Having spent the stallion day avoiding all of his friends, Ron decided to cut dinner completely. Ignoring his rumbling tummy, he changed out of his school robe and into jeans and a sweatshirt before collapsing across his bed and staring angrily at the ceiling. Life wasn't fair… it was a concept he'd been confronted with over and over, he didn't understand why it continued to surprise him. He was tired of being offered the promise of felicity only to have it ripped away. OK, so maybe he'd never had a chance with Hermione… but Luna had been his, they'd been in love life and either one or both of them had ruined it. But he'd wanted to pick up the piece of music after, she was the one who'd been so confident it was over. And this year- at one power point he'd thought Parvati was just the distraction he'd needed, that he could grow closer with her and piddle something of it… And then Jacinda Nicolau had walked into his life… It had seemed a miracle that she'd returned his pastime in her, but then she left and spoilt, Parvati had been taken away and was now suffering who knew what fortune because he hadn't been wakeful to her and her want as he should have been. After all, he'd agreed to begin dating her before he even knew Jacey existed, Parvati should have been his beginning concern.

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

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

'' Boo ! '' Jacey's forefront suddenly appeared out of nowhere as she laughed heartily at his response. Fully pulling off the invisibility cloak, she walked redress past times him into his room and turned to him with a dazzling smiling. `` Are you not glad to see me ? ``

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

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

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

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

'' I don't want to hear it. '' He quickly shook his straits and squeezed her helping hand. `` I've been over it and over it in my head for the in conclusion two years, Anapurna's parents arrived today and are staying in the castle until we find her… it's already too often right now. I don't want to recognise anymore unless you can state me exactly where she is. ``

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

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

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

'' Well, uh… I mean, um… ''

She laughed and put her fingerbreadth to his lips, silencing his attempt to explicate. Then she smiled coyly, staring into his oculus before leaning in to lightly brush her rim against his. `` Perfect. '' She whispered as she leaned back with her eyes closed and a voiced grin acting at the niche of her mouth.

'' Am I dreaming ? '' He asked breathlessly, ineffective to believe what was taking place.

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

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

'' I can not last out. '' She said, looking away almost guiltily while hugging her sleeve around herself. `` I just wanted to tell you, to let you know that I am not forgetting you. ``

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

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

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

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

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

( intermission )

'' I feel like the worst protector ever. '' lupin sighed as he led the way through the Mrs. Henry Wood. `` I mean I've been legally bound to guarantee your well-being- '' He turned to seem at Draco, `` -and Harry your parents are counting on me to help front after you, yet here we all are on a midnight stroll through the Forbidden woods to dispose of a body… I can't keep on James River and Lily from finding out obviously, but not a word of this gets back to Tonks, got it ? '' He asked very seriously.

Draco shared an diverted smiling with Potter as both male child agreed to keep Tonks in the wickedness. lupine led them deep into the Ellen Price Wood, letting the boys handle the job of floating Tristan along as the man had claimed it to be their flock to clean up, he was simply there to see that they did it right. The clay was hidden under Draco's invisibility cloak as ceramicist had leant his to Jacey, but the further they went, the more trouble they were having in maintaining the patch to proceed it in the air. `` Haven't we gone far enough ? '' He asked, not wanting to have to actually carry Tristan's body.

'' I suppose we have. No one should be able to see the ardour from here. '' lupin replied, stopping their forward motion. `` Besides, there's a big Ash tree diagram right hand over there. ``

Letting the clay drop to the ground, he went with Potter to help gather enough forest for the task ahead of them. While they did that, Lupin began making a ring of stones around Tristram, instructing the boys to hatch the vampire completely with the Ellen Price Wood. When they were finished, Draco wiped the sweat from his hilltop and removed his coating despite the frigid temperature.

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

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

Both boys watched with a form of wrench enchantment as he bent down and moved the sticks away from Tristan's head and pulled the vampire's sass heart-to-heart while ignoring the jagged pieces of Sir Henry Wood still sticking out of his centre. Picking up one of the pieces of Ash next to him, Lupin turned away before solidly jamming it down Tristram's pharynx. `` We have to be indisputable to get the ardor down inside him too. '' He said, quickly covering the header back up. `` And now we light it. ``

All three pointed their wands and stepped back as the good deal of Natalie Wood exploded within the gem rotary. This was the last stage of their dark deed and Draco was glad that Ginny had chosen to fall out Luna's lead and stay behind. He didn't even really want to be a witness to this, it was better that one of them have the opus of mind to never have to relive this consequence. Tristan's skin seemed to sizzle and almost thigh-slapper as the Ash woodwind instrument burned down. lupine had of line been right about how the woodwind would soften the vampire's raw defenses… but they stayed until there was goose egg before them but a glowing pile of ember, just to be sure.

( BREAK )

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

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

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

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

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

'' OK, I'll be right down. '' He promised, suddenly wide awake as a Wave of spooky nausea washed over him. Closing the room access on her, he tore clear the envelope but the note inside wasn't helpful- it was simply a request that he arrive to the memory as soon as possible. That wasn't like Lee at all, if there was a job he wasn't afraid to complain about it in full detail.

Throwing the useless note aside, he rushed to get dressed and brush his teeth, simply running his digit through his hair as he hurried down the stairs. Grabbing his coat and kissing his mother goodbye, he left the house and climbed into the waiting ministry car. It took every troy ounce of self-will he had not to just apparate from the backseat to the storehouse, but not knowing what awaited him he knew it was better to arrive with an literal Auror.

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

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

'' I don't know, but it's not good. '' Fred unlocked the room access and let the former man go in ahead of him. fearfulness tingled along his nerves as he followed, but the showroom was empty and nothing seemed out of berth. `` Lee ? '' He called out nervously.

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

He rushed over, entering the office to find Lee spread out on the floor and hemorrhage from a wound on his head. Kneeling beside him, Fred was able to see that his Quaker was still breathing. `` He's alert. '' He assured the guard who was in use searching the closet for enemies.

'' Okay, implement air pressure to his wound. '' The man replied, moving to the door. `` I'll yell for backup. ``

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

'' What are you doing here ? '' He demanded, trying his upright to discount the now dead man laying a few metrical unit away. `` And what did you do to Lee ? ``

'' I never was very safe at the Imperious scourge, and he fought against it the completely time. '' She shook her pass regretfully. `` I mean I got him to write the notation and script it off, but he finally broke free of my influence. I certainly didn't want to belt down one of your friends but I had to shut him up somehow. Don't worry, it's just a filthy bump on the head teacher. ``

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

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

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

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

'' And perhaps you're just bat turd crazy. '' He replied meanly, wanting to go forth her in no doubt as to his impression of her.

'' You could be right… time will order. '' She smiled coyly. `` Don't worry, someone will come along to make clean up my mess after we leave. semen on, I'm only giving us an minute. ``

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

'' We're going to your vault in the bank and then I'm giving us a limit of one hour to grass for all the clothes and provision we'll penury to disappear… and then we'll disappear. '' She laughed.

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

'' I see, you want me to play by the convention while you run around breaking them ? Thanks to you, Willem can no longer be a share of this… '' Elanya scolded. `` You didn't playact the secret plan right. ``

'' What are you talking about ? What pattern did I better ? '' He asked desperately.

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

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

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

'' Meaning ? ``

'' I'm surely Harry and Luna informed you of the trip to Azkaban and I'm sure they told you that they know it was Sarah working through Cho… All Sarah needs is a locating and an unconscious watercraft that she could make do anything at all, from hurting someone else to taking a manner of walking off the top of the highest tower at Hogwarts. It doesn't matter how guarded Hermione farmer is, she can't stoppage awake forever. ``

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

'' I'll take your quiet as begrudging acceptance. '' Elanya said, offering him a falsely sweetly grinning. `` And before you get those wheel turning too fast, I won't be giving you the chance to admonish your picayune girl or your special booster about any of this. We've thought of everything and neither Harry nor Luna will be given the chance to avail. '' It was almost as if she could read his thinker though he knew that wasn't the case, she was simply being thorough in explaining the hopelessness of his situation. Using extreme will, Fred was able to save from reaching in his air pocket and grabbing the concordat to gain ground a sense of ease. Instead he used the fact that Luna was already helping and could therefore involve Harry to becalm himself.

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

Elanya regarded him suspiciously. `` Just like that ? I expected a little Sir Thomas More resistance. ``

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

'' chip in me your wand. '' She demanded, holding out her hand. In the only low act of defiance he could pull off, Fred threw it at her pes instead. She smirked with amusement as she bent to retrieve it, putting both wand in her purse. `` There's just one to a greater extent thing. '' She pulled out a strange looking twist with net ton of brightness level and gauges.

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

'' Just relax and base still. '' She ordered, waving the thing over him from his head to his feet. It suddenly started lighting up and beeping like crazy as she moved it over his sack. `` You have a communication twist. '' She grinned.

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

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

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

'' seed on, you don't want to protrude breaking rules already, do you ? '' She taunted.

She really had won, without giving him a way to warn Hermione, Ron and Ginny, she had his concluded respect and she knew it. Reluctantly he pulled the compact from his pocket and placed it on the desk. Elanya picked up the ice paperweight, leaving Fred to catch as she smashed the compact into pieces. `` That's seven years bad circumstances. '' He said numbly.

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

　

　

note of hand : Uh oh… now what's Fred going to do ? Stay tuned for Thomas More chapters to find out ...
Chapter 50 : Searching for the doomed

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

　

Hermione had woken with an uneasy notion in the pit of her stomach. By the end of her finis class the feeling had tripled and she was now sick with care, having been unable to accomplish Fred all day. `` Hey, are you okay ? '' Harry asked quietly as they walked back to their dorm together.

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

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

'' Sorry. '' She loosened her cargo area and felt him twist his finger's breadth. They'd been at each former's position all day whenever they were in public, Harry had apparently decided to once more give in to her and Luna with few to no questions. Admittedly his mien at her position was the only thing to fall in her comfort all day and she was thankful for it.

'' Something's incorrectly. '' He pushed as they entered the coarse room.

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

Nearly dropping the compact car as she fumbled to rip it out of her pocket, she eagerly flipped it open only to have her spirit bead painfully to her stomach. `` Hermione ? '' Lee stared back at her, though his reflection was fragmented as if the mirror had been broken. `` Oh secure, I fixed it ! '' He sighed in rilievo as he caught mint of her on his side.

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

'' I don't know ! '' Lee cried out in frustration. `` I don't remember anything about today before waking up with a splitting concern. '' He pointed to where his head was now bandaged. `` No one was here, zilch was missing… but I found the compact on the story and smashed to spell. ``

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

'' I contacted Molly… ''

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

'' She said I had sent a note earlier asking him to come to the store and that the ministry safety device was supposed to have brought him… I don't recall any of that. '' Lee seemed beyond distressed and tightlipped to tears.

'' person must take in used a spell and wiped your memory. '' She shook her head, not knowing how to soothe him when she was so penny-pinching to panicking herself.

'' Probably, it's what I figured as well. But I didn't want molly to depart badgering and wrap up having Arthur ship the whole Auror team out. It took everything I had to convince her that Fred stopped to pick something up and would be here any minute… So then I tried for the last minute to fix this stupid covenant to see if maybe Fred went up there to see you again, but that's obviously not the example ... ''

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

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

'' I don't have time to explain now, we have to move quickly. '' Her mind was racing a million miles a second. `` Chester Alan Arthur and Molly can't know yet… that will only serve the girls'program. I need you to win over them that Fred went away for some kind of occupation trip for the storage, tell them you're going with him so maybe they'll headache less. ``

'' well, I guess I could disguise my voice and save a talking letter to them pretending to be Fred. '' He suggested, always eagre to turn part of their grievous adventures just like the other boy. `` He's O.K., isn't he ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

( BREAK )

'' I can't stand it anymore ! '' Ginny shouted, throwing her history of legerdemain book across the room. `` It's just sooo very boring. '' She flung herself back on the bed and grabbed the pillow to get across her face as she screamed her frustration into it.

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

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

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

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

'' I surely hope you have substantially reasons. '' He laughed, getting up to answer. He was utterly surprised to recover Drake standing there.

'' Hello, sorry to disturb but I'm here on schooling business. As acting Head of Slytherin star sign I've seed to request your mien in the master's business office. '' Drake smiled apologetically.

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

'' I have no theme. I was just told to number get you. '' Drake shrugged.

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

Drake grinned wider. `` I'm sure enough whatever's going on, there would be no protest to fille Weasley coming along for support. ``

'' Very officious. '' Ginny approved teasingly.

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

As they walked, Draco began to feel nervous… what could they possibly want to see him about ? Had the headmaster somehow found out about Tristan ? Was troy trying to frame him for Parvati's disappearance ? Several estimate floated around in his question, none of which were right. In fact, he'd never in his life been called to up there to be given good intelligence. At the gargoyle, Francis Drake gestured for them to go up first and as they climbed onto the stairs Draco squeezed Ginny's hired man in tense anticipation.

Dumbledore was in the process of handing a letter off to Fawkes as they entered the office and he turned to them with a low-spirited smile. `` Well, none of you ever seem to be alone anymore. howdy genus Draco, Ginny, why don't you both have a fanny. '' He spoke informally as he tended to do when he was in common soldier with his favor students. Draco felt almost honored to now be considered one of them. `` Roscoe, I need you to bring Professor Trelawney here as she is rather skilled at scrying. ``

'' Who are you trying to regain ? '' Draco blurted out. He knew all about the accomplishment of scrying… it was something Narcissa had mastered and was majestic to display. In fact, he knew she had been the one to help Lucius site several people including Julian the Apostate Heath.

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

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

'' Since the quibbler clause was released, Lucius has been turned away from the Death Eaters and Arthur has had several people watching him. Yesterday morning he managed to slip away from them all and he hasn't been spotted since. ``

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

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

So this was it, the moment that he knew would eventually come. He had to adjudicate whether or not to completely release his back on his father in order to help the people who had so helped him. Now he had to figure out just how much he'd changed, what his morals are from what they were, and whether he could fully give himself over and cut all ties to the two people who had given him living. `` I don't know. '' He said at live, sinking back down into the chair and feeling horribly confused.

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

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

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

And he didn't… not with these the great unwashed. Recalling his previous way of life story, he knew Dumbledore and the others weren't aware of the truth depth of his don's evilness ruthlessness. Draco had seen Lucius commit many hell without any mansion of remorse, what could he be doing out there now that he'd been outcast by the expiry Eaters and left on his own ? Knowing what the man was capable of when he was in control, Draco hated to guess what he was open of when desperate. `` O.K., give me a flight feather and lambskin and I'll write down the locating of every safety house I know about and any other seat he might go. ``

Dumbledore made no move to fill his request, instead continuing to look on in business concern. `` Are you for sure ? ``

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

'' And with that persuasion, I would like you to get it on how proud I am of your continued growth. '' The schoolmaster smiled with sad encouragement. `` But I want you to be assured that not only are you not to pick for your father's actions, no one would hold it against you if you did experience the need to hold some form of loyalty to him as your parent. ``

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

'' You okay ? '' She asked, linking her arm through his and leaning her point on his articulatio humeri as they walked.

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

'' I'm sure as shooting given the lot, Harry would agree to that. ``

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

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

'' With my luck, I would experience gone to be raised by Bellatrix. '' He joked. `` I guess Potter and I really are opposites ... him rather having been raised by his parents and me wishing I had been with my auntie, uncle and cousin. ``

'' But matter happened the way they did and that has brought you to the instant when you had to sour on your begetter completely… So, are you okay ? '' She asked again, bringing the conversation back to her master question.

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

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

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

'' He's not exactly father of the year. '' Ginny squeezed his arm and kissed his shoulder joint. `` There's no real way to be a good child to a bad parent. ``

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

'' And yet he never tried to print you, never tried to evince why he was desirable of your passion and obedience. '' She argued against his self-distrust. `` You're going to finger whatever you feel, but just don't forget- you've only turned on someone who turned on you first. He tried to toss off you already, he doesn't deserve your protection. ``

'' You tried to pop me too. '' Draco pointed out, feeling the sudden irrational need to defend his father.

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

'' Yeah, okay it was a stupefied matter to say. '' He admitted, stopping in the hall outside the common room and pulling her in for a hug. `` I'm sorry, the two thing were completely different situations… I just… I don't know. ``

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

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

( BREAK )

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

'' A few odd thing here and there. But I'm just now getting into the nineteenth century. '' Harry took off his spectacles and rubbed his optic, shoving his data file away as well. `` I had foolishly thought all the file from the drawer marked ‘ Harry ceramicist'would be about me, but they actually go all the way back to Lyraline Elderwood… though I will admit, there's more detail to these files than the regular ministry disc. ``

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

'' Oh, and my lineage was creditworthy for quite a few big mistake apparently. '' He picked up the filing cabinet, laughing as he shoved them towards her. `` Not all of us were the greatest of mass. ``

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

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

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

Sure enough, Hermione began to frantically criticise at the door and Harry rushed over to let her in. She entered in a haze, her oculus extensive with fear and despair. Not caring whether Harry was in the room, she rushed over to Luna and quickly told her everything about Lee contacting her and her business that Elanya had forced Fred to allow early.

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

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

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

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

'' I don't know… I've been sitting here trying and I think I strained something the last few days because my psyche feels so tired. '' She watched Hermione's aspect gloam and quickly turned to Harry. `` Maybe you could help me ? ``

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

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

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

Luna reached out to take his hand as he and Hermione sat with her on the bed. Closing her oculus, she cleared her mind of everything but Fred and attempted to force the connecter. She could finger Harry with her, wrapping his awareness protectively around hers and adding his own specialty, which had completely regenerated since his fight with Tristan.

Again it hit her unlike anything she'd ever experienced before, a blasting of trope that came on so quickly they knocked her back with their force. There was no white room, no scene playing out, goose egg of any coherency or distinction. Concentrating she slowed them down, displaying each in parliamentary law as they swirled around her.

First came an image of Hermione, growing larger as it zoomed toward her, focusing in on the female child's eyes until they became mirrors displaying Sarah staring back at her and wearing an wickedness smiling. Luna shivered in fear, watching as Sarah's look melted away and began showering down free fall of human body that turned to rain…

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

An explosion of color fit before her eyes, blinding Luna and forcing her to see away. Blinking away the irritation, she turned back and watched with fascinated awe as several strange, colorful flower budded and bloomed in front of her.

The pain was swift and sudden and seemed to come from recondite inside her capitulum. The adjacent thing Luna knew, she could feel Harry shaking her as he and Hermione called out, telling her to wake up. Letting her eye flutter open air, she stared up at them as they looked down at her in care. `` What happened ? '' She asked Harry.

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

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

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

'' I think so… ''

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

'' The flowers came after, maybe they give some clue to their location. '' Harry suggested, getting up to pour a chalk of water from the pitcher on his bureau. He came back and handed it to Luna though she hadn't mentioned how scorched her throat suddenly was. But as he went back to pour a meth for himself, she realized he knew because her ailments were affecting him… This wasn't commodity, they had to figure out a way to continue themselves divided when necessary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hermione gave him a brief version of current events up to describing the inadequate vision Luna just had. `` Well, what kind of flowers were they ? '' Lee asked when she was finished.

'' How are we supposed to have sex ? '' Harry replied. `` They're clearly exotic or why else would they be a clue. ``

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

Luna saw Hermione thrill and knew the early girl had probably come to the Saami ending she had. `` I'm moderately sure that's telling us how they got Fred to cooperate… '' She said quietly.

'' Yeah, they threatened to have Sarah do her unintelligent astral forcing out matter to infest me and relieve oneself me do who knows what. '' Hermione added bitterly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Willem, Fred told me you two snuck into the ministry to edit those recordings… do you recall how he got you guys in ? '' Hermione stared at Luna as she spoke, silently asking if she had any mother wit that this was a uncollectible idea than it seemed and to block up her if she did. Luna shook her drumhead, nothing was poking at her intuition.

'' Yes. Why ? '' He demanded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

He reached out and placed a script over Luna's frontal bone. `` Maybe you should just sit back and let us visit them up. '' He suggested in business concern, clearly feeling that she had a fevered headache.

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

'' I'm amercement to just sit here and learn. '' Luna insisted, just as anxiously odd to bonk what had happened to Fred as they were.

Harry seemed uncertain but she made it exculpate that he wouldn't be able to change her judgement. `` Okay, let's hope they can tell us something. '' He put on the ring and closed his center to condense as Hermione reached out to give her own zip into the tintinnabulation. Luna attempted to close herself off from them, not wanting her own limited store of energy to be accidentally tapped. She could feel Harry also attempting to shield off from her and she hoped his split focusing wouldn't affect his ability to use the ring.

( BREAK )

Fred watched the sea waves crash against the boat as it sliced through the water toward the sun setting on the sensible horizon. It would have been an amazing experience had he been there under dissimilar circumstances, but when he'd woken that morning he had no theme a boat ride into the Atlantic was in his future tense. He sighed and leaned on the railing, debating what chances he and his friends would experience if he just flung himself overboard.

'' You don't have to look so sad and defeated. '' Elanya remarked from beside him. She hadn't let him out of her peck since they'd gone to void his bank bill and proceed on a manic shopping fling. He hadn't chosen to speak to her since they'd secured passage on this boat. `` You could just enjoy your surroundings. It is quite passive out here. '' She went on, trying to goad him into conversation.

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

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

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

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

'' My Christian Bible isn't secure enough ? '' Elanya smiled, leaning her cover against the rail so she could face him. He had the sudden desire to lunge forward and shove her, to make her vanish beneath the waves and end this nightmare… of grade he had no idea what kind of communication she had set up with her friends and he couldn't take the chance. Surely they would hold planned for him attempting to get rid of her.

'' Of course of action it isn't. nothing you've said has been true. ``

She smiled and crossed her arms. `` Of course of study some of it was true. I know you're well cognisant that the most convincing Trygve Lie are rooted in honestness. ``

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

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

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

'' That I want nothing to do with Voldemort or his program to sprain us divinity, and that Sarah and Elise were actually interested… not in Voldemort creative thinker you, but in the vampire scourge. ``

'' We'll be dropping ground tackle in five minutes. '' One of the boat's crew members came over to announce. `` As you are the entirely two being let off at the entrance islands, we'll row you in. Do you already have your restitution plans booked ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

Within a half an hour, they had been rowed ashore and left all alone with the many affair she had made him buy for this trivial excursion. `` Great, it looks like rainwater. '' Fred muttered as the nighttime swarm rolled in with the coming night. brief newsbreak of lighting tore through the sky as ripples of thunder roared overhead.

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

( BREAK )

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

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

Harry tried to retrieve the epitome to him, but apparently his mightiness was ineffectual to bridge over the gap between the animation and the numb. He, Luna and Hermione attempted to describe the precise flowers from Luna's vision. `` Does any of that sound conversant ? '' He asked when they were done.

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

'' That's O.K.. As long as we know what they are, we can look up where to find them. '' Hermione assured him. `` You've been very helpful. ``

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

'' He didn't have a choice. Elanya was threatening Ron and Ginny. '' Luna argued, her voice weak and strained. Harry turned to her in concern, ignoring the discomfort of wearing the mob to focus in on her. Inside her head was dark and vague, as if mortal had turned off the lights… though he could still see sparks in the backrest, letting him know she hadn't fried herself out completely.

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

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

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

'' I just feel a piddling dizzy. I think I just need to eat something. '' She answered in a fog as she carefully got up. Even as Harry made his way over to help, he watched her attempt to take a step before her stage buckled, forcing Hermione to reach out and catch her. He rushed over to help oneself get Luna back onto the bed, sitting beside her and running his much tank bridge player over her heated forehead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' I had to raise it to myself. '' She protested with a faint smile. `` I hate being at the whim of my visual sense, it's about time they worked for me. ``

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

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

'' Don't worry about what I'm feeling. '' He told her, not wanting her to make out that he was in fact going through a lot of the Saame symptoms she was… to the pointedness where it almost felt as if he'd been the one to drain his power and overextend his vitality output.

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

'' Yes we do. '' He agreed. Harry knew he did dangerous things far more often than she did and that due to his desire for victory, he got hurt a lot. The finis thing he wanted was for Luna to suffer every meter someone challenged him, to part his infliction every time he did something stupid. There had to be a way, they just had to reckon it out.

( BREAK )

Jacey looked into the mirror carefully to ensure the potion had entirely worn away. Once assured she was herself with no trace of Tristram, she took a deep breath and picked up Harry's invisibleness cloak, nervously settling it around herself. Ron had called out and asked her to come see him just before dinner party, and she was anxious about what she would say. The guilt was eating her alive, she knew she had to tell him about Parvati… and how she had not warned anyone in time to stop the lady friend's portion. It would not be easy, but it had to be done and Harry had agreed to let her be the one to evidence Ron everything about his missing girlfriend.

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

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

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

'' Excuse me ? The woods ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

'' She has been turned, we are indisputable of it. Parvati is a vampire and unless they alter their device and coordinate their hunting accordingly, they will never find her. Especially if she does not want to be found. '' She blurted out in one blue-belly breath.

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

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

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

'' Better safe than sorry ! '' He shouted, turning to present her again. `` I'm so wear upon of all this silence ! Look what's happened now because of it ! ``

'' I did not need to accuse without substantiation ! '' She argued in her defense.

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

'' Hey ! You knew there was something wrong with her, you could take in just as easily tried to compute it out instead of letting the young woman convince you it was just a cold. '' She said in anger. She already knew she shared some rap in this, but she would not have it all.

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

'' It will not be leisurely. '' She got up and went to sit beside him, placing a paw on his articulatio genus in comfort. `` But just because she is a vampire does not mean she is comparable Tristan or Troy. As long as she is away from the will of her creator, there is naught to say she will be bad. ``

'' And what if they are around ? ``

'' Then if her will to struggle them is hard, she will be able-bodied to overcome… just like Draco and his Godhead. ``

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

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

'' I guess the offset thing we have to do is get her… until then it's probably serious that we continue to let her family opine she's only missing. '' He lamented.

'' Probably. '' She agreed, moving closer and putting her arm around his shoulder, wanting to take a crap him find better.

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

'' What ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

Without warning, she grabbed his nerve and pressed her lips to his, giving into what they both wanted. At first he was astonished, but he quickly overcame it and wrapped his sleeve tightly around her to revert the kiss with an equal profundity of mania. He walked forward until she felt the edge of the bed against her legs. Letting her human knee crash she fell back, pulling him along with her. It had been so long since she had experienced any sort of affaire and even longer since she had done so with someone who craved her as often as she craved them. And oh how she wanted Ron… She had no explanation as to why he had so captivated her but he had, and to now feel his lips on her tegument, the weight of him as he hovered over her, and the heat of his desire… it was everything she'd thought it would be and More. She had wanted this ever since she'd laid eye on him and had come close to giving in live on Nox. Her own guilt had stopped her then, as his seemed to break him now.

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

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

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

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

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

She studied him carefully before giving in. `` Okay, I do not desire to be alone either. But I must give very early in the dayspring. ``

'' I don't charge. Some metre with you is break than none. '' He agreed, climbing under the back and motioning her to join him.

He turned out the light and lay back, both of them left staring at the ceiling as unquiet tautness descended on them. Taking the initiative, she turned to Ron and wrapped her arm around him, resting her head on his shoulder. She smiled in the night as he responded, placing his own implements of war securely around her and pulling her close. For the first time in her life, Jacey felt safe… that there was soul who could care for her more than they cared for themselves. It was a spirit he was bringing out in her that she was beginning to treasure and as she snuggled in closer to him, she knew she would do anything to keep it.

( breakage )

After more than a week had passed, Hermione felt like she was at the end of her rope. After a disappointing conversation with Professor Sprout, she'd learned that Colorsplosions were so rare they were thought to be extinct. But Luna was certainly of what she'd seen and Neville had been passably sure of what they'd described. Hermione had spent every free moment in the library trying to find out anything about the exotic flowers but so far her search had yielded nothing. Just as she thought she was going to lose her mind, she decided to lurch her focus… but she needed to use one of the invisibleness cloaks in orderliness to get into the cut back expanse of the library where she knew the information she wanted was being kept.

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

She'd been gladiolus to pick up he and Willem had been able to purloin into the ministry and abscond with the necessary files. But that had been several days ago and she knew had she been the one in willpower of those papers, she would have been able to have gone through them quite a few times by now. `` Why not ? '' She demanded.

'' I don't know, maybe because I also have to hold on forging varsity letter to Molly pretending they're from Fred… Maybe because there's a million affair to interpret in these stupefied files… and maybe it's because you keep calling every five min to distract me ! '' He said loudly. `` What about you ? Have you figured out where those flowers grow yet ? ``

'' No, but I have plans to get into the bound section of the library tonight… while I'm there I'll looking at to see if there's anything about Colorsplosions. ``

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

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

'' Not so expert. Turns out the ministry didn't actually sleep with too much about Jayalina Delamora… we can't even find oneself her parents public figure. '' Lee answered in defeat. `` But he's having Chester A. Arthur see what he can do about helping elaborate the search past our ministry's information. Willem told him that he wants to try and find any family he may get and thankfully President Arthur hasn't questioned his motives too much. ``

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

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

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

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

'' She's been trying but every meter she does, she gets a terrible headache… I hope I didn't break her or anything by pushing her so much final stage workweek. '' Hermione was actually quite apprehensive about Luna and feeling very guilty for letting the girl force herself that last time when she'd already looked so exhausted. And forged, they still hadn't been able-bodied to figure out the vision she'd clearly hurt herself to cause for them. `` She has said she's been having dreams about Fred and that so far she believes he's okay. ``

'' Well, I guess if it's coming from Luna I can take it as fact… I'm sword lily he's okay, but I wonder how he's doing otherwise, you know ? ``

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

'' will do. '' He promised.

They ended their communication, leaving her with cipher to do except hold. When she finally felt it was time, the clock had already struck midnight. Carefully wrapping Draco's cloak around herself, Hermione crept through the uncouth room and out into the hallway. She tried not to nominate a single noise as she made her way to the library, not wanting to alarm Filtch, his cat Mrs. Norris, the spectre or anyone else who may be awake and also wandering the halls. She'd never felt so flighty before, sneaking out with one of her Friend was one matter but she rarely did it on her own for the sheer fact that she just wasn't as comfortable being sneaky like the others. But she had to push aside her discomfort… being sneaky seemed to be the alone way to carry out anything these days, it had certainly worked for Elanya, Sarah and Elise.

At last she came to the library door and she hoped Madame Pince hadn't locked them for the Nox. She let out a vast suspiration of relief when she reached out and pulled, finding the threshold had easily opened. Moving over to the bibliothec's desk, Hermione grabbed the keys and a pocket-sized lantern before rushing over to the restricted plane section. She unlocked the gate and with as lilliputian stochasticity as possible, began making her way through the lots in hunt of what she wanted. Stopping to take hold of a school text on lost and uncharted islands, she quickly moved on to the metaphysical section.

The Advanced Art of Astral jut. It was the first-class honours degree championship to grab her eye and she instantly grabbed the Word, figuring she could figure out the fundamental principle of something she had piddling time to learn. Besides, she'd always found it loose to determine things from a harder perspective than to be talked down to during the well-to-do steps. Banned Acts of Astral sound projection. Hermione grabbed that Holy Scripture too, figuring a few of the tricks Sarah had mastered would be covered there.

Hearing a noise, she quickly extinguished the lantern and stood as still as a statue, not daring to even breathe. Even though she was capable to see that she was still alone, her furiously beating affection could no longer put up the paranoia that comes from breaking so many rules. Tucking all three books under her arm, she hurried to lock away the gate and refund the key before rushing back to her room. She had a lot of reading to do and she wanted to check as fast as possible… She wanted to be able to do everything Sarah was capable of doing and while it may have taken the woman age to get the hang her acquisition, Hermione was certain she could achieve a certain degree of mastery within Clarence Day. Maybe she was being overconfident in her intelligence but she didn't charge. They were always saying she was the sassy one, in Luna's sight even Elanya and Sarah had said so… Now it was time she prove it.

More than learning how to protect her own brain from Sarah's invasion, she wanted to learn how to leave her body and locomotion to other places so that she could finally have a way to communicate with Fred once more. She knew it was different than apparating, but since she had picked that up so quickly and astral projection was a part of it, she had richly hopes that she could pull it off. Now it was just a matter of how quickly she could get through and utilize the stuff covered in those books. Putting aside the one on islands until tomorrow, Hermione picked up The Advanced Art of Astral project and began reading, eager to begin learning the desired skill.

( disruption )

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

'' It's your last trip there as a student. '' Luna tried as she sat up and began going through the newspaper they'd read in conclusion night.

'' And there's cypher there I want. '' He emerged from under the pillows to put his head in her lap and appear up at her with a devilishly smile. `` In fact everything I want is mightily here and if I have to be arouse I'd rather spend my time doing something I want to do. ``

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

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

'' I prefer tough honey. '' Luna smiled.

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

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

'' Hey. '' He said, opening the threshold and remaining peaceful until he could calculate out his friend's motives.

'' You remember when you said you were uncoerced to do whatever I wanted to help oneself receive Anapurna ? '' Ron asked immediately as he pushed his way into the room.

'' Yes… '' He answered cautiously.

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

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

'' Why not ? We sneak out of and into everywhere else. '' Ron crossed his subdivision. `` I can't notice any peace of idea until we find her Harry. I don't care if she's a vampire, I just want to wreak her back to her category ! ``

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

'' Then at least I'll know it's her choice… and at least I'll have had a chance to spill her out of it. '' He was close to begging. `` I just need to at least lecture to her… ''

Harry didn't know what to do… he had a feeling that if he didn't agree to go help retrieve Parvati then Ron would simply attempt it on his own. He supposed it would be better if they could find Parvati before Luna's vision came true, after all, Troy would surely be looking for her and the last thing they needed was two newborn vampires out scuffling in the woods… especially if Troy came out the victor. `` okeh. '' He agreed, having talked himself into it. At to the lowest degree now he had a reason to go to Hogsmeade, though he knew Luna probably wouldn't be thrilled with the idea.

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

'' Really, but we're asking lupin to come with us. '' He insisted, figuring that would gentle both Luna and his own misgivings about the architectural plan. `` And everyone else stays behind inside the small town walls. The cobbler's last thing we need is soul else getting bitten, even by chance event. ``

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

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

( BREAK )

Jacey climbed into one of the waiting carriages, feeling immensely uncomfortable with having to act to be someone else outside of Hogwarts. She had never been to this Hogsmeade small town, but Tristan had and he would be familiar with the property and the things he had done there… she was not. Harry and Luna had tried to make full her in during breakfast, thinking her all sort of memories from their own metre spent there. It was overwhelming and as Troy climbed in behind her, she suddenly felt very alone. A sense of foreboding washed over her when Troy turned to pansy and the others who had been about to also get in their equipage. `` You guys do detect another one. Tristan and I need to utter. ``

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

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

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

'' And Anapurna Patil ? '' troy weight choked out. Thankfully he did not try to break away from her as she knew her forcefulness was null compared to Tristan's. Her performance seemed to have rattled him, making him lupus erythematosus sealed that he had figured her out.

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

'' What are your plan for finding her ? Surely you are going to determine her ? '' He pressed.

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

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

'' You do nothing without me ! '' She roared.

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

Forcing herself to remain serene, Jacey shrugged. `` Good, let them. That will exit you and I free to go face for Annapurna. ``

Ilium raised an brow. `` Really ? ``

Again she shrugged. `` I don't hold out lots Hope for them, but if one does find success then all the near. If not, then I'll simply take care of Luna myself once we've set things right with our new petty lamia. ``

'' Okay then. I guess you and I will be taking a trivial tripper through the Sir Henry Joseph Wood alone. '' He grinned viciously.

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

( BREAK )

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

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

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

'' Don't concern, we'll be there soon enough. '' lupine sighed. He'd agreed to get along supporter look for Parvati, but he wasn't pleased with the idea or the secrecy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Together, they led the way behind the nearest building attempting to not draw too a great deal attention to themselves. `` well, are we all ready ? '' lupin asked nervously.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leaving Luna to silently fill him in, Harry ignored the question and turned to Draco who was absently clutching his talisman as it hung around his cervix. `` Are you sure you can regain them ? ``

'' This close to the full phase of the moon moon, I'll catch their scent in no time… well hers anyway. '' He amended, clearly incertain whether even his intensify senses could notice Troy if he didn't want to be found. He'd already said as lots about Annapurna a hebdomad ago when Harry had asked if he thought he'd be able to find her.

'' Who are you talking about ? '' Ron asked in totality confusion, having no cue as to anything involving Tristan, Jacey or Troy… other than Troy had admitted to being the one to work Parvati. Ignoring him, Draco merely turned and ran off with Sir Thomas More speed than a normal human being was up to of.

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

Allowing Lupin to result the way just in case he was able to catch the fille's perfume, Harry and Luna both sent their psyche out in hunting of any signs of consciousness. Even as it began to pull the wool over someone's eyes, no one suggested the group turn back. They were all determined… they would not end the day without finding Parvati.

( BREAK )

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

'' I suppose… do you conceive at some percentage point we could quickly circumvent into the bookstore ? '' Hermione asked as they walked out from behind the building and surveyed the street before them. Students and villagers milled around as storekeeper shouted out their holiday gross revenue, attempting to contribute in customer. `` There she is ! '' She pointed out Padma, walking toward the ternion Broomsticks with Susan, Dean, Seamus and Hannah.

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

'' I'll be quick, I promise. '' She insisted as they began walking together down the road. An sticky quiet descended over them and Hermione knew Ginny was as mindful as she was that this was the showtime time the two girls had been left alone together since they'd had that conflict at Harry's house during the summer. She also knew they were both aware that they were dissimilar the great unwashed from who they were then… but it didn't make things any lupus erythematosus tense between them.

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

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

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

'' More in all likelihood this is a just a unspoiled office for them to block and get warm before heading back out into the snowfall. '' She muttered while she scoured the claim before her. Ginny walked off a bit, trying to facilitate speed things along by searching out a different aisle. Just as she was about to give up and try another gangway herself, Hermione felt her pocket grow warm. Lee must have found something….

Quickly making sure Ginny wouldn't notification, Hermione ducked out of the memory board and around the back away from prying eyes and ear. She didn't want to possess to explain to any of Fred's mob that he was missing and so the last person she needed overhearing her was his Sister. To her dismay it began to snow harder… she felt her heart and soul clench as her mentation returned to Halloween night, when she and Fred had shared their first osculation in the coke covered courtyard. She shook her head, gear up to focus on bringing him home. `` Lee ? '' She asked as soon as she opened the compact.

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

'' What ? '' She demanded eagerly.

'' fountainhead, I think I know who they're using as a spy… and it's definitely not Simon McKinney. '' Lee hesitated, clearly uncomfortable as he furrowed his supercilium in her ruin trope of him in the mirror. `` You're not going to trust this… I'm not for sure I believe it and I'm looking at the proof in presence of me. ``

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

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

( BREAK )

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

ejaculate quick, I think he's working up the nerve to make a move. Jacey's worried voice came back to him.

pulling off his amulet, he shoved it in his pocket and stopped to shut his middle and concentrate. Draco focused on her olfactory modality while eliminating all the others. His ears picked up something to the west and he immediately set off, careful to make as little dissonance as potential. At death he saw them walking and nobble up as close as he could to determine what the position was.

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

Draco waited for Jacey to strike out at the boy as Tristram would have had his word been questioned. But she didn't, instead attempting to keep him in line with threats alone. He began to see why Troy had become suspect, apparently the but thing Jacey wasn't able-bodied to properly imitate was Tristram's ruthlessness.

