, making a little roofy around her as she inspected her from every angle. `` So, you're the reason Fred never gave in to me… '' She came to support directly in figurehead of her, her gilt centre glaring with a deucedly ardour. `` I just don't get it. There must be something here that I'm just not seeing. '' She said with intentional meanness.

Hermione kept serenity, though there were about a million affair that she would suffer liked to say in counter. But without her scepter, the death thing she wanted was to have the girl another reason to bid her dead.

'' cypher to say ? '' Elanya asked quietly. `` That's okeh, I have my own way of finding things out. '' She tightly clutched her wand before reaching out to grab Hermione's hand, the Saame one Fred had held earlier.

Hermione watched in horror as the girl's eyes rolled up into her headland and she fell forward. Elanya still had her deal in a death grip and dragged her Down to her knees as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some form of vision of the past. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself unloose. For a brief here and now she considered going into the bushes to look for her wand but remembering her last face-off with strange foliage, she decided it would be best to learn Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the girl's digit apart.

'' Not so fast ! '' Elanya screamed, coming out of her trance or whatever she was doing, tackling Hermione to the ground and shoving her verge against her throat. strangulation and cough, she pushed against the wand as she struggled to breath but Elanya had locked her branch and was unrelenting. She leaned in last to Hermione with an evil grin. `` I saw all the memories you shared together. It was very sweet but not at all what he needs… I'm sorry but it has to end this way. ``

stretch deep interior herself, Hermione gathered every bit of lastingness she had and getting her legs under the former missy, she kicked out and managed at in conclusion to get her off. Grabbing at her throat in assuagement as air once more made it's way to her lungs, she struggled to her foundation, not wanting to be caught unaware. Elanya was already standing and pointing her sceptre. `` You're right, what fun is it to just end your life like that ? '' She sneered as she dusted herself off. `` It's much more fun if you have the delusion of escapism isn't it… go ahead, I'll give you a head start. Run. ``

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

'' well, that's your exclusive right. '' She smiled with demented delight and got ready to cast. `` I wish I could say it's been prissy knowing you. ``

Hermione closed her eye and waited for shock. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another magic spell straight at Elanya that sent her flying respective yards back through the Tree until she hit one hard enough to pick apart her out. She turned to encounter him sprawled on the ground, sweating and panting from the effort of pulling himself costless with a leg that even from here looked extremely swollen. `` Accio wand. '' He called tiredly in the focal point Hermione's baton had flown earlier. It shot into his hand, which he held out to her as she rushed over.

'' Are you okay ? '' She asked, taking the scepter and kneeling succeeding to him.

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

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

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

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

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

They both kept an eye on the smirch Elanya had landed as she ventured into the trees to look for a piece of Sir Henry Joseph Wood long and sturdy enough for their design. At lastly she found one and rushed back over to help Fred climb to his feet. Throwing his other arm around her berm, he was eventually able to observe a way to use both her and the make-shift walk stick to his skillful advantage as he hobbled along. `` Should we call out for them since they can't seem to get word us in their heads ? '' She asked looking up at the sky and finding it empty.

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

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

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

'' okay then. '' She smiled.

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

'' Yeah well, it's no picnic being the white horse either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too much pressure. ``

They walked on in well-heeled silence, as happy as they could be given their situation. To his acknowledgment, Fred didn't petition that they stop to remain until they'd actually made it all the way down to the beach and out in the open. Moving over to a chemical group of small boulders, she helped him sit while keeping the John Rock and water at their backs and their eyes able to see the corner line and anyone who may roll out of it. `` Did you hear that ? '' He asked after a short while, shading his eyes as he searched the afternoon sky.

A whooshing audio came from above them and they saw Luna and Harry shoot through the air over the island. `` Is there someone on Harry's Calluna vulgaris ? '' She asked, trying to figure out who it could be.

'' Who cares ? Now is the fourth dimension to hollo and get their attention. '' He said, struggling to use the stone to help push himself to his feet. She leapt up to aid and together they walked further away from the tree diagram into the guts. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their deal until at finale Harry caught sight of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her understructure, Hermione looked down and gave a pocket-sized shrieking as respective large sea crabs scuttled across the sand towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the trees, pointing her wand at Fred and sending the tiny creatures she'd conjured after him.

Hermione tried to help stand them off but suddenly found herself dragged backwards by an inconspicuous personnel only to end up at Elanya's metrical unit. `` That should keep him busy enough for us to end what we started. '' She leered down at her.

( prisonbreak )

These unintelligent crabs just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob mentality as they swarmed over each former to touch Fred. He tried to hobble after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each other foster up the beach but between his already injured leg and the sharp claws continually piercing the peel of the dependable one, it was all he could do to hold back from falling over. Using his scepter and the joint he'd been carrying as a crutch to resist the trivial blighter off, he slowly persisted forward while looking to the sky to see why Harry and Luna hadn't landed to help them yet. He saw that they'd become involved in their own struggle out over the ocean as a boat raced toward the beach. Once of the people aboard was shooting fireballs and streaks of flame into the air while the person riding with Harry returned the fiery onset. Luna was swooping in, waving her wand and stirring up some wave in an effort to keep the boat from reaching the island… but it was clear the person driving cared nothing about the sauceboat, damaging it beyond repair as it was battered by Luna's spells. He was so busybodied watching them that he wasn't quite watching where he was going anymore… hurting shot through his foot as he felt himself step on one of the crabs. Using the walk peg, he tried to regain his symmetry but his foot sank into the sand and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his arms to break his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his spine, he dropped the peg and wildly waved his verge but to no avail. The creatures were all over him in an split second, looking very much prominent and more angry now that he was eye-level with them. There were so many, he felt as if he were being crushed under their weighting as they piled on top of each other, all trying to pinch and pierce his skin. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always Sir Thomas More to take their berth. Panic settled over him as he realized that he was unable to get up and the crabs were taking the opportunity to eat up him.

