Chapter 54 : Who to Believe ?

A/N : Sorry for the postponement in getting this out, I had an accident with my flash drive and everything on it was deleted including the first muster of this chapter. But affair are on lead now, so getting back in the swing of things, a rewrite of the chapter from the beginning… Read, recap and enjoy !





After taking Paul Simon'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 her down the hall to the dusty bathroom, Luna perched on the border of the deep Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the tiny cabinets. At go he came up with an ancient first aid kit, pulling out gauze and taping before reaching out to turn the faucet on the sink. They were both surprised when H2O actually came sputtering out, a rusty vividness at first that quickly turned refreshingly sort out. She took the hand he offered her and let him carefully clean the bloodline from her wrists… she knew he was tempestuous and did her respectable not to wince or let on that the cuts stung like weirdo. After all, she was the one who let her panic overwhelm her to the pointedness where she'd struggled so violently against the rope. Herbert Alexander Simon hadn't seemed at all intent on injuring her, she could have got just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to go on rather than fight her bindings to the point where she cut into her hide. It was her own defect she'd gotten distress at all.

He shouldn't have gone so far as to tie you up in the get-go position. Harry argued with her thoughts as he leaned down to osculate her now freshly bandaged wrists.

Well, let's go see what he so badly wanted to order us. She softly suggested, reaching out to run her digit through his hairsbreadth in that way she knew he found soothing. She needed him to tranquilize down and realize the need to press was over, to deliver an undefendable mind and really hear to what Simon had to say. Her vision was becoming clearer to her now that she been able to slip a few peeks into the boy's judgement. He was out to sell his babe before she could betray him and apparently the superior of their little 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 pass. But they obviously needed the whole story and Simon seemed willing to supply it.

Together they walked back into the parlour and Luna was relieved to observe that Jacey was back to being herself as the potion had completely worn off. If Herbert Alexander Simon was alarmed by the fact that a strange girlfriend now stood where Tristan once was he gave no meter reading. `` I'm sorry Luna. '' He blurted out as soon as he saw her.

'' That's promiscuous 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 charm ? I promise I'll just sit here, I won't do anything. '' Simon the Zealot pleaded.

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

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

'' Just tell us what you have to say ... '' Luna said, sitting next to Harry and locking her gaze on Herbert Alexander Simon. She pushed the feeling she wanted to externalise outward and watched as both boys visibly relaxed, though Harry alone knew what she was doing as he was the solitary one aware of this footling superfluous might of hers. She just wished she had better ascendance of it.

'' And why don't you start with what the hellhole you were thinking when you decided taking us hostage was the honorable way to spend a penny your full point. '' Harry crossed his arms, refusing to be lulled into composure and shaking off the effects she was trying to spread around the room.

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

'' What did you really require 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 rational number and sorting through this, it was important.

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

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

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

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

'' You don't need to concern about her or who she is. '' Harry said, noting to Luna and Jacey that they had to be careful not to say her name in front of the boy. `` Just state us why you've apparently decided to grow on your sister. ``

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's life history. '' Simon looked down sadly. `` I was less than a year old when our parents were killed… even after Voldemort was gone they, like so many others, refused to stop fight and were cornered. Rather than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to vote out them. Elise was sixteen at the fourth dimension and the just living syndicate I had. Rather than take care of me, she decided to plunge me at the orphanage, but she would at to the lowest degree come visit every twelvemonth on my birthday. When I was ten she came back for me, gear up to ask her place as my guardian. But it was only because she knew I was about to be heading off to shoal and she was hoping to regulate me into somebody she could use to start setting up her programme. I guess she knew Voldemort was attempting to make out back and that his follower were doing everything in their top executive to bring in it happen. She saw this war coming and decided long ago that she would be no one's follower, that she would make her own position in the Earth. When I came to Hogwarts and wasn't sorted into Slytherin like everyone else in our family, she was white. But then she figured Hufflepuff was better as no one would suspect me there. For eld I did everything she asked me to do because she threatened to leave me again if I didn't and all I knew was that I never wanted to go back to the orphanage. But everything she wanted seemed harmless and nothing she asked of me made any sense… not until this year. ``

St. Simon shook his principal and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a letter the last workweek of schooling this past summer from Elise telling me we would be departing for Australia the minute I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the train station so I went menage and wound up overhearing a coming together between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the night Divine into thinking it was his idea to receive Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her tell him that she planned to kill me as I was going to examine more utilitarian to them stagnant. I didn't know what to do, I was more terrorize of my babe in that moment than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is scarier, the sword or the skilful hand wielding it ? And she knows how to play him very well. So I went with her to Commonwealth of Australia and I continued to watch her parliamentary law hoping she would change her mind. But she didn't because a few solar day before I was supposed to come back to school I heard her talking to Sarah… they plan to defeat me while I'm family for the holiday break and puddle it take care like someone else did it. My own sister was going to toss off me and use my clay to start a fight. What could I do ? Even if I ran away, they'd just bring me right back to her, I'm only sixteen. And who besides the people involved in this whole scheme would believe the long ridiculous storey I have to secern ? So the but thing I could do was expose her to the people she was trying to overcome… I chose you guys over Voldemort. Maybe Dumbledore was decently about the sorting hat always knowing where people are supposed to go… maybe I'm a beneficial guy, maybe I'm just a bad guy who's looking for the proficient mean value of survival, I have no idea either way. I may not the felicitous person in the humanity, but I'm not ready to die either. So I'll tell you whatever you want to know about her and her plans. ``

'' You said she wanted us to go looking in Erebos's nous, that we were supposed to see her set up Elanya… why ? '' Luna asked, her gut telling her this was an crucial question in damage of Fred's fortune. She was trying not to sympathize with Simon, but he seemed to deliver gotten stuck with a pretty execrable life… but still, there was something about him she found faze and so that allowed her to observe some kind of an emotional detachment.

He nodded and offered a smile. `` You wouldn't believe how prospicient Elise has been plotting. A recollective patch ago, after your group and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the confusedness and looked up the files on every major player on either side of meat. Using that info, she was able to calculate out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your friends and Voldemort's Allies would respond in any situation. Originally we went to Australia this summertime to find a guy named Adam who was apparently postcognative. We traced him to a piddling pub where he liked to pen his clause but we never even talked to him… it was like the bit she saw him, she knew he wasn't what she wanted. That's when Elanya approached us. Apparently she'd been living there with her grandmother who had recently passed away and when those two girls met it was like fortune had brought them together. She fit in perfectly and Elise instructed her on how to address 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 part in all of this… but clearly a young pretty girl would gain ground more sympathy. The stop 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 same way they'd done it to your friend Fred. She's probably on that island right now, telling him her sob story so that he'll take aim her incline and help speak you guys into helping her. She was supposed to be a mole, to take all the arcanum about you that they didn't already sleep with. And then Elanya was supposed to begin causing dissension among you all to counteract you and reach it more likely that you and Harry will abandon your coalition to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're expression is basically that they want to produce their own army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his vocalisation heavy with doubt as he tried to hide out the fact that they were doing something very interchangeable with the coven. Luna felt both his and Jacey's repulsion at finding out how closelipped Elise had been to getting her custody on Adam, another coven fellow member. She knew it was all-important that they leave as soon as possible to begin approaching the great unwashed themselves, before they could be scooped up by someone else.

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

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

Simon the Zealot laughed. `` You underestimate Elanya… She can become whatever she has to be in ordination to win over someone of something. If she, Elise and Sarah have been able to dissipate Voldemort for so long, then who is Fred Weasley to resist them ? ``

'' They won't have a chance. We're going to save him from that island. '' He returned darkly. Luna still had a hold of his arm and she could find him become even tenser as he felt more things were growing beyond his control.

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

( gaolbreak )

Fred had skipped out on luncheon and intended to walk the beach until well after dark in hope 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 mind or in real life, one matter had become clear… he couldn't stay here anymore. No affair what, this was going to be his last night on the island. Should Hermione's presence prove to be a psychotic belief and no one came for him, then he would rule his own way out and go to her. He knew he couldn't apparate, he'd already tried and discovered that like Castellumshire, the Gateway Islands also carried anti-apparation charms and the only people he knew could get around them were Harry and Luna.

A Delicious feel wafted through the air, allowing his rumbling stomach to interrupt his planning. Looking up at the sky and using the sun, he was capable to determine that while it was well past lunch, it was still too ahead of time for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped meal that day and cooked such great smelling food for a intellect. He was tempted to go into the water system to catch a fish to fry just to overturn her plans but decided he was being derisory. He knew Elanya was trying to tempt him back to the campsite, but just because he went didn't mean he was letting her win. They both knew he was more than capable of providing for himself, but at the bit he was too thirsty to expect long enough to catch and make his own repast. Besides, he'd just decided that no issue what, this was his finally night here… what could it hurt to pass some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then entrust again.

Arriving at the ingroup he saw that neither the food nor Elanya were extraneous. With a laborious sigh, he opened the flap of the ordinary looking collapsible shelter and entered the impossibly spacious glamour of the inside. `` Well, I guess it's on-key what they say… the fastest way to a man's heart is through his belly. '' She said upon seeing him, gesturing to the toothsome spread on the ornate tabular array 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 pack his shell. `` Thanks. '' He said without looking at her, too well trained by Molly to be completely rude. They ate in secrecy and he could feel her becoming irritated, it only made him more comfortable.

'' well, I've decided that in the interest of continuing a civilized conversation we will play a plot of sorts. '' She announced after a short while.

'' Boy, it sure is prosperous not to have to think for myself… I wish somebody had been making my decisions for me my whole biography. '' He answered sarcastically.

'' Putting your snarkiness aside, I'm offer you a one in a million chance to sympathize me better. ``

'' 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 believe you ? '' He raised an eyebrow. `` Exactly which one of us do you think is the crazy one, because I've been casting my balloting for you for awhile now. ``

'' Humor can be a nifty way to avert anything real from reaching you. '' She replied steadily. `` semen on, I know you're curious…. ``

And he was. There were quite a few things he'd like her to shed light on up for him, but how could he swear anything she said ? The only when way was to test her by throwing in question he already knew the answer to. `` Okay, I'll play your piffling plot. But if I think you're lying to me, I'll just go sum up my troglodyte walk. ``

'' bazaar enough. '' She rested her mentum on her script and stared at him expectantly, wearing a real smiling that reached all the way to her golden centre. `` So ? ``

'' Why are you doing this to me ? '' He blurted without thinking it through. It was the thing that was most on his mind and so the interrogative sentence had burst out of him before he could really project 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 clue of sorrowfulness overcame her. `` Everyone is trapped by something… We're both prisoners right now, so why not make our batting cage the best it can be- a beautiful island Shangri-la ? ``

'' And how exactly are you trapped ? '' He asked though he felt she'd crafted her solvent in order to keep in line his next query. Apparently there was something she specifically wanted to talk about and was in the procedure of directing the conversation. He allowed it simply because he was curious, but he forced himself to call up 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 check my future tense alinement and obeisance. '' She answered, lowering her centre to conceal the flash of overplus that passed through them.