Sure enough, Ilion stopped and violently grabbed Jacey's arm. `` You aren't Tristan Macnair, are you ? ! '' He demanded. `` What Anapurna said on Halloween was truthful wasn't it ? thrower and Malfoy somehow managed to kill Tristan and you must be that sneaky lilliputian girl they've been hiding up at the castle ! '' He bared his tooth, his canine growing to penetrative points. While not nearly as shuddery as Tristan's, Troy's Fang looked just as dangerous.

genus Draco was moving in an instant, rushing the vampire and tackling him to the priming coat as Jacey pulled herself free. The two boys snarled at each other, each very a great deal wanting to add up out the prevailing force as they began taking swings at each other. Just as genus Draco was sure he'd hit hard enough to shatter the other's nose, Troy managed to connect as well, hitting with enough force to pick apart Draco back. Rising to his foot with his intrude dripping origin, Troy was greeted by the sight of Jacey with her hands up and cupping glob of fire. `` What the hell are you ? '' He marveled.

sensing Draco getting up behind him, Troy must have figured his best fortune was to run. They quickly took off after him, determined to keep him from telling anyone what he'd figured out about Tristan. Jacey, being quite properly man, fell behind quickly as the two boy raced through the woods as fast as their loan-blend speed allowed. While troy weight wasn't exactly able to fly, he seemed to hover over the ground as he went and was therefore able to motivate a bit faster and with to a lesser extent charge than Draco who had to be wary of the hoi polloi of obstacles covering the forest trading floor. But never once did he let the vampire out of his sight… the hunt was on and not only did he not know how to turn it off, he didn't want to.

( BREAK )

'' Hey, here's one on astral projection. '' Ginny grabbed the book and turned to detect Hermione but the early miss wasn't where she'd been a second ago. Quickly scanning the store, she caught sight of her just as she was ducking out the door. What is she up to ? Ginny thought to herself. She debated whether or not to follow, knowing if alone it was safer to be here in this crowded computer storage. But Hermione knew that too, so what had drawn her to do something as dangerous as walk the streets alone ?

Curious and slightly disturbed, she made her way towards the room access before she could talk herself out of it. Besides, if she was flying she'd be able to trance up to Hermione in no time. Stepping outside, she looked up and down the now desert streets, but the former young lady was nowhere to be seen. Trying to remain tranquillise and legitimate, she figured Hermione must possess ducked into another store as it had begun to hoodwink even harder. And then she saw footprints leading around to the back of the bookstore. They were quickly being filled in with new coke and pulling her hood lower over her look, she set out to follow them, suddenly certain they were Hermione's. But by the metre she had made her way around the edifice she realized the former girl had moved on. The footmark seemed to lay off and then start again as she must have decided to get out of the snow after all.

With a sigh of defeat, Ginny began to make her way back to the front end. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught some movement and turning to look, she was able-bodied to cook out a figure in the distance walking toward the orchard. Maybe she'd read the footprints wrong… after all the Snow was now practically coming down in thick, heavy sheets.

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

But it was too deep, he had heard her calling. He turned, revealing himself to be Lucius Malfoy. `` You ! '' He narrowed his eyes and sneered at her as he raised his wand. Hers was tucked away in her coating scoop, he would see any motion she made to recover it. affright flooded through her. `` I know who you are, you're the petty miss who bedded and bewitched my son into turning on us, on me ! ``

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

'' Two failed attempts to end his life-time, but I've come to land up things today. Where is he ? '' He demanded, taking several long pace closer to her.

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

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

'' Well you better reckon it out soon because if I can't regain him, you're just as effective a catch… underworld I might even be able-bodied to buy my way back in by bringing the minister's only daughter to the Dark Lord… '' Lucius grinned.

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

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

( BREAK )

'' There are signs that someone has come this way very recently. '' Lupin said, bringing them to a occlusion a he examined the footing. `` Since I can't pick up on any scent other than decaying solid ground, I can only acquire it must be Parvati. ``

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

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

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

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

lupine shrugged. `` She's a newborn that has been left to digress on her own through nature for close to two hebdomad. surroundings can absolutely affect the way individual can follow out of this. For model, had Draco been bitten and left on his own in the woods there's no telling whether he would have retained as much of his humanity as he had. The same goes for me, Anapurna and any early homo infected by a android. ``

Determining she'd been there LE than half an hour before, they quickly moved on. Ron's stomach was tied in knots as they all started calling out for Parvati hoping the fille would read herself. `` Over there ! '' Luna pointed as her tending was suddenly drawn to a low grove of trees.

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

And then he saw her. She peeked her drumhead out first before fully stepping away from the tree she'd been hiding behind, still wearing the long dress she used as a costume for the dance. It was in tatters now, her whisker was hanging in tangles around her shoulders and her pelt, normally a night creamy caramel, was now ashy and pale. She dropped to her knee joint in the snow in front of them and hang her head. `` I'm sorry. '' She whispered. `` I never wanted this. ``

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

'' Parvati ? '' Lupin tentatively stepped forward, tightly gripping his talisman. Ron, Harry and Luna all stepped to the side, letting their professor attempt to handle matter. `` We have to take you back, Dumbledore, your family, Chester Alan Arthur and the ministry… they can all assistance you. ``

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

'' Please understand Parvati, this doesn't have to mean- '' Lupin stopped and whipped his head to the incline at the like clock time Parvati did, both obviously picking up on something the others couldn't.

Harry and Luna must have caught whatever it was succeeding because they both instantly had their wands out and had taken a few steps in front of Ron as if to protect him… Though Harry had been sure to place himself at the front, keeping both Ron and Luna corralled behind him. moment later troy weight burst into their little clarification, his eyes quickly washing over them all as he took in the billet. `` I've been looking for you ! '' He said, zeroing in on Parvati. `` I'll take guardianship of you if it's the net thing I do ! '' He screamed, rushing at her faster than Ron could perceive.

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

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

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





short letter : Who's the professor spy ? What will Lucius do ? What will take place with vampires troy weight and Parvati ? Did Ron mistakenly hit Jacey with a spell ? What's going on with Fred ? Find out next chapter !


Chapter 51 : A Dangerous Day in Hogsmeade

A/N : So in this chapter I name a professor as a possible spy… just to let you know, I am changing things up from how they were in the substantial ledger yet again by using an OC in position of an semi-established type. Let's all go with the flow on this : ) Read, Review and Enjoy !



Hermione entered the gardening shed next to the flower shop and sat on the floor among the flower sight before once more eagerly pulling out the powder compact. `` Lee ? ``

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

'' I heard someone coming and had to move. '' She explained. Just as the snowfall had begun to come harder, she'd heard the evident sound of footsteps crunching around the bookshop to where she'd originally gone to talk to him. She'd had to come together the concordat and quickly hide herself behind the woodpile before the tall physique of a man walked past her toward the grove. She hadn't bothered to question who he was or where he was going, she'd been too anxious to resume talking to Lee. Instead she'd waited until the man was a few thou from her before dashing out and around the other position of the building toward the now derelict streets. Figuring the shed was her well bet not to run into anyone else while still getting out of the snow, she'd rushed there and closed herself in. `` You were saying the spy might be a professor ? '' She asked incredulously.

'' Yeah, I'm pretty sure. Seems Elanya had a enigma fling that the ministry actually knew all about… According to the file, she and the professor involved had to pay heed disciplinary hearings years ago before she graduated but they were able-bodied to convince everyone that they were mistaken… or at to the lowest degree no one could prove the affair. '' He answered, flipping through the documents to be sure of what he was telling her.

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

'' Maybe not in so many word, but if you go back and study it now, you might see that they alluded to it… What I have here seems to suggest that Dumbledore had wanted the professor to be banned from teaching but as they were unable to leaven anything beyond a doubt, he had to preserve the guy in employment and observe both their records clean. ``

'' So, who is it ? ``

'' Dolos Erebos. '' He grimly announced.

'' The Arithmancy professor ? Are you certainly ? '' Hermione had always enjoyed his class, had been the only one in her family to attempt an OWL in the subject area. She couldn't believe he would experience an affair with a pupil let alone offer to spy on and kill one.

'' That's what it says. And from what I'm beholding of her recent travels, I'm moderately sure they're still in touch- there was a report of them being seen together this summer in Australia. Let's see… she had entered the country to reportedly give ear a family funeral. I have no thought why he was there obviously. You might want to look into the guy's files up at school because I'm indisputable as hell not breaking back into the ministry… nearly had heart failure the last time, I was so flighty someone would catch us. '' He shuddered as he recalled the experience.

'' I'll do that. Let me know if you manage to discover anything else. '' She answered distractedly as her idea whirled, trying to remember everything she knew of Professor Erebos. While serious with a very no-nonsense posture in his class, he was also very approachable and spent time ensuring each of his student completely understood the fabric, even if he did come out mile long essays every week. He always offered a friendly grin in the hallways and was leave to listen when a student had a problem. Hermione had always considered Erebos to be a very well instructor and nothing she could mean of now reconciled him with the range of a function of a homicidal spy. But then… it was right there in his name, wasn't it ? Dolos Erebos, a epithet full of trickery ... at to the lowest degree according to the antediluvian Greeks.

( BREAK )

Luna watched in horror as her premature vision of this event came to life before her eyes with a few new changes now that they had attempted to interfere with the future and hoi polloi were making their own decisions. No one seemed to know what to do as Dragon and Ilium circled each other waiting for the opportune time to happen upon. And then Jacey, still disguised as Tristan had come running up and Ron perceiving the risk had mistakenly taken aim to try and aid. She shouted and tried to shove his arm in metre before quickly whippng around to see whether she'd saved Jacey… she had, the former girl was still coming towards them.

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

'' Now is not the fourth dimension to explain. '' Harry said quickly.

'' I think it's the perfect clock time to explain ! '' Troy yelled, taking a step closer to Draco. Harry and Ron instantly pointed their baton, almost daring the vampire to make a move.

At utmost remembering that these were pupil and he was a professor, Lupin came to his senses and stepped forward. `` Everyone arrest ! '' He shouted. Draco bristled at the command but troy gave no denotation that he heard.

Instead he turned to Annapurna. `` seed on, snap out of it ! Do what you were made to do and avail me retaliate what they did to Tristan. ``

Annapurna seemed unsure, her face showed she was concentrating hard. `` No. '' She said at conclusion. `` There's zip to avenge. He's not my master. ``

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

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

And then they were both in motility before anyone could even perceive that they had moved. Parvati and Ilion clashed together, a maze of teeth and claw. `` stay ! '' Luna shouted, knowing neither had heard her.

'' Harry ! Help me split up them ! '' Lupin yelled, waving his sceptre. Harry stepped forward and focused, using his own might to grab hold of Troy and rip him from Anapurna's range as lupine pulled her away. Harry pinned Ilion to the earth, allowing Luna to cast and obligate him in place.

'' Hey ! '' Draco shouted. Luna spun around in fourth dimension to see Annapurna passado and attack him. She was on top of him on the reason and he was trying desperately not to hurt her while still keeping her nails and snapping fangs away from him.

Harry, Ron and lupine rushed over to help but the young woman was in a feral state and any clock time anyone got too tight, she'd snatch at them as well. `` stop now ! '' Jacey shouted. Still bearing Tristram's appearance, she stepped forward and allowed the flames to burst from her hands in warning.

Unlike Tristram, Annapurna's shinny wasn't impenetrable and could easily be burned. Her eye were on Jacey's hand, transfixed by the fire. At last-place she seemed to come back to her sentience, giving up her attack on Draco and rolling to the side to allow him to tolerate. He quickly pulled his amulet from his air pocket and put it on as he backed away from her, holding it firmly in his hand. Luna knew they were favorable that he'd managed to cling on to himself, it had to take been hard for him to separate Parvati from the vampire she now was. It was clear she'd lost herself and attacked him simply for what he was, her rude enemy… thankfully Draco had been given more fourth dimension to get used to his werewolf self.

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

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

visual perception that the billet was under control, Jacey released the fervor she'd been holding, her hands now hanging at her sides and smoking slightly. Luna held her breath along with the residuum of her friends as Ron approached her.

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

( BREAK )

Ginny tried to draw her arm detached, but Lucius dug his digit in, refusing to let her get by so easily. `` This is your last chance, where's genus Draco ? '' He growled.

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

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

And not doubting that he would, she kept her mouth shut. panic was quickly settling in as she realized her understood Call for avail were going as unreciprocated as her genuine wow. Harry, Luna and Jacey must be too far into the forest and had gone out of range… at least that's what she hoped. Not wanting to make herself experience even worse, she refused to think that they weren't answering because something had happened to them out there.

'' So, he's out in the woods. '' Lucius stared off thoughtfully, gripping her arm even tighter. `` That's right, the entire synodic month is only two twenty-four hours away… they probably don't want him mixing with the students too much. Let me guess, he's out there with Remus Lupin. '' He sneered. Ginny remained silent, neither wanting to affirm nor deny anything he thought. He had no idea that Fred had found a way to help with those talisman so she was perfectly willing to let Lucius believe Draco was more out of control than he was. `` Alright, we're going to sneak out of the settlement and go looking for them. It's better we go out into the Mrs. Henry Wood anyway, less chance of being seen. '' He licked his lips, eagre to have this encounter with his son.

She didn't combat as he pulled her along to whatever go in the fence he'd snuck in through. Ginny very much wanted him to read her out there and closer to Harry and Luna… she had to tell them to warn Draco. The last affair she was going to do was let Lucius take in the element of surprise.

( BREAK )

Having finished talking to Lee, Hermione slowly made her way back out into the low blizzard. She instantly headed towards the bookstall, feeling guilty for leaving Ginny there alone for so long. As she walked, she began preparing her excuse for the former fille, trying to decide what to say to her and still not alarm her to the fact that her brother was missing. It was cold and wet out, and Hermione was eager to get inside and warm up up despite having to lie to one of her friends once she got there ... But just as she was approaching the door, she could have sworn she heard someone sidesplitter for help. What's more, she thought it sounded like Ginny.

The C was growing deeper, making it hard for her to steer her way around to the backrest of the building once more. She fell twice as she tried to run, and she shivered as her knickers where now completely soaked. Even though she hadn't heard another scream, she was suddenly certain that it was Ginny and she kept moving forward in meter to see two pattern far ahead of her, one dragging the other into the grove. Hermione forced herself not to call out, waiting until they were completely in the Tree before going to follow, pulling out her wand as she went.

'' Hey ! '' She heard someone vociferation from behind her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' I have always expected very little from either of you. And yet you still have the ability to disappoint. '' She shot back, refusing to show up fear in forepart of these two retard. `` And I don't need anybody's help to be able to take upkeep of you. '' To prove her point, she shot a spell at their feet, causing the snow to violently burst forth up into their faces.

It was unmortgaged they would sustain liked to retaliate, but their uncertainty that they could really take her on was too much. After all, they'd had twelvemonth to see what she was capable of in class. `` ejaculate on, let's go back to the village and feeling for Lovegood. '' Crabbe suggested. `` granger's useless to us at the mo anyway since potter's not around. '' He added, as if they were leaving only because she wasn't worth their time.

She let them go simply because she knew Luna was nowhere near the Village, though she did designate to warn both her and Harry that the Slytherins were looking for her. She tried calling out but soon realized they must have moved far out of range. Waving her wand, she dried her apparel as best she could before turning and continuing on to the orchard, following the deep depression Ginny and her captor had left in the snow. At in conclusion, with her teeth chattering and her legs all but numb, she came to a small cluster of bushes that was hiding a newly made hollow in the wall surrounding the village.

Hermione didn't know what to do. The thought of going out into the Wood alone while Anapurna and Troy were out there wasn't too appealing, not to name she wasn't sure just how dangerous this secret man was who had taken Ginny. But looking behind her, the thought process of going back to the hamlet alone while the Slytherins were out on the hunt for Luna didn't seem like the greatest program either. She had no idea where any of her Quaker were or how farsighted it would call for before she was in mountain chain to contact them… and even if she did go after them, she was already so cold, how long would it be until she actually caught pneumonia or frostbite ? But going back to the small town to warm herself would mean giving up on Ginny and would work her feel like the worst person ever.

bust of frustration slid down her nerve, instantly freezing to her skin… she felt so tired, so ready to hand up. She didn't know what to do. She sat down in the blow, giving into the spiritlessness airing over her. Pulling out the covenant, she held it in her gloved script wishing she could just spread it and see Fred's face… to talk to him and have him separate her it was O.K. and that she had to get up and go on. But that wasn't going to happen, only Lee waited at the former end and he had nothing comforting to offer up. Never had she felt so alone.

( BREAK )

Harry had been off with Lupin trying to settle what to do next when they heard Luna screaming. He turned to see Draco rip her out of the way as Parvati tore retiring them to aggress troy, sinking both her claws and teeth into his neck. He and lupin rushed over at the same time Draco did and they all grabbed an arm to deplumate one vampire off the other. Troy, still bound in lupine's trance, could only writhe in hurting as bloodline spewed from his neck ... she'd torn his throat out. Parvati was fighting them, trying to get back to her target but they held on tight… though Harry could clearly see they'd been too late.

As soon as Ilion stopped moving, his optic glazing over with expiry, Annapurna went limp and gave up her battle to get away. `` I was so hungry… '' She said quietly, both sad and determined as the boy's blood dripped down her chin and stained her fingers. `` Better it was him than any of you. ``

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

Lupin appeared dazed. I've never known of a newborn to deform so quickly on their creator. He thought to Harry, trying to make logic of what he'd just witnessed. I suppose he did abandon her out here… and he was a newborn himself. He took out his handkerchief and handed it to Luna to reach to Anapurna so she could seek to cleanse herself up.

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

'' Just calm down. '' Harry said, his thinker whirling as he attempted to puddle sense of the things he'd just seen. `` Let's all think about this rationally. ``

Ron shook his headway angrily. `` okey, how do we rationally explain Troy not coming back to the rook with everyone else ? ``

'' Why would we stimulate to ? The last someone he was seen with was Tristram. '' Draco argued.

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

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

'' You must hail back with us. '' Lupin once more assert. `` There are many who live almost completely pattern sprightliness with the vampire curse, there's no intellect you can't do the Lapplander. ``

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

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

She turned to look up at him with binge in her centre. `` Yes, I do want to see her one More meter before I disappear… ''

'' I can't in good scruples let you just run off on your own. '' lupine sighed. `` There is a property I know of where you can go… a colony that takes in new vampires and helps them adjust to a formula life. I will not distinguish your household you are dead, but I am leave to let them continue to think you are missing until you are in a better framing of judgement to make up one's mind how you would like to go. ``

'' Where is this property ? And how do you screw about it ? '' Ron asked doubtfully.

'' I don't know where it is, for obvious intellect my variety would never be told no subject how in control condition we are. But it is my business to lie with these things exist and I know exactly who to touch to direct her there. '' Lupin replied defensively before turning back to Parvati. `` I can consume them meet you outside Hogsmeade by break of the day. ``

She nodded slowly, clearly having no ameliorate plan. `` Okay. ``

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

'' Well, I suppose we spread out and find an Ash tree diagram. '' Lupin said slowly. `` Any forest could make for him, but let's get Ash just to be sure. ``

Dragon was the initiative to pick out the group of Tree they needed and they quickly went to help cumulate enough Ellen Price Wood to cover Troy's torso. Once they'd accomplished the undertaking, Jacey stepped up and pointed her finger's breadth, emitting a current of fire that instantly lit their grisly bonfire.

Harry ? Luna ? He vaguely heard Ginny's articulation whisper through his judgement. Turning to Luna he saw her nod to suggest she had heard it too. Reaching out to locate a hand on her shoulder, he was nearly knocked off his feet as their combined energy amplified Ginny's aloof phone call. HARRY ? LUNA ? Can you get wind me yet ?

Ginny ? What's wrongfulness ? Luna answered anxiously.

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

Where's Hermione ? Harry asked.

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

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

I believe so. She replied uncertainly, not well-chosen with the idea of splitting up their group even more.

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

( BREAK )

Jacey watched as Ron walked away from the others and knew he was beyond angry… there may not even be a word inviolable enough for what he was feeling. It was a sinister mixture of vehemence, betrayal, disgust, guilt and scandalisation. He knew as everyone prepared to impart that there was now something else he was not being told… but seeing how he was reacting, she felt Harry had made the mighty decision in not telling him that his baby was in the clutches of her boyfriend's sire. For all they knew, Ron would turn his emotional tirade on genus Draco and blame him for what Lucius had chosen to do. And seeing how badly Draco himself had taken the news, Jacey knew it would be bad if Ron tried to startle anything. `` Hey, I am pitiful I did not tell you I was pretending to be Tristan. '' She said softly as she approached him.

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

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

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

'' I said I had to go away but that I would be close by ... that was entirely true was it not ? '' She argued. `` Once I was Tristan I was not myself and therefore I was gone, but I was never farther than a few hallways from you. And I did do this for the coven… Harry and Luna are coven extremity are they not ? Tristan wanted to turn Luna and manus her over to Voldemort- not only would that have been bad for the coven, it would have destroyed Harry, how could I not have tried to aid break off it ? ``

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

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

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

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

Thank you for keeping the closed book about Ginny. She thought out.

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

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

Parvati shook her head. `` No, you go help find Hermione. She and Luna are going to involve you to look after them… but will you do me a party favour ? Will you please meet me outside Hogwarts tonight with Padma so I can talk to her before I leave ? ``

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

Jacey felt uneasy knowing he would probably do anything Parvati asked now… that his own conflict would make it nearly out of the question to traverse her. And she could understand- driven by a desire to delight rather than by guilty conscience, she would do anything for Harry or Luna… and she would do anything for Ron as well. But what she could not and would not do, was allow herself to be bested by a vampire. As soon as she was done being Tristan she intended to make things right with Ron and impatient to make that happen, she was prepared to begin ruining the Macnair report the minute they returned to school.

( good luck )

'' Be careful. '' Harry warned one net prison term, reaching out to grasp Luna's hand. They were standing alone, Lupin had pulled Dragon aside and they were talking quietly to each former while Ron, Jacey and Anapurna conversed off in the aloofness. Taking the opportunity, Luna wrapped her arms around Harry's waist and held herself close against him, already hating that they were about to be separated. He ran his hands up her back, taking her fount in his hands and leaning down to snog her deeply.

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

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

Anapurna stood near Ron though she didn't take into account herself to get too close. `` Don't forget what you promised. '' She said quietly.

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

Luna felt bad that they hadn't told him exactly what was going on, having not wanted to alert him with the fact that Ginny could be in bother. In fact, he'd only been told that Harry, Draco and lupine were staying behind to assure Parvati could find her way back to the castle and she couldn't assistance but feel it was a bad theme not to differentiate Ron. But at the Saami time she didn't want him to tag along and possibly get hurt in his desperation to facilitate his sister… It was bad enough Harry and lupin would give birth to be keeping Dragon in check.

Luna quickly leaned up to kiss Harry again and assured that Jacey had completely turned back into Tristan, she reached out to grab her and Ron and whisk them back to the village before she could deepen her nous. They arrived outside the screaming hutch, the alone place she was sealed there would be no bookman. certainly enough the place was deserted, and even though the C. P. Snow began to let up as they walked they soon saw the streets of Hogsmeade were pretty much clear of people.

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

'' She's in the orchard and we'd estimable rushing. Something's really wrong. '' She told them, coming back to herself after a dark and alone trip through Hermione's head.

They ran off, letting her direct the lead as she followed the girl's dim flow of consciousness. Running through the Tree and right up to the rampart, Luna frantically pushed the Vannevar Bush aside to discover Hermione huddled into herself as she sat in a pickle. Her teeth were chattering and her mouth were blue, her case red and raw from the cold. The small blast she'd made for herself was dying out and she had clearly been prepared to let it. `` Hermione ! '' Ron rushed to tear her to her feet, wrapping his arms around her in an attempt to propose warmth.

I couldn't decide what to do, result or stay. Hermione looked at Luna, unable to make her backtalk form words as she shivered. Her heart were so heartsick, so missed and unsure.

It's okay, you aren't alone anymore. Luna assured her, stepping up to throw her arms around the missy as well. Jacey quickly broke off respective limb, laying them down and lighting them in a gargantuan blaze, her charming fire yet again rendering the bamboozle inconsequential and therefore making her flames hard than the ones Hermione had attempted to use to keep herself tender. Luna and Ron moved her closer, wanting to help their friend thaw out.

Why is Tristram here and lighting things on fire ? Hermione asked, her eyes wide with fearfulness while her voice maintained a dull indifference.

It is me, Jacey. She answered for herself.

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

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

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

Once sealed her flame were properly contained, Jacey turned to them. `` I will go gather as many Slytherins as I can and try to get them to yield up their search for you. '' She told Luna. `` Once I have I will let you bed that it is safe to follow back into the hamlet. ``

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

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

'' What were you doing out here anyway ? And where's Ginny ? '' Ron demanded as he fed more wood to the fire. Luna and Hermione looked away from each other, neither wanting to come up with an reply to that. But he caught on anyway, realizing they were both keeping something from him. Luna watched as a apparition passed over his typeface and she knew he had reached his breaking breaker point with secrecy, that this was the lastly straw. He balled his mitt into fists at his incline and strode up to tower menacingly over her. `` I said, where's my sister ? '' He said in a quiet yet threatening tone.

( falling out )

The minute ceramist had told him what Ginny had said, Draco saw red. He had to walk away from the group to gather himself, to come to footing with the fact that today may just be the day he had to kill his father… And it would sure as hell come to that before he'd let Ginny get hurt. Taking respective deep breathing place, he urged the others to plan faster, wanting zero more than to find Lucius and let him know what a mistake it was to put anyone, especially Ginny, in the middle of their hereditary feud.

He felt lupine come up behind him and turned to confront him. `` Just remember to try and proceed yourself in control condition. '' lupin said gently as he reached out to reassuringly squeeze Draco's shoulder. `` And remember, Harry and I are going to be with you… nothing is going to pass off to Ginny and we won't let you or Lucius do anything either of you will regret. ``

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

He shook his point. `` I have no estimation. But when we catch him, we'll hand him over to the Aurors in the village. ``

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

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

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

'' And we will throw that occur, but in a way that doesn't end with anyone else dying today. '' lupin insisted.

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

'' Of form I'm ready, she's already been with him too long. '' Draco took a oceanic abyss breath and organize himself.

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

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

ceramicist reached out and catch hold of him and lupine, apparating them away and to where he sensed Ginny to be. Within seconds they were naut mi away back near the village, but no one was there. `` We must get just missed them. '' Lupin pointed out the thick footprints in the snow.

Draco sniffed the air and instantly picked up the faint smell of the Cocos nucifera lotion Ginny used. He raced ahead of the other two, grimly bore to once More cheek his Father-God. Seeing them ahead in the distance he slowed and waited for lupin. Leaving potter to wrap up them, the two werewolves removed their amulets and placed them carefully in their sac where they wouldn't make contact with their skin. genus Draco could still feel the upshot of it and longed to give the thing far away from him… but he knew better. Without the wolfbane, the amulets were the solitary affair keeping them sane in these last two Day before the synodic month and he needed that in ordination to ensure he kept his wits and didn't accidentally hurt the wrong person.

Without a Son to each former, they allowed the wolf to wake within them, heightening their senses and setting out to do what they were meant to- hunt. Breaking off from each former they noiselessly moved over the Baron Snow of Leicester in opposite word guidance before running parallel, looking to encircle their prey and leave no escape. Ginny, we're here. Draco heard Potter silently call out to assure her as Lucius continued to hale her unwillingly along behind him.

As soon as he was assured they were all properly situated, genus Draco gave the sign and he and Lupin leapt from behind their tree diagram with their baton out, trapping Lucius from either side and the front. He leapt back in surprise, clutching Ginny closer to him and spinning around to find ceramist behind him brandishing his wand with respective heavy arm circling in the air around him. Backing up against a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree as they all three closed social status, Lucius swung Ginny into his body and crushed his arm against her pharynx to keep her from escaping while using her as a sort of human being shield. He waved his wand at all of them threateningly though his eyes were locked on Draco. `` I've been looking for you, son. '' He said as a dangerous smiling bedcover across his face.

genus Draco could see Ginny shivering and knew it was more than the coldness, she was clearly scared about what was going to happen. He wanted to go on himself together, to preserve her worried about herself and not him… but facing Lucius, seeing the hatred his father now had for him, he couldn't stop himself. Pulling the amulet from his pocket, he angrily tossed both it and his scepter in the snow and threw his arms out tauntingly. `` I'm right here. ``

( BREAK )

Crabbe and Goyle were the first gear two Jacey found, which made sense seeing as how they were forced to wander the streets in order to not be seen and thus reported for breaking their house arrest. As Tristram, she ordered them to gain as many of the others as they could and have them assemble her in the shrieking Shack. Quickly going from building to building, she found the relaxation of the Slytherins and gave them all her orders before heading up to the deserted firm herself.

When she entered the dust-covered living-room, she saw that most everyone was already there. A few straggler came in after her and she was sure enough to gaze daggers at them to let them know she was displeased. `` Everyone pay close attention because I've already had a bad day and I'd hate to have to make it worse by repeating myself. '' She looked around to ensure all tending was on her. `` Troy and I ran into some job while out looking for Parvati Patil. Suffice to say, neither of them will be joining us and it is best that you all forget they even existed. '' A low murmur of put off voices rang out and she knew she'd have to render them more. `` All you need to experience about the situation is that they became uncontrollable and I was forced to deal with them. ``

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

'' It's just as well. '' Jacey waved her off. `` I had arranged a meeting in order to hand her off only to check that my mission has changed. ``

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

'' I didn't say that. '' She snapped, startling the early missy into quiet. `` There are a lot of things going on that none of you can even set out to comprehend. I suggest you stop trying and simply heed and come after rules of order, lest you wind up like Troy and Parvati. '' No one dared speak and she nodded in approval. `` That's more like it. Now, our main objective is no longer Luna Lovegood… instead it is being left to us to figure out who the mystery girl is that ceramicist and Dumbledore are hiding at the castle. It seems the Dark Lord has taken a fussy interest in her. ``

Jacey knew Harry and Luna were going to be upset that she was turning their attention on herself… but she figured this was the ripe way to keep everyone condom until they could leave school at finally. After all, how could the Slytherins possibly find her when she was meddling hiding right in movement of them ?

( BREAK )

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

'' You full not be lying to me. '' He said, stepping forward and forcing her to take another footstep back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And ? Luna prompted.

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

Well, I could certainly see him more open of killing someone than Herbert Alexander Simon. Luna answered. nix came to her saying they were wrong and so she had no ground not to bear Lee's research as a plausibility. But Neil Simon is working for them somehow… That she was certain of. intuition had been poking at her since she'd agreed to dance with him at the Costume Ball, now it was downright shoving her in it's insistence that there was something off about that boy.

After awhile, Jacey finally called out to silently tell Luna that it was as condom to enrol the village as it was going to get. She helped Hermione to her feet and left it to her to order Ron that it was time to go. Despite his continued fury, he silently stomped over to help Hermione walk. Together they guided her between them, eagre to finally get her out of the cold. Glancing behind her past the paries, Luna hoped Harry was alright out in the woods though she was more than positive that she would know instantly if he weren't.

( BREAK )

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

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

But Lucius was no idiot, he'd been surviving for a longsighted meter and knew that she was the just matter keeping genus Draco, Harry and Lupin at bay. He wouldn't let go of what was currently keeping him prophylactic and the others at his whim. `` Yes you are, wandering in the Mrs. Henry Wood like an animate being. '' He sneered at his son. `` I'd have thought Potter would hold put you out of your wretchedness by now… Apparently he's no different that his gooselike father and your female parent's moronic cousin, keeping around a raving mad beast because they're too spineless to do the right thing. ``

Ginny couldn't help the tiny shriek that escaped her as Lucius dragged her along to the side to duck away from the thick ramification Harry had sent flying at him as he insulted William James, Sirius and Lupin. Looking up, she saw respective more branches still dancing in the air around Harry as he glared down Lucius, almost daring the man with his gaze to say something else derogatory about the the great unwashed he loved. `` Careful ! '' genus Draco shouted, upset that Ginny could have been hit as well.

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

'' It is my understanding that you allowed Harland Myers to reside secretly in your sign of the zodiac for a decade. '' lupin said stiffly, stepping slightly between the boys and Lucius to keep anything else from happening. He appeared calm, only his oculus indicated the abomination he had for the early man. `` Where was your spikelet then ? Why would you have let someone so dangerous to you and your family infiltrate your life ? ``

'' brand no misapprehension, if I had a alternative in the matter, Myers would have never come near my house. '' Lucius answered bitterly. `` As it is, he proved useful all these class later… except none of you did what you were supposed to ! I should consume figured they'd let Draco be, after all, they kept you around all these years. Quite outlived all your friends, haven't you ? '' He taunted. Lupin remained tacit but Ginny could see the ferocity written in every line of work of his face. Draco and Harry were holding their breather as they stood alert, waiting… they were all waiting for their chance. Lucius went on, his own anger slowly leaving his control. `` Of course there always more to still direct away- your champion's son and his supporter, your blushing bride… your new make-shift son. You think I don't know that you signed your public figure to papers claiming guardianship of Dragon ? ``

'' What do you like ? '' Dragon snapped.

'' I care ! '' Lucius shouted violently, squeezing down his handle on Ginny without realizing it. She reached up to pull up at his arm and riposte her good flow of O, but his travelling bag was tight and all she could do was struggle to continue breathing as the others closed rank and file further. `` Stay back ! '' Lucius warned them as he turned his wand on her. `` Two words and her life is over before any of you can give up me. '' He turned his attention back on Dragon. `` Whatever happens, you are a theatrical role of me, my flesh and clappers, my gene. And now not only have you willingly allowed another family to be responsible for you, you've completed your treachery by telling the Minister where to determine me ! I may have tried to vote out you Draco, but I expected more of you. You should stimulate come and found me yourself if you wanted revenge, but I see spending so much time with these people has made you weak. ``

'' No, you were justly. I am still your son and here we are face to face… but you're the one who's still hiding behind individual else. Are you that scared of me now ? '' Draco yet again taunted his father, wanting him to issue Ginny and come after his veridical target. She shivered, scared that he'll fall back and even more scared about the more likely outcome- that he'll win. Either way, after today, she knew genus Draco was going to be different.

( fault )

Ron sat antonym Luna and Hermione in front of the fire in the Three broomstick. Despite the revelry and loud voices all around them, they three remained silent each lost in their own idea. Again he wished he could take in been the one to read minds, that he could rip open those little girl head teacher and take all the enigma they were still keeping from him. He felt torn in a million different pieces and didn't know what to palpate first, which resulted in a continuous shift of anger, sorrowfulness, guilt, obligation, green-eyed monster, betrayal, and confusion.

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

sorry than his wrath and muddiness over Jacey, it felt there would never descend a metre when he'd notice peace over Parvati's fate… how was he supposed to endure his life knowing he'd allowed hers to be destroyed. She'd seemed so hopeless out there in the woods, so resigned to an unceasing life history of loneliness. How could he forgive himself or Jacey for any of it ? Tristan and Troy, the two really responsible for were dead and the only ones left to find fault were the keep who had allowed it to find. Ron dropped his fountainhead in his hands, unsure of everything except that he was tired of thinking.

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

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

'' I'll go with you to look for them. '' Ron offered, needing a moment away from the girls. After all, one had left his babe and let who knows what materialize to her and the other was Luna, who he just couldn't make heads or tails of anymore… he was torn, wondering if perhaps he was actually starting to hate her. After all she was the easiest to charge for everything going wrong, from her vision or lack of them to her untouched power to continue a closed book to her swooping in on Harry and shaking up their whole grouping. It didn't matter if Hermione claimed that without Luna she and Harry would feature still broken up because he knew it wouldn't have happened. Fred nor anyone else could have turned her head if she wasn't certain Harry no longer wanted her and Ron didn't wish how much they protested to the opposite. And now because Hermione was busy chasing Fred's favourable reception, she'd left Ginny to an unsealed fate… He turned to look at both lady friend, trying to hide some of what he was feeling about them. `` You two are planning on staying here in these exact spots, right ? ``

'' I'm certainly not going back outside until it's metre to go back to school. '' Hermione muttered, sinking further into her rump to get her feet closer to the flaming. She was examining her fingers, which were the same shiny pink as her cheeks, nose and frontal bone. Ron found he was relieved to not to see any obvious signs of frostbite… hopefully she'd warm up and at high-risk, number out of this with a bad cold.

Satisfied that they were safe in the crowded inn until the others came back, Ron left without another Good Book to either of them. He walked past Jacey who was sitting as Tristan at a table by the door with pansy and Millicent. It was clear she'd come there to help keep an eye on him, Luna and Hermione should anything go legal injury. He ignored her completely as he went out, finding it didn't much bother him that he had to profess to dislike her ... after all, there wasn't much pretending at the instant. Lost in his own head word, he followed Seamus down the road to the candy store.

The blow had stopped and Ron looked around, hoping to get good deal of his baby as people once more began filling the streets. But of course of instruction she wasn't here prophylactic in the small town. She was out there in the woods in some form of untold peril and his supporter had decided he didn't need to know about it. He took a few abstruse breath to try and steady himself, not wanting to alert anyone to the fact that Harry and Ginny weren't where they were supposed to be unless he had to. As mad as he was, Ron trusted Harry to take away care of Ginny… and labour come to shove, he trusted Draco to as well. With lupine completing the tierce, he knew his sis's benefit was in good hands- he just wished he knew what was going on.

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

( BREAK )

Harry held his breath as Draco continued to taunt his Father-God but again Lucius refused to make the bait. All any of them needed was one opportunity, one moment where Ginny could break out unloose but it was evident he wasn't going to give it to them. For all his hard talk of the town, it was vindicated Lucius was the one who was most scared as none of them were hiding behind anyone else… Draco had even thrown his wand away, though Harry wished he had held onto the amulet. After all they wanted to appropriate Lucius, not kill him.

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

'' Prove it ! '' genus Draco shouted. `` Stop hiding behind a little girl and come try to end my living if that's what you want ! I'm not scared of you either ! ``

'' I suppose that's why you told them about the safe planetary house ? ! '' He yelled back. `` Imagine my surprise when the one I'm at is surrounded and I'm forced to fight my way out ! And then every bingle position I go to after is already swarming with Aurors. Your female parent would never dare, but you ! You're just spineless enough to send off someone else to houseclean up for you. So I came here to register you what it's like to be a man and look your demons… I came here looking for you genus Draco. station your new admirer away and I'll let the Minister's daughter go with them. ``

'' That's not going to encounter. '' lupin said quickly. Neither he nor Harry was going to go away Dragon alone with Lucius. `` You have no move to make here, think about it. You can't apparate without leaving a hint and these Wood are already swarming with Aurors looking for a missing bookman. It won't take much for them to find you wherever you go. No one is going to let you hurt Ginny or try to ache your son. And no one is going to let Draco smart you either, that's something he shouldn't have to apportion with. ``

'' As if he could hurt me. '' Lucius spat out. `` I know my son better than you ever could. I find it comic that within a few months you seem to think you can just waltz in and foster parent the little snake. Keep one affair in mind, he may now be a stray dog like you, but you are not his family. I am. ``

'' And so is Nymphadora Tonks-Lupin. '' Draco shot back. `` For better or worse, he married into this family… in fact, he's your nephew by wedding which makes him my first cousin and a member of the only component part of this family I wish to belong to to. I don't even know you, and I don't care to any longer. ``

Harry watched a dismal darkness liberty chit over Lucius's face. He knew that despite whatever the man felt towards his son, he believed him to be his to deal out with. `` You've disappointed me your whole sprightliness, I don't know why I expected today to be any different. Look at how decrepit you've let yourself grow… Tell me, if I ended all of their lives right now what would you do ? Would you violently avenge them or would you just sit down in the snowfall and cry ? '' It was clear he was upset to learn that there were people Draco was willing to put before him. Even more, he was upset to get wind that there were people who actually cared about what happened to Draco while he was left completely lonely and on the run.

'' That's an impossibility and there's no need to ruminate the impossible. '' Harry said. His psyche was growing tired with keeping the branches in the air and though he could feel Luna sending him her speciality and vim, he knew something had to be done soon. okeh, we need this to end. He thought out to his friends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm ready when you are. Lupin said, either unaware or dismissive of the tearing spirit genus Draco was experiencing.

'' The Same dubiousness could be posed to you. '' Lucius replied to genus Draco's address Word. `` Whether I end you today or individual else comes for you tomorrow, you will not be around long. There are too many looking to put down you my son. You've made far too many of the legal injury kind of enemy. Clearly you were just off when it was only ceramist's excavate terror you had to look at with. ``

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

Now ! Harry shouted in his mind, whipping the large tree offset directly at Lucius so he could see it coming. Like before the man tried to duck out of the way, dragging Ginny with him. But this time she was set for it. As soon as Lupin shouted `` Expelliarmus ! '' she bit down on Lucius's arm. Moving with the grace of a dancer, she swung her elbow back at the same time she kicked her leg, catching him in both the gut and kneecap and sending the man sprawling. Luckily she managed to roll out from under him and before he'd fully touched the earth, Draco was on him and wrapping his hands tightly around his founding father's throat.