( breakout )

Luna gripped the broom tightly, terrified that she was going to fall off as the smallest of visions suddenly washed over her to give a warning of what was coming. It was abbreviated enough that she didn't completely lose awareness but elaborate enough to save her sprightliness. Quickly dodging to the left away from Harry and Jacey, she turned to see a fireball explode where she'd been only a moment ago.

'' You okay ? '' Harry called as Jacey gripped him loaded before turning to rejoin the flames Elise was sending.

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

Deciding to do what she could to keep them from once more reaching the beach and transport out whatever they had planned next, Luna swooped in low and used her wand to beseech up some violent wave that tossed the little boat around. She grinned in satisfaction to see Elise nearly fall overboard… unfortunately it wasn't enough to discourage Sarah who drove on despite the destruction being caused to her boat. She waved her baton again, strengthening the appealingness and creating bigger and Thomas More brutal waves… and then she saw the larger ship on the horizon, quickly heading in their focus. Distracted, she hovered in the air for a minute as she tried to figure out who could be aboard.

'' Luna look out ! '' Jacey yelled at the like fourth dimension her intuition screamed in her header to turn. She was less than a endorsement too recently and the very back of her Calluna vulgaris was caught in the fiery stream.

Feeling herself begin to plummet, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was self-colored solid ground below her, she rolled off the Calluna vulgaris only to get herself surrounded by tons of crabs. She quickly got to her animal foot but the creatures didn't seem to hold any sake in her and following their progress with her eyes she was able-bodied to see Fred further away, thrashing about as all of the crabmeat went about attacking him. Realizing what turn had been used, she rushed forward knowing there was nothing that was going to name them off. Ignoring the single that pinched her as she reached down to help him get up, she saw that one of his legs was in a makeshift splint. Throwing his arm over her shoulder, she got a better hold and together they were able-bodied to revoke him off the primer and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to catch his hint as they both used their scepter to keep the crabs at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his eyes wide with concern. `` Now forget about me and go help Hermione… I can't move quickly enough. ``

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

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

The blaring audio of a ship's horn shattered the air and Luna nervously looked up to see how the dragons took to it. Several loud screaming erupted from the nest but apparently they had sensed there was no engineer scourge to them and remained safely where they were. `` It seems our drive out of here has arrived. '' Sarah grinned. `` Who's coming with us ? ``

( BREAK )

Harry tried to follow Luna right away as he saw her Calluna vulgaris catch fire, forcing her to land, but clearly Elise was having her fun and kept him dodging flames as Jacey tried to retaliate from the back of the heather. `` They are about to pull ashore ! '' Jacey pointed out, yelling in his ear.

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

He tried to imagine, to figure out what to do next… it was impossible to plan without knowing what everyone was thinking and as he, Luna and Jacey stared down Elise and Sarah, Harry found himself wondering how he'd ever managed before fully awakening that part of himself. A loud horn startled him from his thoughts and he looked out over the H2O to see a large ship anchored and three rowboats full of citizenry making their way to the beach. `` It seems our drive has arrived. Who's coming with us ? '' Sarah asked, looking around at them all with a mad grin.

Jacey and Luna looked at each former and then to him, it was clear they were as tump over as he was that they were ineffectual to design. `` Can we discuss this among ourselves ? '' He boldly asked… after all, as far as Elise and Sarah knew, they were all spring to the island by the anti-apparation charms and thought they could provide the only way out.

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

Carefully grabbing Luna's uninjured arm he pulled her and Jacey further away and lowered his phonation so only they could take heed him. `` okay, Luna when I give the signal, run and grab Fred and get yourselves back to Hogwarts. Jacey and I will go get Hermione and keep an eye on right behind you. '' She instantly opened her mouth to protest but he shook his heading and went on. `` If we haven't come back in ten minutes, then go get Lupin and Draco… go get Dumbledore if it makes you feel better… Just bestow them back here to help. ``

She stared at him for a second, clearly unsure that this was the best programme. But it was the only one they had and she must have realized it. `` fine, ten min and not a irregular more. '' She finally agreed.

'' Okay then. '' Harry took her hand and held it tightly before turning to Jacey. `` I need you to celebrate Sarah and Elanya back as best you can while I go avail out Hermione… as soon as we're able, apparate to the screaming hovel okay ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her hands together as she prepared to unleash Sir Thomas More of her king than she'd been able to in a more populated place.

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

'' Seeing as how there's still much about us that you don't know, we're going with option C. '' Harry answered. He felt Luna tense side by side to him as she prepared to run. `` Now ! '' He shouted. Jacey unleashed a towering bulwark of fire, sending it to encircle Elise and Sarah. The fire raged, flickering over seven metrical unit high and with more metier than anything he'd seen her conjure before.

'' That will involve her a minute to sell with. '' Jacey grinned.

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

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a word of advice and turned to see various large bowlder flying at him. He ducked to the reason and threw a shield around himself but it became quickly clear that Sarah hadn't been trying to defeat him as the rocks settled and entombed him.

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



bill : More to come soon !