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

Elanya sighed and shook her head. `` I've always considered myself to be somewhat clever… I'm sure you used to think the Lapplander about yourself. Well, let's just say that Elise and Sarah have humbled us both the last few month with the grand scheme 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 subscribe to you away while they set up things in British capital I tried to get out of it, I really did. But that's when Elise told me the verity, that she'd tricked me and I wasn't even tight 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 meter for him to turn the conversation his way so that he could examine her honesty. `` And what did you call back you had already done to repay them ? ``

She hesitated as if she really didn't want to assure him. But then she shrugged, remembering that this had all been her mind in the first place. `` I thought I had provided the spy… but it turns out he and Elise have a long history together and bringing him into things had always been a part of her plan. They set it up so that he and I would run into each other… I had thought I was being so thrifty, making sure 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 optic and offered a sad smiling. `` Well, what can it hurt ? It's not like you'll be able-bodied to warn anyone back at Hogwarts. It's Professor Dolos Erebos. ``

He made sure to show an set aside amount of surprise, letting his center widen and his jaw drop slightly as if this was the first off time he was hearing this. `` Really ? A professor ? ``

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 bring together us but it was all part of their plan to trap me. ``

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

'' Because Elise and Sarah truly believe they can defecate their own place in this war and that if they have the right kind of people on their side they'll be capable to convey on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her forefront angrily. `` I was appalled to study that Voldemort's approximation to collect a psychical army was actually Elise's inspiration. It was how she got him to assist her find Sarah. But they planned to throw allies of the mass he gathered, to get them to work towards taking over completely. ``

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

She nodded. `` And Harry thrower too. At foremost Elise and Sarah didn't precaution who lived or died in battle while they quietly plotted their own revolt. But when Harry started showing his potential drop and they learned Luna Lovegood was a illusionist, they knew they wanted them. It's why Elise burned your shop in Diagon alleyway during the summertime. ``

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

Elanya sighed deeply as a face of remorse settled over her. `` Voldemort had a seer named Jasper, he was old and not as honorable as Luna seems to be. But that didn't subject to Elise, he was all she had and so she'd already convinced him to make his ultimate commitment to her over Voldemort. He told her that he'd had a vision that something was going to impart Harry to Diagon bowling alley alone and that Voldemort was going to make his motility against the boy. She worried about the outcome as she wanted Harry on her side, working with Sarah specifically since they share the Saami power… of course, she'd only just found Sarah at that fourth dimension. So not knowing what else to do, Elise decided to set your store of fire, ensuring not only that Harry wouldn't be alone, but that there would be several Aurors in the arena. After all, the minister would be for sure to respond in good force to a report of fire-raising at his son's store. ``

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

'' There was aught inscrutable about it. Jasper made the Saami mistake I did by thought process he was an equal in their plans. I guess he was scared enough to want to severalise someone about his vision, but he chose the wrong people. He saw his own death though not the hired hand that brought it to him, and then he saw your friends up at Hogwarts using that silly ring to try and contact him from beyond for information. He thought it was Voldemort that was going to end his life sentence so he went to Elise who saw her opportunity. Sarah may not sustain a wand, but she has mastered many other skills, first and foremost her stellar ejection. They decided to obliterate him so that she could blend with his cognisance and broadcast herself in his place when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must have got seen something and stopped her acquaintance from using the ring. It only made them want her on their side more, especially since they'd so hastily gotten rid of Jasper. ``

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

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

'' You made yourself a victim. '' He stated firmly, once more determined to keep himself from empathizing with her. He remembered her once telling him that the best way to pluck 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 commixture of disgrace, regret and anger settle over her features. `` Yes, I suppose I did. ``

He couldn't help himself, he had to know. `` If you were so intent on killing your Fatherhood, 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 agitation. `` Edmund Fritz was a high-profile man who was extremely paranoid… and rightly so. I certainly wasn't the only when one who wanted him dead and he made sure that it was nearly impossible to get to him. I was scared to use my confessedly indistinguishability 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 hand me over to Voldemort in a never-ending pursuance to profit favor from a man who favored no one. I didn't want her to die in vain but it soon became take in that my real epithet was going to be the solely thing to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed someone strong backing me up in case something went wrong. ``

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

'' It was only after the deed was done that I found out they had wanted to get rid of Edmund anyway. Apparently he'd become jealous of the attention Voldemort was giving the girls and so he was doing his best to countermine them. They figured there was too good a chance he'd figure out some section 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 granny had just died and I'd just gone back there to drop her utmost few days with her… I was in a vulnerable place and Elise showed up offering me the fortune to do the thing I'd been wanting for long time. ``

Fred had been measured during the altogether conversation, wanting to pluck up on any foretoken of dishonesty. For the first time he found one… her vox had gone up slightly in bulk. It could be due to her accumulate excitement as she recalled these outcome, but he had the hen-peck tactile sensation that affair hadn't happened exactly as she described. What did it matter how she and Elise came to join force out ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these questions and expect any form of result. His alone hope was to go on and hope he could piece it all together himself. `` Do you repent killing your father ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to depend him straight in the eye. `` Not for a single moment. '' She steadily replied. `` I only regret that I couldn't have been more affected role and found a way to do it by myself. When I tried to back up out of this hale matter, when I told them I didn't want to be a region of kidnapping you… Elise made it very clear that despite the off-key evidence I left at the shot, she could very easily tie me to my father's death. I have no doubt that she would charge me to Azkaban without a endorse thinking. So I had to choose, a jail cell locked away with the giants or stranded on an island with you. I took the better sound punishment. ``

'' But if you hadn't killed Edmund, you never would induce had to make that choice. '' He argued.

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

But then he wasn't going to allow for himself to be like all the other people she'd been able-bodied to wrap around her fingerbreadth, he'd always been determined to be warm than that from the 1st moment she'd walked into his shop. `` You're probably right… We'll never know though will we ? ``

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

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

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

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

She slowly walked over to tip on the edge 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 a great deal of a gentleman to say it… though we both know that you're more than willing to tell anyone exactly how you feel about them. So the only former explanation is that you've realized you don't hate me and just can't bring yourself to admit it for some orphic reasonableness. ``

He leaned back in his electric chair and crossed his arms as he regarded her with faux sureness. `` Or I've simply decided it's outflank not to go through animation hating anyone. Of grade, I could always wee-wee an exception if you'd care to push the issue. ``

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

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

'' I'm going for a walkway. '' She announced, standing up and taking a deep breath. `` I cooked, you can clean house. '' She added before leaving the tent.

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

( break )

Harry stared at Marvin Neil Simon, trying to square up exactly what he thought of the early boy. He just wasn't sure… he couldn't get past the extremum the guy had gone through in order to cause a elementary conversation. But then, had Simon the Zealot been right ? Would they have listened had he simply approached them and asked to spill the beans ? He shook himself out of his cerebration, refusing to let his wrath and confusion make him do anything stupid. `` How do we know that having you tell us all of this isn't part of the plan ? '' He asked. After all, if Elise had gone through so much, then why wouldn't she go even a measure further and commit in the clown ? Surely she didn't expect them to take Simon seriously even if they did know he thought he was telling the truth… or at to the lowest degree the verity as she wanted him to recognize it.

He sighed and shook his head word. `` I had a notion 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 do to you and I doubt she realizes I know that she wants to belt down me. But has she somehow directed things so that I would come talking to you, I just don't know… anything is possible with her. ``

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

'' It's contribution 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 to at to the lowest degree stop her doing me in. And yes, I really believe she'd murder me if it helped her cause… She ensured they got rid of Jasper simply because she wanted you Luna, she knows you're a respectable visionary than that old man ever was, you've already helped thwart hers and Sarah's plans a few times. She was trying to assist Voldemort capture you, though she had no intentions of handing you over… she wants to convince you and Harry both to join her. '' Again he looked directly at Jacey. `` And if she knew you were a firestarter like her, she'd privation you too. ``

'' I am not anything like your miserable babe. '' Jacey said defensively as she cupped her hands together and began rolling them until she had developed a goodish human dynamo between them. She lifted it over her promontory and brought it down, engulfing her full body in flaming as she stood there smiling at them. `` I am much more knock-down. '' She laughed, extinguishing herself and leaving no indication that anything out of the ordinary had just transpired.

Simon swallowed hard as he stared at her in disbelief… clearly he'd never seen his sis do something like that before. `` soundly. '' He said at last. `` Someone should be. They already knew Harry was stronger than Sarah, that's why they had to gain trusted he lost his tycoon before they tried to verbalise to him. ``

'' You're talking about what happened at Azkaban ? How could they possibly know that they weren't going to kill me with that Psychohemia potion ? '' Harry asked in aggravation. They all knew Simon was telling them the Sojourner 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 early boy that there luck of thing he didn't know about the thing that had been happening to him, his acquaintance and his foeman. Elise had apparently been pulling several dissimilar string section for quite awhile.

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to process for them long before then. '' Simon the Canaanite answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some determination was going to run you to the prison house and right in nominal head of Cho, but it was Elise who made the Dark Lord think it was his idea to use Sarah's talents to try and conduct you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to defeat you, that you were going to get avail in metre to save your life but not your top executive. ``

'' Except Sarah did nearly kill us at my aunt and uncle's house. '' Harry replied, hiding the phantom pain he felt in his hand and leg where he'd been stabbed all those months ago. Glancing at Luna out of the recess of his eye, he remembered her face covered in blood after Sarah kicked her and how her arm had been broken while trying to observe Sarah from killing him. `` She didn't seem too concerned with convincing us to join 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 trouble Elise has in partnering with Sarah is that the woman is more than a niggling brainsick. She was only supposed to excruciate you, it was your muggle household she was supposed to kill in front of you… on Voldemort's orders, not Elise's. But I guess something about them reminded her of all those the great unwashed she was forced to hold up with growing up and she came to begrudge you for putting up with it… She began to really see you as washy than her and so she alone decided in that second that she didn't want you to connect them. At least, that's how she explained it to Elise after they broke her out of the hospital and woke her from the coma. Trust me, Elise let her have it for deviating from the plan and nearly killing you both. Anyway, Sarah said she really lost ascendance when Luna came in with the ring… she wanted it and they all knew Voldemort wanted it and so obtaining the band became her main priority above all else, including her base hit as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to capture her for a curtly clock time as well as get your big businessman back, she no longer thinks you're light. ``

'' 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 concern overwhelmed her.

But Simon stared back at her in surprisal, allowing them to instantly loose. `` 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 ace to ask the interrogative. '' Jacey said with authority.

'' What about Cho ? Where does she fit into all of this ? '' Harry picked up where they'd just left off, thinking that what they had seen in Sarah's head at least confirmed that the little girl 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 berth farsighted before Elise reconnected with Sarah. In fact, I remember Elise trying to babble out Sarah into dropping Cho but she had insisted the miss would be valuable again once they broke her out of Azkaban. My guess is that if they manage to get Cho out, Elise will find the opportunity to get rid of her as soon as possible. Just because she and Sarah are close confidants doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each other in a bit if it meant furthering their own agenda. dedication means nothing to them. '' Herbert A. Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the magic spell holding him in place. `` volition you let me go now ? delight ? '' He pleaded.

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

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

Simon leapt to his animal foot to quickly stretch before eagerly reaching into his pouch and pulling out his flask from which he took a longsighted swig. `` Phew, I needed that. '' He said, wiping his oral fissure with his sleeve. After another gulp he seemed less shaky and nervous.

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

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

'' What are you going to severalise them about me ? '' 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 mistake. '' Harry rolled his oculus. `` hardly 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 consequence behind them. They were sure 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 castle, running into Hermione in the courtyard. `` Where have you been ? And what are you doing with him ? '' She demanded, eyeing Herbert A. 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 manse to the schoolmaster's office. `` Just so you're aware, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you left school day grounds. '' She warned them. Sharing a spirit with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the sight of a good student would soften the old adept's mood. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and Simon. ``

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

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

'' I have no doubt that it was. '' Dumbledore said, his phonation shaking as he tried to blot out his ira. `` 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 psyche. `` It's not that simple. Like the ministry and sure other buildings, trick isn't enough to resort the damage. It must be rebuilt by hand to maintain the strong point 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 deal this, especially after I've pushed so backbreaking to have the recently disappeared Tristan Macnair expelled. ``

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

He sighed sadly. `` I'm saying that after having girl Patil, Mr. Mason and Mr. Macnair go missing, after the destruction Cho Changjiang caused last year, and after all the cumulative trouble that has been caused… I have no choice but to rout out you all from Hogwarts for your unfavorable actions, good immediately. ``

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

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in life-threatening harm to one of our classrooms and then you all left school grounds in direct ravishment of the code of behaviour. I have to take this action before the less reliable of the Aurors out there make up one's mind to try and say that you had something to do with Tristan's safety valve and attempt to take you all into detainment for questioning. Should that find, it's not guaranteed that Arthur will be able to see that you get into the right hands. '' Dumbledore seemed to sink down in his rear end. `` You've put us all in a tight station and we must be careful how we proceed. ``

'' But wouldn't it be better to find a way to preserve 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 flimsy right now. The slightest thing could give them the exculpation to throw out me from here and put anyone they choose in stead as Headmaster. As you saw last time, there are too many impressionable young creative thinker here to allow that to happen. I refuse to let this schooltime become a training ground for the next wave of demise eater. Everyone must be free to choose the life they want. ``

'' So instead you just shake off away our futurity ? '' Simon asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the Order and therefore unable to encompass the need to keep on things a sure way so that the power didn't duty period in the foe's favor.