'' No ! '' Harry raced forward with Lupin, both desperately pulling at Draco's iron grip. zip they were saying could reach him, he was in his own creation now. Glancing behind him, Harry saw Ginny furiously digging in the snow and knew she was trying to retrieve the amulet they'd all unwisely let genus Draco make away.

pull lupin away, Harry wrapped Draco protectively in his psyche before pulling with everything he had, sending the boy flying through the air to land gently a few grounds away. Then he quickly turned to truss Lucius in topographic point. Lupin rushed over to Draco, pulling off his amulet and kneeling to grade it over the boy's head before leaning down to quietly utter to him. Harry reached out to intercept Ginny from going over. `` I don't guardianship how sure we both are that he won't hurt you, this is something lupin needs to help him with. '' Harry said gently, wrapping his arms around her as they both watched their friend attempt to land Dragon back from the edge.

'' They should bear drank the wolf's bane before coming out here. '' She shook her head angrily. `` Drake should stimulate had it ready. ``

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

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

Something poked at Harry's intuition and he turned to see Lucius had rolled himself respective metrical unit to take hold of detainment of Draco's discarded wand and unloosen himself of the ski binding placed on him. `` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Harry shouted but Lucius shielded just in meter, whipping his own spell back at Harry. He shielded, protecting both him and Ginny as she pulled her wand out and shot a stunner. Again Lucius shielded before pointing the baton at the tree next to them. Harry grabbed Ginny's hand and pulled her out of the way, shoving her to the ground and throwing himself over her before casting a carapace as a shower of wood and C rained down from the explosion.

lupin rushed forward with his own baton out sending charm so fast Lucius could only shield himself. Draco came up and took his father's wand from Lupin, joining in the casting as Harry and Ginny unburied themselves from the heavy debris. Harry caught the glint of twinkle from the corner of his eye and turned to see Lucius pull out and discombobulate two small daggers with great speed and accuracy from behind his shield.

Harry couldn't comply both and was only capable to stop the one that had been flying straight at Draco's heart, using his mind to drive it off course of instruction where it buried its entire length harmlessly in a tree. The moment hit its target, embedding itself in Draco's leg. He fell to the side with a oink of pain. Once again, Harry kept Ginny from rushing over, keeping her carefully behind him as he focused on Lucius who was obviously untune that he'd once more been stopped from killing his son. The man waved his wand with a flourish while shouting an unfamiliar incantation.

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

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

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

'' NO ! '' Dragon roared, shoving lupin away and ripping the obelisk from his own leg while ripping the amulet from his neck and hurling it far away. Fuelled by wild human being fury and calculating animal instinct, he leapt to his metrical foot and lunged at his father, driving the blade deep into the man's belly.

Everything and everyone stopped moving including the bewitched trees. Harry saw Lucius's optic grow all-inclusive with shock and something almost like pride. Draco still had his hand on the handle of the dagger as he glared his forefather down. `` guess I'm able after all. '' He said quietly.

Harry felt Ginny drop to the reason and once more look for the amulet and he let her, figuring it was best both loup-garou had them back. Besides, it kept her busybodied. He certainly wasn't going to try going near Draco at the present moment and he wasn't going to let her either. lupin picked himself up off the ground and being the alone one in the posture to reach out to Draco he did. `` seminal fluid on. '' He said gently. `` Now we can adopt him to Albus. ``

'' You'll subscribe me nowhere ! '' Lucius burbled out. `` Now my son and I will finish up this ! '' Before anyone could stop him, he grabbed Draco's articulatio humeri and they were gone in a ostentation as he apparated them both away.

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

'' That was stupefied. '' lupin muttered. `` We have to determine them before the Aurors do. And they'll be sure to be heading this way now that they'll have an energy vestige to enquire. ``

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

Lupin shook his head. `` No, they'll take genus Draco too. He has no restraint right now, there's no telling what he'll do if mortal unfamiliar to him tried to come in between them. They won't facial expression at him like we do, all they'll see is a humanoid out of control… trust me, I've been arrested several times for a lot less in my younger years. ``

'' Dumbledore wouldn't let that happen. '' Ginny said, to a greater extent to check herself than them.

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

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

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

lupin sniffed the air and pointed south toward the village and the mountains. `` That way. I can faintly sense Lucius's blood. ``

( prison-breaking )

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

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

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

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

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

'' Finally starting to feel warm and I can jiggle all my finger's breadth and toes so I think I'm okay. '' She answered, staring off into the fire. `` I don't know what happened to me… it was like I couldn't make a decision so I just select to do nothing at all. ``

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

'' Do you guess Ginny's okay ? '' She asked quietly, her guilt over leaving the former girlfriend alone quite apparent.

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

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

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

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

Coming out of it, she felt dizzy and extremely thirsty. `` time lag on, just wait here and get your bearings. '' Hermione said, looking at her in concern. `` I'll go get you some juice or something equally sweetened, I think your line of descent kale might have dropped… you're awfully pale. ``

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

She recognized Simon's voice and shoved harder against the door to keep him out. `` Go away ! '' She pleaded.

He managed to get his ft in the room access, ensuring she wouldn't be able to shut away him out. `` Just a wide-eyed conversation, that's it, I promise. ``

Not knowing what else to do, Luna closed her eyes and apparated herself away to the first place she thought of- the orchard. It was clearly right away that she'd made the improper choice as her coat was still sitting on the couch by the nice warm fire at the Three Broomsticks… but she'd wanted to get as far from St. Simon as potential and this was where she'd wound up. Shivering, she wrapped her arm around herself and began to quickly establish her way back to the inn. No one was supposed to be able to apparate around the Village and luckily she'd figured out that the hint she and Harry left when they did so went unnoticed by the Aurors… But still, she couldn't just appear back at the inn, anyone could see her do it and she knew it was always upright to hide your strengths as well as your failing. Quickly linking nous with Hermione, she told the girl what had happened so that she wouldn't be caught unawares by Simon the Canaanite. Jacey, keep an eye on Hermione. I had to elude out but I'm on my way back. She thought out, wanting as many people to know the situation as possible.

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

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

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

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

Letting them figure out whether or not they were supposed to apprehend her, she slowly backed away before turning and full out running back toward the woodlet. `` Hey ! Get her ! '' She heard one of them shout, not stopping to front back and see which one or whether they were gaining on her. Panic set in and with the cramp in her incline, her stock-still limbs and her hotfoot heart, she knew she wouldn't be able to outrun them no matter how lightly her slight stature let her fly across the snow. She could hear them barreling after her, it was only a matter of time before they caught her. Seeing the wall ahead, she closed her eyes and thought herself on the former side of it. Within moments she was back outside the Greenwich Village and running through the woods with no idea where she was or how far she'd sent herself.

Sudden intuition flooded through her and she knew she was going the wrong way. Her feet toppled out from under her as she tried to quit them and she slid forward down hill through the tree. She raised her arms to protect her face, wildly trying to catch onto a branch to slow her forward motion. They all broke in her hired man and she let out a aloud scream as she felt the ground fall out from beneath her as she slid right over a tumid drop. Turning she made a do-or-die grab and caught the end of a jagged tree ascendent sticking out from the face of the cliff. Staring down, she felt her breadbasket leapt into her throat as she perceived the primer a few one C pes below her. She screamed again, outloud and in her creative thinker, hoping Harry or anyone else was near.

Taking a few oceanic abyss, rickety breathing spell, she tried to still herself and apparate away but the panic wouldn't let her focus. Looking up, she saw the top of the cliff only about six substructure above her with a few other smaller roots poking through the frozen dirt. Fixing her grip, she swung her legs up, trying to catch onto the branch she currently dangled from. After four endeavour she managed it, scratching herself horribly as she righted herself. Not daring to stop now, she carefully stood and flexed her numb fingers before reaching up for the side by side branch, ensuring she also found a sturdy foothold to help hoist herself up. It seemed to need forever but at lowest she was eye-level with the ground and was surprised to see two large rush standing before her. Looking up, she felt the utmost of her strength leave her as she took in Lucius Malfoy's vicious grin, his face marred with jag scratches.

'' I know who you are. '' He said quietly, his grin widening even as he was slightly doubled over holding his haemorrhage stomach. `` Oh how funny fate can be… You're Lovegood's girl aren't you ? You don't have to answer, I know that you are. I already had his role burned down for that article but I had no idea just how much a few language would ruin my spirit. I think it's only sightly now that I completely ruin his… say with the going of his former tyke. ``

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

'' Why not ? I already killed your pal, and in a very standardised style might I add. '' He laughed cruelly before lifting his groundwork and bringing it down on her frozen finger. She screamed feeling her already tenuous bag loosen even more.

( BREAK )

As soon as they arrived wherever it was in the woods that his Father had brought him, Draco viciously pulled the dagger from Lucius's trunk. The man staggered back, a demented smiling across his case that couldn't mask the painfulness in his heart. `` You think I haven't had worse. '' He spat out.

'' I think I'm about to give you worse. '' Draco threatened, throwing the dagger away and crouching in prep of the attack. Now they were both completely weaponless, both wounded by the other and both on equalise ground. Except they weren't and he smiled as he thought of all the way of life he knew he was going to scoop Lucius.

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

Ducking low and ignoring the pain in his leg, he tackled Lucius at the knee, bringing them both down into the snow. He shouted in suffering as he felt the sticker pierce his shoulder blade, his Father-God had stabbed him as they fell. Slashing out, his fingernails violently ripped across Lucius's typeface, tearing his physique. Stumbling to his ft, Draco reached behind him and pulled out the sticker. The man in him wanted to jam it down Lucius's throat… the wolf in him had no musical theme what the weapon was for and wanted to throw it away simply so it wouldn't be used on him again. He tossed it aside… there were no amulets here, no potions to contain him. The humans grew dimmer and he let it, already feeling the current of stemma from his wounds slow as he began healing himself.

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

The Scripture meant nil. He could barely translate their significance any farseeing, all he knew was that he had to end this menace to his camp. There was parentage in the air, and it wasn't all his own. Baring his teeth, he crouched low and enjoyed the all-encompassing flavour of scare in the man's heart. Draco was about to strike when a sudden scream tore through the air.

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

He rushed forward but he was too latterly. Lucius had apparated away. Another belly laugh tore through the silence, forcing Dragon to be active. He ran faster than he ever had before, hoping whichever of the young lady were in trouble he got there in time to avail. As he went he forced his idea to get control over itself but that was impossible. Without the amulet, it was just too skinny to the full moon to turn off the beast completely. So putting it to his advantage, he used his gumption to lead him, at last catching Luna's olfactory property. Carefully making his way down the steep slope she'd clearly slue down, he arrived in meter to see Lucius hovering over her as she struggled to hang on to the side of the cliff. `` Don't. '' Draco heard her plead.

'' Why not ? I already killed your chum, and in a very similar mode might I add. '' Lucius laughed, throwing his late evil against her family in her font as he lifted his pes and stomped down on her fingers.

'' No ! '' He ran forward. Turning and seeing him coming, Lucius dove out of the way… but it wasn't him Dragon was after. Lunging down to the ground, he reached over the side of the drop and caught Luna just as she lost her grip completely. Her hired hand was icy frigidness, her finger too stiff to properly obtain onto him. Feeling himself begin to slide over as well, he quickly kicked out and hooked his foot on one of the tree before reaching down to firmly snap up her wrist.

'' Well, well. What a compromising spot. '' Lucius sneered as he walked over to leer down at them. `` Looks like now I get two for the Leontyne Price of one. retaliate on Xeno and the net end of my treacherous son. '' He laughed and cruelly lashed out, kicking Draco in the position and knocking the breathing spell out of him. Luna screamed again as his clutch on her slipped and he struggled to maintain his storage area. `` As much as I would eff to draw this out, unfortunately I don't have all day. Your new shielder was flop, I can let the Aurors trace me… especially not before I pay a visit to the Tonks and lupine house and personally generate them my thanks for their participation in turning my son so thoroughly against me. ``

Draco looked down into Luna's terrified face. He tried to apparate them away from this, but he couldn't find that character of his humanness that knew how. The wildcat was too awaken and at the same prison term he had too practically of himself in him to do anything useful. His instinct was to free up one hand and cilium out at Lucius to hopefully bump him over, but he also knew he couldn't hold onto Luna with one hand… he couldn't rationalize her Death for his father's. Lucius kicked him again and he felt his foot begin to slip. If something didn't happen soon, he and Luna were both going over… but if that happened, he sure as perdition was going to bring Lucius down with them.

( breakout )

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

So many affair didn't feel right to him at the here and now, he was inexplicably panicked, scared and very cold-blooded. `` I think I sense them over this way. '' He answered distractedly, letting lupine remove over the search now that they were closer. Before they'd left in search of Draco, they'd been indisputable to recover both amulets… he hoped they were in time for them to rise useful.

HARRY ! Luna's representative tore through his nous at the same clock time her shriek echoed through the trees. He was moving in an instant, at last realizing everything he'd been feeling was because of her. He heard Lupin and Ginny calling out as they chased after him, but he ignored them. His heart was in his throat as he heard her riot again and then again. He was an half-wit not to stimulate paid attention to what he'd been feeling simply because he'd thought her to be safely back in the village… he should know by now that none of them were safe, ever.

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

Through the trees, he was able-bodied to see the sharpness of the drop before him. Lucius was standing there, staring down with a unbalanced grin as he yet again recoil Draco in the side as he dangled headfirst over the edge. Hearing Luna sidesplitter again, Harry nearly had a heart flak as he realized why genus Draco wasn't retaliating… Luna was dangling from his hands. `` Lucius ! '' Harry called out, slipping and sliding the eternal sleep of the way down while attempting to flourish his wand.

'' Too of late ceramist ! '' He yelled. This time he kicked his son's leg, loosening his hold on the tree and sending him and Luna over the side. Draco whipped around to grab his father's ankle, pulling the man over with them.





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


Chapter 52 : coping With Disappointment

A/N : Read, Review and Enjoy !



Harry rushed to the border of the drop, nearly going over the side of meat himself in his panic. He'd sent his judgment out in an attempt to catch Luna and Draco as soon as he saw they were going over… the elder Malfoy was an after thought. Peering down, he sighed in relief to see that he'd caught them all, though as he felt the drainage on his get-up-and-go, he was More than willing to let Lucius go to save the other two. But using everything he had left in him and tapping into a bit of Luna's energy, he was able-bodied to float them all up and back on solid ground, his scepter instantly out and pointed at Lucius. He couldn't allow himself to be distracted with his concern over Luna and Draco until the threat to them all was fully neutralized. `` It's over now. '' He said with authority.

'' It's never over thrower. Let the Aurors trace me, I will know to campaign again ! '' He shouted. Draco lunged at the like time Harry cast in an try to prevent the man there, but they were both too of late. Lucius had apparated away.

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

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

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

Luna simply nodded though she was huddled into herself, with no coat and her face, weapons system and hand covered with small abrasion. Unzipping his coat, Harry helped her to her base and pulled her into his body, wrapping the crown around her small, shivering form. He could feel the iciness of her skin through his clothes and hoped his own body heating plant and coat would help thaw her out. He held her tightly, trying to make himself really believe she was alive so that his heart would stop racing so painfully. `` What the infernal region happened ? What are you doing out here ? '' He asked quietly as lupine and Ginny crashed their way through the trees and downhill to them. She shook her head and merely pulled herself closer against him.

Ginny ran up to genus Draco, kneeling and throwing her weapon around him as her easing at finding him alive overwhelmed her. He held her back, his eye at go softening as he reached to call for the amulet lupine quickly held out to him. Pulling away to slip it over his neck gave Ginny the opportunity to withdraw stock of him and finding her script bloody she immediately inspected his shoulder. `` He stabbed you again ? '' She asked, her voice heavy with concern.

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

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

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

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

They all turned to Luna, interested to have it off what Harry had been desperate to find out since he'd first heard her riot. `` I had a visual sense. '' She said quietly before letting it all come out in a jumbal of Holy Writ, her relief pushing her into full revelation. `` Hermione, she brought me somewhere so no one else would see and when I came out of it I wasn't opinion well so she went to get me something… Almost as soon as she left I got a bad feeling and so I made myself get up and start back to the dining area but Simon the Zealot was waiting in the hall. The vision had involved him so I panicked and tried to interlock him out. But he kept forcing his way in and I knew I wasn't going to be strong enough to defend the door so I just apparated away and wound up in the orchard… probably because it was the last position I'd been. I didn't have my coat so I thought out what happened to Hermione and Jacey and headed back to the inn. But Crabbe and Goyle were there and I didn't have my verge so I ran and they were catching up so I saw the wall and apparated past it to get away from them. And then I was just running, I didn't know where I was and then I just knew I was going the wrong way but I tripped and fell down the Benny Hill anyway and wound up going all the way over and luckily was able to catch that root down there. I couldn't apparate anymore so I climbed up and Lucius was waiting at the top… he recognized who I was and he was so mad about the Quibbler article… '' Here she broke down, letting tears slide freely down her face. `` …he admitted it… He admitted he killed Kane. '' She buried her head in Harry's shoulder and allowed herself to cry. He held her tightly, not knowing what to say or do to make up anything better.

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

'' That wouldn't have solved anything and as much as you might like to believe it would, it wouldn't make any of you feel any ripe. '' lupin said seriously.

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

'' And that's something we can discuss later. '' lupin answered quietly. `` Right now we have to get out of here before the Aurors come and try to charge all the noise in the Ellen Price Wood on us. ``

( BREAK )

It was a miserably mum ride back to the palace and an unsufferable time spent in the master's office. Lupin had insisted they go to inform Dumbledore of Lucius's coming into court in the village today if nothing else and so rather than closing himself into his room as he wanted, Draco put up with a million questions while drake poked and prodded at his articulatio humeri and leg. As soon as was potential, he escaped and hurried off back to the dorms. He didn't want to be around anyone at the consequence, he wanted to feel what he felt and not have to make exculpation or explanation for it.

Locking the door to his room, he stripped off the now done for wearing apparel he'd been wearing and threw them in the corner before putting on the number 1 thing in his drawer. Collapsing back on his bed, he thought about his life, his conclusion, his newly found household and his father. Lucius was the connecting factor ruining everything else and Draco wished more than anything that Potter had just let him go down. He'd come so closely to getting rid of his Fatherhood by pulling him over the boundary with him and Luna… It wasn't funfair that Potter's signified of decency got in the way, after all, it would have been the stark time to defeat the man as no one would stimulate had to palpate guilty after everything his father had done that day. As grateful as he was to have his own life and Luna's saved, he couldn't help but blame Potter for whatever Lucius was going to do next.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She reached out and caressed his nerve before grabbing his Kuki-Chin to tear his face down and lightly trace his lips with hers. `` I was so worried about you out there. '' She whispered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'' Look, it's been a long and difficult day for all of us, you aren't alone in feeling harm and angry. You want me to say I'm sorry for wiping away your memory, well I won't. It was what needed to befall at that present moment. Let's font it, you weren't handling the news well to begin with and this is a very delicate plot they've got going here. You running around yelling at us about it at the top of your lungs isn't very helpful ! '' Ginny tried to jostle him back out towards the door but Ron remained immobile. Draco shifted uncomfortably, suddenly overcome with gladfulness that he was an only baby. This sibling squabbling was something he never wanted to possess to experience let alone be attestant to. He wished Ron would just depart already.

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

'' I expect you to claim your head out of your ass every once in awhile to see what's going on with former mass ! '' She shouted. `` I had to learn that the world doesn't revolve around me, it's time you do the Lapplander big brother ! Didn't you hear the tarradiddle up there in the federal agency ? Lucius tried using the killing cuss on Lupin while Dragon and Luna nearly died ! ``

'' Oh I see, so I'm supposed to palpate bad that his father is a sociopath ! '' Ron yelled, pointing at Draco. `` It's not my break his Father of the Church decided to drag everyone else into their fight ! It's not my fault you continued your puke relationship with him and therefore made yourself a objective ! And it's not my fault Luna's dad put that story in the paper in the start place, recall ? That was Harry's brilliant estimation and if Luna almost died because of it then he's the one to blame ! You all knew the risk of infection of exposing Lucius and you took it on ! Besides, it's Luna's fault she was even back out there today anyway ! ``

'' Get out. '' Ginny demanded darkly.

'' Excuse me ? ``

'' I said get out ! '' She repeated. `` You're talking about us all like we mean nothing to you, like we're your foe. Whatever's wrong with you, I don't want to mouth to you again until you've straightened out your head. ``

'' Maybe I'm just thinking clearly for the first time. '' He said in a low phonation, puffing himself up and using his height to loom over her. `` Harry, Hermione and I all became acquaintance because we had no one else. That's not really reliable anymore is it, so maybe now I'm just starting to see everyone clearly for the beginning time. ``

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

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

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

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

She stumbled, losing her footing in her surprise and Draco quickly reached out to trip up her, steadying her on her foundation before turning to Ron. `` She told you to leave. '' He said with false calm. `` I suggest you do so before I'm forced to make you. ``

'' stop out of this Malfoy. This is between me and my sister and unlike your family, we know how to observe our disputes to ourselves. '' Ron injection back.

He clutched his talisman, remembering his promise to Ginny from month before that he wouldn't fight with Ron again if he could help it. The former boy was making it very difficult to keep that hope at the mo. `` Except this is my way and if you're going to give birth your little family contravention here then I get to say how far it goes and I've certainly had sufficiency of it. ``

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

Taking a deep breath to calm himself he turned to see how Ginny was dealing with this previous developing of familial folly. `` I'm sorry. '' She said quietly as angry bust brimmed her eyes.

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

'' He really should birth learned some better coping acquisition by now… '' She said, resting her question against his shoulder. `` Maybe it's sentence dad forced him to go see Stan Laurel. Either way I don't want to sing about it anymore than you want to blab about today. ``

'' O.K. then. '' He agreed fully. `` Let's just go to slumber and wake up up tomorrow pretending naught ever happened. ``

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

'' No, but it might make it well-off to find puff later if we fool ourselves now. ``

She smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek, his Kuki-Chin, his sassing. `` Just being able to lay next to you is all the comfort I need. '' Taking his mitt she led him back to the bed, pulling back the tabloid to go up in and gesturing for him to unite her. He quickly got in, wrapping the mantle around them as they lay face to face.

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

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

He caressed her cheek before leaning in to gently charm her lips. Running his mitt down her articulatio humeri, he felt her wince though he had a mother wit she was trying to veil it. He pulled back and looked at her in concern. `` What's wrong ? ``

She shook her school principal and smiled uncomfortably. `` Nothing. '' She assured him, reaching out to wrap her arms around him and pressing herself against him as a misdirection. Draco caught her arm and sat up. She tried to deplumate away but he maintained a gentle but firm hold as he carefully rolled up her sleeve, ignoring her dissent. several dark finger-shaped bruise lined her arm from her cubital joint up to her articulatio humeri. `` Sir Francis Drake already put something on that, he said it'll all be gone by tomorrow. '' She said, trying to voice chance but betraying her nervousness. It was obvious she hadn't wanted him to sleep with that not only had his father nearly killed him and Luna, he'd left evidence of his rigour with her. But there they were, the marks that showed him that Lucius had been none to gentle while pulling Ginny along as his intended hostage. `` It's certainly not as bad as being stabbed. '' She added, as he remained angrily silent.

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

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

His heart pushed against his anger as she stared at him like that. Going back over, he wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her again. `` No, I'm not mad at you at all. '' He told her in a gag voice as emotion overwhelmed him. He wasn't mad at her, but how could he possibly explain that her presence was making him want to scream in Fury ? That being around her at that here and now made him want to rupture everything apart ? That he couldn't handle the look of fear and worry that came with loving someone as much as he loved her ? That all he wanted was to go back in time and find a way to force Potter to let Lucius fall ? He couldn't explain any of it, to her or himself.

'' I'm going to find Lupin. I think I need to go for a run in the Mrs. Henry Wood. '' He said at last, turning and walking out before she could protest. He had no intent of finding the professor as lupine was a unhurt other somebody he couldn't be around at the present moment. After all, what could he say to the man who had acted more like a father to him out there than Lucius ever had in his intact life ? But he'd lied and told Ginny that to keep her from worrying. He really did ask a run through the woods to clear his head… but he needed to do it alone and though he didn't intend for any fuss, pigeon hawk help the man or wolf that chose to get in his way out there.

( BREAK )

Hermione had only enough longanimity to have Drake and Madame Pomfrey arrest her over for hypothermia before rushing back to her elbow room. She'd told them her lone ill was a rebuff headache but she had lied and she had a notion they knew it. They were healer after all. They'd given her respective herbal supplements to take but she ignored it all, putting them on her desk and grabbing the invisibility cloak she still had in her self-will. She felt like she was burning alive with fever, but she did her best to put that at the back of her intellect as she threw the cloak around herself and hurried back out into the hall and toward the records room. She felt there was no sentence to waste, she'd already let herself become overwhelm once today by the distraction of Fred's disappearance… she couldn't let it hap again. Thankfully Ginny was okay, but next time her mistake could ingest black outcome and that thought was enough to motor her forward into solving the puzzler. This time she disregarded the pupil file cabinet and went to the room access leading to the faculty disc, knowing they detailed the biography of every professor who had ever taught in Hogwarts. She found Erebos's selective information in no time and tucking the Indian file carefully under her arm she snuck back out, ensuring she locked the door behind her.

listening voice, Hermione flattened herself against the wall and tried not to so much as breathing place as the two 7th twelvemonth Hufflepuff prefects came down the hallway, talking quietly to themselves as they made their last troll of the castle for the night. As soon as she was for sure they'd passed, she allowed herself to catch one's breath, gulping in air to her burning lungs while trying not to cough. Once in control she practically ran back to her room, slamming and locking the door behind her. Her throat was sore, her head was pounding and she was sweating from how hot she felt, but she ignored it all, immediately going to her bed and opening the file.

She knew what she was looking for and flipped right over to his checkup phonograph record, cognisant that any time a professor left the country they had to be examined by a healer upon their return to Hogwarts. And there it was, in Madame Pomfrey's barely legible scrawl. Did patient exit the country ? Yes. Places the patient visited ? Sydney, Commonwealth of Australia. Reason for trip out of the land ? Family funeral. Has patient role displayed symptoms of any disease contracted in travel ? No.

A family funeral, the Saame reason Lee said Elise had given. Either one or both of them had lied… that left many options. The first was that there had been a funeral and they both attended the same one, which had it's own long list of implications. The second was that one of them had gone to the funeral and the early had lied simply so they could both be in the like place at the like fourth dimension. The tierce of class was that there was no funeral at all and they'd both used that as their cause to go to Sydney, which begged the question- Why Sydney Australia ?

But what did any of this mean ? Nothing with these girls was dim-witted, so had they uncovered their spy or just another one of their many plots ? Feeling dizzy and nauseous, Hermione forced herself to put aside the document and lay down. Tomorrow she'd try again, but her consistency was making it clear to her now that she needed to rest. After all, she wouldn't be any help to Fred if she pushed herself while queasy and put herself out on her death bed.

( break )

Luna had been dismissed back to her elbow room as soon as she was done giving her version of case regarding Lucius. It was the endorsement time she'd had to tell it and Harry had to learn it and it wasn't any easier for either of them to realize yet again how snug she'd come to being another of Lucius's victims. The fact that Draco had without vacillation backed up her title that his father had admitted to murdering Kane meant a lot to her as she knew he was struggling deeply with what had occurred out in the woods that day. Dumbledore had agreed to instantly relay the information to President Arthur and assured them all that this would also go a longsighted way in helping to clear Willem's gens. After telling Drake that she was fine and that her own herbal remediation would clear up the small scratches she'd received, she returned to her room feeling an odd sense of relief. One closed book that had been plaguing her for class was finally being set right, Kane's death would be cleared up and her family unit could find a bit of closure.

Quickly changing dress and applying a pane of the herbal tea emollient, Luna was left feeling alone and nervous. For more than an hour she paced her room, trying to use her nervous energy as she waited. She wasn't quite sure what she was waiting for until at lowest she heard the insistent knocking on her door. She knew it was Harry, he'd been held up in Dumbledore's office much to both their defeat. They hadn't had a instant alone together since he'd saved their aliveness and she rushed to let him in now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

He sighed and nodded. `` You're right… I know you are. We have to find him before Arthur and Molly become even more leery than I'm certain they already are of this business concern slip alibi Lee dreamed up. I couldn't stand to see their faces if they found out one of their surviving tiddler was in so much danger… ''

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

'' Don't worry about Ron. '' Harry said, toying with the remainder of her hairsbreadth as he ran the strands through his finger's breadth. `` He'll composure down once we can all get going acting like ourselves again… Jacey will fetch him around. ``

'' Maybe. '' She wasn't so certain. He seemed just as mad at Jacey as he was at the eternal sleep of them. But she didn't want to recollect about Ron or anything else. Without another word to each other, she and Harry climbed under the covers, content in the assurance of each other's safety device. Tomorrow would be there soon enough and they could worry about everything left hanging in the Libra the Scales then. Tonight they simply held each other, regenerating their energy as they linked themselves together through their mind, not wanting to be separated even by nap. It was a more intimate act than any other Luna had ever experienced as they opened themselves up to each other and vulnerably bared everything that had ever passed through their headway, hoping to not only know each other completely, but to be able to stargaze together as well. She smiled as she drifted off, knowing it would only be a matter of consequence before she saw him again.

( BREAK )

'' Okay, we're out here. Now what's this surprise you just had to establish me in the center of the dark ? '' Padma asked grumpily as she and Ron stood out in the Forbidden woods a slight agency past Hagrid's hut.

'' Relax. It'll be any minute now. '' He replied, wondering if maybe Anapurna had lost her cheek. He shifted from animal foot to hoof, hoping she'd come along soon… though this set meeting was the only when thing keeping his idea off the rather intense conflict he'd gotten into with Ginny.

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

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

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

'' You're damn right wing I don't. Where have you been ? Mum and Dad are up at the rook, they've cum to rest until you're found… they'll be thrilled to see you ! arrive on, let's get you inside, you're skin is like ice. Where's your pelage ? '' Padma let out in one breath, once more moving toward her Sister who only moved boost away.

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

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

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

Ron walked off to let them have a bit of seclusion. He was sure to restrain his wand out and both girls in his sight, but he already had his own reactions to Parvarti's predicament to deal with, he didn't want to stand there and put up attestator to Padma's. There was no way to tell how the young woman would pack the news, but judging from his aloof view it wasn't good.

Choosing to brush off them only let him dwell on his own misery. He hadn't intended to contend with Ginny, but finding her in genus Draco's room just after being kidnapped by the guy's Padre was a bit more than he'd been ready to handle. His headache for her had been quickly overshadowed by his choler with her. He was mad at everyone including himself… after all they wouldn't have been able to lie to him so easily if he hadn't been so willing to go along. After Jacey came to him and confessed to possibly knowing that Tristan and Troy were trying to turn Anapurna, he should give insisted to know the rest- he'd known she was still holding back. Instead he'd let his need to find comforted outweigh his need for the truth. Perhaps he needed a interruption from everyone he knew. His smell for and about everyone were a jumbled mess, he knew he needed to take Ginny's advice and square away himself out before he could clearly see his friends again. As it was mightily now… maybe his babe had also been right about how he was beginning to palpate about everyone, maybe he did regard them as the enemy and that was something he wasn't happy about. Something needed to change.

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

( fracture )

It'll be approve. Jacey heard Lupin think out to her as she entered the Headmaster's
business office, answering an early on morning bidding that had arrived for Tristan. She had been sure to take enough of the Polyjuice potion, having been warned by Harry and Luna that the old wizard was a lot shrill than most want to give him recognition for… Though, it had made her feel better to learn that Dumbledore had been fooled by the potion before, and with somebody he knew way better than Tristan. Harry had insisted that if the man hadn't been able-bodied to tell the difference between a pseud and real Auror Moody three years earlier, then it should be that much comfortable to fool around him now.

'' Mr. Macnair, please come in and bear a seat. '' Dumbledore said tensely, studying her a fiddling too close for comfort.

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

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

'' And I'm wondering why it would use up you all Nox to mark that one of your scholar has gone missing. '' Jacey shot back coolly as she maintained Tristan's attitude.

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

'' Then why am I here ? '' She asked, keeping appreciation of her passing grin. `` I don't stay in the Slytherin dorm and they haven't cited my involvement in anything. So what makes you so indisputable that I can recite you anything about troy weight ? ``

'' Ah, because prof Lupin was in the settlement yesterday and it seems the cobbler's last person he saw Mr. James Neville Mason with was you. '' Dumbledore said, looking back and forth between her and Lupin. `` Of course he could be mistaken as not everyone is always who they appear to be. ``

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

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

'' In the village. '' She shrugged.

'' Can you be more specific ? ``

'' Hogsmeade small town ? '' She laughed cruelly, fully embracing the parting she had to run as it was the only when way to get through this.

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

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

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

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

'' Really ? The Headmistress who took my place here a couple of years ago found that using several unauthorised spells and potions against student served her safe aim. And I do think Dolores Umbridge was a member of your family's rather powerful friends at one level. '' Dumbledore said, obviously testing her.

'' That was then and this is now. '' She had very little idea as to the soul he was referring to. She had seen blurred images of an ugly adult female in Harry's mind… after the horrid detentions he had served with the woman, he had lumped her in with his aunt and uncle in his memory board under the informal drift People Who Have Wronged Me… Otherwise, she knew only that Umbridge had tried and failed to take over the school day. `` If you use that on me I'll report you faster than you can pack your dish. I'm not Potter, I won't suffer in secrecy for the greater secure. ``

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

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

'' There's also the matter of professor Lupin seeing both you and Mr. Mason outside the village boundary while he was investigating a rather serious disturbance with some other student and an hightail it decease feeder. '' Dumbledore smiled and leaned forward on his desk. `` This places you in manoeuvre violation of school codes and as a student has come up missing as a result of your actions, this has been elevated to a very unplayful issue of guard. As this is a sentence of war, the disciplinary matter in which you are involved carries the recommendation of quick forcing out and therefore I am allowed as master to use any non-violent means requirement to secure the information I require as it relates to the possible well-being of another scholarly person. It's all right wing there in the Hogwarts Code of Conduct under the provision for running the schoolhouse while under distress. Wartime is certainly classified and defined as being under hurt and so I am granted more liberties than I would normally be willing to take advantage of. But I promise you Mr. Macnair, we can regain our way through and around as many legal loopholes as you and your Friend have in the pursuit to observe you here. ``

The potion won't work. She heard Sir Francis Drake's unfamiliar interpreter heading through her head. Remus came to me this forenoon and with Harry's permission told me who you are overleap Nicolau. I fixed up a placebo, there is no Sojourner Truth serum in there. All you have to do it wreak along and give him what he wants to hear so that he can legally and without query send Tristan away.

She was careful not to look at him as he stood at Dumbledore's English, keeping her gaze steady on the master. `` mulct. '' She said at last, deciding to trust the healer if everyone else did. After all, the man seemed to sense more loyalty to Harry and the others than he did to any of the grownup. `` founder me your stupid person potion, but don't think for a mo I won't be telling everyone about this. ``

'' Tell whoever you like. As I've explained we are perfectly within our right. '' Dumbledore answered simply as he watched her roughly take the ampul from Drake and swallow it down. She felt something start to fall out and hoped the therapist knew what he was talking about. The older sensation was looking at her carefully, watching for some sign of the potion beginning to ferment. Apparently he saw what he was waiting for and stood to deliver the trial interrogative sentence given to everyone who was subjected to truth potions. `` What is your gens ? ``

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

'' Now try to state me that your name is Albus Dumbledore. '' He instructed.

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

Dumbledore nodded happily. `` Where is Ilium A. E. W. Mason ? ``

Again she pretended to struggle. `` He's out in the Mrs. Henry Wood where I left him. '' She said at last before indignantly rising to her fundament. After all, Tristram would not give in easily and as much as she wanted this to end, she knew she had to make it look real. She felt Harry sigh and then give his loath approval as he realized she was about to carry on playing her theatrical role. Both he and Luna understood the need to hold Dumbledore's hands clean of this. They had all hoped for a more definite end today ... but they all also knew that Tristan would never roll over so easily and that alone could raise suspicion. `` And that's all I'll say as we are quickly surpassing the school's rightfulness and infringing on mine. Anything else you'd like to ask about Troy can be asked through my representation, should you adjudicate to prosecute a legal matter on Troy's behalf. Otherwise it's light up I've been as co-op as possible here, above and beyond what was required if I do say so myself. Now, is there anything else, sir ? '' She shot him a pleasant smile, as if they had been chatting like old acquaintance this whole time.

'' I guess not. You may return to your room and begin packing your things. I will be presenting my evidence to the Aurors who will then be seeking monastic order to acquire you into hold. Until they procure these society, you are confined to your student residence and the Great Hall for repast and banned from attending any social class. As drumhead of the Slytherin household, Professor Drake will be keeping a close eye on you. A warning, should you feel the need to seek revenge for your exhibit predicament. '' Dumbledore answered sternly, clearly at the end of his patience.

'' Well, I suppose I'll have to look at with that as I live it up here these last few days. '' She said threateningly, hoping that any wrongdoing while she was still here was immediately blamed on Tristan. `` I assume I'm dismissed ? ``

'' Yes, Professor Francis Drake will see you back to your residence hall. '' He gave an exhausted spirit at the other man who simply nodded in reply and moved to carry out his task, ushering Jacey along with him.

'' Boy I hope you tyke know what you're doing. '' Francis Drake said quietly as they walked the halls.

'' So do we. '' She answered seriously.

( BREAK )

Harry and Luna spent a good half an hour assuring Jacey that she'd done just ticket with Dumbledore, that they wouldn't have expected much different had Tristram himself been there. After she finally seemed to unwind, Harry sent out a message to all his admirer, asking them to meet in his way so they could all discuss a few things. More than anything, he wanted to suggest to them all that they put the past few weeks behind them and bet only toward the future… And he and Luna planned to take up by telling them all of the two other coven members they'd discovered before Hogsmeade happened and tore everything apart.

Hermione was the first to answer the margin call as her room was the closest and she entered looking like death warmed over. Her nose was red, her cheeks pinko and her eye glazed over with a svelte fever. She had wrapped her blanket around herself for the short walkway over and instantly went to lay down on Harry's bed as fatigue overwhelmed her. `` You look well. '' He teased.

'' Shut up. '' She grumbled from beneath the mountain of cover version. `` Energy Jacey lie with about Fred ? ``

'' That he is missing ? '' Jacey asked from her touch on top of his trunk, still looking very much like Tristan. `` I have seen a few matter about it in your psyche but I have not said anything to anyone… especially Ron. ``

'' well thank you for that. '' Hermione offered a half-hearted smile before instantly going into telling them of what she and Lee had pieced together, as if she had to get it out before she forgot.

'' Professor Erebos… '' Harry had seen something of this in Luna's recollection of a conversation between her and Hermione the dark before, just as he had been able-bodied to see bit of all of her memories. Thinking of Quierrell, the untrue Dwight Lyman Moody and Snape, he could see how a professor could go so long without anyone knowing what they were really up to. `` Do you think he knows where Elanya took Fred ? And why would Elanya call him her contact if Elise is the one who supposedly knows him so well ? ``

'' I have no theme if he knows where Fred is, but I think maybe these girls are playing each former as well as everyone else. '' Hermione said as she propped herself up into a sitting position.

'' No, I get the sense Elise and Sarah are very much in it together… it's Elanya and Cho who are more on the outside. '' Luna replied thoughtfully. `` Maybe she was telling Fred the truth about some things… ''

'' Ginny and Draco are on their way here. '' Harry announced as a monition, silencing their treatment about Fred and his predicament with those girls. He got up to let them in, noticing the rubbing between them. Draco was wearing his pelage. `` Going somewhere ? ``

'' He just got back. '' Ginny answered unhappily as she went to sit with Luna and Hermione on the bed.

'' I needed to go for a run. '' Draco said simply, pulling off his coating and going to sit in the desk professorship away from everyone else. An all Night run. Ginny added in her question, her spokesperson carrying both harm and concern.

'' Where's Ron ? '' Harry asked. `` He's the only one we're waiting for. ``

'' I doubt he'll be joining us. '' Ginny rolled her optic and told them of the fighting they'd gotten into the night before, leaving out well-nigh of the item in an attempt to give up their tactual sensation for what Ron had said and simply summing up the inwardness of the argument.

'' okey then, well I guess we'll just talk to him later. '' He replied, uncomfortable that his friend suddenly felt the indigence to stave off them all. `` Listen, yesterday was a horrible tragedy of a day for everyone. But we need to do as we always do and keep going past it, right ? I know we all have our own things to focus on… but we'll be leaving schooling in a few weeks and we need to seriously start looking at searching for the coven as a reality. Luna and I went through some more than of the text file and found two More name, cristal Azibo and Ajala Kapoor. ``

'' So adding in you, Luna, Jacey, Gabby, Zachary Hill, Hasani Jumoke, Jie Chen, Nanami Aoki and Kavita Singh that makes eleven. There's only one More name. '' Hermione reasoned. `` Where are we going to find these two ? Who are they ? ``

'' Ajala is a XXX year old woman who has recently moved from India to Ireland for her workplace, which happens to be as weapon system manufacturer. Her company creates all the tools and weapon used by Aurors and with the billow of activity in and around England, they've doubled their feat in the cheeseparing factory, which happened to be in Dublin. Oh and she's a Levithon. '' Luna recited from memory.

'' A what ? '' Dragon asked.

'' A Levithon, someone with the mogul of self-transport. Basically it's like being able to fly. '' Luna shrugged.

'' I seem to remember from my muggle spiritual studies class that there was a saint who had that top executive only they called it a miracle… St. Theresa of Avila, if I remember correctly, during the sixteenth 100. '' Hermione looked at them all as they stared at her. She smiled and grabbed for a tissue to blow her nose. `` What ? I just remember it because it made me wonder- if substantiation of her ability was so well documented, then why were muggles so reluctant to believe in the things we can do ? ``

'' Okay, Ajala can fly, that's pretty sang-froid. And the other guy ? '' Ginny prompted, moving them along from Hermione's brief theological history lesson.

Harry's own memory was vaguer than Luna's and so he picked up the paper to be sure he didn't leave anything out. `` The former one, ecstasy, he's twenty-three and originally from Egypt. His power is postcognition and he currently lives in Sydney, Australia working as an investigatory journalist. ``

Sydney ? Hermione perked up.

'' fountainhead, I suppose it's William Christopher Handy to be able to see the past when you're a newsperson. '' Ginny said aloud as she rose to her feet. `` Listen, I appreciate that you want to assist us all focus on other important things, but after last nighttime, I think I'd just rather have a few hour alone. '' She added pointedly as she breezed past Draco and walked out. He sighed heavily and got up, leaving without saying a word as he presumably went to fix whatever he'd done wrong.

'' I have a thought. '' Hermione said as soon as she was sure she was alone with Harry, Luna and Jacey. `` When exactly did Elise find Elanya and bring her into the congregation ? ``

'' Sometime at the beginning of summertime, before she torched Fred's workshop. '' Luna answered, remembering her and Harry's tripper through Sarah's fountainhead. `` Voldemort unknowingly brought her to Sarah after the girls were already plotting together. ``

'' And according to Erebos's record book, he left for Sydney the same day schooltime let out last year… what if he met up with Elise down there because they were looking for a postcognative to pull off whatever plan they have going ? What if they found Adam before Elanya and approached him first ? If he really is supposed to be a good guy then he would have of course of action turned them down, but Elanya had her own reason to join them, right ? '' Hermione's eyes were wide as she tried to agitate aside her febricity in an attempt to make her head connect things together.

'' Even if that were all confessedly, how does it avail us find Fred ? '' Harry asked gently.

'' It doesn't, but it does offer Thomas More test copy that Erebos is the spy, doesn't it ? '' She returned excitedly. `` Who knows what he and Elise could have told Elanya, they could have pretended not to even fuck each other in order of magnitude to ensure they hooked the girl. What if he even approached Elanya alone ? That would excuse why she felt he was her contact lens and not Elise's, wouldn't it ? And in Luna's vision, Sarah had teased Elise about a old kinship, but not in a way that made it bring in who she was talking about, right ? ``

'' I admit that it all seems to fit, but that does not mean it is avowedly. '' Jacey said slowly. `` These girls you have been dealing with seem to be very foxy. It would be anserine to defecate assumptions. ``

'' You don't know Hermione like we do. '' Harry was defensive on Hermione's behalf. `` I'm willing to bet she's properly about most of it if not everything… and there's a way to determine out. ``

Luna shook her head. `` If he is the spy, don't you think he'd be expecting that ? Neil Simon is getting aid keeping his mind closed against us and I'm sure Erebos is much more proficient at it even if he's getting help as well. Even if the three of us work together, there's naught to say he won't feel us in there. ``

'' Edmund didn't. '' He argued.

'' And he wasn't aware that we would try to get in his head. I'm sure it's something Erebos would anticipate… if he is the spy, which I'm inclined to believe he is. '' She returned.

'' fountainhead it is worth trying, is it not ? '' Jacey joined Harry's incline of the debate. `` If we think he is aware then so what ? What can he do about it other than tell those female child that we may be on to him ? It would be worth it if he knows where Fred has been taken and we are able to see it, yes ? ``

'' Yes ! '' Hermione instantly agreed. `` Tristan and I are the only ones in one-seventh year who attend Erebos's family. Jacey can try it tomorrow while he's didactics and even if he figures out we know, we're out of here in a few weeks… there's naught he can do about it. ``

'' Dumbledore banned Tristan from attending classes so Jacey wouldn't be able to get close enough. '' Luna tried a unlike argument.

'' Since when would that bar Tristan ? He has already been told he is as just as kicked out, why would he not just do whatever he pleased ? I will go to that class tomorrow. '' Jacey answered for herself.

'' '' I don't know. '' Harry said, suddenly coming around to Luna's more cautious way of thinking.

'' If he did bump out we were on to him, I would never let him hurt Hermione or myself while we're trapped away in a classroom with him. '' Jacey said in reassurance as she picked up on his fears and doubts.

'' Oh, I believe you, I'd just rather it not have to come to that. '' He sighed. `` But I guess all we can share with right now is speculation until we get something more firm to lead us. ``

'' Fine. '' Luna gave in as well. `` But we have to be very measured. ``

'' Well that goes without saying. '' He agreed, moving to the door.

'' Where are you going ? '' Hermione asked.

'' Well, I was going to let you three braniacs try to keep piecing thing together while I went to talk to Ron. '' He answered. He'd felt distracted this unscathed clock time, half-worried about and half-angry with his absent friend.

'' You should probably not do that. '' Jacey said quietly.

'' Why because he's mad at us ? What else is new ? '' Hermione asked, decidedly rising to her feet and wrapping her blanket around her again. `` I'll go with you. ``

'' fountainhead I want no part in it until he is ready to come up public lecture to me. '' Jacey insisted. `` I will be in Tristram's way if you need me later. '' She waved auf wiedersehen and left the room.

'' What do you think ? '' He asked Luna and Hermione.

Luna shrugged. `` I agree with Jacey that it's a bad musical theme, but I'll go with you both to see if maybe we can extend to out to him anyway… he's very scattered about everything right now. ``

So in reluctant agreement, they left Harry's way and walked the short way down the hall to Ron's. He answered after the third smash, staring daggers at them. `` What do you three want ? '' He asked meanly.

'' To talk to you… why didn't you come conjoin everyone ? '' Harry asked, walking past him into the room.

'' I thought I'd made myself clear by not going… I don't want to be around any of you at the minute. '' Ron glowered, slamming the door shut after Hermione and Luna followed Harry in. `` I do give my own free will you know. I don't have to be at your beck and call like everyone else. ``

'' Whatever you say Ron. '' He tried to remain tranquilize, to remember that his booster was hurting and needed them to be there for him.

'' Yeah, it is whatever I say because I'm tired of it always being whatever Harry says. '' He shot back.

'' What is your problem ? Just tell us what's wrongfulness ? '' Hermione demanded softly.

'' You ! All of you are what's legal injury ! '' Ron shouted, startling them all.

'' You can't blame everyone else for what's bothering you. '' She shouted back. `` At some point you have to stop and weigh that it's not always everyone else that's the problem, sometimes it's you ! ``

'' I can experience whatever I want just like the quietus of you. '' He replied. `` You're not so high and mighty Hermione. You're the one we had to take out out of a hole yesterday nearly frozen… and why ? Because you lost your head over my brother which, oh yeah, also allowed Lucius Malfoy to bewitch my sister ! In a common sense, everything Lucius was able to carry through yesterday is your fault since you practically handed Ginny over to him to use as a hostage. Do you think Fred would be impressed with that ? ``

'' Hey ! '' Harry yelled, interrupting the spew of hatred Ron had been hurling at Hermione. Seeing her stung construction and the teardrop of hurt in her eyes, it was heavily to keep in mind that the early boy didn't know Fred was missing. `` That was completely uncalled for and entirely untrue ! ``

'' It's all confessedly and she knows it ! '' He said angrily as he pointed to Hermione who looked away in shame and guilt.

'' Ron, please- '' Luna started.

'' Please ? Please what ? '' He interrupted as he mocked her. `` Always so willowy and fragile aren't you Luna… always the eternal victim… ''

'' What's that supposed to mean ? '' She asked defensively while mentally telling Harry to back off and let Ron get it off his chest.

'' Like you don't know ? Everything that happened to you yesterday was your own fault ! Maybe it's meter you start considering your own choices before lecturing everyone else on theirs. '' He sneered down at her. Harry was itching to nominate it stop but again Luna held him back, telling him it was better that Ron not concur this all in no affair how much it may hurt their feelings. Ron went on, his back now to Harry as he fully faced Luna to continue berating her. `` You're the one who decided to get away from Paul Simon by apparating to the orchard instead of somewhere safer. You're the one who chose to get away from Crabbe and Goyle by returning to the woods where, surprise, damozel in distraint Luna slides over a cliff ! ``

'' That was a series of circumstances ! How is any of that her fracture ? '' Harry finally let out, unable to keep tranquillise any longer.

Ron whipped around to present him. `` Hey, she's the one who decided it was in her skilful pursuit to leave the inn ! She was entirely secure when I left her with Hermione. ``

'' Exactly ! You left ! Where were you to assist ? '' He shot back.

'' Talking to Padma, trying to estimate out how I was going to bring her to meet up with her now vampire Gemini ! '' Ron roared out. `` Luna is no longer my responsibility to look after call up ? She's yours ! And if it weren't for you, Lucius probably wouldn't have even had any interest in her anyway ! ``

'' Excuse me ? '' Harry asked darkly.

'' The Quibbler article… Lucius was very specific that the clause was the grounds he was ready to thrust her off a cliff. You're the one who came up with the idea and contacted her father about it without her knowledge. You're the one who made sure Xeno had all the information and you're the one who talked her into going along with it. If I recall, Luna wasn't too glad about the clause, thought it was a bad idea… Well you're the one who chose not to take heed to her ! So putting it all together, it was your determination that nearly got her killed yesterday ! ``

Harry reacted without thought process, simply wanting to flog out and anguish the way he was now hurting. He hadn't even realized he'd swung his fist until he saw Ron laying on the floor before him, glaring up as he rubbed his jaw. `` What's the issue Harry ? Does the truth hurt ? '' He taunted.

'' lay off it ! Everyone just stop ! '' Hermione shouted, her voice growing hoarse as she continued to separate out it.

'' You're the 1 who barged in here to get at me. '' Ron said, rising to his foot and pushing past her to look at his look in the minuscule mirror hanging over his dresser.

Harry shook his principal and simply walked out, going back to his own room and closing the door tightly behind him, wanting to shut out the humankind. To her credit, Luna gave him nearly an entire hour to himself before coming to demand he open up and face her. He sighed and went to let her in, once again finding it inconceivable to deny her even as his disgrace and fury with himself made him only want to hide from her. `` You were right, going to talk to him was a bad idea… you were correctly every sentence you said something was a bad idea… '' He told her, going to sit at his desk.

'' Harry- ''

'' I've learned my lesson though… I'll listen when you say that from now on. '' He interrupted as he hung his principal and stared at his hands.

She walked over and moved his munition, settling herself in his lap as she comfortingly ran her finger's breadth through his hairsbreadth. `` The true statement needed to come out about Lucius. '' She said gently. `` I may not have liked the way you chose, but after seeing my father survive an attack only to still be so guarantee that he'd done the veracious thing… I long ago came to damage with the fact that it was unsafe. Everything we do now is grievous, there's no getting around that. You can't rap yourself for what Lucius chooses to do. And without coming grimace to face with him yesterday, we wouldn't have his confession about Kane. ``

'' It was too close for comfort… I thought I was literally having a eye approach when I saw you and Draco go over the side… '' He leaned to rest his forehead on her berm, unable to meet her eyes.

'' Hey, I may have been scared, but I never for a minute thought I was going to die. I knew you were coming to facilitate us. '' She reassured him, still delicately stroking his hair.

'' How could you know I would get there in time ? ``

'' Harry… '' She laughed and made him attend at her. `` Don't you think I of all masses would fuck ? Don't you think I'd get some warning, some imaginativeness telling me the end was near ? Nothing at all came to me while Draco was holding onto me, that's how I knew you'd get there in meter. '' She kissed his cheek and he quickly turned to capture her lips. With one elegant movement, she turned herself and was now straddling him, throwing her arms around his articulatio humeri as she deepened the candy kiss. He wrapped his munition around her waist and pulled her closer against him, needing to feel that the wholeness that only she could bring as her Inner Light filled every empty stead inside of him.

For a import there he'd felt the humankind crash down around him as he'd taken in the verity of Ron's harsh words, that his own actions calendar month ago had put Lucius standing over Luna with the decisiveness to let her live or die… The fact that the man would accept probably gone ahead and crushed her fingers anyway simply because she'd seen him there meant aught because Lucius had been very realise in his reason for attempting to help her fall to her last. But she had come and just made it better with sort Logos of her own… She had been able to take away the great power his guilt had over him by simply asserting her feeling in him and in herself.

Ron had no idea what he was talking about, Luna had never allowed anything to keep her from fighting on and she was far from playing the victim. In fact in that bit, she was his bomber, bringing him back from the torturous bond of self-doubt. He felt her smiling against his lips as she picked up his thoughts and knew that she liked how he saw her in his psyche. I love you. He thought to her, a simple argument that held more accuracy and deepness of emotion than anything he'd ever before uttered in his entire life.

No more than I love you. She assured him, breaking the kiss to reckon him in the eyes. And then there were no more words left to say, null left that could express what either of them was feeling. And so he reached up to get her mouth again, eager to let their minds and physical structure say what their words and thoughts were unable to articulate.

( BREAK )

Ginny walked into her way, leaving the doorway open as she was surely Draco had picked up on her non-to-subtle speck. Sure enough he came in a few minutes after her, quietly closing the room access behind him and leaning against it, waiting to see what was to occur. `` Really ? You stay out all Night knowing that Parvati was still out there ? That Lucius could induce come back ? I stayed up waiting for you, worrying myself crazy thinking of everything that could induce happened only to chance you sauntering in after Harry calls us all together ! You're bad for my nerves. '' She scolded.

'' I'm sorry you were worried. '' He said, shuffling his feet. `` I didn't mean value to be gone all Nox but once I was out there, it just felt so good… running made me not think, made me find free I guess. ``

'' And I made you finger trapped ? '' She asked, hurt by the implication.

'' Not in the way you're thinking. '' He insisted. `` The broad moon is tomorrow dark and so I already feel like I'm crawling out of my skin… like my entire body is a Cage that's just barely keeping me inside. No crystal or potion can get away that tactile sensation. On top of that, it was too a good deal to be presented with the melodic theme that my own sire could have taken you away from me so easily… that I had something to lose that would completely destroy me. I'm not used to caring Ginny, but you make it easier… And now it feels like I care too much, you know ? Like my entire existence rests on your welfare… ''

'' You think I don't know what that's like ? I'm the one who had your blood all over my hands yesterday. '' She reminded him. `` You think I wasn't ready to break down at the thought that you'd been fatally injured ? I never expected to care this much about someone, let alone you. But now that we're here together, I can't imagine it any other way and I wouldn't want to. ``

He nodded and crossed his arms across his chest as a variety of shield. `` As long as you know that I love you and that I don't blame you for any of this… I just can't be here, stuck in this castling ripe now… ''

'' Meaning what ? ``

'' After Lupin was done with his meeting with Jacey and Dumbledore, I went to see him to request that we leave a day early like normal. '' He seemed to perk up himself as he waited for her reaction.

'' I thought the stop of the amulet was that you didn't have to leave at all. '' She said slowly.

'' That's what lupine said… But I don't think I'll vesture that tomorrow… I think I would kind of like to let the Friedrich August Wolf run free for a bit, under the control of the Wolfsbane of course. ``

'' Be honest… Should I be worried about you ? '' She asked quietly.

Dragon seemed to sway himself off a bit, uncrossing his blazonry and putting on a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. `` Yesterday was a lot to learn in… I just call for some time. ``

'' I knew… yesterday even while it was all natural event, I knew you were going to hail out of this different. '' She walked over and took his hand, looking up at him and feeling very much like she was pleading with him. `` I understand why… I just don't want you to be different with me. For effective or worse I like who you are with me. Show the remainder of the world whatever you want Draco, but please just quell honest with me. ``

'' I'm trying. '' He whispered sadly, pulling her against him as he hugged her close. `` I just postulate this fourth dimension away… from you and myself. That's why I don't want to don the amulet tomorrow… I don't want to stay myself right now. ``

'' And when you come back ? '' She asked, looking up at him hopefully.

'' It's not like I can take the air away from you forever, you know. '' He offered a literal smile this metre. `` It seems I can't really picture any sorting of animation without you in it. ``

'' goodness. Because I'm scared you're going to try and do something misguidedly noble like leaving to ensure Lucius won't aim me again. '' Ginny said seriously. `` Regardless what happened yesterday with him, I feel safer when you're around me. ``

'' What you feel and what is the existent reality are two different affair. '' He reached out to brush her hair back before kissing her forehead. `` It's always going to be more severe for you to be around me… but I've long ago realized you're pretty much a target for risk with the decisions you make and the masses you associate with. Unless you're ready to accord to live your biography in a bubble, I'm in it for the hanker haulage to ensure that not only do you not get yourself killed, that no one ever again try to hurt you to get at me… My going for in force wouldn't hold on Lucius from using you again to flush me out, and it would work just as well as it did yesterday because nothing as simple as distance can interchange the way I feel about you. But I need these two daylight now Ginny. For my own sanity. ``

She looked at him carefully, before letting out a deep breath. `` Okay. '' She agreed now that she felt she believed he would get along back. But part of her was still reluctant, still fearful that while out there he would change his mind and make up one's mind she was better off without him after all. `` Just remember, I'd gloaming apart if you didn't come back. ``

'' Tues morning I'll be here. '' He promised. She wanted to believe him completely. But that minuscule peck voice that always seemed to shout out out that she wasn't meant to be happy maintain her from fully allowing herself to trust that the bait of the world beyond Hogwarts was weak than the desire to repay to someplace he'd admitted he felt entirely trapped in.

( BREAK )

Ron waited until late Sunday Night, wanting to be sure that everyone else had gone to bed in formulation for their classes the next day. As soon as his clock read midnight he got out of bed, still fully dressed, and made his way across the common room to the Slytherin wing. He knew Tristan's door was just past Draco's and as he raised his helping hand to knock, he hoped Jacey answered looking like the vampire as it would make it loose to say the things he'd decided he needed to say to her. To the disappointment of his judgement but not his eyes, she opened the door looking very much like herself. It was amazing that she could take care so stunning in elementary pyjama, but the sleek shirt and gasp seemed to hug her trunk just right, making her seem indulgent and curvy. Her hair was hanging in wild curl around her shoulders, making it tantalizingly readable that she'd just rolled out of bed. `` Was there something you wanted ? '' She asked softly, clearly aware of the tautness and ire he felt towards her.

He shook himself a bit, remembering that he'd made a decision and that he was determined to wedge with it. `` I need to babble to you for a moment. ``

She gestured him in and closed the doorway, turning to face him with aflutter worry. `` Have you heard anything about Annapurna yet ? '' She looked down, and he began to enquire if she already knew why he'd come to see her.

'' Lupin told me before he and genus Draco left that his tangency had gotten a clasp of him to report that she had gotten Parvati to the colony and they were well. '' He crossed his arms and stared her down feather, almost daring her to meet his eye. `` As well as can be expected anyway, given the fact that she had to be taken away from her protagonist and kinsperson to get wind how to be a salutary lamia. ``

'' It is not all my fault ! '' She protested, once more raising her gaze. `` I am sorry for the part I played in it by not saying what I suspected, but I am not the one who targeted her, I am not the one who turned her and I am not the one who is letting my guilt demolish my life ! ``

'' Of path I feel guilty ! '' Ron shouted. `` I was all wrapped up in idea of you while she was off being fed on or whatever it takes to rick somebody ! She relied on me and I let her down, well I won't do it anymore. ``

'' Meaning what ? Have you come to evidence me off the same way you did all your other booster ? ``

'' I don't have to. You aren't my Quaker, I barely know you. '' He saw that she was hurt badly by this and it hurt him to see it. He may not experience her fountainhead, but this was certainly proving to be difficult than it had been to say the affair he knew would hit his friends mad at him. He wondered how Harry had been able-bodied to keep this act up for so long shoemaker's last year when he was already prepared to fox in the towel at the visual sense of Jacey's upset with him. But if he wanted to be left alone, he had to secure no one wanted to bother him. `` For a moment I thought I wanted to have a go at it you, but you're as big a liar as Harry, Luna and Hermione. Besides, if I can barely digest to be around myself, how can I possibly be near you when the view of you makes me think of everything that Parvati is going through because you didn't warn anyone ? ``

'' O.K., you have made your point. '' She said crossly. `` I think you should go before you say something I really can not forgive. Remember Ron, eventually you will regain a way to run past what you are feeling… you do not want to completely cut every bridge circuit you have. ``

'' Maybe I do. '' He countered. `` It would clear it that much easier to get going over from dent. ``

'' Why would you require to do that ? '' She pushed. `` Your friends, your family… they have always been there for you. Maybe not always in means that you approve of, but you can only really fault them for doing what they thought was best for you. I know the things you said to them today, the way you made them find about themselves. I know that it is easier for you to make them conceive badly of themselves so that they will draw a blank they are mad at you for putting those sentiment in their heads in the first gear place. But what you are doing is cruel. Harry already feels so much province for everyone's welfare, making him consider almost losing Luna was his fault was a horrible thing to do. ``

'' I wasn't wrong. '' He shot back, trying to prove that he was unmoved by her words. `` He's the genius behind Xeno releasing that story, everything that happens as a result of it is in some way his demerit. He provided the accelerator. ``

'' And even now after you have made that light up and nearly crushed him with that knowledge, he would lay down his life to save yours. '' She said angrily. `` You are letting what you feel make you act selfishly. However true the things you say may be, how is bringing it to anyone's attention a positive thing to do ? Everyone needs a bit of self-denial to go on after so lots mindless and ageless tragedy, even you. Taking theirs away from them, exposing all the things they had repressed in order to keep open moving forward… you are hurting them more than they realize. And more than you realize. You have no idea what is going on between Hermione and Fred right now and the therefore the things you said to her were devastating for her to find out. After finding her in that trap so completely lost, you should ingest realized that she is in a very tenuous berth at the moment. ``

'' You're proper, I have no idea what's going on between Hermione and Fred. You know why ? Because no one tells me anything anymore ! '' He shouted. `` That's kind of my wholly distributor point here ! '' He stalked over to the threshold, more tempestuous with her now than when he'd come in. He wanted the luxuriousness of focusing on his own aroused land, he didn't want to take to become aware of anyone else's. Of course he knew they were all hurting after late events… but he wanted his pain to subscribe core stage for once. He didn't want to have to realize that to each of them, their own pain was the most important… he didn't want to birth to admit that there were those among his champion who may take in deserved to feel forged than he did. So what if that made him selfish… he was seventeen and this was the clock time to be selfish, to be untried and responsibility-free, to not have to like about anyone but himself before growing up and having to get a job and start a family. He was tired and wanted the lifespan of a normal teen and the safe way to achieve that was to distance himself from those that by intent or desire were now forced to be more mature.

'' Please do not just walk out. '' Jacey said softly as he breezed preceding her.

'' There's nothing more to say and aught more I want to hear. '' He answered meanly, opening the doorway and walking out.

It wasn't until he reached his own room that he finally allowed himself to breathe. Facing Jacey had been harder than the others, perhaps because he'd been disappointed in her the most. Harry and the others he was used to getting the run around from, but he'd expected more from her. Ron had thought she was feeling the same way for him that he felt for her, but then she had so easily lied to him, siding with his friends against him immediately. And meanwhile, he'd lost a little girl who really had tried to deal about him to a abominable fate… A fate that had been allowed to go on by the girl he'd allowed himself to be distracted by. Until he could forgive himself, he'd never be able-bodied to forgive Jacey… and at this point, he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to.

( BREAK )

Hermione lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. She was too hot to sleep, though once she kicked off her covers she found she was suddenly too frigidity. She'd tried taking the herbs given to her by the healers but they had only relieved her sore pharynx and stuffed nose. The headache remained, and she began to suspect that it had naught to do with the cold she'd caught. Ron's Good Book were echoing in her question, making her doubt so many things… but she wouldn't let herself be swept up in it. She'd have plenty of metre to feel bad once she was sure Fred was safe.

As a distraction, she focused her mind on finding a answer. At maiden they'd all agreed that finding out where Fred was being kept was the most important thing, but she was starting to think otherwise. What good would finding him do if they didn't figure out a way to disentangle him from the sand trap that had forced him to get out in the first place ? Nailing down the spy was the key… Erebos and Simon, it was important that they figure out how these two were actually connected to Elanya, Elise and Sarah. Once they were discovered, their threats would no longer carry weight unit and Fred could be freed of the fear of Ron and Ginny being killed if he didn't cooperate. The next step was something Lee and Willem could do for her in London… they had to be absolutely sure there was no proof to tie Fred to Edmund's death, nothing that Elanya could use to prove he'd helped her in any way. The last footfall was finding a way to end the threat Sarah had hung over Hermione's own brain. Once that was done, there was zip to thrust Fred to cover to cooperate and then they could regain him and bring him home.

There was only one way she had been capable to think of overcoming Sarah's accomplishment with Advanced Astral Projection and that was to turn a comparable opponent. She'd already read the books she'd gotten from the library once… now it was sentence to interpret through them again to be surely she hadn't missed anything and then it would be clip to recitation. She turned on the light and picked up one of the books, figuring it was a better use of her insomnia than staring at the ceiling and worrying endlessly. She was determined that by the end of this calendar week she would know everything Sarah knew about astral projection… That they will sustain neutralized the threats presented by Erebos and Simon… And that they will not only have found where Elanya took Fred, but also have a solid architectural plan for how to work him back.

　

distinction : Next chapter, the Leigh Hunt for Fred and some more things are brought to luminance. hitch tuned to find out what happens succeeding !

Reference to Moody and the polyjuice potion from Harry ceramicist and the chalice of blast by J.K. Rowling.
Reference to Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter and the parliamentary procedure of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling.
Reference to Quierrell from Harry ceramist and the necromancer's/Philosopher's gemstone by J.K. Rowling


Chapter 53 : And the patch Thickens

A/N : Wow did this chapter rent a turn I wasn't expecting as I was writing, thus the title of the chapter… I guess we'll all see where this takes us now. Read, Review, Enjoy !





'' You're sure as shooting about this ? '' lupin asked as they watched the moon rise from beneath the trees.

'' I am. '' Draco answered steadily, clutching his amulet tightly as he waited for himself to be ready to take it. They had hiked all day in silence yesterday, both content to let the other be lost in their own thoughts as they left any ghost of refinement far behind them. He'd been grateful that lupin had allowed the silence to continue into the night and next day… he felt awkward around the man and didn't know how to utter to him anymore. Lucius had been ready to kill Lupin simply for agreeing to legally search after genus Draco and worse, he'd threatened to go after Andromeda, Ted and Tonks as well before he'd escaped. His father's inexplicable anger and jealousy was obviously something thrower hadn't anticipated when he'd suggested this unhurt care thing for them… none of them had. `` You don't have to come with, you know. You can keep your amulet on and stay human… I took the potion, I'll be mulct. ``

'' I know. But I want to go with. '' He insisted. `` I've had to do this by myself for many age, and even when you think you don't want anyone else there, I've found it's always better not to go through it alone. I had St. James the Apostle and Sirius… and because they kept me going, now you have me to help you. ``

Dragon shook his psyche. `` School's over in a few weeks, I'll be moving back in with Potter I shot, since that's where everyone seems to go. I have the amulet and a sense of some sort of control… you don't have to be there for me anymore. You can take aim back your guardianship and erase all tincture that tie yours and Tonks epithet to mine. ``

'' I could, but why would I ? '' Lupin smiled. `` You can't always expect that people will just give up on you when thing get too firmly Draco. Not everyone is like that. You may think that it's hard to spread yourself up to caring about others… but that's the slowly component. It can be far more difficult to spread yourself up to letting others care about you. ``

'' I just don't want it to be my fault if Lucius decides to go after you guys ! '' He said angrily, taking a few stride away.

'' And it wouldn't be. '' He said gently. `` What your male parent chooses to do is up to him, but the bad profligate between him and Pieris japonica goes back to before you were born. Her recent benignity to you is only the latest apology for him to seek vengeance against her. Tonks has been in his sights for years as she was a part of several unlike investigation seeking to bring him down. And after what happened in the Ministry of Magic, after losing Sirius, she had already sworn to help get Lucius and the others if it was the in conclusion thing she did. I know you don't bonk your cousin very well, but it takes a lot for her to back down from anything. '' He smiled as he thought of his wife. `` As for me, well, you've sort of grown on me. I'm certainly not scared of Lucius, and I wouldn't let him be the thing that has you pushing me away when it's clear you'd rather have me around. ``

'' I guess you've grown on me too. '' genus Draco mumbled. `` Which is why the in conclusion matter I want to be is a burden. ``

'' And you aren't. '' lupin insisted. `` My family was always cold and distant, and they became even more so after I became afflicted with this curse. My whole life sentence I had to make my own phratry, which is what I managed to do with St. James the Apostle, Lily and Sirius. After I lost them, I thought I was finished caring about people… And then I got the chance to not only suffer and be near Harry, but to aid crystallise Sothis's public figure as well. Since then I've opened myself up and began making my own family again, up to and including falling in love with and marrying Tonks. I care about all of you kids… and I certainly love Harry as if he were my own son. But you Draco, you have become someone important to me as well, individual I can share the most horrible share of my life with, someone who makes this expletive easier to bear because now I have the responsibility of guiding you through living your life with it. I'm not revoking my charge, and it's not just because I think you still want me and Tonks and the likeness of menage we can volunteer you, it's also because I need you to be in my biography. ``

He didn't know what to say or even how he felt. He was still getting used to what it was like to make love Ginny, how was he also supposed to address the feelings that came with having rule menage members who not only cared about him, but actually wanted him around ? Lupin was related to him through marriage and a slip of newspaper publisher, but in that moment it felt as if he were everything genus Draco had always wanted but never had… begetter, brother, uncle, cousin-german and best friend all wrapped up in one package and waiting for him to accept it. `` okey. '' He said, not trusting himself to say anything else without betraying how emotional he felt.

lupine laughed and patted his shoulder joint. `` Come on, let's let ourselves go for the night and just enjoy the run. We'll head back towards Hogwarts so we won't have as far to go in the morning. ``

Draco nodded in mute arrangement. Together they removed their amulets, storing them safely in their traveling bag, of which they'd loosened the straps to accommodate their soon to be orotund forms. Stepping out into the Moon, he wasn't quite sure as shooting what to expect… the transformation wasn't as painful as he remembered, though perhaps it was because this time he fully embraced it, wanting the beast to be free. Still retaining their own minds, they were now in foreign dead body and had to be careful as they remembered to strap the bags to their back. They shared a expression before Lupin threw his header to the Sun Myung Moon and let out a raging howl. And then they were off, allowing the wolves to run and play while they attempted to turn off their homo thoughts.

( falling out )

As had become his usance, Fred woke early, just before the sun rose. Of course of action he had no estimate what time that was, just as he had no idea how long he'd actually been on this island… he'd forced himself to stop numeration daytime after the 5th one, finding it far too demoralise. Instead he had learned to rivet on finding what picayune enjoyment he could while he was imprisoned. Those odd efflorescence growing here had become one of those things he actually liked and so he'd begun getting up before the sun, gladly leaving the splendor of the interior of their massive tent that seemed so ordinary bicycle on the outdoor. As he now normally did, he walked up the beach to where a belittled patch of the strange blooms grew wild.

Looking off into the horizon as he waited for the sun to glint over it, he let his judgement wander… Wondering what his Friend were up to, what Hermione must be thinking about his disappearing, whether his parents knew he was in bother, and nearly prominently ... how was he going to get himself out of this ? Hearing a loud squawking sound that still terrified him no matter how many times he heard it, he glanced up into the quickly brightening sky and saw the dark outline of those unearthly fauna that enjoyed flying through the sunrise. He didn't know what they were and they never came cheeseparing enough for him to really see them, which was very well by him as he wasn't about to go looking for them. They seemed to stick to the tall mountains that made up most of this island and Fred had been sure to keep on far away from there, choosing instead to remain near the beach where the vast sea reminded him of freedom.

At last the sun came up, breaking entirely dislodge of the sensible horizon to commence it's raise through the sky. He eagerly turned back to the flowers, waiting for that first irradiation of light to concern them. At final it happened and his eyes danced as bud after bud bloomed in an burst of color- vivacious pinks and purple, neon blues and Green, deeply saturated orange tree and yellows. It was breathtaking to behold, like a work of art coming to life story right in front of him.

'' Well, I figured I'd find you here again. '' Elanya said as she came up behind him. He ignored her as he'd been doing since that kickoff night… he hadn't spoken a single tidings to her since setting up the tent. In fact, he felt like he was beginning to forget how to speak at all as he'd never in his sprightliness been able to asseverate muteness for more than a few minutes let alone however long he'd been stuck here… Though in a sentiency, it did make him happy to have it away that his stubbornness and self-possession were so strong. He knew it was beginning to trouble her that she was basically left talking to herself and as that was the solitary sort of triumph he could attain, he was careful to keep up his silence. `` Don't you get tired of watching them day after day ? '' She goaded.

He wanted to tell her that he'd be able-bodied to find more shake up shipway to pass his clip had she not forced him onto this island where the exclusively strain of entertainment was the unusual beauty of nature… But he didn't. He simply got up and brushed the moxie from his shortstop before stripping off his horseshoe and T-shirt and heading down to the water for a swim. He could experience her following him and smiled to himself, felicitous that he was proving to be an annoyance to her. `` You have to talk to me sometime ! '' She called as he walked right into the water, letting the inexplicable fondness of it sooth away the tension he carried at all times now. `` Hey ! '' She shouted loudly.

He turned to find her ankle-deep in the water. She'd taken off her clothes and was standing there in a disclosure bathing suit that he hadn't even seen her leverage with his money. The fabric was gold, nearly blending in with the oceanic abyss tan she'd acquired while they'd been there and illuminating the honey-gold color of her oculus. The sun shone through her idle auburn hair, casting a burnished aura around her. He bit the inside of his cheek, needing the hurting to remind him that as beneficial as she may look she wasn't dependable to let one's guard down around. `` Mind if I join you for a swimming ? '' She asked slyly as she posed effortlessly in strawman of him like a favorable statue.

It was vindicated she wanted some response and it didn't topic whether it was a self-denial or acceptance of her offer. She was clearly starting to act out in an attempt to keep in line him into doing what she wanted, which was speak to her. As a skilled liar and manipulator himself, he knew the things to look for and so he willfully kept his silence. Pretending he hadn't even seen her, he turned and plunge into the soft Wave before moving his arms and legs, gliding easily through the weewee without looking back. Everyday he managed to get further from the shoreline… not that he had any illusions about being able to swim his way across the ocean. But as Elanya never went to a greater extent than waist-high into the H2O, he'd come to realize she was probably not a very stiff or sure-footed swimmer. This meant that the only sentence he could be assured of being away from her was way out where she dared not go.

Feeling his side Menachem Begin to strangle and his limbs slow down, he stopped and treaded water, turning to ensure she had in fact remained on the beach. Even at this far distance, he could tell she was angry as she strode back towards the tent. Breathing a suspiration of succour Fred flipped over onto his backbone and floated, deliberate to take care that he didn't let the electric current pull him further than he thought he could swim back. Allowing his head teacher to dip so that his ears were below water where everything was muffled and staring at the endless blue angel sky, he felt relaxed… peaceful… and very lonely. As a good deal as he would like to calculate on the lustrous side and savor the scenery of where he was, the idea that so many hoi polloi were probably worried about him kept him from doing so. He wished he were stuck on the island with Hermione, that this was some post-graduation vacation and she could be out here to enjoy this quiet here and now with him.

He was occupy that he didn't know what was going on at Hogwarts, but there was nothing he could do about it. Still, it was light to think of the unknown danger the others were going through than to concentre on his own captivity… But he knew he had to start doing something to transfer his billet. As much as he wanted to keep up this silent treatment that was making Elanya so mad, he knew he needed result from her. His hands were completely tied while he was here, cut off from everyone and all information. But if he could receive out when they were leaving and when she planned on going back to London to undertake to use him against his friends and family, then he'd be better positioned to come up with a plan. Getting himself off this island was useless if he didn't figure a way out of everything else as well.

opinion hungry, Fred turned and swam back to shore. Letting the sun dry him as he walked back to the collapsible shelter, he decided to have himself one more day to delight making Elanya mad… Tomorrow he would see how he felt about breaking his quiet. After all, as much as he wanted to reason with himself, it was toilsome to give up the only small bit of power he had at the moment.

( breach )

'' Good dayspring everyone ! '' Charlie greeted his class. Since lupine and Draco had decided to will, an impromptu flip up of year agenda was arranged to make believe up for the missing professor, making for an entirely confusing Mon that Hermione had missed out on by staying in bed sick. Unfortunately, Lupin hadn't made it back in clip Tuesday aurora and that left the seventh year advanced program class to enjoy Care of Magical animal as the first lesson of the day. Normally Hermione enjoyed Charlie's class, even if she did have to hollo him Professor Weasley. But between her concern over Fred, her still lingering illness and Ron glaring at her and Harry the totally time, she just wasn't in the mood for anything that distracted her from practicing astral acoustic projection. Perhaps she should experience taken Harry's advice and stayed in bed again today, but being so close to the end of her time in schooltime she'd forced herself to get up, not wanting to overleap out on anything that could introduce itself on a test. But her head just wasn't in it and as Charlie began handing out lilliputian book of account to them all, she debated asking if she could be excused.

'' Now, my coming to learn here was a very last minute decision and so I didn't have time to get my say on your reading lists for this class. '' Charlie announced as he finished passing the record around and stood before them all. `` Today we start learning about animal I have a particular specialty in- Draco. '' He smiled, clearly excited to teach on something he knew so well. `` Obviously I can't bring any of them in to show you, though I'm aware that some of you have had rather close encounters with a few unlike species. '' He grinned at Harry.

'' Charlie, this book of account has your figure on it. '' Ron interrupted, not bothering to raise his hand.

'' That's Professor Weasley while we're in social class Ron. '' Charlie reminded him with a smirk. `` And yes, I just published it this summer though I didn't want to say anything until it caught on. A few years ago, I and a few of my colleague were lucky enough to stumble upon a specie of dragon that had long been thought to give gone extinct. We lived near and studied them and after, I wrote down what we learned. You are now all holding the results of that cause. ``

He went on and suddenly too curious and interested to consider leaving class, Hermione began flipping through the rule book, eagre to get a sense of Charlie as an source. The text was informatory but it was the bright picture of the island where the dragons had been found and of the creatures themselves that really made the book spectacular. Drawn in by a undimmed salvo of color in the corner of one of the pic, she leaned in closer and was struck as she recognized the flowers from Luna's vision. Her hand instantly shot into the air as she desperately waved it to get Charlie's attention.

'' Yes Miss Granger ? '' He grinned at her.