Suddenly the office door swung assailable behind them and Lupin came rushing in. `` Stop ! It's not their fault, it's mine ! ``

'' And do you really wait anyone to trust that ? '' Dumbledore asked tiredly.

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

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

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

Lupin reached out to snaffle his shoulder, using his considerable strength to force Harry back into his chair. `` I understand the issue. I accept it. ``

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

Because, I feel I owe it to King James I and Lily to do everything in my baron to have you finish school. I can't just let you chouse it up with two weeks to go. He answered with a grin. It'll be okay, Harry. I promise.

He held his intimation and glanced at Luna and Simon out of the quoin of his eye and realized Lupin wasn't just doing this for him. The other two were only in their sixth year and he felt guilty that his brash actions may cause them to lose out on their education. Letting out the hint slowly, he turned to look at the Old wizard, awaiting his decision along with everyone else.

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

'' It's been wonderful being here. '' lupine assured him before quickly ushering the teens from the function before the master could commute his mind. Neil Simon tried to break off from the group as soon as they were in the hall but Harry reached out and grabbed his arm, ensuring he followed them. He still had a few things to say to the other boy. They walked silently down to lupine's office, though the older man was the only when one who seemed to be in a estimable mood.

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

'' Of course I'm surely. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it. '' He grinned. `` I had planned on resigning at the end of this year anyway. I really like commandment, but I'm certainly needed elsewhere and like you Harry, I hate feeling locked away here when there are so many things happening out in the humans. And with you and Draco going away, there's really zilch to keep 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 line when I have another choice ? So you see, I'm entirely positive that this is the aright thing to do. ``

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

Lupin reached out to reassuringly pat her articulatio humeri. `` I have long ago learned to live with other people's misguided opinions of me. As long as I am in goodness standing with the people who know me, that's all that subject. '' He went to sit behind his desk and pulled out a roll of blank parchment and a saucy quill feather. `` Besides if I were to quell here, then who would be out there looking after you all when you get yourselves stuck in a box ? '' He teased, reminding them that this wasn't the showtime clip he'd helped get them out of their own muddle. `` Plus Dragon is going to need guidance in navigating life out in the substantial globe where people don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to bear a reason to leave my position early. The fact that it helps you nipper out is just a bonus. ``

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

lupin nodded and smiled. `` Think nix of it. ``

'' It just seems unjust that we can't simply explain what really happened. '' Luna said absently as wrapped her arm around herself.

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

She and Harry shared a glance as Herbert A. Simon looked down at the flooring and shuffled his feet. `` Just a fragile chance event caused by a simple misapprehension. '' She said at last, lowering her sleeve and pulling the hems of her sleeves down.

'' I see. '' He shook his head and sighed. `` To serve your earlier musing… no one would heed if you tried to explain what really happened. It's a romp for power out there and no one is interested in the truth unless it gets them what they want. Too many affair have been happening here, no one would aim a student's Good Book on anything when they barely trust what the professors and Dumbledore have to say. ``

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

'' It's a sad but true fact that adding your gens to anything will instantly make it more perplex. But don't let it put out you, having enemies only means that you've stood up for something authoritative. '' lupin answered with a gentle grinning. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must pen to my married woman and inform her that we are soon to become a one income household for awhile. ``

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

'' And we may just have to take you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The price of rent is ridiculous these days. ``

Leaving him to write his letter, the teens all stepped out into the hall. As soon as the door closed behind them, Harry grabbed Neil Simon up by the social movement of his robes and shoved him back against the paries. `` If I find out that you're somehow setting us up I swear to you that your sis won't have the chance to murder you because she'll never find your dead 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 middle across-the-board and his nub banging wildly in his chest.

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his typeface in close to Simon's, tightening his traction and pushing against the boy's pharynx. `` From now on, if you think you have something you need to secernate individual, come straight to me because going anywhere near Luna or any of my former Friend would certainly be the expectant mistake you'll ever make in your liveliness. ``

Simon nodded in accord, clearly seeing in Harry's eyes just how very much he meant his scourge. `` I'll issue forth right to you ! '' He gasped out, reaching up to try and push Harry away.

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

She looked at him a minute before nodding slowly. `` Okay. '' 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 witness 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 border of the bed as she watched him walk around the room, allowing him to get out some of his pent up frustration.

Harry went to the window and clutched the sill as he stared out over the schooltime evidence. He took several deep breaths before turning back to her. `` But you really are O.K., right ? ``

'' I'm amercement, just a bit pain 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 luck to win over him that her variant of events is the truth. ``

'' Couldn't it be ? '' He debated. `` I mean, I know Simon was telling us his version of the Truth and I believe Elise and Sarah are that cunning. But what if their hale 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 head is rightful ? Maybe they did hump we'd physical body out who the spy was and that we'd want to see in his head… what if they used Simon to spread around doubt so that we wouldn't know what to believe ? ``

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

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

'' I think that's the good for us… to get into she and Simon both are the foeman until they can definitively try otherwise. '' She stood and came over to roll her arms around his shank and hug herself against him.

He kissed the top of her head teacher and returned the embrace. `` I have no problem with that. ``

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

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

'' Almost completely positively charged, what's wrong ? '' Luna went over to pass Hermione to a chair.

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

'' You talked to Fred ? Did you let him know we were coming to get him ? '' Harry asked, kneeling next to her and taking her paw 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 go away without worrying… including that we knew who the spy was ! I told him that you guys found out that Elanya was a victim of Elise and Sarah's plots too… he thinks she isn't the enemy ! ``

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

'' No ! '' Hermione leapt to her feet and turned to them in anguish. `` She's making him talk to her now ! He'd been refusing this solid time but I saw her jeopardise to send Erebos after Ron and Ginny if he didn't get-go speaking to her. Don't you see ? I led him to believe that she was just another pawn in Elise and Sarah's game… what if he lets his guard down ? What if she's capable to convince him to think her ? '' She stared at them in horror as every implication of Fred trusting Elanya ran through her psyche. `` What have I done ? '' She whispered.

( suspension )

As soon as it was dark, Fred grabbed his full bed curlicue and went down to the beach. Ensuring he was far enough from the tide, he set everything up and construct a belittled fire, silently thanking his father for teaching him how to do so the muggle way- without a wand. for certain it was the more difficult way to do thing, but at survive his father's obsession with learning the why's and how's of all things muggle had paid off. Once sure the blaze had caught, he lay back to seem at the stars. He didn't know where Elanya had gone, nor did he care… she hadn't returned from her manner of walking and the recollective she was gone the more sure he was that he didn't want to be there when she did show up.

She'd told him so many thing and enough of it had seemed not only to be likely but made too often horse sense not to be on-key. He was confused… If Hermione had really been on the island, then she'd told him affair that Elanya had completely admitted to. Did it matter ? And if it did, then why did it affair ? Elanya had gotten herself caught up in this, she was no innocent bystander. Had she not wanted so badly to kill her father, the other lady friend wouldn't have had anything to entice her into accepting their offer. On the former mitt, he was now able-bodied to put himself in her shoes… why wouldn't she want to kill the man who murdered her female parent and was trying to use his own girl to buy his way into the good grace 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 reach out to the girl as it was top 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 same as liking them. After all, he knew he couldn't trust her as far as he could throw her, but then, did that matter either ?

'' So, you've decided to sleep under the stars. ``

He sat up and whipped around to find Elanya standing in the tree diagram as if his intellection of her had forced her to materialize there. Her hair and dress were dancing softly in the slight snap and her eyes glowed even more brilliantly in the faint firelight. `` wellspring, aren't you the observant one. '' He said sarcastically.

'' I'm sorry I walked out on you earliest. '' She said, taking a few hesitating gradation towards him.

'' Think nothing of it. I'm pretty trusted our conversation was about done anyway. '' He brushed her off and lay back down again, closing his eyes and acting as if she were naught more than a pesky affray to him.

'' It's so beautiful out here… and so slacken. You have the mightily melodic theme sleeping here on the beach. Mind if I join you ? '' She called, her voice carrying her amusement.

'' Sleep wherever you want, what do I care ? '' Fred made sure enough to go annoy, hoping that if she did sleep on the beach, she would choose to do it far from him. He heard her soft footsteps as she glided through the sand and then felt her attempt to climb under the cover song with him. He sat straight up and scrambled away from her as he got to his pes. `` What the hellhole do you think you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

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

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

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

Despite the genuine fear 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 advert the bottom before deciding that was far enough to deter her from following him. turn, he began swimming analogue with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't care to take the air after him. He could barely see his paw in straw man of him and realized that is was more than the exercise that was making his ticker backwash. It was very dark out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an submersed flack coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards estate, crawling up onto the sandy beach and allowing himself to lie there and rest for a moment.

Now more than ever, he was determined to leave the island tomorrow. He couldn't spend one More day alone with Elanya, he was beginning to draw a blank 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 ft, he brushed off as much sand as he could and made his way into the trees to wait for some kind of shelter. Coming to the base of the grandiloquent mountain, he found a shallow cave. Gathering farewell, he quickly made himself a place to kip before gathering enough wood to bug out a fire to sustain him warm. Once again he silently thanked his father while hoping that he would get the hazard to thank him in person very soon.

( BREAK )

Dragon woke already feeling nervous… he didn't like lying to Ginny and while he may not do it the precise point of what was going on, he had pieced enough together to hump that she'd be mad to learn they'd kept Fred's possibly being in fuss from her. But today was supposed to be the day it would all end and no one would have to lie anymore… at least not about this. It was simple really, while the professors and most of the pupil were down at the quidditch pitch enjoying the game between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Potter, Luna and farmer were going to whisk themselves away to deliver Fred from whatever mess he'd gotten himself into. Draco's job was to puddle sure neither Ginny nor Ron found out they were gone and more importantly, to restrain them both away from professor Erebos who ceramist had said was a spy and more than willing to hurt someone.

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

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

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

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

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

'' Well, thank you healer genus Draco, the Psychology Boy curiosity ! '' She said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.

'' And since I like you so much, I'll only billing you half my normal charge per unit for the excellent wisdom I have to lend. '' He teased, quickly moving to catch the pillow she whipped at him.

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

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

'' Go in for the kill ! '' She laughed, quickly kneeling over him and battering him over and over with the pillow. Unable to hold back his own laugh, he tried his safe to bring back the blast. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to wrestle it away from her so that he would be in self-control of all the plush ammo.

A roast on the door interrupted their battle and they both looked at each other in surprise as they tried to take hold of their breath. 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 have company. ``

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

'' Isn't it a bit incompatible for Miss Weasley to give birth a male visitant this early ? '' Erebos asked as he warily regarded Draco.

'' Isn't is a bit unfitting for a male teacher to do unsupervised to a female pupil's room this betimes ? Especially one who already has a swarm of suspicion 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 Headmaster. '' 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 humble growl to escape his throat lest the man forget what exactly he was. `` You can give me the substance, I'll be trusted she gets it. '' With his senses heightened, he was able to hear rustling behind him as Ginny got out of bed and curiously made her way over to the door. Thankfully she was careful enough to keep herself hidden behind it, but still, a violently protective surge rushed through him and he knew only one thing, the alone way the professor was getting in the way was over his dead body.