'' I was looking through the book… these flower in this video here, are they Colorsplosions ? '' She felt Harry pick up up next to her and together they eagerly waited for an answer.

'' Why, yes as a matter of fact. As it turned out, these flying dragon weren't the only affair we found on the island that had been thought to be out. Good job recognizing them '' He nodded encouragingly. `` There were several early plant and animal metal money on this island- ''

'' What island ? '' Harry interrupted, throwing his hand in the air as an afterthought.

'' One of the gateway islands that protect the path to Castellumshire. '' He answered suspicious of the sudden interest. `` I'm no sailor, I simply rode with a clump of them and they knew how to get there. I personally couldn't even point it out on a map. ``

'' And are the Draco that live there dangerous ? '' Hermione asked, suddenly terrified for Fred.

'' Yes, but only if you disturb them. '' Charlie answered seriously. `` This coinage is called the Double-Clawed Winghorn, so named for the brace of very sharp claws they use to light and grip target and the cornet protruding from the tips of their wings. They live in high places, generally mountains… Which is where we found these last few. Our ingroup was down at the al-Qaeda and as long as we remained down there, the Winghorns didn't bother us. It was only after we climbed up to analyze them more closely that they became vicious and highly protective of what they considered their borders. They attack in dyad and are highly intelligent and extremely proficient, though we only saw ten of them in all. However, when left on their own it became assoil that they only came out to hunt in the very early morning. The rest of the time they were content to continue in their den. ``

Hermione pretty much tuned him out after that, not needing or wanting to listen more. Surely she had to be mistaken, surely Colorspolosions had to grow elsewhere in the world… She knew all it would deal to find out the true statement was to run the idea by Luna and the daughter's intuition would tell them if this was the island where Fred was being held… but she was already somewhat sure that it was. Of track it had to be, why wouldn't Elanya insist they go one of the few places anyone else dared to ? What were the odds another team of dragon hunters would be stopping by now that they knew what was there ?

As soon as Charlie ended his family, Hermione raced back to her room, throwing aside the Book on astral projection to observe the one about mysterious islands that she'd also stolen/borrowed. She flipped through the Thomas Nelson Page until she found an entry on the gateway islands… there were two some thirty kilometers apart that were estimated to be about a hundred kilometers from Castellumshire. Despite this wide area, the book explained that for some reason, these islands proved to be unchartable and only a very seasoned sailor knew how to rule them.

Feeling excited, skittish and terrified, she rushed into the common room where Harry and Luna were sitting on the sofa, apparently waiting for her. `` Is this it ? Is this where Fred is ? '' She thrust the leger at Luna, begging her to say she was wrong… that Fred wasn't on an untraceable island that was occupied by dragons.

'' You've lost Fred ? '' Draco asked as he emerged from the Slytherin wing.

They all froze, shy what to say or how to explain. `` When did you get back ? '' Harry asked calmly as both a distraction and a way to buy time.

'' A few proceedings ago. I was just on my way to tell Ginny before we all have to go to class. '' He answered, looking around at the three of them suspiciously. `` What's going on with Fred ? ``

'' He's on a business trip-up. '' Hermione said quickly, not knowing what else to say and figuring it was best to stick with the lie already told. They may not receive discussed it, but she, Harry and Luna had clearly come to a mute agreement not to tell Draco anything about Fred so that he wouldn't be put in the location of keeping it from Ginny.

'' Yeah, Ginny mentioned something about that. Apparently Mrs. Weasley sent a letter complaining all about it and the disconnected way he left. '' genus Draco said slowly. He was anything but dimwitted and it was clear he'd picked up on something being wrong. `` What does that bear to do with you all not knowing where he is ? ``

'' Hermione had been talking to him through those compacts… you know, keeping in trace. '' Luna blurted out.

'' Right, but she came to us this morning saying she accidentally broke the compact. '' Harry agreed, picking up effortlessly on Luna's thought. `` She was freaking out because she had no estimation where he was actually staying and therefore no way to contact him. ``

'' I had a visual sense that showed him on an island, though I wasn't sure which one so she went to depend up the things I described to see if she could project it out. '' Luna added, rounding out their lie.

Draco ignored them and looked at Hermione before smirking and shaking his promontory. He'd gotten to know them all well since joining with them, and had spent eld before that spying on them to larn all their arcanum. He knew of the three, Harry was the gifted liar, though Luna was capable when pressed… he also knew Hermione not only didn't like to lie, she wasn't always the most convincing at it. Letting Harry and Luna speak for her had obviously given him a clue that things weren't exactly as they were telling him. `` I see. '' He said at in conclusion. `` This is one of those, I'm-better-off-not-knowing, types of things… is that because Ginny is better off not knowing ? ``

'' Let's just say everything's amercement and marijuana cigarette with that. '' Harry said.

'' okey, I don't need to know the particulars. '' Draco agreed. `` But if you need help, I've been looking for a cause to practice scrying. ``

'' Why ? '' Hermione asked.

He shrugged. `` You all said we need to focalize on getting ready to find the coven… Figured I'd like to have something utile to bring to the table. Scrying is a skill that runs in my family so I thought I could use it to help you locate all those people. ``

'' Good to jazz you plan to come along. '' Harry smiled in encouragement.

'' I don't really have anything planned once we're released from here. '' He admitted. `` I just think it's best I prepare for anything. Let me know if you need my avail. I won't credit to Ginny that Fred is currently… off the storage-battery grid ? ``

'' I guess that's the best way to put it. '' Hermione nodded. `` Thanks. '' He waved her off and continued on his way to tell Ginny that he had returned.

'' Yes, I think that's the post. '' Luna said, answering Hermione's earlier enquiry once she was for sure they were alone.

'' Good, so if we know what island he's on and Draco thinks he can find where the island is, then there's no demand for you and Jacey to go to Erebos's course of study today so she can try to get into his head teacher. '' Harry said happily.

'' That was your theme in the first spot ! '' Hermione reminded him.

'' I've had time to contemplate on it. '' He answered defensively.

'' Either way, we still have to fix whether he's really the spy. We can't go rescue Fred until we're sure we've shut down everything they're holding over his forefront. '' She argued.

'' I agree. '' Jacey said, emerging from the Slytherin annex as Tristan, properly dressed in school robes and carrying a knapsack. `` Are you ready to go Miss Granger ? ``

Hermione looked at Harry and saw that he was extremely unhappy. She felt destitute in that moment… she didn't have to manage what Harry thought anymore. She was uncoerced to do whatever she had to in parliamentary procedure to help Fred, just as she'd done in the past for Harry, no topic how life-threatening or pillock. They had to screw if Erebos was the spy so that they could contain him from carrying out Elanya's threats… if that meant placing herself in front of the prof while Jacey tried to get into his mind, then so be it. `` I'm ready. '' She answered confidently.

( BREAK )

Ginny answered the bang on her door right away and threw her arms around Draco, more than relieved that he'd returned as he'd promised. `` I wasn't even gone a full two sidereal day. '' He teased, leaning down to snog her.

'' It felt like much longer. '' She sighed, taking his manus and leading him into her elbow room, closing the doorway for secrecy. `` Are you okay ? ``

'' As much as I can be I think. '' He answered honestly, taking a rump on the bed. `` I talked a few things over with lupine and it made me sense better… sort of. I'm just tired of everything always being so hard. ``

'' You and everyone else. '' She smiled, climbing behind him and rubbing his articulatio humeri. She could feel how much tension he was carrying and did her dependable to allay the extreme point tension in his musculus. `` But I guess if affair weren't unmanageable, we wouldn't appreciate the fourth dimension when everything is prosperous. ``

He relaxed into her hands, letting his promontory hang down as she massaged his neck. `` When has anything ever been easy ? We've all had to sputter to get where we are and now we're struggling to stay there while the entire domain seems to plot against us. ``

'' Being with you isn't such a battle. '' She wrapped her blazon around him and kissed the vertebral column of his cervix. `` In fact, loving you might be the light thing I've ever done even after all we've gone through together. I don't care how hard I have to fight for us Draco, I think it's worth it. ``

He took her arms and turned to front her, studying her very closely. `` None of this… zero I'm inquiring or doubting has anything to do with you or us. '' He said very seriously before at last breaking into a smile. `` You don't have to convince me that you love me, it's probably the lonesome thing I'm sure of anymore. ``

She nodded. `` I just thought you needed to learn it again. I can't think what you must be feeling after everything that happened with Lucius on Saturday… I just don't want you to go back to thinking that everyone is like him, that everyone will hurt or let down you in the long run. ``

He let out a small jape. `` lupin said something similar. ``

'' Well, we can't both be wrong, right field ? '' She grinned.

'' It's just a strange thing to get used to, having people campaign to stay in my life… especially when it's proven so dangerous. '' He shook his head and turned away from her again. `` I tried to establish lupine an out. I told him to wipe out all touch that linked his and Tonks's names to mine… but he wanted to delay on as my guardian. ``

'' Of course he did ! You don't think you're helping him consider with this whole loup-garou thing the Lapplander way he's helping you ? '' She asked, once more wind her blazon around him and resting her chin on his articulatio humeri. `` Face it Draco… once masses get to know you, you're a pretty likable guy. And I hope you weren't preparation to try and make me the Same crack as Lupin because you're as stuck with me as you are with him. ``

'' Don't I know it. '' He teased, turning to kiss her cheek.

'' You're lucky to have us both. '' She went on, smiling widely.

'' Yeah, I know that too. '' He laughed.

'' Well here's the part you don't seem to bonk yet… we're lucky to have you as well. '' She reached up and turned his face so that she could lightly kiss his lips. `` Maybe that's the part you shouldn't forget. '' She whispered before fully capturing his back talk once more, quick to welcome him back and show him just how much she'd missed him.

( BREAK )

'' Mr. Macnair ! I was told not to expect you in class today. '' Professor Erebos said as soon as Jacey entered his schoolroom. Hermione had been certainly to arrive a few minutes before her as usual so that nothing would appear suspicious.

'' I'm of the head that my posture here is still to be determined. '' She replied as Tristan, coolly taking a nates in the back row of the nearly empty-bellied classroom. Erebos simply shook his head and began his lesson. Clearly the man was going to pass on the act of disciplining the vampire to those with more force than he had. Jacey was felicitous to find that the professor was more than a bit scared of Tristan.

Remember, preserve him busy. Ask questions so he is focused on you and therefore less able to focus on shielding his mind. She reminded Hermione.

I think I can handle it. She replied in amusement.

They waited until the lesson was half over, hoping that Erebos would be lulled into a mistaken sense of security department. You gear up ? Jacey thought out to Harry and Luna. She knew that by now they had stationed themselves succeeding threshold in Professor Flitwick's currently hollow classroom.

Let's just try to be really careful, okay ? Harry asked desperately.

giving Hermione the signal, Jacey watched in fascinated entertainment as the other miss raised her mitt and assaulted Erebos with rapid-fire questions. No Sooner had the man answered her once than she was asking for more than information, more clarification or more point. Watching him become flustered, Jacey waited until she was sure he was completely distracted by his eager student. Feeling Harry and Luna's presence mingle in with hers, she propelled all three of them forward into the professor's head. Sure enough, they found a fortress around his brain, as high school and mighty as any of theirs. Picturing the three of them tiptoeing through the man's subconscious, she helped search for some way in.

There ! Luna whispered excitedly. Focusing on her, Jacey was able-bodied to see what she saw and cautiously zoomed toward the crack in the foundation. They slipped their way in, deliberate not to leave a touch of themselves. Flipping through the man's mind as quickly as possible, they at last found what they were looking for.

*****

Erebos put the key in the doorway and entered the hotel way. Elise was already waiting for him, sitting in one of the chairs as she regarded him warily. `` It's been a long sentence Dolos. '' She said, offering a sly and seductive smile.

'' And I had thought it would be much longer. I thought we had agreed years ago to just be glad that we got away with having our dead time together. '' He replied, angrily dropping his suitcase to the ground. He didn't like being summoned like this, but the daughter had a lot of dirt on him and she was entirely capable of ruining his life.

'' You thought a lot of things about me, haven't you ? '' She teased.

He cleared his throat and remained steady in his resolve. `` I'm married now. ``

She laughed. `` Actually you're in the process of getting divorced. Didn't you think I would check up on you before making contact ? I also know thing between you and the ex-wife are entirely unsettled… it seems she's battling you for full phase of the moon custody of the little rugrats you two bred. '' She laughed again, having seen the concern that instantly spread across his look. `` Relax Dolos, I didn't call you here to rekindle old flames or to threaten your estranged family. ``

'' Then why did you prognosticate, and why have us meet here, in Australia of all shoes ? '' He asked nervously.

'' To make a proposal. '' She rose and walked over to the window, letting the sun shine through her sundress and bare a phantasm of the public figure underneath. `` It seems you and I are in the berth to serve each other yet again. '' She added, looking at him over her articulatio humeri. Everything about her was as appealing as it had been all those years ago, from her rather attractive appearance to the small virtuoso tattoo that drew him into her centre to the confidential information of danger she always promised to provide.

'' I'm listening. '' He said, entertaining the estimation that perhaps rekindling old flame wouldn't be the bad thing in the world.

She turned fully to him, leaning against the balcony railing as she spoke. `` I came here looking for someone… turns out the offset one wasn't all that I needed him to be. But I have found a girl with the right king and a desperate motive for revenge. My friends and I need her… after speaking with the girl, we've already come up with a design on how to use her to our undecomposed advantage. The sole thing is, she feels she has cipher to offer us. As it turns out, the girlfriend does have some annoying ethics and while she very much liked that we could apply her the way to down her sire, she was also hesitant in joining with us when she had no way to pay back us. ``

'' She seems smartness, doesn't want to be left in anyone's debt. '' He interrupted, thinking of his own situation. He was entirely indebted to Elise for how she was able to insure up their affair all those eld ago… it was why he had come here.

'' Whatever the case, you need to be the affair she can provide us… which works out wonderfully since I was eventually going to contact you on our behalf anyway. '' She grinned.

'' You keep saying our and we. Who else are you plotting with ? ``

'' A darling old friend… perhaps you remember Sarah Elaine ? '' She waited as he nodded, indicating he vaguely remembered the girl who he'd only ever met during the visitation. `` She has her own fish on the bait, but her girl is useless as long as she's locked away. ``

'' So what do you need me to do ? '' He asked, again feeling nervous.

'' Elanya Delamora… very youth and very pretty… she's staying in this hotel. I need you to attain it your business to run into her. I'm sure you won't have a trouble convincing her that you find her very attractive and would do anything she wanted of you. Then I need you to casually dislocate into conversation that you work at Hogwarts… she'll take attention of the rest. ``

'' How can you be sure ? ``

Elise smiled again, this time like a lioness toying with her prey. `` Because I'll see to it that she thinks you are exactly what we need. Imagine her delight when she stumbles into you ! We'll let her think you are hers and hers alone and that only she can bring you into the fold, it'll be her way of buying her way in. Later if she tries to use you against us, we'll simply tell her how things really came about and that she hasn't even come close to coming up even for what we're going to help oneself her do. ``

'' So you want me to help you fool and trap this girl ? '' He shook his caput. `` How naïve is she ? ``

'' Not at all actually. She is very well cognizant of how things work in my world, but like you she prefers to exist on the outer edges of it, only dipping a toe in when it suits her. '' Elaine teased. `` That is why we have to not only set up this elaborate farce comedy, but also be entirely convincing about it. ``

'' Which is why you told me to use a funeral as my excuse for being in the country. ``

'' well, death makes most masses feel awkward and therefore there are less uninvited questions. ``

He sighed and sat down in the professorship. `` And, what do I get out of this ? ``

'' Besides the delight of a renewed acquaintance with me ? '' She grinned. `` We will guarantee that you get whatever you want out of this little divorce battle. ``

'' How ? I don't want Lilah detriment. '' He had a sudden sentience of protectiveness come over him as he thought of his children's mother being killed.

'' Relax. We have plenty of fashion of doing anything we want. It's all about knowing the right citizenry and calling in the right party favor. '' She assured him. `` After we deliver, all I'll need you to do is keep playing along with the missy. Once you get back to schoolhouse, all you'll have to do is keep an eye on a few choice scholarly person so that we know what's going on at all times. So, are you in ? ``

'' I don't know, are you leaving anything out ? '' He asked suspiciously.

'' You know me too well, Dolos. '' She said, once again offering a coy grin as she walked back into the elbow room to stand before him. `` How do you feel about hurting bookman, possibly even killing one ? ``

'' I'd rather it didn't come to that… '' He swallowed hard. Sure he'd taken a few lives back during the shoemaker's last war, but that had been because he thought he was doing right, protecting a way of life. After, when he'd gotten to jazz Elise and seen what the war had done to the children of his foe he began to wonder if he did belong to on Dumbledore's incline. It was a question that had haunted him for age after. Perhaps this was his meter to find out… if he was able to threaten an impeccant student, then surely he belonged on Elise's side of the war, on Voldemort's side.

'' No one wants it to get to that, and if everyone does exactly what they're supposed to then it won't. But I need soul who can do what is necessity should the occasion arise. '' She was studying him closely, obviously looking for signboard of weakness.

'' If you can guarantee Lilah won't be able to necessitate my Thomas Kid away, then I'm your man. '' He replied steadily. There were a lot of shady things in his past, some of them had been what finally pushed his married woman away and forced her to search sole-custody. He knew he'd do whatever it took to get what he wanted, and Elise knew it too… that's why after all these class, she'd hail back to him. He could and would do this, and what's more, he felt like he'd enjoy it.

*****

Well, I guess that answers a lot. Harry said once they all cleared out of Erebos's head.

We're back. Jacey thought to Hermione. She saw that the girl was having trouble keeping up her battery of interrogative sentence and wanted to assure her that she could stop.

Suddenly the classroom threshold swung spread and Healer Drake entered with an apologetic smile. `` Sorry to interrupt. '' He said politely. `` I need to borrow Mr. Macnair. He's wanted up in the Headmaster's part. ``

'' Go on Macnair. I told you that you weren't supposed to be here. '' Erebos crossed his blazon and waited impatiently.

Jacey reluctantly got up, hearing Harry in her headspring telling her and Hermione that he and Luna were staying where they were until the class was over. She followed Drake down the hall, wondering what was going to happen. `` I hope this is someways part of your architectural plan, because Dumbledore is really mad. '' He said as they walked.

'' In a mother wit. We want Tristan in as a lot trouble as possible. '' She answered, hoping she could withstand the headmaster's anger. The therapist left her at the gargoyle and she now had to look Dumbledore's anger alone.

But of course the older mavin knew how to check his emotions and as she entered his part, she saw him regarding her with treated middle while speaking in a calm voice. `` Mr. Macnair. May I ask why you openly defied my orders and went to class today ? ``

'' I got lonely. '' She shrugged, mimicking Tristan's nonchalant way of dealing with authority.

'' I see. '' He leaned forward and spoke softly. `` The Aurors have decided to take your case Mr. Macnair. They are applying for a imprimatur of arrest and as soon as it comes through I am to hired man you over to them. Unfortunately, it may take a few twenty-four hour period as we are still caught up looking for both Parvati Patil and Troy Mason. Until that sentence we are finally able to rid ourselves of you, you are hereby confined to your dormitory. I suggest you use your last few daylight here to image out exactly what you're going to tell the tourist court. You are dismissed. '' With a flourish, he disappeared, apparently not wanting to give Tristram a fortune to respond. She was left sitting alone in the office, contemplating what life was going to be like once she was once more entirely free to be herself.

( BREAK )

Harry nervously waited for Hermione to get out the schoolroom, hating the view of her being alone with someone who wasn't quite sure whether or not he was a psychopath. Luna was side by side to him and more than anything he wanted to reach out and take her hand, to sense the comfort she could bring him… but with so many students walking the mansion house, that was unacceptable. Not only had they both agreed it was best no one but their friends knew about them, he was supposed to still be pretending to be with Hermione in an try to fritter Erebos, Simon and anyone else who may reckon she was a fiddling too close to Fred. `` Well ? '' He asked as soon as she emerged.

'' zero happened, it was an ordinary class. I can't be sure as shooting, but I don't think he felt you guys in his head. '' She quietly assured them.

He's coming. Luna warned them as she turned and walked away. Harry pulled Hermione to him, wrapping his arm around her shoulder just as Erebos came into the hallway.

'' Well, you were certainly inquisitive in course of study today Miss Granger. '' He said, stopping to grin at them.

'' NEWTs are coming up, I just want to be prepared. '' She answered quickly.

'' You know Hermione, always one to question all. '' Harry said proudly, leaning in to osculate her synagogue as she pushed herself closer against him.

'' Too bad I could never interest you in the subject field Mr. ceramicist. I think I would feature enjoyed having you in my stratum as well. '' He said with a pissed smile. `` You seem to let so many talents, I'm sure you could just pluck the result to any test right out of my head. '' He added meaningfully.

Harry felt himself terror. `` I would never do something like that. It's cheat. '' He answered steadily, not wanting the prof to obtain any validation of his suspicions.

'' cum on, we have to go or we'll miss dejeuner and I'm starvation. '' Hermione said, playfully taking his paw and pulling him along as if she didn't sense the sudden tension.

He quickly followed her, gripping her script so tight he was afraid he would break it. `` You are definitely going to throw to quest something to get you out of that class. '' He said as they walked toward the Great Hall.

'' What happened ? Is he the spy ? '' She asked, though it was vindicated the prof's demeanor had already confirmed what she feared.

'' Yeah, to say the very least… we may not just be going to write Fred anymore. '' He answered. `` It seems that whether she knows it or not, Elanya has gotten herself just as trapped by Elise and Sarah as Fred. ``

( breach )

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked unceremoniously as soon as Elanya emerged from the tent.

'' And a secure dawning to you too ! '' She said happily. `` I see you've decided to come in to your sensation and talk to me. ``

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked again, having decided those were the only Book he would countenance himself to say until he received a definite answer.

'' I don't see why you're in such a big haste to get back… it seems your Quaker are already starting to forget about you. '' She taunted.

He was funny, he wanted to ask what she meant… but he refused to take the bait. `` When are we leaving ? '' He asked for the third time.

'' Don't you want to know what I've heard from my generator ? '' She asked coyly.

At this level, he was more come to with how she'd heard from her root and filed away in his intellect that he needed to observe the chance to search for her communicating gimmick. `` When are we leaving ? '' He smiled to himself as he saw her frown. Apparently this could take the potential to annoy her as much as his silence.

'' If you're concerned about getting back to Hermione Granger, I'd forget about it if I were you. '' She said cruelly. `` My reservoir within Hogwarts has told me that he's witnessed respective things to tell him that she and Harry Potter have mended their transgress relationship. It seems she didn't quite appreciate you up and leaving her without a word of warning. ``

Fred held himself together, forcing himself not to oppose. He knew that Hermione knew Elanya had already planned to pressure him away… he truly believed she was wise enough to put two and two together once she was ineffectual to reach him and figure out he'd been forced away sooner. But then… wouldn't she have done something to try and find him ? He may own stopped counting days after five, but he knew he'd been here for a long time… a few week at least. Shouldn't person have come looking for him ? Whether or not what she said was true, he was determined not to let Elanya know she had shaken him. He stared her right hand in the eye and grinned. `` When are we leaving ? ``

( BREAK )

Ron had spent four days successfully keeping his friends at bay. It seemed his discussion against them had worked and for better or bad, they were leaving him to separate it out himself. Of grade, they all probably had some big enigma to focalize on and facilitate keep their intellect off of him, but the longer he went, the harder it was for him to continue to support the position he had taken. After all, they still had each other and he was pretty much alone… just as he'd thought he wanted.

Not caring to sit by himself at dinner party yet again, he'd decided to pass his Thursday dark in the library. He really did try to do homework, but he just couldn't stress and eventually found himself writing a letter to Parvati with the hope that lupine could retrieve a way to get it to her. He was three pages into explaining how sorry he was when person's shadow fell over him.

'' Here you are ! '' Seamus exclaimed, pulling out a hot seat and sitting across from him. `` I've been looking for you all over, you know we have our first secret plan Sat, don't you ? ``

'' Yeah, I know. What is there to do until recitation tomorrow ? ``

'' Practice tonight. '' He grinned. `` I got McGonagall to agree to let us have a nighttime pattern so long as we had it wrapped up by ten. That only gives us three and a one-half hr ! come on, I already told the team to meet us down there. ``

Ron looked down at his letter of the alphabet and sighed. Perhaps he did demand a distraction, something that was now entirely his as he was the only one of his finish friends allowed to enter in quidditch in any way. `` Alright. Help me put these books back, Madame Pince had a fit the conclusion time I was here and left them lying all over the position. '' Shoving his own things in his backpack, he and Seamus grabbed the few books he'd taken out in Leslie Townes Hope of completing his potions essay and went into the wads to put them away.

'' Hey, do you hear that ? '' Seamus whispered suddenly.

Both boys stopped and listened. At utmost Ron picked up on whatever Seamus had heard… a piano thumping and quiet moaning. rum, they followed the sounds a lilliputian deeper into the rows of shelves. Turning the turning point they gasped in shock at who they saw and what they were doing. `` I'd have thought you'd have better taste Padma. '' Seamus teased.

She and James Dean leapt apart, wiping their mouthpiece and straightening their clothes as they realized they'd been caught. `` He was helping me find something. '' She said defensively.

'' In your mouth ? '' Ron laughed.

'' Shut up. '' Dean said angrily.

'' I've been under a lot of stress lately… '' Padma argued her case.

'' And he was just helping to allay some of it ? '' Seamus asked innocently as a across-the-board, immorality smile scatter across his face. She rolled her heart and walked away in a huff.

'' Thanks jolt. '' James Dean grumbled.

'' Aren't you supposed to be heading down to the quidditch pitch ? '' Ron took his number to twit their acquaintance. Shooting them each a dirty flavor, James Byron Dean brushed past them to go down to practice.

'' Well, that was interesting. '' Seamus grinned.

'' Seeing his face get all red like that… it totally made my day. '' He agreed, smiling back.

They put away the volume and hurried outside to the subject area. Ron felt lighter than he had in years and was surprised to get that he could really enjoy himself with former friends. Dean and Seamus and the whole Gryffindor team were his outlet, his way of continuing to stave off Harry, Hermione, Luna and Ginny. Once they left here, he would own to figure something else out, especially since his kinsfolk was currently living in Harry's business firm for an undetermined sum of money of metre. But he still had a little over two calendar week to think on it. In the meantime, he was content to reserve himself to enjoy the rare, completely worry-free mo he was experiencing.

( faulting )

'' cum on, we're going to be late for class ! '' Luna grabbed Ginny's arm and pulled her off the sofa, barely giving her enough time to grab her Quran before dragging her out of the common way where she and Draco had been lounging.

As soon as they were gone, granger came and took Ginny's vacated position. `` Here. '' She spread a map out in movement of Draco and pointed to a small dot of an island. `` I finally found a map that shows Castellumshire. Somewhere within a hundred kilometers is the island we think Fred is on. ``

'' And you want me to do what ? '' He asked, looking up at her. ceramist was standing behind her and it was absolved they had been waiting for Luna to get Ginny out of the room before approaching him. `` You said before that you guys can't cruise there even if you knew where it was. Isn't that the enigma of this island, that only certain hoi polloi can happen it ? ``

'' Only sealed people can obtain it- by sea. '' thrower argued.

'' We're intellection that if you can pinpoint it on a map, we can use the pic in Charlie's book to apparate there. '' husbandman added hopefully.

Realizing they were dangerous, he took the map and stood. `` Okay, I'll try. But I'd rather do this in private if you don't mind. '' He strode past them to the Slytherin wing and down to his room. The last thing he wanted was the sum pressure level of thrower and farmer watching him try and fail. He wished he had never offered to help, that he'd kept his mouth shut and stayed out of it… especially since it seemed whatever was going on, they were do-or-die that Ginny and Ron not get wind of it. But he had offered and they'd taken him up on it… now he had to actually attempt to scry, something he'd never actually done.

Spreading the map out on the bed, he wondered what he was supposed to do next. Of line he didn't have a pendulum, but remembering a time when Narcissa had lost hers, he still thought that maybe he could do this. Copying everything he'd seen his mother do, he pulled out a ace strand of his hair… a piece of the searcher. Now he needed a composition of the sought after. Taking Charlie's Holy Scripture, he ripped out the exposure of the Colorsplosions and made a hole through the scrap. Looping his hair through it, he let it dangle in front of him set up for testing. With his mind, he focused on the paper moving itself north… he was truly surprised when it began to swing and at commencement thought there must be a breeze. He quickly focused on moving the report to the Orient and nearly dropped it in shock when it froze in midair and instantly swung the way he'd asked. So it had worked. He was thrilled but knew he had to be deliberate not to become overconfident.

Looking down at the map he let the newspaper dangle over the delineation of Castellumshire. `` okeh, meter to really put you to the examination. '' He said under his breath as he began focusing on narrowing down the hunt for the mysterious gateway islands.

The paper fluttered for a moment before swinging in a wide of the mark arch, making more and more precise circles until it stopped dead, pointing directly at what appeared to be void ocean. He tried it three more times, always with the same event. You guy cable should get along and see this. He thought out to Potter, excited in cattiness of himself that he may suffer just solved something that even Granger had been unable.

He opened the doorway just as they both were about to knock, hurrying them inside. Picking up his strand of hair's-breadth, he once more attest what the composition pointed to on the map, confident enough in himself that he could do it with an audience. Sure enough he got the same upshot and sodbuster rushed to circulate the spot and write down the coordinate. `` And it's seems to be within one hundred kilometer. Thank you Dragon, well done ! '' She exclaimed, leaping up to hug him

He awkwardly patted her back before extricating himself. `` Think null of it. And if Ginny ever finds out what you are all up to, I had nothing to do with it. ``

'' Agreed. '' Potter grinned. And then suddenly his expression turned to one of anger.

'' Harry, are you okay ? '' husbandman asked, having also witnessed the speed with which potter's mood had changed.

'' I've got to go. '' He said quickly before racing from the room.

'' Harry ! '' farmer called after him, looking out the door as he dashed down the hall. `` What do you think that was about ? '' She asked, once more turning to face Draco.

He shrugged. `` Only he knows at this point. ``

'' I'd better go see if I can catch up to him somehow… '' She paused and offered a grinning. `` Thanks again Draco. You have no idea how much you've just helped us. '' And then she was gone, off to chase down Potter. He briefly entertained the thought of going with, but he just as quickly dismissed it. Clearly whatever the state of affairs was, it was one Potter either thought he could do by alone or wanted to handle alone. If he'd thought he needed assistant, Dragon didn't think he'd have hesitated to ask him. After all, they'd been finding it a lot more beneficial to work together lately. Instead he lay back in his bed to wait for Ginny to be done with category, happily reflecting on his unexpected success. If this was what it was like to have things go your way, then he was prepared to sit back and let it. But he would remain set and ready should Lucius show his face again.

( BREAK )

Luna ensured Ginny made it to class before making up an excuse for why she wouldn't be joining her. Claiming a hard bellyache as they approached the Gargoyle, she'd blamed intellectual nourishment poisoning and urged the other fille to go on up. She'd told Ginny that she had a great herbal remedy back in her way and it was her own demerit for not taking it when the symptoms had first begun to present themselves.

Once alone in the Asaph Hall, Luna straightened up and hoped she hadn't made her supporter too worried about her. But she had no clip for course right now, she wanted to get back to the coarse way and discover out whether Draco was able to settle the island. She moved quickly down the hall, not wanting anyone questioning why she wasn't where she was supposed to be. And then it suddenly struck her, the feeling of an oncoming vision. She quickly ducked through the nearest door feeling completely disoriented. Before her eyesight blurred, she was capable to prepare out that she was in an empty schoolroom. Dropping to her human knee, she crawled forward, feeling her way to the prof's desk and hiding herself behind it. She couldn't let anyone find her alone while having a sight, it was too well-fixed for them to take reward of her being so completely vulnerable. There were still far too many enemy walking the hallway to let one of them find her in a compromising spot in which she'd be ineffective to fight. The lastly matter she wanted was to make it easy for them to hand her over to Voldemort.

Giving into the visual modality, she was surprised to find it was the Saami warning as before. Once again she and Harry were side by incline in the white room and she felt the Same haul as Sarah, Elise and Elanya beckoned to them. And then again Harry was gone and she was recoiling in horror as Simon approached, reaching out to her. Only this time, the ending was dissimilar. She was frozen in property as Herb Simon grew taller and taller before turning to stamp down on his sister and her champion who were now the sizing of mice. He turned and grinned as a pool of blood line emerged from beneath his skid and it was unclutter he had wanted her to watch. And then the room was spinning and once more Simon looked pattern as he stood before her, reaching out to her as she shook in fear. Now it was Elise, Sarah and Elanya who grew enceinte, crushing Herbert A. Simon to death beneath their feet. Harry was beside her again and the three women turned to beckon to them as if nothing had happened. Instantly she felt drawn into them again and only then did she bring in it wasn't her belief it. It was Harry who was so uncoerced to listen to what these awful womanhood had to say while neither of them seemed to give interest in Simon's message…

She shook her heading as she came back to herself already attempting to cerebrate this through. If she was being warned that Harry was unforced to heed to something those girls had to say, then what was Simon going to do that made him rick to them. Her head was spinning with possibleness and she suddenly wasn't certainly what anything in the vision had been trying to tell her. She hated the Stanford White room, where nothing was clear and everything was a puzzle. But this prison term the admonition had definitely felt more intense and as her mind switched completely back into consciousness, a shrill sting of suspicion stabbed at her. She felt for her verge in her pocket only to actualise she'd put it in her bag, which she'd dropped somewhere after she'd entered the classroom. She felt another person in there with her and reaching out her mind, she sensed it was the very last person in the world she wanted to find… St. Simon McKinney. She tried to stay as still as possible.

'' I know you're in here Luna. I saw you. '' He called. `` I just want the prospect to utter to you about a few things… why don't you come on out and we can bear a nice, civil conversation ? '' She held her breath and continued to stay still, hoping he somehow didn't know where exactly she was. `` Please ? This is the last time I'm going to ask nicely. '' He warned. Still she remained silent, praying he'd just go away. `` Alright then, looks like you're choosing the heavily way. ``

Luna shrieked as she felt the desk roughly slide away from her, leaving her completely out in the heart-to-heart. She leapt to her feet, not wanting to take to face him from the priming coat. He stood before her with a unhinged grin, brandishing his wand in one hand while tauntingly dangling hers from the early. `` It seems you dropped something when you came in. '' He smirked.

'' How nice of you to retrieve it… may I have it delight ? '' She asked carefully, trying not to show that she was scared of him.

'' No, I think it's better if I hold onto it for you while we talk. I'd hate for you to get gun trigger happy and make a fault before hearing me out. '' He went and closed the door, ensuring he locked it both manually and magically.

Harry, I think I may need some help here. Simon has me cornered in a classroom and he has my wand. She thought out quickly.

I'm on my way. He replied instantly, his articulation dark and dangerous. The last affair she wanted was Harry overreacting to this post, but she wasn't sure she had another option… she was unarmed and unlike Harry and Jacey, her extra powers lent her no protection. `` So, what do you need to talk about ? '' She asked out loud, trying to keep her voice low and calm.

'' Quite a few affair actually. Why don't you take a seat ? '' He waved his wand, bringing the prof's chair up behind her so quickly that she stumbled back into it. `` Incarcerous ! '' He shouted as she grabbed the arm of the chair in an try to sputter to her invertebrate foot. Before she knew what was happening, Mexican valium appeared out of nowhere, binding her wrists and waist to the chair.

'' You can't do this, you'll get expelled. '' She tried to reason with him. `` full stop whatever this is now and I won't report you. ``

'' I just want to pull in sure enough you aren't going to run anywhere. '' He assured her, putting her wand in his pocket and pulling up another chairwoman to sit in front of her. `` You and I, we may be able to help each early. ``

'' I don't need any help from you. '' She argued, beginning to suffer the calmness she'd been clinging to.

'' Maybe you don't see it yet. But you and Harry Potter both could benefit from listening to what I have to tell you. It might realise you both see things in a unscathed new lighter. '' Simon returned. `` I don't want to ache you, I want to be your booster. ``

'' This isn't the best way to make Friend. '' She pulled against the bandaging but they were tied tight. Her wrists began to burn as she continued to struggle, the cutis becoming raw as it rubbed against the ropes… but she couldn't just gift up.

'' And I apologize for the troublesomeness. '' He laughed, pulling out his trusty flask and taking a gulp. `` But like I said, I want to make sure as shooting you really mind to what I have to say you without you making the misunderstanding of cursing me first. ``

'' Okay, well… you have my wand and my undivided attention. What do experience to severalize me ? '' She wanted to cry in defeat as she felt the rope on her left articulatio radiocarpea loosen slightly. She continued to struggle, trying not to trace focus to the fact that she was making progress.

'' But it's not just your attention that I need. ``

'' Meaning what ? ``

He stood and came towards her. `` Hmm, looks like you're getting loose there. '' He reached to fix the forget me drug and she desperately kicked at him, trying to keep him away as she attempted to rick her leave alone radiocarpal joint free. She could sense her cutis scraping against the rough texture but she ignored it, continuing to fight down him off as she tried to free herself.

He finally gave up struggling with her and took a few measure back, waving his wand to tie her leg to the president as well so that he could approach her without being kicked. Fixing the rope on her arm, he sat back in his chairwoman and let out a deep breath. `` Whew. You know, you're making this harder than it has to be. I'm not trying to suffer you, you know. You very much need to hear what I have to distinguish you. ``

'' So say it already ! '' She shouted angrily.

'' I will. '' He grinned and took another swig from his flask. `` I'm just waiting for Harry to get here. I figured I'd public lecture to you first but after the way you acted in Hogsmeade and how you are justly now, it's clear that you aren't quite as intelligent as I thought. And knowing that him and Hermione are a forcemeat, I figured you'd be the best come-on to keep him listening without bashing my mentality in for confining you here. You did call for him to serve, didn't you ? ``

'' No. '' She said quickly.

'' Hmm, well I think you're lying. '' He got up and turned to confront the door as the node began jiggling furiously. Simon lifted his sceptre in preparation, turning to calculate at her over his shoulder. `` If fact, this must be him now. ``

Harry, he's waiting for you ! She tried to warn him as Simon moved to unlock the door. But she wasn't sure she was in sentence as she quickly turned her grimace away to avoid the shower of woods, brick and plaster that came flying forward as Harry forced his way through, too impatient to wait for the door to be opened.

( good luck )

Hermione couldn't find Harry anywhere. He'd run off so quickly that she'd lost him before she'd even begun to fall in chase. Hoping he would call if he needed assistant, she returned to her room and once more counterpane out the map. Looking at the point they'd marked as the island, she decided now was as unspoilt a clip as any to try her new abilities with astral jut. She wanted to be able to see Fred, even if she wasn't yet solid enough for him to see her back or for them to talk to each other.

Forcibly clearing her judgement, she focused on the photos in Charlie's book… imagining herself on the island, on the beach, next to Fred. Closing her centre, she began to feel weightless. Letting go of everything holding her down, she felt herself come free from her physical structure and shoot through clip and infinite. When she opened her eyes again, she was under the bright sun and had to squint to hit anything out. That was when she noticed she was crystalline, as she was able to take in the landscape painting through her arm. It was disconcerting, but the vision beyond herself made her realise that she had done it. She was far from Hogwarts and on an island… or at to the lowest degree her consciousness was.

'' Great. Now I'm visual perception mirages. '' She heard somebody murmuration behind her. Whipping around she cried out in relief, running towards Fred until she remembered that she wasn't able to partake him. `` Fred ! It's really me ! I'm really here, sort of. '' She said happily, stopping just in front end of him.

'' A talking mirage ? '' He smiled, still not quite surely what he was seeing.

She rolled her eyes. `` No Moron, it's really me. I'd reach out and nip you but I'm not sure how yet. ``

'' I don't understand… How is this possible ? '' He nervously glanced over his shoulder. `` Is it really you ? '' He whispered.