'' The Headmaster indirect request to speak to misfire Weasley in person. '' Erebos persisted. `` I am to escort her up to his place. ``

'' And why wouldn't he post prof McGonagall ? '' Draco asked suspiciously. `` She is the mind of the Gryffindor house and a much more likely candidate to approach Ginny on the Headmaster's behalf than some prof wholly unrelated to her. She isn't even in any of your social class. Why would Dumbledore send 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 birdsong and dance they were engaged in. `` But she is already down at the quidditch pitch assisting Madame Hooch with getting the champaign ready for today's secret plan. I was in the schoolmaster's office for a get together and so he simply sent me. ``

'' wellspring, Ginny is just too ill to give her elbow room. I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't want to risk her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these draughty hallway. If he needs to tell apart her something important, I'm sure he would have no trouble paying her a visit. '' Draco said smugly. He grabbed the border of the threshold to come together it but the professor reached out to check it from swinging shut.

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

'' That's unnecessary. '' Draco said calmly while holding the doorway so tightly in his hired man he thought the wood would shatter in his grip. `` I asked Healer Drake to break off by in the beginning. He said it's a bad cold and recommended bed rest. '' He added in Order to bilk the professor's new attempt to get Ginny out of her room. He was indisputable Drake would continue for them if necessary, after all, he'd done it many prison term before. Rather than allow Erebos to follow up with something else, he used his above normal posture to flap down the door shut despite the man's attack to go on it open.

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

genus Draco quickly pulled his scepter out of his pocket and cast a silencing spell on the room, both as a safeguard and to try and stall before answering her. `` prof Erebos is a spy for Elise, Sarah and Elanya. '' He decided to depart 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 horror and confusion.

'' Well… because they have plans to take over the ministry. What honest way than to use the rector's children against him ? '' He held his breath. Technically what he'd said was true although that wasn't the reason the man had decided to cook a move today. But why worry her further by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the replete story or what exactly her sidekick was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the at large ends the others had had to tie up in ordering 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 reckless in an attempt to help.

Ginny shook her head teacher sadly. `` Poor dad… all he wants to do is make a difference and now he has to hold up in constant reverence for us all because of it. ``

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

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

What happened ? potter immediately answered.

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

( BREAK )

Harry had a frightful impression about everything after talking to Draco. Why would Erebos possess 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 job of who was going to watch over Ron had been quickly resolved… after a nimble shout to Jacey, she had agreed to don an invisibleness cloak and hang around the quidditch tar, just in guinea pig Erebos tried to get a hold of a unlike Weasley.

'' I heard the whistling. The game's started, can we go now ? '' Hermione asked eagerly. She was nearly beside herself with headache and had been since discovering that she'd given Fred misinformation. She'd attempted to see herself back to the island several times during the Nox but hadn't been able to get hold 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 pinch off into the equipment shed to keep from being seen.

'' Why ? '' Hermione demanded impatiently.

'' Because Charlie wrote a book all about how there are flying firedrake on the island. I can't fit you both on my ling and we need to feature some way of escaping quickly if necessary… especially since you said you've read that there are anti-apparation magical spell. You and Fred won't be capable to apparate without one of us. '' He insisted, wishing the whole sentence that both young woman would just let him go by himself. But he knew Luna wouldn't allow that any more than he'd let her do anything like this without him… the argument wouldn't be worth it as they'd both just end up wild and she'd wind up coming along anyway. As for Hermione- he knew adept than to even hint 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 recall ease his discomfort.

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

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

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

Harry took out his wand and waited as they did the Sami. They had no idea where they'd wind up having only coordinates and pictures to use to urge their apparation to the island. He wanted them to be ready for anything.

As one he and Luna reached out to each take aim one of Hermione's handwriting and they all focused on the island. With a loud crack cocaine, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling unvoiced jumpy ground beneath his feet, Harry hesitantly opened his eyes to look around. His breather caught in his pharynx as he took in their surroundings. Um, I think we may have just picked the worst potential stead to land. He thought out to the missy, not wanting to wee-wee any noise lest they wake the ten dragons currently sleeping around them. As quietly as possible, they all three mounted their broom, each suddenly glad that he'd insisted they brought them with. Going wearisome for their sake, he carefully led the way, lightly pushing off from the terra firma and rising into the air.

Flying away from the mountain top and down toward the beach, he looked over his berm to check on the missy. Luna seemed to ingest gotten the bent of things after having been in the air a few multiplication before. But Hermione, who always chose to restrain her feet on the ground if it was an option, was clearly showing her inexperience. She tried to lower the ling and suddenly lost control, letting out a loud scream as she suddenly zoomed toward the ground.

'' pull up ! '' He shouted as he raced after her. She tried to do as he instructed but couldn't quite accomplish it and she raised her weapon to spread over her face 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 lizard. He quickly whipped to the left as the one that had been silently stalking him stretched out to lose it at him. `` They hunt in pairs. '' Charlie's phonation filled his head and he instinctively pulled up, just barely missing the other dragon that had been waiting for him.

'' Luna ! ? '' He turned to look for 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 avail only to make that the former six dragons had chosen to gang up on him as they perceived him to be the better broadside 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 fourth dimension he didn't see Luna anywhere. Both she and Hermione had disappeared and now he was alone with eight tartar. 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 beasts but unfortunately he wasn't quick enough and he felt one's tail knock into the back of his broom followed by the strait of a deep cracking sound. The broom started to come apart in his hands and he did his best to entertain it together as he raced toward the ground. He landed roughly on the beach, shaking off the pain as he picked himself up and ran toward the cover song of the trees.

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

( happy chance )

Fred woke to a loud thigh-slapper. For a moment he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his animal foot. Looking around, he remembered making a temp tax shelter out of the cave after escaping from Elanya. Another series of ear-splitting screaming filled the sky and he looked up to see those secret creatures circling in the bright morning temperateness. They never came out this late… and they never flew so low. One swept over the trees above him, giving him a frighteningly bring in thought of what the brute actually was… a very large dragon with sharp claws, long teeth and widely wings tipped with dangerous looking horns.

scare gripped him as he stood there flash-frozen, trying to remember everything Charlie had ever told him about these beast. more than than anything, he recalled his comrade saying that Dragon were creatures of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't waste metre trying to enter it out, he had to make for sure Elanya was okay, he couldn't let the exclusively other person on this island die… he didn't want to be here completely alone with these things. He raced through the trees back to the campsite, suddenly upset that he'd decided to travel so far from it in the first place.

organism for certain to hold back himself rich under the book binding of the trees, he approached their tent and heard Elanya's voice as she argued with someone. Careful of where he stepped, Fred snuck up as close as he dared… she was standing with her back to him and completely alone, but he could tell that she was holding something up to her mouth. `` What do you signify Malfoy won't let you near Ginny ? ! '' She cried out angrily. `` I gave you one mere job this morning… well, 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 manpower, showing him they were empty. `` aught. '' She said innocently.

'' Who were you talking to and how ? And why are you talking about my babe ? '' He tried to hide his panic, reminding himself that whatever was happening at to the lowest degree Dragon was doing his part in protecting Ginny from it.

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

'' What are you talking about ? ! ``

She pointed up at the dragons now circling dangerously low. `` The only grounds they would bequeath their nest was if individual disturbed them… clearly we are no longer alone on this island. You were right, your friend came after you… but that means you all have broken the rules and if I don't bring about the penalization for it then I'll be the one to receive 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 give in and be the better person he wasn't quite for certain she could be. `` I'll avail protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all keep you safe. Just don't let them force you into hurting my chum and sister. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an uncertain pace toward him. `` You'd convince your Friend to give me a fortune ? ``

'' No ! That's part of her program ! ``

They both whipped around to see who had snuck up on them. Fred couldn't believe his eyes as his warmness raced with joy. `` Hermione ? '' She was standing there before him, looking far more existent than the utmost fourth dimension he'd seen her as she had her sceptre out and pointed at Elanya. Forgetting everything else in his relief, he raced forward and threw his weapon system around her.

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

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

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

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

'' You aren't exactly giving me a intellect not to at the moment. '' Fred replied, gesturing to the verge she still had pointed at them. He felt Hermione reach out and take his hired hand as she used her early to extend wielding her own wand. Squeezing her fingers, he hoped they found a way out of this.

Elanya nodded, a severe grin spreading slowly across her font. `` I thought as much… I guess it's time to move to plan B. '' She quickly waved her wand, forcing Hermione to throw up a shield around them. It was enough of a distraction for her to grab the seashell necklace she'd been wearing since they arrived and rip it from her neck before speaking quickly into it. `` Tell Elise and Sarah that Harry and Luna are here and kill Ron. '' She instructed.

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

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

'' Call Erebos and order him to pass on 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 retaliation, come and take it. '' She dared them.



NOTE : Provided there are no more horrible accidents with my computer or flash campaign, feeling for the future chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island Escape

A/N : Without farther delay… Read, revaluation, Enjoy !





After clank landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to notice aught worse that a few excoriation and incision. Unfortunately the broom hadn't survived as well and lay a few foot away in pieces. Glad that it hadn't been her to twist up that way, she shook herself off and got to her invertebrate foot. She looked around nervously and called out to Harry and Luna but they didn't result her… A quick glance up through the treetops let her know why. several Dragon seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking sounds. With a broken broom she knew she couldn't do much to help oneself them and they certainly were too distracted to do assist her… it was up to her to count on out what to do and she was determined that this not end up like Hogsmeade. She wasn't going to block up with indecision, there were too many hoi polloi counting on her and more than that, she wanted to raise to herself that she was open of branching out on her own.

It was a lot hotter here than it was back at schooltime and so the first thing she did was denude off her crownwork before she fainted of heat debilitation. She knew that she had to startle moving and preferably with a intent. 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 unhinge, she just wanted to get Fred and get the hell off this island. Within ten minutes of walking, she found herself at Fred and Elanya's campsite. The two were talking and she heard Fred offering to help the former lady friend if she would assure to call off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

'' No ! That's percentage of her architectural plan ! '' She yelled, racing forward without thinking. Her wand was already out and so she quickly pointed it at the former girl to keep her at bay. It seemed she'd arrived just in meter to hold back Fred from getting even more caught up in all of this.

She stopped unawares as she saw Elanya pull her own wand out… realizing that Fred was unarmed, Hermione worried that he would get caught in the eye if they started dueling. He stood there and looked at her as if she were the greatest thing he'd ever seen, making her feeling more sure-footed 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 possess him apply her, she was careful to maintain her wand up lest Elanya decide to use the distraction to her advantage.

'' We have to detect Harry and Luna and get out of here now ! '' She quietly insisted, forcing herself to believe they would take in time to properly reunite later if they got themselves out of this now. `` I was amiss yesterday, she's no victim… they're all working together to make up us want to help her so she can get in and convince Harry and Luna to join them. ``

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

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

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

'' You aren't exactly giving me a rationality not to at the moment. '' He answered her as he gestured to the fact the she was waving her wand at them. Hermione realized in that moment that he hadn't completely given into believing Elanya, that he'd mostly managed to trust his own inherent aptitude. Feeling proud of him, she reached out her discharge hand to film his, wanting him to bed that they were in this together now. She was comforted when he tightly held her paw 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 clip to move to plan B. '' She quickly waved her wand, giving Hermione only seconds to throw up a shield around herself and Fred to debar the go. Before she could hark back firing, the girl ripped off her seashell necklace and was already talking into it. `` William 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 shot several stunners in ready succession but the other daughter was fast, raising her shell in metre before attempting to fire back and disarm her. By this clip Fred had gotten to his metrical foot and back into the thick of matter, forcing Hermione to halt her plan of attack so he wouldn't get hit by mistake. `` Take it back ! '' He demanded, stalking towards Elanya.

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

'' Call Erebos and tell him to go out Ron alone ! '' Hermione said in as classical representative as she could muster.