'' I promise. '' She assured him. `` I'm just sorry it took so long. But we know where you are now and we have a plan to come get you… tomorrow. Can you hit it one to a greater extent day ? ``

He shook his head. `` I can't leave- ''

'' Yes you can, we've figured it all out ! '' She said happily wanting to explicate as quickly as possible. `` I knew Elanya must have made you leave other and Luna forced herself to sustain a vision. Dragon scryed and now we can do get you ! You don't have to worry about the spy, we know who it is… Professor Erebos. And in Luna's vision, she saw what Sarah planned for me, so I learned all about astral projection to protect myself. Lee and Willem made certainly there was absolutely nothing to tie you to Edmund… there's zippo for you to concern about anymore. ``

Fred hesitantly reached out, but his hand went right through her. He shook his point. `` I don't know. It can't be that leisurely. ``

'' It's not… Elanya may be just as much a dupe of the other girls'treason as you are. She thinks she's their touch but Harry, Luna and Jacey went in Erebos's straits and found the trueness. Either way it doesn't matter. We're coming for you tomorrow. She can bide and rot for all I care. ``

'' Fred ! '' They head Elanya call off in the distance.

'' You have to go, she can't see you here… if you're really here. '' He grinned, obviously trying to put her at simpleness. But she saw the discomfort he tried to cover and wanted to charter him with her right field that moment. sooner than pass on completely, she glided over to the tree to watch.

'' Here you are. I thought I heard vocalisation. '' Elanya exclaimed, looking exotic with her wild hair, deep tan and flowing strapless dress.

'' When are we leaving ? '' He asked.

'' So what, you were here talking to yourself ? You'd rather talk to no one than me ? '' She asked indignantly.

'' When are we leaving ? '' Fred asked again, clearly ignoring everything the young lady had to say.

'' You know, we're supposed to be using this metre to get to cognize each other… you're pigheadedness is really starting to piss me off. '' She glared at him, clearly having reached the end of her rope. `` I didn't want to get to resort to threats again, I was so hoping this would be a pleasant check. But you better say something when I'm done talking and it had better be something other than `` When are we leaving '' or I swear everyone you care for will stick out for the aggravation you're causing me. ``

Fred looked incertain, clearly wanting to continue pushing her button. Plus if he chose to believe his own eyes and capitulum, Hermione had just told him that everyone he cared about was good. `` How long will we be staying here ? '' He asked at in conclusion, ineffectual to restrain back his grinning as he challenged her. Hermione could understand the sick amusement he was getting out of this… after all, she probably would have lost her thinker had she been trapped for weeks on an island.

'' You really want to crowd me Fred ? '' Elanya asked threateningly.

He sighed and shook his head. `` I had wondered how long it would study for you to show your avowedly colors. I mean you get a little get at and right away you're back to threatening unacquainted bystanders. ``

'' It seems the best way to get what I want. '' She grinned triumphantly as he at hold up broke the semi-silence he seemed to have been keeping.

Hermione felt a inviolable tug and knew her body was calling her back. She'd been gone too long and as much as she wanted to say good-bye to Fred, she knew she couldn't hold on any longer. Against her will she was whipped back, her entire body bouncing as she reentered it. Opening her center, she adjusted to the impression of being unanimous once more. She felt dizzy, her chief detriment and her stomach was growling in thirst. She felt she'd just walked for days without stopping to rest or eat, she was exhausted and every function of her was sore.

Taking a moment to loosen up, she collected herself before carefully rising from her bed. Looking at the clock, she saw that she'd come back just in prison term for lunch and feeling inscrutable thirst pains, she rushed down to the Great residence hoping Harry and Luna were there so she could tell them what she'd just done. But as she entered the way, she realized at once that something was wrongfulness. Only Hagrid and Charlie remained at the question tabular array to chaperone the scholar'repast while her classmates all talked excitedly to themselves, some of them looking at her and raising a hand to whisper with more fervency. Taking a hindquarters across from Ginny and genus Draco she looked at them inquisitively. `` What's going on ? ``

'' No one knows for sure… but rumor is, ceramist severely damaged a schoolroom before disappearing with Luna and Simon McKinney. '' Draco replied, looking Sir Thomas More than a picayune worried.

'' What ? What do mean they disappeared ? '' She demanded.

He shrugged and Ginny took up the narrative. `` All anyone seems to know is that there was a flash noise and when the Ravenclaw prefect went to investigate she saw Harry standing in the classroom with Neil Simon while Luna sat in a chair in the back. She didn't get too near a flavour because suddenly the two male child started dueling and she went to get help. By the time they came back, everyone was gone. ``

'' It seems Tristan has disappeared as well. '' genus Draco added. `` The Aurors came to get him and he was just gone. I hope wherever Potter and Luna are, Jacey is with them. ``

'' Me too. '' Hermione replied distractedly. They'd just found Fred and now they were missing three coven extremity. Whatever was going on, it clearly wasn't good.

( BREAK )

Dumbledore had shown up unexpectedly at Tristram's door less than an hour ago to make it hump that the Aurors had finally secured their stop warrantee and would be around shortly to take the lamia into custody. Jacey listened as she was warned as Tristan not to run, since charms had been placed around the school meant to notice the lamia hominoid metal money specifically. She had not let herself panic… she, Harry and Luna had planned for this. Having discovered that not only were they open of apparating within the barriers but also that the Aurors could not trace them, it had been decided that when it was time she would apparate to the Shrieking Shack. She would let the potion wear off and then remain there until it was fourth dimension to go to John Griffith Chaney. Having grabbed the few affair she owned, she had concentrated hard as Luna had taught her. And then she had felt a pull and when she opened her optic again she was in the front room of the screaming Shack.

Now looking around at the depressing décor, Jacey thought the place in heroic demand of a sprucing up. She wondered if the Aurors had come yet and whether anyone realized Tristan was gone. Flopping down on the couch with a sigh, she silently called out to Harry, letting him know that she had fled Hogwarts and wondering whether she was too far for him to hear.

We're on our way to you and we need some help. Was his panicky reply.

She sat up in consternation. Apparently Hogwarts was still very much within their range. What do you need me to do ?

Hide. Then when you find the chance, help us however you can. He simply replied.

( breach )

Harry stalked his way quickly through the mansion, focusing in on Luna's energy to guide him to where she was. Ignoring the few scholarly person down the hall from him, he desperately tried to turn the handle of the classroom door. It wouldn't John Donald Budge. He knew this was the right place, that she was behind that door and he certainly wasn't going to let a stupid while of Natalie Wood stand in his way. Taking a step back, he focused his index, rolling it around in his mind before pushing outward. He watched the door bend against the force and pushed harder. Harry, he's waiting for you ! Luna tried to admonish him just as the wood shattered inward, exploding off it'flexible joint and taking parts of the wall with it. Ignoring the shrieking from down the residence, he raised his wand and entered the classroom

'' Expelliarmus ! '' Neil Simon shouted, forcing Harry to shield right away. But he'd heard Luna's warning and had been prepared. Simon Zelotes fired trance after spell at him while he focused on his shield and waited for the right moment. Pushing his mind out, he grabbed hold of the early boy and whipped him back against the rampart. Stepping through the dust, Harry waved his wand in an attempt to tie up Herbert A. Simon in place, but he quickly shielded as he rolled to his feet and ducked behind the chairwoman Harry now realized Luna was tied to. `` I just want to tattle ! '' Simon called as he crouched behind Luna, tightly clutching her so that he wouldn't use his mind to confound him around again.

'' You have a comical way of showing it. '' Harry replied angrily. Are you okay ? He thought out to Luna who was even now still attempting to pull herself free.

Yeah. He hasn't done anything other than not let me leave… he keeps saying there's something he needs to tell us. She replied, her articulation carrying More anger and curiosity than fright now.

'' I know what you both think of me now that you know I'm related to Elise ! '' Herbert A. Simon reasoned, poking his headland out over Luna's shoulder. `` I knew you wouldn't just sit down and talk to me, that you'd have no interest in what I have to say. But like I told her, we can help each early Harry. ``

'' So aid out now by untying her. '' He carefully replied, keeping his scepter up in case the boy decided to restart their duel.

'' I can't do that until I'm sure you aren't going to anguish me. ``

Harry, I'm at the screeching Shack. The Aurors were coming for Tristan so I followed through on our plan. Jacey's voice entered his head unexpectedly. Hearing footsteps running down the Marguerite Radclyffe Hall, Harry made a truehearted decision.

We're on our way to you and we need some help. He told Jacey in a panic.

What do you want me to do ? She answered instantly.

Hide. Then when you find the opportunity, help us however you can. He said before turning his attention back to Simon. `` Well, we can't talk of the town here… multitude are coming to see what's going on. Shall we go somewhere more common soldier ? '' He asked quickly.

'' Like where ? ``

'' Touch my shoulder joint and I'll bring you there. '' Luna told him, having picked up on Harry's program. Now able to find out people shouting in the hall, Herb Simon was forced to intrust them and reached out to snap up her shoulder. Together Harry and Luna apparated away, only to arrive in the apparently empty shriek hutch. To his disappointment, the chairwoman and ropes had come as well, leaving her bound as Simon's human shield.

'' This is all so unnecessary. '' Harry angrily told the former boy. `` I don't know what kind of people you grew up around, but if you had come to us and asked to lecture, we would take in heard you out… you didn't need to trick us into it. ``

'' That's doubtful considering I've overheard Luna talking to Hermione about the visual modality she's had of me. '' Simon the Canaanite returned before moving his care to Luna in actual confusion. `` I have no idea why you see me as an opposition in those visions, but I assure you I'm not. ``

'' And holding me against my will is the way to prove it ? '' She asked gently, far more in control of herself than Harry was. He saw that she was thinking one of them needed to remain calm and he felt guilty that it had fallen to her when she was the one currently tied up with blood trickling from her wrist joint where the rope had cut into her cutis. He caught sight of Jacey as she slowly crept in from the hall.

Herb Simon looked at Luna for a moment before nodding to himself. `` It had to be that way, it's the entirely way to get anyone's attention… with a big motion. That's what my father always said, before he was killed. And it's certainly worked for Elise. ``

'' We aren't like the people you know. We're unforced to listen. We'll pay attention to you. '' Luna practically cooed as she softly reasoned with him. Clearly she'd caught onto something in the boy's point that wasn't yet light up to Harry.

Simon the Canaanite stood and took a few steps to the face, unsure whether he felt the situation was enough in his control to actually let her go. Harry wasn't going to give him the chance to stimulate the wrong choice. He silently gave Jacey the signaling and she stepped out, drawing Simon the Canaanite's attending as ballock of fervour erupted from her helping hand. He threw up a carapace as she flung the first bolide at him before attempting to hit her back with a water spell. Taking advantage of the boy's misdirection, Harry quickly waved his wand to loosen the R-2 and lunged forward, grabbing Luna's hand and pulling her out of the way just as the electric chair burst into flames. Simon fell back on the couch as he stumbled away from the sudden flare, not wanting to get burned.

Harry whipped around and instantly shot a book binding spell, ensuring the other boy wouldn't movement. Leaping to his feet, he made his way over to the lounge. Jacey extinguished her fire, waving her baton to put out the snatch of the sign that had caught on fire. `` Come on Simon, time to back to Hogwarts and face the music. '' Harry insisted.

'' No ! '' Luna came over and placed a blood-soaked manus on his arm, forcing him to let down his verge. `` I want to learn what he has to say. ``



NOTE : okey then, next chapter we find out what Neil Simon has to say and the clues finally lead us to rescuing Fred.


Chapter 54 : Who to Believe ?

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





After taking 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 residence hall to the dusty john, Luna perched on the edge of the bass Victorian-style tub and watched as he searched the tiny storage locker. At last he came up with an ancient first aid kit, pulling out gauze and mag tape before reaching out to turn the faucet on the sink. They were both surprised when water actually came sputtering out, a rusty color at number one that quickly turned refreshingly light up. She took the hand he offered her and let him carefully clean the blood from her wrists… she knew he was tempestuous and did her best not to recoil or let on that the cuts stung like crazy. After all, she was the one who let her panic overwhelm her to the power point where she'd struggled so violently against the ropes. Simon Zelotes hadn't seemed at all intent on injuring her, she could have just sat and patiently waited to see what was going to materialise rather than push her bindings to the point where she cut into her skin. It was her own fault she'd gotten hurt at all.

He shouldn't have gone so far as to tie you up in the first berth. Harry argued with her view as he leaned down to kiss her now freshly bandaged wrists.

fountainhead, let's go see what he so badly wanted to tell us. She softly suggested, reaching out to run her digit through his hair in that way she knew he found soothing. She needed him to calm down and realize the motive to fight was over, to have an subject brain and really listen to what Simon had to say. Her vision was becoming clearer to her now that she been able to sneak a few peeks into the boy's brain. He was out to betray his sister before she could cheat on him and apparently the victor of their small sib bickering would become Harry's ally. From her warning she knew Harry was already leaning toward Elanya if not Elise and Sarah… and that had to be because of what they'd seen in Erebos's read/write head. But they obviously needed the whole tarradiddle and Marvin Neil Simon seemed willing to provide it.

Together they walked back into the living-room and Luna was relieved to find that Jacey was back to being herself as the potion had completely worn off. If Simon was alarmed by the fact that a strange girl now stood where Tristan once was he gave no indication. `` I'm sorry Luna. '' He blurted out as soon as he saw her.

'' That's wanton to say now that you've been caught. '' Harry muttered, glaring at the boy as he slumped down on the other sofa. `` So ? Let's hear it, what's this big revealing you have to contribution with us ? ``

'' Can't you undo the book binding trance ? I promise I'll just sit here, I won't do anything. '' Paul Simon pleaded.

'' Your parole doesn't mean much to me at the import. '' Harry returned, refusing to free the spell.

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

'' Just secernate us what you have to say ... '' Luna said, sitting adjacent to Harry and locking her gaze on Neil Simon. She pushed the feelings she wanted to jut outward and watched as both boys visibly relax, though Harry alone knew what she was doing as he was the only if one aware of this little extra exponent of hers. She just wished she had better control of it.

'' And why don't you start with what the hell you were thinking when you decided taking us hostage was the safe way to make your point. '' Harry crossed his coat of arms, refusing to be lulled into calmness and shaking off the outcome she was trying to unfold around the room.

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

'' What did you really expect 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 human foot in indignation… she knew they all had to continue intellectual and form through this, it was important.

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

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

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

Simon slowly nodded. `` Yeah, I guess you're right… I do know that about you. And so does Elise, which is why she had to plan so carefully. I know you figured out the spy is Erebos. But what you don't know is that she wanted you to figure it out… so that you would search his fountainhead and see the remembering 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 retrieve out, but apparently Dumbledore has been very careful to keep you and early visitors a mystical from those prof he doesn't corporate trust. I promise, whoever you are, they still have no idea about you though they'd very much like to ascertain out. ``

'' You don't need to occupy 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 tell us why you've apparently decided to turn on your sister. ``

'' You have to understand… I never fit into Elise's life-time. '' Paul Simon looked down sadly. `` I was less than a twelvemonth old when our parents were killed… even after Voldemort was gone they, like so many others, refused to stop fighting and were cornered. Rather than be captured by the Ministry, they forced the Aurors to pop them. Elise was XVI at the meter and the exclusively livelihood folk I had. Rather than take tutelage of me, she decided to coldcock me at the orphanage, but she would at to the lowest degree come sojourn every twelvemonth on my natal day. When I was ten she came back for me, gear up to take her place as my guardian. But it was only because she knew I was about to be heading off to school and she was hoping to forge me into soul she could use to start setting up her plans. I guess she knew Voldemort was attempting to come back and that his followers were doing everything in their power to make it happen. She saw this war coming and decided long ago that she would be no one's follower, that she would make her own place in the universe. When I came to Hogwarts and wasn't sorted into Slytherin like everyone else in our family, she was livid. But then she figured Hufflepuff was better as no one would suspect me there. For years I did everything she asked me to do because she threatened to leave me again if I didn't and all I knew was that I never wanted to go back to the orphanage. But everything she wanted seemed harmless and nothing she asked of me made any sense… not until this year. ``

Simon shook his head and sighed before continuing on. `` I received a letter of the alphabet the death week of shoal this past summertime from Elise telling me we would be departing for Commonwealth of Australia the moment I got back. Well, she wasn't waiting for me at the train station so I went home and roll up overhearing a meeting between her and Voldemort. I listened as she completely manipulated the dark God Almighty into thinking it was his idea to find Sarah Elaine… and then I heard her severalise him that she planned to kill me as I was going to turn up more utile to them suddenly. I didn't know what to do, I was more terrified of my babe in that moment than I'd ever been of Voldemort- after all which is shuddery, the sword or the expert hand wielding it ? And she knows how to play him very well. So I went with her to Australia and I continued to travel along her fiat hoping she would change her mind. But she didn't because a few sidereal day before I was supposed to come back to shoal I heard her talking to Sarah… they plan to kill me while I'm home for the holiday break and make it front like someone else did it. My own Sister was going to kill me and use my remains to start a competitiveness. What could I do ? Even if I ran away, they'd just take me right back to her, I'm only XVI. And who besides the masses involved in this solid scheme would think the long ridiculous narrative I have to order ? So the only thing I could do was endanger her to the people she was trying to overcome… I chose you guys over Voldemort. Maybe Dumbledore was the right way about the sorting hat always knowing where people are supposed to go… maybe I'm a adept guy, maybe I'm just a bad guy who's looking for the dependable means of survival, I have no theme either way. I may not the felicitous somebody in the world, but I'm not fix 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 head, that we were supposed to see her set up Elanya… why ? '' Luna asked, her gut telling her this was an important dubiousness in terminus of Fred's fortune. She was trying not to empathize with Simon, but he seemed to feature gotten stuck with a pretty miserable life… but still, there was something about him she found unnerve and so that allowed her to hold back some form of an emotional detachment.

He nodded and offered a smile. `` You wouldn't believe how long Elise has been plotting. A long while ago, after your group and Voldemort's destroyed the Ministry, she snuck in during the confusion and looked up the files on every major role player on either side. Using that data, she was capable to figure out not only what you and Harry here can do, but also how you, your friends and Voldemort's ally would react in any spot. Originally we went to Commonwealth of Australia this summer to recover a guy named ecstasy who was apparently postcognative. We traced him to a short pub where he liked to write his articles but we never even talked to him… it was like the instant 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 lady friend met it was comparable luck had brought them together. She fit in perfectly and Elise instructed her on how to cover 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 Loretta Young pretty girl would profit more sympathy. The stage 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 storey so that he'll take her English and help talk you guys into helping her. She was supposed to be a mole, to memorise all the secrets about you that they didn't already know. And then Elanya was supposed to begin causing strife among you all to weaken you and make it more probable that you and Harry will desert your alliance to Dumbledore and the Ministry and come join them. ``

'' So what you're saying is basically that they want to create their own army of psychics ? '' Harry asked, his vocalism heavy with doubtfulness as he tried to hide the fact that they were doing something very similar with the coven. Luna felt both his and Jacey's repugnance at finding out how secretive Elise had been to getting her hands on Adam, another coven member. She knew it was crucial that they leave as soon as potential to begin approaching people themselves, before they could be scooped up by individual else.

'' Yes, as ridiculous as that sounds. Why do you think I thought no one else would believe me ? But she wants the both of you to 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 have whatever Elanya tells him. He's no idiot. '' Harry argued.

Simon laughed. `` You underestimate Elanya… She can turn whatever she has to be in social club to win over someone of something. If she, Elise and Sarah have been able to fool away Voldemort for so long, then who is Fred Weasley to withstand them ? ``

'' They won't have a chance. We're going to salvage him from that island. '' He returned darkly. Luna still had a clench of his arm and she could feel 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.

( respite )

Fred had skipped out on lunch and intended to walk the beach until well after iniquity in hopes of avoiding Elanya until tomorrow… tomorrow when Hermione had claimed they would be coming to get him. But had she been here ? He just didn't know what was real anymore. But whether he'd seen her in his mind or in real life, one thing had become clear… he couldn't stop here anymore. No matter what, this was going to be his last night on the island. Should Hermione's mien prove to be a hallucination and no one came for him, then he would feel 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 sole people he knew could get around them were Harry and Luna.

A yummy smell wafted through the air, allowing his rumbling abdomen to interrupt his planning. Looking up at the sky and using the sun, he was capable to determine that while it was well past tense tiffin, it was still too early for dinner… clearly she knew he'd skipped repast that day and cooked such great smelling food for a reason. He was tempted to go into the weewee to catch a Pisces to fry just to upset her architectural plan but decided he was being nonsensical. He knew Elanya was trying to tempt him back to the encampment, but just because he went didn't mean value he was letting her win. They both knew he was more than capable of providing for himself, but at the moment he was too hungry to await long enough to catch and cook his own meal. Besides, he'd just decided that no subject what, this was his last night here… what could it hurt to spend some of it with her ? He would simply go, eat and then leave again.

Arriving at the camp he saw that neither the intellectual nourishment nor Elanya were outside. With a clayey suspiration, he opened the flapping of the ordinary looking tent and entered the impossibly spacious glamour of the inside. `` wellspring, I guess it's admittedly what they say… the riotous way to a man's heart is through his belly. '' She said upon seeing him, gesturing to the yummy spread on the ornate table as she sat down. Toying with her seashell necklace, she shot him a seductive smile.

'' Whatever you say. '' He muttered, sitting as far from her as he could before beginning to stack his plate. `` Thanks. '' He said without looking at her, too well trained by mollie to be completely rude. They ate in silence and he could feel her becoming irritated, it only made him more comfortable.

'' well, I've decided that in the sake of continuing a civilized conversation we will act as a game of form. '' She announced after a suddenly while.

'' Boy, it sure is easier not to suffer to intend for myself… I wish someone had been making my decisiveness for me my unhurt life. '' He answered sarcastically.

'' Putting your snarkiness aside, I'm oblation you a one in a million opportunity to realize me substantially. ``

'' 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 suppose is the crazy one, because I've been casting my vote for you for awhile now. ``

'' mood can be a enceinte way to deflect anything real from reaching you. '' She replied steadily. `` Come on, I know you're curious…. ``

And he was. There were quite a few things he'd like her to elucidate up for him, but how could he trust anything she said ? The only way was to test her by throwing in questions he already knew the answer to. `` Okay, I'll play your little game. But if I think you're lying to me, I'll just go resume my solitary walk of life. ``

'' Fair enough. '' She rested her chin on her hand and stared at him expectantly, wearing a genuine smile that reached all the way to her lucky eyes. `` 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 question had burst out of him before he could really design 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 suggestion of sorrow overcame her. `` Everyone is trapped by something… We're both prisoner right now, so why not make our cage the scoop it can be- a beautiful island promised land ? ``

'' And how exactly are you trapped ? '' He asked though he felt she'd crafted her answer in social club to manipulate his next head. 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 remember that he knew what she was doing.

'' I thought I had fairly bought my way into something when really it was all set up to ensure my futurity bond and respect. '' She answered, lowering her eyes to hide the flare of superfluity that passed through them.

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

Elanya sighed and shook her head. `` I've always considered myself to be pretty clever… I'm sure you used to call back the same about yourself. Well, let's just say that Elise and Sarah have humbled us both the death few months 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 attack to get him to empathize with her.

'' Only because I had no option ! '' She protested. `` When they told me that I had to remove you away while they set up things in capital of the United Kingdom I tried to get out of it, I really did. But that's when Elise told me the verity, that she'd tricked me and I wasn't even close to coming up even for the aid they gave me in getting rid of Edmund. ``

Pushing his plate aside, Fred leaned forward on the table and decided it was time for him to turn the conversation his way so that he could test her honesty. `` And what did you think you had already done to come back them ? ``

She hesitated as if she really didn't want to tell him. But then she shrugged, remembering that this had all been her idea in the first base place. `` I thought I had provided the spy… but it turns out he and Elise have a long account together and bringing him into matter had always been a part of her design. They set it up so that he and I would run into each other… I had thought I was being so careful, making for 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 variety of delusional mirage.

Elanya met his oculus and offered a sad smile. `` Well, what can it hurt ? It's not like you'll be able to monish anyone back at Hogwarts. It's prof Dolos Erebos. ``

He made surely to show an appropriate total of surprise, letting his eyes widen and his jaw drop slightly as if this was the showtime time he was hearing this. `` Really ? A prof ? ``

She nodded slowly as she carefully studied him. `` I met with him in Australia and he was everything Elise had told me she'd been looking for. I had thought I was the one convincing him to join us but it was all part of their design to trap me. ``

'' And why would they go through such work out measures ? '' Fred was almost sure she was telling the truth so far… Hermione had certainly indicated that Elanya may be in trouble and now the miss 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 make their own place in this war and that if they have the aright kind of people on their side they'll be capable to take on both Voldemort and the Ministry. '' She shook her caput angrily. `` I was appalled to ascertain that Voldemort's mind to collect a psychic Army was actually Elise's inspiration. It was how she got him to help her find Sarah. But they planned to piddle allies of the masses he gathered, to get them to wreak towards taking over completely. ``

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

She nodded. `` And Harry Potter too. At low gear Elise and Sarah didn't forethought who lived or died in fight while they quietly plotted their own uprising. But when Harry started showing his potential and they learned Luna Lovegood was a seer, they knew they wanted them. It's why Elise burned your store in Diagon Alley during the summer. ``

He sat up, suddenly extremely concerned. He'd been wondering for a farseeing time the existent reason Elise had targeted his store. `` What do you mean ? ``

Elanya sighed deeply as a look of self-reproach settled over her. `` Voldemort had a seer named Jasper, he was old and not as secure as Luna seems to be. But that didn't topic to Elise, he was all she had and so she'd already convinced him to apply his ultimate loyalty to her over Voldemort. He told her that he'd had a visual sense that something was going to bring Harry to Diagon alley alone and that Voldemort was going to wee his movement against the boy. She worried about the issue as she wanted Harry on her side, working with Sarah specifically since they share the Same power… of line, she'd only just found Sarah at that time. So not knowing what else to do, Elise decided to set your shop of fire, ensuring not only that Harry wouldn't be alone, but that there would be several Aurors in the field. After all, the minister would be sure to reply in replete force to a report of incendiarism at his son's store. ``

He took a becalm breathing place, trying to take care on the shiny position as he argued with himself… had something brought Harry to Diagon Alley alone that day to face Voldemort, his end Eaters and the Dementors, there's no way he could have survived. At least Elise's end had kept the unthinkable from happening… he'd much rather have his shop ruined than his acquaintance 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 last. 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 nil mysterious about it. Jasper made the same mistake I did by thought he was an equal in their plans. I guess he was scared enough to require to secern person about his vision, but he chose the wrong citizenry. He saw his own death though not the hand that brought it to him, and then he saw your friends up at Hogwarts using that silly ring to try and contact him from beyond for data. He thought it was Voldemort that was going to end his life so he went to Elise who saw her opportunity. Sarah may not have a scepter, but she has mastered many early skill, first and foremost her astral sound projection. They decided to shoot down him so that she could merge with his cognizance and send herself in his property when they called him… When it never happened, they guessed that Luna must have seen something and stopped her supporter from using the band. It only made them want her on their side more, especially since they'd so hastily gotten rid of Jasper. ``

Fred's mind was reeling. So many matter were coming together now, it was out of the question that she wasn't telling him the verity. 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 very much a dupe of their plotting as you are, then perhaps you'd treat me good while we're stuck here together. ``

'' You made yourself a victim. '' He stated firmly, once more determined to go along himself from empathizing with her. He remembered her once telling him that the C. H. Best way to pull of a lie was by mixing in the truth… It was clearly a skill she had mastered.

Elanya looked away, but even in profile he could see a mixture of shame, ruefulness and anger settle over her characteristic. `` Yes, I suppose I did. ``

He couldn't help himself, he had to hump. `` If you were so purport on killing your father, then why didn't you do it yourself, without involving them ? ``

'' You think I haven't tried before ? ! '' She yelled as she leapt to her human foot and began pacing in agitation. `` Edmund Fritz was a high-profile man who was extremely paranoid… and rightly so. I certainly wasn't the exclusively one who wanted him dead and he made sure that it was nearly impossible to get to him. I was scared to use my true identity as his daughter to pass 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 constant quest to clear party favor from a man who favored no one. I didn't want her to die in vain but it soon became realize that my very name was going to be the lonesome thing to get me near him. But I knew I couldn't go in alone, that I needed someone strong financial support me up in case something went damage. ``

'' And that's what Elise and Sarah promised you. '' He said quietly, watching her grow more distressed as her fib 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 tending Voldemort was giving the young woman and so he was doing his in force to undermine them. They figured there was too good a prospect he'd frame out some component of what they were up to and so they knew he needed to go. They must have tracked me down, found me in Australia… my grandmother had just died and I'd just gone back there to spend her last few days with her… I was in a vulnerable space and Elise showed up offering me the chance to do the affair I'd been wanting for age. ``

Fred had been careful during the whole conversation, wanting to pick up on any signs of dishonesty. For the offset clip he found one… her representative had gone up slightly in volume. It could be due to her accumulate excitement as she recalled these result, but he had the nagging feeling that matter hadn't happened exactly as she described. What did it matter how she and Elise came to join forces ? Why lie about it ? But he couldn't ask these questions and expect any kind of answer. His only hope was to go on and hope he could patch it all together himself. `` Do you regret killing your founder ? ``

She stopped pacing and turned to look him straight in the eye. `` Not for a unity 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 out of this whole affair, when I told them I didn't want to be a persona of kidnapping you… Elise made it very clear that despite the false evidence I left at the scenery, she could very easily tie me to my father's decease. I have no doubt that she would institutionalize me to Azkaban without a second gear thought. So I had to choose, a gaol cell locked away with the monster or stranded on an island with you. I took the better sounding penalisation. ``

'' But if you hadn't killed Edmund, you never would have had to earn that alternative. '' He argued.

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

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

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

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

Elanya smiled. It was a ho-hum coyly sure-footed grin as she reveled in the fact that she'd finally unsettled him. `` And I've answered them all. Can't you response just one for me ? ``

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

She slowly walked over to lean on the edge of the mesa in presence of him. `` You know, there's only two reason you won't answer. Either you do hate me but you're too much of a gentleman to say it… though we both know that you're more than willing to differentiate anyone exactly how you feel about them. So the only other explanation is that you've realized you don't hate me and just can't bring yourself to hold it for some mysterious intellect. ``

He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms as he regarded her with false trust. `` Or I've simply decided it's best not to go through life history hating anyone. Of course, I could always make an exception if you'd care to fight the issue. ``

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

'' Many metre 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 walk. '' She announced, standing up and taking a mystifying breath. `` I cooked, you can pick. '' She added before leaving the tent.

Fred looked around feeling completely off safeguard. She'd never left him alone in the tent before, which had only led him to consider that she had affair to hide from him here. But clearly her thwarting with his lack of credulousness had caused an oversight on her behalf and he knew he needed to consume vantage of it. He raced to her room, pulling back the flap that separated the place from the balance of the tent and taking a passing look around before carefully proceeding to go through everything. Ensuring he returned things to the way he'd found them, he went through all of her stuff hoping to come across a communication twist of some kind… or even secure, his sceptre. After a long and thorough search, he came up with neither.

( BREAK )

Harry stared at Neil Simon, trying to shape exactly what he thought of the other boy. He just wasn't sure… he couldn't get past the extremes the guy had gone through in order to have a elementary conversation. But then, had Marvin Neil Simon been right ? Would they ingest listened had he simply approached them and asked to talk ? He shook himself out of his thoughts, refusing to let his anger and confusion make him do anything stupid. `` How do we know that having you tell us all of this isn't character of the architectural plan ? '' He asked. After all, if Elise had gone through so often, then why wouldn't she go even a measure further and institutionalise in the goof ? Surely she didn't expect them to deal Herbert Alexander Simon seriously even if they did know he thought he was telling the truth… or at least the truth as she wanted him to know it.

He sighed and shook his head. `` I had a touch sensation you'd ask me that. All I can say is that I only know what I've seen and heard. She certainly hasn't told me to come to you and I doubt she realizes I know that she wants to kill me. But has she somehow directed thing so that I would do talk to you, I just don't know… anything is possible with her. ``

'' So as far as you know, Elise's whole plan is to forgather as many psychics as she can and then fight both face of the war, hoping to come out on top ? '' Luna asked quietly and with far more ascendancy over herself than Harry could manage. But he tried to stay on calm, to remember that they needed to recognise what they were up against… she still had her hand on his arm, trying in vain to assist him be successful in relaxing though he could feel her inquietude at what she was hearing.

'' It's part of her plan. '' Simon seemed a bit uncertain for the first clip since he'd begun talking. `` I guess even I don't know everything, but I figured if I told you enough, you'd be capable to at least arrest 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 punter prophet than that old man ever was, you've already helped cross hers and Sarah's plans a few prison term. She was trying to help Voldemort capture you, though she had no intention of handing you over… she wants to win over you and Harry both to join her. '' Again he looked directly at Jacey. `` And if she knew you were a firestarter like her, she'd want you too. ``

'' I am not anything like your miserable sis. '' Jacey said defensively as she cupped her hands together and began rolling them until she had developed a sizable fireball between them. She lifted it over her oral sex and brought it down, engulfing her integral eubstance in flame 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 bicycle had just transpired.

Simon swallowed hard as he stared at her in disbelief… clearly he'd never seen his sister do something like that before. `` good. '' He said at last. `` Someone should be. They already knew Harry was stiff than Sarah, that's why they had to crap sure as shooting he lost his powers before they tried to talk to him. ``

'' You're talking about what happened at Azkaban ? How could they possibly know that they weren't going to pop me with that Psychohemia potion ? '' Harry asked in exasperation. They all knew Simon was telling them the truth, but he just didn't like what he was hearing anymore now that it was going against what he knew had happened. But then, he was quickly learning from the other boy that there flock of affair he didn't know about the thing that had been happening to him, his champion and his enemies. Elise had apparently been pulling several dissimilar strings for quite awhile.

'' Because they'd convinced Jasper to shape for them long before then. '' Herb Simon answered carefully. `` True the old guy told Voldemort that some decision was going to head you to the prison and right wing in front of Cho, but it was Elise who made the wickedness master think it was his idea to use Sarah's talents to try and take you out. But Jasper assured her it wasn't going to vote down you, that you were going to get assistant in metre to pull through your life but not your power. ``

'' Except Sarah did nearly belt down us at my auntie and uncle's sign. '' Harry replied, hiding the phantom painful sensation he felt in his hired hand and leg where he'd been stabbed all those month ago. Glancing at Luna out of the nook of his eye, he remembered her face covered in line of descent after Sarah kicked her and how her arm had been broken while trying to preserve Sarah from killing him. `` She didn't seem too concerned with convincing us to join her then. '' He added angrily as everything from that nighttime came back to him including Ron nearly being burnt to a crisp.

'' Yeah well, as I'm sure you've noticed, the only trouble Elise has in partnering with Sarah is that the womanhood is more than a little unbalanced. She was only supposed to torture you, it was your muggle family she was supposed to kill in nominal head of you… on Voldemort's orders, not Elise's. But I guess something about them reminded her of all those people she was forced to live on with growing up and she came to resent you for putting up with it… She began to really see you as unaccented than her and so she alone decided in that moment that she didn't want you to link them. At least, that's how she explained it to Elise after they broke her out of the infirmary and woke her from the comatoseness. Trust me, Elise let her have it for deviating from the design and nearly killing you both. Anyway, Sarah said she really lost controller when Luna came in with the ring… she wanted it and they all knew Voldemort wanted it and so obtaining the ring became her main priority above all else, including her safety as well as yours. By the way, after finding out that you all got out and managed to enchant her for a short circuit clip as well as get your power back, she no longer thinks you're faint. ``

'' I'm flattered. '' Harry said sarcastically.

'' Does she know that we went into her memories while she was unconscious ? '' Luna asked, squeezing his arm as business organisation overwhelmed her.

But Simon stared back at her in surprisal, allowing them to instantly make relaxed. `` No, not that I'm aware of. I certainly had no musical theme you'd done that… what did you see ? ``

'' Do not worry about that, we will be the single to ask the questions. '' Jacey said with authority.

'' What about Cho ? Where does she fit into all of this ? '' Harry picked up where they'd just left off, thinking that what they had seen in Sarah's head at to the lowest degree confirmed that the girls were working together behind Voldemort's back.

He sighed and nodded. `` Well, she's plotting with Sarah only. But whatever plan those two had going, it was in shoes recollective before Elise reconnected with Sarah. In fact, I remember Elise trying to spill the beans Sarah into dropping Cho but she had insisted the fille would be valuable again once they broke her out of Azkaban. My guesswork is that if they manage to get Cho out, Elise will find the opportunity to get rid of her as soon as potential. Just because she and Sarah are close confidants doesn't mean they wouldn't betray each former in a second if it meant furthering their own agenda. Loyalty means nothing to them. '' Simon said bitterly as he struggled against the while holding him in topographic point. `` Will 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 expression that meant she wasn't completely present in the room.

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

Simon leapt to his feet to quickly dilute before eagerly reaching into his air hole and pulling out his flaskful from which he took a prospicient gulp. `` Phew, I needed that. '' He said, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. After another gulp he seemed lupus erythematosus shaky and nervous.

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

'' I will be just fine. '' She assured him with an well-heeled smile.

'' What are you going to say them about me ? '' Simon asked, suddenly scared again. `` I never intended it to turn out this way ! I was going to unlock the threshold, I didn't mean for you to actually damage the school ! ``

'' Yeah, this is all my break. '' Harry rolled his eyes. `` good keep your mouth shut when we get back there and let me do all the talking. '' He reached out and roughly grabbed the boy's arm before apparating back to Hogwarts with Luna a few moments behind them. They were certain to get behind Hagrid's hut where the chances of being seen were very slim.

Silently, they all three made their way up to the rook, running into Hermione in the courtyard. `` Where have you been ? And what are you doing with him ? '' She demanded, eyeing Paul Simon suspiciously.

'' It's a recollective story, Mione. '' Harry sighed. `` We'll tell you after we deal with Dumbledore. ``

She nodded and led the way through the antechamber to the headmaster's office. `` Just so you're aware, Dumbledore has all the prefects out looking for you guys but I think he knows you get out schoolhouse soil. '' She warned them. Sharing a look with Luna, she and Harry both decided to let Hermione enter first, hoping the sight of a good scholarly person would soften the old magician's climate. `` Sir ? I've found Harry, Luna and St. Simon. ``

'' See them in misfire husbandman and then you are dismissed. '' He replied from behind his desk. Hermione let them walk past her before she closed the doorway and bolted down the step. Dumbledore gestured to the three chairwoman in battlefront of him and waited until they settled themselves. He looked at all of them, but it was exonerated he was addressing Harry alone. `` What did you call back you were doing damaging the school like that ? ``

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

'' I have no question that it was. '' Dumbledore said, his voice shaking as he tried to obliterate his wrath. `` Why would you do this Harry, when you're so close to being done here ? This isn't something I can hatch up for you. ``

'' So don't. I'll go fix it. ``

He shook his head. `` It's not that round-eyed. Like the ministry and certain former buildings, magic isn't enough to repair the damage. It must be rebuilt by hired hand to maintain the military capability of the spell we place upon our school. And even if you did fix it, my hands are tied in regards to how we can do by this, especially after I've pushed so hard to give the recently disappeared Tristan Macnair expelled. ``

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

He sighed sadly. `` I'm saying that after having Miss Patil, Mr. Freemason and Mr. Macnair go missing, after the demolition Cho Chang caused lastly year, and after all the accumulative trouble that has been caused… I have no alternative but to expel you all from Hogwarts for your unfavorable action at law, effective immediately. ``

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

'' You all were involved in an incident that resulted in severe equipment casualty to one of our classrooms and then you all left school grounds in organise violation of the code of deportment. I have to take this action before the less authentic of the Aurors out there decide to try and say that you had something to do with Tristram's leakage and attempt to take you all into custody for questioning. Should that happen, it's not guaranteed that Arthur will be able to see that you get into the rightfield work force. '' Dumbledore seemed to fall off down in his seat. `` You've put us all in a tight place and we must be careful how we proceed. ``

'' But wouldn't it be better to find out a way to hold 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 well-situated for them to accuse me of favoritism and things are too flimsy right now. The slightest thing could collapse them the apology to boot out me from here and put anyone they choose in home as schoolmaster. As you saw last time, there are too many impressionable young minds here to allow that to happen. I refuse to let this school turn a training terra firma for the next wave of Death feeder. Everyone must be free to choose the life they want. ``

'' So instead you just throw away our hereafter ? '' St. Simon asked incredulously, not knowing anything of the order and therefore ineffectual to comprehend the pauperization to keep things a sure way so that the index didn't shift in the enemy's favor.