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

Hermione cast before she was even aware she was doing so, taking both her and Elanya by surprise. The girlfriend had to dodge rather than shield, sending Hermione's tour to shatter the Tree behind her. Seeing what a serious spell she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the dirt from her dress. `` well, I suppose we've moved past dish then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the scepter she'd dropped in her hastiness to incite out of the way.

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

She quickly waved her scepter, yelling `` Protego Totalum ! '' and a few other incantation, turning the collapsible shelter into their own small fortress ... they were advanced spells she'd only practiced once in the safety device of a schoolroom stage setting. She was truly surprise that she'd been able to carry through it here while her heart was racing and panic gripped her intellect. They could see Elanya screaming at them from the outside, uselessly hurling spell after spell at the collapsible shelter as she tried to get at them. `` I'm not sure how farsighted this will hold. '' She said fearfully, turning to see that Fred had taken to tearing the station apart. `` What are you doing ? ``

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

'' You really have a stove in here ? '' She asked incredulously as he struggled to flip the affair 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 puff of your home. '' Fred answered bitterly as he upended the refrigerator next. `` Aha ! '' He shouted, bending down to best up a close towel. Sure enough, his wand was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a shot of rest knowing that she wouldn't be the only one armed. His own relief was evident as he tightly gripped his wand and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a looking that sent tingles through her physical structure. Without a news he strode up to her and eagerly placed his paw around her neck opening, pulling her side to his so that he could passionately capture her sassing. He kissed her with such profundity and hunger that she was left find dizzy and had to strain out and snaffle him to keep her leg from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his weapon around her waist he deepened the osculate even more before breaking it off and resting his head against hers. They were both left breathless and felicitous to once more be so close. `` I'm really gladiolus to see you. '' He whispered.

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

'' Yeah, well, I'll give it unclouded when I have to a greater extent time to make my full point. '' Fred grinned before turning severe once more. They could still hear Elanya out there, doing everything she could to infract the protection charms Hermione had cast. `` We have to get out of here without her sightedness. '' He said, letting her go and turning to view their irregular stronghold.

'' I'm open to suggestions. ``

He scratched his head and turned to stare at her a moment before breaking into a smiling. `` Of course of instruction ! If I can slang my own female parent then it should be well-to-do to dupe Elanya. ``

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

And then suddenly there were two of him and she had the uneasy feeling that Saint George had somehow come back to life. Shaking it off, she tried to smile in support. `` You really intend she'll go after our two-bagger ? ``

'' Why wouldn't she ? '' He asked, waving his baton over her to conjure her up a look-alike of her own. Moving hers to abide side by side to his, he studied them both closely. `` They look good enough to me. '' He shrugged.

'' well, I certainly don't have a better idea. '' She moved to conceal herself behind the turned-over kitchen stove, as Fred took their mute doubling and instructed them to conk the tent and just run as far and fast as they could.

Knowing that her magical spell would be broken as soon as the barrier was breached, he shoved them through the chess opening and quickly came over to crouch beside her just in case Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to make out search the tent. `` Here goes naught. '' He whispered.

( BREAK )

being able to stand down on the theatre of operations, Ron almost felt like he really was part of the game and was grateful to McGonagall for letting him have this one small-scale patch of what made him happy. He watched his team fly together and was thrilled to see them tear ahead in the grade, cheering them along as any good coach would do. The nose candy had been magically cleared off the field but he didn't need it to be reminded that wintertime was on it's way, the day was clear and very cold. He huddled deeper into his crownwork after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the score jumped far enough ahead in Gryffindor's party favor, he decided it was safety to take a break of serve and go down to the recreation stand for some hot 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 someone trying to shit their way in. `` Oh, rationalise me sir. '' He said, recognizing Professor Erebos, Hermione's Arithmancy professor.

'' Not at all Mr. Weasley. It was you I was actually coming to find. '' Erebos replied with what was clearly an attempt at a friendly grin… but the stringency at the street corner of his rima oris indicated to Ron that something was troubling the man.

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

'' I'm not exactly sure. There is a Brigham Young charwoman out in the woods who flagged me down and asked me to come find you. '' Erebos said, looking over his shoulder at the Forbidden Forest. `` She wouldn't allow me to see her expression, so I can't be sure… but she looked very very much like Miss Patil, who has gone missing. I've come to find you because she was so instant but I think I must also go to the master and inform him that one of his missing students has returned. ``

'' No ! Wait ! '' Ron pleaded, wondering what Anapurna was doing back here so soon. He'd only sent a letter of the alphabet off yesterday through lupine, he wasn't even sure as shooting it had enough sentence to make it to her so that couldn't be what take her to come back. He had to talk to her before Dumbledore or anyone else could register 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 girl's parents are still here hoping she'll be found. It's cruel to not tell them and learn the chance that she'll run again. ``

'' Please, I'll convince her to stay. '' He promised with his fingerbreadth crossed.

'' O.K., how about this ? I'll go with you into the Sir Henry Joseph Wood to see her, I'll let you two have your here and now of seclusion and then we can all go to Dumbledore together. '' He offered. `` It's the only way I'm assured that misfire Patil will hark back to where she belongs. ``

Ron reluctantly agreed, following the professor around the dorsum of the arena to the Forbidden Forest. They walked pretty far into the trees, deepening Ron's suspicion to the tip where he was make to turn back. `` Annapurna got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the woods ? '' He asked carefully.

Erebos stopped and turned to him with his wand out and a demented smiling across his face. `` Sorry for the magic trick Mr. Weasley, but Parvati isn't out here. I just needed a intellect for you to come into the woodwind instrument with me. ``

He swallowed the large lump of fear and panic that had risen in his throat. `` Why ? '' He tried to hold on his voice steady but wasn't sure he'd accomplished the task.

'' To kill you. '' The professor said simply as he prepared to contrive the ultimate unforgivable swearing. And then the man was screaming in pain as his wand burst into flames in his helping hand, forcing him to flatten it to the ground.

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

'' Saving you it seems. '' She returned, seeming trauma that those were the first intelligence he'd elect to speak at the pile of her.

They both whipped around as the audio of someone hand clapping filled the air. Ron's eyes widened in shock as Elise McKinney stepped out from behind a large Tree, slowly applauding them. `` Well done. '' She laughed.

'' The niggling cunt burned my bridge player ! '' Erebos shouted as he held the now useless appendage close to his body.

'' Relax Dolos, I've burned you worse than that when you've angered me less. '' Elise giggled before turning her attention specifically to Jacey. `` I had hoped you'd ejaculate. I was so very curious to line up out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a unanimous new dimension doesn't it ? But I'm not as easy to bump off as Dolos. '' She said, throwing out her limb and producing her own human dynamo in her hired hand. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll consider this your tryout. '' She taunted.

( break )

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

She swooped low to avoid one dragon and then quickly turned good to ward off the other. Her feet skimmed the piddle and she quickly pulled back up, making a yearn arc around Castellumshire before heading back toward the Gateway Islands. Becoming distracted by a strange sound below her, she took the chance and looked down only to bump a diminished speedboat zooming through the water headed the Sami direction she was. Feeling the flying lizard right behind her, she decided to dip low, flying close enough only to see that there seemed to one person on board… a female wearing a hat and large shades. Intuition shot through her and she raced ahead, desperate to admonish Harry.

At live on she had returned to the island but he was nowhere in the sky… though the former eight flying dragon were. They were circling, clearly doing the same affair she was- looking for Harry. Figuring he must have landed she went down, flying over the shoreline in hopes that he would see her. She let out a surprise screech when two of the dragons suddenly grounded ahead of her, opening their jaws and waiting for her to fly at them. Fixing her travelling bag as she'd seen Harry do, she made a sharp left and headed back out over the water where four more dragons waited. Once again changing her clasp, she zoomed straight up. `` LUNA ! LOOK OUT ! '' She heard Harry shriek from far below her. Apparently he had seen her and ran out onto the beach to call out.

It took a endorse 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 hold among the crown had taken her by surprisal. She raced upwards, richly over the island hoping to lose them among the fluffy Caucasian swarm. But before she could get herself quite that high, she felt one of the creature grab the end of her broom and pull her through the air. She lost her grip completely and felt herself set about to release fall. Thinking as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her blood until she was able to lightly localize her substructure on the ground. Her relief quickly gave way to all out terror as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the dragons'nuzzle. Only this time she had no broom and she was completely alone.

( BREAK )

Harry had just used his sceptre to piece the ling he'd found in the Ellen Price Wood back together when Luna's scream echoed around him. He raced back onto the beach to see an impossible sight- she was flying recklessly through the air as she tried to get away from all ten dragons. Seeing two of the beasts break off from the grouping and hide themselves among the Tree he realizing what the rather intelligent creatures were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his mind but while he could still palpate that ceaseless connective to her, it was as if individual had cut a wire somewhere and all he could pick up was a dial quality. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his hands around his mouth and screamed out a warning to her, hoping she was able-bodied to listen him. If she did, it was too latterly. The early Draco had forced her to fly toward their trap and the two hiding leapt out to surprise her. She shot upwards but to no avail as one reached out and grabbed her broom. She fell off as the animate being snapped the broom like a toothpick, making Harry's spirit plosive for a moment. But this time she had her sceptre and was able-bodied to slow her decline, but when he saw where she landed his heart dropped entirely into his belly. The Draco had seen her too and they all descended on their snuggle, intent on ousting the intruder.

affright swept through him and he hurried to finish the net repairs on the Scots heather. Hearing a motorised sound he quickly ducked out of the way as a sauceboat carelessly drove up into the sand, allowing a familiar spirit cleaning woman 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 little friend fell into the faulty situation. '' She grinned. `` upkeep to have some help in retrieving her ? ``

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

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

He had no alternative, he needed help distracting the dragons so he could fly in and grab Luna. Handing Sarah the broom he'd been holding, he ran over and waved his wand, fixing his own Calluna vulgaris as best he could… at to the lowest degree it was in flying condition if not properly calibrated for the best trajectory possible. Together, they lifted off the footing, instantly making their way to the mountain. Harry just hoped his desperation for service didn't wind up being his downfall.

( severance )

Jacey wrapped Harry's invisibleness cloak tightly around herself and closed her center, doing her safe to concentrate on apparating to just outside the quidditch pitch at Hogwarts. Of course of action, she was still getting the hang of the unharmed thing and so while she did get herself to Hogwarts, she was no where near the arena. In fact, she wound up inside the castle, just beyond the doors to the Great Hall. With a sigh of frustration, she made indisputable she was completely covered by the cloak before making her way outside.

Of class she had agreed to help go along an eye on Ron… she just had no idea why. He had made himself very clear that he wished to handle matter on his own for awhile and she was tempted to back off and let him learn just how a good deal he needed his friends. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would vote down him… She also could not abandon Ron because some part of her knew that his end would mean her own as well. He had made a valid point the other dark, they did not sleep with each early, they had only just met and under the tensest of circumstances. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each other. She was more than than will to see what came of that attraction as she had already admitted that his letter is what ultimately made her decide to come here in the offset place… she only hoped he would come to his good sense long enough to-

She stopped suddenly in her cartroad as she realized she may hold arrived too recently. Just beyond the arena, she saw two bod slip quickly into the Forbidden timberland and she was sure of at least one of their identities. The other she only feared she knew. Racing forward, she let the cloak fall away as soon as she was within the shoetree line so that she could run with Thomas More speed and less hindrance. At last she came upon them and realized she had been discipline on both account, Ron and Erebos were a few yards ahead of her. She could palpate Ron's hunch and uncertainty as he was led further into the trees.

'' Parvati got your aid from way back here ? Why were you in the Grant Wood ? '' He asked. Jacey was angry on his behalf, upset that the professor was willing to use such an assailable wound to trick him into coming out here.

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

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

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

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

'' Saving you it seems. '' She said stiffly, feeling 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 tree diagram. She had never met the woman and only knew her from the memories of others, but she was sure of who she was seeing. `` wellspring done. '' Elise laughed with genuine amusement.