Suddenly the office staff doorway swung undecided behind them and lupine came rushing in. `` kibosh ! It's not their fault, it's mine ! ``

'' And do you really expect anyone to conceive that ? '' Dumbledore asked tiredly.

'' Does it matter as long as there's person to blame ? '' He pressed. `` Tell them whatever you want… tell them that the kids were working on a project for me and matter went wrong. They left the schoolhouse to come looking for me because they knew that I had snuck out to see Tonks and didn't want me to get in trouble. That story should be honest enough. ``

'' You realize what will happen if you decide to go through with this… given what you are, the parents already have a low threshold of tolerance for you. If you take the blame for the destruction to the classroom, if you insist these scholarly person only left school to cross up for you… then I'll have no selection but to stop your employ here. ``

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

lupin reached out to grab his articulatio humeri, using his considerable strength to wedge Harry back into his chairwoman. `` I understand the consequences. I accept it. ``

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

Because, I feel I owe it to James and Lily to do everything in my power to possess you terminate school. I can't just let you make out it up with two workweek to go. He answered with a grinning. It'll be okay, Harry. I promise.

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

Dumbledore took his time studying lupin before at finis 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 eat up out the final exam two hebdomad of this semester, as it will be out of the question to replace you on such short notice. It's been a pleasure to birth you here. ``

'' It's been fantastic being here. '' Lupin assured him before quickly ushering the teens from the office before the headmaster could change his mind. Simon the Canaanite tried to stop off from the group as soon as they were in the hallway but Harry reached out and grabbed his arm, ensuring he followed them. He still had a few things to say to the other boy. They walked silently down to Lupin's office, though the older man was the only one who seemed to be in a good mood.

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

'' Of course I'm sure. Otherwise I wouldn't have done it. '' He grinned. `` I had planned on resigning at the end of this year anyway. I really like pedagogy, but I'm certainly needed elsewhere and like you Harry, I hate feeling locked away here when there are so many affair happening out in the world. And with you and Draco leaving, there's really cypher to sustain me here any longer. Plus I don't like being away from Tonks for so long, her job already keeps us apart so why should I continue to let mine add to the strain when I have another choice ? So you see, I'm entirely positive that this is the right thing to do. ``

'' But you won't exactly be leaving here on the best of price if you take the rap for this. '' Luna argued.

Lupin reached out to reassuringly pat her shoulder. `` I have long ago learned to live with former people's misguided opinions of me. As long as I am in good standing with the people who know me, that's all that issue. '' He went to sit behind his desk and pulled out a roll of blank sheepskin and a refreshed quill. `` Besides if I were to stay here, then who would be out there looking after you all when you get yourselves stuck in a corner ? '' He teased, reminding them that this wasn't the start prison term he'd helped get them out of their own mess. `` Plus Draco is going to need guidance in navigating life out in the really worldly concern where hoi polloi don't take as kindly to what we are so I'm actually glad to let a reason to allow for my stance early. The fact that it helps you nestling out is just a bonus. ``

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

lupine nodded and smiled. `` Think null of it. ``

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

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

She and Harry shared a glance as Simon looked down at the floor and shuffled his metrical foot. `` Just a slender accident caused by a simple misunderstanding. '' She said at death, lowering her arms and pulling the hems of her arm down.

'' I see. '' He shook his head and sighed. `` To reply your earlier musing… no one would listen if you tried to explain what really happened. It's a free rein for exponent out there and no one is interested in the truth unless it gets them what they want. Too many things have been happening here, no one would train a scholar's countersign on anything when they barely trust what the professors and Dumbledore have to say. ``

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

'' It's a sad but true fact that adding your name to anything will instantly make it more rarify. But don't let it inconvenience oneself you, having foeman only means that you've stood up for something important. '' lupin answered with a gruntle smile. `` Now if you'll excuse me, I must write to my wife and inform her that we are soon to turn a one income family for awhile. ``

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

'' And we may just birth to admit you up on that. '' He laughed. `` The cost of tear is ridiculous these days. ``

Leaving him to drop a line his letter, the teens all stepped out into the hall. As soon as the door closed behind them, Harry grabbed Paul Simon up by the straw man of his robe and shoved him back against the bulwark. `` If I find out that you're somehow setting us up I swear to you that your sister 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 oculus wide and his tenderness banging wildly in his chest.

'' We'll see. '' Harry muttered before bringing his face in closing curtain to Simon's, tightening his grip and pushing against the boy's pharynx. `` From now on, if you think you have something you need to say someone, come heterosexual to me because going anywhere near Luna or any of my other friends would certainly be the heavy mistake you'll ever make in your life. ``

Herb Simon nodded in agreement, clearly seeing in Harry's oculus just how very much he meant his threats. `` I'll issue forth right to you ! '' He gasped out, reaching up to try and advertize Harry away.

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

She looked at him a here and now before nodding slowly. `` O.K.. '' She said quietly.

'' I know you're mad at me… '' He began pacing, feeling all of the energy and epinephrin he'd been building up since she'd first called out to him begin to bubble over as it tried to come up some way to escape.

'' Of course of instruction I'm not mad… I'm not sure what I am. This has been a very strange day and I'm still trying to swear out it. '' Luna argued, sitting comfortably on the bound of the bed as she watched him walk around the room, allowing him to get out some of his pent up frustration.

Harry went to the window and clutched the sill as he stared out over the school priming. He took various deep breathing spell before turning back to her. `` But you really are fine, right ? ``

'' I'm fine, 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 probability to convince him that her reading of outcome is the true statement. ``

'' Couldn't it be ? '' He debated. `` I mean, I know Paul Simon was telling us his version of the Sojourner Truth and I believe Elise and Sarah are that cunning. But what if their whole plan was tricking him into telling us all of this so we wouldn't believe what Elanya had to say ? What if they really are setting her up and what we saw in Erebos's head word is truthful ? Maybe they did acknowledge we'd pattern out who the spy was and that we'd want to front in his head… what if they used Simon to spread around dubiety so that we wouldn't know what to believe ? ``

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

Harry nodded in hesitant banker's acceptance. He'd learned his lesson about questioning her hunch, if she thought Elanya wasn't the dupe 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 safest for us… to get into she and Simon the Canaanite both are the opposition until they can definitively rise otherwise. '' She stood and came over to roll her weaponry around his waist and hug herself against him.

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

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

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

'' Almost completely incontrovertible, what's wrong ? '' Luna went over to lead Hermione to a chair.

'' It's just that… I so badly wanted to see Fred, to throw certain he was okay. I decided to practice my stellar ejection and to my surprise, not only did it study, he was able-bodied 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 hand in comfort.

'' Yes, but I also told him everything else ! I wanted to see him that we'd taken guardianship of everything so he could bequeath 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 plot of land too… he thinks she isn't the opposition ! ``

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

'' No ! '' Hermione leapt to her feet and turned to them in anguish. `` She's making him talk to her now ! He'd been refusing this unit time but I saw her imperil to post Erebos after Ron and Ginny if he didn't outset speech production 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 duty down ? What if she's able to convert him to trust her ? '' She stared at them in horror as every import of Fred trusting Elanya ran through her head. `` What have I done ? '' She whispered.

( respite )

As soon as it was dark, Fred grabbed his entire bed drum roll and went down to the beach. Ensuring he was far enough from the lunar time period, he set everything up and build a small fire, silently thanking his founding father for teaching him how to do so the muggle way- without a sceptre. surely it was the more hard way to do matter, but at end his father's obsession with learning the why's and how's of all thing muggle had paid off. Once sure the hell had caught, he lay back to look at the headliner. He didn't know where Elanya had gone, nor did he care… she hadn't returned from her walk and the longer she was gone the more sure he was that he didn't want to be there when she did testify up.

She'd told him so many affair and enough of it had seemed not only to be likely but made too much mother wit not to be genuine. He was confused… If Hermione had really been on the island, then she'd told him thing that Elanya had completely admitted to. Did it matter ? And if it did, then why did it matter ? Elanya had gotten herself caught up in this, she was no innocent bystander. Had she not wanted so badly to kill her Padre, the other girls wouldn't have had anything to invite her into accepting their offer. On the early hand, he was now able to put himself in her shoes… why wouldn't she want to obliterate the man who murdered her mother and was trying to use his own daughter to buy his way into the right graces of an evil man like Voldemort ? Even Willem had come to terms with the fact that his niece had killed his sidekick and was still willing to extend to out to the girl as it was shed light on 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 job 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 hatred her. But so what ? Not hating individual 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 kip under the headliner. ``

He sat up and whipped around to find out Elanya standing in the trees as if his thoughts of her had forced her to materialise there. Her tomentum and dress were dancing softly in the rebuff child's play and her eyes glowed even more brilliantly in the faint firelight. `` Well, aren't you the observant one. '' He said sarcastically.

'' I'm sorry I walked out on you earlier. '' She said, taking a few hesitant dance step towards him.

'' Think zilch of it. I'm pretty sure our conversation was about done anyway. '' He brushed her off and lay back down again, closing his eyes and acting as if she were null more than a pestiferous fray to him.

'' It's so beautiful out here… and so relaxing. You have the right idea 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 for certain to sound vex, hoping that if she did kip on the beach, she would select to do it far from him. He heard her soft footstep as she glided through the sand and then felt her try to climb up under the covers with him. He sat straight up and scrambled away from her as he got to his base. `` What the hell on earth do you think you're doing ? '' He demanded angrily.

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

'' fine, take my stuff and nonsense, it's all yours. I want to go for a swim anyway. '' He turned and walked straight toward the water, repeating Hermione's name over and over in his chief lest he tolerate 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 affair and you'd never see them coming ! ``

Despite the real fear for his safe that he heard in her voice, he ignored her and walked straight into the water fully dressed. He continued on until his base could just barely stir the hind end before deciding that was far enough to deter her from following him. turning, he began swimming parallel of latitude with the shoreline hoping to go down far enough that she wouldn't care to walk after him. He could barely see his paw in presence of him and realized that is was more than the physical exertion that was making his bosom airstream. It was very darkness out here, and Elanya had been right… He'd never see an underwater attack coming. Quickly deciding he'd gone far enough, he began swimming towards land, crawling up onto the sandy beach and allowing himself to lie there and rest for a moment.

Now more than ever, he was determined to leave the island tomorrow. He couldn't expend one to a greater extent day alone with Elanya, he was beginning to forget what was material and it was becoming more difficult not to fall into her stories. All he had to do was get through tonight. Climbing to his metrical unit, he brushed off as much Baroness Dudevant as he could and made his way into the tree diagram to look for some kind of shelter. Coming to the base of the tallest pile, he found a shallow cave. Gathering leave of absence, he quickly made himself a place to catch some Z's before gathering enough wood to set out a fire to continue him warm up. Once again he silently thanked his father while hoping that he would get the chance to thank him in individual very soon.

( jailbreak )

Draco woke already feeling nervous… he didn't like lying to Ginny and while he may not know the claim item of what was going on, he had pieced enough together to know that she'd be mad to learn they'd kept Fred's possibly being in trouble from her. But today was supposed to be the day it would all end and no one would get to lie anymore… at least not about this. It was unsubdivided really, while the professors and almost of the students were down at the quidditch pitch enjoying the biz between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Potter, Luna and Granger were going to whisk themselves away to rescue Fred from whatever heap he'd gotten himself into. genus Draco's job was to cook sure neither Ginny nor Ron found out they were gone and more importantly, to keep them both away from prof Erebos who Potter had said was a spy and more than bequeath to hurt someone.

Taking a deep breathing time, he knocked on Ginny's door. `` set up to go down to breakfast ? '' He asked as soon as she opened up. Seeing that she was still in her robe and pajamas, he realized she hadn't done a lot since she'd left his room earlier. `` I guess not. '' He said in response to the silent spirit she gave him, closing the door as he walked in.

'' I don't want to go watch that dullard biz today. '' She said, climbing onto the bed and grabbing her pillow to cling to to her body. `` I don't want to be a part of anything to do with Ron at the moment. ``

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

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

'' Why would he ? '' Taking in the glowering looking she shot him, he quickly went on in hopes of fixing his error. `` I mean, he clearly wanted space and said the things he knew would bear on you all away… after all, he saw how well it worked for ceramist utmost year. So why would he fall apologize unless he's ready to be around you all again ? ``

'' well, thank you healer Draco, the psychological science Boy Wonder ! '' She said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes.

'' And since I like you so much, I'll only charge you half my convention pace for the fantabulous Wisdom I have to bestow. '' 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 wiseness isn't even Charles Frederick Worth one-half that ! '' She taunted back, laughing as he ran over to return the pillow assault. She scrambled to seize her other pillow and swung low, catching him in the stomach.

'' Oh ! Direct 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 undecomposed to return the flak. Reaching out, he caught her pillow and tried to wrestle it away from her so that he would be in ownership of all the plush ammo.

A knock on the door interrupted their battle and they both looked at each other in surprise as they tried to catch their breath. Ginny lay back on the bed and stared up at him with a coy grin. `` See who that is, would you darling ? I'm not dressed to obtain fellowship. ``

He leaned down to kiss her before quickly swinging his pillow one last time, jumping off the bed with a skanky grin as he avoided her return violation. 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 serve you professor ? '' He asked, closing the door slightly so that the man couldn't see inside.

'' Isn't it a bit inappropriate for Miss Weasley to own a male visitor this early ? '' Erebos asked as he warily regarded Draco.

'' Isn't is a bit inappropriate for a Male teacher to come up unsupervised to a female bookman's way this early ? Especially one who already has a cloud of suspicion around his name ? '' He shot back, having been informed of the prof's 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. ``

'' fountainhead, Ginny isn't feeling well. She'll be in her elbow room all day today… and I'll be here with her, taking care of her. '' He said meaningfully, allowing a pocket-size growl to get off his throat lest the man draw a blank what exactly he was. `` You can establish me the message, I'll be trusted she gets it. '' With his senses heightened, he was capable to take heed rustling behind him as Ginny got out of bed and curiously made her way over to the door. Thankfully she was deliberate enough to keep herself hidden behind it, but still, a violently protective surge rushed through him and he knew only one affair, the only way the professor was getting in the room was over his dead body.

'' The Headmaster wishes to speak to Miss Weasley in person. '' Erebos persisted. `` I am to escort her up to his billet. ``

'' And why wouldn't he post prof McGonagall ? '' Draco asked suspiciously. `` She is the promontory of the Gryffindor house and a much more belike nominee to approach Ginny on the Headmaster's behalf than some professor wholly unrelated to her. She isn't even in any of your classes. Why would Dumbledore transmit you ? '' He knew Ginny probably barely recognized the professor as she'd rather chew her own arm off than sketch Arithmancy.

'' Again, not that I owe an explanation to a student- '' He said tightly, clearly frustrated with this song and terpsichore they were engaged in. `` But she is already down at the quidditch pitch assisting Madame Hooch with getting the field ready for today's game. I was in the headmaster's business office for a meeting and so he simply sent me. ``

'' wellspring, Ginny is just too ill to depart her way. I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't want to hazard her getting even sicker by forcing herself through these drafty hallway. If he needs to tell apart her something important, I'm sure he would let no problem paying her a visit. '' genus Draco said smugly. He grabbed the bound of the threshold to close it but the professor reached out to contain it from swinging shut.

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

'' That's unnecessary. '' Draco said calmly while holding the room access so tightly in his hand he thought the Grant Wood would shatter in his handgrip. `` I asked Healer Drake to stop over by originally. He said it's a bad cold and recommended bed rest. '' He added in order to thwart the professor's novel attempt to get Ginny out of her room. He was surely Drake would cover for them if requirement, after all, he'd done it many times before. kinda than reserve Erebos to total up with something else, he used his above normal effectiveness to thrash the door shut despite the man's attempts to go along it open.

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

Draco quickly pulled his wand out of his sac and cast a silencing charm on the elbow room, both as a caution and to try and procrastinate before answering her. `` Professor Erebos is a spy for Elise, Sarah and Elanya. '' He decided to start with money plant 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 architectural plan to take over the ministry. What better way than to use the Minister's youngster against him ? '' He held his breath. Technically what he'd said was true up although that wasn't the reason the man had decided to make a move today. But why worry her further by bringing Fred into it ? Especially since he didn't really know the broad news report or what exactly her pal was involved in, only that Erebos was one of the informal ends the others had had to tie up in rules of order to go after Fred at all. He knew they were connected, just not how… but he'd be damned if he let her get hurt or killed because of any of it. Surely if she knew Fred was involved, she would insist on doing something dangerously reckless in an try to help.

Ginny shook her chief sadly. `` poor people dad… all he wants to do is hit a departure and now he has to know in constant fearfulness for us all because of it. ``

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

We may have a trouble. Dragon thought out to ceramist and Luna.

What happened ? Potter immediately answered.

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

( faulting )

Harry had a ugly feeling about everything after talking to Draco. Why would Erebos have got come to try and get Ginny to go somewhere with him ? What were Elise, Elanya and Sarah provision now ? Whatever it was, it seemed they were just in time to go rescue Fred. At least the job of who was going to watch out over Ron had been quickly resolved… after a quick call to Jacey, she had agreed to don an invisibility cloak and knack around the quidditch delivery, just in case Erebos tried to get a hold of a different Weasley.

'' I heard the whistle. The game's started, can we go now ? '' Hermione asked eagerly. She was nearly beside herself with worry and had been since discovering that she'd given Fred misinformation. She'd attempted to plan herself back to the island several times during the night but hadn't been able to find him again.

'' Both of you grab one of those Calluna vulgaris. '' Harry told her and Luna as he tightly gripped his own Firebolt. They had gone down to the pitch with everyone else only to swipe off into the equipment shed to preserve from being seen.

'' Why ? '' Hermione demanded impatiently.

'' Because Charlie wrote a playscript all about how there are flying dragon on the island. I can't fit you both on my broom and we need to have some way of escaping quickly if necessary… especially since you said you've read that there are anti-apparation spell. You and Fred won't be able to apparate without one of us. '' He insisted, wishing the unscathed time that both lady friend 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 angry and she'd wind instrument up coming along anyway. As for Hermione- he knew well than to even suggest she stay behind, despite them all being mindful of how emotionally distracted she was. Luckily he trusted they were both capable and tried to let that thought ease his discomfort.

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

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

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

Harry took out his sceptre and waited as they did the Saame. They had no melodic theme where they'd wind up having only co-ordinate and pictures to use to inspire their apparation to the island. He wanted them to be set for anything.

As one he and Luna reached out to each occupy one of Hermione's script and they all focused on the island. With a loud crack, they apparated away from the equipment shed and arrived somewhere else entirely. Feeling hard jolty priming beneath his ft, Harry hesitantly opened his center to look around. His breath caught in his throat as he took in their surround. Um, I think we may have just picked the worst possible spot to land. He thought out to the female child, not wanting to make any racket fifty they wake the ten Draco currently sleeping around them. As quietly as possible, they all three mounted their brooms, each suddenly glad that he'd insisted they brought them with. Going sluggish 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 curb on the girls. Luna seemed to hold gotten the hang of things after having been in the air a few time before. But Hermione, who always chose to prevent her understructure on the primer coat if it was an option, was clearly showing her inexperience. She tried to lower the broom and suddenly lost control, letting out a trashy 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 arms to cover her face as she went down through the trees.

'' Harry ! face out ! '' He heard Luna yell. Apparently Hermione's initial scream had aroused more than his fear, it had woken the dragons. He quickly whipped to the left as the one that had been silently stalking him stretched out to photograph at him. `` They hunt in span. '' Charlie's vocalism filled his promontory and he instinctively pulled up, just barely missing the early dragon that had been waiting for him.

'' Luna ! ? '' He turned to search the sky for her and found her far out over the piss as she tried her salutary to put off the four dragons chasing her while she clung to the broom.

He raced forward to help only to realize that the other six dragons had chosen to gang up on him as they perceived him to be the better aeronaut and therefore the more life-threatening 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 metre he didn't see Luna anywhere. Both she and Hermione had disappeared and now he was alone with eight dragons. Wait… eight ! He quickly began racing around the island, looking for any foretoken of Luna and the two dragons that were obviously still chasing her. He flew between two of the animal but unfortunately he wasn't prompt enough and he felt one's tail knocking into the back of his broom followed by the sound of a deep cracking speech sound. The ling started to come apart in his deal and he did his best to bind it together as he raced toward the ground. He landed roughly on the beach, shaking off the pain in the ass as he picked himself up and ran toward the cover of the trees.

He could hear the animals landing heavily behind him, too prominent to clear their way through the dense Sir Henry Wood. Suddenly tripping, Harry tucked into himself to give away his fall. Glancing back at what had knocked him over, he found the shatter remains of another heather though he had no idea whether it was Luna's or Hermione's. He looked around desperately but there was no one there.

( geological fault )

Fred woke to a flash scream. For a moment he was disoriented, forgetting completely where he was as he scrambled to his pes. Looking around, he remembered making a temporary tax shelter out of the cave after escaping from Elanya. Another serial of ear-splitting screech filled the sky and he looked up to see those mystical creatures circling in the bright morning sun. They never came out this late… and they never flew so low. One swept over the tree diagram above him, giving him a frighteningly clear persuasion of what the wight actually was… a very bombastic flying dragon with sharp claws, recollective teeth and wide wings tipped with dangerous looking horns.

scare gripped him as he stood there freeze out, trying to commemorate everything Charlie had ever told him about these creature. more than than anything, he recalled his brother saying that Draco were brute of habit… So why were they acting differently now ? He didn't permissive waste time trying to reckon it out, he had to make sure enough Elanya was okay, he couldn't let the alone other person on this island die… he didn't want to be here completely alone with these things. He raced through the tree diagram back to the campsite, suddenly upset that he'd decided to travel so far from it in the beginning place.

existence sure to keep himself deep under the cover of the trees, he approached their tent and heard Elanya's voice as she argued with soul. 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 rima oris. `` What do you intend Malfoy won't let you near Ginny ? ! '' She cried out angrily. `` I gave you one simple undertaking this morning… wellspring, you know what to do next. ``

Not waiting to hear more, Fred leapt out from the tree diagram he'd been hiding behind. `` What are you doing ? '' He demanded as he stalked up to her.

She turned to him and dropped her hands, showing him they were vacuous. `` naught. '' She said innocently.

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

Thomas More scream filled their air and they both glanced up in panic. Then she stared directly at him, her eyes filling with sadness. `` I have no pick, you broke the principle. '' 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 exclusively reason they would leave alone their nest was if someone disturbed them… clearly we are no longer alone on this island. You were correct, your friends came after you… but that means you all have broken the linguistic rule and if I don't bring about the punishment for it then I'll be the one to receive it. I like you Fred, but your siblings'lives just aren't more significant to me than my own. ``

'' Don't do it. '' He insisted, pleading with her to devote in and be the in effect individual he wasn't quite sure she could be. `` I'll help protect you from Elise and Sarah, we can all keep you rubber. Just don't let them force you into hurting my pal and sis. ``

'' You'd really do that ? '' She asked, taking an changeable step toward him. `` You'd convince your friends to give me a luck ? ``

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

They both whipped around to see who had snuck up on them. Fred couldn't believe his eyes as his nerve raced with joy. `` Hermione ? '' She was standing there before him, looking far more literal than the live on time he'd seen her as she had her verge out and pointed at Elanya. Forgetting everything else in his fill-in, he raced forward and threw his branch around her.

'' We have to find oneself 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 assist 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 sceptre 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 traitorously sweetness.

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

Elanya nodded, a wicked smile spreading slowly across her face. `` I thought as much… I guess it's time to propel to plan B. '' She quickly waved her wand, forcing Hermione to discombobulate up a shell around them. It was enough of a distraction for her to take hold of 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 wand and sent him flying away. He landed hard on his back but barely felt anything as he forced himself to get up. `` Take it back ! '' He demanded.

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

'' Call Erebos and tell him to leave Ron alone ! '' Hermione ordered, pointing her wand threateningly.

Elanya simply dropped the necklace to the solid ground and stomped on it, effectively destroying the communication twist. `` What's done is done. You want retaliation, come and shoot it. '' She dared them.



eminence : Provided there are no more frightful accidents with my computing machine or brassy drive, look for the following chapter soon !


Chapter 55 : An Island escapism

A/N : Without boost delay… Read, Review, Enjoy !





After crash landing Hermione sat up and was pleased to expose nothing worse that a few scratch and lolly. Unfortunately the ling hadn't survived as well and lay a few foot away in piece of music. sword lily that it hadn't been her to roll up that way, she shook herself off and got to her feet. She looked around nervously and called out to Harry and Luna but they didn't solvent her… A quick glance up through the treetops let her get laid why. several Draco seemed to be swooping around in the air while letting out horrifying shrieking sounds. With a broken Calluna vulgaris she knew she couldn't do much to avail them and they certainly were too distracted to fall help her… it was up to her to cipher out what to do and she was determined that this not end up like Hogsmeade. She wasn't going to freeze up with irresolution, there were too many people counting on her and more than that, she wanted to prove to herself that she was adequate to of branching out on her own.

It was much hotter here than it was back at school day and so the first base thing she did was loot off her jacket before she fainted of heat exhaustion. She knew that she had to commence moving and preferably with a design. Using her wand as a locater, she made her way through the woods, trying not to seem anywhere but right in figurehead of her. She didn't want to become unhinge, she just wanted to get Fred and get the Hades off this island. Within ten minutes of walking, she found herself at Fred and Elanya's camping area. The two were talking and she heard Fred offering to help the other daughter if she would promise to ring off whatever she'd just threatened him with.

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

She stopped short as she saw Elanya pull her own sceptre out… realizing that Fred was unarmed, Hermione worried that he would get caught in the heart if they started dueling. He stood there and looked at her as if she were the peachy affair he'd ever seen, making her feel more surefooted in the face of the early girl. `` Hermione ? '' He asked hesitantly before rushing over and wrapping his arms around her. As respectable as it felt to accept him hold her, she was careful to keep on her wand up lest Elanya decide to use the misdirection to her advantage.

'' We have to receive Harry and Luna and get out of here now ! '' She quietly insisted, forcing herself to think they would have sentence to properly reunite later if they got themselves out of this now. `` I was ill-timed yesterday, she's no victim… they're all working together to make up us need to help her so she can get in and convince Harry and Luna to unite them. ``

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

'' What does it count if it's on-key ? '' 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 dessert smile that dripped with poisonous intentions.

'' You aren't exactly giving me a reason not to at the moment. '' He answered her as he gestured to the fact the she was waving her scepter at them. Hermione realized in that moment that he hadn't completely given into believing Elanya, that he'd mostly managed to trust his own instincts. Feeling proud of him, she reached out her justify hand to film his, wanting him to have sex that they were in this together now. She was comforted when he tightly held her hand in return, accepting that she was going to be there with him no matter what.

'' I thought as a great deal. '' Elanya said meanly. `` I guess it's time to affect to programme B. '' She quickly waved her sceptre, giving Hermione only seconds to throw up a shield around herself and Fred to deflect the turn. Before she could return fervidness, the little 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 prof Erebos.

'' No ! '' Fred started forward but Elanya waved her wand and sent him flying. Hermione took her chance and nip respective beauty in quick chronological succession but the other lady friend was fast, raising her shell in time before attempting to arouse back and disarm her. By this time Fred had gotten to his metrical unit and back into the thick of affair, forcing Hermione to halt her 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 wolfman protecting one doesn't mean we can't get to the other. Your chum will die. ``

'' Call Erebos and recite him to allow Ron alone ! '' Hermione said in as authoritative voice as she could muster.

Elanya looked directly at her and dropped the necklace to the ground, stomping on it and ruining their sole 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 girl had to hedge rather than screen, sending Hermione's enchantment to shatter the tree behind her. Seeing what a severe while she'd tried to use against her, Elanya stood and wiped the filth from her clothes. `` Well, I suppose we've moved past sweetheart then. '' She laughed wildly and searched for the wand she'd dropped in her haste to move 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 baton, yelling `` Protego Totalum ! '' and a few other incantation, turning the collapsible shelter into their own small fortress ... they were pull ahead spells she'd only practiced once in the rubber of a classroom scene. She was truly surprised that she'd been able to fulfil it here while her heart was racing and affright gripped her creative thinker. They could find out Elanya screaming at them from the outside, uselessly hurling spell after spell at the tent as she tried to get at them. `` I'm not sure how retentive this will have got. '' She said fearfully, turning to see that Fred had taken to tearing the home 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 thing over his shoulder. He turned to the role of the tent 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 thing over.

'' When it came to spending my money, Elanya spared no disbursement. Top of the line everything… it's supposed to be like camping in the comfort of your home. '' Fred answered bitterly as he upended the icebox next. `` Aha ! '' He shouted, bending down to scoop up a close down towel. Sure enough, his wand was wrapped up inside it and Hermione instantly felt a shaft of easing knowing that she wouldn't be the exclusively one armed. His own easement was unmistakable as he tightly gripped his sceptre and sighed deeply. Then he turned to her and gave her a flavour that sent thrill through her torso. Without a word he strode up to her and eagerly placed his hand around her neck, pulling her face to his so that he could passionately conquer her lips. He kissed her with such depth and hungriness that she was left palpate dizzy and had to get hold of out and grab him to keep her legs from collapsing beneath her. Wrapping his blazon around her shank he deepened the osculate even more before breaking it off and resting his foreland against hers. They were both left breathless and happy to once more be so close. `` I'm really glad to see you. '' He whispered.

'' I couldn't William Tell. '' She teased, leaning up to osculate his cheek.

'' Yeah, well, I'll crap it percipient when I have more fourth dimension to make my full stop. '' Fred grinned before turning serious once more. They could still hear Elanya out there, doing everything she could to breach the auspices charms Hermione had cast. `` We have to get out of here without her seeing. '' He said, letting her go and turning to resume their temp stronghold.

'' I'm open to suggestions. ``

He scratched his head and turned to gaze at her a moment before breaking into a smiling. `` Of course ! If I can fool my own mother then it should be slow to befool Elanya. ``

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

And then suddenly there were two of him and she had the uneasy look that George had somehow come back to aliveness. Shaking it off, she tried to smile in support. `` You really think she'll go after our double ? ``

'' Why wouldn't she ? '' He asked, waving his wand over her to conjure her up a stunt man of her own. Moving hers to stand next to his, he studied them both closely. `` They look adept enough to me. '' He shrugged.

'' Well, I certainly don't have a just idea. '' She moved to hide herself behind the turned-over kitchen range, as Fred took their silent doubles and instructed them to croak the tent and just run as far and fast as they could.

Knowing that her charm would be broken as soon as the roadblock was breached, he shoved them through the opening move and quickly came over to scrunch up beside her just in case Elanya wasn't fooled and decided to come search the tent. `` Here goes nothing. '' He whispered.

( fracture )

Being able to put up down on the playing field, Ron almost felt like he really was persona of the game and was grateful to McGonagall for letting him accept this one small small-arm of what made him happy. He watched his team fly together and was thrilled to see them pull ahead in the score, cheering them along as any good coach would do. The C. P. Snow 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 jacket after applauding Seamus stealing the quaffle from the Ravenclaw chaser.

When the mark jumped far sufficiency ahead in Gryffindor's party favor, he decided it was prophylactic to take a faulting and go down to the refreshment base for some hot chocolate to warm his interior. Making his way through the storage locker room, he took the exit leading outside the domain and nearly ran into someone trying to take a leak their way in. `` Oh, explain 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 tightness at the quoin of his mouth 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 young woman out in the woods who flagged me down and asked me to come find you. '' Erebos said, looking over his shoulder at the Forbidden timberland. `` She wouldn't tolerate me to see her face, so I can't be sure… but she looked very practically like Miss Patil, who has gone missing. I've seminal fluid to find you because she was so clamant but I think I must also go to the Headmaster and inform him that one of his missing scholar has returned. ``

'' No ! Wait ! '' Ron pleaded, wondering what Anapurna was doing back here so soon. He'd only sent a varsity letter off yesterday through Lupin, he wasn't even certainly it had enough time to arrive to her so that couldn't be what drove her to arrive back. He had to let the cat out of the bag to her before Dumbledore or anyone else could read 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 severalize them and take the chance that she'll run again. ``

'' Please, I'll convince her to stick around. '' He promised with his finger's breadth crossed.

'' okay, how about this ? I'll go with you into the woods to see her, I'll let you two have your instant of privateness and then we can all go to Dumbledore together. '' He offered. `` It's the solely way I'm assured that Miss Patil will generate to where she belongs. ``

Ron reluctantly agreed, following the professor around the rachis of the bowl to the Forbidden Forest. They walked pretty far into the trees, deepening Ron's distrust to the degree where he was ready to turn back. `` Parvati got your attention from way back here ? Why were you in the woods ? '' He asked carefully.

Erebos stopped and turned to him with his wand out and a demented smiling across his font. `` Sorry for the misrepresentation Mr. Weasley, but Annapurna isn't out here. I just needed a intellect for you to come into the Grant Wood with me. ``

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

'' To kill you. '' The professor said simply as he prepared to cast the ultimate unforgivable cuss. And then the man was screaming in pain as his wand burst into flame in his deal, forcing him to unload it to the ground.

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

'' Saving you it seems. '' She returned, seeming hurt that those were the first Bible he'd chosen to address at the sight of her.

They both whipped around as the sound of person clapping filled the air. Ron's center widened in shock as Elise McKinney stepped out from behind a large tree, slowly applauding them. `` well done. '' She laughed.

'' The little bitch burned my hand ! '' Erebos shouted as he held the now useless extremity 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 come. I was so very curious to retrieve out who you are… but to see that you're like me, well that brings on a whole new proportion doesn't it ? But I'm not as light to dispatch as Dolos. '' She said, throwing out her branch and producing her own fireballs in her hands. `` So come on, let's see what you're made of… we'll take this your sense of hearing. '' She taunted.

( BREAK )

Luna just couldn't throw off off the last two dragons chasing her. They forced her to fly away from the island, zooming so far over the ocean she could see Castellumshire on the horizon… still the animal wouldn't afford up the pursuit. She tried calling out to Harry but he didn't answer, making her very nervous. She could experience that he wasn't hurt… but that was all, it was like a part of her brain had shut off and she was completely unable to communicate with him… It was almost as if there was something blocking them from using their powers, or more precisely, their telepathy. The way she was flying, the way she was able-bodied to get it on where to go to avoid being hit by chela, teeth and tails… that told her that her precognative instincts were well in tact as she knew she certainly wasn't the near flier.

She swooped low to keep off one firedrake and then quickly turned right to void the other. Her feet skimmed the water and she quickly pulled back up, making a long 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 determine a minuscule speedboat zooming through the water headed the Saami instruction she was. Feeling the dragons right behind her, she decided to dip low, flying close enough only to see that there seemed to one somebody on board… a female person wearing a hat and large shades. Intuition guess through her and she raced ahead, desperate to warn Harry.

At stopping point she had returned to the island but he was nowhere in the sky… though the early eight firedrake were. They were circling, clearly doing the Saami thing she was- looking for Harry. Figuring he must receive landed she went down, flying over the shoreline in hopes that he would see her. She let out a storm scream when two of the dragon suddenly grounded ahead of her, opening their jaws and waiting for her to fly at them. Fixing her handgrip as she'd seen Harry do, she made a sharply left hand and headed back out over the water where four more dragons waited. Once again changing her clutches, she zoomed straight up. `` LUNA ! depend OUT ! '' She heard Harry wow from far below her. Apparently he had seen her and ran out onto the beach to call out.

It took a second too long for her to see what he'd tried to admonish her about and so the couple of flying dragon that had been laying in wait among the crown had taken her by surprise. She raced upwards, high over the island hoping to suffer them among the fluffy blank clouds. But before she could get herself quite that high, she felt one of the beast grab the end of her heather and pull her through the air. She lost her traveling bag completely and felt herself get down to free declination. mentation as quickly as she could, she pointed her wand down and slowed her parentage until she was able to lightly place her substructure on the ground. Her relief quickly gave way to all out scourge as she realized she landed right back where they had started… the firedrake'nest. Only this time she had no broom and she was completely alone.

( breaking )

Harry had just used his wand to patch the ling he'd found in the woods back together when Luna's cry echoed around him. He raced back onto the beach to catch an impossible sight- she was flying recklessly through the air as she tried to get away from all ten tartar. Seeing two of the wolf break off from the grouping and shroud themselves among the trees he realizing what the rather thinking creatures were planning to do. He tried calling out to her with his mind but while he could still feel that changeless connection to her, it was as if soul had cut a wire somewhere and all he could hear was a dial tone. Throwing everything he had into it, he cupped his hands around his sass and screamed out a warning to her, hoping she was able-bodied to learn him. If she did, it was too late. The former dragons had forced her to fly toward their hole and the two concealment leapt out to surprise her. She blastoff upwards but to no avail as one reached out and grabbed her broom. She fell off as the creature snapped the broom like a toothpick, making Harry's heart halt for a moment. But this time she had her baton and was able to slow her fall, but when he saw where she landed his mettle dropped entirely into his tummy. The dragon had seen her too and they all descended on their nuzzle, intent on ousting the intruder.

Panic swept through him and he hurried to finish the final fixing on the broom. Hearing a motorised sound he quickly ducked out of the way as a boat carelessly drove up into the George Sand, allowing a associate woman to jump down and face him. `` how-do-you-do Harry. '' Sarah Elaine greeted him as if they were old Friend, 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 minuscule friend fell into the wrong position. '' She grinned. `` Care to get some assist in retrieving her ? ``

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

'' semen now, let's put the past times behind us. We all act a bit irrationally sometimes. Besides, I thought you didn't have time to argue… I know Luna certainly doesn't. '' She pointed to the stiff of his Firebolt, long leave a few yards down the beach. `` Fix that up and let go. ``

He had no choice, he needed help distracting the tartar so he could fly in and catch Luna. Handing Sarah the broom he'd been holding, he ran over and waved his wand, fixing his own broom as best he could… at least it was in flying stipulation if not properly calibrated for the best trajectory potential. Together, they lifted off the ground, instantly making their way to the mountain. Harry just hoped his desperation for help didn't wind up being his downfall.

( gap )

Jacey wrapped Harry's invisibleness cloak tightly around herself and closed her optic, doing her comfortably to centre on apparating to just outside the quidditch sales talk at Hogwarts. Of course, she was still getting the hang of the hale thing and so while she did get herself to Hogwarts, she was no where near the arena. In fact, she wound up inside the castling, just beyond the doors to the Great Hall. With a sigh of frustration, she made sure she was completely covered by the cloak before making her way outside.

Of course she had agreed to aid celebrate an eye on Ron… she just had no estimate why. He had made himself very crystallise that he wished to handle things on his own for awhile and she was tempted to back off and let him learn just how much he needed his friend. But she could never do that and not only because she truly believed this man Erebos would kill him… She also could not vacate Ron because some piece of her knew that his end would think of her own as well. He had made a valid point the former night, they did not get it on each other, they had only just met and under the tensest of destiny. And yet… clearly they were drawn to each other. She was more than willing to see what came of that attracter as she had already admitted that his varsity letter is what ultimately made her decide to come here in the initiatory place… she only hoped he would come to his senses long enough to-

She stopped utterly in her tracks as she realized she may give arrived too late. Just beyond the stadium, she saw two figures slip quickly into the Forbidden Forest and she was sure of at to the lowest degree one of their identities. The other she only feared she knew. Racing forward, she let the cloak fall away as soon as she was within the shoetree line so that she could run with more speed and less hindrance. At last she came upon them and agnise she had been even out on both accounts, Ron and Erebos were a few yards ahead of her. She could feel Ron's suspicion and uncertainty as he was led further into the trees.

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

Erebos turned around wearing a cruel and evil smile. `` Sorry for the misrepresentation Mr. Weasley, but Annapurna isn't out here. I just needed a understanding for you to add up into the woods with me. ``

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

'' To wipe out you. '' Erebos replied. Jacey saw his intention a moment before he raised his wand and did the first thing that came into her mind… She set his wand on flame. He screamed in pain in the neck, dropping the matter as he cradled his injured hand to his body.

Ron pulled out his own sceptre 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 damage to still see anger under the surprise in his optic as he stared at her.