'' The fiddling bitch burned my hand ! '' Erebos shouted, glaring at them all.

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

Putting her sceptre in her sac so that both of her hands were disembarrass, Jacey let the flames flare out of her adult and with more of a flourish than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the woman did not hesitate to commence her attack, hurling musket ball of fire one after the other. Engulfing her integral body in fire, Jacey was able to take in whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to feel very warm. Run before this spread head ! She thought out to Ron, not wanting him to get burnt.

I'm a bit officious at the moment. He answered. She glanced over to witness him alternatively trying to put out the flames spreading through the forest and dueling Erebos who had retrieved the burnt remains of his wand and was trying to make it work with his undamaged hand. It seemed that every once in awhile the man was able to get the wand to perform his spell which only distracted Ron from his impromptu attempt at being a firefighter.

She tried reaching for her verge but Elise only renewed her efforts, making it clear that she intended this conflict to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no choice but to fight flak with attack. It was more than Ron's water charm could go on up with and if they didn't find a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the flames would spread. She did her best to centre on controlling and containing them to their small region but it lessened the amount of concentration she could give to the real fight and found herself more on the defensive that she would have thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't caution where the flame spread was giving the woman an sharpness over her but there was zippo she could do about that, she had to do her honorable to manipulate the damage her king caused. Realizing they were going to need assistance and taking even more care away from the battle, she called out to Dragon as he was the just one left here that she trusted to ask for help. She hoped he made it in time.

'' Jacey ! '' Ron yelled, bringing her full tending back to the moment at manus. Seeing that she'd been momentarily distracted, Elise had taken her probability and used everything she had to inject a jet stream of fire directly at her. She felt herself propelled backwards before her flames 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 room as they studied and she'd been enjoying the rather elusive worry-free moment… even if they had barricaded themselves in to avoid prof Erebos.

Looking at his brass, she could tell he wasn't any more pleased with the melodic theme of him leaving than she was. `` Apparently Elise made it onto the school day grounds and she and Erebos have your chum cornered out in the forest. '' He answered honestly, in too often of a hurry to attempt lying. `` trust me, the solitary reason I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, stay in here and don't afford the door to anyone until I get back, O.K. ? ``

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

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

'' Meaning ? '' She demanded stubbornly.

'' Meaning she's in hassle because she's distracted by thoughts of Ron and anyone else being hurt… I can't be of very much avail if we add your well-being to our listing of concerns. ``

'' indigence 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 wolfman and are just as capable of burning to death as I am. '' She gripped his arms, unwilling to let him exit her sight.

'' We don't have time to argue. For once just humor me and stay here. '' He pleaded.

She stared at him a moment, letting the bicycle 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 keep him any longer.

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

Picking up her coating she fled her room, rushing through the hallway and out the front door. She would keep her promise not to keep abreast after him… but she wasn't going to appropriate him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the school staff sat. Unfortunately, the person she wanted to sing to was also sitting next to the person she'd hoped to avoid… but she couldn't go back, three lives might be at stakes, 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 keep mention of Jacey and Elise out of matter with so many ears around and so she made her point as clear and concise as potential. `` Draco ran out into the Grant Wood to try and stop prof Erebos from killing Ron. They need help. ``

( BREAK )

Fred waited a good two minutes to be certainly Elanya was gone before turning to lift the bottom of the tent behind them. `` It's now or never. '' He told Hermione. She nodded solemnly and taking her mitt, 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 get wind me at all ! '' He said aloud in defeat as they carefully made their way through the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, keeping an ear out for any planetary house of Elanya shutdown in on them.

'' I think it has something to do with the vigour field generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with almost seafaring putz, even the magical I. It's the briny cause it's so hard for masses to happen these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that certain brainwave frequency Harry and Luna use to channel their telepathic abilities. ``

'' Whatever you say. All I heard is that we're stuck finding them the old forge way. '' He tried to use his wand to point him towards the nigh aliveness homo but the poor fish 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 champion were up there and in a lot of trouble. `` I guess we try to climb it. '' He walked toward the base of the mountain until he heard a small screeching of surprise that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to free her foot from a rather ugly looking flora. Originally mistaking it for some kind of bush, they had walked by unaware… but now the thing had spread it's leaves apart and was shooting out several tentacle-like protrusions that were attempting grab Hermione and pull her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his scepter. But the plant seemed to be immune to magic and nothing he tried would make it stop.

'' Let go ! '' She yelled as she kicked at the industrial plant. Not knowing what else to do, Fred picked up a large John Rock and began slamming it down on the tentacles. The plant life let out a misfortunate auditory sensation, indicating it could palpate pain. In an endeavor to free herself, Hermione reached for another rock and helped him pulsate the tentacles away. Grabbing her under her arms, he pulled her to her substructure and they scrambled away before the strange shrub could regroup.

'' Well, that was something new. '' He said as they caught their intimation. He'd certainly never come across a flora like this before in all his time wandering the island though he'd definitely found some weird ace. Of trend, other than finale Night when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this closing to the fundament of the plenty. He gave silent thanks that he hadn't passed by this thing in the dark.

'' Let's just observe going. '' Hermione seemed rickety but regulate and so he nodded and went on, this clip ensuring they remained face by face. It was a short-change walking and looking towards the sky, they were capable to see that the way to the top of the good deal wasn't exactly straight up… that was a good thing, making it less likely that they would settle to their destruction while attempting this. `` Okay, we just need to determine the rightfulness place to begin. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the rocky paries and various dissimilar paths up.

Fred took a different approach, walking right up to the slew and trying out the handholds and footing in a few post. Taking a few more steps to the left wing, he reached to climb up only to finger the tilt give way under his paw. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the primer coat, knocking the breather 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 convention. `` I'm awake ! '' 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 bother as he sat up to take a look at himself. Feeling around on the ground he recovered his wand and quickly lit it, reaching out to delicately examine his leg. `` I don't think anything's broken ! '' He assured her. No, not broken… just really banged up. He'd definitely landed on it awry and he could see the intact thing swelling from his knee down to his ankle.

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

'' Just give me a arcminute to assemble myself. '' Putting as little weight on it as possible, he slowly climbed to his infantry. Only once he was standing did he see he seemed to offend everywhere including the shoulder that had been broken last year during the quidditch match against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the bottom of his shirt in his mouth to muffle any sounds of bother he might progress to, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a moment he was able to bury all about his leg, but then came the mother wit of assuagement that told him that he'd achieved the effect he'd wanted, his shoulder joint was back in it's proper place. Panting from the exploit he wiped the sweat from his cheek and took a few stabilise breathing place. `` okay, ready ! '' He called out.

Instantly his feet carefully left the terra firma, leaving him to feel as though he were softly cradled in the hands of some inconspicuous hulk. He put his wand in his air pocket as he rose up, wanting to have both hands free to help draw in himself clear up of the surprisingly small gap he'd fallen through. At final he was able to see Hermione, using her baton to place his advance. Reaching up, he grabbed the bound of the rocky possible action. `` I need you to keep back propelling me forward, I hurt my leg so I can't get a good grip with my feet. '' He told her. She nodded and doubled her concentration, trying to only give him an additional encouragement as he struggled to pull himself free. Now being forced to use all the strength in his arms, he was sword lily that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his muscleman a bit.

'' Expelliarmus ! '' somebody screamed and Hermione's sceptre was ripped from her hand and sent flying off into the Ellen Price Wood. Without her trance to aid him, he lost a bit of his traveling bag and struggled through the pain to come up a beachhead lest he fall back down into the cavern. He scrambled to hold onto the rocks despite how incisive they were… once he felt steady, he was able to front up and see Elanya staring at them with a encompassing smile as she tauntingly waved her wand. `` I'm sorry it took so recollective to dispatch those two-baser you sent running out… it seems you're a better magician than I thought. ``

'' What do you want ? '' Hermione tried to reason with her as Fred struggled to use his injured leg to serve advertize him through the fix. But the more insistency 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 reach back for his baton but letting go of the rock-and-roll made him instantly slide backwards. He would need all the metier in his coat of arms to force himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to face Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new determination, he decidedly placed his feet and pushed off with them, gritting his teeth against the pain. From there he was able to strain out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( open frame )

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

'' That's between them ! '' Erbos yelled, pointing his destruct wand directly in Ron's face as he pinned him to the ground. `` This here is between us ! ``

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

'' She's indisposed at the here and now. '' Elise called, straightening herself and turning to face him. He scrambled to his pes and pointed his baton with a water spell on the tip of his glossa and set to be used. `` So, her gens is Jacey then is it ? '' She grinned and pulled out her own verge. `` What else can you tell me about her ? ``

Ron, I am okay. I just need a moment to find and focus my energies. He heard Jacey's voice whisper through his question. Do not hire her… Dragon is on his way to help.

Hearing that she was uninjured, relief swept through him so quickly his knees 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 mystifying castle node at the Costume Ball… he also told me how close you two appeared to be so I know you can say me everything I want to experience. Of course, seeing how loath you seem, I feel it's best I remind you that I could always force you to recount me. Though if we have to go that route, I promise it won't be very pleasant for you. ``

'' What do you require 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 trust anything she's ever told me and so I'll gladly reiterate every lie she's ever said and leave it to you to separate out the facts. '' He pushed himself to find as genuinely angry as possible, wanting the woman to think there was no reason to remember she'd be successful in using Jacey against him and frailty versa ... or even considerably, convincing Elise that she didn't want anything to do with Jacey. He felt horrifying, 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 horrible nonsense, she'd still come to try and aid 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 unspoilt liar can be of gravid use. '' Elise nodded approvingly. `` Unfortunately, it seems you are of no use at all. ``

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his straits and he saw her leap to her feet behind Elise who had once again raised her hands to put forward her fire. Before he could brandish his baton to shield, someone roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his feet and carrying them both away faster than Ron thought possible. It only took him a second 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 much care as to what was around them, someone shouted `` impedimenta ! '' forcing Dragon to head trip and sending both boys sprawling to the ground.

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

There was no time to be nervous, he instantly cast a cuticle having seen the man quick to throw a spell at him. Within a second he had retaliated by sending a freezing hex, but the professor took a varlet from Jacey and Elise's book shooting a stream of fire from his wand that met the atomizer of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his compactness he repeated the spell, attempting to tone up his position… but Erebos was just as determined and unrelenting.

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

And then suddenly the duel was over as Erebos was bound from head to toe in front of him. Ron took several recondite breather and lowered his wand as Dumbledore and Lupin came forward. The spell meant to keep Draco at bay had finally worn off and he slowly walked up future to him. `` Thanks. '' Ron said only tatty enough for him to hear.

'' Don't credit 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 svelte yet triumphant smile.

( open frame )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a small opening across the nest the seemed to lead into the plenty. She instantly ran towards it though she was uncertain even her short and slight frame could squeeze through. Intuition burned in her gut and she flung herself to the primer with a small screech of panic as she felt one of the massive beasts fly over her. Flipping onto her vertebral column she shot a dish at the savage's partner as it swooped in to puddle it's own attempt at catching her. The magical spell seemed to spring off the tartar's hide, having no upshot early than to see red the creature even more. Luna quickly rolled to the English as it snapped at her before flying off to collapse the side by side duo their turn with her.

Scrambling to her feet, Luna stab toward the cave opening. She was tempted to use her wand and smash the mess open wider, but she worried that might possibly disrupt the stability of the mountain. The last affair she wanted was to scarper the beasts only to be buried in a landslide or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely able to bosom through, turning her body sideways to urinate it.

She screamed as she felt a precipitous stab of annoyance and turned, using her scepter to burn the Draco who had grabbed her arm before she could fully obliterate herself. This seemed to bear to a greater extent impression than anything else as the creature let out a mighty scream of pain and let her go. Pulling herself further into the crevice, she was led down a bit into a great cave where she tripped over something that rattled and rolled away from her substructure. With a grim feeling in the pit of her stomach, she lit her sceptre and covered her mouth to hold back the scream of horror she wanted to unleash. respective bones littered the flooring of the cave, and they seemed to belong to both brute and humans.