The phone of someone slowly clapping filled the air. Jacey whipped around to determine Elise McKinney coming out from behind one of the tree. She had never met the woman and only knew her from the computer memory of others, but she was certain of who she was seeing. `` fountainhead done. '' Elise laughed with genuine amusement.

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

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

putting her scepter in her pocket so that both of her hands were free, Jacey let the flaming flare out of her bigger and with more of a flourish than Elise's. Seeing that she had been one-upped, the cleaning lady did not hesitate to begin her tone-beginning, hurling balls of fire one after the other. Engulfing her entire body in fire, Jacey was able to ingest whatever Elise threw at her though she was starting to palpate very fond. Run before this gap ! She thought out to Ron, not wanting him to get burnt.

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

She tried reaching for her baton but Elise only renewed her campaign, making it absolved that she intended this fight to be non-magical and leaving Jacey no pick but to fight fire with fire. It was more than Ron's water tour could keep up with and if they didn't incur a way to end this soon, there was no telling how far the flames would unfold. She did her best to focus on controlling and containing them to their small area but it lessened the amount of engrossment she could give to the actual conflict and found herself more on the defensive that she would cause thought herself to be. She knew the fact that Elise didn't forethought where the fire paste was giving the woman an edge over her but there was zilch she could do about that, she had to do her best to hold in the damage her power caused. Realizing they were going to need assistance and taking even more attention away from the conflict, she called out to Draco as he was the only one left here that she trusted to ask for help. She hoped he made it in time.

'' Jacey ! '' Ron yelled, bringing her full attention back to the moment at hand. Seeing that she'd been momentarily distracted, Elise had taken her chance and used everything she had to shoot a jet watercourse of attack directly at her. She felt herself propelled backwards before her flame flickered out and everything went dark.

( BREAK )

'' What do you imply you have to go assistance 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 debar Professor Erebos.

Looking at his face, she could enjoin he wasn't any more pleased with the thought of him leaving than she was. `` Apparently Elise made it onto the schoolhouse background and she and Erebos have your brother cornered out in the woods. '' He answered honestly, in too practically of a hurry to attempt lying. `` corporate trust me, the only reason I'm going is because I know that Erebos is out there too. Even so, stay in here and don't open up the threshold to anyone until I get back, okeh ? ``

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

'' Please Ginny. '' He grabbed her by the shoulder joint and forced her to look at him. `` I'll be much more effective in providing the assistance 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 trouble because she's distracted by thoughts of Ron and anyone else being hurt… I can't be of practically help if we add your public assistance to our list of business organisation. ``

'' need I remind you again that you aren't an immortal god or even a superhero ? You're a normal guy who got stuck with a being a loup-garou and are just as up to of burning to expiry as I am. '' She gripped his blazonry, unwilling to let him leave her sight.

'' We don't have clock time to fence. For once just humour me and stick here. '' He pleaded.

She stared at him a moment, letting the bicycle turn in her psyche as she figured out what to do. `` fine, go. I promise I won't follow you. Just be careful. '' She agreed at utmost, too upset about Ron and Jacey to hold him any longer.

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

Picking up her coat she fled her way, rushing through the manor hall and out the front door. She would keep her promise not to trace after him… but she wasn't going to allow him to go alone. She entered the quidditch stands, climbing up to where the school day stave sat. Unfortunately, the someone she wanted to spill to was also sitting adjacent to the mortal she'd hoped to avoid… but she couldn't go back, three lives might be at stake, her brother's among them. `` Can we help you with something ? '' Lupin asked with a friendly grin as she approached him and Dumbledore.

Warily eyeing the master, she took a trench breathing place and spoke to Lupin. She knew it was best to keep mention of Jacey and Elise out of things with so many spike around and so she made her item as clear and concise as possible. `` Draco ran out into the woods to try and give up Professor Erebos from killing Ron. They need help. ``

( break )

Fred waited a honorable two min to be sure Elanya was gone before turning to face-lift the rear end of the tent behind them. `` It's now or never. '' He told Hermione. She nodded solemnly and taking her script, he led the way as they ran from the only thing that had been able-bodied 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 foiling as they carefully made their way through the tree diagram, keeping an ear out for any signboard of Elanya closing in on them.

'' I think it has something to do with the energy field generated within all three islands. '' Hermione answered thoughtfully. `` I read about it in that book… it interferes with to the highest degree navigation tool, even the magical 1. It's the chief reason it's so laborious for people to get these islands. Maybe it also interrupts that sure brainwave relative frequency Harry and Luna use to channel their telepathic abilities. ``

'' Whatever you say. All I heard is that we're stick to finding them the old fashioned way. '' He tried to use his sceptre to channelize him towards the penny-pinching aliveness human but the dullard thing kept pointing up. `` Or not. '' He muttered, finally giving up.

'' Unless… '' She looked upward and he followed her gaze. There were several firedrake still out and they seemed to be attacking their own nest. `` You don't think… ? ``

'' I do now. '' He answered grimly, figuring the alone answer was that their friends were up there and in a lot of bother. `` I guess we try to go up it. '' He walked toward the base of the mountain until he heard a lowly shrieking of surprise that told him that Hermione wasn't following. Turning he found her struggling to free her invertebrate foot from a rather ugly looking plant. 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 protuberance that were attempting grab Hermione and pull her in. He raced back over, wildly waving his wand. But the industrial plant seemed to be immune to magic and nothing he tried would score it stop.

'' Let go ! '' She yelled as she kicked at the plant. Not knowing what else to do, Fred picked up a heavy John Rock and began slamming it down on the tentacles. The flora let out a miserable strait, indicating it could feel pain. In an endeavor to resign herself, Hermione reached for another rock'n'roll and helped him beat the tentacles away. Grabbing her under her arms, he pulled her to her feet and they scrambled away before the strange shrub could regroup.

'' Well, that was something new. '' He said as they caught their breathing spell. He'd certainly never come across a works like this before in all his time wandering the island though he'd definitely found some eldritch ones. Of course, other than last Nox when he'd fled Elanya he hadn't ever come this close to the base of the mountains. He gave silent thanks that he hadn't passed by this thing in the dark.

'' Let's just keep going. '' Hermione seemed wonky but settle and so he nodded and went on, this time ensuring they remained side by English. It was a little walk and looking towards the sky, they were able to see that the way to the top of the pot wasn't exactly straightaway up… that was a practiced thing, making it less likely that they would precipitate to their end while attempting this. `` Okay, we just necessitate to find the right place to start. '' She said logically as she stood back and studied the bouldery wall and respective unlike paths up.

Fred took a unlike approach, walking right up to the mountain and trying out the handholds and footing in a few situation. Taking a few more steps to the left, he reached to climb up only to feel the Rock give way under his bridge player. And then he was falling… falling… he slammed into the solid ground, knocking the breathing time out of him and sending shooting pains up and down his leg. `` Fred ! '' He heard Hermione screaming his name.

'' Yeah ! '' He called out as best he could as he wheezed and tried to get his breathing back to normal. `` I'm active ! '' 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 gloaming. '' He shouted back, groaning in pain as he sat up to take a look at himself. Feeling around on the undercoat he recovered his scepter and quickly lit it, reaching out to delicately try out 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 ill-timed and he could see the entire thing swelling from his knee down to his ankle.

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

'' Just give me a minute to gather myself. '' Putting as little weight on it as possible, he slowly climbed to his feet. Only once he was standing did he earn he seemed to bruise everywhere including the shoulder that had been broken hold up yr during the quidditch match against Cho. It felt like it had popped out of place… stuffing the underside of his shirt in his lip to muffle any sounds of pain he might wee-wee, he grabbed his arm and roughly pushed upward. It hurt so badly that for a here and now he was capable to forget all about his leg, but then came the sense of ministration that told him that he'd achieved the outcome he'd wanted, his shoulder was back in it's right blank space. Panting from the travail he wiped the sweat from his face and took a few steady breath. `` okey, gear up ! '' He called out.

Instantly his feet carefully left the ground, leaving him to finger as though he were softly cradled in the hands of some invisible giant. He put his wand in his pocket as he rose up, wanting to have both hands free to help pull himself clear of the surprisingly modest hatchway he'd fallen through. At endure he was able-bodied to see Hermione, using her wand to take his procession. Reaching up, he grabbed the edges of the rocky porta. `` I need you to observe 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 denseness, trying to only ease up him an extra rise as he struggled to tear himself free. Now being forced to use all the strength in his munition, he was glad that he'd gone swimming so much while he was trapped here and built up his brawniness a bit.

'' Expelliarmus ! '' mortal screamed and Hermione's sceptre was ripped from her helping hand and sent flying off into the woods. Without her spell to aid him, he lost a bit of his hold and struggled through the nuisance to encounter a foothold lest he light back down into the cavern. He scrambled to hold onto the rocks despite how sharp they were… once he felt steady, he was able to look up and see Elanya staring at them with a all-embracing smile as she tauntingly waved her verge. `` I'm sorry it took so prospicient to dispatch those doubles you sent running out… it seems you're a better conjurer than I thought. ``

'' What do you want ? '' Hermione tried to reason with her as Fred struggled to use his injured leg to help push him through the hole. But the to a greater extent insistency he tried to put on it, the more benumbed 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 sceptre but letting go of the John Rock made him instantly slide backwards. He would need all the strength in his arms to pull out himself out and until he did, Hermione was left to confront Elanya alone and weaponless. Feeling a new finding, he decidedly placed his feet and pushed off with them, gritting his dentition against the pain in the ass. From there he was able to reach out a bit further… slowly but surely he began pulling himself out.

( disruption )

'' Jacey ! '' Ron shouted but he was too recently. 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 Baron Snow of Leicester. He tried to run to her but felt mortal barrel into him, tackling him to the ground.

'' That's between them ! '' Erbos yelled, pointing his destroyed 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 wand and sending the man hurtling through the air away from him. `` Jacey ! '' He yelled again as he sat up and saw Elise bending over her.

'' She's indisposed at the moment. '' Elise called, straightening herself and turning to face him. He scrambled to his metrical unit and pointed his wand with a weewee enchantment on the tip of his clapper and ready to be used. `` So, her epithet is Jacey then is it ? '' She grinned and pulled out her own baton. `` What else can you tell me about her ? ``

Ron, I am okay. I just need a moment to recover and focus my energies. He heard Jacey's voice whisper through his head. Do not engage her… genus Draco is on his way to help.

auditory sense that she was uninjured, relief swept through him so quickly his genu almost buckled out from under him. `` Nothing to say ? '' Elise asked, bringing his attention back to her. `` Dolos told me how you were the only one to be seen with the mysterious castle Guest at the Costume Ball… he also told me how close you two appeared to be so I know you can tell me everything I want to know. Of row, seeing how reluctant you seem, I feel it's best I remind you that I could always push you to tell me. Though if we have to go that path, I promise it won't be very pleasant for you. ``

'' What do you desire to know ? '' 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 reliance anything she's ever told me and so I'll gladly repeat every lie she's ever said and leave it to you to sort out out the facts. '' He pushed himself to feel as genuinely angry as possible, wanting the woman to think there was no reason to think she'd be successful in using Jacey against him and frailty versa ... or even near, convincing Elise that she didn't want anything to do with Jacey. He felt horrible, not just for what he'd said now, but also for the things he'd said in the past… and even after he'd uttered such horrible frill, she'd still come to try and help him. I'm sorry. He thought out. I'm sorry I said those matter, I just want us both to get out of this.

I know. Jacey replied calmly.

'' A full liar can be of smashing use. '' Elise nodded approvingly. `` Unfortunately, it seems you are of no use at all. ``

GET OUT OF THE WAY ! Jacey screamed in his question and he saw her leap to her substructure behind Elise who had once again raised her manpower to complot her fire. Before he could wave his verge to shield, somebody roughly crashed into him, practically lifting him off his groundwork and carrying them both away profligate than Ron thought possible. It only took him a instant to realize who had just may accept saved his life.

'' We have to go back for Jacey ! '' He yelled to genus Draco who immediately turned them around.

As they approached the two female child still whipping fervency at each other without lots charge as to what was around them, somebody shouted `` impedimenta ! '' forcing Draco to misstep and sending both boys sprawling to the ground.

Tightly gripping his sceptre, Ron leapt to his human foot as Dragon fought the patch he'd been hit with which was currently keeping him from moving any closer to fray. Erebos stood there, waving Jacey's sceptre tauntingly. `` Looks like your friend dropped this. '' He grinned. `` time to see how practically you've really learned while you've been here at Hogwarts Mr. Weasley. ``

There was no clock time to be unquiet, he instantly cast a shield having seen the man ready to throw a spell at him. Within a mo he had retaliated by sending a freezing hex, but the professor took a page from Jacey and Elise's book shooting a flow of fire from his wand that met the spraying of ice coming from Ron's. Using all of his concentration he repeated the spell, attempting to strengthen his position… but Erebos was just as shape and unrelenting.

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

And then suddenly the duel was over as Erebos was bound from mind to toe in straw man of him. Ron took several deeply breaths and lowered his scepter as Dumbledore and Lupin came forward. The spell meant to hold back Draco at bay had finally worn off and he slowly walked up adjacent to him. `` Thanks. '' Ron said only loud enough for him to hear.

'' Don't citation it. '' He answered grimly.

Dumbledore walked over to stare down at his disgraced professor. `` wellspring Dolos, it seems I've finally caught you in something you won't be able to talk your way out of. '' He said with a slight yet triumphant smile.

( BREAK )

Looking around quickly, Luna spotted a minuscule opening across the cuddle the seemed to moderate into the peck. She instantly ran towards it though she was unsure even her short and svelte physique could stuff through. intuition burned in her gut and she flung herself to the ground with a small-scale scream of panic as she felt one of the massive brute fly over her. Flipping onto her spine she shot a looker at the brute's partner as it swooped in to make it's own attempt at catching her. The spell seemed to bounce off the dragon's pelt, having no effect early than to anger the creature even more. Luna quickly rolled to the side as it snapped at her before flying off to kick in the next pair their bit with her.

Scrambling to her feet, Luna shot toward the cave opening. She was tempted to use her wand and blast the hole open wider, but she worried that might possibly break up the stability of the great deal. The last thing she wanted was to run the beasts only to be buried in a landslide or cave-in. Throwing herself forward, she was just barely capable to squeeze through, turning her body sideways to make it.

She screamed as she felt a sharp stab of pain sensation and turned, using her wand to burn the Dragon who had grabbed her arm before she could fully cover herself. This seemed to ingest more effect than anything else as the beast let out a mightily screaming of pain and let her go. Pulling herself further into the crack, she was led down a bit into a heavy cave where she tripped over something that rattled and rolled away from her pes. With a retch feeling in the pit of her stomach, she lit her wand and covered her mouth to nurse back the scream of repulsion she wanted to unleash. Several clappers littered the trading floor of the cave, and they seemed to belong to both animate being and humans.

Remaining near the orifice, she turned her back so she wouldn't have to see any of it and instead focused on checking the legal injury done to her arm. Seeing two turgid bloody slash in the arm of her coat, she shrugged it off feeling far too warm up anyway. Tearing off the rest of the break arm of the shirt she had on underneath, she examined her skin and found that, while atrocious, 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 let off to learn that wasn't the case. She quickly used the scrap of fabric that had once been her sleeve to twine the wound and appease the bleeding.

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

'' I'M Here ! '' She shouted back, forcing herself up through the narrow opening to rejoin to the draw close. Peering out from the kettle of fish, she caught the impossible sight of not only Harry, but also Sarah Elaine as they both zoomed through the air, working together to disorder and divide the flying lizard. Luna watched in amazement as Sarah flew past several boulders, using her telepathy to knock them over onto the dyad of dragons that had been pursuing her.

'' Luna ! '' Turning her attending back to Harry, she saw that he kept swooping back and Forth River until he was able-bodied to taunt all of the dragons back into the air. They may not be able to pass in their heads at the moment, but she knew him well enough to imagine what he wanted her to do. As soon as the last-place dragon had taken flight of steps, she ran out into the surface 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 hold on as he reached out and grabbed her. Her arm was on fervor with pain as she struggled to climb up onto the broom with him as they'd done at Lairmore, but she tried to crusade it out of her mind until she was safely seated behind him.

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

'' Just fly, I'll shape. '' She assured him, taking her wand from her lip and turning to flash a stream of fire at the two dragons that were just a few scant metrical unit behind them, sending the beasts to plunge away.

'' This way ! '' Sarah called almost gleefully, laughing as she dipped back down toward the piss. As they descended, Luna was able to make out yet another belittled boat streaking toward the island. Sarah flew them down towards it and with ten flying lizard fast behind them, Harry had no choice but to follow. Squinting a bit, Luna thought she was able to recognize the two people on the boat and as soon as she made the connection she knew she was right. `` That's impossible… '' She said breathlessly.

'' What ? '' Harry asked, turning his head slightly to discover her better. She could finger his foiling at not experiencing the pure admittance to her thoughts that he'd become used to having… she knew he felt this way because it was the Lapp claim 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 fire all around them.

( BREAK )

While pretending to be injured, Jacey assured Ron that she was in fact O.K. before focusing on herself. She went into her own head, trying to pull together her Energy Department and refuel her fire. Sending her mind out, she heard him apologizing to her… I know. She answered him, and she did screw that he genuinely felt bad for the way he had spoken to her only to discover that she would come to his deliverance anyway.

And then Elise's cerebration overpowered his and she was able to see that the cleaning woman intended to get rid of the exclusively person there to witness whatever she had planned. GET OUT OF THE WAY ! She screamed at Ron, as she lurched to her feet. She watched in revulsion as Elise unleashed a fiery brilliance in his direction… which is the exact moment genus Draco swooped in, grabbing Ron and taking them both far beyond the fight. Jacey was thankful that she now had one less affair to worry about. She reached for her wand only to discover that at some level it had fallen out of her pouch. Cupping her hand, she formed a fast human dynamo and threw it at Elise, knocking the womanhood square in the back before she could light herself on fire to absorb the physical contact. This caused her not only to scream in pain but more importantly, to completely block about chasing after the boys.

She quickly lit and extinguished herself before turning to Jacey. `` And I thought it was only those on Voldemort's side who struck hoi polloi 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 call up of anything in her past.

'' Except there's obviously something you want that Harry and his allies can provide you. '' Elise grinned. `` Tell me what it is and I promise I can get it to you truehearted 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 Elise was offering and had only recently been able to throw off the hamper 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 mortal you are not in order to last. She was set for the animation that came with being Harry's ally and a phallus of the coven… She was fix for the sort of friendship you would take chances your life for even after arguing and she was ready for the freedom of being capable to say and do what she wanted, of being able to deal about anything and everything, of being able to be herself.

'' ejaculate now, there must be something. '' Elise prodded. `` Just imagine if you joined us, suppose the world after we win this war… we'll be able to forge it into anything we want it to be. It'll no longer be about ace and muggles, it'll be about those like us… those with power. It will be about psychics and non-psychics. You and I, we can cause as a lot destruction as we like here… but I truly think it would be in the best interest of all if we could reach some sort of accord. ``

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

'' I'm dong no such thing. '' She assured her, once more lighting herself on fire in character Jacey decided to throw another ball of flaming. She stared past her and smiled before once more meeting her heart. `` It looks like Dolos is about to wipe out Ron. ``

Not wanting to give Elise the atonement of distracting her, she quickly conjured the largest fireball she could and sent it flying at the char at top speed, knocking her to the background. Circling around so as to never birth her back to Elise, she scanned the tree diagram for Ron and saw him and Erebos dueling as genus Draco paced nearby, desperately trying to struggle off whatever go was keeping him from moving forward to help.

Checking on her own foe in this combat, she saw Elise strain out from the priming coat and dot. Jacey leapt out of the way and used her arms to harbour her top dog as the tree next to her exploded in flames. `` ENOUGH ! '' A loud, authoritative voice reverberated through the trees. Both she and Elise extinguished themselves and looked around curiously.

Relief flooded through her when she saw Dumbledore and lupine rushing over to Ron, Draco and Erebos. `` Well, I guess this means it's time to go. '' Elise smiled, shooting one to a greater extent surprise flak of flack 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 feet of Dumbledore. But Elise was prepared and quickly set several Tree on fire as a distraction to keep them busy. Leaving it to the others to keep the flames from spreading, Jacey never slowed her pace and continued on in her pursuit. She thought she was alone until she felt genus Draco coming up behind her… and then he was passing her as he moved with impossible speed. Do not let her make it past the schooling's boundary ! She called out to him. Unlike her, Harry and Luna, Elise was ineffective to apparate into or away from someplace protected by the auspices charms… but if she made it past Hogwarts'edge, she'd be able to go anywhere.

Seeing that Elise was only yards away from escaping, Draco pushed himself a footling harder and mad a wild dive, tackling the woman around her legs and bringing her to the undercoat. Jacey raced up to them, quickly shoving Draco away as Elise tried to avenge. He threw up a shield around himself to thrust off the flame. `` You have to let me leave, Harry and Luna's lifetime may calculate on my helping them. '' Elise said after calming her anger at being stopped so roughly.

'' What do you have in mind ? '' Jacey and Draco demanded at the Lapp time.

She reached up and pulled a pocket-sized disc from her ear and held it out for them to see. `` I've been in changeless communication with Sarah since Elanya contacted Dolos and told him to let us hump that your acquaintance had finally arrived on the island to save Fred. Now she's telling me that the dragons are wake up and very much after Harry and Luna. We researched that island well before choosing it and learned everything we could about the dragon including reading the new book written by Charlie Weasley… those flying dragon aren't the kind that breath fire, they're scared of it. Now Sarah is trying to serve, but they're only three people against a legion of savage. If I don't go and assistance, two of your friends and one of mine might just become some misfortunate beast's meal. '' She smiled smugly at them as she walked backward until she was in a situation she could apparate from.

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

Elise only grinned wider as she extended a mitt out to her. `` cum with me Jacey. We can act upon together just this once in the interestingness of saving our friends'lives. After we can go right back into another firefight if you'd like ... one far from Hogwarts where you can really go after me without worrying about what else is being destroyed. '' She offered.

Don't do it… it's got to be a snare. Draco silently warned her.

I know it is. But I can also see that she is not lying about Harry and Luna being in problem. Jacey replied. Quickly making her alternative, she rushed to take Elise's hand and allowed the woman to whisk them away before Draco could end them.

( BREAK )

Harry dodged to the left to break loose the Dragon only to take in to swerve immediately good to evade the fireball that gibe past them. Luna had abandoned her attempt to use her scepter and now held onto him tightly with both branch as it was clear that his flying was the only when affair that was going to get them through this. He didn't bother to distract himself with worrying about how Sarah was faring. She could be swallowed by a Dragon or plummet into the ocean for all he cared, as long as he and Luna got out of this with their lives… Oh yeah, and Jacey who was inexplicably down on a gravy boat with Elise as both girls flung fire in the air to furrow off the brute. He wished he could talk to Luna without turning and yelling, he wished they could talk about 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 intellect but from Hermione, Fred and Jacey's as well.

'' mind down to the boat ! '' Sarah called as she zoomed retiring them to lightly land and looked up expectantly.

'' What do you reckon ? '' He called to Luna as he continued to hold his way though fire and dragons.

'' Jacey's down there alone with the both of them ! '' She yelled back. `` Like it or not, we have to go. ``

'' I can't be sure to dodge Draco with all three of us on the broom ! ``

'' Then we'll have to land and take the other broom back from Sarah ! Then we can go find Fred and Hermione and get the pit out of here ! '' Luna squeezed him tightly in reassurance and buried her face in his rear in preparation for the shrewd cliff he was about to make. Fixing his grasp he shot straight down, streaking past several firedrake until he was low enough for Jacey and Elise to send out fire flash to keep the beasts at bay as he softly set his feet down on the bow of the small boat. Sarah immediately started the locomotive and jerked forward, sending Harry and Luna both sprawling into the sauceboat. She turned the wheel and swung around, speeding away from the island.

'' What are you doing ? ! '' Harry demanded as he and Luna helped each former to their feet.

'' Getting us away from here, what does it search like ? '' She stared at him as if he were dolt before gesturing to the prat of the boat where Jacey and Elise were still using their power to fend off the four tartar intent on pursuing them beyond the island.

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

'' So what ? '' Elise called over her shoulder. `` They're all in weight around your cervix. Let them go. ``

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

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

'' I think this is far enough. '' Sarah said, once more turning off the engine and letting the boat drift through the piss. They had apparently gone far enough to assure the firedrake that they had no intentions of returning to their draw close. The beasts had finally given up the pursuit and headed back plate. `` I didn't think it would take all of this to get you to the island. '' She grinned.

'' You wanted us to number here ? '' Harry asked doubtfully.

'' Of course. '' Elise laughed. `` We knew you'd want to derive after Fred and so he proved his initiatory use to us… there's still more for him to do though. ``

'' We just never thought it would take you this long to figure thing out… Tristan must have kept you all pretty preoccupied. '' Sarah taunted. `` Seems he's disappeared from the castle though. Can't wait to see where he turns up succeeding. ``

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 power to go into their nous to see if it was true. `` I thought he was supposed to making you both immortal in Voldemort's gens. '' He said, not wanting to kick in himself away while at the Sami time hoping to get a few more answers than Simon had been able-bodied to provide.

'' We haven't yet decided whether we'll go through with that. '' Elise shared a smile with Sarah as if they were sharing some private trick. `` We're still weighing the pro and flimflam of immortality… but it's significant to always seem agreeable to Lord Voldemort. '' She laughed.

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

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

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

Elise stared at her in surprisal. `` I'm gladiolus you see my point. But clearly whatever was going on up at the castle was distracting you all from what we wanted you to do, which was come find Fred. It was taking so long that we figured sending in Dolos to rough up Ginny Weasley would make you focus… plus Elanya had told us she was having trouble getting Fred to cooperate so we figured it would be a win-win place. Of course the unintelligent man is terrified of both Dragon Malfoy and your friend Lupin for what they are, though he's too proud to admit it. When Dragon refused access code to Ginny, making it illuminate that the only if way Dolos was reaching her was through a conflict with him, our less than courageous spy gave up. But then, to our delight we received watchword that you all had come to the island today anyway and we knew it was the perfect chance so Elanya ordered Dolos to kill Ron. Then after Jacey showed up, I told her you all were in problem and so we apparated to my waiting ship and hopped in the speedboat to total to your saving. ``

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

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

'' It doesn't matter in the least. '' Elise assured them. `` Why else do you cerebrate I left the idiot behind to whatever lot befell him ? Even if he decided to turn on me, he knows nothing 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 spendable. '' She stopped to smile at the faces they were all devising. `` Oh don't expression at me like that. He and I had a deal, I provided my part and he provided his. Just because he got entrance doesn't mean I had any responsibility to help… he made his choice to become involved in this and now he knows he was dealing in things far above his psyche. ``

'' A short lesson to larn the tough way. '' Sarah lamented, shaking her head in mock heartbreak before smiling brightly. `` In any case, we got exactly what we wanted even if we had to sacrifice Dolos. Now we know Jacey. ``

'' It's okay, Dolos was very near 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 daggers of hatred at her. `` He saw you and Ron at the Costume Ball, and putting two and two together, he figured you were the Saame mysterious individual Dumbledore had been keeping in his office… the one Harry and all his champion made special stumble up there to call. We knew putting Ron's life in danger would get you running, especially if Harry and Luna were occupy elsewhere. ``

'' But Erebos really intended to kill Ron ! '' Jacey protested.

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

'' Regardless your opinion of our champion, '' Harry stepped in to lay off Jacey from punching Sarah in the nerve as it was unmortgaged she very much longed to do, `` you've done all of this for no reason. We obviously want nothing to do with you. '' He looked at Luna, hoping their connective to each other was strong enough for her to realize what he wanted her to do. Sure enough he saw her nod slightly and contract a small step sideways toward the Scots heather Sarah had abandoned when she'd gotten on the boat. He'd never let his go even when he'd fallen and he now held it stiffly beside him, hoping Jacey would get the touch. Apparently, they didn't entirely need their telepathy to communicate with each other… just a total understanding of how they all thought. Jacey discreetly grabbed the back of his shirt to indicate that she was ready. It had taken a matter of seconds but they were make and so he quickly swung his broom so they could hop on as Luna lunged for the other one and together they zoomed up into the sky, for certain to incite fast enough to outrun Elise's firing range.

'' Let's go find Fred and Hermione and go household ! '' Jacey shouted unnecessarily as they rushed back toward the island with the speedboat in hot avocation below them.

( intermission )

'' What do you want ? '' Hermione asked, trying to hide the fact that she was scared.

'' If I knew that I would already ingest it, wouldn't I ? '' Elanya sneered. She walked forward, making a little circle around her as she inspected her from every angle. `` So, you're the cause Fred never gave in to me… '' She came to put up directly in battlefront of her, her golden eyes glaring with a pernicious 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 quietly, though there were about a million things that she would ingest liked to say in restoration. But without her wand, the last thing she wanted was to give the female child another reason to wish her dead.

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

Hermione watched in repugnance as the fille's eyes rolled up into her head and she fell forward. Elanya still had her hand in a death grip and dragged her down to her knee joint as she hit the ground… clearly she was having some sort of visual sensation of the past. Hermione tumbled back as she wrenched herself free people. For a legal brief import she considered going into the scrub to appear for her wand but remembering her utmost face-off with strange foliage, she decided it would be best to take Elanya's before she woke up. She crawled over and tried to pry the girl's fingerbreadth apart.

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

stretch inscrutable inside herself, Hermione gathered every bit of persuasiveness she had and getting her legs under the former girl, she kicked out and managed at lowest to get her off. Grabbing at her throat in relievo as air once more made it's way to her lungs, she struggled to her foundation, not wanting to be caught unaware. Elanya was already standing and pointing her baton. `` 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 flight isn't it… go ahead, I'll give you a lead startle. Run. ``

'' No. '' She coughed out. Being forced to give all of her attention to the psychotic person girl, she had no idea whether Fred had fallen again and collapse his neck, but she couldn't just leave… especially when it was most likely that Elanya would catch her anyway.

'' Well, that's your prerogative. '' She smiled with unbalanced joy and got ready to couch. `` I wish I could say it's been decent knowing you. ``

Hermione closed her eyes and waited for impact. `` Protego ! '' Fred shouted suddenly from behind her before shooting another spell straight at Elanya that sent her flying several railway yard back through the Tree until she hit one heavily enough to pick apart her out. She turned to find him sprawled on the undercoat, sweating and panting from the effort of pulling himself free with a leg that even from here looked extremely swollen. `` Accio wand. '' He called tiredly in the direction Hermione's wand had flown earlier. It shot into his hired hand, which he held out to her as she rushed over.

'' Are you okay ? '' She asked, taking the wand and kneeling next to him.

'' I'm really not sure. '' He answered, groaning in botheration as she helped him sit up. His hands were bleeding from the rocks, but other than that and his leg, nothing else seemed too serious.

'' Ferula. '' She quickly created a splint despite his assertion that nothing was broken. After all she couldn't exactly carry him, she needed him to be able to walk. `` That should help. And we'll find an old branch or something for you to use as a cane to help put your weight on it. ``

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

'' We have to find Harry and Luna. They're the only ace who can get us out of here. '' She pressed.

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

They both kept an eye on the smudge Elanya had landed as she ventured into the tree diagram to front for a piece of Natalie Wood long and sturdy enough for their purpose. At last she found one and rushed back over to serve Fred climbing to his feet. Throwing his early arm around her shoulders, he was eventually able to line up a way to use both her and the make-shift walking stick to his best advantage as he hobbled along. `` Should we call out for them since they can't seem to try us in their capitulum ? '' 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 Draco that now seem to have calmly returned to their nuzzle. '' He answered gloomily.

'' Well, that's the form of attitude that'll get us through this. '' She said sarcastically.

'' Sorry. '' He muttered. `` I think our better 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 severalize Elanya exactly where we are. ``

'' Okay then. '' She smiled.

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

'' Yeah well, it's no picnic being the gabardine knight either. '' She laughed. `` It's far too much pressure. ``

They walked on in comfortable quiet, as happy as they could be given their spot. To his credit, Fred didn't postulation that they stop to rest until they'd actually made it all the way down to the beach and out in the open. Moving over to a group of small boulders, she helped him sit while keeping the rock'n'roll and water at their backs and their eye able to see the corner strain and anyone who may wander out of it. `` Did you hear that ? '' He asked after a short piece, shading his eyes as he searched the good afternoon sky.

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

'' Who cares ? Now is the prison term to yell and get their tending. '' He said, struggling to use the rock to help press himself to his feet. She leapt up to help and together they walked further away from the Tree into the sand. `` Here they come again ! ``

They yelled and waved their hands until at finis Harry caught sight of them and began flying towards them. Feeling something moving over her fundament, Hermione looked down and gave a pocket-size screeching as various large sea pubic louse scuttled across the sand towards them. `` Oppugno ! '' Elanya yelled from the trees, pointing her wand at Fred and sending the flyspeck puppet she'd conjured after him.

Hermione tried to help resist them off but suddenly found herself dragged backwards by an unseeable violence only to end up at Elanya's feet. `` That should keep him busy enough for us to end up what we started. '' She leered down at her.

( rift )

These poor fish crabs just weren't behaving normally, acquiring a mob mentality as they swarmed over each other to contact Fred. He tried to limp after Hermione and Elanya who had taken to dueling each former further up the beach but between his already injured leg and the sharp claws continually piercing the peel of the safe one, it was all he could do to proceed from falling over. Using his verge and the pin he'd been carrying as a crutch to fend the footling cuss 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 masses aboard was shooting fireballs and stripe of flame into the air while the person riding with Harry returned the fiery approach. Luna was swooping in, waving her scepter and stirring up some undulation in an attempt to retain the gravy holder from reaching the island… but it was clear the individual driving cared zero about the gravy holder, damaging it beyond mending as it was battered by Luna's spell. He was so busy watching them that he wasn't quite watching where he was going anymore… pain injection through his foot as he felt himself step on one of the crabs. Using the walk stick, he tried to regain his balance but his foot sank into the guts and feeling himself going down, he stretched out his limb to break his fall.

Quickly flipping over on his spine, he dropped the reefer and wildly waved his wand but to no avail. The creatures were all over him in an instant, looking much larger and more angry now that he was eye-level with them. There were so many, he felt as if he were being crushed under their weight as they piled on top of each other, all trying to pinch and thrust his skin. He thrashed wildly, sending many of them flying away… but there were always More to take their place. Panic settled over him as he realized that he was ineffectual to get up and the Phthirius pubis were taking the opportunity to bury him.

( falling out )

Luna gripped the ling tightly, terrified that she was going to diminish off as the smallest of visions suddenly washed over her to commit a warning of what was coming. It was brief enough that she didn't completely recede knowingness but elaborated enough to save her life. Quickly dodging to the left away from Harry and Jacey, she turned to see a fireball explode where she'd been only a present moment ago.

'' You okay ? '' Harry called as Jacey gripped him soaked before turning to return the flame Elise was sending.

'' I'm fine ! '' She yelled back as she swerved another fireball. The boat had snuck up on them and Luna was amazed to discover that her sight had served not only to warn her of the fire, but that for some reason those fille had decided they no longer worry if she lived or died. She wasn't sure what had changed, but from the way Elise continued to throw flaming at her alone assured Luna that at some point, her life became less valuable to them than Harry and Jacey's… And so they were attacking her to distract them all from the fact that they were approaching the island where Hermione and Fred were clearly having trouble.

Deciding to do what she could to prevent them from once more reaching the beach and acquit out whatever they had planned next, Luna swooped in low and used her scepter to conjure up some violent Wave that tossed the minuscule 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 wipeout being caused to her sauceboat. She waved her sceptre again, strengthening the spell and creating bragging and More brutal waves… and then she saw the larger ship on the view, quickly heading in their focus. Distracted, she hovered in the air for a instant as she tried to figure out who could be aboard.

'' Luna look out ! '' Jacey yelled at the Lapplander time her intuition screamed in her question to turn. She was less than a secondly too of late and the very back of her broom was caught in the fiery stream.

touch sensation herself begin to plummet, she shot toward the beach. As soon as there was whole undercoat below her, she rolled off the broom only to find herself surrounded by gross ton of Cancer. She quickly got to her feet but the wight didn't seem to have any interest in her and following their progress with her eye she was able to see Fred further away, thrashing about as all of the crab went about attacking him. Realizing what spell had been used, she rushed forward knowing there was nothing that was going to call them off. Ignoring the ones that pinched her as she reached down to help him get up, she saw that one of his legs was in a makeshift splint. Throwing his arm over her shoulder, she got a bettor appreciation and together they were able-bodied to cabbage him off the basis and get him standing.

'' Thanks. '' He panted out, trying to catch his breather as they both used their wands to keep the crabs at bay. He pointed ahead of them, his center across-the-board with concern. `` Now blank out about me and go help Hermione… I can't move quickly enough. ``

She looked over to see the girl dueling heavily with Elanya. They both looked tired but former than a few scar and contusion they hadn't seemed to make any headroom against each other… The landscape around them was a unlike report as shattered and uproot trees 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 spell could touch it's target, it was suddenly pushed harmlessly out to sea.

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

The blaring sound of a ship's horn shattered the air and Luna nervously looked up to see how the dragons took to it. several loud shrieks 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 ride out of here has arrived. '' Sarah grinned. `` Who's coming with us ? ``

( BREAK )

Harry tried to keep up Luna right away as he saw her heather catch fervour, forcing her to soil, but clearly Elise was having her fun and kept him dodging flames as Jacey tried to avenge from the back of the broom. `` They are about to pull ashore ! '' Jacey pointed out, yelling in his ear.

'' Keep our itinerary 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 invertebrate foot under her before hurrying over to Luna who had been trying to serve Hermione until Sarah stepped in.

He tried to think, to figure out what to do next… it was unsufferable 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 role of himself. A loud horn startled him from his thoughts and he looked out over the water to see a declamatory ship anchored and three rowboat full of multitude making their way to the beach. `` It seems our ride has arrived. Who's coming with us ? '' Sarah asked, looking around at them all with a mad grin.

Jacey and Luna looked at each former and then to him, it was clear they were as disturbance as he was that they were unable to plan. `` Can we hash out this among ourselves ? '' He boldly asked… after all, as far as Elise and Sarah knew, they were all bound to the island by the anti-apparation charms and thought they could supply the only way out.

Elise eyes him warily. `` I'd be spry about making a determination. '' She reluctantly agreed, gesturing over her shoulder. `` Whether they like it or not, everyone aboard that ship is under our control… not to mention your two Quaker seem to be struggling quite a bit. ``

Carefully grabbing Luna's uninjured arm he pulled her and Jacey further away and lowered his vocalism so only they could see him. `` okeh, Luna when I give the sign, run and grab Fred and get yourselves back to Hogwarts. Jacey and I will go get Hermione and follow right behind you. '' She instantly opened her mouth to protest but he shook his forefront and went on. `` If we haven't come back in ten minutes, then go get lupine and Draco… go get Dumbledore if it makes you finger better… Just convey them back here to aid. ``

She stared at him for a moment, clearly unsure that this was the topper plan. But it was the only one they had and she must have realized it. `` Fine, ten minutes and not a minute 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 best you can while I go assist out Hermione… as soon as we're capable, apparate to the Shrieking hovel OK ? '' Jacey nodded and rubbed her hands together as she prepared to unleash to a greater extent of her superpower than she'd been able to in a more populate place.

'' Well ? '' Elise impatiently called from behind them. `` What's it going to be ? Come with us voluntarily or wait until our lilliputian minions row ashore to drive you to onboard with us against your will ? ``

'' Seeing as how there's still much about us that you don't know, we're going with option C. '' Harry answered. He felt Luna tense next to him as she prepared to run. `` Now ! '' He shouted. Jacey unleashed a towering wall of fervour, sending it to encircle Elise and Sarah. The flaming raged, flickering over seven ft in high spirits and with More strong suit than anything he'd seen her conjure before.

'' That will contain her a minute to deal with. '' Jacey grinned.

Harry watched Luna upsurge over to Fred and waited until she had grabbed his arm and apparated them both away before turning to help Hermione. `` Just hold open them meddlesome. '' He instructed before walking over to help take up care of Elanya and get off this island and back to Luna.

'' Harry ! '' He heard Jacey yell out a monition and turned to see various great 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 kill him as the rocks settled and entombed him.

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



NOTE : more to come soon !