Remaining near the opening, she turned her back so she wouldn't have to see any of it and instead focused on checking the equipment casualty done to her arm. Seeing two large bloody gashes in the sleeve of her pelage, she shrugged it off feeling far too lovesome anyway. Tearing off the rest of the destroyed sleeve of the shirt she had on underneath, she examined her pelt and found that, while painful, the scratches didn't seem to go too deep… While it had been happening, it had felt like her arm was nearly severed and she was More than a little relieved to learn that wasn't the event. She quickly used the fight of fabric that had once been her arm to wrap the wound and quell the bleeding.

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

'' I'M Here ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the minute first step to return to the nest. Peering out from the hole, she caught the impossible mass 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 several Boulder, using her telepathy to knock them over onto the pair of tartar 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-bodied to taunt all of the dragons back into the air. They may not be able to communicate in their heads at the bit, but she knew him well enough to estimate what he wanted her to do. As soon as the last dragon had taken escape, she ran out into the open where Harry could see her. Putting her wand between her teeth, she threw her hands in the air as he passed over and struggled to bear on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on fire with annoyance as she struggled to climb up onto the Scots heather with him as they'd done at Lairmore, but she tried to push it out of her intellect until she was safely seated behind him.

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

'' Just fly, I'll roll. '' She assured him, taking her baton from her mouth and turning to pullulate a stream of ardour at the two dragon that were just a few scant feet behind them, sending the wolf to dive away.

'' This way ! '' Sarah called almost gleefully, laughing as she dipped back down toward the water. As they descended, Luna was able-bodied to crap out yet another small gravy boat streaking toward the island. Sarah flew them down towards it and with ten dragons fast behind them, Harry had no option but to follow. Squinting a bit, Luna thought she was able to recognize the two citizenry on the gravy boat and as soon as she made the connective she knew she was right. `` That's impossible… '' She said breathlessly.

'' What ? '' Harry asked, turning his head slightly to try her wagerer. She could palpate his thwarting at not experiencing the finish access to her thoughts that he'd become used to having… she knew he felt this way because it was the same accurate 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 shower of flaming all around them.

( BREAK )

While pretending to be injured, Jacey assured Ron that she was in fact okey before focusing on herself. She went into her own head, trying to gather her energy and refuel her flack. Sending her judgement 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 divulge that she would derive to his rescue anyway.

And then Elise's thoughts overpowered his and she was capable to see that the woman intended to get rid of the only someone there to find whatever she had planned. GET OUT OF THE WAY ! She screamed at Ron, as she lurched to her feet. She watched in horror as Elise unleashed a fiery blaze in his direction… which is the exact consequence Draco swooped in, grabbing Ron and taking them both far beyond the fight. Jacey was thankful that she now had one LE thing to worry about. She reached for her scepter only to let out that at some point it had fallen out of her pocket. Cupping her script, she formed a flying human dynamo and threw it at Elise, knocking the woman square in the back before she could light herself on fire to occupy the contact. This caused her not only to hollo in pain but Thomas More 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 people in the back. ``

'' You do not know me or what I have been capable of in the past… I could make 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 render you. '' Elise grinned. `` Tell me what it is and I promise I can get it to you fast and with to a lesser extent 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 continue loyal and trustworthy to those who had so totally accepted her. She had already lived the life history Elise was offering and had only recently been able-bodied to throw off the shackles of that kind of existence… The one where you could trust no one and everyone used everyone else to further themselves, the one where you always felt alone and scared and were forced into being someone you are not in order to exist. She was ready for the life that came with being Harry's ally and a member of the coven… She was quick for the kind of friendship you would hazard your life for even after arguing and she was set up for the freedom of being able to say and do what she wanted, of being able-bodied to handle about anything and everything, of being able-bodied to be herself.

'' Come now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just imagine if you joined us, reckon the world after we win this war… we'll be able to mould it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about thaumaturge and muggles, it'll be about those corresponding us… those with power. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can cause as very much wipeout as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the secure involvement of all if we could reach some form of agreement. ``

'' So then you concede the fight. '' Jacey challenged, brushing off the adult female's poorly composed sales pitch.

'' I'm ding no such matter. '' She assured her, once more lighting herself on fire in caseful Jacey decided to project another ball of fire. She stared past her and smiled before once more encounter her eyes. `` It looks like Dolos is about to wipe out Ron. ``

Not wanting to have Elise the atonement of distracting her, she quickly conjured the largest fireball she could and charge it flying at the woman at top swiftness, knocking her to the ground. Circling around so as to never take her back to Elise, she scanned the trees for Ron and saw him and Erebos dueling as genus Draco paced nearby, desperately trying to fight off whatever piece was keeping him from moving forward to help.

Checking on her own foe in this conflict, she saw Elise arrive at out from the dry land and power point. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her implements of war to shield her head as the tree next to her exploded in fire. `` ENOUGH ! '' A loud, authoritative voice reverberated through the Tree. Both she and Elise extinguished themselves and looked around curiously.

Relief flooded through her when she saw Dumbledore and Lupin rushing over to Ron, Draco and Erebos. `` well, I guess this means it's fourth dimension to go. '' Elise smiled, shooting one more surprise blast of flame before turning and running off through the trees.

Jacey quickly dodged before running off after her. `` No ! halt her ! '' She shouted as the woman passed within a few foot of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set several trees on fire as a misdirection to keep them busy. Leaving it to the others to hold open the flames from spreading, Jacey never slowed her gait and continued on in her pursuit. She thought she was alone until she felt Dragon coming up behind her… and then he was passing her as he moved with insufferable speed. Do not let her make believe it past the school's boundaries ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was unable to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the protection charms… but if she made it past Hogwarts'borders, she'd be able to go anywhere.

sightedness that Elise was only yards away from escaping, Draco pushed himself a little harder and mad a wild dive, tackling the cleaning woman around her legs and bringing her to the ground. Jacey raced up to them, quickly shoving Dragon away as Elise tried to retaliate. He threw up a carapace around himself to cast off off the flames. `` You have to let me leave, Harry and Luna's lives may depend on my helping them. '' Elise said after calming her ira at being stopped so roughly.

'' What do you signify ? '' Jacey and Draco demanded at the Same time.

She reached up and pulled a small disc from her ear and held it out for them to see. `` I've been in constant communication with Sarah since Elanya contacted Dolos and told him to let us cognise that your friend had finally arrived on the island to lay aside Fred. Now she's telling me that the dragons 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 Holy Writ written by Charlie Weasley… those dragons aren't the kind that breather fire, they're scared of it. Now Sarah is trying to aid, but they're only three masses against a horde of wildcat. If I don't go and help, two of your friends and one of mine might just become some pitiful creature's meal. '' She smiled smugly at them as she walked backward until she was in a place she could apparate from.

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

Elise only grinned wider as she extended a hand out to her. `` seminal fluid with me Jacey. We can forge together just this once in the interest group of saving our friends'life story. 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 fuss. Jacey replied. Quickly making her choice, she rushed to take Elise's hand and allowed the woman to whisk them away before Draco could stop them.

( BREAK )

Harry dodged to the leftfield to turn tail the firedrake only to consume to swerve immediately right to dodge the bolide that jibe past them. Luna had abandoned her attempt to use her scepter and now held onto him tightly with both limb as it was crystalize that his flight was the only matter that was going to get them through this. He didn't bother to perturb himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a Dragon or plumb into the sea for all he cared, as long as he and Luna got out of this with their lives… Oh yeah, and Jacey who was inexplicably down on a boat with Elise as both girls flung flame in the air to chamfer off the creatures. He wished he could talk 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 mind but from Hermione, Fred and Jacey's as well.

'' question down to the gravy holder ! '' Sarah called as she zoomed past them to lightly down and looked up expectantly.

'' What do you intend ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to cook his way though fervency 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 dodge flying dragon with all three of us on the broom ! ``

'' Then we'll have to down and aim the early broom back from Sarah ! Then we can go find Fred and Hermione and get the hell out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her aspect in his back in formulation for the sharp drop-off he was about to clear. Fixing his adhesive friction he shot straight down, streaking past several firedrake until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to send out fire solar flare to save the beasts at bay as he softly set his pes down on the bow of the small boat. Sarah immediately started the engine and yank forward, sending Harry and Luna both sprawling into the boat. She turned the cycle 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 await like ? '' She stared at him as if he were stupid before gesturing to the arse of the boat where Jacey and Elise were still using their power to fend off the four dragons intent on pursuing them beyond the island.

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

'' So what ? '' Elise called over her berm. `` They're dead exercising weight around your cervix. Let them go. ``

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

Elise fully turned to them and smiled. `` So what ? '' She asked again. `` Unlike you, I trust that my allies are more than able of taking forethought of themselves… and unlike you, I could like less whether they live or die. ``

'' I think this is far enough. '' Sarah said, once more turning off the locomotive and letting the boat drift through the water. They had apparently gone far enough to guarantee the dragons that they had no intentions of returning to their nest. The beasts had finally given up the pursuit and headed back abode. `` I didn't think it would admit 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 derive after Fred and so he proved his first base use to us… there's still more for him to do though. ``

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

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

'' We haven't yet decided whether we'll go through with that. '' Elise shared a smiling with Sarah as if they were sharing some private joke. `` We're still weighing the professional and inmate of immortality… but it's significant to always come along accordant to Lord Voldemort. '' She laughed.

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

'' It's simple, we wanted to demo just how capable we are in getting what we want and how strategic it would be for you three to link up us. '' Elise explained to them. We figured someplace far from the influence of Dumbledore and your other booster would give us the hazard to really make ourselves listened to rather than just heard. ``

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

Elise stared at her in surprise. `` I'm glad you see my item. But clearly whatever was going on up at the castle was distracting you all from what we wanted you to do, which was come find Fred. It was taking so long that we figured sending in Dolos to rough up Ginny Weasley would make you focus… plus Elanya had told us she was having worry getting Fred to collaborate so we figured it would be a win-win situation. Of course of study the stupid man is terrified of both Draco Malfoy and your friend lupine for what they are, though he's too proud to admit it. When Dragon refused access to Ginny, making it clean-cut that the only way Dolos was reaching her was through a engagement with him, our lupus erythematosus than courageous spy gave up. But then, to our delight we received Bible that you all had come to the island today anyway and we knew it was the perfect opportunity so Elanya ordered Dolos to bolt down Ron. Then after Jacey showed up, I told her you all were in fuss and so we apparated to my waiting ship and hopped in the speedboat to come up to your rescue. ``

'' So what happened back at Hogwarts ? '' Harry asked nevously, this time turning to address Jacey who he'd left in charge of looking after Ron.

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

'' It doesn't thing in the least. '' Elise assured them. `` Why else do you call up I left the idiot behind to whatever fate befell him ? Even if he decided to turn on me, he knows zip of any consequence… I've seen to that personally. And with only two weeks left for you all to be at Hogwarts, the man was entirely expendable. '' She stopped to smile at the faces they were all making. `` Oh don't look at me like that. He and I had a quite a little, I provided my part and he provided his. Just because he got take hold of doesn't mean I had any obligation to help… he made his selection to become demand in this and now he knows he was dealing in thing far above his head. ``

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

'' It's okay, Dolos was very good at his job when he wanted to be. '' Elise cooed, reaching out to comfort Jacey who shoved her away. She went on as if Jacey wasn't staring dagger of hatred at her. `` He saw you and Ron at the Costume orb, and putting two and two together, he figured you were the Sami mysterious mortal Dumbledore had been keeping in his office… the one Harry and all his friends made especial trips up there to visit. We knew putting Ron's life in danger would fetch you running, especially if Harry and Luna were busybodied elsewhere. ``

'' But Erebos really intended to stamp out Ron ! '' Jacey protested.

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

'' Regardless your opinion of our friends, '' Harry stepped in to lay off Jacey from punching Sarah in the face as it was clear she very much longed to do, `` you've done all of this for no reason. We obviously want null to do with you. '' He looked at Luna, hoping their connection to each other was stiff enough for her to realize what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and take a small-scale footprint sideways toward the Scots heather Sarah had abandoned when she'd gotten on the sauceboat. He'd never let his go even when he'd fallen and he now held it stiffly beside him, hoping Jacey would get the hint. Apparently, they didn't entirely need their thought transference to intercommunicate with each other… just a number agreement of how they all thought. Jacey discreetly grabbed the back of his shirt to designate that she was ready. It had taken a matter of seconds but they were ready and so he quickly swung his heather so they could hop on as Luna lunged for the other one and together they zoomed up into the sky, sure to move 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 avocation below them.

( pause )

'' What do you need ? '' Hermione asked, trying to obscure 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 small lot around her as she inspected her from every angle. `` So, you're the reason Fred never gave in to me… '' She came to stand directly in presence of her, her golden optic glaring with a madly fire. `` I just don't get it. There must be something here that I'm just not seeing. '' She said with intentional meanness.

Hermione kept quiet, though there were about a million affair that she would ingest liked to say in yield. But without her wand, the live on thing she wanted was to pass on the young lady another reason to like her dead.

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

Hermione watched in horror as the girl's optic rolled up into her headland and she fell forward. Elanya still had her hand in a death grip and dragged her John L. H. Down to her knees as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some form of vision of the past. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself unloosen. For a brief consequence she considered going into the bushes to look for her wand but remembering her utmost encounter with strange leafage, she decided it would be best to take up Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the girl's fingers apart.

'' Not so fast ! '' Elanya screamed, coming out of her spell or whatever she was doing, tackling Hermione to the priming and shoving her verge against her throat. strangling and coughing, she pushed against the scepter as she struggled to breath but Elanya had locked her arms and was unrelenting. She leaned in close to Hermione with an evil smiling. `` I saw all the memories you shared together. It was very sweet but not at all what he needs… I'm sorry but it has to end this way. ``

reaching deep interior herself, Hermione gathered every bit of strength she had and getting her wooden leg under the early lady friend, she kicked out and managed at live to get her off. Grabbing at her throat in easing as air once more made it's way to her lungs, she struggled to her feet, not wanting to be caught unaware. Elanya was already standing and pointing her wand. `` You're right, what fun is it to just end your life like that ? '' She sneered as she dusted herself off. `` It's much more fun if you have the illusion of escape isn't it… go ahead, I'll give you a head word commencement. Run. ``

'' No. '' She coughed out. Being forced to kick in all of her aid to the psychotic girl, she had no musical theme whether Fred had fallen again and broken his neck, but she couldn't just leave… especially when it was most likely that Elanya would catch her anyway.

'' wellspring, that's your privilege. '' She smiled with crazy delight and got ready to spue. `` I wish I could say it's been overnice knowing you. ``

Hermione closed her eyes and waited for impact. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another trance straight at Elanya that sent her flying several yards back through the trees until she hit one hard enough to knock her out. She turned to find him sprawled on the ground, sweating and panting from the effort of pulling himself free with a leg that even from here looked extremely well up. `` Accio wand. '' He called tiredly in the direction Hermione's wand 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 verge and kneeling next to him.

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

'' Ferula. '' She quickly created a splint despite his assertion that zero was broken. After all she couldn't exactly carry him, she needed him to be able-bodied to walk. `` That should avail. And we'll find an old outgrowth or something for you to use as a cane to help put your weight on it. ``

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

'' We have to line up Harry and Luna. They're the alone single who can get us out of here. '' She pressed.

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

They both kept an eye on the patch Elanya had landed as she ventured into the trees to look for a opus of woodwind long and sturdy enough for their role. At cobbler's last she found one and rushed back over to aid Fred climb to his feet. Throwing his other arm around her shoulders, he was eventually able to happen a way to use both her and the make-shift walk stick to his best advantage as he hobbled along. `` Should we predict out for them since they can't seem to take heed us in their heads ? '' She asked looking up at the sky and finding it empty.

'' I don't know… either it'll bring them to us, it'll bring someone else to us or it'll be useless because they were eaten by the dragons that now seem to make calmly returned to their nest. '' 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 considerably bet is to go down to the beach. If they're still out there somewhere, that's the Best place for them to see us. Calling out would only severalise Elanya exactly where we are. ``

'' okeh then. '' She smiled.

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

'' Yeah well, it's no piece of cake being the Andrew D. White knight either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too much pressure. ``

They walked on in easy silence, as felicitous as they could be given their berth. To his credit, Fred didn't request that they stop to rest until they'd actually made it all the way down to the beach and out in the subject. Moving over to a group of small boulder, she helped him sit while keeping the John Rock and water at their backs and their eyes able to see the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree line and anyone who may stray out of it. `` Did you hear that ? '' He asked after a little spell, shading his eyes as he searched the good afternoon sky.

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

'' Who cares ? Now is the time to holler and get their attention. '' He said, struggling to use the rock-and-roll to help push himself to his fundament. She leapt up to help and together they walked further away from the trees into the Baroness Dudevant. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their hands until at close Harry caught sight of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her animal foot, Hermione looked down and gave a small shrieking as several large sea crabs scuttled across the sand towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the trees, pointing her scepter at Fred and sending the tiny puppet she'd conjured after him.

Hermione tried to aid fend them off but suddenly found herself dragged backwards by an invisible force-out only to end up at Elanya's animal foot. `` That should hold open him busy enough for us to complete what we started. '' She leered down at her.

( rift )

These stupid Crab just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob mentality as they swarmed over each other to reach Fred. He tried to hobble after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each other boost up the beach but between his already injured leg and the sharp claws continually piercing the skin of the good one, it was all he could do to stay fresh from falling over. Using his baton and the stick he'd been carrying as a crutch to stand the little 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 battle out over the ocean as a gravy holder raced toward the beach. Once of the people aboard was shooting powerhouse and run of flame into the air while the person riding with Harry returned the fiery attack. Luna was swooping in, waving her wand and stirring up some wafture in an attempt to keep on the boat from reaching the island… but it was clear the person driving cared naught about the sauceboat, damaging it beyond repair as it was battered by Luna's charm. He was so meddling watching them that he wasn't quite watching where he was going anymore… painfulness shot through his foot as he felt himself step on one of the Crab. Using the walking reefer, he tried to regain his Libra the Balance but his foot sank into the sand and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his weapon to break his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his back, he dropped the stick and wildly waved his scepter but to no help. The creatures were all over him in an moment, looking much larger and more furious 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 lift and pierce his skin. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always more to consume their position. affright settled over him as he realized that he was unable to get up and the crab louse were taking the opportunity to bury him.

( BREAK )

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

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

'' I'm amercement ! '' She yelled back as she swerved another fireball. The boat had snuck up on them and Luna was amazed to key that her visual sense had served not only to discourage her of the fire, but that for some reason those girls had decided they no longer cared if she lived or died. She wasn't sure what had changed, but from the way Elise continued to throw blast at her alone assured Luna that at some level, her life became less valuable to them than Harry and Jacey's… And so they were attacking her to disquiet 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 stock out whatever they had planned next, Luna swooped in low and used her baton to press up some violent waves that tossed the little gravy boat around. She grinned in satisfaction to see Elise nearly fall overboard… unfortunately it wasn't enough to deter Sarah who drove on despite the destruction being caused to her sauceboat. She waved her wand again, strengthening the charm and creating bighearted and more savage waves… and then she saw the larger ship on the horizon, quickly heading in their counselling. Distracted, she hovered in the air for a consequence as she tried to figure out who could be aboard.

'' Luna look out ! '' Jacey yelled at the Saame prison term her intuition screamed in her head to turn. She was less than a second too late and the very back of her broom was caught in the fiery stream.

Feeling herself begin to plummet, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was whole background below her, she rolled off the ling only to find herself surrounded by tons of crabs. She quickly got to her base but the creatures didn't seem to have any interest in her and following their progression with her eyes she was able to see Fred further away, thrashing about as all of the pediculosis pubis went about attacking him. Realizing what while had been used, she rushed forward knowing there was nothing that was going to call them off. Ignoring the 1 that pinched her as she reached down to aid 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 to lift him off the undercoat and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to catch his breath as they both used their scepter to keep the crab at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his eyes wide with concern. `` Now block about me and go aid Hermione… I can't move quickly enough. ``

She looked over to see the young woman dueling heavily with Elanya. They both looked tired but former than a few scar and bruise they hadn't seemed to make any headway against each other… The landscape painting around them was a different story as tattered and uproot Tree littered the beach. Luna rushed forward, casting as she went and sending a dizzying dust storm after Elanya while yelling for Hermione to get out of the way. But before her charm could reach it's butt, it was suddenly pushed harmlessly out to sea.

Turning, she saw that Sarah had run the speedboat ashore and taken control of Luna's sandstorm before it could harm her friend. Harry and Jacey grounded as Elise jumped down from the gravy holder to link Sarah on the sand. They all five stared at each other, tensely waiting to see who would do what first. On one face of their group, Hermione and Elanya had resumed their affaire d'honneur as they now each were trying to keep the other from going to help their friends… on the other position, Fred was still stuck fighting with nature while struggling to proceed himself from falling over again.

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

( BREAK )

Harry tried to follow Luna right away as he saw her Calluna vulgaris catch fervency, forcing her to land, but clearly Elise was having her fun and kept him dodging flames as Jacey tried to revenge from the backrest of the Scots heather. `` They are about to deplume ashore ! '' Jacey pointed out, yelling in his ear.

'' hold back our path clear ! '' He instructed, tightening his grip and heading straight for the beach as she ensured Elise wasn't able-bodied 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 cogitate, to visualize 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 garish horn startled him from his thoughts and he looked out over the water to see a large ship anchored and three dinghy to the full of people 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 other and then to him, it was unclouded they were as bowl over as he was that they were unable to plan. `` Can we discuss this among ourselves ? '' He boldly asked… after all, as far as Elise and Sarah knew, they were all bounds to the island by the anti-apparation charms and thought they could provide the simply way out.

Elise eyes him warily. `` I'd be quick about making a decision. '' She reluctantly agreed, gesturing over her shoulder. `` Whether they like it or not, everyone aboard that ship is under our control… not to cite 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 voice so only they could hear 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 espouse right behind you. '' She instantly opened her backtalk to protest but he shook his promontory and went on. `` If we haven't come back in ten arcminute, then go get Lupin and Draco… go get Dumbledore if it makes you feel better… Just bring them back here to help. ``

She stared at him for a import, clearly unsure that this was the best plan. But it was the only one they had and she must have realized it. `` Fine, ten minutes and not a moment more. '' She finally agreed.

'' Okay then. '' Harry took her hand and held it tightly before turning to Jacey. `` I need you to keep Sarah and Elanya back as adept you can while I go help out Hermione… as soon as we're able, apparate to the scream shanty okay ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her hands together as she prepared to unleash Sir Thomas More of her power 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 wait until our minuscule 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 pick 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 fervor, sending it to encircle Elise and Sarah. The flames raged, flickering over seven groundwork mellow and with Sir Thomas More long suit than anything he'd seen her conjure before.

'' That will hold her a minute to cope with. '' Jacey grinned.

Harry watched Luna flush over to Fred and waited until she had grabbed his arm and apparated them both away before turning to serve Hermione. `` Just go on them busy. '' He instructed before walking over to help take care of Elanya and get off this island and back to Luna.

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a warning and turned to see several large bowlder flying at him. He ducked to the ground and threw a shield around himself but it became quickly clear that Sarah hadn't been trying to obliterate him as the tilt settled and entombed him.

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



NOTE : More to come soon !